Friday, October 6, 2023

A2 : Please rewrite these sentences using the simple past.

1. He loves music

2. They cannot come.

3. My mum lives in a nursing home.

4. Do you work in the evenings?

5.  She doesn't understand what you are saying.

6. I eat too quickly

7. My eldest son is a Music teacher

8. I start work at 3:30

9. She doesn't work from home.

10. Do you know what I mean?



Asking for help

 


1. Do you find it difficult to ask for help?

2. If so, why?

3. Would you answer Piglet's question differently?


What is a cozy mystery?

Below you have the cover of the first book by Adele Abbot in the Witch is... series. I read quite a few, but then I stopped because there are too many.

Anyway, I think it's a great collection to practise your English (even if you are in B2.1).



Here I'm sharing a summary of the story that I found of line: 

I got a call to say my birth mother, who I'd never met, was dying, and wanted to see me. I dashed to her bedside just in time to hear her dying words: You're a witch.

My name is Jill Gooder and I'm a private investigator, having taken over the family business some years ago when my adoptive father died. As soon as I was old enough, I'd tried to make contact with my birth mother, but she hadn't wanted to see me. I was crushed at the time, but I tried to forget all about her. Then, I got the call to say she was dying. Why would she wait until then to see me? And why would she use her last few breaths to hurt me with those awful words?

It made no sense, but I was too busy to dwell on it. My latest case was a murder, which might be the work of a serial killer. As I tried to get on with my life, strange things began to happen - things I just couldn't explain. I was soon to realise that my life would never be the same again.

A laugh-out-loud story of mystery and magic.

(Suitable for teens, seniors and all ages in-between)

Source: Fantastic Fiction

Would you be this brave? Do you think the situation in Iran is going to change?

TOP OF THE AGENDA
Nobel Peace Prize honours Iranian activist
Narges Mohammadi smiles into the camera
Ms Mohammadi is deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Center. Credit: Reuters
The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi. 

Previously featured on the BBC's 100 Women list, Ms Mohammadi has been imprisoned in Iran at various points since 2010, having opposed the death penalty, and has been vocal about torture and use of sexualised violence against prisoners.

She is currently being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, from where she documented abuses suffered by women incarcerated for taking part in the anti-government protests that swept Iran last September, following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. 

In awarding the prize, 
the Norwegian Nobel committee said it wished to honour her fight for “human rights, freedom and democracy” in Iran and to recognise the efforts of the demonstrators who called for a change in Iran’s stance on women’s rights at great personal risk.

Would you like to live in Canada? Why? Why not?

With Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto all ranked in the top 10 of the Global Liveability Index 2023, we speak to residents in each city to find out what makes life so sweet.
W

While European and Scandinavian destinations frequently find themselves atop world indexes – like the world's healthiest countries, or best countries for raising children – Canada has quietly been marching up the ranks as a country to contend with. That's been especially apparent in the latest most liveable cities index, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which named three of Canada's cities in the top 10, more than any other country represented.

The top three Canadian cities on the list included Vancouver (ranked 5th), Calgary (tied 7th with Geneva) and Toronto (ranked 9th), each with perfect healthcare and education scores. Those factors appeal to Canadians, who praise positive governmental policies that improve quality of life there.

"Our progressive politics and universal healthcare make Canada a wonderful place to live," said Vancouver resident Samantha Falk. "I cannot imagine living in a country where I have to worry about being able to afford to see a doctor or take my child to the hospital, or risk bankruptcy by having cancer."

This sense of care extends beyond politicians, leading to a feeling of community that improves liveability both at work and home. "Lending a hand at schools [to] supporting seniors to uplifting business owners, Canadians are known for their friendly and supportive nature," said Jane Stoller, Vancouver resident and founder of Organized Jane, a life-business organising service. "This sense of camaraderie fosters a positive environment where individuals can thrive and find fulfilment in both their personal and professional lives."

Canada's investment in public transportation and transit systems also makes navigating its big cities easier. Falk, who has also lived in Montreal, Calgary and Toronto, didn't get her driver's licence until she was 24, and a friend of hers is finally getting his at 53, simply because they haven't needed a car to get around.

However, what residents love most is the strong connection that the nation has to the outdoors. "All three [of the most liveable] cities – like so many cities in Canada – are located close to nature, and have also incorporated it into their city design," said Falk. "There's the ravine system and the beaches in Toronto; Mont Royal and tree-lined streets in Montreal; and Vancouver has Stanley Park, one of the world's best examples of urban nature." But even outside the big cities, the focus on nature remains a prominent feature, mirroring the importance of the wilderness to residents. "We are outdoor people!" Falk said.

Spread across the world's second-largest country (by landmass), each of the three Canadian cities has their own unique appeal. We talked to residents in each place to find out what keeps them living in and loving their respective cities.


To read the whole article go to: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231001-why-does-canada-have-three-of-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities





See you around

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&#...