favourite songs

here's a song that I really like:

the flaming lips - do you realize??
you can read the lyrics here:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/flaminglips/doyourealize.html

This group play alternative rock which is sometimes rather psychedelic.

I find this song moving and uplifting, both the music and especially the lyrics. It's also a reminder of a very happy day in my life, and I still enjoy listening to the entire album. I can listen to this song at any time.

What about you? Choose a song and post links to the music and lyrics below, saying why you've chosen it.

STRIKE

November 14 is a general strike in Spain
Do you think it's neccesary, or not?
Do you think strikes really help strikers achieve their aims?
Feel free to write your comments below.

come back soon!

Here's a hotel that prides itself on being terrible:
http://www.hans-brinker.com/
What's your worst experince staying somewhere on holiday?

writing practice

writing practice is essential and can help you to remember and clarify grammar and vocabulary

I'll ask you to write to each other on topics we discuss in class

what opportunites can you find to write in English?

post your comments below

reading practice

reading in English lets you see the language in use

here's one of the newspapers I read:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/

what about you?

post some ideas in the comments below

listening practice

listening to people speaking English will help improve your understanding and your own pronunciation

remember, you don't need to understand everything, so relax!

here's what I listen to:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/

find something interesting to listen to and share it with us below

speaking practice

you need to SPEAK English

here's a website to help you find someone to talk to:

http://www.lingobongo.com/madrid/exchanges-ads.php

what are you doing to practice speaking English?

tell us in the comments below

English in Use - practice

here's a website I made with lots of links to material that will help you practice grammar and vocabulary:

http://csimextra.blogspot.com.es/p/b12_29.html

the references are for a different book to the one you have, so ignore those.

what other resources do you know for practicing grammar and vocabulary?

post your ideas in the comments below

Gibraltar

What do you know about Gibraltar?
Why is there constant dispute over this area?
Is there similar dispute over Cueta and Melilla?

Read this article about Gibraltar today (and also a potted history) and comment on how you would like to see the future of this little Rock.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/19/gibraltar-diamond-jubilee-party

cinema

answer questions from at least 2 parts of the cinema questionaire in your student book on page 90

a visit to Madrid

I would like my Aunty Thelma to visit Madrid.
Can you help with some suggestions of things to do and see and places to go?
Use the language of suggestion; why not...?   you could / should / might etc

Eurovegas in Spain

read this article and add your thoughts in the comments here below
 Spain's dilemmas over 'Eurovegas' mega casino plans

more resources

Are you reading, listening to, speaking and writing in English?
What new resources have you found to help you study and practice? make a note of them here and post a link where possible,explaining what it is, and also try out other students resources for yourself.

slow city

what are the problems of turning Madrid into a 'slow city'?
and what solutions can you suggest?

work / life balance

Share your tip for improving your work / life balance. Give your reasons, using a quantifier in the explanation

racism in sport

here's a note from Arturo Delgado Ruiz on the situation with Liverpool footballer Suarez, who was banned for racist remarks. Please leave your own comments on this affair or on racism in sport or racism in general below.

"I think Suarez´s situation deserves a correct explication. Well, first I would say that I don´t believe the Evra´s accusation, because in the Premier and France all people know how is his conduct on the grass and off. Even, he has had some problems with her coaches in the recent past. Here, the really important is the ethnic problem. Evra has been playing in England during years and he knows the multicultural issues that appear from all sides. And for this, he knows the damages that the word "negro" can do in Public Opinion.

But, is necessary the persecution that Suarez has recived? I think not. Suarez is a great footballer and better person, but the press and journalists have attacked him. Why didn´t they see how Rio Ferninand removed his hand? or Why did evra celebrate the victory too near Suárez? Ummm, these questions haven´t interest for anybody, I don´t know.

I don´t support the racism, but I think that respect and honor must be same for all. Here, this have not happened."

 

 

What Can You Do?

Please leave your tips in the comments. Remember to use the modals of ability and possibility, and some _ed/ing adjectives.