Day 9: Tips for the big day: some final advice for a successful exam
That's it … we've come to the end of our 9-Day course. We hope you've found it useful and we've encouraged you to practise your speaking skills as often and as efficiently as possible.
To finish, here are some final tips for the exam day:
In general
1) Listen carefully to instructions and questions.
2) Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand something.
3) Smile and make frequent eye-contact with the examiner and your partner if you have one.
4) Avoid nervous habits like playing with your hair or biting your lip.
5) Don't apologise for feeling nervous! Be positive!
Conversations, discussions and role plays
1) Give full answers to questions when appropriate and avoid unhelpful 'yes' and 'no' responses.
2) When giving an opinion back it up with an example or justification.
3) If you're working with a partner, remember to listen as well as speak and show interest in what your partner has to say.
4) Be prepared to get or keep the conversation going by asking your partner questions.
5) During role plays work cooperatively with your partner by acknowledging points they make and avoid trying to be the one who comes up with the 'best' ideas.
Long turns
1) Keep to the topic.
2) Structure your talk with a clear introduction main body and conclusion and use signposting words and expressions to guide the listener through your talk.
3) Deliver the talk with passion and conviction, using examples or a (short) personal anecdote to make a point.
4) We often speak quickly when we're feeling nervous so try to focus on speaking clearly and take time to pause for breath!
5) If you're being examined in pairs listen carefully to your partner's long turn as you may be asked to comment on what they've said.
Need to develop these skills?If you need help in developing these speaking skills, why not have a look at our Splendid Speaking Course, which will teach you the skills, language and highly-practical techniques to take your speaking skills to the next level.http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/exams.html
martes, 28 de julio de 2009
lunes, 20 de julio de 2009
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Sucess-Day 8
Day 8: How to get feedback on your speaking skills
Welcome to Day 8 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. The more time you spend practising your English independently the more you'll want feedback on your progress
and today we'll look at how to go about getting this.
They may not be an expert, but your partner will still be able to tell you whether they followed your talk clearly, whether they had any problems understanding anything you said and whether they felt you took part enough during a discussion.
To help you give structured feedback to each other you could use our grading sheet on Splendid Speaking and discuss the various categories at the end of your meeting.
Agree with your partner to focus on particular functions such as agreeing and disagreeing, dealing with interruptions or asking for clarification.
You may decide to focus on one or more of the personal actions you listed in Day 4 such as practising fluency, initiating discussion or structuring a long turn.
Doing this will mean you'll have something focussed to talk about with your partner at
the end of your talk when you give feedback to each other on how well it went.
When speaking online, Skype and other online communication tools will allow you to work in groups of three and gives you the chance to use a third person in the role of assessor. This person should not take part in the speaking activity but simply listen and make notes about you and your partner's performance. Again, you can use our grading sheet for guidance or ask the 'assessor' to give you feedback on any of the personal actions you identified in Day 4.
If you're looking for expert feedback from a teacher new technology can offer opportunities for this too. One solution is to post an audio file online for others to listen to.
The simplest way to do this is to record yourself on one of the many services like Podomatic, Voicethread, Springdoo or Voki. You could even video yourself doing a long turn and upload this to Youtube. Once your audio or video file is live you can email someone a link to your recording for feedback. This could be a teacher who has agreed to listen or you could invite listeners to leave feedback in the comments area of the service.
TIP! Some services will allow you to keep your file secret from casual browsers and only allow named people to listen. Also, before posting the final audio or video file, make sure the service allows you to delete anything you create and try uploading and deleting a file first so you can learn how to do it.
Task
1) Download our grading sheet for guidelines on giving and receiving feedback:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/task_sheets/grade.html
2) To post your audio file as a podcast see our guide to podcasting here:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/extras/english_speaking_practice.html
3) Other sites mentioned above where you can record yourself include:
Voicethread
Voki
Youtube
Tomorrow
One lesson to go - tomorrow we'll explain how you can get the confidence you need for your exam day
Welcome to Day 8 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. The more time you spend practising your English independently the more you'll want feedback on your progress
and today we'll look at how to go about getting this.
They may not be an expert, but your partner will still be able to tell you whether they followed your talk clearly, whether they had any problems understanding anything you said and whether they felt you took part enough during a discussion.
To help you give structured feedback to each other you could use our grading sheet on Splendid Speaking and discuss the various categories at the end of your meeting.
Agree with your partner to focus on particular functions such as agreeing and disagreeing, dealing with interruptions or asking for clarification.
You may decide to focus on one or more of the personal actions you listed in Day 4 such as practising fluency, initiating discussion or structuring a long turn.
Doing this will mean you'll have something focussed to talk about with your partner at
the end of your talk when you give feedback to each other on how well it went.
When speaking online, Skype and other online communication tools will allow you to work in groups of three and gives you the chance to use a third person in the role of assessor. This person should not take part in the speaking activity but simply listen and make notes about you and your partner's performance. Again, you can use our grading sheet for guidance or ask the 'assessor' to give you feedback on any of the personal actions you identified in Day 4.
If you're looking for expert feedback from a teacher new technology can offer opportunities for this too. One solution is to post an audio file online for others to listen to.
