El Portfolio de los Alumnos de Erasmo

WRITING NI: A film review

2011-05-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Film review writing is not an easy job as many would think. You need patience to watch a film with a critical eye, perceive all the information about it and then write a detailed film review. A good review is not just a summary of a movie, but a critical analysis that examines why and how a movie works and whether the film succeeds in its presentation.

Read this document and then write a movie review of a movie you disliked. Of course, give reasons not to recommend the film. Write about 150 words. Deadline Saturday 14th.

WRITING NA1: A REPORT

2011-05-01T00:13:00.000-07:00

A report is an informative piece of writing concerning a particular person, place, situation,plan, etc; it is addressed to one’s superior/colleagues, members of a committee, or even friends, and is written in response to a request or instruction. A report is slightly different to an essay in the sense that it is a far more formal and professional way of conducting an analysis of your topic, in this case your customer service results. However, depending on the subject matter, it can be more or less informal.
To learn more about reports, please click on this link. (Presentation written by Elena Gómez)
You are asked to write a report on either Entertainment, Sports Facilities or Sightseeing in your town. Write about 200 words. DEADLINE Saturday 14th May.

THE MISTERY OF THE LAST FLIGHT OF YURY GAGARIN

2011-04-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

Watch this amazing video and speculate about what might have happened.

SHOPPING ONLINE NI

2011-04-25T04:45:00.001-07:00

Watch this video and complete the sentences below. See the key in the comments.

SECURE ONLINE SHOPPING TIPS

First of all, make sure your computer is ___________.
Try to choose __________ retailers that you know about.
It's also a good idea to look for unbiased ___________ of online retailers.
Make sure the retailer has a ___________ and an ___________.
You should also examine their privacy ___________.
Paying by credit card will give you the added protection of __________ __________ claiming back your money if you're not happy.
In "https:", "s" ___________ ___________ "secure".
___________ out a copy of your ___________.

WRITING NA1: A letter of complaint

2011-04-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

Last week you had a bad experience in an expensive hotel. When you get home you decide to write a letter or an email to complain. Look at the useful language expressions in your textebook p 81 and plan it according to the schedule below. You MUST also check this file on the blog: Letter writing-O UP Genie Dictionary DEADLINE: Saturday 23rd april

SPEAKING IN PUBLIC

2011-04-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

This week, we'll discover how to speak in public, in front of an audience or an examining board. At this point we are wondering what makes a good public speaker. We've come to the conclusion that in the Spanish educational system very little effort is put on training students to prepare a speech or to address an audience. And this is something that, sooner or later, we have to do for our professional development. There's little doubt that some people are better at communicating than others, but nevertheless, there are some useful techniques to improve speaking in front of an audience. You can find some of these tips in the video below. The Common Reference Framework also provides descriptors for this task. They can be very useful to assess yourself towards your own "speaking in public" competence. Have a look at them!

WRITING: CV AND COVER LETTER

2011-04-12T01:25:00.000-07:00

Write your CV and a covering letter to apply for a job in the Olympics.
Plan what you're going to write. Use the Useful Language box and Vocabulary Bank Work p. 152 to help you. You can also visit this pages from the blog to learn more structures and vocabulary:
Writing a CV-OUP Genie Dictionary
Letter writing-OUP Genie Dictionary

WRITING a description of your house NI

2011-03-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

Imagine you have to move to another town or to a foreign country. You'll have to rent your house to cover your new housing expenses. Write a description of your house for a real state magazine. Try to be convincing: put forward the strongest points of your house (the view, the neighbourhoood, etc) and make use of the following language:

breathtaking / ideal / magnificient / perfect for / spacious / superb / safe neighbourhood / it's walking distance from / perfectly situated / a short drive from

WRITING AN INFORMAL LETTER: NI

2011-02-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

Imagine you have some British friends in the UK, and you stayed with them for a week last month.
Write a letter to thank them.
PLAN what you're going to say. Use the USEFUL LANGUAGE box in your textbook on p.49, AND the Letter writing-OUP Genie Dictionary (It's on the blog)
CHECK the letter for mistakes (grammar, punctuation, spelling, Spanish Interference, Syntax, etc.)
Submit your composition before Friday 18th.

