Learn Perfect British English Pronunciation with Professor Snape

Christmas with love from Mrs Claus

Ask your teacher about this story kahoot!!

Simple Homemade Presents

Do you give Christmas presents to your friends and family? 

Here are some ideas for simple gifts that you can make yourself at home.

How Christmas Trees are made

Do you put up Christmas trees in your home or town? It's traditional to put up Christmas trees in Britain but nowadays most people prefer artificial ones, not real ones. 

Watch this video to find out where they come from and how they're made!

Revise False Friends with Kahoot

 

Ask your teacher the code to enter this kahoot about false friends.

Edgar the Dragon

John Lewis is counting on an excitable baby dragon called Edgar to put some heat under sales this Christmas in its first joint festive advert with the retailer's sister chain, Waitrose. The campaign is fronted by a 10-year-old actor called Ruby, who had to act alongside a stick or plastic model in place of the animated Edgar, who was created using CGI

Moreover you will find some practice on passive voice.

Christmas Gift Experiment

Ask your teacher for ...

5 Days to Improve Your Speaking!

Welcome to Day 1 - Today's challenges

Here is Tim's question for you today:

Look at the video from Day 3 in the series: 5 days to improve your pronunciation. Can you spot three items that are in Tim's room in that video, that aren't in today's video?

Follow this link to find the answer to today's question.

Tim's tips

Today Tim talks about what it means to be a good speaker, and he gives an overview of areas that feature in the days to come.

Being a good speaker involves combining different skills: from vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and listening.

It's not easy! So be prepared to work at it, and you shouldn't expect instant results.

You need to have confidence in yourself, and although accuracy is important, don't be too worried about making mistakes. 

One of the important areas to think about is pronunciation. Clear pronunciation is essential to being a good speaker and today Tim directs you to some of the BBC Learning English pronunciation resources.

Continue with the rest of the chapters.

Conditionals Review

As some of you still have some doubts about conditional, have a look to Papa English and then try this test.

Pronunciation Maze

 

How well can you identify the sound  /i:/ ?

How to learn Phrasal Verbs Effectively

via GIPHY

If you’re like most English learners, you hate phrasal verbs. And I don’t blame you. Memorizing these peculiar verbs isn’t easy. So many English students get frustrated and lose hope because they just can’t figure out how to learn them. 

The good news is: if you’re reading this post, then you haven’t given up yet! That’s probably because you know that learning phrasal verbs can drastically improve your English speaking and comprehension skills.

There are some tips to help you:

Don’t group them by verb.
Not only is this the worst way to learn phrasal verbs, but it’s also the fastest way to make yourself hate them. Why? Because you’re trying to memorize a bunch of words that all look the same but have completely different meanings.

Group them by particle (up, off, out, away, etc.)

Instead of grouping them by verb, organizing phrasal verbs by particle can help you make relevant connections between them. That’s because the particles have tendencies, and if you understand these tendencies, it’ll make learning phrasal verbs a bit easier. 

Group them by topic.

An even better way to learn phrasal verbs is to organize them by subject. For example, you could create a phrasal verb list for expressing emotions, describing friends or talking about love and relationships. This has worked really well for my students because:

1. There is a link between the different verbs.
2. Organizing them by topic makes them more relatable and interesting to learn
3. You are learning how to use them in your everyday life and not just memorizing their abstract meanings

Learn them in context.

This is the method I use the most in my lessons. Learning phrasal verbs in context by watching YouTube videos, listening to songs or reading any authentic content is so powerful because you can see how we use them in real life. For example, when you’re watching your favourite TV show you can:

1. Look for the written transcript on Google.
2. Write down the phrasal verbs you find in the transcript.
3. Look up their meanings in the dictionary.
4. Read some example sentences on Phrasal Verb Demon.
5. Practice making your own sentences.

Use them in a story

Another effective way to learn and practice phrasal verbs is to create a story with them. If you like writing fiction, you can create a short story using a few phrasal verbs. If not, then you can simply write a paragraph related to your life. This will help you create connections between the words and your experiences. For example one student created this story to remember phrasal verbs in relation with describing relationship:

“Yesterday, I ran into Mathilde, an old friend from high school. We grew apart but I remember nothing could come between us. We’ve never let each other down. She has always stuck up for me. I heard from Michel she’s still single. Maybe I should try to fix her up with my brother.“

Extracted from In English with Love. 

Phrasal Verb Demon

 

What are phrasal verbs?

A phrasal verb is the combination of a verb + a preposition/adverb resulting in a new verb with a different meaning. The result is usually a metaphor, not the literal meaning of each individual word.