The simplest way to do this is to record yourself on one of the many services like Podomatic, Voicethread, Springdoo or Voki. You could even video yourself doing a long turn and upload this to Youtube. Once your audio or video file is live you can email someone a link to your recording for feedback. This could be a teacher who has agreed to listen or you could invite listeners to leave feedback in the comments area of the service.
TIP! Some services will allow you to keep your file secret from casual browsers and only allow named people to listen. Also, before posting the final audio or video file, make sure the service allows you to delete anything you create and try uploading and deleting a file first so you can learn how to do it.
Task
1) Download our grading sheet for guidelines on giving and receiving feedback:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/task_sheets/grade.html
2) To post your audio file as a podcast see our guide to podcasting here:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/extras/english_speaking_practice.html
3) Other sites mentioned above where you can record yourself include:
Voicethread
Voki
Youtube
Tomorrow
One lesson to go - tomorrow we'll explain how you can get the confidence you need for your exam day
July 20th: Friend´s Day
Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain.
It's not something you learn in school.
But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship,
you really haven't learned anything."
-Muhammad Ali
It's not something you learn in school.
But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship,
you really haven't learned anything."
-Muhammad Ali
sábado, 18 de julio de 2009
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success- Day 7
Day 7: Talk successfully online: tips for online communication
Welcome to Day 7 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'.
There's never been a better time to learn a second language. New technology makes it easy to connect with others from all over the world at a time and place that suits you.
However, communicating online does come with its own problems and it pays to be aware of these to make sure your online conversations go smoothly.
One significant issue is the lack of face-to-face contact when speaking online. The lack of eye contact and of body language generally will mean many of the signs and messages inherent in face-to-face communication are missing. This can sometimes cause problems, particularly if you're working in groups of three or more.
With general chit-chat between two people, the absence of eye contact is no more a problem when communicating online than it is when talking on the telephone. One person asks a question or makes a statement and the other person responds. But it's useful to be aware of how to avoid communication breakdowns particularly when taking part in discussions or group activities.
Turn-taking can be problematic as it can sometimes be difficult to know when the other person has finished speaking. If you're speaking in groups of three or more, two people can easily start speaking at once, leading to awkward negotiations regarding who should go first.
Fortunately, there are linguistic features of spoken language that act like rules to help conversation take place successfully. For example, intonation at the end of an utterance will rise or fall to show the speaker has finished. The speaker might say something like: 'Do you know what I mean?', 'Yeah?', 'You know?' with rising intonation at the end to show they're happy to hand over to their partner. If you're working in groups of three or more, turn taking will be helped even further if you name the person you're aiming the question at rather than leaving it open to the group.
These tips are particularly useful for online communication, but they're useful communication tools in their own right and being able to use them effortlessly will be further evidence of your communication skills in the exam.
Of course, you'll need to be aware of the different time zones around the world and avoid contacting someone early in the morning or late at night. One useful websites is:http://www.worldtimezones.com/
Communication tools such as Skype will usually have a text as well as a voice feature and it's always best to make contact with someone first with a text message rather than calling their voice chat immediately. Your contact will appreciate the warning and it will give them time to get ready to talk or let you know if they're not available at that time.
TIP! It's a good idea to wear a pair or headphones when talking online. If you don't, your partner will hear both your voice and their own coming back to them. And it's worth spending time experimenting with how far away from your mouth the microphone needs to be. It it's too far away, you'll come across very faint; too close and there'll be lots of 'pops' and distortion.
Task
1) If you haven't yet spoken to someone online, arrange your first meeting and test your equipment. Ask your partner if they can hear you clearly. Before you log off from the computer make a note of how everything was set up to make sure your next conversation is successful.
2) Listen to some of our recordings on Splendid Speaking that feature 2 students and decide how well the participants dealt with turn-taking.http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/listen.html
Tomorrow
Find out how to get expert feedback on your speaking skills in tomorrow's lesson.
Welcome to Day 7 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'.
There's never been a better time to learn a second language. New technology makes it easy to connect with others from all over the world at a time and place that suits you.
However, communicating online does come with its own problems and it pays to be aware of these to make sure your online conversations go smoothly.
One significant issue is the lack of face-to-face contact when speaking online. The lack of eye contact and of body language generally will mean many of the signs and messages inherent in face-to-face communication are missing. This can sometimes cause problems, particularly if you're working in groups of three or more.
With general chit-chat between two people, the absence of eye contact is no more a problem when communicating online than it is when talking on the telephone. One person asks a question or makes a statement and the other person responds. But it's useful to be aware of how to avoid communication breakdowns particularly when taking part in discussions or group activities.
Turn-taking can be problematic as it can sometimes be difficult to know when the other person has finished speaking. If you're speaking in groups of three or more, two people can easily start speaking at once, leading to awkward negotiations regarding who should go first.
Fortunately, there are linguistic features of spoken language that act like rules to help conversation take place successfully. For example, intonation at the end of an utterance will rise or fall to show the speaker has finished. The speaker might say something like: 'Do you know what I mean?', 'Yeah?', 'You know?' with rising intonation at the end to show they're happy to hand over to their partner. If you're working in groups of three or more, turn taking will be helped even further if you name the person you're aiming the question at rather than leaving it open to the group.
