If you have ever wondered what's wrong with the education system as we know it, watch the following video... you might find some answers.
11/30/10
11/25/10
Order of Adjectives in English
Adjectives cannot be written in any order. There are rules, so you should use the following order:
1) Determiner or article:
Determiners - this, that, these, those, my, mine, your, yours, him, his, her, hers, they, their, Sam's ; or
Articles - a, an, the
2) Opinion adjective
e.g. polite, fun, cute, difficult, hard-working
3) Size, including comparatives and superlatives.
height; e.g. tall, short, high, low; taller, tallest
width; e.g. wide, narrow, thin, slim; wider, widest
length; e.g. long, short; longer, longest
volume; e.g. fat, huge; fatter, fattest
4) Shape
e.g. circular, oval, triangular, square, 5-sided, hexagonal, irregular
5) Age
e.g. new, young, adolescent, teenage, middle-aged, old, ancient
6) Colour
e.g. red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, grey, black, black and white, light blue, dark red, pale blue, reddish brown, off-white, bright green, warm yellow
7) Nationality
e.g. Hong Kong, Chinese, English, American, Canadian, Japanese
8) Religion
e.g. Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Moslem, pagan, atheist
9) Material
e.g. wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, paper, silk
10) Noun used as an adjective
e.g. campus (as in 'campus activities')
11) The noun that the adjectives are describing.
e.g. A wonderful old Italian clock
Although it is possible to write a sentence that uses all the categories; e.g. 'my beautiful, long, curving, new, pink, western, Christian, silk wedding dress', it is bad style as it is too long. Try to use less than five adjectives in a single list. Therefore you could say "Have you seen my beautiful new cream silk wedding dress? It's long and curving, and is in western Christian style."
Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order based on the list above. Notice that the adjectives are not separated by commas.
A big square blue box. (size - shape - color)
A disgusting pink plastic ornament. (opinion - color - material)
Some slim new French trousers. (size - age - origin)
For some practice with adjective order, follow the links below:
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/adjord.htm
http://www.better-english.com/grammar/adjord.htm
1) Determiner or article:
Determiners - this, that, these, those, my, mine, your, yours, him, his, her, hers, they, their, Sam's ; or
Articles - a, an, the
2) Opinion adjective
e.g. polite, fun, cute, difficult, hard-working
3) Size, including comparatives and superlatives.
height; e.g. tall, short, high, low; taller, tallest
width; e.g. wide, narrow, thin, slim; wider, widest
length; e.g. long, short; longer, longest
volume; e.g. fat, huge; fatter, fattest
4) Shape
e.g. circular, oval, triangular, square, 5-sided, hexagonal, irregular
5) Age
e.g. new, young, adolescent, teenage, middle-aged, old, ancient
6) Colour
e.g. red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, grey, black, black and white, light blue, dark red, pale blue, reddish brown, off-white, bright green, warm yellow
7) Nationality
e.g. Hong Kong, Chinese, English, American, Canadian, Japanese
8) Religion
e.g. Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Moslem, pagan, atheist
9) Material
e.g. wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, paper, silk
10) Noun used as an adjective
e.g. campus (as in 'campus activities')
11) The noun that the adjectives are describing.
e.g. A wonderful old Italian clock
Although it is possible to write a sentence that uses all the categories; e.g. 'my beautiful, long, curving, new, pink, western, Christian, silk wedding dress', it is bad style as it is too long. Try to use less than five adjectives in a single list. Therefore you could say "Have you seen my beautiful new cream silk wedding dress? It's long and curving, and is in western Christian style."
Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order based on the list above. Notice that the adjectives are not separated by commas.
A big square blue box. (size - shape - color)
A disgusting pink plastic ornament. (opinion - color - material)
Some slim new French trousers. (size - age - origin)
For some practice with adjective order, follow the links below:
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/adjord.htm
http://www.better-english.com/grammar/adjord.htm
11/18/10
More stereotypes...
Heaven is where the police are British,
the chefs Italian,
the mechanics German,
the lovers French,
and it's all organized by the Swiss.
Hell is where the police are German,
the chefs are British,
the mechanics French,
the lovers Swiss,
and it is all organized by the Italians.
the chefs Italian,
the mechanics German,
the lovers French,
and it's all organized by the Swiss.
