Improving English

2nd Intermediate - Social networks

2012-01-23T16:02:00.003+01:00

Watch this report about the beginnings of Facebook and choose the correct option:

1.Mark Zuckerberg
a.didn’t finish his degree
b.wasn’t yet 21
c.stars a new film

2.7 mill … use facebook
a.students
b.colleges
c.people

3.Mark invented facebook in his
a.bedroom
b.dorm room
c.garage

4.On average, students
a.create 18 profiles
b.are 18 years old
c.are connected 18 min a day

5.Facebook makes money from
a.investors of big companies
b.advertisement
c.subscriptions

6.Mark Zuckerberg
a.likes sports
b.lives in Palo alto
c.doesn’t wear suits

7.Millions of Americans want
a.to meet people
b.people to know about them
c.contact people

Answers: 1a, 2a, 3b, 4c, 5b, 6c, 7b

2nd Intermediate - Looking for a place to live?

2012-01-23T15:47:00.003+01:00

Watch the video and fill in the gaps:

The lobby is chic and sophisticated
The ceilings are 11-12 foot high
It has almost floor-to-ceiling windows
It has views over the historical part of Soho
The kitchen mixes exotic woods and stainless steel
There's radiant heating in the master bathroom
There's a 24h doorman
In the gym you can train with your personal trainer

Leave a comment: Do you feel like moving?
Answers: select the statements to see the words in the blanks.

2nd Intermediate - That'll teach 'Em

2012-01-07T11:19:00.003+01:00

Watch the first 3 minutes and say whether the statements below are true or false.

A girl thinks she will dislike the food
All the participants attend mixed schools
Girls think more about their marks
Boys are good at reading
The school puts emphasis on grammar
There’ll be competition outside the classrooms
Girls used to be better at arts
Nowadays girls have worse marks than boys

Answers (written in white, select the line to see them): 1T, 2T (co-ed), 3T, 4F, 5F, 6F, 7T, 8F

2nd Intermediate - The Body in the Library

2012-01-04T12:06:00.001+01:00

The Body in the Library. You can watch this and the rest of the chapters on Youtube.

2nd Intermediate - Poverty and employment

2011-12-21T15:15:00.005+01:00

Watch the video and choose the correct option:

Do you need the script?

1. Leila Janah is founder of
a. am NGO
b. a charity organization
c. a company

2. She spent
a. 10 years living in a poor countries
b. 17 years in Ghana
c. some years visiting poor countries

3. Samasource
a. is based on the use of internet
b. was first established in India
c. started working for a firm

4. Samasource
a. is based in San Francisco
b. has branches in San Francisco
c. has no fixed headquarters

5. Samasource collaborates with 16
a. countries
b. companies
c. centres

6. Samasouce began in
a. 2005
b. 2008
c. 2009

7. Samasource helps
a. 1,500 people
b. 1,000,000 people
b. 50,000 women

Answers (select this line to see them): 1a, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6b, 7a

Christmas is here

2011-12-17T23:03:00.004+01:00

Listen to and read the traditional Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Reading comprehension with answers.

Enjoy this video

2nd Intermediate - Technology is fun

2011-12-14T17:04:00.004+01:00

Watch the following video and identify the words that match the definitions below:

Mobile smart device that combines a number of functions including emails, web browsing, text messaging, ...: Blackberry
To stop working: Freeze
Areas with no signal: Black spots
A mobile phone company: Orange
A computer program that is written and designed for a specific need or purpose: Application
The primary display screen of a graphical user interface, on which various icons represent files, programs...: Desktop
A particular day, month...: Date
A computer company: Apple
An electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software: Dongle
To restart a computer: Boot
To fail suddently: Crash
A popular games console: xbox

Do you need the subtitles?

Answers: Select the definitions and you'll see the answers at the end of the sentence written in white.

Intermediate - Languages

2011-12-09T17:19:00.003+01:00

Reading comprehension exercise:

Which is the hardest language?

Watch these videos and fill in the gaps:

Learning a Foreign Language -- powered by ehow

Many teachers don’t speak the language fluently.
You should use a taped system to practice on your own
Languages have a lot of different dialects
In Texas there were a lot of Spanish speaking people.
Your need and willingness to spend the time determines your experience with learning languages

Do you need the transcript?

How to Learn English -- powered by ehow

English students want to immerse themselves in the English language

The unfortunate thing is that there are a lot of idioms
We are a powerful nation and many countries learn our language
Americans don’t know as many languages as other people around the world.

Do you need the transcript?

Is English hard for you?

Answers: They are written in white. Select the sentences above and you'll see them in the blanks.

Advanced - Immigration

2011-12-04T16:02:00.001+01:00

Myths about immigration

2nd Intermediate - Plastic Surgery

2011-12-03T22:07:00.002+01:00

Watch the video and note down the opinions of all the people you see.

2nd Intermediate - Multiculturalism

2011-12-01T00:12:00.003+01:00

Watch the video and say whether the following statements are true or false.

1.Almost everyone speaks English
2.There are more than 50,000 people of Korean origin
3.There are hundreds of inhabitants of Chinese origin
4.China town is the most important shopping area
5.On a Sunday the speaker goes to China town to have breakfast
6.Little Italy got established in 1910s
7.Little Italy is the oldest Italian community
8.The Sicilian woman says she has been there for 15 years

Answers (they are written in white, select these lines to see them): 1T, 2T, 3F, 4F, 5F, 6F, 7T, 8F

Intermediate - Technology

2011-11-21T12:52:00.003+01:00

Watch the video to learn about some Technology facts.

Are we addicted to technology?

Addiction Vs. Social Evolution from Allan Yong on Vimeo.

Finally, is technology good or bad? Watch and say if the statements below are true or false.