WRITING AN ESSAY

2011-02-09T00:51:00.000-08:00

An essay is usually a short piece of writing which is quite often written from an author's personal point of view. Essays can consist of a number of elements, including: literary criticism, political manifestos, learned arguments, observations of daily life, recollections, and reflections of the author.
Essays have become a major part of a formal education. Secondary students are taught structured essay formats to improve their writing skills, and admission essays are often used by universities in selecting applicants and, in the humanities and social sciences, as a way of assessing the performance of students during final exams.
You can watch this video to understand better what an essay is like.
To successfully write an essay you should follow these steps. Be aware of some strategies that can also be very useful:

Brainstorming: Quickly note down some ideas on the topic as you think of them. Then write down some vocabulary that you know you will need to write about this subject.

Planning: If you are asked to discuss a topic or give your opinion it is important to organize your thoughts and present your arguments clearly in paragraphs, and to work out the structure of your essay before you start to write.
Essay Plan (this is just an example)
paragraph 1 introduce the topic, what the present situation is like
paragraph 2 give points of view and information, in support of the argument, with reasons
paragraph 3 give contrasting views
paragraph 4 conclude (give your own opinion or interpretation of the facts), give a summary of your opinion. This should follow logically from the examples and reasons given before

Using links and markers
Below are some useful words and phrases to help guide your reader through the essay. The examples given are extracts to show how the words and phrases can be used. You should not start every sentence with one of these words or phrases.

Introducing a point:
Nowadays many children spend their time watching TV rather than being active.
There are two main reasons for this, firstly…

Describing consequences:
As a result, levels of fitness are declining.
Consequently, childhood obesity is becoming increasingly widespread.
Giving more information:
In addition, increasing amounts of fast food are being consumed.
Furthermore/Moreover, many children spend a great deal of time on the Internet.
Finally / Lastly, parents are less likely to join their children in sporting activities

Introducing a contrasting point:
However, some schools are trying to encourage healthier eating.
In contrast, other countries have introduced compulsory sports lessons.
On the other hand, certain sports are experiencing increased popularity.
There was some resistance to the schemes. Nevertheless the organizers persevered and have had some success.
While/Whereas the government wants to tackle the issue, advertisers continue to target young children

Concluding:
In conclusion / To sum up, it is the responsibility, not of the government, but of individuals to change their lifestyle.

Please follow the instructions above to produce a piece of writing of about 200 words dicussing this statement "There is nothing that we as individuals can do to preventclimate change".
Submit your composition before friday 18th.

Climate Change: Speaking NA1

2011-01-27T04:07:00.000-08:00

What a scary topic to talk about! Some people believe there isn't enough evidence yet, but most people agree on the fact that we're already experiencing it.
Watch this video to revise your vocabulary and structures. Imagine you had to describe what happens in the video to a blind person. Use the suggested vocabulary and structures to talk about what happens in it. (this is an individual oral activity to practise your oral skills)

SUGGESTED LANGUAGE:

· A waste of / electrical appliances/ be on /off / water tap running/ washing machine /dishwasher shave/ switch/ plug/ mixer/ microwave / toaster / recycle/ throw away/ melt/ sea level rising / species in danger of extinction / extinct / pollution / exhaust fumes / factories /ozone layer / Carbon dioxide /throw into the atmosphere/ deforestation / floods / draughts / glaciers /sunburn/ heatwaves / tsunamis/ hurricanes /alternative source of energy / wind generators / solar plants/light bulbs / energy saving appliances

rec

Writing NI: Writing a blog comment

2011-01-24T11:33:00.001-08:00

Click on the images to read better. Then, post an answer to the question. Write between 60 and 100 words. Follow these steps:

Think about the new vocabulary and structures you’re going to use. Write them down.
In English, list the main ideas you want to communicate.
Decide on the opening and finishing lines for your post.
Write a sketch of the 3 – 5 paragraphs you’re going to write. Use linkers to connect your ideas.
Write your answer on a word processor. Read it and check spelling and grammar mistakes. (verbal tenses, coordination, etc.)
Copy and paste on to the blog as a comment.

