My place for language learning

Writing a review of a book or film

2011-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Complete the review of the novel Frankenstein with the sentences in the list below the text.

FRANKENSTEIN

Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley, the wife of the poet P.B. Shelley in 1818.

(1)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The story is told through the letters of a man called Walton, an English explorer. We are told of Victor Frankenstein, a student from Geneva, who discovers the secret of life.

(2)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ People are terrified of it because it is so huge and ugly. The poor monster has no friends and feels lonely and depressed, so it asks Frankenstein to make it a wife.

(3)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Then the monster attacks and kills not only Frankenstein's brother, but also his friend, and his bride Elizabeth. Frankenstein is heartbroken and is determined to kill the monster. (4)_________________________________________________________________

____________________________

Frankenstein is a fascinating story because of the character of the monster, which is both sad and frightening at the same time.

1. However, he dies while chasing the monster which then kills itself.

2. It is a horror story which is thought to be the original science fiction novel.

3. So he collects bones and bodies from graveyards, and makes a person which is more monster than a man.

4. This he refuses to do.

Look at these headings. Find the information in the review of Frankenstein.

Title and author
type of book/film
characters
events in the story
your opinion of the book or film

Make some notes under the headings above about a book or film that you have read or seen recently. Then write a review in about 200 words.

CAE - Use of English part 4

2011-10-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

As I've said in previous posts, part 4 of the Use of English paper of the CAE exam turns out to problematic for some students. I'm leaving a new set of sentences to work with. I hope you find them useful.

CAE - Use of English - Part 4 (one word and three sentences)

2011-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

In previous posts I left some activities to practise part 4 of the Use of English part of the CAE exam. My students find this part quite challenging, and I thought that it may also be interesting for other students facing this exam. Hope you find this new set of sentences useful.

CAE - Use of English - Part 4

2011-10-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

One of the most challenging parts of the Use of English section of the CAE exam is part 4. Candidates should decide which single word can complete three different sentences. I'd like to share one activity to practise this task for thouse of you who are preparing the CAE exam.

Listening practice

2011-09-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

The link below takes you to some very interesting listening activities.

LISTENING ACTIVITIES

Listening comprehension based on a soap opera

2011-09-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Listening comprehension of episode 1, season 1.

Listening activity based on a soap opera

2011-09-30T13:25:00.001-07:00

LIstening comprehension of episode 2, season 2.

1. Why is the film director so angry with Kathy?

She doesn't sound really enthusiastic.

She sounds too excited.

Her pronunciation is awful.

2. What does Kathy do at the second attempt?

She sounds even more uninterested.

She can't be heard clearly.

She exaggerates too much.

3. What does Michael suggest her do?

Relax and speak naturally.

Fake a British accent.

Speak up.

4. What does the film director feel after the third attempt?

He's still not convinced.

He feels the commercial is fine.

He doesn't want to see her again.

5. What does Kathy ask after the commercial?

Can I do it again?

Can I go home now?

Can I have a glass of water?

6. What do we know about Michael?

He sent Kathy some flowers.

He sent Kathy some flowers but didn't write a note.

He neither sent flowers nor wrote a note.

7. What does Michael ask Kathy?

He invites Kathy to the cinema.

He invites Kathy for lunch.

He invites her to have a cup of coffee.

Score =

Correct answers:

Brochure Adjectives - Vatel

2011-09-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

The following crossword will help you to revise brochure adjectives for your next term-test. I hope you find it useful.
INTERACTIVE CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD TO PRINT
CROSSWORD KEY TO PRINT

Brochure Language - Wordsearch

2011-09-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

After revising the vocabulary for brochures, why don't you try this wordsearch to see how much you remember?
By the way, I've made a mistake with one of the words, can you spot it?

INTERACTIVE WORDSEARCH
WORDSEARCH TO PRINT

Vocabulary practice for Vatel Students - Negotiations

2011-09-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

The following activity gives you some opportunity to revise vocabulary relatred to Negotiating.

SECRET WORD

FCE - Phrasal verbs

2011-09-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a crossword to practise Phrasal verbs from units 1, 2 and 3 of FCE Masterclass.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14256265/FCE%20Masterclass%20phrasal%20verbs.html

FCE - Revision

2011-09-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hi, everybody. The link below has exercises to revise for units 2 and 3 of FCE Masterclass.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14256265/FCE%20Revision%20units%202%20and%203.doc

FCE - Reading and Use of English

2010-11-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

The following texts and exercises give some practice for the FCE exam as well as some information about the Egyptians.

Music and Reading

2010-11-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

Watch this video and read the lyrics of this beautiful song. You can hear Martin Luther King's voice as part of the song.

