Thursday 25 December 2008
Sunday 21 December 2008
My heart will go on by Celine Dion(Titanic)
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go till we're one
Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we'll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go till we're one
Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we'll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Tuesday 16 December 2008
JAIME HAS JUST BEEN BORN!!!...on Friday December 16th,2008
Ana,compañera y amiga nuestra del I.E.S Matemático Puig Adam,acaba de ser abuela por primera vez.Su nieto se llama JAIME y ha nacido en la madrugada de este frío y nevado martes 16 de diciembre del 2008.
¡La madre y el niño están bien.....y toda la familia y amigos encantados!!!!
¡¡¡ENHORABUENA!!!
Our colleague and friend Ana at Matemático Puig Adam Secondary School,has just become a grandmother for the first time today.Her newborn grandson is called Jaime.He has been born in the early cold and snowy morning of this Tuesday December16th.Mother and son are fine....and all their family and friends are very pleased!!!
Our colleague and friend Ana at Matemático Puig Adam Secondary School,has just become a grandmother for the first time today.Her newborn grandson is called Jaime.He has been born in the early cold and snowy morning of this Tuesday December16th.Mother and son are fine....and all their family and friends are very pleased!!!
Sunday 14 December 2008
Father Christmas(Br)-Santa Claus (USA)
http://www.links2love.com/christmas_songs_10.htm
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=Py0dsLH9Zck&eurl=http://www.links2love.com/christmas_songs_10.htm
Introduction
Conventionally, Santa Claus is portrayed as a kindly, round-bellied, merry, bespectacled man in a red suit trimmed with white fur, with a long white beard. On Christmas Eve, he rides in his flying sleigh (pulled by reindeer) from house to house to give presents to children. During the rest of the year he lives at the North Pole, in Finnish Lapland at Korvatunturi, or Dalecarlia in Sweden (traditions vary) together with his wife, Mrs. Claus, and his elves who serve as his toy production staff.
Amongst virtually all adults the nonexistence of Santa Claus is a given, but many young children believe strongly in his existence. A majority of parents, at least in English-speaking households that celebrate Christmas, either actively attempt to convince their children of Santa's existence, or at least keep the source of their children's presents a secret from them and so fail to disprove the myth. Children who believe in the existence of Santa often tend to lose such beliefs by early primary school, as their ability to distinguish fantasy from reality improves and older children disillusion them.
There is an occasional controversy in parenting as to whether it is appropriate to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus to children. Some parents are concerned that it is wrong to lie to children and that it can be traumatic to learn that there is no Santa Claus. Other parents believe that it is no more harmful than any other folk tale, and that it can help children gain confidence in their maturity in themselves to discover the "secret" of his non-existence. Furthermore, many children, upon being disillusioned, often maintain the pretense for younger siblings so they can enjoy the belief themselves for a bit longer.
Origins
Conventionally, Santa Claus is portrayed as a kindly, round-bellied, merry, bespectacled man in a red suit trimmed with white fur, with a long white beard. On Christmas Eve, he rides in his flying sleigh (pulled by reindeer) from house to house to give presents to children. During the rest of the year he lives at the North Pole, in Finnish Lapland at Korvatunturi, or Dalecarlia in Sweden (traditions vary) together with his wife, Mrs. Claus, and his elves who serve as his toy production staff.
Amongst virtually all adults the nonexistence of Santa Claus is a given, but many young children believe strongly in his existence. A majority of parents, at least in English-speaking households that celebrate Christmas, either actively attempt to convince their children of Santa's existence, or at least keep the source of their children's presents a secret from them and so fail to disprove the myth. Children who believe in the existence of Santa often tend to lose such beliefs by early primary school, as their ability to distinguish fantasy from reality improves and older children disillusion them.
There is an occasional controversy in parenting as to whether it is appropriate to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus to children. Some parents are concerned that it is wrong to lie to children and that it can be traumatic to learn that there is no Santa Claus. Other parents believe that it is no more harmful than any other folk tale, and that it can help children gain confidence in their maturity in themselves to discover the "secret" of his non-existence. Furthermore, many children, upon being disillusioned, often maintain the pretense for younger siblings so they can enjoy the belief themselves for a bit longer.
Origins
The modern Santa Claus is a composite character made up from the merging of two quite separate figures. The first of these is Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop of Byzantine Anatolia (now in modern-day Turkey) famous for his generous gifts to the poor. In Europe he is still portrayed as a bearded bishop in canonical robes. The second character is Father Christmas, which remains the British name for Santa Claus. Father Christmas dates back at least as far as the 17th century in Britain, and pictures of him survive from that era, portraying him as a well-nourished bearded man dressed in a long, green, fur-lined robe. He typified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas, and was reflected in the 'Spirit of Christmas Present' in Charles Dickens' famous story, A Christmas Carol.