DEADLINE: Friday 4th February

Watch out! Pickpockets!

2010-11-30T04:39:00.000-08:00

Watch the video and answer this question
How does Bob Arnold earn a living? The answer is shown on the first comment.

The new iPhone4

2010-11-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

This video is an ad for the new iPhone4. Watch it and then put the items below in order, according to the order in which they are dealt with

Photo camera
Emailing
Software and processor
High resolution display
History of the iPhones
Battery
Videocalling
Size, shape and materials
Multitasking
Video camera

Find the key on the first comment.

NA: WRITING A STORY

2010-11-23T04:23:00.000-08:00

First of all, please read the previous NI post. Most things will be useful for you to produce a story. You should follow the instructions in the box as well. This time, it should be a story in about 200 words beginning with the sentence It was three o'clock in the morning when the phone rang. Look at the time expressions on your textbook p.33 and also at those in the previous post. DEADLINE Monday29th/11.

NI: Writing a narrative: A nightmare journey

2010-11-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

A narrative story is written from the writer's point of view and can include the writer's feelings and view point on a certain event. When writing a narrative, we tend to tell the events in the story in a chronological order. With this post I want you to practise writing about a "Nightmare journey" as described in your text book. But, to begin with, I'd like you to read a previous post:Estrategias para escribir y hablar

Instructions
Stage 1.-Think about what you want the main message of your story to be and if possible what you want to get your readers to think. Plan your story in, at least, three paragraphs. Write in a scrap paper all the linkers, vocabulary and expressions you might need or want to use. Use the dictionary or a grammar book to look up any new words, structure or verbal tenses.

Stage 2.- Structure your introduction so that it grabs the rader's attention. It should also make a point. The introductory phrase should be short and interesting, state a thesis and tell why the story is significant.

Stage 3.- Write the main body. The main body can have as many paragraphs as you want, but it should have at least three. Each paragraph should cover one idea and follow a logical pattern. The easiest way to do this is to put the events in chronological order.

Stage 4.- Sum up your narrative with a conclusion which is just as important to your story as the introduction. If you don't feel comfortable summarizing the idea of your story, you can end with plans for the future or a rhetorical question.

Some useful linkers: One day / three years ago / In April / During / After + Noun or V-ing or that/ Afterwards / Then / Next / Later / Until / till / At last / In the end / When / as soon as / while / although / but / so / because / To sum up / Eventually

Now write your story on a "Nightmare Journey". Write about 150 words. Send it as a comment before Sunday 28th Nov

TRAVELLING BY PLANE

2010-11-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

So you want to travel by plane? Are you sure you will be able to cope with the language you'll need at the airport and on the plane?
Listen to these recordings sent by Anabel and practise your vocabulary and listening skills.

NA1 Programme and Evaluation Procedure

2010-11-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here you are the course programme for NA2. Please write your suggestions as comments.

You can also have a look at the evaluation procedure.

And why not check the things you'll be able to do when you attain a B2, according to the Portfolio?

How good are you at punctuating?

2010-11-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

In written English, punctuation is vital to disambiguate the meaning of certain sentences. It is also vital to make your writings READ WELL. Click on the images and learn when to use each of the punctuation signs. Take into account that this grid has been taken from an American website, so the name of the PUNCTUATION MARKS may vary from British English.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu

NA Writing an email and preparing a speech

2010-10-28T03:18:00.000-07:00

1 Write an email replying the one you read on p. 17. Follow these instructions. Deadline: Next Tuesday 2nd Nov.

2. You also have to prepare a speech on one of these topics:

Describe a date you (or a friend of yours) have had.
Describe the qualities of an ideal partner.
Have you ever been to a psychic? Tell about your experience.
Do you ever read your horoscope? What's your star sign? What's your opinion about horoscopes?
Describe the last time your were ill or injured. Explain what you did to recover.
Have you ever had to give first aid? Tell about it.