1. Writing on paper was a technological advancement

2. We used to find our music away from home

3. She thinks that technology will dominate our future

4. She mentions 2 examples of possible future advancements

5. Technology dependence could affect our knowledge

6. She thinks using technology at work is positive

7. Each of us has to decide if we live to use technology or just use it

8. The modern idea of technology is to accept all the ideas

Is technology good or bad for you?

Answers: 1T, 2T, 3F, 4F, 5T, 6T, 7T, 8T

Intermediate - Driving safety

2011-11-19T12:41:00.004+01:00

Watch the video and say whether the statements below are true or false.

Driving can be as dangerous as guns
You should check the car is working properly
Distractions are the most common cause of crashes nowadays
Some cameras have been installed to avoid colisions at intersections
In parking lots some driving rules are invalid
Some people are ignorant of some driving rules
40% of deaths in highways are caused by alcohol

Answers (select this line to see them): 1T, 2T, 3F, 4T, 5F, 6T, 7T

Intermediate - Transportation

2011-11-19T12:12:00.002+01:00

Watch the video and choose the correct option.

1. New Yorkers want transportation which is
a. cheap and comfortable
b. fast and sustainable
c. reliable and effective

2. Traffic jams make people
a. be less effective
b. get angry
c. lose time

3. Traffic congestions make the city spend money on
a. improving the economic productivity
b. repairing the roads
c. taking care of the environmental pollution

4. PlaNYC tries to
a. find environmentally friendly solutions
b. improve the recycling system
c. solve New Yorkers’ job problems

5. The bus service has improved thanks to
a. more frequent buses
b. new bus lanes
c. reduced prices

6. In the Bronx
a. buses are 13% faster
b. more people use buses
c. there are more buses than in the 1st and 2nd avenues

7. Millions of New Yorkers
a. don’t use any network
b. use the bus
c. use the subway

8. Bicycle users
a. are safer now
b. have 200 miles of bike lanes
c. have a bike sharing service in the centre

9. Taxis and buses
a. use green energies
b. will cost the city less
c. will pollute less

Answers (select this line to see them): 1c, 2c, 3b, 4a, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 9c

Intermediate - Global warming

2011-11-19T11:52:00.005+01:00

Watch the video and choose the correct option

1.The earth’s climate
a.has changed and the temperature risen
b.has recently started to change
c.will change and we’ll have another ice age

2. Scientist believe fossil fuels
a. are the most polluting source of energy
b. being burnt could be one of the causes of global warming
c. will endanger human activity

3. 1998
a. has registered the highest levels of CO2
b. was colder than 2005
c. was the hottest year

4. Artic sea ice
a. has decreased 10%
b. has decreased in the last 10 years
c. has decreased in the last 13 years

5. Developing countries
a. are the biggest producers of fossil fuels
b. will consume more fossil fuels
c. will suffer temperature increases

6. Among the consequences of global warming are
a. reduction of fish in costal areas
b. the extinction of rare species
c. weather changes

7. We can help reduce gas emissions
a. driving slower
b. turning off appliances at home
c. using energy efficient bulbs

Select this line to see the answers: 1a, 2b, 3c, 4a, 5b, 6c, 7c

How to reduce your carbon footprint

2011-11-19T11:45:00.006+01:00

What's "Carbon footprint"?

Now watch the video and note down the 10 steps to reduce yours.

Step 1. Turn the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter. Close doors and insulate windows
Step 2. Turn off and unplug electronics
Step 3. Change to compact fluorescent bulbs
Step 4. Do your laundry or run a dishwasher only with a full load
Step 5. Eat local and take a canvas tote
Step 6. Bring your own cup or mug when you buy coffee
Step 7. Cut back on bottled water, making and transporting them pollutes a lot
Step 8. Plant a tree, it produces green house gases
Step 9. Use your car less
Step 10. Car pool, use public transport, walk or bike

Answers: They are written in white. Select the text above to see them.

Now do some READING COMPREHENSION about the environment. You will find texts and questions (with the answers).

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf

2011-11-15T15:43:00.002+01:00

Watch and enjoy.

Remember you can participate in the constest with your translation to Galizian. Find more information in www.eoilugo.com

2nd Intermediate - How to write a complaint letter

2011-11-09T10:30:00.001+01:00

Watch the video and fill in the gaps:

How To Write a Letter Of Complaint on Howcast

1. They say that the pen is mightier than the sword
2. You will need the name of the company CEO and a suggested reparation.
3. Step 1. Address your letter to the company CEO
4. Step 2. State the problem and include any backup material.
5. Step 3. Write exactly how the company can keep you as a customer. Wheather it's a refund, store credit or a replacement.
6. Step 4. If you are a long-time customer, say so.
7. Step 5. Use only two or three colourful words.
8. Step 6. Your letter must be short and to the point.
9. Step 7. spellcheck your letter. Avoid mispellings.
10. Step 8. To finish your letter thank them in advance.

REMEMBER: You can see the answers selecting the text.

2nd Intermediate - How to write a letter of complaint

2011-11-09T10:19:00.003+01:00

Watch the video and complete the information below:

How to Write an Effective Complaint Letter -- powered by ehow

Reasons to complain: you received bad customer service or a product doesn't work
Before you start: write to the correct person, call the store o company to make sure where to send your letter
The tone of your letter: be composed, specific and calm
Include details: include the dates and the exact problem
Your expectations: explain what you plan to do or expect to receive
One final thing: be prepared to back up your complaint if you receive a call or return letter.

The answers are written in white. Select the text next to the headings to read them.

Intermediate - Sports

2011-10-12T23:33:00.004+02:00

Watch this video about a promising sportsman and choose the correct answer for the following questions.

