CoMeDy CluB: "all Spanish speak an intermediate English level"

Hi, Guys!!!!, 

Some days ago, my friends and I were talking about what the Spanish people's real English level is. Some of them stated that they could understand English, read or write it, but not all of them could speak a good level of English, except when they were abroad, in other words, in extreme occasions. Luckily, that situation is changing, these days, there are many people studying English, but above all, now they are more worried about their oral skills.

At that moment, a fun monologue from the Comedy Club came to my mind. It is starred by the Spanish actor, Luis Merlo, and he deals with the Spanish people have an "intermediate" English level. I hope you'll enjoy it!!!

Fairy Tales for Children

Hi, boys and girls!!!, 

As far as I am concerned, one of the best ways of learning a new language is watching videos, since it's a very easy fun way to get in touch with the new language. 

Because of that, I encourage you to watch the following videos with your little students or children. They already know all these fairy tales, so it can't be difficult to follow the story, as well, if they are older primary students, they can also read the subtitles in English. 

ONCE UPON A TIME, ... 

 Learning English is always fun!!!

ARE YOU READY? A new English Quiz Show

Hi, There!,

I've just watched a very new English TV programme for children in Canal Sur, the Andalusian channel in Spain. From my point of view, it's quite entertaining, fun and motivating for young learners. There are many different English tests, all the primary (5º&6º, that is, 11 or 12 years old) students can take part in this quiz show if they are studying at bilingual schools in Andalucia. 

Obviously, this new educational programme wants to improve children's English level, to encourage them to speak English, etc. 

I think it's worthwhile, I'm really happy to watch this type of Quiz Shows on TV. Now, ArE YoU ReAdY?

If you want to watch this great quiz, click on: ARE YOU READY?

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Hi, Guys!, 

I'm sure you're very familiar with this beatiful song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". There are many versions, indeed, but do you know when was the first time it was sung? 

In 1939, a long time ago, one of the best film was released "The Wizard of Oz" and Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale sang this theme song. Even more, the actress was awarded with a special Oscar in 1940 due to her remarkable performance.

Now, would you like to watch the orignal singer and then, a newer version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"?

Sherlock Holmes lives in 21st century

Hi, Guys!, 

Sherlock TV serie has presented a contemporary update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories about Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. This British serie was created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss and it has received a great critic by the audience. The most striking point is the fact that Sherlock Holmes can use modern technology (such as internet, GPS, ...) to find things out. 

However, there are some traditional remained elements, for example: the protagonists still live in 221B, Baker Street in London;  Moriarty as Sherlock's great enemy; Dr Watson has just come back from Afganistan War.

The main characters are starred by Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson. 

Holmes was a famous peculiar consultive detective, he had a great logical reasoning, he loved disguising, and he had some forensic knowledge. His creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, wrote Holmes and Watson's adventures from 1880 to 1914, and published several novels as well as some short stories in Strand Magazine, and Holmes character became more and more popular. Doctor Watson was the narrator, Holmes's chronicler, a good friend and he always helped Holmes in his cases. 

I've always found this character so peculiar, talented, entertaining, ... that I recommend you to read and watch all Holmes's stories, films and TV series. 

Downton Abbey - last episode season 2

Hi, Guys!,

If you are a fan of DOWNTON ABBEY, the famous British TV drama, and you really want to improve your English, now you are lucky!!! You can watch the last episode of season 2 in Youtube. I strongly recommend you to watch this now!!!! Many interesting things happen....!!!! 

The Verb Circus "To Make and To Do"

Hi, Guys!,

As I told you last week, I love Vaughan's system and programs. Because of that, I'd like to share with all of you this practical video where you can learn, understand or just review the difference between MAKE and DO. There are several choices, but there's only one correct. If you watch this ( in 30 minutes), you'll learn a lot, specially if you're Spanish.

I hope you'll enjoy this TV program The Verb Circus as much as me!!!  ENJOY AND LEARN ENGLISH :)

Learn English with VAUGHAN (Aprende Inglés con Vaughan) Channel Canal Sur 2 Andalucía (Spain)

Hi, Guys!, 

 Once again, I'm going to talk about Richard Vaughan because not only he's a great wellknown English teacher, but also, he has an excellent method to teach English by means of his podcasts, radio, TV programs, links on YouTube, books such as "Si Quieres, Puedes", ... and now, he has two programs on Andalucian TV (Spain). 

Even more, you can find different levels (from elementary, intermediate to advanced), I think it's fantastic and interesting!

