LISTENING NO. 4: Car rental, a car accident, car repairs

CAR RENTAL

http://www.esl-lab.com/rentcar/rentcarrd1.htm

http://www.esl-lab.com/vocab/v-car-rental.htm

ROLEPLAY

Let's imagine we are at a car rental's. Think of one type of car you want to rent. One of you will play the role of the person at the car rental's and the rest will play the role of the customers.

PREPARATION

1. VOCABULARY

First, let's learn to call types of cars in English. Read the following link:

http://www.smartmotorist.com/car-accessories-fuel-and-maintenance/vehicle-types-types-of-car.html

2. TAKING NOTES

If you are going to play the role of the person at the rental place, write a list of possible cars for each category, including the price and the make.

If you are going to play the role of the customer, think of a reason to rent a rental car and write down all necessary questions for the person at the counter.

CAR REPAIRS

http://www.esl-lab.com/repairs/repairsrd1.htm

VOCABULARY NO. 4: The car

PREPARATION

In our session today we will visit different web pages to learn to call the different parts of a car. We will also do some exercises to practice and assimilate the words along the way.

Exercise no. 1: Write down as many words as you can remember that are related to the parts of a car

Link no. 1: Learn with images:

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-26009.php

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8341883/Car-parts-picture-dictionary

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/words/car.htm

Exercise no. 2: After visiting the previous links, let's see how many words we are capable of writing down now.

Link no. 2: Learn with definitions. Reading aloud:

http://www.vocabulary.cl/Advanced/Car_Parts.htm

Exercise no. 3: Draw a picture of a car and write as many words as you can remember

Link no. 3: Listen to the pronunciation.

http://www.languageguide.org/im/car/eng/

INTENSIVE PRACTICE

http://www.manythings.org/vocabulary/lists/a/words.php?f=car_parts_us_1

http://www.world-english.org/carparts.htm

Do you think you know all of the parts of a car now?

GRAMMAR NO. 4: Too/either, So/neither

EXPLANATION

Too/either and so/neither are used to express our agreement to what another person has said.

Too is used when the verb is in the affirmative form. For example:

A: I have a red Ferrari

B: I have one, too

Either is used when the verb is in the negative form. For example:

A: I don't have a Ferrari

B: I don't have one either

But in English, we don't need to use long replies to express our agreement. This is not necessary because our agreement is with the entire sentence, so we use an auxiliary:

do/does when the verb is in the simple present

are/is when the original verb is in the present continuous

will when the original verb is in the future

have/has when the original verb is in a perfective tense

a modal when the original verb uses a modal, etc.

Too/so are used when we agree in the affirmative. For example:

A: I have an SUV (sport utility vehicle, a family car)

B: I have one too OR So do I

Either/neither are used when we agree in the negative. For example:

A: I don't have a bike

B: I don't have one either OR Neither do I

When we use so/neither, the verb must go in the affirmative form and the order of the sentence takes the form of a question. More examples:

So must I

Neither will they

So should I

Neither are we

So is she

Neither are Peter and Susan

So do I

Neither will he

So can we

Neither could they

Can you find the first part of the aforementioned phrases with so and neither?

IMPORTANT!!!

So, too, either and neither have other functions in English. We will study them in the following sessions.

PRACTICE

http://www.eslbee.com/cobaq/quizzes/13_so_too_neither.htm

http://www.eflnet.com/grammar/soneithertut.php

http://www.eflnet.com/grammar/soneither1.php

http://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/so_neither-ex.htm

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-49198.php

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-68857.php

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-57421.php

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-69398.php

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-67793.php

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-58137.php

http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizshow.php?title=lesson-76-too-so-either-neither&quesnum=1

SPEAKING NO. 4: Discussion - "It is impossible not to judge someone from their external appearance"

In this session, we will discuss the topic "It is impossible not to judge someone from their external appearance". The preliminary issues to discuss are the following:

1) We express outside what we have inside, so, if we are not tidy outside, that means we will not be organized either at work or home
2) Even though getting to know someone would be fantastic, it is not always necessary to know someone deeply. At work, for example, knowing someone's qualities for work are enough to interact with a person. Our external appearance must be elaborated so that we show a nice facade that everyone can like, we don't really need to show how we are at work, but need to have a socially accepted appearance.

Some useful ideas

Below you will find a list of expressions, vocabulary that you can use when you discuss in English:

Opening a discussion

To begin with,

We need to discuss /determine / find out

Let's start by (V ing)

We'll start by (V ing)

The problem / issue / question here is . . .

The important thing (here) is . . .

The main thing we need to discuss is . . .

Let's look at . . .

It looks like . . .

It appears that . . .

Asking for input

What do you think?

How about you?

How do you feel about that?

Any ideas on that?

Responding

(That sounds like a) good idea.

Sounds good.

The problem with that is . . .

That raises / brings up the issue of . . .

Giving your opinion

I think that . . .

I don't think that . . .

In my opinion . . .

Asking for support or details

Why do you think that?

Could you elaborate?