When the Dutch still owned the land that later became New York, they brought the Saint Nicholas' eve legend with them to the Americas, but without the red mantle and other symbols. The name Santa Claus is derived from the character's Dutch name, Sinterklaas. Note that in Dutch, the feast is called 'sinterklaas feest' and it celebrates the birthday ((Conflict: The Saint_Nicholas page states that it's his death day, not his birth day.)) of sinterklaas during sinterklaasavond ("sinterklaas's evening") on December 5th or in Belgium on December 6th.
In Washington Irving's History of New York, Sinterklaas was Americanized to "Santa Claus" but lost his bishop's apparel, and was at first pictured as a thick bellied Dutch sailor with a pipe in a green winter coat. Irving's book was a lampoon of the Dutch culture of new York, and much of this portrait is his joking invention. Santa Claus appeared in various colored costumes as he gradually became amalgamated with the figure of Father Christmas, but red soon became popular after he appeared wearing such on an 1885 Christmas card. His horse was converted to reindeer and a sleigh, the black peters (which were in fact Moorish slaves) were converted to elves, and, in an attempt to move the origin of the festivities away from their pagan background to a more Christian one, the date was moved forward a few weeks to the celebrated day of the birth of Jesus: Christmas.
In the United States, the tradition is to leave Santa a glass of milk and cookies; in Britain, he is given whisky and mince pies instead. British children also leave out a carrot for Rudolph, Santa's reindeer, and are told that if they are not good all year round, that they will receive coal in their stockings. Children following the Dutch custom for sinterklaas will "put out their shoe" — that is, leave hay and a carrot for his horse in a shoe before going to bed — sometimes weeks before the sinterklaas avond. The next morning they will find the hay and carrot replaced by a gift; often, this is a marchpane figurine. Naughty children were once told that they would be left a roe (a bundle of sticks) instead of sweets, but this practice has been discontinued.
Many postal services allow children to send letters to Santa Claus pleading their good behaviour and requesting gifts; these letters may be answered by postal workers or other volunteers. (Canada Post has a special postal code for letters to Santa Claus: H0H 0H0.)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been immortalized in a Gene Autrey song, written by a Montgomery-Ward copywriter, which is frequently played at Christmas. As such, he is typically included as the sleigh's lead reindeer. The names of all the other reindeer were invented in the poem A Visit From St. Nicholas (better known today as The Night Before Christmas) ascribed to Clement Clarke Moore, although there is some question as to his authorship. It is suspected that the names Donner and Blitzen come from the German phrase Donner und Blitz which means Thunder and Lightning. An alternative explanation is that Donder is the original name of the seventh reindeer, as Donder en bliksem is Dutch for Thunder and Lightning. The reindeer are traditionally pictured with antlers, although male reindeer shed their antlers in the winter. (Female reindeer keep their antlers until spring.)
Many Christian churches dislike the secular focus on Santa and the materialist focus that present-giving gives to the holiday. They would prefer that focus be given to the birth of Jesus, their nominal reason for the Christmas celebration. It should be noted that the festivities at this time of year are predated by the Roman Saturnalia and Yule festivals which were subsumed within Christianity. It should also be noted that the date of Jesus' birth is not known. The connection between Saturnalia and Jesus' birth was a clerical decision in order to introduce a religious element into the more carnal festivities that the Christian laity were indulging in during winter solstice. As an example of the still surviving pagan imagery, in Nordic countries there is the Yule goat (Swedish julbock), a somewhat startling figure with horns which however will deliver the presents in Christmas eve, and a straw goat is a common Christmas decoration.
Historically, one of the first artists to capture Santa Claus' image as we know him today was Thomas Nast, an American cartoonist of the 19th century. In 1862, a picture of Santa illustrated by Nast appeared in Harper's Weekly. It is believed the inspiration for his image came from a mythical German character called Pelznickel (Furry Nicholas) who visited naughty children in their sleep. The book A History of Santa Claus was written by L. Frank Baum, the same man who wrote the Wizard of Oz. In Scandinavia, the Tomte is closely associated with Christmas, kindness and generosity. This blend of Nicholas of Myra and North European folklore helped popularize the design of Santa. (Urban legend has it that Santa Claus in his current guise was in fact created by Coca-Cola, though this is highly unlikely.) To this day, Santa Claus still appears on Coca-Cola products each year around Christmastime.
The depiction of Santa at the North Pole also reflected popular opinion about industry. In some images of the early 1900s, Santa was depicted as personally making his toys by hand in a small workshop like a craftsman. Eventually, the idea emerged that he had numerous elves responsible for making the toys, but the toys were still handmade by each individual elf working in the traditional manner. By the end of the century, the reality of mass mechanized production became more fully accepted by the Western public. That shift was reflected in the modern depiction of Santa's residence—now often humorously portrayed as a fully mechanized production facility, equipped with the latest manufacturing technology, and overseen by the elves with Santa and Mrs. Claus as managers. Many TV commercials depict this as a sort of humorous business, with Santa's elves acting as a sometimes michieviously disgruntled workforce, cracking jokes and pulling pranks on their boss.