Click on the image to enter the Phrasal Verb Demon where you'll find some lists, dictionary, tests and practice. You also will find this link on the left column, dictionaries section.

If you find difficult to study them have a look on this video and read some learning tips from Vanessa.

The First Thanksgiving Story

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that we all enjoy today with family, friends and good food.  It is good to reminisce of that First Thanksgiving 400 years ago when Pilgrims and Indians enjoyed each other. But there are those unhappy souls who comment here with profanity and hate instead of thanks and appreciation for our history that they benefit so much from today.

Watch the video and test your knowledge of this celebration.

Remember there are some exercises about relative clauses.

Sherlock Holmes

What do you know about Sherlock Holmes? Join Wendy in London as she searches for clues about the famous detective.

The Real History of Black Friday

The retail bonanza known as Black Friday is now an integral part of many Thanksgiving celebrations, but this holiday tradition has darker roots than you might imagine. After the video and the quiz perhaps you would like to know its real history thanks to History Channel.

How You Wash Hair in Space

Astronauts have to wash their hair too! 

Watch as Karen Nyberg on the International Space Station shows us how. 

A Life in Our Planet

David Attenborough is a famous British naturalist. In this trailer, 
he talks about his documentary A Life on Our Planet.

Papa English:10 Native-Level British English Expressions You Won't Learn in Class

 

Need some more Advanced English vocabulary? Want to sound more like a native English speaker? In this video, you'll learn 10 British English expressions that you won’t learn in your English classes. These phrases are commonly used by native speakers in everyday conversation!

Can You Play Chess?

The attacking infantry advances, their elephants already having broken the defensive line. The king tries to retreat, but the enemy flanks him from the rear. Escape is impossible. This isn’t a real war— nor is it just a game. Over the 1,500 years of its existence, chess has been known as a military strategy tool, a metaphor for human affairs and a measure of genius. 

Find out about its history.

Can You Change your Sleep Schedule?

Perhaps you are recovering from our change of hour. But.... are you an early bird or a night owl? Explore how your circadian system acts as an internal clock to keep your body functioning.

Papa English: 7 Most Useful English Expressions with "Have"

The Origins of Halloween

How much do you know about this tradition?

Do the quizz and find out!

The Fascinating History of Cemeteries

Spindly trees, rusted gates, crumbling stone, a solitary mourner: these things come to mind when we think of cemeteries. But not long ago, many burial grounds were lively places, with gardens and crowds of people -- and for much of human history, we didn’t bury our dead at all. 

How did cemeteries become what they are today? 

Grammar Doubts: so/such

 

Have a look to test.english.com and you will find some exercises to practice.

Papa English: 5 Everyday British English Phrases You Didn’t Learn in School

In this video, you'll learn 5 essential British English phrases that are commonly used in everyday conversations but are often not taught in the classroom. These phrases will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking to native speakers, especially in casual situations. Plus, there's a fun quiz at the end to test your knowledge!

British vs. American Accent Challenge

Do you prefer British or American accents? How do you pronounce words like 'vitamin' and 'water'? Join Sophia and Natasha to learn about some of the differences.

Punctuation Marks

click on the image to enlarge and read the examples

You know punctuation is essential not only in Spanish but also in English. Hace a look at the infographic and read a bit more in:

• EF web
• Paper True
• 7 ESL

Digital Wellbeing

Digital technology enables connection, gives us the freedom to explore, and so much more. But it can also distract us from the things that we care about, sometimes making us feel a lack of control.  Hear personal stories that shed light on our paradoxical relationships with technology. 

Visit wellbeing.google for tips and tools that help you achieve a balance with technology that feels right for you.

Do or Make... that's the question!!

 

What’s the difference between DO and MAKE? It can be hard to decide when to use 'make' or 'do' in English. Here's some help.

1: We use 'make' when we create or construct something. For example:

• She made a cake.
• I've made us some coffee.
• Did you really make those trousers?

2: We use 'do' for general activities. In this case, 'do' is often used with 'something', 'nothing', 'anything' or 'everything':

• What did you do at the weekend?
• She's fed up with doing everything herself. She needs some help.
• Are you doing anything interesting during the holidays?

NOTE: 'What do you do?' means 'what's your job?'

3: There are many, many fixed expressions with 'make' and 'do'. Unfortunately, they don't really follow any useful rules, so you have to learn them by heart. 

Glastonbury

Glastonbury was a small music festival when it started in the 1970s. Nowadays thousands of people attend, and that means there's a lot of waste! Watch the video to find out how the organisers are dealing with this issue. 

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises.