1 … in the World Rowing Championship which was held in Yugoslavia.

a) Germany didn’t participate

b) Iraq didn’t participate

c) Slovenia didn’t participate

2 Rashid is

a) single

b) a university student

c) a professional sportsman

3 Rashid thinks

a) he has to work more to qualify

b) it’s impossible to qualify

c) it’s possible to qualify

4 He needs

a) more determination

b) to improve his tactics

c) a new coach

5 The coach wants

a) Rashid to get to the final

b) Rashid to be in London 2012

c) Rashid to accept the challenge

6 Other sportspeople in Iraq

a) have been able to train abroad

b) have won international competitions

c) have reached a professional level

7 Rashid

a) finishes at the top of the list

b) gets his Olympic qualification

c) will have another opportunity in 6 months

Answers written in white. Select the text to see them: 1b, 2b, 3c, 4b, 5b, 6a, 7c

Intermediate - Recipe

2011-10-09T16:43:00.004+02:00

Listen (don't watch) and complete the recipe.

Ingredients
60g (1) butter
1 small onion
4 stalks of celery
1 leek
(2) 200g mushrooms
3 tablespoons of flour
340ml milk
460ml chicken stock
(3) Black pepper and salt

Utensils
(4) Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Liquidizer
Ladle

Instructions

Add the butter and leave it to (5) melt
Add the (6) diced onion, leek, celery and mushrooms and sweat them
Add the flour and (7) mix it well
Pour milk and the chicken stock and (8) stir the ingredients round
(9) Season it well with salt and pepper
Cook the soup for (10) 25 minutes
(11) Blend until no bits remain
(12) Taste the soup and if necessary season it again

Serve with (13) crusty bread to accompany

Answers: They are written in white. Select the text above and you'll see them in the blanks.

Intermediate - Food: pleasure or fuel

2011-09-25T13:31:00.003+02:00

Watch the following video and fill in the gaps:

Thintuition practice # 5. I regard food as fuel from Rob Stevens on Vimeo.

You have to choose foods you like
Pleasure is not the purpose of eating
We eat to replenish the nutrients and calories our body needs
Overeating is consuming food you don’t need
The extra energy you consume becomes fat
Advertisers tempt us to eat their food
Food is not a solution to problems
You may think eating something might make you feel better
Food has never truly solved any problems for you

Answers: The answers are written in white in the blanks. Select the text above to see them.
Leave a comment: What's food for you?

Advanced - Let's pollute

2011-08-17T22:11:00.003+02:00

Watch the following video (Best Short Film, Oscars Animated Nomine) and complete the blanks (syncronization may not be good but pay attention to the sound):

Pollution is our heritage
Nowadays polluting is better and more convenient than ever
Even before the Industrial Revolution we were polluters at heart
After hundreds of years man needed an allay
Machines were a wonder of waste
Some of our past habits were counterproductive
Our ancestors would envy our toxines and contaminants
Remember to always buy the latest trendy gadgets
Corporations produce tons of cheap crap for you to buy
Ask your congressman to eliminate all environmental restrictions
Prepackaged and processed food has minimal nutritional value
The best food for you is the one that has been sprayed with herbicides

Select the sentences to see the answers.
Leave a comment: Are we really like this?

Advanced - Business

2011-07-27T13:28:00.004+02:00

Young entrepreneurs. A good idea is what it takes.

Watch the video and say whether the following statements are True or False.

The idea was developed in Harvard to help students
5,000,000 US users join facebook a week
Facebook changed the terms of use to protect users
Facebook will probably reach 200,000,000 users this year
Nowadays Facebook is applicable for every age group
Once you eliminate your account your data are erased
The company has lower benefits than it should be expected
Facebook has more users than its competitors

Answers: 1T, 2F (world users), 3F, 4T, 5T, 6F (no one will have access to it, but will it still be stored?), 7T, 8T

Leave a comment: Do you have a Facebook account? What do you use it for? Do you think Facebook has changed our lives?

Avanced - Prepared to travel?

2011-07-19T14:41:00.002+02:00

Watch the video and choose the correct answer for the questions below:

1. Before you travel...
a) cancel your newspaper subscriptions
b) talk to your postman
c) take care of your mail

2. You need time before the trip to...
a) get new credit cards
b) make sure you have copies of your prescriptions
c) give your family yhour contact details

3. For international travel you will need to...
a) know the currency of the country
b) get new credit cards
c) get a new phone

4. For the documents needed you must...
a) find your contry's embassy
b) apply for a VISA
c) make sure what identification document you need

5. To drive in another country you must...
a) renew your driver's license
b) get a passport
c) check your insurance

Answers are written in white, select the text to see them: 1c, 2b, 3a, 4c, 5c

Advanced - Food

2011-07-13T16:28:00.005+02:00

Eating in the dark? Would you dare?

Eating in the Dark

Watch the video and say if these statements are true or false

Onoir is a French restaurant
You are served by blind people
It takes 2 weeks to get a reservation
Someone in the owner's family was blind
His friends and family were the first ones to eat in the dark
There are 3 restaurants in the US
The waiter tells you where the cutlery is on the table
This kind of business helps promote the sightless world
Some people dislike the feeling of helplessness
Even the bar is in the dark

Answers written in white: 1 F, 2 T, 3 T, 4 F, 5 T, 6 F, 7 F, 8 T, 9 F, 10 F

Advanced - Technology

2011-07-09T14:08:00.003+02:00

Do you need more practice? Try this

Fill in the blanks

Google cell phone is designed with Google applications in mind
The Nook has a partially coloured screen
In 2010 the first 3d tvs will hit the markets
Apple tablet will be like a touch screen portable laptop
The electric vehicle will be first sold in California
New applications will be created for all types of phones
Some social networks will shut down for hours due to hacking

As always, select the text to see the answers

Advanced - Music

2011-06-09T10:52:00.000+02:00

Enjoy!

