Robots to the rescue?

An interesting talk about the present and future of robotics

Is education killing creativity

What do you make of this one? Good stuff here for us to discuss, and lots of good language for you to take note of

Do you remember our discussion of multiple intelligences?

If you remember our discussion of "multiple intelligences" you might like to hear about the subject "from the horse's mouth" so to speak.

anger idioms

Hi everyone,

Here is the website that I showed you in class with idioms and expressions relating to anger.

Off the beaten track

Good morning everyone,

I hope you are enjoying your holiday.

During this Easter break, you may be giving some thought to what you are going to do during the summer holiday. Or maybe you have already made your plans.

In either case, and even if you are not going to be able to travel this summer at all, I thought you might like to peruse this website. Maybe it will give you some ideas for the summer, or for a future occasion, or perhaps it will stir memories of tripsin Spain you have made in the past. Or it may simply give you something to dream about.

This is the topic that we are going to begin to work on starting from next week. I thought that it might be an idea to think about a trip that you have made or would really like to make, and be prepared to talk either to your group or to the whole class about it. Think of it as a kind of speaking project, or mini-presentation. The idea is that you spend about five minutes talking about your experience (or your fantasy), and then wait for the rest of the class/group to ask you questions.

The destination you choose need not necessarily be a Spanish one. Whichever one you choose, from this website or from some other one, or just from your own memories or dreams, you will find vocabulary in this website and in the book which you will be able to use.

Best wishes

PS. Here is another site with lots of information about destinations in other parts of the world

Roger

Is the American Dream still alive?

Hi everyone,

Much has changed since Steinbeck wrote Of Mice And Men, but much has remained the same. Have a look at this article and comment on how America (and the world) today presents a variation on the same theme that Steinbeck was writing about.

America at the time of "Of Mice and Men"

future of pensions

Disconnect to connect

Here's a very touching little ad (or anti-ad) which says a ot about what we were talking about in class the other day. Any comments?

Body idioms

Hiello everyone,

Here is the link to the BODY IDIOMS site that we were looking at in class. Why not try the quiz at the end? There are lots of other idioms on this website. Have fun exploring. I'll test you after the holiday :)

Anyone for immortality?

A fascinating documentary about how ageing can be defeated. .... What do you think? Is it achievable? Is it desirable?

Alternative medicine!

Hi everyone,

One of the students has just sent me this. Your comments are welcome!

Writing skills

Good afternoon everyone,

The Mock exam is now over and done with. I thought it might be a good ideaa to use the blog to focus attention on some issues that have arisen from the different parts of the exam. To start with, here is a link to a site that you might find helpful as an overview of the types of subjects that come up as ARGUMENTATIVE essays or articles. Look at some of the essays themselves. You will find lots of good examples of the kind of language that is useful for expressinig your opinions.

Do you speak English?

Use of English Practice

Hi everyone,

Here are a few links you can use to get some more Use of English practice, specifically part 4

http://www.examenglish.com/CAE/useofenglish4.php

http://alejafer.110mb.com/caeuseofenglishpart4.htm

http://www.hibernia-institute.cz/testy/cae/cae_use_part4.htm

http://englishtests.ucoz.com/CAE/test1/use/cae_paper3_use_test1_part4.htm

the science - religion debate

The boy with the incedible brain

Can anyone be a scientist?

Have a look at this short BBC interview where a young British "celebrity scientist" suggests that a career in science is accessible to anyone. Do you agree with him?

for and against multiple intelligences

Multiple intelligences

Why are Dutch children so happy?

Here's an article, originally from the BBC, on one of the subjects we were looking at in class today, and will be looking at tomorrow. SO what do you think? Are the Netherlands a role model whose example the rest of Europe should be following? Could the same be said of Spanish children as is said here of Dutch children (or as is said of English children for that matter)? Why not make a comment after you have read it?

Flo-joe for CAE

Hi everyone,

Here are some links in the flo-joe Cambridge exams website:

This one is a kind of "writing workshop" with some very useful activities, exercises and reference for the writing part of the exam.

This one is for some help with the Use of English in the form of Practice tests.

Enjoy!

Roger

the effects of tourism

our environmental future?