"Santa" in shopping centres
Santa Claus is also a costumed character who appears at Christmas time in department stores or shopping malls. He is played by an actor, usually helped by other actor(s) (most often mall employees) dressed as elves or other creatures of folklore. His function is either to promote the store's image by distributing small gifts to children, or to provide a seasonal experience to children by having them sit on his knee, state what they wish to get, and often have a photograph taken. The area set up for this purpose is festively decorated, usually with a large throne, and is called variously "Santa's Grotto", "Santa's Workshop" or a similar term. In America the most notable of these is the Santa at the flagship Macy's store in New York City - he arrives at the store by sleigh in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on the last float, and his court takes over a large portion of one floor in the store. David Sedaris is known for the diary he kept while working as an elf in the Macy's display, which he later published
Suggestions/-ing forms/Conditional sentences
I.SUGGESTIONS
1.1 Shall + subject + verb
eg.Shall we go shopping?
1.2What + about + present participle
eg.What about going shopping?
1.3 How + about + present participle
eg.How about going shopping?
1.4 Why + don´t + subject + verb
eg.Why don´t we go shopping?
eg.Why don´t you go shopping?
1.5 Let´s + (verb without to)
eg.Let´s go shopping
II. -ING FORMS
2.1Gerund
The gerund is a kind of noun
eg.Working makes you happy
eg.I love flying
2.2The present participle
The present participle can be a verb or an adjective
eg.She´s working(verb)
eg.A working middle-age person(adjective)
III.CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
There are three main types of conditional.These are usually described as the First,Second and Third Conditionals.
3.1 The first conditional(probable)
The first conditional refers to the future.It is used when
there is a possibility that the if-event might happen
If + present simple - future
eg.If you drop it, it´ll break
eg.If you come at ten, we´ll be ready
or Future - If + present simple
eg.It´ll break if you drop it
eg.We´ll be ready if you come at ten
3.2 The second conditional(improbable/hypothetical)
The second conditional refers to the present or future.
The if-event is either:
a)hypothetical
eg.If I worked in that factory,I´d soon change things
(but I don´t work in that factory)
b)Unlikely
eg.If she left her husband,she might be happier
(but I think she´s not going to leave her husband)
If + past simple - would/could/might + infinitive
If I lived by the sea, I would do a lot of swimming
If they asked me to work for them, I might accept
or would/could/might + infinitive - If + past simple
I would do a lot of swimming if I lived by the sea
I might accept if they asked me to
work for them
3.3 The third conditional(impossible)
The third conditional refers to the past
eg.I´d have warned you if I´d seen you last week
(but I didn´t see you,so I didn´t warn you)
eg.If I´d passed my exams I would have gone to Art College
(but I didn´t pass my exams,so I didn´t go to Art College)
If + past perfect - would/could/might + perfect infinitive
If I had met you earlier, I wouldn´t have married Jo
If I´d worked harder, I would have passed my exam
or would/could/might + perfect infinitive - If + past perfect
I wouldn´t have married Jo if I´d met you earlier
I would have passed my exam if I´d worked harder
1.1 Shall + subject + verb
eg.Shall we go shopping?
1.2What + about + present participle
eg.What about going shopping?
1.3 How + about + present participle
eg.How about going shopping?
1.4 Why + don´t + subject + verb
eg.Why don´t we go shopping?
eg.Why don´t you go shopping?
1.5 Let´s + (verb without to)
eg.Let´s go shopping
II. -ING FORMS
2.1Gerund
The gerund is a kind of noun
eg.Working makes you happy
eg.I love flying
2.2The present participle
The present participle can be a verb or an adjective
eg.She´s working(verb)
eg.A working middle-age person(adjective)
III.CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
There are three main types of conditional.These are usually described as the First,Second and Third Conditionals.
3.1 The first conditional(probable)
The first conditional refers to the future.It is used when
there is a possibility that the if-event might happen
If + present simple - future
eg.If you drop it, it´ll break
eg.If you come at ten, we´ll be ready
or Future - If + present simple
eg.It´ll break if you drop it
eg.We´ll be ready if you come at ten
3.2 The second conditional(improbable/hypothetical)
The second conditional refers to the present or future.
The if-event is either:
a)hypothetical
eg.If I worked in that factory,I´d soon change things
(but I don´t work in that factory)
b)Unlikely
eg.If she left her husband,she might be happier
(but I think she´s not going to leave her husband)
If + past simple - would/could/might + infinitive
If I lived by the sea, I would do a lot of swimming
If they asked me to work for them, I might accept
or would/could/might + infinitive - If + past simple
I would do a lot of swimming if I lived by the sea
I might accept if they asked me to
work for them
3.3 The third conditional(impossible)
The third conditional refers to the past
eg.I´d have warned you if I´d seen you last week
(but I didn´t see you,so I didn´t warn you)
eg.If I´d passed my exams I would have gone to Art College
(but I didn´t pass my exams,so I didn´t go to Art College)
If + past perfect - would/could/might + perfect infinitive
If I had met you earlier, I wouldn´t have married Jo
If I´d worked harder, I would have passed my exam
or would/could/might + perfect infinitive - If + past perfect
I wouldn´t have married Jo if I´d met you earlier
I would have passed my exam if I´d worked harder
Friday 12 December 2008
Thursday 4 December 2008
DANIEL MARTÍNEZ-Winning Cyclist.He is one of Marga´s sons.Marga is one of the dearest members of our Secondary School
DANIEL,who belongs to Berrendero cycling team in Madrid,Spain, has just won his first Master cycling race in Las Rozas, Madrid.CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first photograph shows you the time when he is the first cyclist across the finishing line.The second one is about the time when he went up onto the podium. He is standing between :Enrique Sevilla,who belongs to Penaca team and David Rodríguez who belongs to Endesa Team.