Money, money

2011-05-16T14:51:00.001+02:00

Watch the video and leave a comment. This is our future.

Teenagers and money.

Advanced - Understanding the Crisis

2011-05-16T11:21:00.001+02:00

Check the script on youtube.

Advanced - Education

2011-05-12T15:56:00.000+02:00

Watch the video and choose the correct option.

1. What do I do if my child is is trouble?
a) Talk to him about it at home
b) Talk about it with the teacher
c) Talk about it with the child and school staff

2. What kind of trouble could the child be involved in?
a) Bothering his classmates
b) Disrespecting the teacher
c) Misbehaviour in class

3. Some parents think teachers…
a) are paid to solve that kind of problems
b) are used to dealing with that kind of problems
c) are responsible for the child’s misbehaviour

4. The first thing parents have to do is…
a) avoid stress
b) consider the steps needed
c) schedule a meeting

5. The solution should come…
a) from a educational plan
b) from the collaboration of everybody
c) after months of work

6. When parents listen to the child they have to…
a) be patient
b) be relaxed
c) be positive

Answers: 1c, 2c, 3a, 4b, 5b, 6a
You can also check the script underneath the video.

Advanced - Martin Luther King

2011-05-10T15:10:00.004+02:00

Listen to his speech

Learn more about him and do a listening exercise.

More tasks about his speech.

Advanced - GM food

2011-05-05T16:33:00.002+02:00

Watch the video and fill in the blanks.

Farmers in the past selected plants that were easier to pick and to cook.
New crops inherited the benefitial characteristics.
Farmers found that when the DNA was accidentally altered improvements happened.
Nowadays scientists can change DNA at specific spots.
These changes are specially useful for disease resistance.
We now have crops which need less water and fertiliser.
After decades consuming genetically engineered food no one has got ill.
If we design and test each product, there is no problem.
Supermarkets and big seed companies have offered us a variety of nutritious.

As always, the answers are written in white. Select the text to see them.
Leave a comment: What do you think of these products?

Advanced - How is technology affecting our brains

2011-05-01T12:52:00.003+02:00

Advanced - How has technology affected our lives?

2011-05-01T12:49:00.004+02:00

Watch the following video and fill in the blanks

Email is faster than postal.
People have more of a voice .
We can work on our presentations on the subway.
We invent more stuff to fill our time up.
Technology has a potential to destroy people.
High schoolers post things about classmates to ruin their reputation.
Kids film teachers and post on youtube.
We have to teach kids about the permanence of what they post.
On the Internet anything gets out everywhere.

As always, the answers are written in white. Select to see them.
You can also check the script.

Leave a comment: How has technology affected your life?

Advanced - Tales of the Unexpected

2011-04-30T21:53:00.003+02:00

Watch the two parts of Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat and answer the following questions:

Part 1
Part 2

What did Mrs Bixby bring Mr Bixby at the beginning? Lunch, French fries
What did Mr Bixby ask her? He asked her to stop her visits to her aunt
What does Mrs Bixby always do when she visits the Colonel? Look out of the window, enjoy the view
What was the Colonel's errand? He wanted to have a look at some horses he intended to buy
Why does Mrs Bixby not wear the coat? She says it's too warm
Why does Mrs Bixby not go with her husband to the pawnshop? She says she can't be seen there
What does Mr Bixby say when he gives her the mink scarf? That she won't receive a Christmas present because he had spent more than he intended.

As always the answers are written in white. Select the text to see them.

Advanced - Ecotourism

2011-04-25T20:01:00.006+02:00

Watch one of the following videos and prepare a gap exercise for your partner.

Student A: Eco-friendly hotels

More Eco-friendly options.

Student B: World Green Destinations

Leave a comment: How green are your holidays?

Advanced - Housing

2011-04-10T22:58:00.002+02:00

Have you ever considered squatting?
Watch this video and see that it is not such a bad option.

Answer the following questions.
1. What was the place like when she first arrived there?
2. Why did she settle for it?
3. Where did they find the building materials?
4. How did she transport them?
5. Where did they get food? And clothes?
6. Why did she decide to live this way?
7. How does she say she pays for her rent?
8. Why did she leave the kitchen wall open?
9. What’s her favourite piece of recycling?
10. How did she avoid confrontation in the house?
11. What are the gardens used for?
12. Where did the plants come from? And the marble for the paths?

The answers are written in white. Select to see them:
1. The place had no doors, windows the cables ripped out
2. She saw potential in it. She chose the house because of the light from the east and west
3. The building material was found in the neighbourhood
4. She used a trolley to bring things
5. She got her food from the Covent Garden market. The clothes came from jumble sales or charity shops
6. She could make a home for herself
7. She paid the rent with her work
8. She left the wall open in the kitchen because she likes the light and she wanted to see the lath, the muscles of the house
9. Her favourite piece of recycling is an 1937 oven
10. To avoid confrontation in the house she built kitchens
11. The gardens were an outlet for their creativity
12. They bring the plants from other peoples gardens. They brought marble from a factory nearby

Advanced - Real friends

2011-04-05T19:39:00.002+02:00

Watch the video and fill in the blanks:

One of them suggests putting him in a crate while the other is out
Sheldon hadn’t offered his prospective friend any concrete suggestions
Sheldon can’t believe one of his interests is riding actual horses
Sheldon refuses to get in the water
Ventriloquism is a solo activity
Sheldon chooses to do the least objectionable activity
They will meet to go rock climbing

Watch this presentation about frienship and leave a comment.

Stupid Criminals

2011-04-01T10:40:00.002+02:00

Read about funny cases here.