[Chorus]
(I am happy...I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day ) We’re gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) We’re gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) We’re gonna work it out
(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day ) We’re gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) We’re gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) We’re gonna work it out
(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day) That one day
(That One Day) I'm a look deep within myself
(I Have a Dream) I gotta find a way...
My Dream Is To Be Free
My Dream Is To Be
My Dream Is To Be
My Dream Is To Be Free

In search of brighter days, I ride through the maze of the madness,
Struggle is my address, where pain and crack lives,
Gunshots comin' from sounds of Blackness,
Given this game with no time to practice,
Born on the Black list, told I'm below average,
A life with no cabbage,
That's no money if you from where I'm from,
Funny, I just want some of your sun
Dark clouds seem to follow me,
Alcohol that my pops swallowed bottled me,
No apology, I walk with a boulder on my shoulder,
It's a Cold War - I'm a colder soldier,
Hold the same fight that made Martin Luther the King,

I ain't usin' it for the right thing,
In between Lean and the fiens, hustle and the schemes,
I put together pieces of a Dream
I still have one

[Chorus]

The world's seen me lookin' in the mirror,
Images of me, gettin' much clearer,
Dear Self, I wrote a letter just to better my soul,
If I don't express it then forever I'll hold, inside
I'm from a side where we out of control,
Rap music in the 'hood played a fatherly role,
My story's like yours, yo it gotta be told,
Tryna make it from a gangsta to a godlier role,
Read scrolls and stow slaves,
And Jewish people in cold cage,
Hate has no color or age, flip the page,
Now my rage became freedom,
Writin' dreams in the dark, they far but I can see 'em,
I believe in Heaven more than Hell,
Blessings more than jail,
In the ghetto let love prevail,
With a story to tell, my eyes see the glory and well,
The world waitin' for me to yell "I Have a Dream"

[Chorus]

PET - Cloze

2010-11-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

The text below gives you some practice with filling in the blanks using one of the choices given.

PET - Paraphrasing

2010-11-21T15:31:00.001-08:00

Re-write the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the sentence printed before it.

Let's go to the cinema.
He suggested ______________________________________
Although it was raining hard, we went to the movies on foot.
Despite ______________________________________
I haven't seen him before.
This is the first time ______________________________________
After swimming hard for 2w hours, he succeeded in crossing the river.
He managed ______________________________________
The police have caught three smugglers.
Three smugglers ______________________________________
It isn't necessary for you to bring it.
You ______________________________________
How much does it cost?
The tourist wanted to know _________________________________
It was such a lovely day that we went to the beach.
The day was _________________________________
It is essential that you study this paraphrasing.
You ______________________________________

You can't complete this exercise unless you study.

If ______________________________________

Check your answers

Reading: Puzzle

2010-11-13T18:07:00.001-08:00

How good are you for logic problems? Read the following logic puzzle and work out the answer.

In a certain bank the positions of cashier, manager, and teller are held by Brown, Jones and Smith, though not necessarily respectively.

The teller, who was an only child, earns the least.

Smith, who married Brown's sister, earns more than the manager.

What position does each man fill?

	Cahier	Manager	Teller
Brown	___	___	___
Jones	___	___	___
Smith	___	___	___

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

PET - Reading Part 1 (Signs)

2010-11-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

The first part of the PET exam presents signs and four sentences for each sign. You must select the sentence that describes the sign best.

PET - Signs

2010-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

The following exercise provides some help with the first part of the PET exam (working with signs).

Song: Be my love ... (Freshlyground)

2010-11-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

Listening - Breaking news English

2010-11-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Business: Listening and Quiz

2010-11-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

The following listening activity is based on a recording from www.britishcouncil.org/professionals. Listen to the interview and complete the quiz below.

Vocabulary: Word formation

2010-11-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary: Numbers (elementary)

2010-11-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

These exercises are nice to practise some numbers in English.

Numbers

Vocabulary: Phrasal verbs with the verb LOOK

2010-10-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

The verb LOOK can be followed by different particles to form phrasal verbs that give new meanings to this verb. The activity below gives some practice with phrasal verbs with the verb LOOK.

FCE: Reading, Cloze and vocabulary

2010-10-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Read and complete the text below by using only ONE word in each space.

Are the following statements true or false?
1. John does all the cooking for the family.
2. He had had no experience of helping in the house before.
3. There are times when he feels a bit dissatisfied with his situation.
4. He would rather have a full-time job than look after his children.
5. John does most of the housework.
6. He keeps the house very clean and tidy.
7. The children are fonder of their mother than of him.
8. John and Pam have the same opinions about most subjects.

Answer these questions.
1. When his wife was offered a full-time job, John decided to look after the children because
a) He enjoyed being with them more than his wife did.
b) He didn’t want a stranger to care for them.
c) His wife would earn more money than he could.
d) He only had a part-time job.