http://www.fmciclismo.com/fmc3/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=513&Itemid=1
Friday 28 November 2008
2008 Xmas card - XMAS CAROLS
¡MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!Find the lyrics and midi background music of Xmas carols in:
http://www.christmas-carols.net/
Wednesday 26 November 2008
MODEL COMPOSITIONS FOR BACHILLERATO
1.Keeping a pet
(Write 80-100 words)
Keeping a pet can enrich a child´s life in many ways.First of all,caring for a dog or cat teaches the child responsability because the pet is dependent on the child for food and protection. Secondly,pets act as a comfort when there is a change in a child´s life,such as moving to a new house or starting a new school.Also,pets bring out happy feelings and love in people.Their loyalty and affection help children to develop friendships.Finally,even the painful death of a pet helps a child to understand the cycle of birth,life and death. A pet is a wonderful friend and teaches a child a lot about life.
2.“Exams are quick,fair and objective”,Do you
agree or disagree?Justify your answer.
(Write up to 80 words)
In my opinion,exams are the best way of assessing students.They test a specific amount of material in a limited amount of time.Also,all students take the exam on the same day,at the same time,which is basically fair.Finally,teachers have the same marking criteria for all students in order to be as objective as possible.Nobody has designed a better system yet,so I think exams will be with us for some time.
3.Discuss the different forms of entertainment
for teenagers available in your town/city.
(Write about 80 words)
There are many different forms of entertainment for teenagers available in Leeds.Firstly, for young people who enjoy sport,there are several good sports centres with swimming-pools.We also have lots of tennis courts.Secondly,teenagers who prefer cultural activities have a choice of cinemas,theatres and art galleries.Finally,there are plenty of pubs and cafés,where teenagers can meet in the evenings.If you are a teenager,there´s a lot to do in Leeds.
4.-Do we need advertising? Why/Why not?
(Write 80-100 words)
Advertising is useful to society,but within limits.Advertisers Bring new products to our attention. They give us information on the differences between products.Advertisers inform us of the quality,price and range of products.Also, the money from advertising subsidizes newspapers and television.However,we must not forget that advertisers aim to sell us a product which perhaps we do not actually need.Advertisements sell us dreams and illusions and are often in poor taste.In conclusion,advertising is necessary but we shouldn´t believe everything the advertisers tell us.
5.Fast food is international and is one way
of bringing people closer together.Discuss.
(write 60-80 words)
It plays an important role in human relations,because fast food is international.When people around the world eat the same food,whether it is hamburgers,pizzas or some other fast food,they have something in common.This bring them closer together;they can identify with with one another. People feel at home when the food is familiar.National,language,racial or social barriers often disappear when everyone is enjoying the same food -anywhere in the world.
6. A visit to a museum/city/region/country
that you enjoyed.(80-100 words)
Last summer,I spent a week in Amsterdam,in the Netherlands.During my stay,I visited some excellent museums of art,including the Van Gogh Museum which has a wonderful collection of paintings.The old part of the city is full of canals,so I took a glass-topped boat and travelled around looking at the beautiful old houses which are 400 years old.I shopped in the local markets.The cheese market is open on Fridays and I got tulips in the flower market.
In my opinion,Amsterdam is a charming city and I would certainly visit this city again.
7.Discuss a work of art,music or literature
that has made a great impression on you.
Write a composition of 80-100 words.
A book I read as a teenager which greatly impressed me was The Ragged-Trousered philanthropists by Robert Tressel.The book describes the lives of manual workers at the turn of the century in England.The “painters” in the story work long hours for very low wages,which are never enough to feed and clothe their families.Their poverty and suffering are a direct result of the social class into which they were born and the lack of equality in English society.The bookdescribes the development of their political consciousness and the beginnigs of the Labour Party in Britain.This book deeply influenced my moral and political views.
8. Have you ever been disappointed after
seeing the film of a book you´ve read?
(write 80-100 words)
This happened to me recently.I saw a film which hardly reflected the book at all.In the book,the story takes place in pre-warLondon,whereas in the film,we find ourselves in the present day.In contrast to the spontaneous and amusing hero in the novel,the film hero didn´t seem to have the same sense of humour somehow.While I understand that you can´t get all the details of a book into a two-hour film,I think the film could have paid more attention to the other characters,not just the hero and heroine.In typical Hollywood tradition,the tragic ending of the book was changed to a happier one,probably to please the audiences!.So next time you see a film version of a book you´ve enjoyed,don´t have high expectations.You may be disappointed.