Advanced - Plastic Surgery

2011-03-27T14:26:00.005+02:00

Watch this video and choose the correct answer:

1. The number of plastic surgery procedures has risen
a) more in teenagers
b) more in adults
c) in general

2. Some teenagers get surgery
a) as a present when they graduate from highs chool
b) before going to the prom
c) before finishing highs chool

3. Plastic surgery is not recommended
a) for teenagers
b) for people minors
c) for people under 21

4. Adults have surgery
a) to attract attention
b) to be thinner
c) to get a better job

5. Most teenagers have surgery to
a) change their noses
b) feel accepted
c) look like their peers

6. Parents
a) usually influence their children
b) have to convince their children
c) shouldn't be the ones to suggest surgery

7. Some insurance companies cover
a) some plastic surgeries
b) no plastic surgery
c) only surgery on adults

8. Teens for whom surgery can be good are
a) realistic
b) intelligent
c) sympathetic

Answers written in white, select o see them: 1.c, 2.b, 3.b, 4.a, 5.b, 6.c, 7.a, 8.a

Advanced - Chinese Health System

2011-03-20T17:55:00.002+01:00

Watch the video and complete the blanks

The US spends 17% of its GDP on health care
The employers contribute 70 to 80% of the premium
Employers are mandated to provide insurance program
The Urban Resident Insurance Program is run by government
People cannot be mandated to enrol the program
The rural cooperative insurance program covers farmers
The subsidy is 80% of your total premium

The answers are written in white. Select the blanks to see them.

Advanced - International Women's Day

2011-03-08T20:41:00.001+01:00

Are we equals?

Advanced - Business news

2011-03-02T09:36:00.004+01:00

Listen to this podcast about the world oil crisis. The BBC may remove the podcast in a few days.
For more business and sport news visit the Radio 5 podcast page.

Advanced - Discrimination at the workplace

2011-02-27T15:31:00.008+01:00

Listen and choose the correct answer.

1. The speaker will talk about
a) women discrimination
b) general gender discrimination
c) men discrimination

2. Women discrimination manifests itself
a) in the ability to get a job
b) in terms of opportunities to succeed
c) in the number of women dismissed

3. Women basically suffer
a) sexual harassment
b) pregnancy discrimination
c) all kinds of discrimination

4. At the heart of gender discrimination is
a) the difference in salaries
b) unequal daily schedules
c) promotion opportunities

5. The Walmart case was
a) the first filed by women
b) the first to be won by women
c) the largest action by women

6. Boeing had to pay its female workers
a) 1.6 million
b) 72 million
c) 75 million

7. The main cause of the violation of equality laws is
a) little employment decisions
b) gender prejudice
c) macro inequities

8. The book Getting Even
a) collects data from 10 major cases
b) shows that women's choices creat discrimination
c) reveals that discrimination is based on archaic prejudices

Answers written in white: 1.a, 2.b, 3.c, 4.a, 5.c, 6.b, 7.b, 8.c

Discrimination

2011-02-27T15:26:00.001+01:00

What's de difference between sex discrimination and gender discrimination?
Watch and find the answer

IKEA - Intermediate

2011-02-20T19:51:00.004+01:00

IKEA's universe.

Watch up to minute 3.20 and indicate to what these figures refer

500 million customers visit a store each year
300 stores around the world
36 countries
42 distribution centres
1,000 suppliers
10,000 item product line
13 million tables, desks and wardrobes
3,000 upholster pieces daily

You can see the answers selecting the text next to the questions.

Be happy!!

2011-02-11T20:57:00.006+01:00

Listen and enjoy. This is ASA.

Now let's learn some English. Try to fill in the blanks.

Woke up early this morning
With a smile on my face
Thought you were next to me
But then i see you walking away
Something ain't right this morning
Is it a sign he's leaving me
So i call on a friend
Who might know better than me

She says:
You worry much about things you don't understand
But don't give up, if it doesn't go with the plan
Why not have some fun
While you're still young and still ok
Cos'life is short
Do what you can today today

Why can't we be happy

What is life about
Did nobody tell you
The reason why i ask
I can see you're so confused

You worry much about things you cannot see
You have it all, with your money you still complain
Why not live this life
While you're still young and still ok
Cos'life is short
Do what you can today today

As always, the answers are written in white. Select the lyrics to see them.
Did you like it? Want some more? Click here.

ADVANCED - Video Curriculums

2011-02-05T14:31:00.004+01:00

Watch the first 2 videos and identify the different parts of the CV.

Which of the two do you like most?

Now you can watch a very "interesting" video CV. Would you hire him?

Advanced - A peculiar style

2011-02-02T20:11:00.005+01:00

True or False (Questions up to minute 3.10)

Ellen thinks Lady Gaga became famous very quickly
Ellen says Lady Gaga is like David Bowie was
Lady Gaga says that some people joke about her ability to sing
The dress she’s wearing was made by a famous designer
She gets the inspiration for her outfits from dreams
She makes some of her outfits
She wants to transmit a sense of freedom in her shows
She was called a freak in high school

Answers in white: 1T, 2F not even like him, 3F she laughs, 4F some friends, 5F, 6T, 7T create a free space, 8F she felt like one

Just the Way You Are

2011-02-02T19:37:00.003+01:00

Relax a bit listening to this song.

Now try to fill in the gaps

Oh her eyes, her eyes

Make the stars look like they're not shining

Her hair, her hair

Falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful

And I tell her every day

Yeah I know, I know

When I compliment her

She wont believe me

And its so, its so

Sad to think she don't see what I see

But every time she asks me do I look okay

I say

When I see your face

There's not a thing that I would change

Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile,

The whole world stops and stares for a while

Cause girl you're amazing

Just the way you are

Her nails, her nails

I could kiss them all day if she'd let me

Her laugh, her laugh

She hates but I think its so sexy

She's so beautiful

And I tell her every day

Oh you know, you know, you know

Id never ask you to change

If perfect is what you're searching for

Then just stay the same

So don't even bother asking

If you look okay

You know I say

As always the answers are written in white. Select the gap or line to see them.

