Wednesday 31 December 2014

THE YEAR 2014 IN REVIEW (intermediate)

2014 has come to an end. What memories will you keep? What would you rather forget?

Here are two videos for you to review events that were part of our lives and will stay in our memories, some forever, some for a while.

Which of the events and people mentioned in the videos are familiar to you?


Did you recognise the song? Why is it famous?


Here is the second video, this time filled with humour.



Welcome, 2015!!



Saturday 27 December 2014

WORDSEARCHES (various levels)

If you are fond of wordsearches, you'll enjoy this site. You'll find different levels and topics to play. 

Just click on the picture below to get started.


Click here to see the index page. 



Friday 26 December 2014

QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS SPEECH 2014 (advanced)

Listen to the Queen in her annual Christmas speech broadcast to the entire Commonwealth. You can activate the subtitles on the video for an approximate transcript of her words.

Read her full message below. (Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/)



In the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral is a sculpture of a man and a woman reaching out to embrace each other. The sculptor was inspired by the story of a woman who crossed Europe on foot after the war to find her husband. Casts of the same sculpture can be found in Belfast and Berlin, and it is simply calledReconciliation

Reconciliation is the peaceful end to conflict, and we were reminded of this in August when countries on both sides of the First World War came together to remember in peace. The ceramic poppies at the Tower of London drew millions, and the only possible reaction to seeing them and walking among them was silence. For every poppy a life; and a reminder of the grief of loved ones left behind. 

No-one who fought in that war is still alive, but we remember their sacrifice and indeed the sacrifice of all those in the armed forces who serve and protect us today. 

In 1914, many people thought the war would be over by Christmas, but sadly by then the trenches were dug and the future shape of the war in Europe was set. But, as we know, something remarkable did happen that Christmas, exactly a hundred years ago today. Without any instruction or command, the shooting stopped and German and British soldiers met in No Man's Land. Photographs were taken and gifts exchanged. It was a Christmas truce. 

Truces are not a new idea. In the ancient world a truce was declared for the duration of the Olympic Games and wars and battles were put on hold. Sport has a wonderful way of bringing together people and nations, as we saw this year in Glasgow when over seventy countries took part in the Commonwealth Games. It is no accident that they are known as the Friendly Games. As well as promoting dialogue between nations, the Commonwealth Games pioneered the inclusion of para-sports within each day's events. As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletes captured our imagination as well as breaking down divisions. 

The benefits of reconciliation were clear to see when I visited Belfast in June. While my tour of the set of Game of Thrones may have gained most attention, my visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol will remain vividly in my mind. What was once a prison during the troubles is now a place of hope and fresh purpose; a reminder of what is possible when people reach out to one another, rather like the couple in the sculpture.

Of course, reconciliation takes different forms. In Scotland after the referendum many felt great disappointment, while others felt great relief; and bridging these differences will take time. Bringing reconciliation to war or emergency zones is an even harder task, and I have been deeply touched this year by the selflessness of aid workers and medical volunteers who have gone abroad to help victims of conflict or of diseases like Ebola, often at great personal risk. 

For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role-model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none. 

Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord. But, as the Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women. 

On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its haunting melody inching across the line. That carol is still much-loved today, a legacy of the Christmas truce, and a reminder to us all that even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found.

A very happy Christmas to you all.


Wednesday 24 December 2014

Monday 22 December 2014

Friday 19 December 2014

THE MOST EXPENSIVE CHRISTMAS DINNER (intermediate)

Believe it or not.

Most Expensive Christmas Dinner (Core ingredients)
Most Expensive Christmas Dinner (Core ingredients) via Cool Daily Infographics




Click on the bells to see the poster enlarged.


If you have some money to spare, you can enjoy this menu for a "mere" £ 31,250 per person.

Read more here.





Sunday 7 December 2014

Saturday 6 December 2014

PRESENT SIMPLE + ROUTINES (elementary)

This video will help you to learn the structures of the simple present tense in the affirmative, negative and interrogative forms.




For further practice, click on the following picture.
 You'll find a video and activities by the British Council.


Don't forget to do the exercises!

Here is the answer key for you.






Friday 28 November 2014

Christmas is coming?

That's what people say: Christmas starts right after Thanksgiving. Is it so?
Perhaps for those who can afford it, not for most.




Click on the picture below to read the lyrics of the song (you have to register).


Let them know it's Christmas.





