Argente’s blog

It is 1963 and Doctor Martin Luther king is giving a speech before a huge crowd in     Washington        and he shares his dream:

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

Click on the following link to read and listen to the speech

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

and the dream has come true. We are witnessing a historical moment and I invite you to listen to the first African-American president of a new era. One day we will tell our grandchildren about wednesday 5th November 2008 and this particular speech. Read an extract of what Barack Obama says in his victory speech before thousands of supporters in Chicago, his hometown.

.

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell Yes,We can

Watch and read the victory speech if you click on the following link

http://www.multimedia-english.com/htm/videos/2008/programmes/obamas-victory-speech.htm

Time to visit the school library and pick up a book from the adapted reading section.

• Each book is classified according to topics( adventure, mystery, drama etc…) and it has a coloured sticker that marks its level of difficulty. Choose the appropriate level for 1º NI.

• Read the book and listen to it, if it comes with a CD.

• Use the Book Report Organizer  to take notes on the book you are writing about. You can download it if you click on the words in blue; there will be one availabe in class and you only have to copy it.

• Use the tips provided in the following website http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/hh/writeideas/articles/0,28372,634427,00.html

• Write your bookreport and hand it to the teacher.

• You have from November 2008 until the end of February 2009.

• Remember that reading is essential to fix grammatical structures and vocabulary!!

Halloween is practically round the corner; next Friday 31st is the time of the year when spirits are believed to wander around the earth.At least, that is what the ancient Celts used to believe,and that is why they would try to scare the spirits away.

Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever experienced an encounter with a spirit?

This is the question asked to several people in the following interview.Click on the link below and you will be able to listen to six people with different accents( Canada, Britain, USA, Sweden and Australia)You can also read the transcript, after you have listened to their answers a couple of times.

http://www.elllo.org/english/Mixer/55-Ghosts.html#TextPage  

If you have time, write a comment, and answer the question:

Do you believe in ghosts?

in Unit 3 we read about The Grand Canyon, which is considered one of the great world wonders and I am sure everyone has seen pictures like this one below

But, Do you know where it is located? How was it formed? etc…

Just a couple of minutes to take this simple quiz on The Grand Canyon

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/games/brainteaser/grandcanyon/grandcanyon.html

I would love to visit the Grand Canyon myself,I have to confess. It’s one of those things that is considered a “once in a lifetime” experience or something to do before we pass away.. Let’s take a virtual trip to Arizona, and see for ourselves if  it is worthwhile flying across the Atlantic.

Watch the video and ask the following question? Which adjectives do visitors use to describe this natural wonder?

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=STxZcdVk3Tk&feature=related

 Yesss!!! Awesome!!

Awesome means: inspiring awe

There’s another adjective worth learning: awe-inspiring¨: amazing, magnificemt or breathtaking

What adjective would you use to describe it?

Friday 31st November we celebrate Halloween in the English-speaking world and probably you know a little about this ancient celebration that is becoming so popular in Spain. I don’t know about you but this celebration is a favourite of mine and I do enjoy doing a special class on it. However, if you could not come to class and you still want to research a little bit more on the historical aspects of this festivity. Stop and have a look at the following links and watch the videos.

Watch the following clip on the origins of Halloween in the National Geographic Channel.

Go to the website of ” THE HISTORY CHANNEL”  and find out about the history of this Celtic Celebration:

History

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=713&display_order=1&mini_id=1076

 Halloween comes to America

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=715&display_order=1&sub_display_order=2&mini_id=1076

 Today’s Traditions

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=714&display_order=1&sub_display_order=3&mini_id=1076

 Around the world

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=727&display_order=1&sub_display_order=4&mini_id=1076

 Superstitions

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=56057&display_order=1&sub_display_order=5&mini_id=1076

The History of Jack O’lantern 

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=716&display_order=4&mini_id=1076

Watch a video about the legend of Jack O’lantern.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=dcpeiEgi9Z8&feature=related

or click on the following link:

http://link.history.com/services/link/bcpid1811456971/bclid1840692542/bctid1840617551

Margaret Atwood has been recently awarded the Principe de Asturias prize for her literary career and she has visited Oviedo to collect her award in the ceremony that takes place around this time of the year. She  has also visited the Faculty of  Arts and Languages at the University of Oviedo and read extracts from her work.In the school library we have several volumes of some of her novels, so I recommend you to have a look at them and maybe read one of her novels.