2. One regret that John sometimes has is that
a) He can’t afford to buy a car.
b) He sees so little of his wife.
c) He has less responsibility at work than before.
d) He has given up an extremely successful career.

3. The job john seems to like least is
a) Cooking.
b) Shopping.
c) Washing.
d) Ironing.

4. Pam feels that women differ from men in that they
a) Take more pleasure in housework.
b) Show their feelings more openly.
c) Find small children less tiring.
d) Lose their tempers more often.

5. According to John, the arrangement he and Pam have for sharing duties in the home
a) Has been difficult to achieve.
b) Resulted from their political beliefs.
c) Still leads to many disagreements.
d) Developed naturally from the start.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

There are some phrases in the text which are printed in red. Re-read the text to see if you understand them. Later work with the activity below.

You can download all the activities in Word format:

Wordsearch: Clothes

2010-10-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

How many words to talk about clothes do you know? Why don't you try this wordsearch to test you.
CLOTHES-Interactive wordsearch
Print or save a copy

Cross cultural negotiations - 2nd part

2010-10-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Watch the second part of this video about cross cultural negotiations and take the quiz below.

Paraphrasing for FCE

2010-10-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

The sports shop is repairing my racquet at the moment.
I'm ________________________________________________
The weather was so nice that we decided to eat outdoors.
_________________ weather ___________________________
They made me do all the work alone.
I was ________________________________________________
I wish I'd finished my homework at the weekend!
I regret ________________________________________________
If you don't take care of those shoes, they won't last long.
Unless ________________________________________________
'Don't forget to take your packed lunches, children,' said the teacher.
The teacher reminded ________________________________________________
They have just elected Tom's mother as a member of parliament.
Tom is the boy ________________________________________________
After two or three days, you won't notice the cold weather so much.
___________________ used ___________________________________
In spite of the rain, he went on walking.
Even though ________________________________________________
Simon ate too much and felt sick.
What a fool! If ________________________________________________

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Paraphrasing – FCE or above

2010-10-23T14:23:00.001-07:00

I got home very late, that's why I didn't phone you.
If _________________________________________
It will be necessary to pay the full amount when you book.
The full amount _________________________________________
I regret telling John about it.
If only _________________________________________
I'd rather drive than be driven.
I prefer _________________________________________
Is there an earlier flight than this?
I'd like to know _________________________________________
We haven't got enough money to buy a car.
If _________________________________________
Try not to firy food which can be grilled.
__________________________ avoid ______________________
My grandfather tried to read the print but it was terribly small.
The print was _________________________________________
It's the cheapest watch but it's the nicest.
Not only _________________________________________
'Please don't tell anyone else what I've told you,' she said to him.
She urged _________________________________________

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Paraphrasing – (FCE)

2010-10-23T14:22:00.001-07:00

Despite her injured ankle, Margaret still won the tennis match.
Although _________________________________________
Elvis failed his driving test because he didn't have enough lessons.
If _________________________________________
The information I got from the assistant was so confusing that I didn't know what to do.
The assistant gave _________________________________________
'Don't touch that dog. It's dangerous,' Uncle Tim said to me.
Uncle Tim warned _________________________________________
What a pity I didn't insist on your training harder!
I wish _________________________________________
I supposed he misunderstood my message. That's why he was furious with me.
He _____________________ because he was furious with me.
They don't let you park here on Saturdays.
You aren't _________________________________________
Someone stole liver's watch when he was getting on the train.
Oliver _________________________________________
I always go to bed late, so it isn't a problem for me.
I'm _________________________________________
People believe the world is getting warmer.

The world _________________________________________

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Paraphrasing - FCE

2010-10-22T19:26:00.001-07:00

Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.

We only found out about this house because Claire showed us the advertisement for it.
If ___________________________________________________________
It is a pity she didn't tell us about it before.
I wish ________________________________________________________
I wonder how old this house is
I wonder when __________________________________________________
It was the cheapest and the nicest as well.
Not only ________________________________________________________
When did you start living there?
How long ________________________________________________________
We moved two months ago.
We ________________________________________________________
The Coast Guard made the boats turn back when the race had just started.
The boats ________________________________________________________
I am sure they weren't serious.
They ___________________________________________________________
Oh, yes! The weather was so bad that all the boats had to go back.
Oh, yes! It was such _______________________________________________
The Coast Guard says they will only change their mind if the weather clears up.
The Coast Guard says they won't ____________________________________

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Paraphrasing (FCE)

2010-10-22T17:16:00.001-07:00

Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.

