English is all around

Building a Future Free from Famine

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000+01:00

Building a future free from famine from BusanHLF4 on Vimeo.

Ghandi and the International Day for Peace

2012-01-29T20:03:00.001+01:00

Now tell me about his importance in the world, in no less than 5 lines.

How Much do you Know about British History?

2012-01-10T00:17:00.000+01:00

Try the timeline source to learn about British History... and then test yourself!

Ordering...Coffee

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000+01:00

Improve your vocabulary, pronunciation and listening skills with The Classroom's ordering coffee activity from VOA!
Learn the most important vocabulary, listening skills and practice conversations to speak confidently about ordering coffee in English.

You only have to pay atention and follow instructions. Remember this vocabulary will help you to solve other situations when asking for something else.

For more listening situations with VOA

Couch Potato or Mouse Potato?

2011-12-21T00:01:00.003+01:00

What is the difference? Listen to Voice of America and learn filling the gaps in the tapescript of the story.

Cargando...

Pets

2011-12-06T00:09:00.000+01:00

Polar Bear Cam

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000+01:00

Worried about Climate Change and polar bears?

Have a look on Polar Bears International and take action!

Do or Make?

2011-12-03T15:00:00.000+01:00

Doubts with these two verbs?

Try this game:

Words I Often Spell Wrong

2011-12-02T00:47:00.002+01:00

Using Wordle could be useful to remember certain issues.

Advent Calendar

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000+01:00

Christmas is coming! Countdown the festive season thanks to Macmillan's fun facts and activities.

Sketchtravel

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000+01:00

The Sketchtravel is a unique international charity art project.
This red sketchbook was passed from one artist's hand to another like an Olympic torch in an artistic relay through 12 countries over 4 and half years.
This traveling museum contains the personal visions of 71 exceptional illustrators, animators and comic book artists, including artists such as Bill Plympton, James Jean, Rebecca Dautremer, Glen Keane, Frederick Back, and Hayao Miyazaki. Initiated by illustrators Dice Tsutsumi (Japan) and Gerald Guerlais (France), the project will culminate in an auction of the original book in Brussels on October 17, 2011. Proceeds from the auction and royalties from the book's publication will be donated to the international literacy non-profit, Room to Read.

But now enjoy with this video!

SketchTravel from Curio on Vimeo.

World Wide Web celebrates 20th birthday

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000+01:00

Dan and Alice talk about computers and explain the difference between the World Wide Web and the Internet.

This week's question:
The first website was set up 20 years ago. How many websites are there in the world today, in August 2011? Is it:
a) 6.5 billion
b) 12.8 billion
c) 19.7 billion

Listen out for the answer at the end of the programme!

Tapescript.

For more information BBC News

Recycling

2011-11-09T10:00:00.000+01:00

Did you know that UK households produced 30.5 million tonnes of waste in 2003/04, of which 17% was collected for recycling? This figure is still quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries, some recycling over 50% of their waste. There is still a great deal of waste which could be recycled that ends up in landfill sites which is harmful to the environment.

Recycling is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment. Did you know that:
• 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
• 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
• 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
• 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.

Go on reading and discover how to care our planet.

U.S. President's Pets

2011-11-06T00:01:00.000+01:00

President Bush's dogs often play on the White House lawn, but did you know that he also has cows and a cat? These animals are part of a long history of U.S. presidential pets—from horses and owls to snakes and elephants.

Past Presidents brought many interesting animals to the White House, Finnegan said. The wife of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President, had silkworms. Herbert Hoover, the 31st President, had an opossum. And Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, had a raccoon named Rebecca who walked on a leash!

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President, was famous for his many pets. His six kids had snakes, dogs, cats, a badger, birds, guinea pigs, and more... go on reading.

(From Kids National Geography)

And remember our post about Bo,Obama's pet.

Learning with Cartoons

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000+01:00

In this OUP page you'll enjoy the fantastic adventures of Bagley and Spacey, these terrible detectives.
Have a nice time!

Halloween History

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000+01:00

Halloween isn't just costumes and candy; it's a cultural holiday rich in tradition, learn about it with this video and even you can have the subtitles on the cc button.
But How much do you know about it?
Try this quiz and find out!

Hidden Spirits: Paranormal Investigation Halloween Game

2011-10-30T00:01:00.003+02:00

The Royal Mangnall Hotel was built in 1889 on a half-acre plot that had originally been the site of a Civil War era jail. The architect of the Royal Mangnall had envisioned a grand establishement for the wealthy and fashionable, complete with imported marble and electrical lighting…

Play the Hidden Spirits game online and help solve the haunted mysteries of Royal Mangnall Hotel.

Bruno's Topic: David Getta

2011-10-29T00:32:00.001+02:00

If you didn't pay attention to Bruno during his speech, you can learn about David Getta listening to his productions or entering his webpage:

Records

2011-10-27T00:30:00.000+02:00

Find more videos like this on EFL CLASSROOM 2.0

Explore the amazing, weird and wonderful world records

(From EFL 2.0 Classroom)

Science Project: Maths Problems?

2011-10-25T00:47:00.002+02:00

Problems with operations and measures? Try this BBC link to learn and play games about maths!
And if these are too easy for you, try this one onstead!