Do you know how to do a Gwyneth?

2011-01-13T16:54:00.005+01:00

Click to watch the speech
Gwyneth doesn't forget anyone in her speech!

Advanced Oral Exam - Monologues

2011-01-08T20:22:00.003+01:00

Do you know how to make a short presentation?
How would you start and conclude?
And what about the middle of your speech?

Listen to the following programs to get some ideas:

ALEJANDRO

ISABELLE

FIND MORE useful information in www.splendid-speaking.com and splendidspeaking.podomatic.com.

Christmas is here!!

2010-12-22T08:46:00.010+01:00

Watch again Charlie Brown videos. How do you feel about Christmas? Leave your comments.

Watch the rest of the chapter: part 2, part 3.
Linus's speech (at the end of the page)

Environment and pollution

2010-11-21T16:14:00.003+01:00

On this page you'll find reading comprehension exercises, lists of vocabulary, quizzes and conversation questions.

Find more information about enviromental issues in the next links:

Listening test for advanced students

2010-11-11T11:58:00.026+01:00

Post all your answers together in one comment with your name and the initial of your surname.

EASY: Listen to the song Cry by Oceana and try to write the first stanza before the chorus. Listen twice stopping where necessary.

ADVANCED: Listen to the author of the book about the management of personal finances Wealth Mechanic and fill in the blanks in the following statements with a maximum of 3 words. Listen twice. The statements are not literal.

1. Debt affects tens of millions of _____________
2. In his book he tries to make people look _____________
3. In the late 1990s he _____________ and, as a result, had financial problems
4. His book also tackles _____________ issues
5. He writes for people who want to save on _____________
6. These people feel that they have to _____________
7. He wants them to understand why they are _____________ they are
8. The book teaches some _____________ that can be applied to any aspect of a person’s life
9. The book is about recovering the _____________we deserve

ADVANCED: Watch this video about fast food and say whether the following statements are true or false. Watch twice.

1. 60% of all US adults are obese or overweight
2. Families used to eat out all the time
3. More people die due to obesity than to smoking
4. In 2002 a few Americans sued McDonalds
5. The lawsuit was on behalf of several 14 year olds
6. People are unaware of the dangers of fast food
7. The population of Spain is 46 million
8. You can find fast food in some hospitals
9. Eating only McDonalds for a month will make him become obese

DIFFICULT: Go to minute 24.30 of this radio program of the 5th of November and listen to the news bulletin. You will hear 7 pieces of news. Note down the general idea of each of them. Listen twice and write your answers. If you can’t get the 7 pieces, listen to it more times and write the rest of the answers separately indicating the number of times you listened to the extract to get the rest of the answers.

Halloween is back again

2010-10-28T23:42:00.017+02:00

1. Learn everything about Halloween.

2. Find the rest of the series and their transcripts on this page

3. See how much you've learned. Take a quiz

4. Watch some scary short videos.

Do you segway?

2010-10-28T23:32:00.003+02:00

Find more videos about this new means of transport.

A fresh start - Intermediate and Advanced listening

2010-10-10T13:18:00.003+02:00

Watch the following trailer and fill in the blanks in the sentences below with a maximum of 3 words. The sentences are not literal but your answers must be. The answers are written in white. Select the blank spaces to see them.

Marriage begins with champagne, it should finish the same way too
It’s a gay tour of Romantic Tuscany
This is my budget, minus the repairs and a rental car to drive off a cliff.
I didn’t know you were so handy.
This is Italy. You can hire the muscular descendants of Roman gods.
My inheritance consists of one grape and other sort of tenants
I bought a house because I’m sick of being afraid all the time
The storm killed the washing machine.
Life offers us a thousand chances, all we have to do is get one
Unthinkable good things can happen, even late in the game
There’s hot water in the toilet bowl.

Leave a comment. Would you ever consider taking such a radical decision?

South Africa - Reading and Listening

2010-10-03T17:04:00.008+02:00

1. Learn information about South Africa for your next lesson by reading from these pages:

http://www.exploresouthafrica.net/
http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/South-Africa.html
http://www.southafrica.com/culture/

2. You can also watch the following video:

3. Now try this quiz.

Advanced - 49 up

2010-09-25T14:03:00.002+02:00

Watch the following videos about John and Sue.

This is John
This is Sue

Have their lives been as they imagined?
How has Sue's life been different from John's?

You can also learn some things about Neil's, Nick's and Tony's lives.

Advanced - First day at work

2010-09-22T13:12:00.004+02:00

Watch the video and take note of the 9 tips you will hear. (The answers are written in white. Select the text to see them.)

Step 1. Choose your outfit carefully
Step 2. Show up on time but not too early
Step 3. Be prepared to answer questions
Step 4. Listen and try to remember people's names
Step 5. Introduce yourself
Step 6. Ask someone to have lunch or bring a book or work
Step 7. Offer to help
Step 8. Don't suck up
Step 9. Don't rush out the door

Further practice: Try to transcribe the first minute or so of the video. Add your transcription in a comment and I'll check it.

