Monday 27 December 2010

Word Formation

In CAE (Cambridge Advanced Examinations) we find Use of English exercises which assess your  language command as far as grammar is concerned. I've found a few on this page (see below) which you might find useful...


JUST TO START...Read texts A & B, and in each of the gaps write a suitable word. This word should be formed from the word with the same number in the box on the right of the text. The first one has been done for you.

A.
The only way to 0.  fitness   is through exercise. Spending your life as a 'couch potato' is almost the 1.______ thing that you can do. I'm not saying that you need to become 2._____ about keeping yourself fit and spend long miserable hours 3.______ jogging for miles in the rain every day. But it is essential that you do a minimum of 4.______ exercise . Have a 5._______ with your doctor, and then exercise 6.________according to his 7.________.
0. fit
1. health
2. fanatic
3. happy
4. day
5. discuss
6. system
7. instruct


B.
8._______ you know someone who is 9._______ of spiders. The problem is so common that 10.______ even have a word for it - arachnophobia. No one is sure what it is that inspires this 11.______ terror. Some people believe it is the legs, the numerous eyes, or even their scuttling form of movement. Perhaps it is a 12._______ of all these things. Many people spray spiders with 13.______ as soon as they see them, despite the fact that spiders are useful in keeping down 14._______ of other insect pests in the house. Mind you, for some people anything is 15.________ to spiders!


8. Doubt
9. terror
10. psychology
11. rational
12. combine
13. insect
14. infest
15. prefer

ANSWERS *
 *ANSWERS in comment # 1  

Perhaps a bit too easy?
For a bit harder PRACTICE > Click HERE  
A bit more? Click HERE!
:-)
Copyright and  SOURCE >: ©2006 Biscuit Software Ltd

Friday 24 December 2010

Friday 17 December 2010

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Consumerism



The Lonely Man and the Myth of Ownership

Pretend you were the only person on earth. You were born from unknown origins and have always lived alone. Let’s say that you are also completely self-sufficient and can survive complete isolation..

Now tell me, what would you own?

You wouldn’t be able to answer that because the concept doesn’t make sense to you. Without other people to compare, trade, boast and compete with ownership is an illusion. There is no stuff that is yours and not yours, just the world.

This is why forsaking all goods doesn’t free you from the tight chains of consumerism. You are falling for the myth of ownership and fighting against it. But the person truly free of this grasp will realize you can’t fight something that doesn’t exist. Canceling the dualistic reasoning of mine and not mine, is the first step...


ACTIVITY:
________________________________________
I Shop Therefore...                                                            

(Answers in Comment 1) ;-)

Tuesday 16 November 2010

CULTURAL WEEK!

Are you ready to enjoy this year's CULTURAL WEEK ?

24th-25th November


We have A FEW FUN COMPETITIONS for you:

1. BOOKMARKERS: please bring them to the school before Tuesday
    November 23rd. Don't forget to write your name and group at the back. 



2. PHOTOS FROM ARUCAS. See them in the advanced blog and follow the instructions there.
-
3.  POEMS: write a poem in no more no less than 55 words...People will vote the best ones during the week.
-
4. CAKES: have yours ready for Thursday 25th at
    5.30 p.m. Remember to email your teacher the
    recipe in English. We'll give a booklet with all the recipes to
    everybody who participates! 
-
5. MINISAGAS: write a complete story in
    EXACTLY 50 words (without the title). People
 will vote the best ones during the week. Give it
    to your teacher before Tuesday too!
-
-
-
-
AND... Theatre workshops,
Celtic Music Concert,
Bollywood Dance...and MORE!



ENJOY IT! ;-)

EOI ARUCAS

Friday 5 November 2010

SLANG English

Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's dialect or language. Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo (euphemism). It is often used to identify with one's peers and, although it may be common among young people, it is used by people of all ages and social groups.




PRACTICE
Click the button to see the meaning.

He's an ace reporter.

My sister's boyfriend is a real airhead.

Your ideas about politics are all wet.
I almost fell asleep during the test after an all-nighter.

This town is really an armpit.

What an awesome sunset.

Wow, that was really a bad movie.

After working all day I am really beat.

The movie was a bomb.

This is a really cool place to work.

How did you get the road sign? I copped it.

He is a couch potato.

Doing homework on the weekend is a drag.

His older sister is a fox.

It takes a lot of guts to give the boss your true opinion.

I am glad you got yourself out of that jam.

I think that he is a nut.

You are completely nuts if you think I will go with you.

When did you hit the sack last night?

I want you to give me a straight answer.

Don't be a sucker.

______________________________________SOURCE: http://www.manythings.org/slang/slang5.html

*NOTE TO EOI  NA2 STUDENTS : Please let me know if you are visiting this blog and taking advantage of it...and,  if so,write a comment! (Ideas and suggestions accepted).

Thank you!