Science Project II: Rules

2011-10-22T00:18:00.003+02:00

How well do you know laboratory safety signs? Take this brief quiz to see if you can recognize the safety resources in the lab. The focus of this quiz is on signs that can help you in emergencies. You may wish to review the lab safety signs before starting. Are you ready? Good luck!

Q: This is a simple sign, but what does it mean?

Click here to select your answer.

BBC Science Series: Frozen Planet

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000+02:00

Years in the making and narrated by David Attenborough this brand BBC new series reveals a world as alien to most of us as the surface of the moon. These are places of breathtaking beauty and survival against all the odds, lonely lands that feed our imagination and whose wonders we may be witnessing for the last time.

Research on Stem Cell

2011-10-16T00:01:00.000+02:00

Thanks to Cagle Post and Class Brain you can learn about news in a funny way.
Do you remember this topic from last year in your science class?

"Reversing the precedents set during the Bush years, President Obama has freed up scientific inquiries into stem cell research. Scientists have been frustrated through the past decade by former President Bush's stance that despite the great promise shown by stem cell research, only 60 stem cell lines were to be used for research, since they had already been created. Who would get to use the lines, and how many experiments could they run with the small amounts of genetic material available?

Some of the most promising research with stem cells has been related to Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries. Now that the moratorium has been lifted, substantial progress may be seen in these particular fields.

Now some questions to think:

• Do you think that stem cell research should be allowed to progress, or do you think the moratorium should continue?

• Do you think that the moratorium on Stem Cell Research was influenced by former President Bush's religious background?

•If you were President, would you ban or allow stem cell research during your term in office?

•How real are the fears of human cloning?

If you want to know more about this topic click on the link above.

Learning Links for Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Information Source: The National Institutes of Health

Learn Genetics - Stem Cells Source: University of Utah

Frequently Asked Questions Source:International Society For Stem Cell Research

Therapeutic Uses Of Stem Cells For Spinal Cord Injuries: A New Hope Source: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Science Project: Measure II

2011-10-11T23:39:00.001+02:00

Again more information to measure things with Johnnie's Maths Page a really good guide to the best interactive maths tools not only about measure but also about geometry, algebra,statistics, probability...

Science Project: Measures

2011-10-07T17:27:00.006+02:00

If you are getting into how to measure things try this page and make the metric pyramid to help you.

Sleepy Teenagers

2011-10-04T00:01:00.005+02:00

Again VOA gives us the chance to practice our listening skill. You can listen to the article before reading and try to answer a comprehension test on its website.

Half of American teenagers don’t get enough sleep on school nights. They get an average of 60- 90 minutes less than they need, experts say.
One problem is biology. Teens are programmed to go to sleep later and wake up later than other age groups, but many schools start classes as early as 7:00 a.m.
Many students go to class feeling tired. One student, Danny, says that getting up in the morning is terrible. He feels tired. During his first classes of the day, it’s difficult to stay awake.
Michael Breus is a psychologist. He’s an expert in sleep problems. He says that teenagers need eight to ten hours of sleep a night. He feels that sleepy teens can become depressed. This can also affect their ability in sports and driving. Michael Breus says a tired driver, especially a tired teenage driver, is dangerous.
What can schools do? Psychologists say schools can start classes later in the morning. Studies show that students’ grades improved by starting classes later.
St. George’s School in Rhode Island wanted to try this. They started classes just thirty minutes later.
Visits to the health center by tired students decreased by half. Late arrivals to first period decreased by one/third. Students felt less sleepy during the day. The teachers also noticed that students were happier and more awake.

Cargando...

Irregular Verbs

2011-09-30T00:01:00.000+02:00

Problems with the irregular verbs?
Perhaps you need some help. Why don't you have a look on this list? If you click on each infinitive form you'll get an image and some examples of its use.

And you can solve some doubts about those verbs easily confused.

Crisis in Spain = Learning English

2011-09-28T00:30:00.000+02:00

Spain is in a recession. More than one in five Spaniards don’t have jobs. Spain’s unemployment is the highest of the seventeen countries that use the Euro. However, one part of the economy is doing well in Spain – English classes.
The EF Education First Company said Spain is a “low proficiency” country in English. Spain is below Italy and a little above Taiwan.
A fifth of the world speaks Spanish. There are many Spanish language TV shows and movies. Spaniards can also watch Hollywood movies dubbed in Spanish. They can watch news from Latin AmericaRichard Vaughan is one of the few English voices on Spanish TV.
“Hello and welcome back to another half-hour segment of Cloverdale’s Corner. Today is Tuesday, and Lourdes has had to leave, but we still have four people here . . .”
Richard Vaughan is from Texas. For thirty-five years, he’s lived in Spain. He owns that country’s biggest English teaching company. His company has its own TV channel. “Aprende Ingles” – Learn English – is Spain’s only national channel in English. People watch his channel and take his classes to get a better job.
“People don’t learn English here for cultural reasons. Some do. But the motive is always, 99% of the time, professional.”
Go on reading with VOA and practice on this topic using some flash gadgets on vocabulary and general comprehension as you can see on the picture.

And if you are brave enough, try to listen before reading.

Amy Winehouse's Tribute

2011-09-24T23:54:00.002+02:00

'Tributes to the late singer Amy Winehouse are still being paid by artists, friends and family around the world.
The Back To Black star was found dead at her north London home on Saturday 23rd July.
The Brit and Grammy award winner had struggled with drink and drug addiction in recent years and had latterly spent time in rehab.'