2nd Intermediate - ReadingTravelling

2010-08-03T12:02:00.004+02:00

Read the article and choose a heading for each paragraph. There are 2 extra headings.

a. Old stories and traditions
b. Feels like home
c. Local is better
d. Heavenly wines
e. Breathtaking views
f. Leave the world outside

Answers written in white (select to see them): 1e, 2d, 3a, 4c

2nd Intermediate - Travelling

2010-08-03T10:30:00.003+02:00

Watch this video and choose the correct option:

1. The Chinese government wants to
a. eliminate congestion
b. improve the economy
c. reduce pollution

2. The use of the bicycle will
a. increase in the up to 23% by 2015
b. benefit manufacturers
c. create 1500km of bicycle paths

3. Tourists
a. fear using the bicycle in Shanghai
b. increase congestion
c. enjoy bike tours

4. Bikes are especially used
a. because they are cheap
b. in short distances
c. to keep fit

Answers written in white (select the text to see them): 1c, 2a, 3c, 4b

Culture differences

2010-07-09T16:47:00.004+02:00

Watch this video and say who speaks about what (the answers are written in white between the brackets, select the text to see them):

About food (Christian and Jordan)
Traffic conventions (Jordan)
Social conventions (Jaime)
Shopping centres (Christian)
School activities (Jorgen)
Units of measure (Christian)

Food - Do you know what you eat?

2010-07-09T16:37:00.003+02:00

Watch the following video and complete the blanks (the answers are written in white, select the blanks to see them).

The way we eat has changed more in the last years than in the previous 10,000
The modern supermarket has an average of 47,000 products
Everything we've done in modern agriculture is to grow faster, fatter, bigger and cheaper
So much of our industrial food turns out to be rearrangements of corn
Sometimes you look at a vegetable and realise you can get 2 hamburgers for the same price
I find it incredible that meat can be sold without any labelling
The average consumer does not feel very powerful
An industry's irresponsible behaviour can be changed
People have to start demanding good wholesome food

Car trouble

2010-05-30T12:18:00.005+02:00

Read the article and match 5 headings to each paragraph. There are 2 extra headings.

An economical option
Bad luck
Cheated by the mechanic
It seemed cheaper
Money is not a problem
Precautions
We need a change

Answers written in white. Select the following text to see them: paragraph 1 heading 2, p2 h6, p3 h4, p4 h7, p5 h1

READ and learn more vocabulary

Video: Mr Bean's car trouble

2010-05-29T22:04:00.005+02:00

Watch this video of Bill Gates's house and answer the questions below.

1. Bill Gates's house design is
a-typical of the area
b-typical of the US
c-typical of warmer countries
2. The house includes innovations which
a-you can find in many houses now
b-you will find in houses in the future
c-you could find in houses in the future
3. The house is placed on a hill
a-to save energy
b-because of the views
c-to save energy and because of the views
4. The house is made of
a-recycled wood
b-recycled glass
c-recycled stone
5. On the west you can see
a-a river
b-a forest
c-some mountains
6. A special pin
a-controls the electronic services of the house
b-helps to locate a person in the house
c-is used to identify the tastes of its wearer
7. When someone calls
a-all the phones in the house ring
b-the house lets you know
c-only you hear the phone
8. The living space areas
a-are large
b-are modest
c-are medium-sized
9. There is a large video screen
a-in every room
b-in the library
c-in one of the pavilions

Answers written in white. Select the following text to see them: 1a, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6c, 7c, 8b, 9c

How to reduce your carbon footprint

2010-05-27T09:12:00.004+02:00

Watch the video and note down the 10 steps. The answers are written in white
Step 1. Turn the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter. Close doors and insulate windows
Step 2. Turn off and unplug electronics
Step 3. Change to compact fluorescent bulbs
Step 4. Do your laundry or run a dishwasher only with a full load
Step 5. Eat local and take a canvas tote
Step 6. Bring your own cup or mug when you buy coffee
Step 7. Cut back on bottled water, making and transporting them pollutes a lot
Step 8. Plant a tree, it produces green house gases
Step 9. Use your car less
Step 10. Car pool, use public transport, walk or bike

Health - American and French Health Systems

2010-05-27T00:26:00.005+02:00

Listen to this woman comparing the two health systems and say whether the following statements are true or false.

In France everyone is covered by an insurance company
In the US you need insurance to have medical assistance
American companies cover everything if you pay
She has to pay a lot for her medication in the US
Some hospitals reject patients without insurance in America
In France she had many health problems too
In France when she went to the hospital she was seen very quickly
She had to pay with several credit cards

Answers: 1F, 2F, 3F, 4T, 5T, 6F, 7T, 8F

2nd Intermediate - 3rd conditional

2010-05-02T15:35:00.003+02:00

GRAMMAR THROUGH FILMS

Watch a video and do the exercises. You'll find the answers at the bottom of the page.
Watch a video and do the exercises. You'll find the answers in the worksheet.

2nd Intermediate-Time 100

2010-04-25T21:18:00.003+02:00

Watch this short video and say whether the following statements are true or false.

It’s a list of the most intelligent people in the world.
The list includes artists and philosophers.
The people in the list have had an impact on others.
It’s the parents who write about the honorees
Last year they wanted people who had made the world a better place.

ANSWERS in white (select the area to see them): 1F, 2T, 3T, 4F, 5F

World Book Day

2010-04-23T09:51:00.006+02:00

Read about the origins of this day
Listen to people talking about their favourite books

Watch video 1 up to min 2.55 and say whether the following statements are true or false:

She dislikes Pride and Prejudice
She has just finished reading Persuasion
She prefers the heroine in Persuasion
She has read all of Jane Austen's novels
The Shadow of the Wind is set in 1945
It is the story of a boy who buys a book
She likes the style of the book
The book gives a great description of Barcelona

You can send your comments on your favourite books too!
Answers written in white (select the area to see them): 1F, 2F, 3T, 4T, 5T, 6F, 7T, 8T

Film reviews

2010-04-18T11:55:00.007+02:00

Wanna learn how to write your review?