Dulce

Monday 1 November 2010

Bonfire Night...



For 400 years, bonfires have burned
on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot. 
The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November 1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving. As years progressed, however, the ritual became more elaborate.
Soon, people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were added to the celebrations. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, and sometimes those of the Pope, graced the pyres. Still today, some communities throw dummies of both Guy Fawkes and the Pope on the bonfire (and even those of a contemporary politician or two), although the gesture is seen by most as a quirky tradition, rather than an expression of hostility towards the Pope.
Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of Guy Fawkes, which is called "the Guy". Some children even keep up an old tradition of walking in the streets, carrying "the Guy" they have just made, and beg passersby for "a penny for the Guy." The kids use the money to buy fireworks for the evening festivities.
On the night itself, Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is then set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky.
The extent of the celebrations and the size of the bonfire varies from one community to the next. Lewes, in the South East of England, is famous for its Bonfire Night festivities and consistently attracts thousands of people each year to participate.
Bonfire Night is not only celebrated in Britain. The tradition crossed the oceans and established itself in the British colonies during the centuries. It was actively celebrated in New England as "Pope Day" as late as the 18th century. Today, November 5th bonfires still light up in far out places like New Zealand and Newfoundland in Canada. 
 -------------
SOURCE: http://www.bonfirenight.net/bonfire.php

Monday 25 October 2010

Halloween Customs and Traditions

A Brief History of Halloween


Halloween has its origins in the ancient Samhain festival celebrated by the Celts to signify the end of summer. Many of today’s Halloween customs can be traced back to Celtic times. Halloween is also known as All Saint’s Day. The Roman Catholic Church created this name to celebrate saints without their own specific days during the rest of the year.

European Halloween Customs
Bonfires are often lit in Ireland on October 31st. This tradition dates back to the Celts, who used fire to ward off evil spirits. The Celts also dressed in animal skins on Halloween, and believed that the dead returned to earth disguised as various creatures.

One of these creatures was a black cat, which remains a familiar symbol of Halloween.
Apples also have strong ties to Halloween. Some believe the fruit can be used to predict future partners. Another Halloween custom involves bobbing for apples in water. In Scotland this is referred to as “dooking.”

Jack o’ Lanterns are a familiar site at Halloween. There are several theories about where they originate from. An 18th century Irish folk tale features a character called Jack, who is refused entry to both heaven and hell upon his death. The Devil shows him pity and presents Jack with a lump of coal. Jack then places the coal inside a hollowed out turnip, lights it and uses I to illuminate his path.
Other explanations include references to the will o’ the wisp phenomena, when peculiar lights are seen to form over peat bogs. Night watchmen were sometimes referred to as Jack o’ Lanterns, providing yet another possible origin for today’s pumpkin carving.

Halloween in America
Halloween did not become a major festival in America until the early 19th century, when it was popularised by the huge number of Irish immigrants arriving. Nowadays it is the second largest festival in the country, after Christmas. European customs such as trick or treating and wearing fancy dress are widespread.



WATCH THIS INTERESTING VIDEO...

Saturday 9 October 2010

LIstening ADVANCED

Some extra listening practice 
for advanced students

JOB HUNTING
Click on link and do the activities.


 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Friday 8 October 2010

discourse markers linkers


Choose the correct answer.
  1. The concert was cancelled poor ticket sales.
  2. He pretended to like her new haircut hurt her feelings.
  3. The factory closed and many workers lost their jobs.
  4. He decided to resign from his post spend more time with his family.score
  5. The police are unable to arrest them there is not enough evidence.score
  6. her inability to arrive at work on time, she was sacked.score
  7. knowing the risks, he decided to climb the mountain alone.score
  8. it wasn't always easy, I managed to have a successful career.score
  9.  
     

(Answers in comments...)

       

    Saturday 25 September 2010

    Why learn English?


    Click on document to see full screen ;-)

    Wednesday 8 September 2010

    Beginning of Classes!

    HELLO everyone,
    How was your summer? Great I guess!
    Well... HERE is some information you might find useful:

    -Tuesday 14th > Presentation of lists of students,  their groups, timetable, classrooms and teachers!

    -Wednesday 15th > Presentation in class with the teacher to give general and important information about the course to start for groups A (Mondays & Wednesdays)

     -Thursday 16th >Presentation in class with the teacher to give general and important information about the course to start for groups B (Tuesdays & Thursdays)



    HAPPY START!

    Tuesday 7 September 2010

    Wednesday 25 August 2010

    MASSIVE!