If you want to read a profile about this interesting Canadian writer, go to the following link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/audiointerviews/profilepages/atwoodm2.shtml

And if like me, you could not attend her talk last Thursday at the Faculty of Philology, we can still listen to her talking about her book Moral Disorder and also about her early career aspirations

Click on the link below

http://www.booklounge.ca/multimedia/atwoodmargaret/index.html

I would like to welcome all of you , students from first course intermediate level ( 1NI) and second course advanced level ( 2NA) to my blog. Here you will be able to find interesting resources, tips, and useful info for your language learning. Feel free to send your comments or suggestions. So Welcome aboard!

First of all some tips for your language learning in Spanish. Read carefully:

Ideas para el aprendizaje de lengua extranjera

1. Todos los días repasa lo que has hecho en clase. Revisa la lectura, el vocabulario, la gramática etc…
2. No hagas los ejercicios del libro en el mismo y si lo haces utiliza lápiz. De esta manera tu libro estará siempre disponible para repasar ejercicios y lecciones.
3. Utiliza una libreta o clasificador en el que puedas organizar el material en diferentes secciones: vocabulario, gramática, escritura etc… ¡Organiza bien tu cuaderno de clase, te ahorrará trabajo!
4. La comprensión oral es una destreza que necesita un trabajo continuado, así que os recomiendo trabajar de forma sistemática con los cds del libro, el cd rom u otros materiales complementarios.

¡Escucha todos los días un poquito! 

1. Cuando se trabaje un nuevo aspecto gramatical, tema de vocabulario etc… Procura hacer los ejercicios que te asignen y los del libro de ejercicios del libro. Si hay dudas, pregunta a tu profe.

¡Procura mantener el workbook al día!  

1. Registra el vocabulario que aprendas en tu cuaderno, añadiendo siempre la transcripción fonética y un ejemplo que te sirva para ver la palabra en contexto. Si hay alguna preposición u otra característica asociada a la palabra resáltalo con un rotulador fosforito. Agrupa el vocabulario por temas o afinidades. Usa los mindmaps o diagramas, son útiles para familias de vocablos. ¡Para hablar inglés, se necesita mucho más de mil palabras! No olvides repasar vocabulario ¿Cómo?

1. Utiliza tarjetas. Por una cara escribes la palabra y por el otro una frase con hueco. Lee las frases con el hueco y decide que palabra falta y lo corriges mirando el reverso.
2. Haz listas de palabras en dos columnas en un lado la palabra en inglés y en la otra en español. Tapa una columna y comprueba de cuantas palabras te acuerdas.
3. Repasa la sección de vocabulario del libro. Es muy útil.
4. Usa dibujos o fotos, e  intenta nombrar los objetos que ves. Por ejemplo, cuando estudias la casa, nombrar diferentes objetos o mobiliario que ves en el dibujo.

En Internet, hay muchos materiales para repasar vocabulario.La profesora os indicará websites que podéis visitar.  

7.¡ Lee algo todas las semanas! Es la manera más sencilla de consolidar vocabulario y gramática. Con un poco de lectura semanal, tu inglés mejorará espectacularmente.

¿Qué puedes leer? Libros graduados, algunos artículos de revistas como Speak Up, historias cortas y artículos sencillos de revistas o periódicos digitales.Visita la biblioteca de la EOI Gijón y la página web de la EOI ( en la sección recursos alumnos inglés), encontrarás todo tipo de recursos. No dudes en pedir consejo a tu profe. 

8.¡ Hay que escribir y hablar para poner en práctica lo que has asimilado!

No olvides hacer los trabajos de redacción o escritura que la profesora asigne. Fíjate bien en las correcciones y si tienes dudas, pregúntale.Haz un listado de tus errores más comunes, y revísalo antes de ponerte a escribir. Hay que dedicarle tiempo a escribir, y a veces hacer un pequeño esquema o borrador antes.