This video will give you some hints about film reviews.
Now read some real reviews in this page.
Another video, in this case about book reviews.

Advanced - How to complain

2010-04-11T13:51:00.004+02:00

Watch the following video and answer the questions:

1. What was Kelly's problem? She was convinced (talked off) to buy another mobile phone instead of a blackberry and the alarm wouldn't stop. She got another one with the same problem.
2. What was Bruce's problem? The airconditioning system form Sears had a lot of problems (the compressor, the fan, the thermostat) and he has a 10-year contract with them.
3. What was Ben's problem? He bought a Play Station that didn't work and when he went to the shop again they said the serial number didn't match. That it was stolen.
4. What was Mike's problem? He and his wife paid $4,000 for a cruise in the Caribbean and the stops it made at the ports were shorter than scheduled. The company said they could change the itinerary whenever they wanted without warning.
5. What was Mary's problem? She bought an adjustable bed whose back didn't stay up.
6. What's the secret of complaining? Write a letter to the boss of the company because companies care about the customers. Silverman says he always succeeds.
7. What advice does Silverman give to people who want to complain? Don't call the customer service, don't go to their website, write a letter. Start the letter with praise: "I like your company and you've let me down", explain what you want them to do, what kind of compensation, write brief letters.
8. What did Kelly get? A discount for a new blackberry and kept the other mobile too, now she has 2 mobiles.
9. What did Ben get? A new Playstation
10. What did Mike get? Nothing, the company won't give him a refund.
11. What did Mary get? A new bed.
12. What did Bruce get? A new airconditioning system, in winter.

As always the answers are written in white. Select the area after the questions to see them.

2nd Intermediate - Reported speech

2010-04-08T09:07:00.002+02:00

Here you have an explanation about REPORTED SPEECH.

Feeling a little down?

2010-03-05T09:10:00.008+01:00

Watch this inspiring video with subtitles in English. Enjoy!

Pronunciation

2010-03-04T19:14:00.006+01:00

Visit this page and to improve your pronunciation.

The importance of pronouncing correctly ;). Watch this video and enjoy.

Prepare for the oral exam

2010-02-24T19:19:00.000+01:00

Watch these videos about what you should and shouldn't do in the oral exam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa9lU4KJ26Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj0y2hUxM9M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCfyLOvNbok
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDMF6uKKmC8

1st Advanced-Travelling

2010-02-24T19:16:00.000+01:00

Is this criminal?
READING

Read this article and choose the correct option.

1. Who noticed first that the pilot was drunk?
a) The air controllers
b) The passengers
c) The flight attendants

2. When some travellers spoke to him, the pilot...
a) confronted them.
b) boarded the plane.
c) went away.

3. The air travellers...
a) reported the pilot to the TSA.
b) were embarrassed.
c) refused to go on that flight.

4. The airport police...
a) arrested him in the restoom.
b) detained him in the restroom.
c) interrogated him in the restroom.

5. The pilot's alcohol level ...
a) was over 0.04.
b) wasn't tested.
c) was normal.

6. The pilot said to the police...
a) that he hadn't been drinking.
b) that he needed a day off.
c) that he was sick.

Here are the answers. They are written in white. Select the line to see them:" 1.b, 2.c, 3.a, 4.c, 5.b, 6.c". <- Select this

1st Advanced-Health

2010-02-24T19:10:00.000+01:00

SUPERSIZE ME

Watch the introduction to this documentary and try to complete the following tasks. Click here to watch.

T/F

1. 60% of US population are obese or overweight

2. 25% of the population in Mississippi are obese

3. More people die due to smoking than to obesity

4. People are unaware of the dangers of fast food

5. The population of Spain is 46 million

FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. Today, families do it all the time, and they're paying for it -- not only with their wallets, ____________________________.

2. In 2002, a few Americans got fed up with being overweight and did what we do best. They ____________________________.

3. Taking aim at the fast-food companies and blaming them for their obesity and illnesses, ____________________________ in New York ______________________ two teenage girls, one who was 14 years old, 4'10",

4. And this hunger for fast food isn't just in America. It's happening ____________________________

5. That's right -- hospitals. At least you're close when ____________________________.

6. Would I suddenly ____________________________to becoming an obese American?

Visit this page to check your answers

DISCUSSION (leave your opinion)

Do you think Spanish teenagers have a healthy diet?

2nd Intermediate-Stress

2010-02-24T19:01:00.001+01:00

Listen to the following video (don't watch) and write down the 7 pieces of advice you can hear. Then watch and check. Click here to play the video.

Answers in white (selec the lines to see them): 1.exercise, 2.meditate, 3.sleep 7-9 hours a day, 4.go to bed 30min or 1h before your normal bedtime and do something relaxing (reading/music)/get a massage, 5.reduce your caffeine intake/try herbal tea, 6.book a vacation, 7.find out if there is a root problem you should deal with, try therapy.

2nd Intermediate-Food

2010-02-22T17:25:00.000+01:00

Listen and fill in the blanks. Click to watch the video.

1. Mexican dishes are as ____________ and ____________ as the people.
2. The Aztecs shared many ________________________ with the world.
3. On average Mexicans spend ____________ of their ____________ on food.
4. ________________________ exhibit a wide selection of produce.
5. An amazing variety of ________________________ are available to buy by the kilo.
6. Wahaca is known for its ________________________
7. The juices combine and provide a ________________________
8. Mexican cuisine is savoured ________________________

The answers are written in white in the next two lines. Select the lines and you will see them.
1.varied/unique, 2.new vegetables, 3.25%/earnings, 4.outdoor markets, 5.seeds and grain, 6.mole sauces, 7.fusion of flavour, 8.across the globe.

DISCUSSION (leave your comments)
Do you think people in Galicia eat less traditional food than the used to?