Wednesday 26 November 2014

THANKSGIVING DAY 2014

A very special event in the United States, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated all across the country with family gatherings and a special dinner: The main course is a delicious turkey with lots of side dishes filled with products of the season. That's why this day is often called Turkey Day. It takes place on the fourth Thursday of November.

Learn the history behind this celebration.


Read some facts and figures about Thanksgiving celebrations.

Learn interesting Thanksgiving facts and travel statistics in this Thanksgiving infographic.
Provided by Nationwide Bank



Take a look at some pictures taken in 2012 at the traditional Macy's Parade held in New York every Thanksgiving and seen by millions of people. 



Click on the picture to view a cute ecard: a Rap Turkey Video!











Friday 21 November 2014

EMOTIONS II (intermediate)

Practise your vocabulary with this worksheet (it includes the answer key).

(Click on the picture to download the worksheet)







Monday 17 November 2014

DRAW A STICKMAN (elementary, kids)

Do you want to be the creator of a fantastic story?
Just click on the picture and follow the instructions. There are two episodes that you can enjoy!





Sunday 16 November 2014

FUN WITH WORDS (elementary)

Make as many sentences as you can. Then click on the words and listen to them being sung.

(Task offered by http://www.manythings.org/)



Saturday 15 November 2014

FOOD GAME (elementary)

Identify the food in the list and find it in the picture.


For this and other great vocabulary games and activities,visit:



Wednesday 12 November 2014

FEELINGS and EMOTIONS (elementary)

These fun activities will help you to learn and practise vocabulary related to feelings and moods. Just click on the pictures to start.

But first let's revise some common words for feelings. Listen to their pronunciation.



Activity # 1:


Activity # 2: Listen and choose the correct face for the feeling in each situation.




Now, can you change the expression on this face? Make it show the emotion that you want and ask your classmates to guess it!





How about a cute little video to finish?



And I bet you'll love remembering this song!




Happy now??? 



Sunday 9 November 2014

WHAT TIME IS IT? (elementary)

Use this clock for practice. You'll be able to move its hands as many times as you want until you master telling the time!

(Click on the picture)






Saturday 8 November 2014

FOOD CATEGORIES (elementary)

How many types of food can you name? How many words can you add to each list?
Download this worksheet to find out. Just click on the picture!


Aren't you getting hungry?







Sunday 26 October 2014

FRANKENSTEIN (intermediate)

Read and listen to this story about a friendly monster.
(Click on the picture).




If you click on SCARY STORIES on the left, you'll find more books to read for Halloween!




Friday 24 October 2014

Friday 17 October 2014

LOTS OF LINKS (advanced students)

Click on the following picture and discover a site full of interesting resources to practise your English: you'll find links to videos, newspapers, books and lots more!





Sunday 28 September 2014

BODY PARTS song for kids

Here is a special request by my students of Diversificación. Enjoy it!


Welcome back to school!


Sunday 13 July 2014

SONGS by One Direction

Go over the picture with your mouse and click on the icons that will appear to find information and videos of some hits by this favourite band.

Friday 11 July 2014

CHESS (intermediate)

Do you know the name of the pieces in a game of chess?
What about how each one moves?

Take a look at the following picture and click on the red icon over the pieces to find out (the icons will appear when you move your cursor over the image).

When you click on the white pieces, you will learn their names. Click on the black ones to read information and see videos about their movements.



Click here for a glossary of chess terms and expressions.

(Source of text: Wikipedia)




Wednesday 9 July 2014

PRESENT CONTINUOUS (intermediate)

Look at the picture and describe it. (Move your cursor over the image for more questions).
  • Where was the picture taken? Describe the landscape.
  • When was it taken? Explain.
  • What is everyone doing?
  • What are they wearing?
  • What time of day is it?
  • What is the weather like?
  • Describe their feelings / attitude.





Monday 7 July 2014

HEALTHY FOOD (elementary)

See if you can name all the food in the picture!

Move your cursor over the image to check your answers and to discover lots of links to videos, games and activities which will help you have fun while learning!


 

Which other healthy foods could you name that are not included in the picture?




Saturday 5 July 2014

BODY PARTS (elementary)

Name the body parts and move your cursor over the icons of the picture to check your answers.

Friday 4 July 2014

INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY: What's in a kiss?

The 6th of July was chosen to celebrate a widely used expression of affection: the kiss.