En clase procura dirigirte a tu profe y compañeros todo el tiempo en inglés, incluso cuando pidas prestado una goma de borrar,¡Esa es la comunicación real!¡Qué no te dé corte hablar en inglés en clase ¡ Todos metemos de vez en cuando la pata, … y así es como se aprende y mejora! 

  Here you have some tips to write a well-planned”for and against” essay.

“For and Against” essays - guide

One type of argumentative essay is that which gives advantages and disadvantages (for and against). It is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view. A good essay of this type should consist of:

• an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic. This means that you talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion;
• a main body in which the points tor and the points against, along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs; and
• a closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced consideration of the topic.

Note: In this type of essay writing, you must not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can only be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic.

Points to consider

• Make a list of the points for and against a topic before you start writing.
• Write well-developed paragraphs in which the points you present are supported with justification, (i.e. reasons or examples). Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence, e.g. One advantage of using a word processor is that it saves time. It is much quicker to make corrections on one than it is to do them by hand.
• Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language (e.g. I firmly believe, etc.)
• Try to include a quotation relevant to the topic you are writing about. For example, if you are writing an essay on space exploration, a quotation you may include is: “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong)
• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.

Linking words/phrases

• To introduce points: one major advantage (or disadvantage) of, a further advantage, one point of view in favour of/against
• To list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least
• To add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that
• To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that
• To introduce examples: for example, for instance, like, especially, such as, in particular
• To conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated

Techniques for beginnings and endings

The first paragraph may:

• make reference to a strange scene or situation, e.g. Some scientists believe that in tne future everyone will be genetically perfect
• address the reader directly, e.g. Are you aware of any characteristics which you may have inherited from your parents? or ask a rhetorical question (question to which no answer is expected), e.g. isn’t it amazing how some children look so much like their parents?
• start with a quotation, e.g. “Genetics holds the key to the future”

   The last paragraph may:

• state a personal opinion, e.g. In my opinion, I believe, in my view, It seems to me. The way I see it, I think, etc.
• give the reader something to consider, e.g. Perhaps the world would be a safer and more efficient piace if everyone was geneticali}’ perfect
• end with a quotation, e.g. “Genetics holds the key to tne future”, or a rhetorical question, e.g. K/fraf will they think of next?

Have look at the example

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss.”

   Have you ever considered becoming your own boss? In recent years the number of people choosing to start their own business has risen significantly. Many claim that this is because more and more people are no longer content to work for someone else.
One of the main advantages of being self-employed is the fact that you are completely self-reliant and can make decisions on your own. This can give you a great sense of freedom and allows you to do exactly what you want without interference from anyone else. What is more, your working day can be planned for your convenience, allowing you to work when you want rather than when you have to. Finally, if your business is successful, people will know that you alone should be given the credit.
However, there are disadvantages to being your own boss. Many self-employed people hr.e said that to build a successful business, you have to be prepared to work long hours and sacrifice your personal life. As B. C. Forbes once said, “If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.” Moreover, a 1996 government study found that over a quarter of the businesses run by newly self-employed people failed within the first two years.
All things considered, it seems to me that self-employment can be a very gratifying experience, although not one without difficulties. But when success is achieved, the greatest reward of all is the knowledge that you have done it on your own.

these tips were taken from:  http://leeloo.moo.pl/~fedey/eng/index.html

 Also visit:

http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/essaymap/

Here you have some guidelines to make the oral presentation for this term. You can download them if you wish. There will be a copy on the noticeboard and in Páginas de Profesores, EOIGijón website.

Remember to put your name down for a specific day on the Speech Calendars ( noticeboard in class)

How to do the oral presentation 

1. Read an article from a magazine such as Speak Up or Think in English ( available in the library) or from InternetVisit the following links:

http://www.world-newspapers.com/
http://findarticles.com/http://

www.allyoucanread.com/

http://newslink.org/

http://www.thepaperboy.com/

http://www.time.com/time/

http://www.newsweek.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/ 

2.Look up words or vocabulary you don’t know and check the pronunciation.

3.Write out the presentation in rough, just like a first draft of a written report. Review the draft. You will find things that are irrelevant or superfluous-delete them.

 4.Rehearse your presentation. Bear in mind you will be speaking only for five minutes! 