9.Have you ever found yourself watching
a soap opera? (Choose 80-100 words)
I recently found myself watching a soap opera called Harvest of sins,which tells the story of a Sicilian family whose father is the head of the Mafia.The series follows the lives of people in the family and those connected to it.I was amazed at how quickly a soap opera can draw you into its plot.After only one episode,I knew that I just had to watch again in order to see what happens to everyone.Now,I can understand why soup operas are so popular.
10.A film,play or rock concert I enjoyed
recently.(100-120 words)
A film I saw recently,which impressed me very much,was Remains of the day with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.Life in an English stately home is seen through the eyes of the butler.He is so dedicated to his work that he sacrifices his own love and emotional life in order to serve his master.At the end of the film,he realizes what he has lost and goes to find the woman he loves,but too late.He loses her and his lastchance of an emotional life.It´s a very powerful film.
11.Write about the life of a film star.
(100-120 words)
Mel Gibson is an international star and is certainly one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
He studied acting at drama school in Australia,and by the late 1970s he had made his name as an actor playing the role of Mad Max in a series of films about life in a futuristic and violent society.Since then,he has made many very successful films and has become one of Hollywood´s most popular actors.He is happily married with five children.Despite his public image,Gibson manages to keep his private life out of the public eye.
12.-If you found a stray dog or cat in your
garden/street,what would you do?
(Write 100-120 words)
If I found a stray cat in my garden,first of all I would look carefully to see if it had any signs of disease.If it looked healthy but lost and hungry,I´d probably give it something to eat,such as fish,meat or just milk.Secondly,I´d look for some kind of basket to keep it in until I decided what to do.In such situations,the next thing to do is to find out whether there is a vet in town that can examine the cat or an organisation that takes strays.However,I think I´d ask my
parents to let me keep the cat because I´d love that pet to be my friend.
13.What are the arguments for and
against experiments on animals?
(write 100-120 words)
Some scientists argue that by experimenting on animals,we can test drugs in order to find cures for certain diseases.In addition,the cosmetic industry also tests its products on animals in search of possible allergic reactions and side effects.The military also argue that test in weapons, especially biological weapons, on animals,can help us to protect ourselves better in times of war.On the other hand,such tests are cruel,painful and often fatal to the animals being
tested.On the whole,today the public seems to be against experiments onanimals,and due to public pressure,laws are being passed to impose strict controls on animal experimentation.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
ADVERTISING
Advertising has always existed in some form or another.In ancient times,people who wanted to sell something probably couldn´t read or write.As a result,they shouted at people who walked by and told them about the things they had to sell.Later,people advertised by drawing pictures on signs.A picture of a goat,for example,signified a dairy,or milk or cheese for sale.By the 15th
century,with the invention of the printing press,advertisements appeared in journals,books and on notice-boards as posters.Today,we use the media to advertise.
Advertising is everywhere -on the cinema screen,on the radio,on television and in the press.In the future,the computer will probably become the major medium for advertising.Advertising always has been and always will be a part of our lives.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
ANIMAL LOVERS?
Over half the homes in Britain have pets and as a result,the British spend almost a thousand million pounds a year on domestic animals.In fact,many people treat their pets like members of the family.Pets can actually enhance our lives and health.Childless couples often keep a pet because they need to play the role of parent to strengthen their identity as a couple.Lonely,elderly people may keep a pet,such as a cat or a dog for company or protection..Pets have also been used in therapy to help retarded youngsters develop a sense of responsability and self-worth.Yet while we treat our own animals with love and devotion,do we care about the way the society at large treats animals?In 1992,almost three million experiments on animals took place.These included warfare experiments and the testing of drugs,cosmetics and cleaning fluids.Animals are also slaughtered for their meat,skins and fur.
In many cases,these animals are kept in terrible conditions and are cruelly treated by private companies and governments alike.However,thanks to PETA(people for the ethical Treatment of Animals)and Uncaged(Organisation which actively fights vivisection in hte UK),there is a light at the end of the tunnel.With slogans like “Buy a fur and slip into something dead” or brochures on the cruelty of vivisection,these organisations are forcing consumers,private industry and governments to examine their consciences.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE
For the ancient Aztecs of Mexico,cocoa beans were the food of the gods.They made a chocolate drink by boiling the beans.In 1528,Cortés took cocoa beans to Spain where the drink remained a secret for almost 100 years before it was introduced to France.
Then the secrets of chocolate quickly spread across Europe to Austria and Germany,and by 1707 it was the most popular drink in England.