Could you give (me) an example?

Can you illustrate that?

What evidence do you have?

Could you explain it in more detail?

Could you provide some details?

Supporting your opinions

Let me illustrate,

For example,

For instance,

To give you an example,

Let me give you an example,

To elaborate,

First, (second), etc.

(These phrases can be followed by details, examples, elaboration, or a summary of your main points.)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: 22-25 February

Weekly Schedule 22-25 Feb

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LISTENING NO. 3: Facial Expressions are not Universal

Please, follow this link to complete the listening:


http://www.BreakingNewsEnglish.com/0908/090817-facial_expressions.html

VOCABULARY NO. 3: Description of clothing

Let's review first the section VOCABULARY NO. 2: Clothing here

Now, it is time to practice using adjectives AND clothing:

http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/itc/DescriptionOfClothing/default.htm

http://www.britishcouncil.org.br/etp/unit15c.html

GRAMMAR NO. 3: Canonical Order of Adjectives

English adjectives always precede the noun, or they follow verb "to be". For example:

I want to buy a new car

This car is new

Adjectives in English can never go in the plural. For example:

He is 3 years old

BUT

I have a 3-year-old boy

Adjectives admit different "grades".

1) the same ... as; as ... as; so ... as; not so ... as

2) ...-er than; more ... than

3) the ...-est; the most ...

But an interesting aspect of English adjectives is that, when they appear in a series, they usually take a "canonical order".

Some links to exercises: 1. Some basic exercise here 2. More here 3. A game here LET´S CHECK HOW MUCH WE HAVE LEARNED DOING THIS QUIZ

WEEKLY SCHEDULE 15-18 FEB

Weekly Sched 15-18 Feb

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LISTENING NO. 2: Alexis Ohanian. How to make a splash in social media

BEFORE LISTENING

1. What is the meaning of the following words?

splash - stuff - pop up - humpback - that crazy - put up signals - accomplished - kind of - be up front - poll

2. Phrase Matching:

a. That's what you'd call 1. that crazy about it

b. The democratic front page 2. accomplished

c. This is actually about discovering 3. is the best stuff on the web

d. These humpback whales 4. to participate

e. Greenpeace actually wasn't 5. up front

f. And people were putting up 6. a social news website

g. Mission 7. were getting killed

h. were happy 8. how the internet works

i. And this is kind of 9. discovering new things that pop up on the web

j. Be honest, be 10. signs in the real world

LISTENING

AFTER THE LISTENING

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the name of the website that is presented here?

2. What is it for?

3. What poll does he talk about?

4. Did Greenpeace accomplish their objectives?

WRITING NO. 2: Communication Addiction Disorder

"Communication Addiction Disorder" is a behavior disorder related to the necessity of being in constant communication with other people even when there is not a real necessity for that. In the following link you will find some interesting remarks on this issue:

http://psychcentral.com/archives/walther_cad.pdf

Your task will be writing a couple of paragraphs on this disorder. This is free topic, so you can comment the article, give your own opinion or even your professional expertise on this issue.

Write your composition in a word file and send it to the teacher for corrections.

Good work!

READING NO. 2: Who is Susan Boyle?

READING NO. 2

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VOCABULARY NO. 2: Clothing

How many words related with clothing can you remember? Here are a few:

anorak

belt

blouse w

cardigan

dress w

gloves

jacket

jeans

jumper

overalls

overcoat

pullover

raincoat

scarf

shirt

sweat-shirt

T-shirt

tie

skirt w

mini-skirt w

shorts

socks

suit

sweater

trousers Clothes - Sportswear jogging suit tracksuit bikini w swimming costume /swimming-suit w swimming trunks m Clothes - Footwear boots sandals slippers shoes trainers sneakers Clothes - Underwear bra w knickers w panties w pants tights w vest Clothes - Headgear beret cap hat helmet Clothes - Natural Materials cotton denim leather linen rubber silk suede wool woolen Clothes - Artificial Materials plastic nylon polyester Clothes - Fashion designer fashion fashionable fashion-conscious trend trendy unfashionable Clothes - Patterns check checked flowery patterned plain spot spotted stripe striped tartan PRACTICE Learn to call warm weather clothes: http://www.english-zone.com/vocab/warm.html Have a look at these slides and guess the names of the pieces of clothings on them: CLOTHES View more presentations from Nines Picado. Choose the correct word for each picture: http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/cloth1.htm What is in the picture? Type the word in the blank: http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/cloth2.htm Drag & drop: http://www.eclecticenglish.com/applets/clothes.html More practice here: http://a4esl.org/q/h/vc-clothes-lb.html Take a quiz: http://iteslj.org/v/ei/clothes.html

GRAMMAR NO. 2: "had better" and "would rather"

Had better, 'd better

The expression "'d better + verb" means: It is more convenient if you do something. For example:

- You'd better take your umbrella with you today. (Because I can see it is pretty cloudy and it might rain later).

'd better comes from "had better".

