Reading comprehension: Siestas

Here you have a reading comprehension about siestas... It doesn't seem to be very promising, though! You can read and listen too!

What do you think about this piece of information?

Reading comprehension

The topic in this reading comprehension has surprised me. What do you think?

Teachers asked to smile at their pupils

What do you think of this technique related to creative writing? Do you think that it could be useful for your students?

Formal and informal letters

This is a summary of formal and informal letters.You must consider that when you write formal or an informal letter, there are some conventions that must be followed. 

-          In informal letters we use informal style because the addressee is a person we know: a relative, a close friend... This type of writing is characterised by the use of everyday vocabulary, colloquial expressions or idioms, and phrasal verbs. Short forms (I couldn't write before...; I thought I’d drop you a line) are also allowed.

-          Formal letters, however, are usually sent to people in an official position, or people you don’t know. That’s why this type of letters must be written in a very polite language. You are NOT ALLOWED to use short forms, and you are supposed to write your full name under your signature. You should use a more formal language and be always very clear and concise. Avoid structures that are related to personal information, such as “I think”, “I believe”, “We want”...  For instance, if you want to apologyse, you should say “ We regret to inform you that your flight has been cancelled” instead of “We are sorry but we have cancelled your flight because...”

In this link below you have some examples of sentences that you can use in formal letters: http://www.eslgold.com/business/letters_phrases.html

            In formal letters, the layout (structure) is also very important here you have an example of the structure of a formal letter.

And don’t forget that you must ALWAYS STICK TO THE TOPIC!!!!

And here you can practice with an activity. 

Be allowed to - Be able to - Be supposed to

Here you have some links that you can use to practice Modal Verbs.

BE ALLOWED TO:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode101/languagepoint.shtml

BE ABLE TO:
http://www.autoenglish.org/translations/tr.beableto.pdf

BE SUPPOSED TO:
http://www.cristinacabal.com/intermediate/besupposedto.htm

A review of modals : http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g38-modal-signs.php

"Remember, remember the 5th of November"

In Great Britain, November 5th is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks in remembrance of the failed Gunpowder Plot (1605), planned by a group of conspirators. Guy Fawkes was one of them. They tried to blow up the Parliament, murder King James I and restore a Catholic monarchy, but their plot was discovered.

Here you have an extract of the film "V for Vendetta", whose main character is based on Guy Fawkes. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1ikQQk8cJQ&feature=related

And here, you have another link where you can read and listen to an extract about Guy Fawkes. There are several activities that you can do after reading and listening. 

http://www.eslholidaylessons.com/11/guy_fawkes_night.html