Recently,in Cologne,Germany,a chocolate museum was opened containing many exhibits connected to the history of chocolate making -for example,real cocoa trees,a factory which actually produces sweets,and a variety of antique sweet machines.In fact,this museum is a dream and a delight for adults and children alike.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
SPICES AND HERBS
Spices and herbs are the parts of plants we use in cooking to add flavour,aroma or colour to our food.In the ancient world,men travelled to Asia to bring spices to the markets of Europe.In fact,the spice trade is one of the oldest known to man and it has influenced the course of history.Men like Magellan set off on voyages of discovery in order to reach the spice lands. Important cities like Venice and Rome traded in spices,but by the 20th century,London had become the centre of the spice trade.Herbs and spices have always been a part of our lives and will continue to be so in in the future.
(Write 80-100 words)
Keeping a pet can enrich a child´s life in many ways.First of all,caring for a dog or cat teaches the child responsability because the pet is dependent on the child for food and protection. Secondly,pets act as a comfort when there is a change in a child´s life,such as moving to a new house or starting a new school.Also,pets bring out happy feelings and love in people.Their loyalty and affection help children to develop friendships.Finally,even the painful death of a pet helps a child to understand the cycle of birth,life and death. A pet is a wonderful friend and teaches a child a lot about life.
2.“Exams are quick,fair and objective”,Do you
agree or disagree?Justify your answer.
(Write up to 80 words)
In my opinion,exams are the best way of assessing students.They test a specific amount of material in a limited amount of time.Also,all students take the exam on the same day,at the same time,which is basically fair.Finally,teachers have the same marking criteria for all students in order to be as objective as possible.Nobody has designed a better system yet,so I think exams will be with us for some time.
3.Discuss the different forms of entertainment
for teenagers available in your town/city.
(Write about 80 words)
There are many different forms of entertainment for teenagers available in Leeds.Firstly, for young people who enjoy sport,there are several good sports centres with swimming-pools.We also have lots of tennis courts.Secondly,teenagers who prefer cultural activities have a choice of cinemas,theatres and art galleries.Finally,there are plenty of pubs and cafés,where teenagers can meet in the evenings.If you are a teenager,there´s a lot to do in Leeds.
4.-Do we need advertising? Why/Why not?
(Write 80-100 words)
Advertising is useful to society,but within limits.Advertisers Bring new products to our attention. They give us information on the differences between products.Advertisers inform us of the quality,price and range of products.Also, the money from advertising subsidizes newspapers and television.However,we must not forget that advertisers aim to sell us a product which perhaps we do not actually need.Advertisements sell us dreams and illusions and are often in poor taste.In conclusion,advertising is necessary but we shouldn´t believe everything the advertisers tell us.
5.Fast food is international and is one way
of bringing people closer together.Discuss.
(write 60-80 words)
It plays an important role in human relations,because fast food is international.When people around the world eat the same food,whether it is hamburgers,pizzas or some other fast food,they have something in common.This bring them closer together;they can identify with with one another. People feel at home when the food is familiar.National,language,racial or social barriers often disappear when everyone is enjoying the same food -anywhere in the world.
6. A visit to a museum/city/region/country
that you enjoyed.(80-100 words)
Last summer,I spent a week in Amsterdam,in the Netherlands.During my stay,I visited some excellent museums of art,including the Van Gogh Museum which has a wonderful collection of paintings.The old part of the city is full of canals,so I took a glass-topped boat and travelled around looking at the beautiful old houses which are 400 years old.I shopped in the local markets.The cheese market is open on Fridays and I got tulips in the flower market.
In my opinion,Amsterdam is a charming city and I would certainly visit this city again.
7.Discuss a work of art,music or literature
that has made a great impression on you.
Write a composition of 80-100 words.
A book I read as a teenager which greatly impressed me was The Ragged-Trousered philanthropists by Robert Tressel.The book describes the lives of manual workers at the turn of the century in England.The “painters” in the story work long hours for very low wages,which are never enough to feed and clothe their families.Their poverty and suffering are a direct result of the social class into which they were born and the lack of equality in English society.The bookdescribes the development of their political consciousness and the beginnigs of the Labour Party in Britain.This book deeply influenced my moral and political views.
8. Have you ever been disappointed after
seeing the film of a book you´ve read?
(write 80-100 words)
This happened to me recently.I saw a film which hardly reflected the book at all.In the book,the story takes place in pre-warLondon,whereas in the film,we find ourselves in the present day.In contrast to the spontaneous and amusing hero in the novel,the film hero didn´t seem to have the same sense of humour somehow.While I understand that you can´t get all the details of a book into a two-hour film,I think the film could have paid more attention to the other characters,not just the hero and heroine.In typical Hollywood tradition,the tragic ending of the book was changed to a happier one,probably to please the audiences!.So next time you see a film version of a book you´ve enjoyed,don´t have high expectations.You may be disappointed.
9.Have you ever found yourself watching
a soap opera? (Choose 80-100 words)
I recently found myself watching a soap opera called Harvest of sins,which tells the story of a Sicilian family whose father is the head of the Mafia.The series follows the lives of people in the family and those connected to it.I was amazed at how quickly a soap opera can draw you into its plot.After only one episode,I knew that I just had to watch again in order to see what happens to everyone.Now,I can understand why soup operas are so popular.
