EnglishWorld

Thanks to Isabella,who gave me the tip of this site! He puts into speech what I wrote about a few days ago. English is vital for your future! Take note, listen and internalise: YOU are responsible for what you learn, not your teacher, or your family. ONLY YOU can make the difference!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os3pCCpdlWE

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GIVE THE CHICKEN ORDERS

englishworld - 16 de octubre de 2007 - 00:22 - GAMES

If you click on the following site, you will be able to test your order-giving skills. When it opens, click on VIEW SITE.

http://www.brainbashers.com/chicken

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CONGRATULATIONS UNICORNS

englishworld - 14 de octubre de 2007 - 05:14 - CULTURE

The Woman with the Unicorn painted by Raphael (1505)

Congratulations on your victory!

LOVE,

Miss Christine

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CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYBODY

englishworld - 12 de octubre de 2007 - 18:51 - CULTURE

Congratulations to both teams, Lions and Unicorns, for all the work, effort and enthusiasm put into the activities of our School Week. I hope it has been a satisfaction to all of you, and I hope that next week I can have you all, body and soul in my classes. I love you all, red or yellow!

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SHAGGY DOG STORIES

englishworld - 08 de octubre de 2007 - 23:02

A shaggy dog story is a an extremely long-winded (extensive) tale, which contains a lot of irrelevant information or incidents, and which ends in an unexpected or absurd final line. Here are some examples of well-known shaggy dog stories.

The Pig

Looking over a farmyard wall I saw a huge pig with a wooden leg. Intrigued I sought out the farmer and said "I have just seen your pig with a wooden leg, it must mean a lot to you to have gone to the lengths of fitting it with an artificial limb".

"Oh yes" said the farmer, "it's a special pig. A few months ago my son fell into the pond and that pig dived straight in and pulled him out with its teeth".

"Well" said I "that really is something".

"That's not all" said the farmer "a month ago the house caught fire and that pig grunted real loud to wake us up, barged the door down and ran upstairs. My daughter was unconscious from the smoke and he grabbed her nightdress with his teeth and dragged her out. Saved us all did that pig".

"That really is marvellous" I said.

"Oh there's more" said the farmer, "two weeks ago my herd of sheep got out and strayed onto the main road. That pig rushed out and rounded them up like a sheep dog, brought them home and saved the flock, it really is a superb pig".

"That really is amazing" I said "but why has it got a wooden leg"?

"Oh well", said the farmer "when you've a pig like that you can't eat it all at once"!

Four Brothers

Four brothers left home for college, and they became successful doctors and lawyers and prospered. Some years later, they chatted after having dinner together. They discussed the gifts that they were able to give to their elderly mother who lived far away in another city.

The first said, "I had a big house built for Mama." The second said, "I had a hundred thousand dollar theater built in the house." The third said, "I had my Mercedes dealer deliver her an SL600." The fourth said, "Listen to this. You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can't read it anymore because she can't see very well. I met this priest who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took twenty priests 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000 a year for twenty years to the church, but it was worth it. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse and the parrot will recite it." The other brothers were impressed.

After the holidays Mom sent out her Thank You notes.

She wrote: "Milton, the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway."

"Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks."

"Michael, you give me an expensive theater with Dolby sound, it could hold 50 people, but all my friends are dead, I've lost my hearing and I'm nearly blind. I'll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same."

"Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you."

Moral Tale

A woman and a man are involved in a car accident; it's a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt. After they crawl out of their cars, the woman says, "So you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace for the rest of our days".

Flattered, the man replies, "Oh yes, I agree with you completely, this must be a sign from God!" The woman continues, "And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune." Then she hands the bottle to the man.

The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman. The woman takes the bottle and immediately puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the man.

The man asks, "Aren't you having any?" The woman replies, "No. I think I'll just wait for the police.... "

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TAKE CONTROL OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

englishworld - 08 de octubre de 2007 - 21:45 - CULTURE

Here is an excellent article I came across, which I think is important for you all to read. It reflects exactly what I think about the importance of YOU taking an active part in your language learning process. (Don't expect all the effort to come from your teacher)

Taking Control of the English Language

by Steven David Bloomberg

How can I speak English better? How can I communicate better in English? How can I express myself better in English? How can I listen to and understand English better? How can I improve?

You speak English at an advanced level. You speak it fluently and you use it every day, yet you aren’t satisfied with your ability. You feel like you can’t express yourself the way you want to. When you can’t say what you want to say or need to say in the manner that you would like to, it might not leave you with the best feeling you could possibly have. There is only one thing to do about it. You must take control of the English language. What does taking control of the English language mean? It does not mean taking control of the entire language. It means taking control of the English language that is yours; the English language that you have. It means using the English that you already have to get more. It means taking responsibility for your own learning.