The Biggest Mistakes in Mapmaking History

For thousands of years, people made both functional maps and what are known as cosmographies, illustrating the earth and its position in the cosmos, often including constellations, gods, and mythic locations. These maps were meant to depict the world's geography, but weren't necessarily useful for navigation and contained some glaring mistakes. 

Like most other technologies, map-making has improved over time. This lesson shows just a handful of some of the most fun mapmaking bloopers over time. Here are some links for how to learn more.

• You can take an interactive 3D virtual tour of the mappae mundi here and zoom in on some of the more fantastical details!
• Stanford University has a whole exhibit of all the maps of California as an island and you can check it out virtually here.
• Curious about how one of history’s most renowned mapmakers could draw such an incorrect map with a magical rock at the north pole? Here’s an article that digs into Mercator’s North Pole map a bit more.

Plural Matcher Games

We have just known Robert Burn's poem about a louse, but did you know its plural?

Revise how many of them you remember.

Rude Hand Gestures from around the World

 

Click here to enlarge.

Hoodies

 

A hoodie is a casual type of jumper which has a hood to cover your head. How has this sporty item of clothing become so popular all around the world?

Black Holes

 

 What do you know about black holes? 

What would happen if you fell into one? 

Could you escape?

 

Banksy's Artwork

Imagine looking out of your window and seeing a painting by a famous artist in your garden! 

Watch the video to find out about an artwork by street-artist Banksy.

The Last Tourist

The film The Last Tourist is about problems with the tourism industry.

Watch the trailer to find out more about it.

Dune

 I love science fiction stories, not only on paper but also films. If you have seen it, enjoy!!

The third part is supposed to be released on Dec 2026!!

Audition for James Bond

When David Beckham and James Corden find each other at the same audition for James Bond, their unique approaches to the role create tension that threatens a friendship.

A Limb from LEGO®

 

It's amazing what you can build out of LEGO®. But … an arm?! 

This video shows us that anything is possible …

Saving our Oceans

How can we solve the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans? 

Watch this video to find out how a giant ocean 'snake' could help!

Starting School? How About Your Posture?

Has anyone ever told you, “Stand up straight!” or scolded you for slouching at a family dinner? Comments like that might be annoying—but they’re not wrong. Your posture is the foundation for every movement your body makes and can determine how well your body adapts to the stresses on it.

Start this new year standing up right!

See you Next Year!!!

 

I hope you have learned and enjoyed a lot this year!!

Miley Cyrus - Flowers

Don't Dream It's Over (Performed by Miley Cyrus & Ariana Grande)

Ariana Grande before she was famous

 

Ariana Grande is one of the biggest pop stars in the world. 
But how did she begin her amazing singing career?

Can Anyone Learn to Sing?

Jay is a vocal coach and he believes anyone can learn to sing. Watch this video and find out how!

Conditionals Practice: Songs

1st conditional:

Lyrics: match the sentences

2nd conditional:

Lyrics with blanks to fill in

3rd conditional:

Conditionals Review Game

Click here to play

Boarding Schools at UK

 What are lessons like in UK boarding schools? Students talk about the subjects and classes they like.

If you want to know some more about these schools enter Britishguardianship.

Climate change: why does 1.5°C matter?

Is it too late to save the planet from global warming? Not necessarily, say world experts. But they have warned that it's really important to limit future temperature rises to 1.5 degrees. Why is that? Find out in this explainer from BBC What's New.

Last practice before Tuesday's Exam

Have a look at this test before the exam.

London Secret Garden

London is full of green spaces, but there is one many people walk by on a daily basis, unaware of its existence. A serene hideaway, it’s tucked within the remains of St. Dunstan-in-the-East, a church that was bombed during World War II. Visit this sweet spot.

Dirty Phones?

In this science experiment, some British teenagers discover how dirty their phones really are...

And yours?

Food Waste Rebel

We waste at least a third of the world's food. National Geographic Emerging Explorer and activist Tristram Stuart says "ridiculously strict" cosmetic standards among consumers play a major role. His solution: Eat foods often considered too ugly to sell. Stuart works to inspire people to join a "food-waste revolution," with initiatives like volunteer harvest programs and free communal feasts of food that would otherwise be wasted

For more National Geographic Society .

Ing form or Infinitive form?

After certain verbs we use the -ing form, and after other verbs we use the infinitive. Sometimes we can use either form and there is no change in meaning. Occasionally we can use either form and there is a change in meaning.

Have a look at the image, watch the video, then read the conversation and answer the quiz.

Warrior Women

Game of Thrones is a TV series known for its battle scenes. 

In this video, watch two of the show's most popular actresses preparing to film their characters' dramatic fight scene.