10.A film,play or rock concert I enjoyed
recently.(100-120 words)
A film I saw recently,which impressed me very much,was Remains of the day with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.Life in an English stately home is seen through the eyes of the butler.He is so dedicated to his work that he sacrifices his own love and emotional life in order to serve his master.At the end of the film,he realizes what he has lost and goes to find the woman he loves,but too late.He loses her and his lastchance of an emotional life.It´s a very powerful film.
11.Write about the life of a film star.
(100-120 words)
Mel Gibson is an international star and is certainly one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
He studied acting at drama school in Australia,and by the late 1970s he had made his name as an actor playing the role of Mad Max in a series of films about life in a futuristic and violent society.Since then,he has made many very successful films and has become one of Hollywood´s most popular actors.He is happily married with five children.Despite his public image,Gibson manages to keep his private life out of the public eye.
12.-If you found a stray dog or cat in your
garden/street,what would you do?
(Write 100-120 words)
If I found a stray cat in my garden,first of all I would look carefully to see if it had any signs of disease.If it looked healthy but lost and hungry,I´d probably give it something to eat,such as fish,meat or just milk.Secondly,I´d look for some kind of basket to keep it in until I decided what to do.In such situations,the next thing to do is to find out whether there is a vet in town that can examine the cat or an organisation that takes strays.However,I think I´d ask my
parents to let me keep the cat because I´d love that pet to be my friend.
13.What are the arguments for and
against experiments on animals?
(write 100-120 words)
Some scientists argue that by experimenting on animals,we can test drugs in order to find cures for certain diseases.In addition,the cosmetic industry also tests its products on animals in search of possible allergic reactions and side effects.The military also argue that test in weapons, especially biological weapons, on animals,can help us to protect ourselves better in times of war.On the other hand,such tests are cruel,painful and often fatal to the animals being
tested.On the whole,today the public seems to be against experiments onanimals,and due to public pressure,laws are being passed to impose strict controls on animal experimentation.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
ADVERTISING
Advertising has always existed in some form or another.In ancient times,people who wanted to sell something probably couldn´t read or write.As a result,they shouted at people who walked by and told them about the things they had to sell.Later,people advertised by drawing pictures on signs.A picture of a goat,for example,signified a dairy,or milk or cheese for sale.By the 15th
century,with the invention of the printing press,advertisements appeared in journals,books and on notice-boards as posters.Today,we use the media to advertise.
Advertising is everywhere -on the cinema screen,on the radio,on television and in the press.In the future,the computer will probably become the major medium for advertising.Advertising always has been and always will be a part of our lives.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
ANIMAL LOVERS?
Over half the homes in Britain have pets and as a result,the British spend almost a thousand million pounds a year on domestic animals.In fact,many people treat their pets like members of the family.Pets can actually enhance our lives and health.Childless couples often keep a pet because they need to play the role of parent to strengthen their identity as a couple.Lonely,elderly people may keep a pet,such as a cat or a dog for company or protection..Pets have also been used in therapy to help retarded youngsters develop a sense of responsability and self-worth.Yet while we treat our own animals with love and devotion,do we care about the way the society at large treats animals?In 1992,almost three million experiments on animals took place.These included warfare experiments and the testing of drugs,cosmetics and cleaning fluids.Animals are also slaughtered for their meat,skins and fur.
In many cases,these animals are kept in terrible conditions and are cruelly treated by private companies and governments alike.However,thanks to PETA(people for the ethical Treatment of Animals)and Uncaged(Organisation which actively fights vivisection in hte UK),there is a light at the end of the tunnel.With slogans like “Buy a fur and slip into something dead” or brochures on the cruelty of vivisection,these organisations are forcing consumers,private industry and governments to examine their consciences.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE
For the ancient Aztecs of Mexico,cocoa beans were the food of the gods.They made a chocolate drink by boiling the beans.In 1528,Cortés took cocoa beans to Spain where the drink remained a secret for almost 100 years before it was introduced to France.
Then the secrets of chocolate quickly spread across Europe to Austria and Germany,and by 1707 it was the most popular drink in England.
Recently,in Cologne,Germany,a chocolate museum was opened containing many exhibits connected to the history of chocolate making -for example,real cocoa trees,a factory which actually produces sweets,and a variety of antique sweet machines.In fact,this museum is a dream and a delight for adults and children alike.
MODEL TEXT WITH CONNECTORS
SPICES AND HERBS
Spices and herbs are the parts of plants we use in cooking to add flavour,aroma or colour to our food.In the ancient world,men travelled to Asia to bring spices to the markets of Europe.In fact,the spice trade is one of the oldest known to man and it has influenced the course of history.Men like Magellan set off on voyages of discovery in order to reach the spice lands. Important cities like Venice and Rome traded in spices,but by the 20th century,London had become the centre of the spice trade.Herbs and spices have always been a part of our lives and will continue to be so in in the future.
