Friday, December 31, 2021
The Three Stages of Man
1. He believes in Santa Claus.
2. He doesn't believe in Santa Claus.
3. He is Santa Claus.
but don't forget the 4th stage....
3. He is Santa Claus.
but don't forget the 4th stage....
He LOOKS like Santa Claus.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Saying goodbye to 2021
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Wednesday, December 29, 2021
How does Ricky Martin say 'asignatura pendiente' in the English version of the song? Read the lyrics to answer the question. The video is in Spanish.
An urgent matter
I have enough airmiles to go to Pluto
I have a fan club on the moon
An enormous house that I can see from a plane
And in the eyes of some, fortune
An army of go-fers
A photo with Bush
A suite in the Waldorf
And more cars than friends
I want to not want
I have a pair of mascots who don't know who I am
And amongst everything that I have
I can’t find sufficient reason to forget you
Your small hand waving goodbye
That rainy night in San Juan
And the kisses that I took with me
Are only yours, not the ones I gave you
Going busily into the sky,
I forgot that life is better on the ground
My Puerto Rican, my Indian, my love
My unresolved matter
My Puerto Rican, my Indian,my love
My matter pending
I have three offices and a apartment in New York
And King Midas works with me
I have several reasons for being right
that there is no reason worse than oblivion
If I connect to the boy that I was,
I want to drop anchor
And other times to escape
to some lost place
I want to not want
to buy a ticket to yesterday
And in everything I have
I cannot find reason enough to forget you
My Puerto Rican, my Indian, my love
My matter pending
Book Review
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai is one of my favourite books. I like it not only because I love the story and the way it's written, but because it opened a whole new world for me. Till I read it, I had never heard of verse novels. Since then, however, I've read so many I've lost count.
It's a short book, like most children's and teen's novels. This doesn't mean an adult cannot enjoy it.
The story is easy to read and not very long. You can finish it in one sitting.
Inside Out and Back Again is about a young girl named Ha who lives in Vietnam. Her father disappears during the Vietnam War. Her mother, Ha, and her three brothers flee across the sea to Alabama after the fall of Saigon. Getting used to life in the States is not always easy.
It's a moving and compassionate novel. It's also lyrical without being corny. The truth is I wouldn't mind reading it again.
Current news
Sometimes my friends or ex-students send me material for the blog. Below you can see an example.
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Lyrics Training
If you want to practise your English in a fun way, why not use Lyrics Training?
This app allows you to either just listen while you read the lyrics or to do fill-in-the-blanks exercises.
You can also use the webpage: https://lyricstraining.com
Quote
'It is never too late to be who you might have been.'
- Who said this? What do you know about him/her?
-Do you agree with the quote?
Monday, December 27, 2021
Podcast
An interesting podcast that will help you improve your English and also learn about a wide variety of topics.
Journalism at its best.
Level: Advanced.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-minutes/id81210923
Adjectives
Building adjectives from nouns exercise. Write the correct adjectives formed from the nouns in English.
Sunday, December 26, 2021
Other Words for Home Book Trailer
A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United Stated. perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed.
Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.
At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before.
But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.
Source: Amazon.com
Book Review: The One Plus One
1. The reviewer promises there will be no...
2. Did she enjoy the book?
3. What doesn't she usually like?
4. Is the book funny all the time?
5. The book made the reviewer ... and she says it was embarrassing.
6. The novel was in Amazon's...
At home with Jojo Moyes: The One Plus One
I hope this short interview will help you to understand the book better or to refresh your memory if, like me, you read it a long time ago.
Sabaton 2021: Joakim Brodén about their new record.
1. What do you think of Joakim's English?
2. The interviewer says something that Carlos L. said in class, what is it?
Friday, December 24, 2021
Top 10 Things To Say About A Holiday Gift You Don't Like
10. Hey! There's a gift.
9. Well, well, well...
8. Boy, if I had not recently shot up four sizes, that would've fit.
7. Perfect for wearing in the basement.
6. Wow, I hope this never catches fire!
5. If the dog buries it, I'll be furious!
4. I love it, but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the federal witness protection program.
2. To think I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
1. I really don't deserve this.
Super useful page
This is one of my favourite sites. We'll use it in class, but do bookmark it if you want to practise on your own.