How to budget personal finances

2010-10-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

Watch the video and say how many different ways of paying are mentioned. Write down the new vocabulary you come across. After that, go to your textbook and do the vocabulary activity on p.147. You can download the key here.
Please watch it for the first time with no subtitles. Then you can watch it with subtitles. (Click on CC at the bottom)

MONEY, By Pink Floyd

2010-10-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Though most youths don't know this band, it was one of the best in the 70's and 80's. Listen to the song and do the quiz. You can find more videos with quizzes on the link on the right. Enjoy it!
Money

Writing an email: describe Anna to a friend NI

2010-10-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is your first writing task this year. This time you have to write an email to a friend describing your new language assisstant, Anna. Please follow the structure mentioned on your sts book on p.17 and the grammar you learned there, so plan your paragraphs in advance. Use adjectives of personality and adjectives for physical description. Do also follow the rules for email writing. Write between 150 and 200 words.

DEADLINE Monday 25th october. Send it as a comment.

Is American English the official language in the US?

2010-10-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

What's the difference between an official language and a dialect?
Which is the official language in US?
What are some politicians campaigning for?

Find the answers in this video. You may be dicussing it in the CC, with Anna.

Then, listen to this song and watch the video: Press one for English. Then, post your comments on the song. If you have any difficulties, read the lyrics.

Language assistant

2010-10-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Anna Burroughs is our language assistant this school year. She'll be in class and will hold conversation clubs. Please, send as a comment your suggested topics to talk about. She¡ll appreciate your suggestions very much.

This is her classroom schedule.

NI A: Tuesdays A 11.00
NI C: Wednesdays A 6.45
NA1 A: Tuesdays A 11.45

Conversation Clubs:
NI:Thursdays B 11.45 Room B2; Wednesdays A 5.30 Room C3; Tuesdays B 6.45 Room C7
NA1: Thursdays B 10.30 Room B2; Tuesdays A 5.30 Room C3; Wednesdays B 6.45 Room B0

Click here to find out wether this week is A or B.

What are you like?

2010-10-19T02:55:00.000-07:00

To find out about your own personality, please click on the image, register and do the test. It will take you about 15 minutes. Then write a comment on what you think about it.

EXTENDED FAMILIES

2010-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

When I was 16 I went to the US and stayed with an American family. I was really astonished when after one week with them, my host mother sat me at the kitchen table and showed me their family album; who I thought was my friend's father, wasn't his father at all, and his brother was, in fact, his step brother. His parents had divorced a few years ago and had remarried.
It was surprising for me because at that time that was completely unexpected in Spain. We still lived in the "traditional family" and divorce was illegal and scarce. Marrying twice was reserved only for widows/widowers! Please, write your experiences or opinions on this issue in "comments".

Watch the video and read the lyrics.

Meet my family

2010-10-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

Meet my nephew Lucas!

The bubbles on the video are language annotations. Language annotations are a fun and easy way of practising and improving your language, and, above all, your mediation competence -this is, to be able to translate and interpret. This is an example of a video annoted by English students of Spanish, and it has been fostered by my sister who teaches Spanish in a London.

If you want to learn more about video annotations, watch this video. You'll see how easy it is!

ACTIVIDADES DE APRENDIZAJE EN EL AULA

2010-10-18T02:47:00.000-07:00

Siempre hay una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre cuáles son las actividades de aprendizaje que mejor se adaptan a tu propio estilo de aprendizaje, para cada una de las destrezas. Piensa en qué actividades hemos realizado en el aula y cuáles por tu cuenta, y decide cuáles son las que más rendimiento tienen para tu aprendizaje.
Para ello, descárgate este impreso. Si crees que podemos incoporar otras nuevas a la dinámica del aula, envía tus sugerencias en forma de comentario.

Estrategias para escribir y hablar

2010-10-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

Cuando realizamos una actividad lingüística comunicativa, es decir, cuando hablamos, escribimos, escuchamos, leemos o conversamos, ponemos en práctica una serie de estrategias de manera más o menos consciente. Gran parte del éxito de nuestra comunicación tendrá relación con nuestra capacidad de hacernos conscientes de estas estrategias y de ejecutarlas de manera eficaz.