We press our lips against someone else's lips (or cheek, or hand or whatever...) to show our feelings of love, passion, respect, greeting, farewell, and so many others.

Take a look at this presentation of famous kisses of art and films. How many of them can you identify?




What about some songs about kissing now? Here you are!

The first one was released in 1972 by Bobby Vinton.

 

This one was recorded in 1980 by the Irish singer and composer Gilbert O'Sullivan.




Thursday 3 July 2014

WHO AM I? 7

Read the clues and pay special attention to the words in the cloud (they will be bigger if you move your cursor over them).

  • I was born in Prague on the 3rd of July.
  • German was my mother tongue.
  • My name is often used as a synonym of absurd and incredible situations.
  • I died of tuberculosis in Vienna at the age of 41.
  • The dominating figure of my father had a significant influence on my writing.
  • I was unable to start a family, though I tried.
  • One of my most famous books is about a repulsive insect.
  • Writing was essential in my life. I often said that I was literature.
  • I am one of the most influencial writers of the 20th century.

Click on the question mark to see if you were right.



Wednesday 2 July 2014

WHO AM I? 6

Read the clues and see if you know who I am.
You can also move the cursor over the cloud to enlarge the words and discover more details.


  • It would be my birthday today.
  • My mother wrote these words about me when I was only four years old: 
"The little fellow has a life in him, an unbelievable strength, a powerful will, and, for his four years of age, a truly astonishing mind. How can he express all that? It truly gnaws at my life, this internal fighting against his tyrannical temperament, his passionate turbulence [...] God must shape this proud spirit, then it will become something noble and magnificent – but I shudder to think what this young and passionate person might become should his upbringing be false or weak."
  • I suffered from nerve disorders and persistent headaches.
  • I worked in several book shops.
  • I was interested in Buddhism.

Click on the question mark to find out the answer.                                                                 

Friday 20 June 2014

WHO AM I? 5

Here are some clues for you:
  1. I was the monarch of the United Kingdom for over sixty years.
  2. I inherited the throne at the age of 18.
  3. I was called "the grandmother of Europe".
  4. I was identified with strict standards of personal morality.
  5. I lived in a period of great industrial and cultural changes in the United Kingdom.
  6. I am an icon of my country.
  7. If I was alive, it would be my birthday today.



Click on the question mark to find out.                                                                                    



Thursday 19 June 2014

ASCOT

Have you ever heard of Ascot?

It is a small town situated about twenty-five miles west of London. It is known worldwide thanks to a major social event in Great Britain: the Royal Ascot Racehorse, which takes place every month of June since 1711. The royal family attend the meeting and arrive each day in a horse-drawn carriage.



Such a prestigious meeting requires an elegant attire. Here is a video with some tips in case you are invited!



Hats are a very important accessory for women in Ascot. Now, some are really elegant and  others are... simply crazy! Take a look at them! Do you think you can describe them?



Which one's your favourite?





Wednesday 18 June 2014

Saturday 14 June 2014

SPORTS (intermediate)

These two great worksheets are published here with the generous consent of their creator, Allyana, a member of ESLprintables.

Just click on the picture to download the worksheets.
(Answer key is included)

Here is part one:

And part two:
Enjoy them!




Sunday 8 June 2014

FILMS & TV PROGRAMMES (elementary)




Saturday 7 June 2014

CAT DUET by Rossini

Imagine two cats sitting on a roof, talking.
What could they be saying?
Listen to them and transcribe their dialogue.




Thursday 5 June 2014

LISTEN and REPEAT (intermediate)

Watch different scenes of popular movies and listen carefully: What do they say? Can you repeat the words?
You can also try to translate them into your language.

Click below and give it a try!







Wednesday 4 June 2014

WHO AM I? 4

Can you guess the name of the American actress who celebrates her birthday today?
Move your cursor over the cloud to see the key words in a larger size.


Click on the question mark to find out.


Saturday 31 May 2014

JOBS & OCCUPATIONS (elementary)



Sunday 25 May 2014

THE SIMPSONS (advanced)

Watch their episodes with subtitles!








JIGSAW PUZZLE 8

Who is this famous detective?





SONG: Let Her Go, by Passenger





Saturday 24 May 2014

HEALTH PROBLEMS (elementary)



Wednesday 21 May 2014

REPORTED SPEECH I (intermediate)

What exactly is Reported Speech? What is it used for? And how to use it?

You can find some answers in this worksheet, which offers you information and exercises with an answer key.