Season Greetings
Dear all,
I just want to wish you all a very merry Christmas. I hope you have time to rest, to spend time with your family and friends and maybe even to read your English book.Let's hope 2022 behaves itself and brings us joyful news instead of unrelenting viruses.
Lots of love,
MJ
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Monday, December 20, 2021
Sad news
I guess you've heard that Spanish Il Divo singer Carlos Marin died (allegedly of Covid) in hospital in Manchester yesterday. He was only fifty-three.
Carlos, who had been vaccinated, had been in the ICU since the beginning of the month. On 7th December he was placed in an induced comma.
Il Divo was created by Simon Cowell in 2003. They have travelled all over the world on tour and have released many albums.
On their official social channels, Il Divo confirmed Carlos's death: 'It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away.'
Cowell released a statement on Instagram last night saying how sad he felt and how much Carlos had loved life.
As a longtime fan, I share their grief. I don't like concerts, but I made an exception for them. Four exceptions, actually.
Godspeed, Carlos.
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Friday, December 17, 2021
New idiom.
make a mountain out of a molehill
If you make a mountain out of a molehill, you make a small problem seem to be a much bigger problem.
(Source: English Club)
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Joke
City Preacher
Having grown up just outside New York City, I barely knew a cow from an ear of corn. Until, that is, I married a small-town Ohio girl. While I was in seminary school, I had a temporary assignment at a church in a rural community. The day of my first sermon, I tried very hard to fit in. Maybe too hard.
With my wife sitting in the first pew, I began my discourse: "I never saw a cow until I met my wife."
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
What is the meaning of the expression below?
Laughing stock
a) a collection of funny anecdotes and stories
b) a person who appears silly
c) an audience cheering in a TV recording studio
(Source: OWAD)
Sample sentence: She was the laughing stock of her class.
Monday, December 13, 2021
Why should you read Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”?
Do you think what the video says might make you read The Tempest?
The original version or a modern English one?
Proverbs
Can you explain the meaning of the proverbs below?
- A change is as good as a rest.
- A fool and his money are soon parted.
- A friend in need is a friend indeed.
- A leopard cannot change its spots.
- It's better to be safe than sorry.
- Don't judge a book by its cover.
Friday, December 10, 2021
Michael Jackson - Heal The World (Official Video)
You were right: the song Pablo was singing is a Michael Jackson song.
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Moral dilemma
Which one would you choose?
You're driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night. You pass a bus stop and see three people waiting for the bus:
1. An old woman, who looks as if she's about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The man / woman of your dreams.
Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing there could only be one passenger in your car.
Think before you continue reading.
This is a moral / ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.
You could pick up the old woman because she is going to die; thus you should save her first.
Or, you could pick up the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him / her back.
However, you may never be able to find your perfect dream lover again.
The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer.
WHAT DID HE SAY?
Please try and come up with the best answer before scrolling down..
1. An old woman, who looks as if she's about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The man / woman of your dreams.
Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing there could only be one passenger in your car.
Think before you continue reading.
This is a moral / ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.
You could pick up the old woman because she is going to die; thus you should save her first.
Or, you could pick up the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him / her back.
However, you may never be able to find your perfect dream lover again.
The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer.
WHAT DID HE SAY?
Please try and come up with the best answer before scrolling down..
He simply answered: "I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the old woman the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the woman of my dreams."
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Animal sounds.
Dogs bark
Lions ...
Snakes ...
Horses ...
Owls ...
Cows ...
Donkeys ...
Cats ...
Pigs ...
Mice ...
Birds ...
Flash fiction
When Leo got lost, he was scared. Very scared. Terribly scared. At first, he could't move, but after a while he realised he had to do something.
When he saw a family walking down the lane towards him, he decided to ask them.
'Have you seen my mum? She looks just like me, only bigger.'
The dad stared at him, frowned, and then they all kept walking. One of the little girls turned around and studied him, a curious expression on her face.
Leo was only two and he didn't know what else to do. He sat on the grass, rested his head on the ground and started crying. He knew he had to be brave, but he couldn't.
A few minutes later, he heard a roar. He looked up and ran towards it.
'Thank goodness I found you, Mum. I was petrified.'
'How come? You know one day you'll be the king of the jungle. You have to stay strong no matter what.'
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Joke
A Letter from My Grandfather
I've sure gotten old...