Go on reading about other artist tribute on BBC news.

Now lets work on listening with this worksheet and the audio below.

Reading on-line

2011-09-20T00:30:00.001+02:00

Inventory by Monsieurto

This is one of the tittles you can find on manolosanctis' page, enter and select some other to enjoy reading!

Dr Grammar

2011-09-18T00:01:00.000+02:00

Reparing some lost audios in some old posts I've found this suggestion form a very good ex-student.
Dr Grammar can help you to improve your writing skills.

Thanks Iria

Hugs and High-Fives

2011-09-16T21:01:00.001+02:00

Do you know who these men are?
Do you know what they are doing? and why?
Learn about what happened in UK after this photo and revise your language reading and listening with this worksheet.

(If this audio player doesn't work, click here)

English Culture Quiz

2011-09-15T16:27:00.000+02:00

Are you interested in testing your knowledge on English culture?

Try this quiz online, or print this one to hand in to your teacher and guess it?

My StoryMaker

2011-09-10T00:19:00.000+02:00

Would you like to be the main character of your own story?
Enter My StoryMaker and you will choose your story’s characters, setting and certain objects. You can start by writing your name, then choose your main character, the general theme of story (love, making friends, travel…) and a third variable (who the main character falls in love with, what the main character wants to find, etc.). This is usually a lot of fun for you and moreover you'll be learning at the same time.

Enter and write your story!

New Year, New Activities

2011-09-01T18:58:00.012+02:00

This year we are starting with a bit of laugh. Let's see how much you understand from this funny chapter of Friends, a popular serie..., you remember them,don't you? if not try this character info from their official page.

So open your earrrrsss and answer the questions on this worksheet to hand in.

The First 4th of July

2011-05-24T23:48:00.005+02:00

Today in our last class with Jessica we learnt a lot about the history of this special date for US. Liberty's Kids is an exciting new animated television series that brings to life the remarkable characters, events and issues at the heart of the American Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States.

Did you know that only about 1 out of every 3 people in the Colonies supported the revolution?
Did you know that some people wanted George Washington to be the King of America, not the President?
Did you know that Paul Revere wasn't the only person who rode out to let everyone know that the British were coming?
Liberty's Kids will let you in on the real stories of the American Revolution and introduce you to some heroes you probably have never even heard of.
You'll meet George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Benedict Arnold, John Adams, Abigail Adams, John Paul Jones and many more famous people. When you do meet them, you'll also see that the things they did were often dangerous, and they failed as often as they succeeded. However, the people behind the American Revolution never gave up. That went for the generals as well as the soldiers and the farmers, women and children who supported them with food, care and love.

Have a look on both videos and try some useful and funny tasks with Libertykids.com.

Behind the scenes
Meet the cast
US now and then
Liberty News
E-cards
Pick a game

London Trip 2011

2011-05-22T00:02:00.002+02:00

To download the photos.

Why Reading?

2011-04-23T00:45:00.000+02:00

Reading Inspires Kids!

2011-03-24T00:30:00.002+01:00

'A noun is a person, place or thing. A verb is an action word...Max, something to share the class? Come on! Thanks.'

'How tired I am of this unbearable distance between us. How I long for the toll of the recess bell. Have you forgotten me? Grown mindless of me? Tell me I am not riding into an abyss. Or that is what will become all my heart.'

Every year I cannot avoid showing you this video, only a good reader could write this. Inspiring, isn't it?

London Icons

2011-03-22T00:30:00.000+01:00

(click on the image to enlarge)

I've just discovered this so-called Londonist logo. This intricate design from Nick Patchitt of Nick Prints does contain a selection of London icons. Everything from the boat race to Del Boy’s van, and The Clash (twice). See how many you can pick out and, more importantly, what’s missing?

If you want to discover some enter Icons at a Glance or Visit London.

St Patrick' Day

2011-03-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish and Irish at Heart in big cities and small towns alike with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Its a time for fun. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green! See all the Parades & Events going on around the World to celebrate St Patrick's Day March 17th 2011, or click here to find your nearest Irish Pubs!
Well now St. Patrick's Day wouldn't exist if not for the man himself! But how much do we know about him? Did you know that he spent six years of slavery in Ireland until he escaped and undertook religious training abroad? Read more about this great man or if you prefer watch a video about him!

And if you want to enjoy more why don't you try this treasure hunt about St Patrick?

(Thanks to Francisco Carmona)

Human Planet

2011-03-02T21:53:00.002+01:00

Human Planet is an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping landmark series that marvels at mankind's incredible relationship with nature in the world today.

Uniquely in the animal kingdom, humans have managed to adapt and thrive in every environment on Earth. Each episode takes you to the extremes of our planet: the arctic, mountains, oceans, jungles, grasslands, deserts, rivers and even the urban jungle. Here you will meet people who survive by building complex, exciting and often mutually beneficial relationships with their animal neighbours and the hostile elements of the natural world.

Human Planet crews have filmed in around 80 locations, bringing you many stories that have never been told on television before. The team has trekked with HD cameras and state of the art gear to film from the air, from the ground and underwater. The result: a "cinematic experience" created by world-class natural history and documentary camera crews and programme makers.

