What if money was no object?

I came across this amazing video and I wanted to share it with you.

I believe most of what it says is absolutely true!

What do you think? 

Share your opinion in a comment!

Computer and internet texts

On the same topic of computers and internet, we're going to have a look now at a reading comprehension text, which also includes a video, and some comprehension questions for you to practise. 

Steve Jobs

Another very interesting text is this one on computer addiction, something very common nowadays. It also goes with activities. 

Computer addiction

We'll discuss this last text in class next day, so make sure you read it. 

See you soon! 

Common Mispronounced Words

I know that English pronunciation is difficult and if you're one of my students you already know how much I like phonetics and how I insist on you pronouncing English in a correct way.

We already discussed how mispronounced words lead to misunderstandings when speaking in English and therefore it's necessary for you to pronounce well if you want to communicate with other speakers.

I strongly recommend you to watch the following video since I'm sure you've mispronounced some (if not all) of the words that appear in it.

French Words Used in English

When speaking English we use some French words such as avant-garde, au pair, chic or cuisine, in the same way in Spanish we use words from English, such as hot dog or sandwich. These are frequently called loan translations or loanwords.

When using these words it's necessary to pay attention to their pronunciation, since they may differ from the typical English pronunciation.

In the following video you can find some common words from French with their pronunciation. Enjoy the learning!

Do you know that English speakers also use words from Spanish?
Can you think of any? Write them in a comment!

Speak Languages to Learn!

Have a look at this video made by teachers & students 

of Official Language Schools.

¡Defendamos la enseñanza pública de idiomas! from Matthieu Davière on Vimeo.

For a better future: study languages!

Merry Christmas!

One more year Merry Christmas everybody!!

I wish you a lovely holiday with all your beloved ones! 

Here you can listen and watch one of my favourite Christmas carols: 

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! 

Christmas Adverts

Christmas is here! Have you realized? I'm sure you have, especially if you watch TV which is full of commercials advertising toys and perfume these days. 

In Spain people also expect to watch our famous advert which promotes cava with its golden characters. In the same way, in the UK there's an inspiring ad from a company. This year's advertisement is called 'The Journey' and celebrates the extra mile we go to at Christmas to find the perfect gift. 

Mylo Xyloto

Nobody doubts Coldplay is one of the best international bands nowadays and their tour Mylo Xyloto confirms it! I was lucky enough to see them play live in Madrid last Sunday. With a show that goes beyond music, they moved the audience in an incredible way! Not only the lights and the music, but also the fireworks, confetti, balloons, bracelets with colourful lights for the audience, everything was perfect. 

I love music and I've been to many concerts, but this one is definitely the best concert ever! I want to share with you some bits of the concert by showing you some videos.

The beginning of the concert with amazing fireworks: Hurts like heaven.

Charly Brown. You can see all the stadium with the colourful bracelets.

Environment Vocabulary

We're now dealing with the topic of the environment and I'm sure you've already realized that this vocabulary isn't easy! However, at this level you need to recognise and use some of these words and that's the reason why I'm going to give you two links to websites where you can find different types of activities to practise and learn vocabulary related to the environment.

Global warming
Environment

On these webpage you'll find videos and activities. Pay attention to the pronunciation of words too.

Enjoy the practice!

Pronunciation: B & V

The other day in class two students were talking about the sounds /b/ and /v/ and about how if you pronounce "very" in a wrong way, you say the fruit "berry". As you know in English /b/ and /v/ are two different sounds. Spanish native speakers must be careful when speaking English since we don't have that difference in our language. 

Watch this video to practise the /b/ & /v/ pronunciation.

Do you find it difficult to pronounce these two sounds differently?

More American Slang

Do you want to know more slang words and expressions?

Have a look at the video I've created!

I really like the expression to go bananas! It's so funny!

Which one is your favourite?

Silent Letters

I always remind you in class about the importance of pronunciation. A particular trait of English pronunciation is the existence of silent letters, that is to say, letters which are written but we don't pronounce. 

In  the following videos you can have a look at common words with silent letters.

Can you think of more words with silent letters? 

Write them in a comment!

Common Expressions

When you're learning a language it's very important to familiarize with common expressions in that language in order to sound natural when you speak.

Watch this video to learn common easy expressions.

How many other expressions can you remember right now?
Write them in a comment to share them with other students!

Pronunciation Video

I know, I know, English pronunciation is difficult! That's why you have to spend time listening to good examples and practising your pronunciation. As you already know, everyday  in class I try to teach you how to pronounce words, especially exceptions, common mistakes, vowels...

If you think you have a bad English pronunciaton, watch this video to cheer you up!

Click Here to Watch the Video