Passive Voice

We use the passive, rather than the active, to show that we are more interested in a certain part of the sentence. The passive is usually formed by the verb to be + past participle.

First watch the video and pay attention to the sentences highlighted, then read this paper with the sentences explained, finally try the exercises to practice passive voice. 

Berlin Wall

In August it will be 63 years since construction workers began tearing up streets and erecting barriers in Berlin, and in November 35 years since its demolition. That night marked the beginning of one of history’s most infamous dividing lines: the Berlin Wall. Construction continued for a decade as the wall cut through neighborhoods, separated families, and divided not just Germany, but the world.

Doggy Emotions

Do you think your dog knows when you're happy, sad or angry? 

Watch this video to find out what scientists have discovered about the relationship 

between dogs and humans.

An Extra Video for Easter

This is only for you to improve your pronunciation apart from learning some expressions, of course.

The International Day of Forests

 Forests, and the wood they provide, are very important in many areas of our lives. 

Watch this video to find out more.

When you finish, read this post about International Day of Forests 2024, in National Taday, it is important as you could find answers for the questionnaire.

How Easter Eggs are Made?

Easter eggs are special eggs that are often given to celebrate the Christian holiday of Easter. 

Sometimes they are made out of chocolate. Have you ever eaten an Easter egg? 

Watch this video to find out how they are made.

Why is the Ocean Salty?

Do you know why the ocean is salty? If not, watch this video and you'll find out. 

8th March: Changing Science Forever

This video honours the great women of science who have changed the world forever!

How many of these famous female scientists do you know about?

Why Are There Leap Years?

Just about every four years, calendars have one extra day tacked on to the shortest month of the year. It’s called a “leap year” and it’s maybe the strangest thing we do on the calendar! But, why? Who came up with leap years, and why do we have them??

Tik Tok and Climate Change Misinformation

Are you a Tik Tok user? Do you believe everything you get on social media? 

Watch this video and find out how Tik Tok is tackling with climate change misinformation.

Intelligent Animals?

A big animal is chasing you and wants to eat you ... What do you do?

Watch this clip to see how a cobra protects itself.

"I have experienced bullying"

Bullying happens to different people in different places. If it’s happened to you, you’re not alone. In this video, teenagers who have faced and overcome bullying talk about their experience.

 

Cyberbullying; Let's Fight Together

Cyberbullying is a problem that everyone who uses the internet needs to be aware of. This video was created for schoolchildren in the UK to watch to warn them about the dangers of cyberbullying. 

Perfect

Aerosmith: I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

Did you know that the singer and the girl starring the film are father and daughter?

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris

The Most Expensive Nannies In The World

This week we go inside the most exclusive school for nannies in the world. They are not just trained to cook and sew, they also learn self-defense techniques and driving in dangerous conditions. It’s Mary Poppins, with a little James Bond thrown in for good measure.

Knowing about the Moon

How much do you know about the moon? Is it older or younger than the Earth? Where did it come from? Watch and find out!

How to do CPR on an Adult - First Aid Training

If you need more info about this procedure or some other emercency ones, have a look on St John's Ambulance channel

See what happens inside a body when you do a CPR:

Martin Luther King Jr

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr..  It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, so this year it was on 15th January.

King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. 

At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

He Named Me Malala

These days you can see some quotes of significant leaders and activists for peace as on 30th January we celebrate the School Day for Non-Violence and Peace. This is a good moment to learn about one of those important people.

He Named Me Malala is a film about the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai. Learn more about her incredible life story by watching this trailer.

The Dark History of Mount Rushmore

Between 1927 and 1941, workers blasted 450,000 tons of rock from a mountainside using chisels, jackhammers, and dynamite. Gradually, they carved out Mount Rushmore. 

Today, the monument draws nearly 3 million people to South Dakota’s Black Hills every year. 

But its façade belies a dark history. Learn more about it.

Making snow for the Olympics

 What happens if there's no natural snow at the Winter Olympics or other sporting events? Well, snow is made! Find out who was making the snow at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. 

What Causes Body Odour?

Most of us don’t need more than one whiff to identify that generally unpleasant, characteristic smell we call body odour. But it’s a surprisingly complex phenomenon, influenced by our genetic makeup, age, diet, and hygiene. 

So what is this odour, exactly? Where does it come from? And can we do anything about it? Mel Rosenberg dives into the stinky science of body odour.

*Perhaps you have noticed that in the video 'odor' is used instead of 'odour'...BE or AE?

Just Dance

Do you ever play ‘Just Dance’? The game company who make it have brought out a version that can be played by people in wheelchairs. Watch the video to find out more.