These tips are particularly useful for online communication, but they're useful communication tools in their own right and being able to use them effortlessly will be further evidence of your communication skills in the exam.
Of course, you'll need to be aware of the different time zones around the world and avoid contacting someone early in the morning or late at night. One useful websites is:http://www.worldtimezones.com/
Communication tools such as Skype will usually have a text as well as a voice feature and it's always best to make contact with someone first with a text message rather than calling their voice chat immediately. Your contact will appreciate the warning and it will give them time to get ready to talk or let you know if they're not available at that time.
TIP! It's a good idea to wear a pair or headphones when talking online. If you don't, your partner will hear both your voice and their own coming back to them. And it's worth spending time experimenting with how far away from your mouth the microphone needs to be. It it's too far away, you'll come across very faint; too close and there'll be lots of 'pops' and distortion.
Task
1) If you haven't yet spoken to someone online, arrange your first meeting and test your equipment. Ask your partner if they can hear you clearly. Before you log off from the computer make a note of how everything was set up to make sure your next conversation is successful.
2) Listen to some of our recordings on Splendid Speaking that feature 2 students and decide how well the participants dealt with turn-taking.http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/listen.html
Tomorrow
Find out how to get expert feedback on your speaking skills in tomorrow's lesson.
jueves, 16 de julio de 2009
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success-Day 6
Day 6: Speaking exercises: make the most of your speaking opportunities.
Welcome to Day 6 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. What follows are some suggestions to help you use your time as profitably as possible.
What better and easier way to start than speaking to yourself? OK, not in public or you may get some strange looks, but when you find yourself alone you have the perfect opportunity to practise for the long turn in your exam.
1) Try an oral diary - at the end of each day talk about 2 things that happened that you feel good about, 2 things you wished you'd done better. This is good practice in past tenses and in speculating with the use of conditionals and modals such as: 'I wish …', 'If only …' 'I should have …'.
2) There's a popular radio show on the BBC called 'Just a minute' where guests have to speak for one minute on a given subject. Try this yourself - it's great practice in timing yourself ready for the exam and will give you lots of practice in speaking at length on a subject. Write a series of statements on different cards. For example:
Everyone should become a vegetarian.
People are too materialistic.
Describe the best place you've ever visited.
Describe someone who has made a big impression on you.
Pick a card at random and get speaking!
3) If you're studying for an exam like CAE which asks you to describe or comment on photographs, practise using graphics from magazines or newspapers.
A) Introduce the photo with a statement on the theme, for example, 'This photo shows .....' ,
B) Describe what you can see, for example, in the foreground ... in the background, on the left ....
C) Practise speculating on what might be going on or what might have led up to the scene.
4) When speaking with your new contacts an obvious activity will be some 'getting to know you' conversations. Concentrate on giving full answers to your partner's questions and remember to help the conversation along by asking your partner questions and showing interest in what they say. The examiner is likely to ask you about your family, your studies, any hobbies or interests you have and topic-specific questions if you're doing a business or professional exam. Make sure you cover similar subjects in your practice session.
5) For general conversation practice try our weekly 'Get Speaking' task sheets.
6) For exam practice you'll find sample questions in the exam handbook available from the exam board website. Then there are our own sample questions on the Splendid Speaking website.
Task
1) Download our Get Speaking Task Sheet to help you with topics to speak about.
http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/tasksheet.html
2) Sign up for our weekly newsletter for an email with news of the latest task sheet.
http://www.splendid-speaking.com/subscribe1.html
3) Print the sample tasks from the exam handbook or from the Splendid Speaking website.
http://www.splendid-speaking.com/exams/index.html
4) Practise some of the personal actions you listed on Day 4.
Tomorrow
Find out how to get expert feedback on your speaking skills in tomorrow's lesson.
Welcome to Day 6 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. What follows are some suggestions to help you use your time as profitably as possible.
What better and easier way to start than speaking to yourself? OK, not in public or you may get some strange looks, but when you find yourself alone you have the perfect opportunity to practise for the long turn in your exam.
1) Try an oral diary - at the end of each day talk about 2 things that happened that you feel good about, 2 things you wished you'd done better. This is good practice in past tenses and in speculating with the use of conditionals and modals such as: 'I wish …', 'If only …' 'I should have …'.
2) There's a popular radio show on the BBC called 'Just a minute' where guests have to speak for one minute on a given subject. Try this yourself - it's great practice in timing yourself ready for the exam and will give you lots of practice in speaking at length on a subject. Write a series of statements on different cards. For example:
Everyone should become a vegetarian.
People are too materialistic.
Describe the best place you've ever visited.
Describe someone who has made a big impression on you.
Pick a card at random and get speaking!
3) If you're studying for an exam like CAE which asks you to describe or comment on photographs, practise using graphics from magazines or newspapers.
A) Introduce the photo with a statement on the theme, for example, 'This photo shows .....' ,
B) Describe what you can see, for example, in the foreground ... in the background, on the left ....
C) Practise speculating on what might be going on or what might have led up to the scene.
