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.