2013

Happy New Year, everybody!
...and why not celebrate by posting something useful here! I've added a link for you to practise your listening; I don't think you can add links, but if you post one in an entry, I'll transfer it to the Useful Links section.
Let's have some participation!

So here it is...

...Merry Christmas, everybody!
Thanks for being great sports and wearing those silly hats yesterday! And if you didn't, I fully understand. In any case, you all deserve an O Level in Christmas Studies.
Enjoy your holidays, and keep an eye on the blog, as I might post stuff for you to watch, read, etc. Please feel free to post your own comments, links, videos, etc - it gets a bit lonely out here in the Blogosphere...
Oh, and Happy New Year!

Tuesday 18th December

Hi
Today we lookedc at some more expressions to give opinions and to express reservations. After that we had group debates to practise. Christmas was completely ignored...

Thursday 13th &Friday 14th December

Hello all
On Thursday we worked from the book, mainly U2.3 on expressing opinions. On Friday, Marta brought some Christmas sweets and chocolates in, and we listened to a Christmas song - just to get everyone in the mood - followed by a humorous song about getting old (to work on nouns ending in -ility and their associated adjectives). Finally we talked about the relative merits of cats and dogs, and watched a funny animated video on the subject. It was from a series called "Creature Comforts," which I recommend if you want to search it out on the internet.
Have a good weekend, and don't do anything Iwouldn't do!

Tues 11/12/12

Hello again

Yesterday we mostly revised stuff in a very techy way, then did some listening based on the podcast for Unit 1.
We also did some preliminary work on verb patterns (U2.2).
BTW, we also established that everybody is going to give a 15-minute individual presentation at some point during the course. They will be given on Tuesdays at 4 (or 5 past). Further details to be agreed this Thurs.
BTW (2): We have class this Friday - don't forget!

Besides...

Hi again

Here's the best thing I was able to find on why "besides" is not always the same as "in addition". The best of British luck to you if you're brave enough to wade into this morass!! Click on the link below
Besides, etc

Hi folks

Class is definitely ON for today, so - see you later!

The world tonight

Just in case you are interested,
   from time to time I download and listen to this program:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/wtonight

   It's broadcasted via BBC Radio 4 Monday to Friday and contains, as the presenter says, 'in-depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective'

   Kill two birds with one stone: improve your English and stay updated.

Hi again
Just to confirm that the operation is on, so there's no class next Tuesday (4/12/12). We'll catch up the following week by having class on the Friday (14/12/12) in addition to the usual ones.
Probably best to check the blog or eoi website (www.eoisantander.org) before coming on Tuesday 11th, just to make sure.
Enjoy the break!

Thurs 29/11

Today we looked at metaphors (U2.1) and opinions (U2.2 - also the listening here on living libraries). I gave out a handout on expressing facts, opinions and desires (answers on a previous blog entry).
We also looked very briefly at some connectors (U2.2) in preparation for the writing homework

Key - Vocab - 6 - Similar but different

Key - Vocab - 73 - Modality...pt1

Key - Vocab - 73 - Modality...pt2

LANGUAGE BANK UNIT 1

Tues 27/11/12

Hello
In class we welcomed José to the group, and we cleared up queries arising from last week's grammar h/w (3rd conditional + "wish", etc). As this seemed problematic, we did extra practice, both oral and in the form of a game. For those that wanted it I gave out a photocopy of mechanical exercises to do at home.
I also reminded the class that in theory there will be no class next Tuesday (4/12/12)due to my operation, but to check the blog and EOI website just in case the surgery is cancelled/postponed

Workbook Key

Hi

Yesterday (Thurs 22/11) we did a difficult gap-fill exercise based on the text "Desiderata" and some speaking. We haven't checked the grammar exercises yet.

Humour

Hello all

Yesterday (Tues) we cleared up a query regarding how to use "despite"/"in spite of"; we read a text on "words of wisdom" (2.1 in the SB) and discussed our opinions; and we started looking at 3rd conditionals (alternative forms) and regrets.

Hi everyone

If you weren't in class on Thursday, the most important thing we did was eat Marta's cake! We also watched  the video on Venice and looked at some colloquial language from a photocopied sheet

Hello again
This time it's actually going to happen! The blog is up and running, and awaiting your thoughts, links, ideas, queries and just about anything else. Most of you still need to email me at mjmerrett@gmail.com so that I can add you as authors.
There was no specific homework for today, but don't forget to correct the mistakes in your compositions and return them to me for checking.
See you later!

Homework for today, Tuesday 23/10/12:
Rdg p 8-9, exs 3B, 3C, & 4B

Greetings

Welcome to the blog, ladies and gentlemen. I hope it will prove useful during the course, and that people will participate.
I have to admit that, although I'm not a complete Luddite, I'm not the most technologically advanced teacher in the world either; in fact, this is the first year that I've set up class blogs, so it's very much a learning curve for me.