5.Never read from a script. It is also unwise to have the talk written out in detail as a prompt sheet - the chances are you will not locate the thing you want to say amongst all the other text.  

6. You should know most of what you want to say! So prepare cue cards which have key words and phrases (and possibly sketches) on them. Postcards are ideal for this. Don’t forget to number the cards in case you drop them. 

7. Make list of specific words (necessary to understand the talk) that other students in class might not know, and pre-teach them before you start the talk. 

Making the presentation                                

Greet the audience (for example, ‘Good morning, ladies and gentlemen’), and tell them who you are. Good presentations then follow this formula:

• tell the audience what you are going to tell them,

• then tell them,

• at the end tell them what you have told them.

Keep to the time allowed.

Delivery

Speak clearly. Don’t shout or whisper - judge the acoustics of the room. Don’t rush, or talk deliberately slowly. Be natural - although not conversational. There’s no need to be nervous!!

Deliberately pause at key points - this has the effect of emphasising the importance of a particular point you are making.

Use your hands to emphasise points but don’t indulge in to much hand waving. People can, over time, develop irritating habits.

Look at the audience as much as possible, but don’t fix on an individual - it can be intimidating.

Pitch your presentation towards the back of the audience, especially in larger rooms.

Finally …,

Enjoy yourself. The audience will be on your side and want to hear what you have to say!  

On 22nd November Thanksgiving will be celebrated in every US home. I’m sure you have seen movie scenes in which families are celebrating this festivity. What do you really know about it?

1. Try to do this quiz and check out your knowledge about this traditional US celebration:

LInk:

http://www.funology.com/braindrains/bd024.htm

2. Go to the”History Channel” and watch the video” The History of Thanksgiving”. Try to answer the following questions.

Link:

http://www.history.com/minisites/thanksgiving/

First Part.

“ The Pilgrims”

Watch the video and answer the following questions:

1. How do Americans celebrate “ Thanksgiving” nowadays?
2. Who is the “iconic inspiration” for today’s celebration?
3. What happened in the winter of 1620?
4. How did the Wapanoag tribe help the colonists?
5. Why did the colonists invite their Indian neighbours to a three-day-long feast?
6. What was eaten on that feast?
7. What was the nature of this celebration for later generations of colonists?
8. What did the governor of each colony decree every autumn?
9. Who embarked on an energetic campaign in the mid 19^th century to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday?
10. What did Abraham Lincoln declare in 1863?
11. Who organizes the Thanksgiving Parade in
    New York City?
12. What is the nature of this celebrations nowadays?

Check out the answers to the questions.

Key

“ The Pilgrims”

Watch the video and answer the following questions:

1. How do Americans celebrate “ Thanksgiving” nowadays?

Eating turkey ( 45 million turkeys), watching football on TV, resting and spending time with the family.

1. Who is the “iconic inspiration” for today’s celebration?

The pilgrims of
Plymouth, Massachussets .( a group of English Protestants, known as the Puritans, began to disapprove of the Church of England’s sympathies towards the Catholics. They set sail from Plymouth on a ship called the Mayflower and founded a new church in
America)

1. What happened in the winter of 1620?

They had a hard winter and nearly half of them died.

1. How did the Wapanoag tribe help the colonists?

The Indians helped the settlers to hunt and fish.

1. Why did the colonists invite their Indian neighbours to a three-day-long feast? That first year’s harvest was good, so the Pilgrims wanted to thank God and the Indians .
2. What was eaten on that feast? Not turkey, but roast goose, cod, corn and lobster.
3. What was the nature of this celebration for later generations of colonists? It was an eminently religious celebration involving praying, fasting and giving thanks to God.
4. What did the governor of each colony decree every autumn? A feast to give thanks for bountiful ( large) harvests, victorious battles and rain.
5. Who embarked on an energetic campaign in the mid 19^th century to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday? Sarah Josepha Hale ( a determined magazine editor).
6. What did Abraham Lincoln declare in 1863? He declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.
7. Who organizes the Thanksgiving Parade in
   New York City? Macy’s department store in NY city
8. What is the nature of this celebration nowadays? A family celebration. ( to give thanks for what we have and to spend some quality time with your beloved), a kick off to Christmas shopping!!