Hell is where the police are German,
the chefs are British,
the mechanics French,
the lovers Swiss,
and it is all organized by the Italians.
Stereotypes
Here is link to a funny video on stereotypes which we might see in class if there is time:. It compares Italians to the rest of Europe:
http://www.infonegocio.com/xeron/bruno/italy.html
http://www.infonegocio.com/xeron/bruno/italy.html
11/5/10
Questions and Auxiliaries
Here are a couple of interesting links to practice auxiliaries and questions:
A quiz to practice word order in questions:
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_questionforms.htm
- Yes/No Questions:
http://esl.about.com/b/2010/10/22/are-you-learning-english-yes-i-am-no-im-not.htm?nl=1
- Auxiliaries:
http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/a/a_auxiliary.htm
and an auxiliary verb quiz:
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/bl_auxiliary.htm
A quiz to practice word order in questions:
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_questionforms.htm
- Yes/No Questions:
http://esl.about.com/b/2010/10/22/are-you-learning-english-yes-i-am-no-im-not.htm?nl=1
- Auxiliaries:
http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/a/a_auxiliary.htm
and an auxiliary verb quiz:
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/bl_auxiliary.htm
10/28/10
Halloween
Here we go again ... and it's that spooky time of the year when you see pumpkins everywhere, so I thought we might learn a bit about the tradition of Halloween:
Here is a video about how Halloween started:
For some more history, follow this link: http://www.history.com/topics/halloween
and if you feel like having a fun time check some trivia and stuff about Halloween.
Here is a video about how Halloween started:
For some more history, follow this link: http://www.history.com/topics/halloween
and if you feel like having a fun time check some trivia and stuff about Halloween.
All you ever wanted to know about pumpkins
Here is a video with some facts about pumpkins:
http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/videos#all-about-the-pumpkin
And if you are up for it, don't miss the the harrowing story of one of Halloween's main protagonists:
http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/videos#all-about-the-pumpkin
And if you are up for it, don't miss the the harrowing story of one of Halloween's main protagonists:
10/14/10
10/13/10
Word Order in Questions
1. Basic word order in questions with auxiliaries: QASI (Where do you live) + DO/DOES, DID
Q= Question word
A= Auxiliary
S= Subject
I= Infinitive (Verb)
e.g. Where (Q) do (A) you (S) live (I)?
2. Basic word order in questions with modals: Inversion of SJ-V
3. Word order in negative questions to show surprise or when you expect someone to agree with you:
**Contracted forms added to the auxiliary verb: Isn’t it beautiful?
Full forms: NOT between the subject and verb→Why did you not tell me?
*Contracted forms are more common in spoken English
4. Questions without auxiliaries: When the question word is the subject of the question don’t use DO/DID, etc.
- Who loves Bill? Mary (WHO is the subject)
- Who does Mary love? Bill (Mary is the subject)
5. Indirect questions: Used to make a question more polite
** order is SJ-V, you don’t use DO/DID in the second part of the question
Can you tell me where the post office is? = RIGHT
Do you know where she does live? = WRONG
Q= Question word
A= Auxiliary
S= Subject
I= Infinitive (Verb)
e.g. Where (Q) do (A) you (S) live (I)?
2. Basic word order in questions with modals: Inversion of SJ-V
3. Word order in negative questions to show surprise or when you expect someone to agree with you:
**Contracted forms added to the auxiliary verb: Isn’t it beautiful?
Full forms: NOT between the subject and verb→Why did you not tell me?
*Contracted forms are more common in spoken English
4. Questions without auxiliaries: When the question word is the subject of the question don’t use DO/DID, etc.
- Who loves Bill? Mary (WHO is the subject)
- Who does Mary love? Bill (Mary is the subject)
5. Indirect questions: Used to make a question more polite
** order is SJ-V, you don’t use DO/DID in the second part of the question
Can you tell me where the post office is? = RIGHT
Do you know where she does live? = WRONG
6/21/10
A good and a bad job interview
An example of what not to do during a job interview compared to a good job interview.
Are you obsessed with 'Lost'?