Tanto en las actividades de expresión (hablar, escribir), como en las de comprensión (leer, escuchar), como en las de interacción, las estrategias se estructuran normalmente en cuatro fases:

Planificación
Ejecución
Evaluación
Control

Para la correcta aplicación de estas estrategias debemos ser capaces de responder previamente a las siguientes preguntas. Intenta tenerlas presentes la próxima vez que acometas una actividad de lengua:

Estrategias de expresión (escribir, hablar)
Planificación	¿qué quiero comunicar? ¿qué elementos lingüísticos necesito y dónde los puedo localizar? ¿qué estilo, formato o registro debo utilizar en atención al destinatario? si mi competencia lingüística no es suficiente para la tarea que me propongo ¿cómo la puedo adaptar a mi nivel? ¿cómo puedo reajustar el resultado final?
Ejecución	¿cómo puedo apoyarme en mi lengua materna, en otras lenguas? ¿cómo puedo apoyarme en mis conocimientos previos de la lengua? ¿puedo ensayar a ver si funciona mi mensaje tal y como lo he planificado?
Evaluación	¿ha captado mi interlocutor o lector el mensaje?
(Auto)corrección	¿qué debo mejorar? ¿qué he de cambiar para que mi mensaje sea más efectivo?

New Blog: Dpto Actividades Extraescolares

2010-10-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

The Departamento de Actividades Complementarias Y Extraescolares has published a new blog to inform students at EOI about the oncoming events. Click on the linkto access the blog.

Cine club 6 de octubre

SPORT VIDEOS

2010-10-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

1. Watch this video and then answer the questions (reply in "comments").

Which teams played the match?
Who was the goalkeeper of the German team?
Who scored a goal?
Who won the match?

2. Then watch this other video. Answer this question: How well do the protagonists speak English? Why do you think so?

Watch the magic of The King live!

2010-10-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

...and have a laugh!

How to Analyze Handwriting in Signatures

2010-10-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

Watch this video and write a comment expressing your opinion about it.

LINK OF THE WEEK

2010-10-03T14:00:00.001-07:00

Hi there!
Let me show you a new method of learning languages COMPLETELY FOR FREE. This is an interactive course where you will learn cooperatively with students of Spanish. They will in turn help you with your English! Register here and follow the course online. Just follow the steps on this video. You can learn any language you want!
The authors (Erasmus students in Spain) were awarded a prize by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

INTERESTING VIDEOS FOR 1º N. BASICO

2010-10-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Aquí tenéis algunos vídeos de youtube para practicar lo que hemos aprendido estas dos semanas. Comienza por EF Lesson 01 y continúa con Face2face Elementary. También puedes ver éste de multimedia-english. Disfruta aprendiendo! :-)
También practica las vocales con este video de Muzzy.

...AND SO YOU'RE ASHAMED OF YOUR PRONUNCIATION?

2010-09-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

...Keep your spirits up by watching this video, sent by NIEVES (1ºNA)

Then you can watch the original song by the King (Elvis, of course)

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SNACK?

2010-09-27T02:17:00.001-07:00

Watch the video and answer the following questions. Post your replies as a comment.

What's a snack?
How many snacks and meals a day does he recommend to have?
Give some examples of healthy snacks from the video.

AFTER VIEWING THIS ONE, PLEASE WATCH OTHER VIDEOS BY THE SAME AUTHOR!
Vegetables 10 commandments Sodium & potasium

STRIKE ON WEDNESDAY 29TH

2010-09-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

This is a short message just to let you know that I'll be on strike next Wednesday 29th, to protest against paycuts, unemployment figures and, in general, to protest against how our authorities are coping with this damn crisis!

WHY MY CLASSMATE IS WORTH MEETING

2010-09-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

For 1º NA students. Send your composition as a comment here. Remember to revise your notes in the planning I gave you in class. Write no more than 150 words. Deadline Tuesday 28th september.