    MISTAKES FOUND BY THE TEACHER> Where is says "When I was a child I played subbuteo on "
    It should say ONE
    "And around my neck you know I wear the sony budokan"> VIDEOCAM
    MASSIVE ATTACK

    This Bristol trio has become one of the best trip-hop groups ever, even possibly responsible for the trip-hop genre, featuring the skills of Grant Marshall (aka Daddy Gee), Robert del Naja (3D), and Andrew Vowles (Mushroom). In 1988 they formed the creative core of Massive Attack. Three years later in 1991 their debut album Blue Lines was greeted with much acclaim. While 1994's album Protection was even a greater artistic and commercial success (both albums sold over a million units worldwide).

    The albums feature contributions from Horace Andy and Tracey Thorn of Everything But The Girl; also appearing are Nicolette and fellow Bristolian Tricky, both now in their own solo careers. Not until 1998 did their long awaited third album, Mezzanine, come out. Mezzanine features vocals from Horace Andy, Elizabeth Fraser, and Sara Jay. This album is a bit darker and more abrasive than it's predecessors. Massive Attack also contributes work to various soundtracks and collections.

    Some of the soundtracks that feature their music are; Batman Forever, Best Laid Plans, Fan, Insider, Jackal, Mission Impossible, Moulin Rouge, Nowhere, Sliver, Stigmata and Blade 2.
    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Wednesday 4 August 2010

    Joke 1

    Saturday 17 July 2010

    Lover Boy

    This song I've always loved. It's an old, classic song but with lots of meaning. As many others, in my old times, it helped me improve my English. I hope it does so to you too!
    The only video I got with the original version is the silly one below (sorry). I see no connection between the song and the video, that's why I made it really small.
    Hoping you enjoy it...
    Nice weekeend to everyone!

    Dulce

    lover boy
    ___________________________________________________________________________
    LISTEN HERE:


    __________________________________________________________________________

    Sunday 4 July 2010

    Blue Eyes



    Which  words are missing?


    ..Blue eyes
    Baby's got blues eyes
    Like a ___1___blue sea
    On a blue blue day 
    ..Blue eyes
    Baby's got blue eyes
    When the___2___ comes
    I'll be far away
    And I say 
    Blue eyes
    Holding back the __3__
    Holding back the__4__ 
    Baby's got blue eyes
    And she's__5__again 
    ....Blue eyes
    Baby's got blue eyes
    Like a __6__blue sky
    Watching over me 
    ...Blue eyes
    oh...I love blue eyes 
    When I'm by her __7__
    Where I long to be
    I will see 

    Blue eyes ___8___in the sun
    ___8___ in the rain
    Baby's got blue eyes
    And I am home, 
    and I am home again  (x2?)

    See answers in comments below

    Tuesday 15 June 2010

    Big Mouth!



    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Wednesday 9 June 2010

    Freddie Again






    <-------------------------------------->
    In labels SONGS, you can find plenty of Queen's...

    Saturday 5 June 2010

    All the Americans Know...




    Do you KNOW more than these people?

    Tuesday 1 June 2010

    This Music...

    BREATHE

    (Waters, Gilmour, Wright)


    Breathe, breathe in the air.
    Don't be afraid to care.
    Leave but don't leave me.
    Look around and choose your own ground.

    Long you live and high you fly
    And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry

    And all you touch and all you see
    Is all your life will ever be.

    Run, rabbit run.
    Dig that hole, forget the sun,
    And when at last the work is done
    Don't sit down it's time to dig another one.

    For long you live and high you fly
    But only if you ride the tide
    And balanced on the biggest wave
    You race towards an early grave.

    Home, home again
    I like to be here when I can
    When I come  home cold and tired
    It's good to warm my bones beside the fire
    Far away across the fields
    The tolling of the iron bell
    Calls the faithful to their knees
    To hear the softly spoken magic spell.
    .................Syd Barrett (6 January 1946 – 7 July 2006)...............................................................Pink Floyd in 1968 (from left to right):
    .....................................................................................................................Nick Mason, Syd Barrett, David Gilmour (seated in front), Roger Waters, Richard Wright



    Where were you when I was burned and broken
    While the days slipped by from my window watching
    Where were you when I was hurt and I was helpless
    Because the things you say and the things you do surround me
    While you were hanging yourself on someone else's words
    Dying to believe in what you heard
    I was staring straight into the shining sun

    Lost in thought and lost in time
    While the seeds of life and the seeds of change were planted
    Outside the rain fell dark and slow
    While I pondered on this dangerous but irresistible pastime
    I took a heavenly ride through our silence   
    I knew the moment had arrived
    For killing the past and coming back to life

    I took a heavenly ride through our silence
    I knew the waiting had begun
    And headed straight...into the shining sun.
    ...................................................................................................................................................In this photo: (left to right) David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason & Richard Wright (28 July 1943 – 15 September 2008)

     
    SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND



    Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.
    Shine on you crazy diamond.
    Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky.
    Shine on you crazy diamond.
    You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom,
    blown on the steel breeze.
    Come on you target for faraway laughter,
    come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
    You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.
    Shine on you crazy diamond.
    Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light.
    Shine on you crazy diamond.

