Monday 29 March 2010
Sunday 28 March 2010
Just for fun
Lovers of the English language might enjoy this (if you're not you should get a chuckle anyway.) It is yet another example of why people learning English have trouble with the language. Learning the nuances of English makes it a difficult language. (But then, that's probably true of many languages.)
There is a two-letter word in English that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is 'UP ' . It is listed in the dictionary as being used as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v].
It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends and we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.
At other times the little word has a real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing:
A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP !
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP.
One could go on & on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now ........my time is UP, so it's time to shut UP!
Oh... one more thing:
What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night? U P
Don't screw up. Send this on to everyone you look up in your address book.
Now I'll shut up .
There is a two-letter word in English that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is 'UP ' . It is listed in the dictionary as being used as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v].
It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends and we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.
At other times the little word has a real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing:
A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP !
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP.
One could go on & on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now ........my time is UP, so it's time to shut UP!
Oh... one more thing:
What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night? U P
Don't screw up. Send this on to everyone you look up in your address book.
Now I'll shut up .
Friday 26 March 2010
Drugs: faces before and after consuming
Look at these faces and think about the negative consequences of taking drugs.
Unusual homes you must see!!!
Have fun. Aren't they amazing? Give each house a funny and inventive name.
Thursday 25 March 2010
Describing a house
Written production - Describing a house
Choose the correct option in each sentence to describe this house.
This house is a terraced house/ a semi-detached house/ a bungalow.
Choose the correct option in each sentence to describe this house.
This house is a terraced house/ a semi-detached house/ a bungalow.
It has got two floors: the groundfloor and the second floor/ the first floor and the second floor/ the groundfloor and the first floor.
There are two bedrooms, a toilet, a kitchen and a dining room/ two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a hall and a sitting room/ two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a hall and a living room.
In the sitting room there is a bookcase, a sofa, two armchairs, a lamp and a dining table/ a shelf, an armchair, a sofa, a coffee table and two lamps/ a bookcase, a sofa, an armchair, a lamp and a coffee table.
Houses
Some Typical British Houses
Match each description with a picture
1- It´s a small, old, detached house or semi-detached house, often with a thatched roof and an attractive flower garden.
2- It's a row of houses, often built in blocks of four or more. It's called a terraced house.
3- It's a house with no garden and can be in a building of six or more storeys high. You can call it a flat or an apartment.
4-It's a house which shares a wall with its neighbour. Most of these houses have got two storeys.
5- I'ts an independent house in a rural area, usually with lots of green space around it and sometimes with animals. Sometimes it's a country house and others it's real a farmhouse or a ranch.
6- It's a house for one family only. It's called a detached house.
7- It's a house usually with one storey and is very popular among old people. Sometimes has got two floors and often flowers on the windows and a small garden. It's a bungalow.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Weather Day
World weather day to be observed today
World Meteorological Day, or world weather day, is set to be observed on March 23 with the theme of 'Observing our planet for a better future'.
The day has been observed since 1951, one year after World Meteorological Organisation was founded, and which has since been honoured as an agency of the United Nations System.
Some 188 WMO-member countries and the world's meteorological community observe World Meteorological Day. Bangladesh will mark the day with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department holding a daylong programme at its headquarters in Agargaon.
Defence secretary Quamrul Hasan is expected to inaugurate the programme. Meteorological department director Samarendra Karmaker and other senior government officials will be present.
Samarendra Karmaker said the theme for World Weather Day, 2008, was selected at the 58th session of the executive committee of the WMO held in June, 2006
http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/200803233462/events/world-weather-day-to-be-observed-today.html
http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/200803233462/events/world-weather-day-to-be-observed-today.html
Friday 19 March 2010
Cleaning campaign: it's tomorrow!!!
DON'T FORGET: 20TH MARCH 2010 - LET'S CLEAN PORTUGAL.
WHEREVER YOU ARE. A SINGLE PERSON CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. I'M COUNTING ON YOU.
