Work & Unemployment Vocabulary

I've created a list of vocabulary on the topic of work and unemployment. You might find it useful when discussing this current topic, as we're going to do in class today. 

Perhaps you've already created your own list. You should have done it, since it's a way to study this vocabulary. But for all of you who forgot or didn't find the time... here you go.  

Work & Unemployment Vocabulary

Word of the week: Borderline

This week's word is the adjective

borderline

which means of a questionable nature or quality, that is to say, on the edge of one category and verging on another.

Example: She got a borderline pass in her last exam.

Podcast: Multi-million dollar sound

We listened to different sounds in class and learnt how to name them, but we didn't talk about multi-million dollar sounds, such as the one of the Stradivarius violin. Listen to it, the sound is really exquisite.

Multi-million dollar sound

Remember to check the transcript and vocabulary.

I'd like to know how to play the guitar. But I'm afraid I haven't found the time to learn yet.

Do you play any instrument? Would you like to play one?

Be kind

My inspiring quote for this weekend.

Have fun!

                                                           

Verb Pattern Quizzes

Last week I gave you a complete list of verb patterns and now it's time to practise those verbs with some interactive activities in order to learn the patterns and use them in the future.  

Multiple Choice Exercise 1
Multiple Choice Exercise 2
Multiple Choice Exercise 3
Multiple Choice Exercise 4
Multiple Choice Exercise 5
Multiple Choice Exercise 6
Matching Exercise
Fill in Gaps Exercise

I know I've included too many activities. However, the best way to remember this type of patterns is by practising them.

Enjoy the practice!

Podcast: Reaching for the sky

Today's podcast is about a new landmark in London: the skyscraper The Shard, the tallest building in the European Union. Listen to what people say about it.

Reaching for the sky

Look at the transcript and check the new vocabulary. 

Have you ever been to London? 

Would you like to go back to see this new building?

Word of the week: Mark my words

This week's expression is

mark my words

which is an expression used to warn people about something which you believe will come true for sure, in other words, it is the same as saying listen to what I'm about to say since it will turn out to be true. You can place it before or after a sentence.  

Example:
Mark my words, that car will break down on the way there.
That marriage won't last, mark my words.

Dreams

Since I believe this world needs to be inspired, I've decided to start a new section on this blog called inspiration, where I'll post some inspiring quotes for you.
And in order to inspire this weekend here you go.

Source: Uploaded by user via Adriana on Pinterest

Anti-Valentine's Day

Last year I posted on Valentine's Day and I thought it might be fun to talk about Anti-Valentine's Day this year. So, here I leave you an article on this matter.

Unromantic Ideas for a Fun Anti-Valentine's Day Party

Ans also some Anti-Valentine's Day Cards. You can send one to your partner, but remember to tell him/her it's just for fun. We don't want to break any couple.

Source: yourdailymedia.com via Adriana on Pinterest

What's your opinion on this day? Share it with us!

Verb Patterns

The other day in class you asked me for a list of all these types of verbs which are followed by an -ing form or a "to" + infinitive, etc. And there you are, a very comprehensive list. Very useful, indeed!

Verb Patterns

Now it's your turn to learn it. I recommend you to learn the verbs within a sentence since it's easy to remember words in context.

Word of the week: Outraged

This week's adjective is

outraged

which means shocked and angry.

Example: He was outraged at the way he had been treated.

Outrage can also be used as a noun and as a verb; and if you need to describe a thing you can use the adjective outrageous which means very shocking and unacceptable.
Example: She says the most outrageous things sometimes. 

Podcast: Penny pinching

Does it happen to you sometimes that your purse is full of small coins without much value? If your answer is yes, perhaps you might think that withdrawing the penny from circulation is a good idea. However, prices can be rounded out which will probably result in paying more money for the same things. Listen to the following podcast.  

Penny pinching

Remember to have a look at the transcript. There's plenty of interesting vocabulary for you to learn.

So, do you think it's such a good idea?

Financial Crisis Vocabulary

After reading some articles and listening to several podcasts on the crisis, I'm sure you have acquired some vocabulary on this matter. However, you may need to have this vocabulary on a list and you should revise it before talking about the financial crisis. So, here you are:

Financial Crisis Vocabulary

Now you're more prepared to talk about this topic.

Word of the week: In the back of beyond

This week's expression is

in/at the back of beyond

which means in a place which is far away from somewhere and difficult to get to.

Examples: 

He lives in some tiny remote village in the back of beyond.

I don't recommend that hotel. It's at the back of beyond.

How would you say that in Spanish? Write your answer in a comment!

Money Vocabulary

We've already seen in class some vocabulary on money since this is the topic we're dealing with at the moment. I'm sure they're still plenty of words you don't know on this semantic field, such as the expression "He's rolling in it". Do you want to know what it means? Check it out on the following links.

Money Terms

Financial Vocabulary

On these websites there are also some games and quizzes to practise this vocabulary.