It would be a good idea to phone and ask for information about tours.
We suggest you __________________________________________________
The last time I visited Europe was a year ago.
I (not) _______________________________________________________
Although the girl at the travel agency is the daughter of a rich man, she seldom travels.
In spite ____________________________________________________
I'm sure Nick hasn't left for Europe yet. I saw him last night.
Nick can't ___________________________________________________
It's impossible to cross the road because of the traffic.
The traffic makes ___________________________________________
You can't get there during the rush hour without taking a taxi.
Unless ______________________________________________________
It'll be necessary for you to rent a flat nearer your office.
Soon you ________________________________________________________
The children should be in bed by now.
It's time _____________________________________________________
They are too young to be up so late.
They aren't old ___________________________________________________
We should have turned off the TV ages ago.
The TV should ___________________________________________________

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

CAE - Use of English - Cloze

2010-10-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

The text below offers some practice for the Use of English section of the CAE exam. Remember you need to use only one word in each space.

CAE - Reading - Missing paragraphs

2010-10-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

The text below can be useful to practise reading comprehension and to practise for the CAE exam.

Memory game with similar sounds

2010-10-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

The website "manythings.org" has amazing tools for people that are learning English. I've found these games very useful to improve our sounds. Sometimes it may be difficult for students to easily recognize the differences between vowel sounds or between some consonant sounds, so these games may come really handy.
Concentration games

Vocabulary games

2010-10-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

Learning vocabulary is essential if you are learning a new language. I've found a website with lots of interactive games to practise vocabulary.
English flashgames

Video: Suitable poetry (video and true/false sentences)

2010-10-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Watch this video and decide if the following sentences are true or false.

A bit of Fry and Laurie - Poetry » funny quizzes

Business: Giving a presentation or speech (video from a film)

2010-10-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

The film "What women want", starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt, gives us a peek into the advertising industry. In this section of the film, Darcy McGuire is giving a speech on her first day as a manager for the company Sloan and Curtiss. As you watch and listen to the video, fill in the blanks in the activity below.

Read the information below, which is adapted from Roger Darlington's website, and after that watch the video again to see what techniques has Darcy used when delivering her speech.

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD SPEECH

You should convey a sense of enthusiasm for the subject. This will effect your delivery and how your speech is received.
Occasionally alter the speed, volume and tone of your delivery.
Don't make a rambling opening. There is nothing worse than the speaker who starts with something like: "When I was asked to speak on this subject, I wondered what to say .."
Make a dramatic opening which seizes the attention with the very first words.
Have a very clear structure. A good technique is to tell your audience what you are going to say, tell them, and then tell them what you have said. A good structure is for the core message to be three linked points which can be sub-divided as necessary.
Another possible structure which can work well, if it is appropriate is, to use a narrative or a story. Stories really engage listeners and give a speech direction and flow. For instance, you might be describing how you chose your career or enjoyed a holiday or how a company found success or came to change strategy.
Put the main verb early in the sentence, especially if it is a long sentence.
Consider the use of short sentences or even short phrases for dramatic effect.
Use striking adjectives and adverbs. Not simply: "We face many challenges" but "We face many exciting challenges".
Consider the use of striking images in the form of metaphors or similes. For example: "an iron curtain" (Winston Churchill, 1946), "a paper tiger" (Mao Zedong, 1946),"the axis of evil" (George Bush, 2002).
Make moderate use of alliteration in phrases or sentences. For example, some phrases: "broadband Britain", "the digital divide", "silver surfers". For example, some sentences: "The ballot is stronger than the bullet" (Abraham Lincoln, 1856) or "Now let us fulfil our mandate and our mission" (Gordon Brown, Labour Party Conference 2002).
Consider the use of rhyme. For example: "We will fight to show that we are right".
Use contrasts. For example: "Politics is war without bloodshed, while war is politics with bloodshed" (Mao Zedong, lecture, 1938.
Make temporal comparisons. For example: "When the company was first founded .." or "When we first moved to this office .." and "Many challenges are still the same" or "The situation now is so different".
Make geographical comparisons. Compare and contrast your situation with other companies or other organisations or with other regions or other countries.
Use three-part lists. For example: "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people" (Abraham Lincoln, 1863) or "I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, ill-nourished" (Franklin D Roosevelt, second inaugural address, 1937.
Very occasionally, consider a longer list. For example, a list of four: "We shall fight on the beaches; we shall fight on the landing grounds; we shall fight in the fields and in the streets; we shall fight in the hills" (Winston Churchill, House of Commons, 1940).
Repetition can be very effective. Martin Luther King was the absolute master of judicious repetition. For example: in his Washington speech of 28 August 1963, he used the phrases "I have a dream .." and "Let freedom ring ..." again and again (seven times and eight times respectively).
Use short, pithy quotes. Clever people over the years have created witty aphorisms, so you should borrow them when it is appropriate.
Try humour - not by telling a story, but by using a short, witticism.
KISS (Keep it simple, stupid). Don't try to impress with over-complicated terminology.
Remember that 50% of statistics are meaningless. So, if you are intending to use statistics - and some well-chosen figures can add credibility and authority to your arguments - be sure that you understand them, that they are meaningful, and that they are both reliable and up-to-date.
Finish with a strong, affirmative statement, possibly referring back to the opening sentence or question (note how many film scripts end with a variation of a line from the beginning of the movie).