You might tell yourself that you want to have private instruction with an English language tutor. That’s a good idea. However, there is something you should know and be well aware of. What happens during the time that you meet with an English language tutor is very important, but what happens during the time between your meetings with an English language tutor is even more important. The proactive steps that you take in order to improve have a direct effect on what it is you get out of the time and money that you spend with an English language tutor. In order to receive the maximum benefit possible for the money you spend on a tutor, you must dedicate a sufficient amount of time to studying between each lesson. Of course, the amount of time that anyone is able to dedicate to studying will vary, but nevertheless, it must be done. Furthermore, there are a number of things you should do leading up to the time that you decide to pick up the phone and make that call. So you ask, what is it that I need to do? What can I do on my own?

You need to increase your vocabulary. You need to build your lexicon. You need to learn more idiomatic expressions. Does this mean studying vocabulary lists? No. Does that mean buying books that list idiomatic expressions in English and their meanings? That may or may not be helpful. Does it mean going to the Internet and studying idiomatic expressions that are listed at websites? Perhaps, but that wouldn’t be all. Does it mean learning the word of the day that is given by online dictionaries? No! You need to build a personal lexicon. You need to maintain a lexical notebook. You need to learn words and expressions that are interesting to you and will be useful to you. You need to learn words and expressions that are part of your environment. Where can you find these words and expressions? You can find them by listening to the radio, by listening to those that you speak with on a daily basis, and by even listening to those that you don’t speak with. You don’t have to converse with someone in order to listen to someone. Of course, you can find new words and expressions by choosing challenging reading material that is interesting to you: newspaper and magazine articles, books, short stories. In order to start building your new lexicon, I suggest starting by finding something to read.

Now that you have chosen something interesting to read, here is what you need to do. You need to write down the words and expressions that you don’t understand. Take note of the page number and paragraph that the words or expressions are on as you read. After you are done reading, go back to the words and expressions that you didn’t understand and write them in your lexical notebook. Leave space to write an explanation or a definition. From the context, see if you can figure out what the words or expressions mean. After you have done this, go to a dictionary. For idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs that you are unfamiliar with, I strongly recommend taking advantage of Cambridge Dictionaries Online. It is important that you practice these new words and expressions by writing your own sentences. This is helpful in incorporating them into your daily conversations and speaking habits. Don’t be overwhelmed by thinking you have to read a lot. Read what is good for you. If you come across too many words and expressions that you don’t recognize, it might be a good idea to find some less challenging reading material. What you read should be challenging, but it should not be so challenging that it might be discouraging.

Listen to the news on the radio. Listen to talk shows. Generally speaking, radio announcers that report the news speak clearly, use good vocabulary, and also use idiomatic expressions. If you have a computer, you can listen to news reports from National Public Radio and the British Broadcasting Corporation (NPR and the BBC). You can usually find a RealPlayer link to listen to news stories from both of these resources. However, listening to the radio will suffice as well. If you can, it would be a good idea to record a ten to fifteen minute segment of a news show or any broadcast that might interest you. Take note of any words or expressions that sound unfamiliar to you. Write them down in your lexical notebook. If you were able to record what you listened to, listen to it again to see if you can figure out what the new words and expressions mean through the context that they are used in. If you are unable to figure out what something means, then by all means go to a dictionary. Once again, I suggest using Cambridge Dictionaries Online for a comprehensive overview of any single word. Cambridge Dictionaries Online is a very good resource in that it demonstrates how words are used in idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. Cambridge Dictionaries also point out any important secondary definitions that a word might have.

Pay attention to what you hear wherever you go. If you are on a bus or a train, listen to what people say and how they say it. If you are in a supermarket, a shopping mall or any other public place where you can hear others speak, open your ears and try to listen. Take note of what you hear. Jot it down in a small pocket size notebook. Later, you can add it to your lexical notebook. If you pay attention, you are eventually bound to hear at least one word or one expression that is new to you. When you hear it, write it down. Find out what it means later. Learn it. Use it.