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Oral Exams-USEFUL VOCABULARY
You will find here a link to a very interesting and useful website about easy vocabulary for your oral exams:
Oral exams-DESCRIBING CELEBRITIES
If you have chosen to describe celebrities,
Here,you will find some links to help you:
1st_Charlize Theron:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlize_Theron
2nd_David Beckham:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Beckham
Monday 24 November 2008
Oral exams-DESCRIBING YOURSELF
If you have decided to have your oral exam based on your personal description...
Here,you will find some links that will help you:
1st_Hair, face, skin and complexion/Height and build/General appearance:
2nd_Personal identification:
3rd_Adding details:
4th_Advanced vocabulary:
Oral exams-BOARD GAMES
If you have decided to have your oral exam based on the third topic:BOARD GAMES...
Here,you will find some links about how to play some of them .These links will offer you plenty of interesting new vocabulary.
1st_Parchis:
2nd_Chess:
3rd_Trivial pursuit:
4th_Scrabble:
Saturday 15 November 2008
¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS,PEPA!
Mañana 16 de noviembre,Pepa,amiga y compañera del equipo de mantenimiento de nuestro instituto:I.E.S Matemático Puig Adam,celebra su cumpleaños.
¡Te deseo que seas muy feliz,no sólo en este cumpleaños,sino también todos los días de tu vida,rodeada de tu familia,de tus amigos y de todos tus seres queridos!.
¡Te deseo que seas muy feliz,no sólo en este cumpleaños,sino también todos los días de tu vida,rodeada de tu familia,de tus amigos y de todos tus seres queridos!.
¡Pepa,pincha este enlace y el grupo Parchís te cantará su feliz cumpleaños,por supuesto,pensando ahora en ti!:
Thursday 13 November 2008
Queridas PRIMA ESPERANZA y FELI
Queridas prima Esperanza y Feli(compañera de trabajo de nuestro I.E.S Matemático Puig Adam):
Dear cousin Esperanza and colleague Feli at Matemático Puig Adam Secondary School,
Resulta muy difícil hayar consuelo después de la muerte física de un ser muy querido y muy cercano.
A ti,prima Esperanza,se te ha muerto tu hijo.
A ti,Feli,tu marido.
No hay palabras en el mundo que puedan aliviar la pena de vuestro corazón.
It is extremely hard to seek consolation after having lost a dearest and closest relative.Nevertheless, that loss is only physical because they will always live in your souls and hearts.Now,THEY are happy bright pure lights looking after you.
You,dear cousin Esperanza,have recently lost your son.You,dear friend Feli,have just lost your husband.I am not able to find words to relief your great pain.
Vuestros,hijo y marido,vivirán siempre en el corazón y en la mente de todos los que les quisieron y cuidaron de ellos.Vivirán toda vuestra vida en cada una de vosotras.Y vivirán con todo lo mejor de ellos mismos,con su mejor sonrisa.Con el guiño más cariñoso de alguien que os querrá
Resulta muy difícil hayar consuelo después de la muerte física de un ser muy querido y muy cercano.
A ti,prima Esperanza,se te ha muerto tu hijo.
A ti,Feli,tu marido.
No hay palabras en el mundo que puedan aliviar la pena de vuestro corazón.
You,dear cousin Esperanza,have recently lost your son.You,dear friend Feli,have just lost your husband.I am not able to find words to relief your great pain.
Vuestros,hijo y marido,vivirán siempre en el corazón y en la mente de todos los que les quisieron y cuidaron de ellos.Vivirán toda vuestra vida en cada una de vosotras.Y vivirán con todo lo mejor de ellos mismos,con su mejor sonrisa.Con el guiño más cariñoso de alguien que os querrá
con total lealtad,con la máxima sinceridad y fidelidad hasta el final de los tiempos.
Y este es su mejor legado:el amor.El amor hacia vosotras,madre y esposa.
Recordadles con alegría y entusiasmo.Ellos vivirán siempre en vosotras.
Your son and husband will live in the hearts and brains of those who loved and took care of them forever.THEY will remain alive inside you during all your lifetime,smiling and loving you affectionately.THEY will always be faithful and loyal to you until doomsday.THEIR true and generous love to you is their best legacy.
Remember them happily and enthusiastically.THEY will always live in you !!!!
Y este es su mejor legado:el amor.El amor hacia vosotras,madre y esposa.
Recordadles con alegría y entusiasmo.Ellos vivirán siempre en vosotras.
Your son and husband will live in the hearts and brains of those who loved and took care of them forever.THEY will remain alive inside you during all your lifetime,smiling and loving you affectionately.THEY will always be faithful and loyal to you until doomsday.THEIR true and generous love to you is their best legacy.
Remember them happily and enthusiastically.THEY will always live in you !!!!
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Hello everybody!
Hello everybody!!! I want to thank you all for paying a visit to my blog
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Wonderful_Life
Thursday 30 October 2008
Thanksgiving
En EE.UU la fiesta de Acción de Gracias,se celebra cada CUARTO JUEVES de NOVIEMBRE.Este año,2008, la festividad tendrá lugar el día 27http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/DÃa_de_acción_de_gracias
Monday 27 October 2008
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