COURSE INSTRUCTIONS

2010-09-22T03:02:00.000-07:00

Here you are some instructions for the academic year. Please, download them, print them and keep them at hand.

CELEBRATING THE EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES

2010-09-22T02:43:00.000-07:00

Uno de los principales retos que afronta la Unión Europea para la cohesión de los países miembros es la DIVERSIDAD CULTURAL y, en consecuencia, LA DIVERSIDAD DE LENGUAS que se hablan en Europa. Esta es una de las principales barreras para los intercambios económicos y la cohesión social.

Es por ello que el CONSEJO DE EUROPA ha abordado de manera integradora la diversidad lingüística. Su política lingüística se centra en el fomento del plurilingüismo, el respeto a la diversidad cultural, el fomento del entendimiento mutuo mediante nel aprendizaje de varias lenguas, la ciudadanía democrática y la cohesión social.

No obstante, hay que dejar claro que el Consejo de Europa no tiene competencia sobre las políticas lingüísticas nacionales. Sus directrices no son más que recomendaciones para los gobiernos de los estados miembros.

SI QUIERES APRENDER MAS SOBRE LAS LENGUAS EUROPEAS, PINCHA AQUI Y HAZ ALGUNOS DE LOS JUEGOS DEL MENU. TAMBIEN TE PUEDES DESCARGAR EL MATERIAL UTILIZADO EN EL AULA:
Facts More Facts Questionnaire

WHY DON'T YOU START WITH A SONG?

2010-09-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Now this is the time to discover a new singer you may have heard thousands of times on the radio. Ladies and gentlemen, with you........Jason Mraz!!!!

INTRODUCTION TO THE EUROPEAN LANGUAGE PORTFOLIO

2010-09-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

In this unit, we've started to get acquainted with the ELP. Intermediate and Advanced students will profit from both its formative and informative nature.

If you are one of these, I guess you are in strong need for a C.V. of your competence in the languages you already know, either for professional or academic reasons. It can be very useful in case you want to apply for promotion in your job, to find a job, to get a scholarship or to take part in a student or professional exchange, among other examples.

Besides, you it will also be very helpful to help you learn how to learn better, and discover the strategies and resources that you may need to improve any language, not only English.

We are going to start by getting acquainted with the European Reference Levels and the 5 skills. Please, do this activity. And I also strongly recommend to read this Guide for Language Learners by The EOI de Pamplona.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG!

2010-09-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

Este blog está pensado fundamentalmente para mis alumnos, para que podáis usar como herramienta en vuestro aprendizaje y como medio de comunicación. Aquí encontraréis actividades, enlaces, material, recursos educativos, programaciones y, sobre todo, una guía pàra reflexionar sobre vuestro propio aprendizaje: Pretendo que al final del curso también podáis acreditar las competencias que hayáis adquirido conforme al Portfolio Europeo de las lenguas.

Ah, y no os olvidéis de que en cada una de las entradas que yo vaya colgando podéis insertar vuestros propios comentarios. Si eres alumno de Nivel Intermedio, puedes comenzar enviando una breve composición de unas 100 palabras y 3-5 párrafos acerca de tí mismo, dónde vives, tu familia, a qué te dedicas, y por qué estudias inglés.
Un saludo y...BIENVENIDOS!!

Nadal speaks in English

2010-09-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

Watch Nadal speaking in English. Does he speak well? What makes you think so?
Then wach Pedrosa. Who speaks better English? Why?

READING THE PRESS

2010-09-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the press in English may often be too challenging for English learners. However, according to the levels of reference, to attain a B2 you should be able to "rapidly grasp the content and significance of news, articles and reports on topics of professional or personal interest, and decide whether a more careful reading is worthwhile" and also "understand opinion and feature articles", provided that you can reread the most difficult parts and use a dictionary if necessary.
In order to improve your strategies for reading a newspaper article, please read the powerpoint presentation, by clicking on the image on the left. Then, go to www.bbc.co.uk or to www.cnn.com, choose an interesting article and send the link for your teacher to publish in the next post. In class you will have to explain what the article was about and encourage your classmates to read it!
Good luck!

