Welcome 2014-2015

Hey students! So, here we are again with a whole academic year ahead of us, a year to experience new things and meet new classmates, to read English books and online newspapers, to get hooked up on new TV series and enjoy English films, a year to learn a lot and work hard. 

Since it's the beginning of the academic year we have plenty of time but we also have many things to do. So don't rest on your laurels!

And start the year with a positive thought! This year is going to be your year!

It's a boy

Hi students! As some of you already know I'm on maternity leave because last week I gave birth to a baby boy, Izan! We're both great and incredibly happy!!

I'll be off work for a few months in order to enjoy my kid and this new experience in my life. Consequently, I'm going to take a break on publishing things on the blog. I'll continue posting regularly next academic year. 

Word of the week: Homebody

This week's word is

homebody

which is a noun used to refer to a person who likes staying at home rather than going out, something normal when it's cold, isn't it? 

Example: I have always been a homebody, just hiding out in my little cottage. 

Hostages

This is a new TV show I've been watching recently. The family of a surgeon is taken hostage by a team led by a rogue FBI agent the night before she is scheduled to perform surgery on the President of the USA. She is ordered by the kidnappers to assassinate the President during surgery in order to save her family. 

I like this show because it's about something new, or at least a new approach to killing the American president. There's also a lot of conspiracy in it, with many people involved in the assassination and lots of dark secrets and reasons. Nothing is left at random. 

Live in English

source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/412994228299034704/

Hey students! Do you remember I told you at the beginning of the academic year that at this level you should surround yourself by English as much as possible in your daily life? That means you should use your free time to read original version books in English or watch films or TV shows in English. Reading and listening are the basis for good writing and speaking. If you don't read and listen to English things daily you won't be able to write and speak properly in English. 

If you don't have much free time, as you always say, perhaps you can read one or two online articles of newspapers, such as The Guardian, or magazines, for instance Time Magazine, everyday. Or maybe you can follow some English blogs related to any topic you're interested in, decoration, DIY, fashion, history, etc. 

It's just a matter of finding your thing, that is to say, to find something entertaining for you so you don't feel that you're doing homework; you're using your free time in some kind of hobby but you're also practising the English language. 

Merry X-mas & Happy 2014!

By this time we're all on holiday mood, aren't we? So, here I leave you with some Christmas related stuff, starting with an interesting article My kid's Insane Christmas Wish List.(There are some swearwords in it, just so you know.)

Besides, for all of you who are celebrating New Year's Eve tomorrow with a party, here you are some free printable photo props to laugh with family and friends.

And of course my very best wishes for the New Year 2014.

Word of the week: Out of touch

I'm sure you all know the expression "in touch", but what about the opposite "out of touch"? This week's expression is precisely

out of touch

which means no longer in communication with someone or no longer informed about something or up to date with something; and also no reflecting what is true or actual.

Examples: 

I've been out of touch with my brother for many years.

She's out of touch with new methods of teaching languages.

These statistics are out of touch with reality and cannot be used. 

Future in the Past

Future in the Past is used to express the idea that in the past you thought something would happen in the future. This can be expressed in different ways: 

- By using "was / were going to", you describe a future plan, intention or prediction at a certain point in the past that may or may not have taken place. Examples:

·       I told you he was going to come to the party. (plan)

·       I had a feeling that the vacation was going to be a disaster. (prediction)

·       I knew you were not going to go to the party.

- By using "past continuous". Just as we use the present continuous for arrangements, the past continuous can be use to express what was a future arrangement in the past.  Example:

·       I was travelling to London that night but my flight was cancelled. 

- By using "would" to imply a possibility or expectation. Examples:

·       I knew Julie would make dinner.

·       I knew you would not help him.

Remember No Future in Time Clauses 

Like all future forms, Future in the Past cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of using Future in the Past, you must use Simple Past. Examples:

·  I already told Mark that when he would arrive, we would go out for dinner. Not Correct

·  I already told Mark that when he arrived, we would go out for dinner. Correct

And now some exercises for you to practise: 

Choose the correct answer       

Rewriting     

Rewriting 2        

Match the setence halves

Time

Talking about something as important as time, always remember:

So I encourage you to use your time wisely, having fun and spending time with friends and family but also studying English. 

Word of the week: Catfish

This week's word is the noun

catfish

which, apart from a type of fish, is used to refer to someone who pretends to be someone they're not, generally using social networking sites to create false identities with the aim of pursuing online romances.

Example: I was really falling for that gorgeous guy on Facebook, but he turned out to be a catfish. 

Homeland

Homeland is undoubtedly the best TV show I've seen in the last two years, a psychological thriller which has received many awards and nominations. A gripping plot and an amazing acting, the perfect combination for a great TV series. 

Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody is considered a hero when he comes back home after eight years in captivity in Iraq. However, a driven CIA officer, Carrie Mathison, suspects he may have been turned and he might be planning a terrorist attack on American soil. 

Courage to grow up

We've been talking in class about childhood, growing and growing up; about the difference between education and upbringing and now I want to share with you some inspiration. 

Have a nice day!