If you want to see some more videos like this, subscribe BBC Human Planet Explorer

Mardi Gras

2011-02-21T19:23:00.004+01:00

"Mardi Gras" is French for “Fat Tuesday”. It is the name of a celebration that takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent. Mardi Gras is the final day of a three-day period, which starts on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. In Catholic countries, people fast during lent. People eat well the day before Ash Wednesday and hold celebrations. These can be wonderful, colourful carnivals all over the world. The most famous are those in Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans and Venice. The tradition of Mardis Gras goes back hundreds of years in Catholic Europe. Explorers, settlers and missionaries exported the tradition worldwide.

Today, Mardi Gras is a riot of colour, street carnivals, marching bands, dancing and all-night partying in the streets. Many people dress up in spectacular costumes and wear beautiful masks. The biggest Mardis Gras carnivals are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Thousands of people from all over the world visit these cities to join in the fun. Venice is home to one of the oldest carnivals in the world, called Carnevale di Venezia. This dates back to 1268. Thousands of mask-wearing revelers fill the Venetian streets and attend special masked balls. In Sydney, Australia, Mardis Gras is celebrated by the city’s gay and lesbian community with street parades and costumes.

Follow the link above to practise what you have read or enjoy other links below:

BBC Programma about Notting Hill Carnival
The Official Notting Hill Carnival Website
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras History

Carnival Practice One-Stop-English

BBC Carnival Crime

Mardi Gras Quiz from My English Page

Facts and Figures about Mardi Gras

St Valentine is coming!

2011-02-07T22:58:00.001+01:00

Try Isabel Perez's page or

Woodland-Junior's School in Kent and enjoy.

Save the Frogs!

2011-02-02T00:30:00.001+01:00

Get the frog across the pond by choosing the right lily for him to jump on to.

If you click on the lily with the correct past tense form of the verb, the frog will jump there.

If you click on the wrong lily, the lily will sink, and the snake will eat the frog.

Good luck and Save the frogs!

Celebrities

2011-02-01T00:30:00.001+01:00

Would you know to know more about the most influencial people around the world?

Bono

George Clooney

Will Smith

Clinton and G Washinton ...

And many others are waiting for you on The Time.

Past Simple Revision

2011-01-31T21:07:00.002+01:00

Problems with verbs? Enter OUP page and play this game on past tense

Peace

2011-01-30T00:07:00.000+01:00

Click on the image to enlarge

Martin Luther King's Life

2011-01-27T21:49:00.003+01:00

This is not the first time we talk about Martin Luther King, but if you want to revise the info about his life we talked about last week, here you are.

Easy Reader Biography

Scholastic Quiz

"I Have a Dream" Close Game

Countable or Uncountable Nouns' Game

2011-01-24T00:30:00.000+01:00

Drag the balls to the suitable box.

Remember you have sometime to finish the game

Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

The Girl Who Hated Books

2011-01-23T13:01:00.002+01:00

This animated short about literacy introduces us to Meena, a young girl who hates books even though her parents love to read. Books are everywhere in Meena's house, in cupboards, drawers and even piled up on the stairs. Still, she refuses to even open one up. But when her cat Max accidentally knocks down a huge stack, pandemonium ensues and nothing is ever the same again... Part of the Talespinners collection for kids, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.

Thanks to ONF NFB and to Biblioríos

7 Wonders of Ancient World

2011-01-20T00:30:00.000+01:00

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World on Prezi

Solving Mysteries

2011-01-18T00:00:00.004+01:00

Any doubts on modal verbs?

Modal verbs 1, Modal verbs 2, Modal verbs 3, Mosdal verbs 4

Heroes of Troy

2011-01-13T00:30:00.000+01:00

How much do you know about Troy and its history?:

Paris of Troy arrives in Sparta - home of King Menelaus and Helen, his beautiful queen.
The Greeks arrive in Troy to demand the return of Helen...or else!
The Greeks invade and fight their way up the beach towards the walls of Troy.
Achilles takes a break from the fighting - bad news for the Greeks.
A dark day for the Trojans when Hector is slain by Achilles.
Odysseus has a plan to end the war - a wooden horse!
The wooden horse goes into action...and the ancient story ends...

Click on this BBC Learning English link to learn each of the songs with your vocal coach David Grant and to access the full range of supporting resources, including lyrics, music and backing tracks as you can see on the picture below.

The Tube

2011-01-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

The London Underground - also fondly known as 'the tube' - isn't really a place where you meet new friends and interesting people. Of course, thousands of interesting people travel on the tube every day, but as strangers don't speak to each other on the tube, it's highly unlikely that we'll ever meet them.

So why aren't people friendly on the tube? We went out to a nearby tube station to get some answers.

Before you listen to the programme, have a look at these comprehension questions. You'll hear the answers during the programme.

1: What do passengers often do to help pass their time on the tube?
2: Why is it difficult to hear and be heard on the tube?
3: What type of person is 'a weirdo'?
4: What did Steve offer the other passengers on his tube train?