Monday 15 March 2010
Your rights as a consumer
Your rights as a consumer
11th grade
Read the following texts and solve the respective exercises
1st text
“When you buy goods, the law gives you certain rights as a consumer. The goods must:
• be of a satisfactory quality. This means that the goods should be free of any faults and correspond to the given description, price and other types of information on the label.
• be fit for the purpose. This means that you must be able to use them for the expected purposes.
• match their description. This means that the verbal description of the goods should be accurate and also match their sample.”
In http://www.usa-vs-uk.com (Abridged and adapted)
A) Find antonyms in the text for the following words
1- sell -----------------------
2- takes ------------------------
3- duties ------------------------
4- bad ------------------------
5- unfit ------------------------
6- written ------------------------
7- imprecise ------------------------
B) Answer the question – Why has the consumer rights?
2nd text
“It is the trader who is responsible for faulty goods and not the manufacturer. Depending on the circumstances, you may have one or more of the following rights:
• to get all of your money back;
• to get some of your money back;
• to get the goods repaired;
• to get the goods replaced;
• to get compensation.”
In http://www.usa-vs-uk.com (Abridged and adapted)
A) Answer the questions about the text.
1- Who is responsible when things go wrong?
2- From the list above, which right would you prefer to have if you have two or more simultaneously? Why?
B) Fill in the table below
noun / verb / adjective / adverb
trader
manufacturer
producer
3rd text
“You will not have any rights if:
a- there is nothing wrong with the goods;
b- the fault you complain about was obvious when you bought the good;
c- the trader had already pointed out the defect previously;
d- you have damaged the goods yourself;
e- the problem is the result of normal wear and tear;
f- the goods have lasted for a reasonable period of time.”
In http://www.adviceguide.org.uk (Abridged and adapted)
A) Match the examples below with the situations pointed out in the statements a-f.
1- Mark bought a red T-shirt and when he got home he changed his mind about the colour. --------------
2- Jenna complained about a hole in a sweater she used frequently for the last three months. -----------------------------
3- Tim bought a cellphone and let it fall in a pool of water. He wants a new one. --------------
4- Samantha bought a washing machine with defect. She was attracted by its price but now, after placing it in the kitchen, she has changed her mind.
5- Duffy has had a computer for a long time. It broke down and he is complaining at the store. ----------------------
6- Sandy bought a handbag with a small defect. The shop assistant informed her but she bought it anyway. Afterwards, she was disgusted with her purchase. She returned to the store to take it back. -------------------
4th text
“The Europa Diary, published by the European Comission, is a school diary aimed at students between the ages of 15 and 18. Over 1million copies have been used by 9,000 schools across the EU. Its aim is to help young people become more aware of their rights, increasing their awareness and enabling them to make more informed decisions as consumers. It is translated into 20 languages and has been adapted to national legislation and culture in all European Union countries!
In http://ec.europa.eu (adapted)
A) Choose the most appropriate title for the text above.
1- Consumerism in modern society.
2- Consumption in the EU countries.
3- The EU Commission agenda concerning young people.
4- Consumers’ rights in the EU.
B) Use the ‘s or of. Make the necessary changes.
1- EU Commission/ diary ------------------------------------------------------------------
2- T-shirt/colour ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3- Tim/ cellphone --------------------------------------------------------------------------
4- last winter/ sales ------------------------------------------------------------------------
5- the store/ shop assistant -----------------------------------------------------------------
6- the handbag/ defect --------------------------------------------------------------------
C) Answer the question – What is the purpose of the Europa Diary?
D) 15th March is the World Day of the Consumers’ Rights. Don’t forget that you have the right to be protected, to be well informed, to choose freely and to be heard. Write a Slogan about this day.
Your English teacher
Ana Paula Amaro
11th grade
Read the following texts and solve the respective exercises
1st text
“When you buy goods, the law gives you certain rights as a consumer. The goods must:
• be of a satisfactory quality. This means that the goods should be free of any faults and correspond to the given description, price and other types of information on the label.
• be fit for the purpose. This means that you must be able to use them for the expected purposes.
• match their description. This means that the verbal description of the goods should be accurate and also match their sample.”