 

So, if you live in the south of Spain, I encourage you to follow Vaughan's TV programs, I'm sure you'll learn a lot!!! If you are more interested, click on Aprende Inglés on Andalucian TV (= Learn English).

Now, you can watch Common Mistakes Shorts Answers

I hope you'll like and enjoy these programs! :)

Sarah Jessica Parker

Hi, there!,

Sarah Jessica Parker is undoubtedly one of the most famous women in the world, her image is always impecably chic due to her character Carrie Bradshow in the wellknown sitcom Sex and the City. Nevertheless, her beginnings were difficult...


SJP was born on 25th March in 1965 in Ohio. She grew up in a relatively poverty. From the very beginning, she trained in singing and ballet, and was soon cast in Broadway. In 1977 - 1981, Sarah was elected for a role in the Broadway musical Annie.


Afterwards, she appeared on the American sitcom Square Pegs, and later, on films such as Footlose or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. In 1998,Sarah Jessica Parker starred Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City.

Thanks to her leading role, she won an Emmy Award and four Golden Globe Awards. There are also two films like sequel parts, after the TV serie, these were released in 2008 Sex and the City and in 2010 Sex and the City 2.

Now, SJP has her own perfume Lovely, as well as her fashion line called Bitten.

On May 1997, she married the actor Mattew Broderick. They've got three children and live in West Village in Manhattan (New York). She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the United States.


If you are more interested, click on here and watch this video about
Sarah Jessica Parker Biography - Biography.com

Downton Abbey

Hi, there!,

Downton Abbey is a British TV drama, truly famous in UK and USA, and now in Spain too. It is mainly written by Julian Fellowes. The TV serie is set in a realistic Edwardian country house, two years before the beginning of the Great War. The drama begins with the shipwreck of the Titanic.

From the very beginning, you as spectator can feel involved and engaged, since there are several exciting topics such as the inheritance problem, rebellious servants vs. loyal servants; society should be free to mix and chat everyone, no matter your class; convinient loveless marriage?; a female servant who wants to be a secretary, she wants to change her status; and so on. I strongly recommend you to watch DOWNTON ABBEY, an undoubtful masterpiece.

http://www.itv.com/dramapremieres/downtonabbey/

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lightning

Hi, there!,

Last Tuesday, tens of thousand of people gathered in the Rockefeller Center in New York city to watch the lightning of the most famous tree in USA. This huge tree will remain lit until New Year's Eve, although it will be there until 2nd January. Since this ceremony is very wellknown, some celebrities are invited every year. So, last Tuesday, we could see: Susan Boyle, Sherly Crow, Jessica Simpson, Annie Lennox, Katherin Jenkins, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, and so on.

FlaSH MoB at Heathrow Airport

Hi, Guys!,

I suppose you've seen a flash mobbing before, it's actually a new trend to entertain, to protest or to promote companies, and it's really works. It is said that the first flashmob took place in Manhattan in 2003, and it wasn't very successful. But nowadays, many people are interested in taking part of these "spontaneous" events, which are so blooming.

So now, I'd like to share with you all this flashmob staged by the company T-mobile at Heathrow's Terminal 5 in London. This reminds me of the film Love Actually. Now, please, enjoy the following video and pay attention to passengers' faces, they are surprised as well as cheerful. As the advert says: "Life's for Sharing".

McFly "Shine A Light"

Hi, Guys!,

Did you enjoy McFly interview yesterday evening? They are gorgeous, aren't they?
I hope you'll have fun listening to their new single "Shine A Light", let's sing it together! ..."She took the light and left me in the dark, eh, she left me with a broken heart, e-eh, now I'm on my own..."

Stteping into the Ring, against cancer by Nicole Johnson

Hi, there!,

Hopefully, we can fight against this cruel disease, cancer. It is important to be informed, and above all, it is essential to feel you are never alone... I just want to remind you all the Day to combat Cancer, which is worlwide being celebrated these days. Besides, I'd like to transmit a hopeful message thanks to this amazing video. There is a great motivational and necessary message ...

The Flinstones

Hi Guys!,

Are you a flinstone fan? Yesterday, this primitive wellknown family celebrated their anniversary, since they first appeared on TV in 1960. This American sitcom is set in the Stone Age, so dinosaurs, tigers, mammoths living together with barefoot cavemen.

I love their primitive technology! Can you remember the cars made out of stone, animal skins and powered by the passenger's feet? It was fantastic! Or when the flinstones go to a restaurant and ask the bill, and a bird carves the bill on a piece of stone... do you remember the elevators, the washing machine, ... they were so great!!!