Vocabulary from the programme

the tube
the London public transport system which consists of trains that run on tracks under the streets of London

tourists
people who are visiting a country

passengers
people who pay to use a form of transport

strangers
people who we don't know can be referred to as 'strangers'

sweets
a small piece of confectionery made with sugar or sweet chocolate (known as 'candies' in American English)

to fancy
to have the feeling of wanting, liking or wanting to have something or someone, e.g. I really fancy some chocolate.

a jingle
a short, memorable tune that is used to advertise a product

embarrassed
nervous, worried and uncomfortable about what other people might think

stop
a station or place where people get on or off a train or bus

Londonlife friendliness on tube by begonals

Try the comprehension questions.

Tapescript

Merry Xmas!

2010-12-23T00:37:00.003+01:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY

Bring it down, band!

Now, I just came here tonight to say...
I just wanna say...
I just wanna say...

Merry Christmas baby, you surely treat me nice
Come on, merry Christmas baby, you surely treat me nice
I feel just like I'm living, living in paradise

Now listen
Now you see, I feel real good tonight
And I got music on the radio
And I feel real good tonight
And I got music on the radio
And the boys in the band are playing pretty good!
Now, I feel just like I wanna kiss you
Underneath my mistletoe

But now listen
Santa came down chimney, half past three
With lots of nice little presents for my baby and me
Merry Christmas baby, you surely treat me nice
And I feel like I'm living, just living in paradise
Come on boys!

Well now, Santa came down chimney, half past three
With lots of nice little presents for my baby and me
Merry Christmas baby, you surely treat me nice
I feel like I'm living, I'm living in paradise

And I just came down to say
Merry Christmas baby
I just wanna say, merry Christmas baby
I just wanna say, merry Christmas baby
I just wanna say, merry Christmas baby
And happy New Year, too!
Oh yeah!
Play it boys, go!
Merry Christmas
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-happy New Year
Ohhhh!

Oh yeah!
Merry Christmas baby!

Every Human has Rights

2010-12-10T00:30:00.001+01:00

Learn more about the news on Every Human has Rights

Trip to London 2011

2010-12-03T22:16:00.004+01:00

As you are so excited about our trip, enter these pages to get into touch our stay there:

Weather in London
10 London Attractions
British Museum
Natural History Museum
The London Eye
The Tower of London

Buckingham Palace
Madame Tussaud Museum: Students' pack and the Sculptor's Blog
Hyde Park
Oxford Street web and Oxford St. Sensation
London Planner
London Guide to download
Candem Town Market

Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC

Thanksgiving Story or How to Make a Pumpkin Pie

2010-11-23T00:41:00.003+01:00

Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-22T23:31:00.003+01:00

They spent two months at sea to reach a strange world, and barely survived when they got there.
Learn how Pilgrims reached there and lived there to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Voyage on the Mayflower
Daily Life
Thanksgiving Feast
Become a Thanksgiving expert with this webquest.

The Shelter Effect

2010-11-20T00:30:00.001+01:00

We live in a global community and it is our responsibility to help each other. We are aware of our place in this world, and how floods, earthquakes and other disasters affect us. No matter where we live, no matter who we are. We need shelter. Now answer these questions:
- Should we act or wait for the rest to make decisions?
- Should we take part in some ONGs to help?
Think about it, and we'll talk in class next week.

Used to

2010-11-06T20:25:00.002+01:00

We use 'used to' for something that happened regularly in the past but no longer happens.
•I used to smoke a packet a day but I stopped two years ago.
•Ben used to travel a lot in his job but now, since his promotion, he doesn't.
•I used to drive to work but now I take the bus.

We also use it for something that was true but no longer is.
•There used to be a cinema in the town but now there isn't.
•She used to have really long hair but she's had it all cut off.
•I didn't use to like him but now I do.

'Used to do' is different from 'to be used to doing' and 'to get used to doing'

to be used to doing
We use 'to be used to doing' to say that something is normal, not unusual.
•I'm used to living on my own. I've done it for quite a long time.
•Hans has lived in England for over a year so he is used to driving on the left now.
•They've always lived in hot countries so they aren't used to the cold weather here.

to get used to doing
We use 'to get used to doing' to talk about the process of something becoming normal for us.
•I didn't understand the accent when I first moved here but I quickly got used to it.
•She has started working nights and is still getting used to sleeping during the day.
•I have always lived in the country but now I'm beginning to get used to living in the city.

Now try these exercises to get the context:

Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4

Halloween?

2010-10-31T14:05:00.000+01:00

Halloween, celebrated each year on October 31, is a mix of ancient Celtic practices, Catholic and Roman religious rituals and European folk traditions that blended together over time to create the holiday we know today. Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity and life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition.
Halloween has long been thought of as a day when the dead can return to the earth, and ancient Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off these roaming ghosts. The Celtic holiday of Samhain, the Catholic Hallowmas period of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day and the Roman festival of Feralia all influenced the modern holiday of Halloween.
In the 19th century, Halloween began to lose its religious connotation, becoming a more secular community-based children's holiday. Although the superstitions and beliefs surrounding Halloween may have evolved over the years, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people can still look forward to parades, costumes and sweet treats to usher in the winter season.

Have fun with the Origines of Halloween.

Are you brave enough to play this interactive Halloween Game?

Halloween Games

2010-10-25T23:25:00.005+02:00

Trick or treat?

Can you match the spooky Halloween words and creatures from British Council?

Play the Hounted house level 1 or level 2 and make your magic spells.