4) When speaking with your new contacts an obvious activity will be some 'getting to know you' conversations. Concentrate on giving full answers to your partner's questions and remember to help the conversation along by asking your partner questions and showing interest in what they say. The examiner is likely to ask you about your family, your studies, any hobbies or interests you have and topic-specific questions if you're doing a business or professional exam. Make sure you cover similar subjects in your practice session.
5) For general conversation practice try our weekly 'Get Speaking' task sheets.
6) For exam practice you'll find sample questions in the exam handbook available from the exam board website. Then there are our own sample questions on the Splendid Speaking website.
Task
1) Download our Get Speaking Task Sheet to help you with topics to speak about.
http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/tasksheet.html
2) Sign up for our weekly newsletter for an email with news of the latest task sheet.
http://www.splendid-speaking.com/subscribe1.html
3) Print the sample tasks from the exam handbook or from the Splendid Speaking website.
http://www.splendid-speaking.com/exams/index.html
4) Practise some of the personal actions you listed on Day 4.
Tomorrow
Find out how to get expert feedback on your speaking skills in tomorrow's lesson.
lunes, 13 de julio de 2009
THURSDAY 23rd JULY
Hello again!!
Winter Holidays are coming at last!!! After all your work you really deserve them!!
Let´s discuss what you´ve done for today:
THE ENDGAME
• Today you are supposed to send me the answers to the questions about Part 4
• What has happened in the story so far? (make a very short summary)
• Read Part 5 and answer the “While reading” questions in your Booklet p.146. We´ll check the answers when we meet after the holidays.
Homework for next class (August 4th)
EXPERT p.100 : VOCABULARY : Clothes
Check that you know the meaning of all these words/ expressions. If there´s any you don´t know you can refer to the on- line dictionaries I´ve already recommended:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/
Keep a record of these words/expressions in your notebooks and be ready to describe the pictures on p.101. We´ll work on this in class next time we meet.
EXPERT p.106 Language development 3
Prepositional Phrases
Verbs with similar meanings
Do all these exercises and we´ll check the answers in class.
Well, this is all, people.
Enjoy your Winter Holidays!!
…And while you do so, take some minutes to read the following article:
“A Dollar and Some Ambition” by Jim Rohn
Each of us has two distinct choices to make about what we will do with
our lives.
The first choice we can make is to be less than we have the capacity
to be. To earn less. To have less. To read less and think less. To try
less and discipline ourselves less. These are the choices that lead to
an empty life. These are the choices that, once made, lead to a life of
constant apprehension instead of a life of wondrous anticipation.
And the second choice? To do it all! To become all that we can possibly
be. To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we
possibly can. To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive
and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can.
All of us have the choice. To do or not to do. To be or not to be.
To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.
Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch
upward and outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do
all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as
long as we can?
Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent
and ability and desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we
could do is to fail in this worthiest of undertakings.
Results are the best measurement of human progress. Not conversation.
Not explanation. Not justification. Results! And if our results are less
than our potential suggests that they should be, then we must strive to
become more today than we were the day before. The greatest rewards are
always reserved for those who bring great value to themselves and the
world around them as a result of who and what they have become.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
YOU CAN SUCCEED! GIVE YOURSELF THE OPPORTUNITY!!
See you at the institute on Tuesday 4th August.
STUDY HARD FOR YOUR MOCK!!!
Love,
Daniela
Winter Holidays are coming at last!!! After all your work you really deserve them!!
Let´s discuss what you´ve done for today:
THE ENDGAME
• Today you are supposed to send me the answers to the questions about Part 4
• What has happened in the story so far? (make a very short summary)
• Read Part 5 and answer the “While reading” questions in your Booklet p.146. We´ll check the answers when we meet after the holidays.
Homework for next class (August 4th)
EXPERT p.100 : VOCABULARY : Clothes
Check that you know the meaning of all these words/ expressions. If there´s any you don´t know you can refer to the on- line dictionaries I´ve already recommended:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/
Keep a record of these words/expressions in your notebooks and be ready to describe the pictures on p.101. We´ll work on this in class next time we meet.
EXPERT p.106 Language development 3
Prepositional Phrases
Verbs with similar meanings
Do all these exercises and we´ll check the answers in class.
Well, this is all, people.
Enjoy your Winter Holidays!!
…And while you do so, take some minutes to read the following article:
“A Dollar and Some Ambition” by Jim Rohn
Each of us has two distinct choices to make about what we will do with
our lives.
The first choice we can make is to be less than we have the capacity
to be. To earn less. To have less. To read less and think less. To try
less and discipline ourselves less. These are the choices that lead to
an empty life. These are the choices that, once made, lead to a life of
constant apprehension instead of a life of wondrous anticipation.
And the second choice? To do it all! To become all that we can possibly
be. To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we
possibly can. To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive
and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can.
All of us have the choice. To do or not to do. To be or not to be.
To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.
Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch
upward and outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do
all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as
long as we can?
Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent
and ability and desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we
could do is to fail in this worthiest of undertakings.
Results are the best measurement of human progress. Not conversation.
Not explanation. Not justification. Results! And if our results are less
than our potential suggests that they should be, then we must strive to
become more today than we were the day before. The greatest rewards are
always reserved for those who bring great value to themselves and the
world around them as a result of who and what they have become.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
YOU CAN SUCCEED! GIVE YOURSELF THE OPPORTUNITY!!
