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2/26/2016 0 Comments

February Week Four

This week we extended last week's topic of functional English to other situations -- making complaints, solving conflicts, getting attention, and interrupting.

LISTENING
This week, learners can try this podcast about politely interrupting or English for Communication: Making a Complaint or a BBC .

For original version try the TED Talk In Search of the Man Who Broke My Neck.
READING
Learners can read and do a quiz about polite language.

For original version, read about the best excuses for missing work or about a very late apology.

WRITING
This week for writing, please write a dialogue about one of these situations:

1. Your friend traveled and asked you to water his/her plants. You forgot to do it and all his/her plants died while he/she was away.

2. Your friend asked you to take care of the dogs, but you can't do it because you are allergic to pets' fur.

3. Your friend asked you to take their of the children during the afternoon, but you forgot to feed the baby.

4. You asked for your friend's car while yours was at the mechanic. You crashed the car while parking it.

5. You borrowed some money from your friend. Now you don't have money to pay back.

6. You parked your car in the handicapped space without realizing it. When you finally picked up your car, someone on a wheelchair had been waiting for you to leave the parking space for one hour.

Best,
Kelly

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2/21/2016 0 Comments

February Week Three

This week and next will be focused on using natural expressions in common situations: introductions, invitations, expressing thanks, and apologizing.

LISTENING
This week, learners can try this BBC listening about accepting apologies, or about how to say you're sorry. or ESLPod: An Apology.

For original version try the TED Talk In Search of the Man Who Broke My Neck.

READING
Learners can read and do a quiz about polite language.

For original version, read about the best excuses for missing work or about a very late apology.

WRITING
This week for writing, please write a dialogue about one of these situations:

1. Your friend traveled and asked you to water his/her plants. You forgot to do it and all his/her plants died while he/she was away.

2. Your friend asked you to take care of the dogs, but you can't do it because you are allergic to pets' fur.

3. Your friend asked you to take their of the children during the afternoon, but you forgot to feed the baby.

4. You asked for your friend's car while yours was at the mechanic. You crashed the car while parking it.

5. You borrowed some money from your friend. Now you don't have money to pay back.

6. You parked your car in the handicapped space without realizing it. When you finally picked up your car, someone on a wheelchair had been waiting for you to leave the parking space for one hour.

Best,
Kelly

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2/13/2016 0 Comments

February Week Two

This week is the super bowl, the most watched night of television in the US, with the most expensive and elaborate commercials. Therefore we talks about ads, advertising and marketing in class this week.

LISTENING
This week, learners can try listening to a radio commericial or Listen Now! to a text about false advertising (transcript).

For original version try watching some of the best Super Bowl Commercials from Last Year or Part of Naomi Klein's No Logo film.

READING
Learners can read about a controversial spot about Australian tourism.

For original version, read the fascinating article The Psychology of Advertising.

WRITING
Advertising is all around us, it is an unavoidable part of everyone’s life. Some people say that advertising is a positive part of our lives while others say it is a negative one. Discuss both views and include your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

Best,
Kelly

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2/7/2016 0 Comments

February Week One

This week we talked professions and debated the ups and downs of our jobs and the jobs of our dreams.

LISTENING
This week, learners can try an activity about Preparing for a Job Interview, How The Economic Crisis Made Me Change My Job, Talking About Work Conditions, or about Professional Babysitters.

For original version try the short film The Job or a David Sedaris radio story about working in a morgue.

READING
Learners can read a text about responding to job ads or a fill in the balnks reading exercise about jobs.

For original version, try an article about a teenage undertaker or about an Egyptian man turning rubbish into gold.

WRITING
This week for writing, please write a job application letter. This could either be a real letter if you're searching, or respond to this prompt:

You have seen the following job advertisement in your local youth centre. Send a letter to Mr. Johnson, the activity leader, saying why you are suitable for the job.

ACTIVITY CO-ORDINATOR WANTED! (Weekends only)
Would you like to work with young children aged 6-12? Do you have lots of energy? Are you an excellent swimmer? If so, then we want to hear from you. Our children’s club needs someone responsible to look after a group of 10 children to teach them swimming and other activities.

Write your letter of application in an appropriate style.

Best,
Kelly

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February Week Four

February Week Three

February Week Two

February Week One

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