Perhaps you know about famous witches and wizards in films and literature;

test your knowledge about them.

Wordbook form VOA

2010-10-18T10:00:00.000+02:00

Discover English! Open the

Interactive Wordbook

to hear English words and their definitions. Each word has a definition and example sentences so you can hear the word and its meaning.

What about the USA

2010-10-14T00:18:00.002+02:00

We always think about United Kingdom, let's talk about the USA and how much you know about this country. Play the games and learn about the states!
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
Game 4

To know about culture, flag, anthem, quick facts...enter the Gov.Page

Learning Jessica's Language

2010-10-09T00:45:00.007+02:00

This year we have the pleasure to listen to an American English speaking teacher so after classes we can go on learning a bit more with USA learns. It is a free site to improve the basic skills: reading, writing, speaking and life skills. You can select your level and save your work and progress if you register.

Octopus Paul Retires!

2010-09-19T00:51:00.004+02:00

One of the stars of the South Africa World Cup is retiring - Paul the predicting octopus!

Paul lives at an aquarium in Germany and correctly predicted the results of all seven of Germany's games as well as the Spain v Netherlands final.

When the tournament ended, staff presented him with his own model of the World Cup trophy, complete with treats.

But now the aquarium says Paul will now retire to do what he likes best - play with his handlers and delight visitors.

Have a go at CBBC Newsround World Cup quiz!

Spokeswoman Tanja Munzig said: "He won't give any more oracle predictions - either in football, nor in politics, lifestyle or economy.

"Paul will get back to his former job, namely making children laugh."

During the tournament, Paul made his predictions by choosing a snack from one of two glasses that were put in his tank showing the flags of the sides playing.

(Via CBBC Newsround)

Asterix Geo Quiz!

2010-09-17T16:57:00.003+02:00

Having reduced every European country to the state of a Roman province, Julius Caesar is having trouble keeping track of the names of all his new conquests! It's up to you to help by participating in a new game: the Asterix Geo Quiz!
Your mission is to locate, on a map, 15 antique cities selected randomly among more than one hundred. You'll realize that the number of towns and cities mentioned in the Asterix albums actually boggles the mind and that the names of them are not as easy to remember as you might imagine!
Take care in forming your answers; an encounter with the pirates is always a possibility.... Above all, be careful not to ruffle any feathers when asking the natives about the exact location of Alesia: we have seen more than one person lose their temper for less.

May Toutatis be with you!

The Great Chicken Run Escape

2010-09-16T00:22:00.001+02:00

Have you noticed the similarities?

Enjoy this video and next week we'll work about the animated film.

Again with Real English

2010-09-09T00:00:00.004+02:00

Hi, here we are again. After so long I want to show you a new resource to make your learning funnier and more effective. It is a video and grammar programme, its name is Real English.

How to use Real English (for example in chapter 6 about introductions)

1 - Watch the video without subtitles.
2 - Do all the Exercises.
3 - Come back to the previous page.
4 - Watch the video with English Subtitles. Use the Pause button. People speak fast!
Problems? See support or ask your question in Facebook if you like.

Important: watch & listen to a video many times before reading, & before watching with subtitles. Your pronunciation will be much better!

See you next year!!

2010-07-01T00:02:00.002+02:00

We Love Football Too!!!

2010-06-11T10:00:00.000+02:00

If you want to know everything about next Championship in South Africa enter the Official Website of SAFA (South Africa Football Association) or the Gateway to the Nation 2010. There you will find:

Fan Guide
Image gallery

Meet the official mascot

Learn about the history of soccer in this country

Practice the Diski Dance

Elllo's Football

2010-06-07T21:33:00.002+02:00

As we have learnt, Elllo is a listening practice web for those who have some problems when listening (see last Monday's test) so please enter this link and enjoy this top news about football and how important it is for children in Ghana
Remember you can choose to revise with a vocabulary quiz, reading quiz, even a speaking quiz!

Peter's Gabriel's Don't Give Up

2010-06-06T00:11:00.001+02:00

Lyrics | Peter Gabriel lyrics - Don't Give Up lyrics

Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares to You

2010-06-04T00:13:00.008+02:00

Lyrics | Sinéad O'Connor lyrics - Nothing Compares To You lyrics

Goldilocks and the three Bears

2010-06-03T10:00:00.001+02:00

Sometimes we need to remember those stories we liked when we were child, this is one of my favourite, and you can read at the same time you listen to the characters thanks to BBC Wales.

But if what you want to do is play games, colour pages, read the introduction to the story... as you can see on the picture, you have to click on the menu link.

Speaking Gambits

2010-05-30T00:10:00.000+02:00

Speaking Gambits

When we have to face an oral exam, there are some tips on speaking you should keep in mind. But apart of these, be yourself and try to talk about something you like and you feel comfortable, this way you'll enjoy the experience!

International Day for Biodiversity

2010-05-22T00:30:00.002+02:00

Biodiversity is our life: 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) by the United Nations.
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It is essential for sustaining the natural living systems or ecosystems that provide us with food, fuel, health, wealth, and other vital services.
Humans are part of this biodiversity too and have the power to protect or destroy it. Currently, our activities are destroying biodiversity at alarming rates. These losses are irreversible, impoverish us all and damage the life support systems we rely on. But we can prevent them.