I've had two by-pass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer, and diabetes.
Am half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy,
I've had two by-pass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer, and diabetes.
Am half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy,
winded, and subject to blackouts.
Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation, hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.
Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends.
But, thank heaven I still have my DRIVER'S LICENSE!
Ain't Florida great?
Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation, hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.
Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends.
But, thank heaven I still have my DRIVER'S LICENSE!
Ain't Florida great?
What's the meaning of the highlighted expression?
- I talked to Taylor Swift after the concert yesterday.
- Shut the front door!
Monday, December 6, 2021
Victor's Secret
When Victor was small, he spent most of his time sitting or lying on the living room carpet. He loved all his toys, but his favourite was the box full of blocks his parents had bought him for his birthday. He was very creative and, in a few minutes, he would make a tower, a robot or... anything really.
He often talked to himself while he played, or so his parents thought. The truth is he had three invisible friends. One of them was a talking piggy bank who could be a bit annoying at times. Another was a sweet little fairy who always spoke in a whisper, like a breeze dancing among the leaves. His favourite, however, was a headless horseman called Igor.
Victor admired Igor and wanted to be like him. He insisted on wearing his knight disguise everyday to his mother's surprise (he used to hate it). And even though he never asked for anything, he begged till his parents got him a toy horse.
'Thanks, Mum. Thanks, Dad. It's the best present ever,' he said, trotting into the living room after they came back from the toy store.
Time passed and nothing much changed. Victor turned six and there was a party at home with cake and songs and presents. None of the presents was as good as his horse. However, as he was very polite, he smiled at everybody and pretended to like whatever they had bought.
When they had all left, he sat on the carpet again. After a while, he started talking,
'There's something I'll never be able to change, Igor. I'd like to be exactly like you, but I can't.'
Igor, for the first time ever, looked bemused.
'What do you mean?' he asked the little boy.
'Isn't it obvious? I have a head!'
'I don't think that's a problem. Quite the opposite.'
'But...'
'Let's drop the subject, young man. Your time will come.'
When Victor was eleven, he stopped seeing his three friends. It didn't happen all of a sudden, but so gradually that he hardly noticed.
His mum looked at the worn carpet nostalgically while he went out with his buddies and grew up a little bit more every day.
At seventeen, he shocked his conservative parents when he told them what he wanted to do for a living.
'I've decided to be a guitarist.'
'You mean like... play classical music?'
'No,' Victor answered, looking horrified. 'I want to play heavy metal, rock and roll...'
He wasn't able to finish because his dad interrupted him,
'Are you serious? Is this some kind of joke?'
'No, it isn't, Dad.'
A few days later, he came home with a shiny new guitar he'd bought with all the money he'd been saving since he was a small child. It was red. It was a beauty. It had been difficult to choose one. He would have taken them all.
He spent so much time at the music store that the owner offered him a job there. He said yes.
When he wasn't working, he was always playing. His dad wore earplugs, but his mum started enjoying his music.
One day, when the store was about to close for the night, his boss told him he wanted to talk to him. Victor thought he was about to be fired.
'I've been thinking. You're a great player. Why don't you make a few videos and upload them so that people can see them online?'
Victor didn't love the idea because he was very shy, but, after a while, he realised he had nothing to lose.
Once at home in his room, he positioned the camera and started to play. He didn't like the result. He looked terrible, he thought.
The truth is he looked great, but his self-confidence was taking an extended holiday.
He was about to delete the video, when he heard a voice he had almost forgotten.
'The time has come. You can be exactly like me now.'
'Igor?'
'Yes, it's me. I've been watching you and I'm really proud of everything you've achieved.'
'Thanks, but what do you mean?'
'You don't need your head to play the guitar, just your hands, and it's obvious it's bothering you. I can cut it off.'
'Whaaaat?'
'You heard me. It would be painless.'
Victor thought about it. It was a crazy idea, but he wouldn't have to worry about not being photogenic anymore.
'Okay. You sure it won't hurt?'
'Sure.'
'Just one thing. I'd like to keep my hair.'
And, well, you can imagine the rest.
That's the story of how Victor The Guitar Nerd lost his head. Literally and for good.
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Dear all, I wish I could have said bye in person, but unfortunately I'll be on sick leave till 27th May at least. I'm sorry I wasn&#...