When learning new words and expressions, it is important to take note of whether these words and expressions are used in an informal context or a formal context. Many words and expressions are used both formally and informally. If you aren’t sure of exactly how to use a new word or expression, you can try them out with work colleagues and friends. Find people to converse with. They may not be instructive in any way, but you can try out new ways to express yourself. You should also listen as closely as possible when you converse. Listen for anything that sounds different, new, or unfamiliar. If the circumstance permits, don’t be afraid to take out your pocket notebook and write it down. If you say something that isn't quite right, the person you are speaking with might take note of it and let you know. If you aren’t sure of something you said or would like to say, then ask about it. If you hear something and you don’t know what it means, ask about that as well. Some, or even many people, may not view themselves as “teachers” per se, but most native speakers of English should be able to assist you in this manner. I believe most people would be glad to help. It is of the utmost importance to not be afraid to ask questions. That’s part of taking control of the English language. That’s part of making the English language your language. English is not your first language, but there is no reason why it cannot be your language. Get a notebook. Get something to read. Find something to listen to on the radio.

Take control of the English language now.

So You Want to Speak Great English?

Suggestions for Making It Happen

By Sheri Summers

Attending classes is only part of your English education. To become proficient in English you have to take responsibility and be active in acquiring it. You have to live and breathe English. How well you succeed is really up to you. Here are some suggestions for making English your own.

Think of English as more like an art than a science

Many people study English as if it were a math or science. They often feel they are trying to solve a problem. Yes, you can study rules, but there are often more exceptions to the rules than there are rules. This doesn't mean you should study them, but language is living. It breathes, it moves, it grows, it changes. You have to learn to live it, to feel it in your soul. You have to make it your own. It has to become a part of you. It has to feel natural.

Don't hold on to your dictionary so tightly

Your top priority in learning English should be to think in English. Our brains slow down when we are constantly translating English to and from our language. The first thing you should do is stop translating new words you hear directly into your native language. Most people immediately go to their electronic dictionaries when they come across something new. Don't do it! Try this instead:

Try to understand the new word or phrase from context. The words and ideas around them should help you make a good guess. If you still don't understand...
Ask someone to explain what it means in English. If you still don't understand...
Consult an English-English dictionary*. If you still don't understand...
Consult a dictionary in your own language.

* I recommend using a paper English-English dictionary. Many teachers have noticed that their students remember words much longer when they are forced to search for them in the dictionary. Also, dictionaries in book form generally give more detailed examples than electronic dictionaries.

Keep a list of new words and phrases in your own notes

Make your own vocabulary lists and review them often. Write sentences to help you remember what they mean. Use these new words and phrases in conversations and writings whenever you have a chance. The more you use the words, the more they become your own.

Surround yourself in English

Listen to radio in English; watch TV and movies in English; read newspapers, magazines, books, and the internet in English; join a class, club, or any gathering that is conducted in English. The important thing is that you are around English as much as possible. When you spend time living a language, it comes to you more naturally like it does for a child.

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SECOND SENIORS INTERACTIVE EXERCISES THIRD CONDITIONAL

englishworld - 08 de octubre de 2007 - 20:19 - Second Seniors

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/3cond.htm

http://www.smic.be/smic5022/conditionaltype3.htm

Wishes and regrets

http://www.5minuteenglish.com/apr21.htm

http://valenciaenglish.netfirms.com/wish.htm

http://valenciaenglish.netfirms.com/wishex.htm

http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/naturalenglish/upp/a_grammar/unit01/neup_grammar01_2/

http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/headway/upperint/a_grammar/unit11/hwy_upp_unit11_1/

http://www.5minuteenglish.com/may8.htm

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FIRST SENIORS INTERACTIVE EXERCISES (PAST/PRESENT PERFECT)

englishworld - 08 de octubre de 2007 - 20:15 - First Seniors

http://www.5minuteenglish.com/may5.htm

http://www.5minuteenglish.com/mar31.htm

http://www.5minuteenglish.com/jul28.htm

http://www.5minuteenglish.com/jan21.htm

http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omexercise/tiemposverbales/unit11.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/wi3/englishcorner/grammar/rules/presperfvssimppas.html (information about both tenses)

http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omexercise/tiemposverbales/unit13.htm

http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omexercise/tiemposverbales/unit14.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/wi3/englishcorner/grammar/Interactive/spvprpf1.html

http://www.smic.be/smic5022/testtenses2.htm

http://www.quia.com/pop/153349.html

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LEARN ABOUT SLAVERY

englishworld - 08 de octubre de 2007 - 01:36 - CULTURE

Have you ever read 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' ? If you did, did you feel shocked about the conditions most slaves lived in? To enslave a fellow human being so that his or her life depends on you is outrageous. But this horrendous practice has persisted throughout history. If you follow the link, you will have the opportunity to learn more about it, be able to witness a slave auction, and use your imagination to place yourself in the shoes of those who had to go through life in these conditions.