See you at the institute on Tuesday 4th August.
STUDY HARD FOR YOUR MOCK!!!
Love,
Daniela
TUESDAY 21st JULY
TUESDAY 21st JULY
Hi everyone!!
How are things? Are you checking our blog? Have you been doing any extra practice on the sites I recommended? Please let me know about it!!
In the last lessons we´ve been discussing THE ENDGAME.
* Today you have to send me the answers to the questions about Part 3.
* What vocabulary do you remember from the previous parts of the story? Make a list of 10 words that we´ll include in our Word Bag.
* Please read Part 4 and answer the “While reading” questions which you´ll find in your Booklet p. 146. Send them to me by e-mail for next class (23rd July)
EXPERT P.92 : Language Development 3
Today you have to send me the answers to these exercises. If you still haven´t, do it as soon as possible. This is an excellent practice for your mock!!
EXPERT p. 94 and 95: Reading “Fast Food”
* Find five new or interesting words in the text to be added to our Word Bag
* Read the article and answer the comprehension questions.
WE´LL CHECK THIS WHEN WE MEET AT THE INSTITUTE AFTER THE WINTER HOLIDAYS.
EXPERT p. 105 : Use of English 2
Do the Multiple-choice cloze.
Did you find it difficult? Make a list of prepositions + nouns combinations in the text.
Here´s the key for you to correct yourself. Don´t cheat!!
1C – 2A – 3D – 4B – 5B – 6D – 7C – 8A – 9B – 10A – 11C – 12D
How many correct answers did you get?
That´s all for now!
Let´s get in touch again next Thursday.
Warm regards,
Daniela
Hi everyone!!
How are things? Are you checking our blog? Have you been doing any extra practice on the sites I recommended? Please let me know about it!!
In the last lessons we´ve been discussing THE ENDGAME.
* Today you have to send me the answers to the questions about Part 3.
* What vocabulary do you remember from the previous parts of the story? Make a list of 10 words that we´ll include in our Word Bag.
* Please read Part 4 and answer the “While reading” questions which you´ll find in your Booklet p. 146. Send them to me by e-mail for next class (23rd July)
EXPERT P.92 : Language Development 3
Today you have to send me the answers to these exercises. If you still haven´t, do it as soon as possible. This is an excellent practice for your mock!!
EXPERT p. 94 and 95: Reading “Fast Food”
* Find five new or interesting words in the text to be added to our Word Bag
* Read the article and answer the comprehension questions.
WE´LL CHECK THIS WHEN WE MEET AT THE INSTITUTE AFTER THE WINTER HOLIDAYS.
EXPERT p. 105 : Use of English 2
Do the Multiple-choice cloze.
Did you find it difficult? Make a list of prepositions + nouns combinations in the text.
Here´s the key for you to correct yourself. Don´t cheat!!
1C – 2A – 3D – 4B – 5B – 6D – 7C – 8A – 9B – 10A – 11C – 12D
How many correct answers did you get?
That´s all for now!
Let´s get in touch again next Thursday.
Warm regards,
Daniela
THURSDAY 16th JULY
THURSDAY 16th JULY
Hello again!!
Remember last class we started discussing ARTICLES?
Well, now I´d like you to open your Student´s Booklet on p. 5 where you´ll find some material for an Article on “Language Learning”
I´d like you to read p. 5 to 8 carefully, doing all the exercises except the “Exam Practice” on p. 8
WE´LL DISCUSS THIS NEXT TIME WE MEET AT THE INSTITUTE (after the winter holidays)
If you have any doubts, send me an e-mail and I´ll be glad to answer all your questions.
THE ENDGAME (Part 3)
1. Let´s re-cap. What has happened in the story so far? (Make a very brief summary)
2. Answer the “While reading” questions on p.145 and 146 in your Booklet and send them to me by e-mail for next class (21st July)
PRACTICE TEST #4 –
Today is the deadline to send me all your marks (including the Listening Paper)
EXPERT p. 90 : Language Development 2
I you still haven´t done so, please send me your answers to these exercises.
EXPERT P. 91 : Use of English 2
Here is the key for you to correct yourself.
How many correct answers did you get? Let me know by e-mail next time you send me your homework.
WORD FORMATION A
1. extremely
2. embarrassing
3. fantastically
4. employees
5. unexpected
6. particularly
7. underestimate
8. importance
9. ability
10.similarity
WORD FORMATION B
2. seriously
3. believable
4. unable
5. disappointing
6. impressive
7. performance
8. incredible
9. strength
10. organis(z)ations
That´s all for now,
See you next class,
Daniela
Hello again!!
Remember last class we started discussing ARTICLES?
Well, now I´d like you to open your Student´s Booklet on p. 5 where you´ll find some material for an Article on “Language Learning”
I´d like you to read p. 5 to 8 carefully, doing all the exercises except the “Exam Practice” on p. 8
WE´LL DISCUSS THIS NEXT TIME WE MEET AT THE INSTITUTE (after the winter holidays)
If you have any doubts, send me an e-mail and I´ll be glad to answer all your questions.