FURTHER READING: "Speeches That Changed The World" with introduction by Simon Sebag Montefiore (Quercus, 2005)

ROGER DARLINGTON - http://www.rogerdarlington.co.uk/index.shtml

Reading and Use of English (PET / FCE)

2010-10-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

The following activity gives some practice with grammar and structures, which are part of most international exams.

Pitfalls in negotiating – Video with multiple choice exercise

2010-10-10T20:01:00.001-07:00

Listen to Professor Horacio Falçao from INSEAD talking about cross cultural negotiations and choose the correct option to answer the questions or complete the sentences below.

What does the professor say about misunderstanding in cross cultural negotiations?
1. People tend to overestimate cross cultural negotiations.
2. People tend both to underestimate and to overestimate cross cultural negotiations at the same time.
3. People tend to underestimate cross cultural negotiations.
When he explains how people underestimate cross cultural negotiations, he says that
1. People tend to look only at national culture.
2. People tend to analyze different cultural aspects.
3. People do not pay attention to differences in culture.
Why do people need to understand that national culture is only a part of the negotiation?
1. Because negotiators can persuade people from any cultural background.
2. Because there are many different cross cultural issues that impact in the way people act.
3. Because if people fail to conform to the national culture, they are out of the negotiation.
As regards overestimating, that is to say making certain assumptions about the other part when these assumptions may not be correct, Professor Falçao explains that
1. People usually make mistakes when they perceive that their national culture is there.
2. People usually make better negotiations when their national culture is there.
3. People usually make mistakes when they try to disguise their national culture to please the other.
Why does he say that it is better to negotiate with an older Muslim woman who lives in the countryside of Mongolia than with a Catholic, middle-aged, lawyer background man from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil?
1. Because the negotiator may feel a certain proximity with the man from Brazil than with the woman from Mongolia, and as a result he may lose money.
2. Because the negotiator may feel a certain proximity with the man from Brazil than with the woman from Mongolia, and as a result he may overestimate that proximity and overlook important aspects of the negotiation.
3. Because the negotiator may feel a certain proximity with the man from Brazil than with the woman from Mongolia, and as a result he may lose run the risk of losing money.
Why is the advantage of carrying out a cross cultural negotiation where proximity is not seen?
1. People do not need to take care of the negotiation as much as when they are negotiating with people from their same background.
2. People can obtain more benefits because the other part does not understand the different cultures.
3. People usually take extra care in the negotiation process and therefore obtain better results.
How can people overcome the fact that there are so many people with so many different cultural backgrounds?
1. People should think that people negotiate in the same way all over the world.
2. People should consider that every negotiation is a cross cultural event.
3. People should negotiate only with those people who have similar cultural backgrounds.
When the interviewer mentions the case of negotiations in Hong Kong, what does he say as regards timing?
1. People in Hong Kong do not waste time and go straight into negotiating.
2. People in Hong Kong take some time after the negotiation is done to reconsider things.
3. People in Hong Kong take some time before the actual negotiation actually begins.
How does Professor Falçao see this example?
1. He thinks that it may be the case of an introvert businessman from Hong Kong.
2. He thinks that people from the West are not as introvert and people from the East.
3. He thinks that this is a very unusual case.
What does he mean by rituals?
1. They are the ways in which people build relationships and communicate with one another.
2. They are the ceremonies done before the negotiation.
3. They are typical ways of communicating that are the same all over the world.

Song: Oh, mother! by Christina Aguilera

2010-10-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

Listen to this song and complete the lyrics using the words from the list below.

again / again / always / back / break / bruises / change / children / face / hurt / innocent / inside / kids / knew / life / life / moment / money / more / over / pain / remember / sick / spent / still / stronger / stronger / tears / thank / thought / through / touch / you /

Stand by me – Listen and complete the lyrics

2010-10-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

When the ________ has come
And the land is ________
And the _______ is the only light we see
No I won't be ________
No I won't be afraid
Just as ______ as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling stand by me
Oh, now, now, stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me

If the ________ that we look upon
Should tumble and _______
And the ________ should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't _________
No I won't shed a ________
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Whenever you're in ________ won't you stand by me
Oh, now, now, stand by me
Oh, stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Darling, darling stand by me
Stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

John Lennon’s birthday

2010-10-09T09:15:00.001-07:00

John Winston Ono Lennon, (9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles and, with Paul McCartney, formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the 20th century.