We'll never forget you all: Fred, Wilma, Betty and Barney!
Now, why don't we watch the Opening- Flinstones? Would you like to sing it?

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Hi, Guys!,

I hope you'll enjoy the following videos taken from THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE. An exciting film about an old socerer, Balthazar Blake, who has been searching for the next Merlin. He finds this archetypal young New Yorker Dave Stutler. Like the King Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, Dave chose a special ring with a dragon. Previously, Balthazar had told Dave "if the dragon likes you, he will come alive". When this happens the old Blake knows that he is the new sorcerer. Then, a dangerous enemy appears, he is going to complicate the situation. I hope you'll enjoy these scenes! Pay attention to the Chrysler building of New York.

DEAD POETS SOCIETY

Hi, Guys!,

"O Captain, My Captain" has been taken from a poem written by Walt Whitman about Abraham Lincoln, but this line is so famous due to a film.

Dead Poets Society is one my favourite movies. I love Mr Keating, the new English professor who taught a group of boys to take advantage of time "Carpe Diem", to go againtst the status quo, to appreciate poetry, and he talked to them about the DEAD POETS SOCIETY.

Let's read one of Keating's quotes:

"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"

Now, I encourage you to watch this significant scene, I hope you'll like it!

GLEE

Hi, Guys!,

Thanks a lot, I love when you talk to me about new American sitcoms, I love them!!!
Have you ever seen GLEE? Well, don't waste time and watch one of its funny episodes!

This is a musical comedy drama (I thought: Awesome!!!), there is a brilliant mixture of choreography and songs. At first, the sitcom could remind you of High School Musical. As a matter of fact, one of the directors spent some time on Broadway to cast many people who could sing, dance and with some theatrical experience.

The most striking point is that these teenagers are very special, I mean they are rather odd, one is crippled, other is cheerleader, other plays football, ... they can't find their place at High School, but above all, they love singing and dancing!

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan have created this TV serie for FOX. The last one became a member of the Prospect High School choir in Illinois. For this reason, we could state that this sitcom is based on a previous experience.

At last, what's the meaning of GLEE, non-native speakers?

1. Great merriment
2. Malicious satisfaction
3. A type of song originated in 18th century in England, sung by three or more unaccompanied voices.

GoSSiP GiRLs, TV WorKSheeT

Hi, there!,

Thanks to my dearest pupil, Manuel Navarro, we can enjoy this TV worksheet based on the American Sitcom GOSSIP GIRLS.

1. Link.
http://www.megavideo.com/?s=seriesyonkis&v=OIDNNZ5H&confirmed=1
Episode: POISON IVY

2. Information about the characters.
Serena van der Woodsen: she is Lily's daughter and Eric is her brother. She fall out Blair because Serena deceived her with the Blair`s boyfriend. Due to that, Serena left her city.

Blair Waldorf: Serena's friend until she was deceived by her boyfriend and Serena. In this episode she tries to take revenge on her.

Dan Humphrey: he is Rufus` son and he was Serena`s boyfriend. His family isn`t rich and his parents are separated. His siter is Jenny.

Nate Archibald: his family is quite rich and they have influence on him. He is Chuck`s best friend.

Chuck Bass: his family is quite rich and he is rude and selfish. He is Nate`s friend.

Lily van der Woodsen: she is the mother of Eric and Serena.

Eric van der Woodsen: he is Lily`s son and Serena is his sister. He tried to commit suicide and now he is in a rehab`s center.

Rufus Humphrey: he is Dan and Jenny`s father. He is separated and he tries help to Dan. He is a musician.

3. Listening and Comprehension:
a) Questions:
1. What is the disadvantage of the millionaire`s children?
2. Why is Serena late to the assembly?
3. Where is Serena going after class?
4. Why is Eric in the Ostroff center?
5. Why is the Ostroff`s doctor going to the party?
6. Who does Nate run to?
7. Why does Blair know where Serena is?
8. Why didn`t Blair send her letter to Serena?
9. What does Nate happen during the episode?
10. Who call to Nate? Why?