Would rather, 'd rather

Another expression in English is "would rather", which means "prefer". For example:

- Shall we go out for dinner tonight? / I'd rather eat at home, if you don't mind.

- Shall I write to Harry to tell him the news? / I'd rather not do it.

"Would rather" is followed by a simple past when we use a complex clause, look at the example:

- Shall we go out for dinner tonight? /I'd rather we ate at home, if you don't mind.

- Shall I write to Harry to tell him the news? / I'd rather you didn't do it.

PRACTICE

http://english.baladre.org/sedaviwebfront/hadbetter.htm

http://perso.wanadoo.es/autoenglish/gr.better.p.htm

GRAMMAR NO. 2: "Conditionals"

EXPLANATION

English conditional statements are grouped into four main types - zero, first, second, and third conditional.

All conditionals have two clauses, the if clause 
- "If you have time, ..." 
and the main clause 
- "...come and visit us".

Either of these two clauses can come first:
- "If it rains take an umbrella" - or also:
- "Take an umbrella if it rains."

Zero Conditional

The zero conditional is used for statements and facts which are perceived to be true = certainty

The zero conditional has the form if + present simple / simple present. For example:
- If you need any help just call me.
- If you run fast you get tired.

First Conditional

The first conditional is used to express that something is possible in the present or in the future. It used to indication that something may happen = high probability.

The first conditional has the form if + simple present / simple future. For example:

- If you eat too much, your tummy will hurt.

- If you study harder, you will pass the exam.

Second Conditional

The second conditional is used for statements and facts that are not true or are not possible = unreal

The second conditional has the form if + simple past / would + verb. For example:
- If I were you, I would drive more slowly.
- If I had a million euros, I would buy a new house and a new car.

Third Conditional

The third conditional is used for statements and facts that did not happen in the past. It is used to express criticism or regret = hypothetical

The third conditional has the form if + past perfect / would + have + -ed. For example:
- If I had been more careful, I would not have broken the vase.
- If Brendon had called me, we would have gone to the restaurant together.

PRACTICE

Practice the "zero conditional" here:

http://www.1-language.com/englishcoursenew/unit40_grammar_exs.htm

Practice the "first conditional" here:

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/1cond1.htm

Practice the "second conditional" here:

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/2cond1.htm

Practice the "third conditional" here:

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/3cond1.htm

You have more links to practice below:

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences

http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ei011/esl-test.php

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/if.htm

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: 8-11 February

Weekly Schedule 1-11 Feb

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LEVEL TEST

Please, click on the link below to take the level test. Don't take it if you did it in the first semester. It is not really important, just that I would like to know your level to adequate class materials to your needs.

There are 68 questions (you need to give an answer, even if you don't know it!). At the end of the test, there is a button called TEST RESULT. Click the button when you are done. The system will give you the number of correct answers + the level you are in. You need to copy-paste that page and email it to me.

http://www.englishjet.com/english_courses_files/test_level.asp

LISTENING NO. 1: Richard St. John's 8 Secrets of Success

Let's see what Richard St. John thinks about success and how to achieve it. 

Try to visualize this video in its original version first. You can also choose to watch it with English subtitles.

If you want to know more about Richard St. John, click on the link below:

http://www.ted.com/speakers/richard_st_john.html

WRITING NO. 1: The secrets of success

This week, I would like you to write about success. After reading about Adam Khoo, you may also have something to say, for example, a secret trick to become rich, famous and very important! If that is the case, write a short composition on the topic. You can as well talk about the reasons why people feel they should be successful, what success really is or what failure can provoque in our state of mind.

If you use Word to write your composition, don't forget to select English as the language of the file. That way you'll be able to check grammar and orthography. Also, make use of the links you have at the top right margin in this blog. There you will find good dictionaries and, especially, thesauri that can help you write a better composition.

You don't have to write a long composition, but it would be great if you could at least write one paragraph, save it in a Word document, and email it to me by Sunday. I will correct it and email it back by Monday.

READING NO. 1: The Secrets of Adam Khoo

In our session today, we will read about "success". Below you will find an interesting extract about someone who claims to know how to become successful in life. Click on the link and read the extract:

http://secretsofadamkhoo.com/

Let's know have a look at some new vocabulary:

To face (be facing) = having to deal with something, usually a problem

Work your socks off (idiomatic expressions) = You have to work so hard that your socks get too old

Debt = the "b" is not pronounced /det/

To be stuck = to be in one place and not to be able to move out

Underachiever = someone who is not successful but could be

Revenue = total amount of money a company makes

To walk one's talk (he walks his talk) = to act following what you say

To back it up = to support

paycheck = the money you get at the end of the month (salary)

Rat race = to be in a problem that never ends

Breakthrough = a salvation, a solution

To bounce back = what the ball does when you bounce it against the floor

LEVEL TEST

Open the following link in your browser:

http://www.englishjet.com/english_courses_files/test_level.asp

This is a level test which contains 68 questions. All of them multiple choice. When you are done with the test, you will get your result. Please, copy-paste your result and email it to me.