THE ENDGAME (Part 3)
1. Let´s re-cap. What has happened in the story so far? (Make a very brief summary)
2. Answer the “While reading” questions on p.145 and 146 in your Booklet and send them to me by e-mail for next class (21st July)
PRACTICE TEST #4 –
Today is the deadline to send me all your marks (including the Listening Paper)
EXPERT p. 90 : Language Development 2
I you still haven´t done so, please send me your answers to these exercises.
EXPERT P. 91 : Use of English 2
Here is the key for you to correct yourself.
How many correct answers did you get? Let me know by e-mail next time you send me your homework.
WORD FORMATION A
1. extremely
2. embarrassing
3. fantastically
4. employees
5. unexpected
6. particularly
7. underestimate
8. importance
9. ability
10.similarity
WORD FORMATION B
2. seriously
3. believable
4. unable
5. disappointing
6. impressive
7. performance
8. incredible
9. strength
10. organis(z)ations
That´s all for now,
See you next class,
Daniela
domingo, 12 de julio de 2009
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success-Day 5
Day 5: You're not alone - finding speaking partners online
Welcome to Day 5 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success' where we'll turn our attention to the third goal we listed on Day 1:
Goal 3: Take every opportunity to practise!
If you're looking for speaking partners and are fortunate enough to be studying as part of a class you'll have the opportunity to arrange out-of-class get-togethers with your colleagues.
(Of course, you should also make sure you take every opportunity to speak English in class as well!)
There may be native speakers working or studying in your area who would be willing to help you with your English in return for the chance to practise your language. However, care needs to be taken when meeting up with strangers face-to-face and in any case, work or study schedules may make this option difficult.
Fortunately, new technology offers lots of opportunities to join online communities made up of people looking to practise English with others. Meetings can be arranged at a time that suits you, you can speak from the comfort of your own home and in the process make new friends from all over the world.
Our own Splendid Speaking group on Facebook has hundreds of members looking for speaking partners, many of whom are preparing for exams.
In order to post messages to the group you'll need to join Facebook, and in order to speak online you'll need to set up an account with a service like Skype. Finally, armed with a pair of headphones and microphone you'll be ready to chat!
When looking for contacts there's no need to focus only on people preparing for the same examination as you. Most advanced speaking exams have the same task types but in a different format:
1) There will be a 'getting-to-know-you' part at the beginning, where the examiner will ask you (and your partner if you have one) questions to find out more about you.
2) You'll be asked to make a short presentation or 'long turn' where you'll have to speak for 1 or 2 minutes on your own without interruption.
3) There will be one or two tasks where you'll take part in a discussion and/or role play, either with a partner, with the examiner, or both.
Task
1) If you don't already have an account with an online communication tool such as MSN or Skype, sign up for an account. Visit the 'Guides' page on the Skype website:http://www.skype.com/help/guides
2) Join our group on Facebook and post a welcome message: http://www.splendid-speaking.com/extras/facebook.html
3) Read our tips on successful online communication
4) Take time to read our safety tips about communicating online:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/safety.html
Tomorrow
You know the exam and how you'll be assessed, you've set some personal goals and know how to meet up with others to practise speaking. Time to speak … but more about that tomorrow!
Welcome to Day 5 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success' where we'll turn our attention to the third goal we listed on Day 1:
Goal 3: Take every opportunity to practise!
If you're looking for speaking partners and are fortunate enough to be studying as part of a class you'll have the opportunity to arrange out-of-class get-togethers with your colleagues.
(Of course, you should also make sure you take every opportunity to speak English in class as well!)
There may be native speakers working or studying in your area who would be willing to help you with your English in return for the chance to practise your language. However, care needs to be taken when meeting up with strangers face-to-face and in any case, work or study schedules may make this option difficult.
Fortunately, new technology offers lots of opportunities to join online communities made up of people looking to practise English with others. Meetings can be arranged at a time that suits you, you can speak from the comfort of your own home and in the process make new friends from all over the world.
Our own Splendid Speaking group on Facebook has hundreds of members looking for speaking partners, many of whom are preparing for exams.
In order to post messages to the group you'll need to join Facebook, and in order to speak online you'll need to set up an account with a service like Skype. Finally, armed with a pair of headphones and microphone you'll be ready to chat!
When looking for contacts there's no need to focus only on people preparing for the same examination as you. Most advanced speaking exams have the same task types but in a different format:
1) There will be a 'getting-to-know-you' part at the beginning, where the examiner will ask you (and your partner if you have one) questions to find out more about you.
2) You'll be asked to make a short presentation or 'long turn' where you'll have to speak for 1 or 2 minutes on your own without interruption.
3) There will be one or two tasks where you'll take part in a discussion and/or role play, either with a partner, with the examiner, or both.
Task
1) If you don't already have an account with an online communication tool such as MSN or Skype, sign up for an account. Visit the 'Guides' page on the Skype website:http://www.skype.com/help/guides
2) Join our group on Facebook and post a welcome message: http://www.splendid-speaking.com/extras/facebook.html
3) Read our tips on successful online communication
4) Take time to read our safety tips about communicating online:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/products/safety.html
Tomorrow
You know the exam and how you'll be assessed, you've set some personal goals and know how to meet up with others to practise speaking. Time to speak … but more about that tomorrow!
sábado, 11 de julio de 2009
Useful tips for the Writing Paper
Hello!