d) Dialogue(30 to 35 minutes).
Lily: Please tell me this isn't happening.
Eric: It's not.
Serena: No.No, you're not going up there. You're gonna stay right ______(1), okay?
Lily: What ever you're doing, think about who's standing in this room right now.
Blair: Don't try to deny it.Chuck saw you.
Serena: Hi! I'm Serena van der Woodsen. I just wanna thank my friend, Blair Waldorf, for recognizing the Ostroff center and all of the good things that they do. Thanks, Blair. At the center, one of the ______(2) things that we learn is forgiveness.
Dan: She's in rehab?
Jenny: No, it's not her. It's her _______(3) who's there.
Dan: What? Jenny: You can't tell anyone, okay?
Dan: I won't, but why is she doing this?
Serena: I've learned _____(4) how, in order to move forward with our future, we must forgive those who have wronged us in the past, and we must, ourselves, ask for forgiveness from those whom we've wronged. Without this forgiveness, innocent people get hurt. Blair: All right, thank you, Serena. Thank you.Thank you.
Gossip girl: Honesty may be the best policy in some zip codes, but not in this one, and not this week, because "I was a teenage ______(5) addict" is not exactly a winning college essay.

4 Blair: And now can I please have dr.Ostroff join me on stage?
Lily: Why is Blair outing you for a drug problem that you don't have? You don't, do you?
Serena: Mom! Lily: Well, it's not like we have some ______(6), open relationship. Serena: And that's my _______(7)?
Lily: Look, what's happened to Eric has put a huge strain on our family, but we are still a family. Serena: Why do you think I did what I just did? Will you excuse me? I'm gonna go end this with Blair now. Blair,what the hell was that?
Blair: Will you excuse us, please?
Boy: Sure.
Serena: So we good now? Are we square?
Blair: No, because nothing I do will ever be as bad as what you did to me.
Serena: Look, I'm asking you,please. I'll _______(8) if you will stop it.
Blair: You're just saying that because today you lost, and you're gonna keep losing. Now if you'll excuse me,unlike you, I have a future to get back to.
Dan: Serena. Serena! Serena: What? What, do you want to congratulate me on _________(9) my future?
Dan: No, no. To ask if you're okay, because what you did in there for your brother, that was... that was very cool.
Serena: Wait, how did you know about my brother?
Dan: It's okay. Really, no one will ever hear it from me, but if you ever ______(10) anybody to talk to, or not talk to, I'd be happy to do either.
Serena: I'll keep that in _____(11).
Dan: And, um, I know I said some things about you and your world, and I' sorry. Obviously, I don't know anything about __________(12). Serena: Thank you, but I've really got to get out of here.
Dan: Yeah, sure, sure.

5 Serena: But... maybe, you know,I can take you up on that getting _______(13) and not talking thing sometime? Will you call me?
Dan: Yeah.
Lily: Okay, let's go.Let's get out of here.
Eric: No, there's someone I need to talk to ____(14). Please, mom,I can do this. Okay. Blair, can I talk to you? It'll just take a moment.
Blair: Sure.Sure.
Eric: Serena's not a patient at the Ostroff center.
Blair: Eric, you've always been a sweet kid, and I can understand you are trying to protect your sister.
Eric: I am. Blair: I've never even seen you take a drink.
Eric: I'm not an alcoholic. I did this. And today, serena ________(15) me. Blair: Eric, I...I didn't...
Eric: See that coming?Yeah. Oh, it must be a shock for someone who thinks she knows everything.

4. Vocabulary:
a) What do these words mean?
1. chain saw: motosierra
2. honestly: sinceramente
3. assembly: asamblea 4. crew: tripular
5. ammunition: munición
6. surrender: rendirse

b) Some remarkables idioms.
1. a little wake an ke?: ¿una caladita?
2. go, green!: ¡piensa en verde!
3. damn it: ¡maldita sea!
4. Oh, don't your la perlasin a bunch: no busques perlas entre piedras.
5. yeah, a touch: si, una pizca

5. Detective`s questions.
1. What did she take of the table at beginning of the episode?
2. What time is it when they are wearing at beginning of the episode?
3. Who is wearing long socks in the choir?
4. What game is Eric playing when Jenny came in the room?

6. Key answers:
3. Listening and Comprehension:
a) Answers.
1. Their parents want to they is going to go to the best universities, and they expect great things of their son.
2. Because she slept at the hospital with her brother.
3. She is going to the rehab`s center.
4. Because he tried to commit suicide.
5. Because Chuck call him and so Blair can ridicule to Serena before all.
6. He runs with the head teacher and with her father.
7. Because Serena always goes there when she is worried.
8. Because Serena knew that Blair was in a bad way and she didn`t call to Blair, and Blair decided not to send her.
9. Nate don`t want to go to the university which his father say, but he don`t know how say him because he won`t be able to be faced with his father.
10. His father, because he want to go to run together.

d) Solutions. 1. here. 2. main. 3. brother. 4. about. 5. drug. 6. free. 7. fault. 8. stop. 9. destroying. 10. need. 11. mind. 12. life. 13. together. 14. first. 15. protected.
5. Detective`s answers. 1. A ring. 2. It`s a quarter to eight. 3. Jenny. 4. To solitaire.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER "TV Worksheet"

Hi, Guys!,

Congratulations!!! All your projects are fantastic, great! As I told you, I'm going to post them. Thanks to YOU, guys, I've discovered some entertaining American sitcom, I hope you'll use these TV Worksheets next year as a positive way to improve your listening and comprehension. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Belén Diez and Fran Villar. Now, let's watch your video and the exercises you've made up!