In http://www.usa-vs-uk.com (Abridged and adapted)
A) Find antonyms in the text for the following words
1- sell -----------------------
2- takes ------------------------
3- duties ------------------------
4- bad ------------------------
5- unfit ------------------------
6- written ------------------------
7- imprecise ------------------------
B) Answer the question – Why has the consumer rights?
2nd text
“It is the trader who is responsible for faulty goods and not the manufacturer. Depending on the circumstances, you may have one or more of the following rights:
• to get all of your money back;
• to get some of your money back;
• to get the goods repaired;
• to get the goods replaced;
• to get compensation.”
In http://www.usa-vs-uk.com (Abridged and adapted)
A) Answer the questions about the text.
1- Who is responsible when things go wrong?
2- From the list above, which right would you prefer to have if you have two or more simultaneously? Why?
B) Fill in the table below
noun / verb / adjective / adverb
trader
manufacturer
producer
3rd text
“You will not have any rights if:
a- there is nothing wrong with the goods;
b- the fault you complain about was obvious when you bought the good;
c- the trader had already pointed out the defect previously;
d- you have damaged the goods yourself;
e- the problem is the result of normal wear and tear;
f- the goods have lasted for a reasonable period of time.”
In http://www.adviceguide.org.uk (Abridged and adapted)
A) Match the examples below with the situations pointed out in the statements a-f.
1- Mark bought a red T-shirt and when he got home he changed his mind about the colour. --------------
2- Jenna complained about a hole in a sweater she used frequently for the last three months. -----------------------------
3- Tim bought a cellphone and let it fall in a pool of water. He wants a new one. --------------
4- Samantha bought a washing machine with defect. She was attracted by its price but now, after placing it in the kitchen, she has changed her mind.
5- Duffy has had a computer for a long time. It broke down and he is complaining at the store. ----------------------
6- Sandy bought a handbag with a small defect. The shop assistant informed her but she bought it anyway. Afterwards, she was disgusted with her purchase. She returned to the store to take it back. -------------------
4th text
“The Europa Diary, published by the European Comission, is a school diary aimed at students between the ages of 15 and 18. Over 1million copies have been used by 9,000 schools across the EU. Its aim is to help young people become more aware of their rights, increasing their awareness and enabling them to make more informed decisions as consumers. It is translated into 20 languages and has been adapted to national legislation and culture in all European Union countries!
In http://ec.europa.eu (adapted)
A) Choose the most appropriate title for the text above.
1- Consumerism in modern society.
2- Consumption in the EU countries.
3- The EU Commission agenda concerning young people.
4- Consumers’ rights in the EU.
B) Use the ‘s or of. Make the necessary changes.
1- EU Commission/ diary ------------------------------------------------------------------
2- T-shirt/colour ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3- Tim/ cellphone --------------------------------------------------------------------------
4- last winter/ sales ------------------------------------------------------------------------
5- the store/ shop assistant -----------------------------------------------------------------
6- the handbag/ defect --------------------------------------------------------------------
C) Answer the question – What is the purpose of the Europa Diary?
D) 15th March is the World Day of the Consumers’ Rights. Don’t forget that you have the right to be protected, to be well informed, to choose freely and to be heard. Write a Slogan about this day.
Your English teacher
Ana Paula Amaro
The good consumer
Watch the following video and discuss the topics of consumption and compulsive buying.
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park
Listen to the song, watch the video and solve the exercises below.
"Breaking The Habit"
A) Complete the lyrics with the missing words.
Memories ---------------(1)
Like opening the wound
I'm picking me apart again
You all assume
I'm safe here in my room
Unless I try to --------(2) again
[Bridge:]
I don't want to be the one
The battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one -----------(3)
[Chorus:]
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to ------------(4)
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I know it's not --------------(5)
So I'm breaking the habit
I'm ----------(6) the habit
Tonight
Clutching my cure
I tightly lock the door
I try to catch my breath again
I ---------(7) much more
Than anytime before
I had no options left again
[Bridge:]
I dont want to be the one
The battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one confused
[Chorus:]
I don't know what's worth
--------------------------(8)
Or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I -------(9) this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the ----------(10)
I'm breaking the habit
Tonight
[Bridge:]
I'll paint it on the walls
'Cause I'm the one at fault
I'll never -------------(11) again
And this is how it ends
[Chorus:]
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
But now I have some----------- (12)
to show you what I mean
I don't know how I got this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit
I’m breaking the habit
-------------------------(13)
B) Answer the following questions about the song.