What makes a good speaker?

2010-09-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

In the Spanish educational system very little effort is put on training students to prepare a speech or to address an audience. And this is something that, sooner or later, we have to do for our professional development. There's little doubt that some people are better at communicating than others, but nevertheless, there are some useful techniques to improve speaking in front of an audience. You can find some of these tips in the video below. The Common Reference Framework also provides descriptors for this task. They can be very useful to assess yourself towards your own "speaking in public" competence. Have a look at them!

MAKING A SPEECH

2010-09-09T02:00:00.000-07:00

Making a speech
A speech is usually an oral presentation that you make out to an audience. When preparing a speech you should follow some steps which will help you to accomplish your task better.

Some tips:
try to keep your level of anxiety down, take your time to relax and don’t let yourself worry too much about mistakes

decide what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it
try not to express complicated ideas
try to use the language you know
try to think in English since you start planning; do not translate from Spanish

Preparation stages
1. Planification: organise your speech into 3 “paragraphs”: introduction, development and conclusion or summary
2. Think about how you are going to say it: make a list of possible vocabulary to use: words, structures, expressions, longer sentences, idioms…Then write down only three or four sentences or words to try to remember the main ideas (in longer speeches people tend to use cardboard cards or screen presentations)
3. Rehearse and control: Rehearse your speech.
4. Try to check your grammar, syntax, etc, but don’t let it make you anxious: assume that you’re going to make mistakes. Double check your language to avoid expressing complicated ideas or ideas you can’t express because of your level.

Now practise with these topics. Once you've practised orally, write one of them as a composition/comment and upload it as a post.

WRITING NA: emails

2010-09-08T03:27:00.000-07:00

Writing an email does not vary much from writing a "snail mail" (ordinary mail). The conventions are very similar. There are no 'official' rules governing electronic communication, though there have been attempts to establish one standard or another as the default, there is no common agreement. So beware people telling you there is one right way, they are assuming too much. As a general rule though, netiquette involves the same principles as plain old etiquette -- basic courtesy, respect and ethics. I have prepared a checklist for you to assess your competence in writing emails:

email checklist

How often do you write/read emails?

What kind of emails do you write/read? (formal/informal)

Who do you usually write to?

Do you always state the subject?

What opening/closing formulae do you know?

How many paragraphs do you write?

Do you use a conversational style?

Are you courteous enough?

How well do you think your emails read?

Do you use acronyms?

Do you often use capital letters for emphasis?

Do you use any other devices for emphasis?

Do you use emoticons or other signs like ;-)?

Do you sign off with your name or other information like tel. no.?

If after going through the questions, you still feel unsure about your competence, please READ THIS.
If you have problems understanding acronyms or abbreviations, click here.
If you have problems with opening and closing formulae, click here.

Now write one of the emails suggested on p.35 in your textbook and send it as a comment before next Wednesday 20th.

2ª TAREA PORTFOLIO A1

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

Con esta actividad pretendo que os hagáis conscientes de lo que habéis aprendido durante este primer mes del curso. Asímismo, es importante que reflexionéis sobre las estrategias de aprendizaje que estáis comenzando a poner en práctica y que corrijáis aquellas actitudes que no os benefician en el aprendizaje. Por favor, imprimidla y completadla.
Si necesitas revisar algunas de las cuestiones tratadas te propongo que uses La Mansión del Inglés. El enlace proporcionado te da acceso a distintos cursos. Comienza por la lección 1 del curso básico, pero tienes muchos otros recursos como ejercicios, etc. dentro del mismo sitio. Bichea sin miedo, es gratis!
Soluciones para Rervise and Check UNIT 1

4th PORTFOLIO TASK A1 "SELF ASSESSMENT"

2010-09-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

With this activity, I want you to consider what you have learned so far and what is yet to come to achieve an A1 level. Click on the image on the left, PRINT the document and tick the boxes of the tasks you CAN DO now. Tick also the tasks you WANT TO LEARN to do this course.
AND FINALLY, keep it in your Portfolio folder. (Don't forget to write the date!)