Enter the National History Museum for the celebrations,

such as the Young Darwin Video Prize,

see all the species of the day,

learn about the endangered species,

climate change,

loss of habitat,

economic impact

and invasive species.

And, of course, learn about how to classify animals What makes a mammal a mammal, or a bird a bird? Click on the buttons to learn more!
And if you look for fun play the endangered animals game.

Identifying Colours

2010-05-20T23:27:00.003+02:00

Fran is a new student in our class and he needs to revise some vocabulary. So we are trying some materials about words, numbers, colours....

For example the number circus or the image above showing a game in which you have to drag the letters into the square in the correct order to form colour words.

Have a try and good luck!

I'm Mad as Hell

2010-05-14T10:00:00.000+02:00

We find unacceptable that close one billion people are chronically hungry.Through the United Nations, we call upon governments to make the elimination of hunger their top priority until this goal is reached

Put pressure on politicians to end hunger. Sign our petition, and push for action wherever you are.

What is hunger?
Why is there hunger?
Who are the hungry?
What can be done?
Stories about hunger

UK Parliament

2010-05-07T00:30:00.001+02:00

Yesterday people in UK had to vote to elect their new government as in all democracies.

But what do you know about the Parliament,

its functions,

its placement and history?

The main work of Parliament is to make laws, debate topical issues and look at how our taxes are spent to help run the country. The issues that are discussed in Parliament affect us all: health, the environment, transport, jobs, schools, crime. For instance, Parliament has recently debated and voted on how long people arrested on suspicion of terrorism can be held without being charged.

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is in the centre of London. As well as the home of the UK Parliament, it is also a royal palace and former residence of great kings. The Palace comprises many famous sites including the green-coloured House of Commons Chamber and the red-coloured House of Lords Chamber where political decisions are made to this day. It also includes the famous Clock Tower, popularly known as Big Ben.

The English Parliament traces its origins to the Anglo-Saxon Witenagemot. In 1066, William of Normandy brought a feudal system, by which he sought advice of a council of tenants-in-chief and ecclesiastics before making laws. In 1215, the tenants-in-chief secured the Magna Carta from King John, which established that the king may not levy or collect any taxes (except the feudal taxes to which they were hitherto accustomed), save with the consent of his royal council, which slowly developed into a parliament.
In 1265, Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester summoned the first elected Parliament. The franchise in parliamentary elections for county constituencies was uniform throughout the country, extending to all those who owned the freehold of land to an annual rent of 40 shillings (Forty-shilling Freeholders).
In the boroughs, the franchise varied across the country; individual boroughs had varying arrangements. This set the scene for the so-called "Model Parliament" of 1295 adopted by Edward I. By the reign of Edward II, Parliament had been separated into two Houses: one including the nobility and higher clergy, the other including the knights and burgesses, and no law could be made, nor any tax levied, without the consent of both Houses as well as of the Sovereign.

More info:

An illustrated Guide,

Whiteboard resources,

Games,

Your guide to what happens in Westminster and how it affects YOU

Texting Eclipses Calling

2010-04-26T08:30:00.000+02:00

'Texting eclipses calling' among US teenagers.

Texting is more popular among girls than boys, the survey showed Texting has become the most popular form of communication among young people in the US, research indicates.

The study, by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, suggests that texting has eclipsed mobile phone calls among teenagers for the first time.

More than 30% of teens send more than 100 texts a day, it shows.

Researchers say more payment plans offering unlimited texts have helped to create the surge in the US, which used to lag other parts of the world.

Continue reading .... and say if this is your case leaving some comments below.

Have a look on this list of texting abbreviations!

What do you know about Australia and New Zealand?

2010-04-22T00:22:00.001+02:00

On Natural Geographic's Australia and New Zealand's webpages you'll get basic information about these countries, with videos relating their history and nature.

After that try to answer these Webquest about Australia, Australian Quiz or New Zealand Trivia.

Take Care of our World

2010-04-22T00:10:00.001+02:00

Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future...

So Take Action

Eating out

2010-04-16T00:09:00.000+02:00

Click on the image to enlarge

Verb Tenses. Treasure Hunt

2010-04-15T08:30:00.001+02:00

BBC Skillwise offers you the great opportunity to enjoy this treasure hunt using verb tenses. Are you brave enough to do it? Enter the web and have fun.

How to play.
Choose a level

More Clothes Practice

2010-04-12T08:30:00.000+02:00

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Now try some other games in this web site and HAVE FUN!

Passive or Active Voice

2010-04-11T19:56:00.004+02:00

Make a choice by clicking on the radio button, then compare it with the correct answer hidden under the answer button.

1. Everybody ___ by the terrible news yesterday.
a.shocked
b.was shocked

Go on with the test

If you want more about this topic.

What Are You Wearing?

2010-04-10T18:12:00.000+02:00

Do you remember clothes vocabulary? Try to revise it with these photos.

And now try these games:

Multiple Choice
Clothes cards
Monkey's Squash

Face Match

2010-04-08T10:00:00.000+02:00

Practise listening to English with British Council Face Match. Listen to the descriptions and find the right person!

How to play: Read or listen to a description of a person. You'll see six faces. Which is the right person? Click on the face and then click on 'choose' to see if you are correct.