    Well you wore out your welcome with random precision,
    rode on the steel breeze.
    Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
    come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!

    Saturday 15 May 2010

    FINAL TESTS ADVICE

     TIPS FOR THE ORAL TEST...Click >> HERE


    Visit MY LABELS on the left and practise whatever you want!

    Tests, Listening, Reading, Writing, etc


    Tuesday 11 May 2010

    NI1- Exam Practice



    In NI1 we are looking at Icons and Heroes of our time (unit 6C)
    I've downloaded this biography about Marilyn Monroe from the web so you can practice for your Reading test!

    MArilyn

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    Friday 7 May 2010

    NI1--- Passive Voice


    _______________________________________________________________

    Contrast & Purpose Clauses--- NA1



    * Further practice on the clauses of contrast:
    Although, though, even though, despite, In spite of...
    and purpose
    to, for, so as to, in order to, so that

    Click on the following links and enjoy yourself ;-)

    ONE
    TWO

    THREE

    Saturday 1 May 2010

    NA1 --Uncountable & Plural Nouns


    In NA1 we are looking at these especial uncountable and plural nouns in unit 6B...

    Learn more about them here.

    I hope you leave a comment after you read this!
    Nice weekend to all my sweet students!


    PRACTICE
    Exercise 1
    Exercise 2


    Uncountable and Plural Nouns Na1



    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Thursday 29 April 2010

    NI1- Reported Speech





    MARY: What are you going to do this evening?

    JANE: I’m going to the new pub.

    MARY: Where is that pub?

    JANE: It is near here.

    MARY: Do you like it?

    JANE: I love it. I went yesterday too. …

    MARY: What’s so special about it?

    JANE: I’ve met a nice guy

    MARY: And?

    JANE: And I think I’ll go tomorrow again.




    Last Friday, I talked to Jane and I asked her what she was going to do that evening.
    She told me that she was going to the new pub. So I asked where that pub was and she said it was near there…
    I asked her if she liked it and she told me she loved it and that she had been there the day before too!
    Then I asked her what was so special about it and she said she had met a nice guy and that she thought she would go the following day again… and ....she didn’t even invite ME!



    In NI1 we are studying the indirect or reported speech. Click on the activities below to do some practice:
    4. FOUR

    Visit THIS PAGE and practice as much as you LIKE!

    ***********************************************************************

    Wednesday 21 April 2010

    Gerund (-ing) or INFINITIVE?



    Intermediate 1
    (unit 5C)

    Gerund Infinitive

    PRACTICE (Click on each number to do three different activities)
    1. ONE
    2. TWO
    3. THREE

    **When you have finished PLEASE write a COMMENT**
    _______________________________________________________

    AS or LIKE?



    Advanced 1



    •as

    She works as a tourist guide. (She is one.)
    You look as your brother did when he was your age.
    __________________________________________
    •like

    She knows the place like a tourist guide (but she's not one.)
    Bob works like a dog (but he is NOT one!)
    You look like your brother.

    We use as
    a) to talk about the role of somebody/something
    Example:
    ..... He works as a computer programmer. (He is one.)
    ..... He used the scarf as a bandage.

    b )to mean 'in the same way'. It's followed by a subject and a verb. Examples:
    You think as your father did.
    Our store will open on 25 December, as we usually do.

    c) to compare two people or things:
    You are as smart as your sister.

    ALSO:

    d)To give a reason (because)
    As he was tired he left earlier.

    e) Meaning 'while':
    As I was leaving he arrived.


    We use like
    - to talk about similarity
    Example: He uses the computer like a computer programmer (but he's not one).

    - to mean 'in the same way'. It's followed by an object, or by a subject and a verb. Examples:
    You think like your father.
    Our store will open on 25 December, like we usually do.

    Click here
    to learn more and do a bit of practice!

    **When you have finished PLEASE write a COMMENT**

    ________________________________________________________________________

    Thursday 15 April 2010

    The Media (Video)




    Gore Vidal is a novelist, essayist, playwright, and provocateur whose career has spanned six decades, beginning in the years immediately following World War II and continuing into the early years of the twenty-first century. In addition to a major sequence of seven novels about American history, and such satirical novels as MYRA BRECKINRIDGE and DULUTH, he has written dozens of television plays, film scripts, and even three mystery novels written under a pseudonym. He has also written well over a hundred essays, gathered in several volumes published between 1962 and 2001. Taken as a whole, this seemingly varied work has an uncanny unity, exhibiting a tone of easy familiarity with the world of politics and letters, an urbane wit, and a supreme self-confidence on the part of the writer. Vidal’s lineage in American literature may be traced back to Henry James, the sophisticated American from the upper echelons of society who mingles with European sophisticates, and Mark Twain, the raw humorist and critic of American empire.

    by Jay Parini

    Read MORE