He was born and raised in Liverpool, and became involved in music since he was a teenager, his first band, The Quarrymen, evolved into The Beatles in 1960. The group became extremely successful. However, some years later it broke up because of differences among its members. After the breaking up of The Beatles, Lennon launched a solo career that transformed him into one of the greatest musicians of all times. Some of his best albums include John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Imagine, and his most iconic songs are "Give Peace a Chance" and "Imagine".

Lennon revealed a rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, his writing, on film, and in interviews, and became controversial through his work as a peace activist. He moved to New York City in 1971, where his criticism of the Vietnam War resulted in a lengthy attempt by Richard Nixon's administration to deport him. His songs were adapted as anthems by the anti-war movement. He disengaed himself from the music business in 1975 to devote time to his family, Lennon reemerged in 1980 with a comeback album, Double Fantasy, but was murdered three weeks after its release.

Lennon's solo album sales in the United States alone stand at 14 million units,and as performer, writer, or co-writer he is responsible for 27 number one singles on the US Hot 100 chart. In 2002, a BBC poll on the 100 Greatest Britons voted him eighth, and in 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him the fifth greatest singer of all time. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. On his birthday on October 09, 2010, Google, in the form of a google doodle, changed its logo to a movie version, to commemorate his achievements.
(adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lennon)

True or False?

John Lennon's full name is John Winston Lennon.
He was born in England.
He grew up in Liverpool.
His first band was called The Beatles.
He started his solo career before The Beatles broke up.
He always lived in England.
He never stopped his music career.
His ideas made him a controversial figure.
He agreed with the Vietnam War.
He was murdered in 1981.
On October 9, 2010 John Lennon would have been 70 years old.
To commemorate his birthday, Google changed its name.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Song: I'd like - Freshlyground

2010-10-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

You can download this activity in Word format:
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LYRICS

Doo be doo - Freshlyground

2010-10-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

You can download this activity in Word format:
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LYRICS

Song: Potbelly - Freshlyground

2010-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

This beautiful song gives a wonderful message, that love is stronger than any differences. Listen and watch the video and complete the lyrics.

You can download this activity in Word format:
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LYRICS

Tenses: Verb forms

2010-10-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

The website English Page has a section dealing with irregular verbs in English. You can check how much you know here:
English Page - iregular verb forms

Verb tenses

2010-10-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

I've found an interesting site called English Page. It has, among other things, tutorials and exercises to practise verb tenses. For all of you interested in the topic, follow the link below:
English Page - Verb tenses

Vocabulary: Learn and help

2010-10-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

If you want to see how much you know about the English language, you can access the website below and play the game. You'll be also helping stop hunger in the world.
Free rice

FCE – Sentence transfornation 1

2010-10-04T09:38:00.001-07:00

Finish the sentences below so that they mean exactly the same as the sentences printed before them.

Harry was beaten by his own dog yesterday.
Harry's ___________________________________
He just won't stop ringing me to tell me about it.
I wish ___________________________________
The dog had rabies, which surprised nobody.
Nobody ___________________________________
Most people think one of the fiercest zoo lions has bitten the dog.
The dog is ___________________________________
I suppose the authorities have killed the dog.
The dog ___________________________________
We can ask Janet. She knows a lot more about it than I do.
We can ask Janet. I don't know about this _________________
I couldn't stay on to find out because I didn't have enough time.
I had too ___________________________________
The workers only complain because of unfair treatment.
If the workers ___________________________________
I positively know they haven't accepted the raise.
They can't ___________________________________
They are very efficient and proud.
Not only ___________________________________

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

FCE – Sentence transformation

2010-10-04T07:13:00.001-07:00

One of the skills required at this level is the ability to rephrase sentences using different structures. This type of activity is not only present in the FCE exam, so this exercise may be useful for anybody at intermediate level or above.

Finish the sentences below so that they mean exactly the same as the sentences printed before them.

Although both his legs were broken in the crash, Tom managed to get out of the car before it exploded.
Despite ________________________________________________________
He was very quick, that's why he saved his life.
If _______________________________________________________________
He really regretted having taken the car out of the garage.
He wished ___________________________________________________
It is the worst accident I have ever seen.
I have _____________________________________________
If we hurry up, we will get to the hospital before the operation starts.
Unless _______________________________________________
It will take us at least an hour to get there.
We will find _________________________________________
It is so chilly we'd better go by underground.
It is such ___________________________________________
The disappearance of the reports was not my fault.
I was __________________________________________
Two men robbed John of his briefcase.
John's briefcase ___________________________________
Whose fault was it?
I wonder ____________________________________________

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Music: Playhouse - Somewhere only we know

2010-10-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Listening to music is an excellent way to learn or practise a new language. Listen to the song and watch the video and then complete the lyrics of the song.