This is some material I downloaded from the excellent site www.flo-joe.co.uk
Remember it´s a good idea to subscribe to the weekly newsletter!
NEWSLETTER TIP OF THE WEEK
A weekly tip to help you achieve success at FCE.
This week examines the Writing Paper and in particular...
... Checking for errors!
We all have our own particular grammar or vocabulary nightmares!
Some find using tenses difficult, while other students will often forget words like articles (a/the). Sentence structure can be a particular problem when writing, with errors in relative clauses, word order etc. Last but not least, we have spelling mistakes to deal with!
You will, of course, make mistakes because you are still trying to master certain language items. Mistakes are inevitable and you shouldn't get too worked up by them.
However, we often make 'silly'mistakes, that is, errors that we know are wrong but simply haven't noticed them on the paper.
Here's a useful tip for dealing with these kinds of mistakes.
During your studies make a note of the kind of mistakes you regularly make in your writing. Separate these into 'language you don't yet understand' and 'silly mistakes'. The next time you do a piece of work, read it through at the end, checking for those 'silly' errors. This will give you something to focus on and will give you the chance to correct things that you KNOW are wrong.
HINT FROM THE EXAMINER
This week ... a common mistake in the Writing Paper...
Did you know that one of the most common mistakes that is made by candidates in the FCE Writing Paper is to try and 'bend' the question to fit an answer that has already been prepared.
For example, let's imagine that in class you wrote an essay for your teacher on the pros and cons of different types of transport (e.g.buses, trains, cars and bicyles).
Now let's pretend that on the day of your FCE Writing Paper you see a composition on whether cars should be banned from city centres. Your first reaction might be 'How lucky! I've already done that question in class. Let's write down the same information." However, although each question is about transport, they require different answers.
Some candidates even manage to memorise whole essays before the exam. This isn't such a great idea because
a) it is hard to do and
b) you don't learn how to plan your answer before you start writing.
By all means, learn useful phrases and chunks of language (e.g. "This report will deal with...") but remember that the examiner will NOT be impressed if you just repeat a pre-prepared answer!
Well, I hope you find this useful!
Keep checking our blog as often as possible. I´ll be updating it every day.
See you soon!
Daniela (looking forward to your comments...)
This is some material I downloaded from the excellent site www.flo-joe.co.uk
Remember it´s a good idea to subscribe to the weekly newsletter!
NEWSLETTER TIP OF THE WEEK
A weekly tip to help you achieve success at FCE.
This week examines the Writing Paper and in particular...
... Checking for errors!
We all have our own particular grammar or vocabulary nightmares!
Some find using tenses difficult, while other students will often forget words like articles (a/the). Sentence structure can be a particular problem when writing, with errors in relative clauses, word order etc. Last but not least, we have spelling mistakes to deal with!
You will, of course, make mistakes because you are still trying to master certain language items. Mistakes are inevitable and you shouldn't get too worked up by them.
However, we often make 'silly'mistakes, that is, errors that we know are wrong but simply haven't noticed them on the paper.
Here's a useful tip for dealing with these kinds of mistakes.
During your studies make a note of the kind of mistakes you regularly make in your writing. Separate these into 'language you don't yet understand' and 'silly mistakes'. The next time you do a piece of work, read it through at the end, checking for those 'silly' errors. This will give you something to focus on and will give you the chance to correct things that you KNOW are wrong.
HINT FROM THE EXAMINER
This week ... a common mistake in the Writing Paper...
Did you know that one of the most common mistakes that is made by candidates in the FCE Writing Paper is to try and 'bend' the question to fit an answer that has already been prepared.
For example, let's imagine that in class you wrote an essay for your teacher on the pros and cons of different types of transport (e.g.buses, trains, cars and bicyles).
Now let's pretend that on the day of your FCE Writing Paper you see a composition on whether cars should be banned from city centres. Your first reaction might be 'How lucky! I've already done that question in class. Let's write down the same information." However, although each question is about transport, they require different answers.
Some candidates even manage to memorise whole essays before the exam. This isn't such a great idea because
a) it is hard to do and
b) you don't learn how to plan your answer before you start writing.
By all means, learn useful phrases and chunks of language (e.g. "This report will deal with...") but remember that the examiner will NOT be impressed if you just repeat a pre-prepared answer!
Well, I hope you find this useful!
Keep checking our blog as often as possible. I´ll be updating it every day.
See you soon!
Daniela (looking forward to your comments...)
viernes, 10 de julio de 2009
Your Roadmap to Speaking Success-Day 4
Day 4: What do you do well? What needs improving?
Welcome to Day 4 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. Here's a reminder of the second goal we identified on Day 1:
Goal 2: Know your strengths in speaking English and the areas you need to work on.
There's no short cut to improving your general proficiency in English as measured by your use of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and discourse management. Your English is currently at a particular level and this will only improve over time depending on the amount of practice you put in. This is why you need to take every opportunity both in class and during self-study to improve your English speaking skills. This will come about by practising ALL skills, not just speaking. Your vocabulary will grow the more you read in English, the more you listen to spoken English the better your pronunciation will become.