"Breaking The Habit"
A) Complete the lyrics with the missing words.
Memories ---------------(1)
Like opening the wound
I'm picking me apart again
You all assume
I'm safe here in my room
Unless I try to --------(2) again
[Bridge:]
I don't want to be the one
The battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one -----------(3)
[Chorus:]
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to ------------(4)
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I know it's not --------------(5)
So I'm breaking the habit
I'm ----------(6) the habit
Tonight
Clutching my cure
I tightly lock the door
I try to catch my breath again
I ---------(7) much more
Than anytime before
I had no options left again
[Bridge:]
I dont want to be the one
The battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one confused
[Chorus:]
I don't know what's worth
--------------------------(8)
Or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I -------(9) this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the ----------(10)
I'm breaking the habit
Tonight
[Bridge:]
I'll paint it on the walls
'Cause I'm the one at fault
I'll never -------------(11) again
And this is how it ends
[Chorus:]
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
But now I have some----------- (12)
to show you what I mean
I don't know how I got this way
I'll never be alright
So, I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit
I’m breaking the habit
-------------------------(13)
B) Answer the following questions about the song.
1) The title of this song is “Breaking the habit”. Which habit are they talking about? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) What do they mean by “memories consume”? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Why is the room a safe place? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) “Unless I start again”. Start doing what? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Why is the narrator confused? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6) Has the narrator consciousness about the need to change? Quote one expression from the text to prove your answer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7) He has taken a decision. What is it? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8) Why has he taken that decision? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tattoos - Reading comprehension
Listen to the following text and answer the questions about it.
A- Choose the correct answer.
1- Tattoos are made:
a) for cosmetic reasons
b) for identification reasons
c) for many reasons
2- Animals are marked:
a) to be identified
b) to be embellished
c) to be well-known
3- Tattoos are popular:
a) among Polynesian people
b) worldwide
c) in the Eastern societies
4- Tattooing causes:
a) no health risks
b) many health risks
c) health risks, if not made properly.
B- Complete the sentences, according to the text.
1- A tattoo is a -------------------------------------------------- mark.
2- Tattooing is a common practice -------------------------------------------------------
3- The consequences of tattoos, if they are not performed correctly, are:------------
4- Tattooers can reduce the risks for health ---------------------------------------------
A- Choose the correct answer.
1- Tattoos are made:
a) for cosmetic reasons
b) for identification reasons
c) for many reasons
2- Animals are marked:
a) to be identified
b) to be embellished
c) to be well-known
3- Tattoos are popular:
a) among Polynesian people
b) worldwide
c) in the Eastern societies
4- Tattooing causes:
a) no health risks
b) many health risks
c) health risks, if not made properly.
B- Complete the sentences, according to the text.
1- A tattoo is a -------------------------------------------------- mark.
2- Tattooing is a common practice -------------------------------------------------------
3- The consequences of tattoos, if they are not performed correctly, are:------------
4- Tattooers can reduce the risks for health ---------------------------------------------
Friday 5 March 2010
Body costumising
A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha (North Africa) and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.
Health risks
Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing may carry health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. In the United States, for example, the Red Cross prohibits a person who has received a tattoo from donating blood for 12 months (FDA 2000), unless the procedure was done in a state-regulated and licensed studio, using sterile technique. Not all states have a licensing program, meaning that people who receive tattoos in those states are subject to the 12-month deferral regardless of the hygienic standards of the studio. Similarly, the UK does not provide certification for tattooists, and so there is a six month waiting period without exception.
Modern western tattooers reduce such risks by following universal precautions, working with single-use items, and sterilizing their equipment after each use. Many jurisdictions require that tattooists have bloodborne pathogen training, such as is provided through the Red Cross and OSHA.
Information taken from the site below (Abridged)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo
Maori Chief
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