You can download a version to print here:

Music: Jason Mraz - I'm yours

2010-10-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

This beautiful song may surely make you feel better, but it may also help you with your English. Listen and choose the correct option.

You can download a version to print here:

FCE - CAE - Reading and gap filling

2010-09-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world and one of my favourites. Did you know that it was first stolen in 1911? Read this first part of the story and fill in the blanks.

Reading and tenses - newspaper article

2010-09-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL TEXT

Video and Quiz: Hugh Laurie on Friends

2010-09-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Reading and revision of tenses

2010-09-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

The writer Ernesto Sábato is one of the most prestigious writers of Argentina and the world. His works have been translated into many languages and he has received a number of important awards in his life. Read the biography below and complete the gaps using different verb tenses according to the instructions.

You can download this activity in Word format:

CAE - Use of English - Part 4 (one word for three sentences)

2010-09-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

This exercise is to help students with Part 4 of the Use of English section of the CAE exam. The missing words in these sentences come from the reading activity about the man who swam the Amazon, in this blog.

You can download this activity in Word format:

CAE - Reading - Missing paragraphs

2010-09-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Another text to practise this area of the exam. If you are not planning to sit for this exam, you may also find this activity interesting to practise reading comprehension.

You can download this activity in Word format:

Playing for Change: A movement for peace through music

2010-09-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

The movement Playing for Change is doing an amazing job, joining musicians and fans all over the world through music. They get to places which could have been unknown for the rest of the world, just to make us enjoy the beauty of music in those places. I highly recommend that you follow this group, you will not regret it.

Song: Count on me - Bruno Mars

2010-09-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

During our lives we sometimes feel happy and sometimes sad. There are people that help us but there also those who depress us. Let’s start discussing these points:

Ø What cheers you up?

Ø What makes you sad?

Ø Have you ever thought about the things that people do that make you feel happy?

Ø What about the things that people do which depress you?

Ø What things have you done lately that made people happy?

Ø What have you done that let people down?

You are going to read a poem which gives an important message. Write down in a few lines saying what the message is.

Count That Day Lost by George Eliot

If you sit down at set of sun

And count the acts that you have done,

And, counting, find

One self-denying deed, one word

That eased the heart of him who heard,

One glance most kind

That fell like sunshine where it went --

Then you may count that day well spent.

But if, through all the livelong day,

You've cheered no heart, by yea or nay --

If, through it all

You've nothing done that you can trace

That brought the sunshine to one face--

No act most small

That helped some soul and nothing cost --

Then count that day as worse than lost.

Our friends are usually who help us more to feel happy. Listen to this song and fill in the blanks:

PET - Reading and grammar

2010-09-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

The PET exam has a great component of reading and grammar. The activities below are iantended to give some practice with these areas.

You can download these activities in Word format:

Tenses: Simple Past and Reading

2010-09-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is the second part of Maya Angelou's biography. You can practise tenses with this text as well as reading comprehension.

You can download this activity in Word format:

Funny video with Hugh Laurie and quiz about it

2010-09-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Irregular verb forms

2010-09-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Learning the past and past participle forms of irregular verbs in English may be difficult for some students, because they have to memorize them. There are different strategies that can help to memorize them more easily.
Irregular verbs

Means of transport word search game

2010-09-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Means of transport word search game

Poem: Still I Rise

2010-09-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’ makes me think about discrimination,injustice and irrationality, but it also makes me think about hope, about pride and confidence in ourselves, and most of all about love. Love for our people, for ourselves, but also for those who can’t understand us. I hope you find it as moving as I find it.

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise.

Tenses: Verb forms

2010-09-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you are studying the irregular verb forms in English, you can try the following crossword to check how much you know.

You can print the crossword here:Empty grid to print

You can see or print the answers here:Answers

Tenses: Simple Past and Reading

2010-09-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Maya Angelou is a very important African American writer. Her life is an example of passion and hard work. The text below provides the first part of her biography. Read the text and practise the Simple Past tense by completing the gaps with the right verb forms.

You can download all the activities in Word format:

Tenses: Simple Past and Past Perfect

2010-09-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Read the text below and fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in brackets in Simple Past or Past Perfect form.

You can download all the activities in Word format:

FCE - Reading and Use of English

2010-09-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Reading is an important part of the FCE exam. You should be able to understand the gist of a text as well as the meanings of unfamiliar words from context. The text below provides some practice with Reading as well as with Use of English, Cloze and vocabulary.