You'll find additional information and practice in this video.



A tricky issue with reported speech is the difference between the verbs SAY and TELL.
This video may help you.



A great occasion to use  Reported Speech is when gossiping.
Just take a look at these videos!



Here is part II.



Can you make up the rest of the story?
Imagine the dialogues. Write them down and tell a friend or classmate.




Sunday 18 May 2014

SONG: I'm yours by Jason Mraz

I hope you like this fresh song.
You can activate the English subtitles on the bottom left corner (choose language).




Friday 16 May 2014

JENNIFER LOPEZ (intermediate)

Watch the following video and try to answer the questions below.


  1. What is the meaning of these expressions?

  • "no price tag is too pricey"
  • "no luxury is too luxurious"
  • "only the best is good enough"
  • "mind boggling material possessions"
  1. What does Jennifer mean with "my own personal glam squad"?
  2. What is "first class pampering"?
  3. What do you know about Creme de La Mer? What is it?
  4. Why is Jennifer Lopez called "an economy in herself"?
  5. What is the meaning of the sentence "her assistants are at her beck and call"?
  6. Name some of Jennifer Lopez's assistants.
  7. Explain the meaning of "it takes a village keeping J. Lo looking the way she looks".
  8. What is a "dream team of the beauty industry"?
  9. Why is J. Lo's makeup sometimes priceless?
  10. Explain the meaning of "24/7".
  11. What kind of decoration does Jennifer Lopez ask for in hotels?
  12. What is a food-and-water dish for?
  13. Find the meaning of "flawless diamonds".
  14. Which brand of cars is J. Lo's favourite?
  15. How does she shop for clothes?
  16. What kind of fur does she prefer?
  17. What products does Jennifer Lopez commercialize?
  18. Explain the meaning of "she's so sizzling hot".
  19. What fields of industry did she explore?

Listen to one of her hits.




Thursday 15 May 2014

PRESENT PERFECT: Have you ever...? (intermediate)

The Present Perfect is not so terrible as it may seem, believe me!
Just take a look at this worksheet and you'll master all its possible uses.



How about listening to a song now?



These are the lyrics.


Can you tell the use of the Present Perfect in this song? What is the singer asking you?


Pay a visit to this site (click on the picture below) and you'll find a listening and some additional practice.







Saturday 10 May 2014

WHO AM I? 3

What is the name of the singer who died on a day like this in 1981?

Take a close look at the word cloud and make a guess.


Friday 9 May 2014

THE INTERNET: A FRIEND OR A FOE? (intermediate)

Watch this video about the internet:


  • What message does it try to convey?
  • Do you think its point of view is correct or do you consider it an exaggeration?
  • Tell your experience:
  1. Do you spend more time with your friends or messaging them?
  2. What is the first thing you do in the morning after you wake up?
  3. What is the last thing you do before going to bed?
  4. Do you always take your mobile phone with you?
  5. Is it a problem if you leave it at home unintentionallly?
  6. Do all your friends have one?
  7. What about your parents? And your grandparents?
  8. Do you also have a computer?
  9. What is the main use you give it? (homework, listening to music, playing games online, shopping, searching for information, chatting, etc.).
  10. How many times a day do you send a message online?
  11. Have you got online friends that you have never met?
  12. Would your life be the same without all these devices?

Now take a look at this other video in which YouTubers react to Look Up:




What do you think?



Thursday 1 May 2014

AVICII (song & lyrics)


  • Who is Avicii? Is it a band or a solo singer?
  • What is his real name?
  • Where is he from?
  • When did his career begin?
  • Which other hits does he have?
  • What is this song about?


SPORTS (elementary)

Try this quiz on sports. How many of the questions can you answer correctly?
You must be quick: you only have five seconds for each question!







Saturday 26 April 2014

SPORT (intermediate video and activities)

Ths video shows an inspiring story of tenacity. Watch it and answer the questions.


  • Where does the story take place?
  • Who are the protagonists?
  • What are the favourite pastimes around them?
  • What dream do they have?
  • What difficulties do they find?
  • How do they overcome them?
  • Was it easy?
  • Did they have support?
  • What opportunity came for them?
  • Did they accept it?
  • How did it go?
  • What happened after that?
These questions are for you:

1.  Do you have a dream?
2.  What would you do to make it come true?

Click below to play a game on extreme sports offered by the British Council :



Click on the picture for more on extreme sports.




Keep going!