How I met your mother
Season 1, episode 1 “Pilot” (Fragment: minutes 00:00 to 10:31)

CHARACTERS:

Ted Mosby:
He is Marshall’s best friend, when Marshall gets engaged, he decides to look for his soulmate. He lives with Lily and Marshall and he is studying architecture.

Lily Aldrin:
She works as a kindergarten teacher but her dream consists of becoming an important artist, she loves painting. She is Marshall’s girlfriend and she starts a very close friendship whit Robin at the beginning of the plot.

Barney Stinson:
He is a womanizer . He loves wearing suits, playing the laser tag and meeting different girls everynight. In the fourth season, he has a romantic relationship with Robin, but they break up later.

Robin Scherbatsky:
She is a TV news reporter; she is Canadian and met Ted in Mclarens, the gang’s favourite bar. In the second and third season, he has a relationship with Ted, who thinks that she is in love with his life, but in the first episode, he calls her “Aunt Robin”.

zSHARE video - S01E01.avi.flv




ANSWER THE QUESTIONS:
1. What year are they living in?
2. What is Ted studying?
3. What academic year is Marshall studying?
4. Where is the pop cake?
5. What is Barney’s favourite game?
6. Where does Ted want to get married?
7. How many dogs has Robin got?
8. What is Robin’s favourite drink?
9. What is the Olive theory?
10. What happens on the Manhattan Bridge?

TRUE OR FALSE:
1. Marshall loves opening champagne bottles.
2. Ted and Robin finally meet on Saturday.
3. Barney loves wearing a suit.
4. Finally, Robin doesn’t throw Ted her drink.
5. Ted never kisses Robin.

FILL IN THE GAPS:
(MINUTE 02:09)
Barney: Have you ………….. what I said to you the night we met? Ted, I'm gonna ……… you how to live. Barney. We met at the ……….

Ted: Oh, right. Right.

B: ……… one: lose the goatee. It doesn't go with your suit.

T: I'm not wearing a ……..

B: Lesson two: get a suit. Suits are cool. Exhibit "A." Lesson three: don't even think about getting ……… till you're 30.

T: Right. You're right. I guess it's just, your best friend gets ………, you start thinking about that stuff.

B: I thought I was your …….. friend. Ted, say I'm your best friend.

T: You're my best friend, Barney.

B: Good. Then, as your best friend, I suggest we play a little …….. I like to call…"Have you …… Ted?"

T: Wait. No, no, no.


VOCABULARY:
Suit – Traje
Olives – Aceitunas
Goatee – Perilla
Eyebrows – Cejas
Pop tart – Magdalena

CUNNING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EPISODE:
What is the colour of the pencil stuck in the fridge?
What says the sticker on the door of the van that picks up Robin?


KEY ANSWERS:
1. They live in 2005.
2. Ted is studying architecture.
3. Marshall is studying second year of law school.
4. It is under the fridge.
5. Barney’s favourite game is called “Have you met Ted?”
6. In Central Park.
7. She has 5 dogs.
8. Her favourite drink is Scotch.
9. The olive theory is based on Marshall and Lily, he hates olives, she loves them. In a weird way, that's what makes them such a great couple. Perfect balance.
10. There is a crazy jumper on the Manhattan Bridge and Robin has to cover it.

TRUE OR FALSE:
1. FALSE - Marshall hates open champagne bottles.
2. FALSE - Robin is in Orlando on Saturday.
3. TRUE - Barney loves wearing a suit.
4. FALSE - Finally, Robin threw Ted her drink.
5. TRUE - Ted never kisses Robin.

FILL IN THE GAPS:

1. Forgotten
2. Teach
3. Urinal
4. Lesson
5. Suit
6. Married
7. Engaged
8. Best
9. Game
10. Met

CUNNING QUESTIONS:
1. The pencil is red
2. The sticker says: Metro news 1