What did David Cassidy do before he retired?
What made him decide to retire?
How did his life change afterwards?

Vocabulary

You can download all the activities in Word format:

CAE - Reading - Missing paragraphs

2010-09-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Read this text and decide which are the missing paragraphs and where they should be placed.

Irregular Verbs - Past forms

2010-09-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is another little game for students practising irregular verbs in the past form.

Irregular Verbs - Past forms

2010-09-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Learning the past forms of irregular verbs in English may be problematic for some students. You could try this little matching game to see how much you can remember.

CAE - Use of English - Cloze

2010-09-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Another activity to practise Use of English for CAE exam.

CAE - Use of English - Cloze

2010-09-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

This exercise gives practice for Use of English.

CAE - Use of English - Cloze

2010-09-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

This is another exercise to help students preparing the CAE exam with their Use of English.

CAE - Use of English - Cloze

2010-09-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Read the following text and choose the correct letter to fill in the gaps.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Twenty Irregular Verbs - Listen and Read (The Daily English Show)

2010-09-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Daily English Show is an excellent site to learn and practise English. The video below comes from this site. It offers some practice with irregular verbs.

Simple Past - Reading, questions and dialogue

2010-09-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Read the text below and use Simple Past to complete the gaps.

Answer the following questions about the text.

1. When did Mr Thompson travel to Tokyo?
2. Who did he visit there?
3. How many other contacts did he make?
4. What day did Mr Thompson arrive in Tokyo?
5. Did he arrive on June 28th?
6. What time did he arrive there?
7. Why did he arrive later than expected?
8. Who was at the airport to pick him up?
9. What did he do after leaving the airport?
10. Who did he meet at the company?
11. Where did Mr Fujimoto invite Mr Thompson?
12. How many daughters did Mr Fujimoto have?
13. What did they eat at Fujimoto’s house?
14. Did they talk about business during the meal?
15. What did they talk about?

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

You can download all the activities in Word format:

CAE - Use of English - Part 4 (one word for three sentences)

2010-09-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

This part of the exam tests your knowledge of vocabulary, in particular words that have more than one meaning and which can be used as verbs, nouns, adj., in idioms, colloquial expressions, etc.

Tenses - Present simple and Present continuous

2010-09-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

The text below gives some practice with these two basic English tenses

Listening - Song: Airport (The Motors)

2010-08-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

Listening to songs in probably the most entertaining way of practising your English. This is not a new song, but I think it is a very good one. I hope you enjoy it and you can practise your English too.

CAE - Reading paper practice - Missing paragraphs

2010-08-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

This text is good to practise Reading Comprehension and it is also useful for those preparing the CAE exam.

Don't miss the video related to this activity after you've finished it.

You can download the reading activity and a vocabulary activity in Word format:

CAE - Reading Multiple Choice

2010-08-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Reading is essential in the CAE exam. Try practising for the exam with the activity below.

CAE - Reading - missing paragraphs

2010-08-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is another reading passage to practise this part of the exam.

Games - Clothing wordsearch

2010-08-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

Let's revise vocabulary about clothing with this wordsearch.

Game - Questions and answers

2010-08-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

You can choose the type of game you want to play to practise questions and answers.

Click here for larger version

Game - Food and drink

2010-08-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

this is a very easy game to revise some vocabulary.

Click here for larger version

CAE - Reading Paper practice1

2010-08-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

You can work with the exercise below to practice part of the Reading paper of the CAE exam.

CAE - Reading Paper practice

2010-08-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

The exercise below is to practise the section of the Reading paper where you have to insert paragraphs that have been removed.

CAE - Listening practice

2010-08-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

You can practise with the text below for listening comprehension.

CAE - Use of English

2010-08-23T20:23:00.001-07:00

You can go to the link below to practise for the CAE exam - Paper 3.
CAE Use of English

CAE Paper 3 - Structural Cloze

2010-08-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

If you need some help with Paper 3 of the CAE exam, you can practise with the following activity

CAE - Paper 3 - Cloze

2010-08-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

If you need some help with Paper 3 of the CAE exam, you can practise with the following activity

CAE Use of English Cloze (Part 3)

2010-08-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

If you need some help with Paper 3 of the CAE exam, you can practise with the following activity

Would you like?

2010-08-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Listen to the song and complete the lyrics.
The song comes from the following site: http://www.songsforteaching.com/esleflesol.htm

Introduction to CAE exam

2010-08-07T14:22:00.001-07:00

In this presentation you will find information about this exam.

Cae presentation

View more presentations from alejafer.

My first little story

2010-08-06T17:59:00.001-07:00

Have a look at this very short story that I invented and answer the questions below.

When did I go on holiday?
Where did I go?
Where did I stay?
What did I do?
Who did I meet?