If you were wondering whether you might be a bit too obsessed with this particular show, watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FacsgMQS4Ms&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FacsgMQS4Ms&feature=related
6/14/10
Indirect Questions Review
This is going to be a very simple bit of homework which will help you review indirect questions.
On the right-hand column of the 'Home' page you can see a BBC link at the very bottom. Click on 'Indirect Questions' and do the quiz.
This is also a good time to explore this wonderful website, which includes activities to practise grammar, vocabulary, idioms, pronunciation, etc. There are videos, exercises and podcasts to download and take with you:
There is a special section on business English called 'Business Language to go' which can be especially useful for those of you studying Economics, Business Administration and the like. It looks at vocabulary and phrases used in typical business situations, for example, meetings, dealing with customers, job interviews, etc., and you can improve your listening skills at the same time!
There is also a business English course - Talking English - which gives you useful language and phrases to improve your spoken communication skills in English in different business situations. Each section features audio, target language and a quiz - all of which are downloadable. You can also practise and test your understanding of the language.
So, no excuses, get down to work!
On the right-hand column of the 'Home' page you can see a BBC link at the very bottom. Click on 'Indirect Questions' and do the quiz.
This is also a good time to explore this wonderful website, which includes activities to practise grammar, vocabulary, idioms, pronunciation, etc. There are videos, exercises and podcasts to download and take with you:
There is a special section on business English called 'Business Language to go' which can be especially useful for those of you studying Economics, Business Administration and the like. It looks at vocabulary and phrases used in typical business situations, for example, meetings, dealing with customers, job interviews, etc., and you can improve your listening skills at the same time!
There is also a business English course - Talking English - which gives you useful language and phrases to improve your spoken communication skills in English in different business situations. Each section features audio, target language and a quiz - all of which are downloadable. You can also practise and test your understanding of the language.
So, no excuses, get down to work!
Europe's deep freeze
Here is a link to a video about the weather in Europe:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34795620#34795620http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34795620#34795620
Watch it and answer the following questions:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34795620#34795620http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34795620#34795620
Watch it and answer the following questions:
- What are some of the consequences of heavy snow?
- What are British winters usually like?
- What's the temperature in Norway?
- What are these Dutch skaters doing?
- What about Paris? How do people feel about the city being covered in snow?
- What are some of the problems in Germany?
- Is the weather going to change?
C-test practice link
For those of you already worrying about your final exam, here is a link to practice C-tests:
http://simtestprv.uab.es/ctestpractice/
http://simtestprv.uab.es/ctestpractice/
Writing Correction
Here are some sentences from your writings for you to correct:
1. It’s really good news knowing that you are going to come in May.
2. Now you have to be relaxed and don’t think about other stuff.
3. I hope that he would have good luck.
4. I’m look forward news.
5. I have been in London during the Christmas holiday. It was great.
6. The doctors said to me that I had to operate me.
7. We have a free bedroom, so that we will visit the town when we can.
8. Besides I’m ill, I’m fine.
1. It’s really good news knowing that you are going to come in May.
2. Now you have to be relaxed and don’t think about other stuff.
3. I hope that he would have good luck.
4. I’m look forward news.
5. I have been in London during the Christmas holiday. It was great.
6. The doctors said to me that I had to operate me.
7. We have a free bedroom, so that we will visit the town when we can.
8. Besides I’m ill, I’m fine.
Grammar Link
Here is a link to a very useful grammar page where you can review use of tenses, gerunds and infinitives, etc.
It's especially useful for those of you with a weak result in the grammar section of the Christmas 'take home' exam, but good for revision prurposes at any time:
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/StudyZone/grammar.htm
There are grammar explanations and useful exercises that you can do on your own, and some other sections worth checking out.
It's especially useful for those of you with a weak result in the grammar section of the Christmas 'take home' exam, but good for revision prurposes at any time:
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/StudyZone/grammar.htm
There are grammar explanations and useful exercises that you can do on your own, and some other sections worth checking out.
