Listening: Unusual British festivals

Look at this picture. Isn't it funny? Why do you think this man is making a face? In fact, he is taking part in an old British competition. If you want to learn more about some of the most unusual British festivals, click on the link below. Remember to do the True / False Exercise and the Multiple Choice Exercise. Leave your results in a comment as usual!

LIstening: Unusual British festivals

Dreams

How often do you dream? Do you remember what you dream? Is there a hidden meaning in your dreams? If you want to learn more about dreaming and dream interpretation, click on the link below. Choose five out of the twelve questions and leave the answers in a comment as usual.

Dreams

Past Simple vs Past Continuous

When talking about the past, we have to distinguish between an action that started and finished in the past, that is, Past Simple, and an action that was happening in a given moment in the past, Past Continuous. This grammar point is very useful when telling a story. If you need some practice, click on the links below and leave your results in a comment.

Past Simple vs Past Continuous 1
Past Simple vs Past Continuous 2
Past Simple vs Past Continuous: Game

Summer reading: A beach

Hi eveyone! Are you enjoying your holidays? Are you somewhere near the sea? I found out this reading and I thought you might want to have a look at it. It contains a lot of summer vocabulary so read it first and then do the two task sections below. Leave your answers in a comment as usual!

Reading: A beach

Table manners around the world

When having dinner in a foreign country you have to pay attention to the appropriate table manners.  What is considered polite in a country might be considered rude in another one. Today, I want you to read an article about good table manners around the world, and then decide if the sentences below are True or False. Remember to correct the false ones.

1. In France people hide their hands when they aren't eating.

2. You mustn't use a knife to cut your potatoes in Germany.

3. Hungarians never say cheers with alcoholic drinks.

4. In Japan you don't keep your chopsticks in a horizontal position.

5. In Korea young people start eating before old people.

6. In Thailand the spoon is the only utensil used to put food in your mouth.

Good manners around the world

Past Simple: Irregular verbs

When learning English, sooner or later you have to study the irregular verb list. It may seem a bit difficult at first but it is basic for storytelling, anecdotes or just talking about your past weekend!
Click on the links below for some very complete exercises. Try them and leave me your results as usual!

Irregular Verbs 1
Irregular Verbs 2
Irregular Verbs 3
Easy story: The Princess and the pea.
Song:The man who sold the world

Weather

This is a very common topic when learning English at basic levels, but I usually come across students who don't know much about advanced weather vocabulary and natural phenomena. Click on the links below and check your knowledge. Leave me your results in a comment as usual!

Basic Review

Weather and seasons
Weather and Natural Phenomena

Writing: My best friend

In this post I suggest you to write a short composition about your best friend. Here are some ideas to help you:

1. Introduce your friend : name, age, physical appearance, interests and hobbies.

2. How, when, where you met.

3. An important experience that you have shared.

4. Problems in your relationship.

5. Future plans together.

Recipes

English people are not very good at cooking, however it is worth having a look at the two recipes I want to share with you today. The first one is salty and more complicated, but the second one is sweet and very easy.  Do the exercises and leave the results as usual! Enjoy your meal!

Chicken and pork pie
Apple Crumble

Bioparc

Next week we'll be visiting this special zoo in Fuengirola. But first , I want you to have a look at its web site and search for the answer to these questions.Remember to leave your answers in a comment!

Bioparc Fuengirola

1. How much is a ticket for a child? And for an adult?
2. Are there family/group discounts available?
3. Are there any restaurants in the park?
4.How many habitats can you find there?
5. What is the EAZA?
6. Are there any exhibitions or special activities at the moment?

A Famous Pirate

Henry Morgan was a famous pirate from the seventeenth century. He fought in many battles, was in prison and received the title of "Sir" during his life. Click on the link below to learn more and answer the following questions.

Henry Morgan
- Who gave Henry Morgan the title of " Sir" ?
- Where was he born?
- Why did he become so famous?
- How did he go out from prison?
- What place is named after him?

Writing: My town

Writing about your town, village or city is a very common topic. It will be very easy if you follow the guidelines below. In this post I ask you to write a composition of about 80-100 words.

1. Introduce your town: location, inhabitants, climate, important festivals
2. Important places: tourist sights, relevant buildings, natural environment
3. Recommendations: restaurants, shops, special events
4. Opinion: positive and negative aspects