Hägar

2010-04-05T00:03:00.000+02:00

Click on the image to enlarge

April Fool's Day

2010-04-01T10:00:00.003+02:00

"The first of April
is the day we remember
what we are the other 364 days of the year."
~By Mark Twain~

"The first of April, some do say,
Is set apart for All Fools' Day.
But why the people call it so,
Nor I, nor they themselves do know.
But on this day are people sent
On purpose for pure merriment."

~Poor Robin's Almanac (1790)~

All Fools' Day as it was called years ago was, is observed in many countries around the world.

England
In the Lake District, an April Fool is a - 'April noddy'.

April noddy's past and gone,
You're the fool an' I'm none.

In Cornwall, an April Fool is a 'guckaw' or 'gowk', another word for cuckoo (a bird). If a child succeeded in 'taking in' another, he used to shout after him ~ "Fool, fool, the guckaw." On the other hand if the person resisited the trick, he would say ~ "The gowk and the titlene sit on a tree, You're a gowk as weel as me." Titlene refers to a hedge sparrow (a bird).
In Cheshire, an April Fool is a 'April gawby' or 'gobby or gob'.
In Christow in Devon, pranks had to be played in the afternoon. The day there was known as ‘Tail-pipe Day', because it was a custom to pin an inscription ‘Please kick me' to the coat-tails of an unsupecting victim.

Scotland
The day is known ‘Gowkie Day' or ‘Hunt the Gowk'.
In the Orkney Isles, the pranks are transferred to 2nd April, which is known as ‘Tailing Day'.

France
An April Fool is called a 'fish' - 'poisson d'Avril' - and it is the custom to send friends a dainty present made up in the form of a small fish.

To know about this day's history...

Americans are NOT Stupid

2010-03-29T00:01:00.000+02:00

Being Confident at Presentations

2010-03-28T00:01:00.000+01:00

Giving a presentation is anything other than a stressful experience. Even the most experienced and accomplished presenter may be in a total state of panic in the lead up to his or her presentation.
However, there are certain fears that can block us from even preparing our presentation – and these can be dealt with by good preparation. Let’s look at them.

1.You get so nervous that your mouth goes completely dry.

2.You cannot think of a word to say. Your mind is completely blank.

3.The audience looks bored and people start conversations between themselves.

4.Your visual aids don’t work properly.

5.Members of the audience heckle during your presentation or are very aggressive during the questions

I think many presenters fear that one of these situations will arrive during their presentation. However, think back through the hundreds of presentations you have been to. How often have you seen one of these occur? Rarely, I imagine. Don’t let fear of these cloud your mind too much. But do take the preventative steps I have suggested.(Read the complete article thanks to Pearson Brown)

To listen to a recording of this, press the PLAY button at this pop-up Player

And we have the posibility to watch it in a video:

How to Apologize without Accepting any Blame

2010-03-19T00:30:00.000+01:00

Click on the image to enlarge.
"Basic Instructions" is a comic strip. Any advice contained herein is intended as humor, and should not be followed as actual instructions or advice.

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T00:01:00.003+01:00

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and the Irish. He was born about 389 A.D. in Northern Wales, which at that time may have been part of England or Scotland.

Saint Patrick had an adventurous life. He was captured by pirates at the age of 16. The Irish pirates brought him to Ireland to tend the flocks of a chieftain in Ulster. Six years of slavery made him a devoted Christian. He escaped to France and became a monk. In 432, a vision led him to return to Ireland as a missionary bishop. He brought Christianity to Ireland and taught there for 29 years. He used the shamrock, a 3 leaf clover, (Ireland's national flower) to explain the Blessed Trinity. St. Patrick founded 365 churches, baptized over 120,000 people and consecrated 450 bishops.

Many tales sprung up about this popular saint. One of the most popular legends was how he charmed all the snakes of Ireland down to the seashore to be drowned by the water. The only certain writings of St. Patrick's are his Confessions and a letter written to a man named Coroticus (See Tripartite Life of St. Patrick by Stokes and Lives by Todd, Healy, Bury and Lusack.). His Confessions are written in crude Latin.

According to some Irish writings, St. Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D. The anniversary of his death is celebrated as St. Patrick's Day. It's interesting to note that the shamrock clover flowers around that time of year.

The first official celebration of St. Patrick's Day in the United States occurred in Morristown, New Jersey in 1780. It was authorized by George Washington. Today St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish as well as many Americans with parades, parties, wearing of green, Irish songs and jigs. People wear green on this day to represent the lushness of Ireland - The Emerald Isle.

Do you want to know more? Try these games about this day.

How to: Write a Superhero Story

2010-03-16T08:30:00.000+01:00

(Click on the image to enlarge)
Thanks to basicinstructions.net

Welcome to...

2010-03-15T00:13:00.003+01:00

Welcome to London is a BBC intermediate English language course allowing users to practise their reading, listening and pronunciation skills.
It follows two characters, John and Fiona, through a series of situations as they arrive and settle down in the city.
Although next week we are travelling to Paris instead, we can practice useful vocabulary and expressions to move around.
Transport
Hotel
Cinema
Shopping
Work
Eating out

To learn more about Paris for our trip see the Official Website.

Teenagers Smelling

2010-03-14T23:56:00.001+01:00

Click on the image to enlarge