Interesting links
Here are some interesting links to practice specific things:
- Collocations with verbs like 'take', 'bring', etc: http://esl.about.com/b/2003/10/29/collocations.htm
- Phrasal verbs: http://esl.about.com/od/engilshvocabulary/p/phrasalverbs.htm
The Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival is coming up. Not only in Rio, Venice or New Orleans, but also in the UK. This year, Notting Hill Carnival is going to be the biggest carnival in Europe. It's a shame it's in August, though. Here is a link with information about this year's programme just in case you feel like spending a weekend in London:
http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
What you can do in the meantime to keep your English updated and have a taste of this British carnival is to check the following webpage, with all kinds of interesting tasks and activities related to the Notting Hill Carnival:
http://formation.paysdelaloire.iufm.fr/ressources/plc/anglais/nothill/index.htm
http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
What you can do in the meantime to keep your English updated and have a taste of this British carnival is to check the following webpage, with all kinds of interesting tasks and activities related to the Notting Hill Carnival:
http://formation.paysdelaloire.iufm.fr/ressources/plc/anglais/nothill/index.htm
Improve your English with songs
Lyrics Training is an easy and fun method to learn and improve your English through the music and lyrics of songs.
There are different levels, but I would try 'Intermediate' to start with. Here is the link:
http://www.lyricstraining.com/
There are different levels, but I would try 'Intermediate' to start with. Here is the link:
http://www.lyricstraining.com/
Pronunciation Link
Here is a BBC link which will be very useful to improve your pronunciation in English. It's got videos, quizzes, exercises...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/
Why don't you get started by trying a quiz?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/
Why don't you get started by trying a quiz?
Crime Vocabulary
Here is a podcast from the BBC that will help you review crime vocabulary. Listen to it and do the different tasks.
Prison restaurant.mp3
Prison restaurant.mp3
Free audio books
Another way to improve your English is to listen to books while you are driving or doing sport. There are different websites where you can get audio books, but these two are quite good:
http://www.blogger.com/booksshouldbefree.com or http://www.audioowl.com/
They are free, you just have to download them to you ipod and you are ready to go!
http://www.blogger.com/booksshouldbefree.com or http://www.audioowl.com/
They are free, you just have to download them to you ipod and you are ready to go!
We all know how tricky prepositions are in English... for example, do we say 'log in' or 'log on'? Here is a page from Kenneth Beare's wonderful website to help you with prepositions. There are quizzes and lots of useful stuff.
Animal rights in Switzerland
Banning bullfighting is all very well, but should animals be provided with lawyers? Believe it or not, the Swiss have just had a referendum to decide on this issue. Read this interesting article in BBC News.
Since 2008, the Swiss have had a very civilised set of laws to protect animal rights: anglers have to learn how to catch fish humanely, dog owners are required to take a course, etc. Check out the following page for more information on animal legislation in Switzerland - it's worth a look for those of us who are still in the Stone Age of animal rights - but, is it too much?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3818457.ece
Since 2008, the Swiss have had a very civilised set of laws to protect animal rights: anglers have to learn how to catch fish humanely, dog owners are required to take a course, etc. Check out the following page for more information on animal legislation in Switzerland - it's worth a look for those of us who are still in the Stone Age of animal rights - but, is it too much?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3818457.ece
Information about final exam
Here is a webpage where you'll find information about the different parts of the final exam together with practical examples and exercises that you can use to get more familiar with the exam:
http://webs2002.uab.es/suab244w/ex-intro.html
http://webs2002.uab.es/suab244w/ex-intro.html
Listening Practice
Here are some webpages to practice your listening skills for the final exam. These are mainly news pages with very short news items:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/video_and_audio/news_summary/8070822.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/
Some American English, might come in handy, as well; Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab has lots of stuff:
http://www.esl-lab.com/
And for some practice with advertisements, check out this webpage:
http://www.advertisementave.com/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/video_and_audio/news_summary/8070822.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/
Some American English, might come in handy, as well; Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab has lots of stuff:
http://www.esl-lab.com/
And for some practice with advertisements, check out this webpage:
http://www.advertisementave.com/
Would you ever lie on your resume?
Maybe it's just a few 'white lies' or just 'stretching the truth' a little bit...
Maybe you are applying for the job you've always wanted, and you know that companies do not always check the references and you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job.
What do you think, is it ethical? is it worth taking the risk?
Maybe you are applying for the job you've always wanted, and you know that companies do not always check the references and you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job.
What do you think, is it ethical? is it worth taking the risk?
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