6TH ELP ACTIVITY B2: "Action Plan for future learning"

2010-09-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here we are! The second term is over and you've all got your assessment from the exams. Now it's time to reflect and decide how you are to react to the feedback received. For some of you, some of your marks might be disapointing. They might imply that you are NOT doing well in some skill or other. But I would also suggest to be aware of the skill/s in which you are DOING WELL, and , in all, reflect upon the reason why your doing SO.
You have two months in front of you to react and push forward to the end of the course. You must hold on to the strategies, activities and resources that are being productive for your learning and change what's proving not to be as productive as you thought.
Please, follow these steps:

First, go back to the ELP form 8.4 (4th ELP Activity in the blog) and check what you have learned this term and what is yet to come until the end of the course year. You can also have a look at the programme.
Decide what you have to improve. Highlight the descriptors that you think you are being weak at.
Download and print this form "Action Plan for Future Learning". Decide what you are going to improve, the time you are going to devote to your action plan, the resources you are going to need, and any other thing that you think is worth thinking in.
Keep the new form in your ELP folder and check it occasionally.

2nd term grades

2010-09-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

Here you can check you exam grades for the first term.
NI A
NI C
NA A
Remember this is a self-training assessment (evaluación formativa). This means that your grades should make you think about your strongest and weakest skills in English, what you have to improve from now on and what you have to change in relation to your study strategies and attitudes.
Please unload this survey and think about the individual work you have to do during the second term to improve your marks.

Learning resources

2010-09-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

I know it is sometimes hard for you to find the most appropriate resource to practise and improve your language skills on your own. It's not only a matter of which resources are available, but also of finding one that you can enjoy.
Remember that to be able to really improve your English, you should not overestimate your abilities; so, for example, do not try to understand a film which is not dubbed if you are in 1º NI. In that case, you'd better watch the film with English subtitles. The golden rules are:

Find something enjoyable
Do not overdo it- be aware of you language competence

HERE you are some ideas which can help you.

5th PORTFOLIO TASK A1 "LEARNING TO LEARN"

2010-09-03T04:15:00.000-07:00

YOUR STUDY AND LEARN TOOLBOX

How do you learn?
How do you study?
What strategies do you use to help you learn and study?
How do you practise what you learn?

Estas son las preguntas que os deberías de hacer a vosotros mismos. la correcta aplicación de estrategias de estudio y aprendizaje os ayudará enormente a alcanzar los objetivos que os habéis planteado al inicio del curso escolar. También os servirán para cursos superiores e incluso en el caso de que deseéis aprender otro idioma.
Por favor, descárgate este impreso, rellénalo SIGUIENDO LAS INSTRUCCIONES y archívalo en tu carpeta portfolio. El próximo día en clase reflexionaremos conjuntamente para ver qué ideas os pueden aportar vuestros compañeros y que os pueden resultar efectivos para un aprendizaje más eficaz. Este impreso será, a partir de ahora, vuestra caja de herramientas para aprender.

3rd ELP ACTIVITY B2

2010-09-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

REFLECTION
Before the end of the term, it is advisable to look back to what we've been doing in class since the beginning of the school year. I'd like you to chew over the learning tasks and activities we've perfomed in class. I also want you to be aware of the new things you CAN DO now, not only in reference to the language you've learnt, but also in relation to the new learning strategies your are experiencing, if any... ;-) Hopefully, your suggestions will help us improve our practice and achieve our goals! Any commentaries or suggestions?
Self assessment grid for units 1-3
ELP printout 7 "Learning Activities"

DIAGNÓSTICO INICIAL DE CURSO

2010-09-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

Para planificar tu ruta sobre un plano, antes de saber tu punto de destino has de averiguar tu posición inicial. Esto es lo que pretendemos con esta actividad: para saber el recorrido que vas a hacer durante este curso escolar es necesario que valores primero tus competencias lingüísticas iniciales. Para ello, por favor, descárgate los impresos que se relacionan a continuación, conforme al nivel en que te encuentras matriculado:
Nivel Intermedio (A2, B1)
Nivel Avanzado (B1, B2)