Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts

8.3.20

International Women's Day

#EachforEqualClick here to read a text about this day.

Click here to do a video activity about this topic.

17.5.19

Voluntourism



Watch the video and answer the questions (check your answers in "comments").

1. What are many Americans planning to do on holiday?
2. What kind of activities do they mention?
3. Why can doing this benefit your wellbeing?
4. What is "Charity Watch"?
5. Why is it necessary?
6. What is a good idea?

Click here to read about some pros and cons of this kind of tourism.

Ecotourism

Resultado de imagen de ecotourismClick here to listen and read about ecotourism (choose the speed and accent you prefer). 

Click here to read an article about the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of tourism.

10.5.19

Banning cars

Resultado de imagen de pontevedra without carsClick here to read a text about a Spanish city that banned cars.

28.4.19

Work-life Balance

Resultado de imagen de work-life balanceRead a text and do the activities.

Jobs at risk of being lost to machines

Resultado de imagen de jobs at risk of disappearingClick here to listen and read to a report about jobs at risk.

Here's a newspaper article with a list of jobs where you can see how likely your job is to be computerised.

Click here to read about jobs that will not disappear.

26.4.19

The Gender Pay Chasm

Resultado de imagen de gender pay gapClick here to read a text about The Gender Pay Chasm and here to check your answers.

11.4.19

Listening activity: 6 short extracts about books

Resultado de imagen de readingClick here to listen to the activity.

Click here to see the script and the answers.

Written Mediation

Your Irish friend Mike is really interested in learning Spanish. You think reading could be really helpful, but he's not very keen on it. You've just watched an interesting video where they talk about the benefits of reading. Send him an email (90-100 words) summarising the main points mentioned in the video.
Remember you can watch the video twice and take notes. Then you have 15 minutes to write the task.

Duración: 15 minutos (+ 7 min de visionado). Escribir: 90-100 palabras.

28.3.19

Vocabulary and ideas for your opinion essay (Squatting)


Resultado de imagen de squattersSquatters who live in an unoccupied property should not be forced to leave it 

Vocabulary
Well-organised movement
Alternative lifestyle
Anti-political movement
A new class of squatters
Act out of necessity
Rise in unemployment
Cuts in social welfare programmes
To undergo a repossession
High rents
Lack of affordable houses
Empty / vacant / unoccupied houses
Derelict / Run-down buildings
Deprived areas
Property speculators
Homeowners
Evictions / to evict
To report / to file a report / a police report
Housing is a right and a need / an issue of human rights

Click here to read an article about Spain's housing crisis.
Another article about the Corrala movement in Spain. 

Here the latest news about the new laws in Spain.



7.3.19

Online shopping- Reading activity

Resultado de imagen de shopping onlineClick here to do a reading activity about this topic (the key is included).

31.1.19

Extreme sports

Resultado de imagen de extreme sportsThese are the words you need to fill in the exercise in the photocopy.

PUSH       SEEKING       SEEKERS        DANGER       THREATENING       RISK         RELEASE      ADDICTED       JUNKIES  RUSH           TEST        ASSOCIATED   OVERCOMING   CHALLENGE    ACHIEVEMENT   EXTREME       ENJOY       PERFORMED       HIGH          USED 

25.1.19

Learning a language






8 characteristics of effective language learnersWhen you first start learning a new language, it might seem frustrating. There are tons of new vocabulary words and new grammar rules to learn, and listening to native speakers may make your head spin.
But don’t give up! You successfully learned one language well so far (or you wouldn’t be understanding this post!), so you can clearly learn another. And the fact that you’re even reading this article shows me another important factor — that you’re motivated to learn!
Outside of that, though, some people seem to learn languages faster than others. More often than not, it’s because they possess certain traits and characteristics that help them along the way. I’ve been tutoring for a while now, so I started thinking about what these traits are.
Here are the characteristics I see in my most successful language students:
1) Observant
The most effective language learners spend time and energy outside of classes and lessons trying to understand the language’s clues, patterns, structure, and organization. Along with this, you should keep notes to monitor what you’ve learned, and come prepared with questions for your tutor, teacher, or professor.
Learning Tip: As you learn, immediately apply new words and grammatical concepts/rules by writing or speaking. You’ll likely already be doing this with your tutor, but continue practicing in between your lessons, too. Pay attention to contextual clues as you speak with others, and write down any patterns you notice.
2) Pragmatic

My best students know what works and what doesn’t for their personal learning style. This includes an active approach in tailoring your personal preferences and needs in all learning situations, so you don’t waste time on what is ineffective for you.
This characteristic also involves thoughtfulness, including picking up on the objective of a given in-class exercise and why it’s important to your overall language learning.
Learning Tip: Figure out your learning style, and make sure your tutor knows it too.
3) Dedicated

Super-learners believe they can always learn something, even if they dislike or struggle with a given concept, topic, or rule. They steadfastly seek learning environments that facilitate their unique needs and goals.
They also know there are no shortcuts when it comes to learning! Efficient language learning requires a combination of a great teacher or tutor, the right learning resources, and a commitment to practicing on your own time.
Learning Tip: Supplement your lessons with other ways of interacting and learning. This could include taking an online group class, playing a language-learning game, or listening to a podcast during your commute to and from work or school.

4) Fearless
My best students frequently seek out opportunities to chat with native or experienced speakers, with the aim of communicating and understanding before accurateness. Down the road, while temporarily prioritizing communication, super-learners know they will learn to balance communicating with accuracy as they improve.
Learning Tip: Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone! Seek out opportunities to chat with others, whether they’re native speakers or another student learning the same language. 

5) Patient and centered
Research has shown the best way to learn is with a relaxed, yet alert inner-posture. In my five years of experience as a tutor and 12 years as a Spanish language learner, I have seen that one’s attitude, including patience with the process, can be more important than your initial skill level and intelligence!
Learning Tip: If  you’re feeling frustrated with your progress, take a step back. Learning a new language takes time, and some concepts and rules may seem easier than others. Let your tutor know if you’re struggling with something, and spend extra time on that.

6) Realistic
Most languages are highly complex. Efficient language learners are realistic, systematic, and goal-oriented in their approach. The involves an active long-term commitment, effective organization, and knowing that it’s unrealistic to aim for perfection.
Learning Tip: Think about your short- and long-term goals, and write them down. Make sure they’re realistic and reachable! If you have a busy schedule, you may not have a ton of time to set aside — and that’s OK. Just make sure you’re noticing consistent progress, no matter how small.

7) Personable
As trait #4 mentioned, consistent contact with experienced and/or native speakers is key. Super-learners have the social support needed to continually practice the language, in all types of settings.
Learning Tip: Get as much practice as you can speaking in your target language! Chat with other students online, find a language exchange partner, or teach a family member what you’ve learned so far.

8) Wordly
Lastly and most importantly, efficient language learning requires embracing the culture of the new language! They know that a language is much more than vocab and grammar; it’s an entirely new way of conceptualizing and seeing the world.
Learning Tip: If you have the resources, consider traveling to a country where the language is spoken. Immersion is proven to help you learn faster, as you’ll get real-life practice.

Check old posts about the same topic in "contents".