But what other steps can you take to improve your spoken English in preparation for the exam?Start by looking at your own habits when speaking English. For example, do you worry a lot about making mistakes and therefore tend to speak slowly and deliberately?
Do you wait to be asked for your opinion before saying anything during a discussion?
Do you find yourself hesitating a lot when speaking at length?
Habits like these mean you're not making the most of your opportunities in speaking English.
Try today's task to identify areas you can work on for improvement.
Task
Read the statements below, some of which appeared in yesterday's quiz. Grade yourself from 1 to 5 on each one. (1 = Often, 5 = Never)
A) Do you tend to focus too much on speaking accurately at the expense of your fluency skills? B) Do you speak very quickly with little concern for accuracy?
C) Do you often answer questions briefly with little detail?
D) Do you find it difficult to deal with comments or questions you don't understand?
E) Do you wait to be asked questions rather than initiating conversation yourself?
F) Do you spend most of the time talking and rarely ask questions?
G) Do you often repeat the same words and expressions instead of using a variety of vocabulary?
H) Do you find it difficult to find the words or grammar to explain what you mean?
I) Do you run out of things to say when making a long turn before the time's up?
J) Do your long turns ramble rather than have structure?
K) Do you hesitate a lot during long turns?
L) Do you find it difficult to vary your intonation?
M) Do you find it difficult pronouncing certain sounds such as vowels, dipthongs or consonant clusters?
If you scored too many 1s and 2s, set yourself the task of improving at least one grade in all areas during your exam preparation. Your English proficiency will improve as you get out of habits that slow down the development of your spoken English.
Tomorrow
Looking for the chance to speak with other advanced English students at a time and place that suits you? You'll find out how to do this in tomorrow's lesson!
Welcome to Day 4 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. Here's a reminder of the second goal we identified on Day 1:
Goal 2: Know your strengths in speaking English and the areas you need to work on.
There's no short cut to improving your general proficiency in English as measured by your use of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and discourse management. Your English is currently at a particular level and this will only improve over time depending on the amount of practice you put in. This is why you need to take every opportunity both in class and during self-study to improve your English speaking skills. This will come about by practising ALL skills, not just speaking. Your vocabulary will grow the more you read in English, the more you listen to spoken English the better your pronunciation will become.
But what other steps can you take to improve your spoken English in preparation for the exam?Start by looking at your own habits when speaking English. For example, do you worry a lot about making mistakes and therefore tend to speak slowly and deliberately?
Do you wait to be asked for your opinion before saying anything during a discussion?
Do you find yourself hesitating a lot when speaking at length?
Habits like these mean you're not making the most of your opportunities in speaking English.
Try today's task to identify areas you can work on for improvement.
Task
Read the statements below, some of which appeared in yesterday's quiz. Grade yourself from 1 to 5 on each one. (1 = Often, 5 = Never)
A) Do you tend to focus too much on speaking accurately at the expense of your fluency skills? B) Do you speak very quickly with little concern for accuracy?
C) Do you often answer questions briefly with little detail?
D) Do you find it difficult to deal with comments or questions you don't understand?
E) Do you wait to be asked questions rather than initiating conversation yourself?
F) Do you spend most of the time talking and rarely ask questions?
G) Do you often repeat the same words and expressions instead of using a variety of vocabulary?
H) Do you find it difficult to find the words or grammar to explain what you mean?
I) Do you run out of things to say when making a long turn before the time's up?
J) Do your long turns ramble rather than have structure?
K) Do you hesitate a lot during long turns?
L) Do you find it difficult to vary your intonation?
M) Do you find it difficult pronouncing certain sounds such as vowels, dipthongs or consonant clusters?
If you scored too many 1s and 2s, set yourself the task of improving at least one grade in all areas during your exam preparation. Your English proficiency will improve as you get out of habits that slow down the development of your spoken English.
Tomorrow
Looking for the chance to speak with other advanced English students at a time and place that suits you? You'll find out how to do this in tomorrow's lesson!
TUESDAY 14th JULY
Hi! Welcome to our second “on line” class!!
1. Today we´re doing the Familiarization Activities for our next portfolio: ARTICLE
Open your Student´s Book on page 19
- Read the question and then look at the checklist on the other side of the page, to get a clear idea of what you are expected to include in you writing. Remember examiners will take this into account when they mark your composition. They´ll give you a mark for each of the following criteria:
· Content (Ideas to include)
· Range (variety of grammar and vocabulary)
· Organisation (paragraphing)
· Register (grade of formality)
· Target reader (who will read your writing)
· Language accuracy (errors)
- Go back to page 19 and have a look at the “Ideas for writing” . Please send me your answers to the questions asked here for next class (July 16th)
- Look at the Model Answer on p.21 paying close attention to the numbered comments.
- Do you have a clear idea of the kind of piece you are expected to produce? Here are some other useful tips for you to take into account:
· Articles can be on almost any topic, and have any reader. It is therefore important to think about your reader and choose an appropriate style.
· Your article will be published in a magazine or newspaper of some kind, or perhaps included in a book of articles, like an anthology. Think about who might read such publication, in order to select an appropriate style of writing. When the reader could be just about anybody, think about one possible reader, and write for that reader.
· It is a good technique to directly address your readers in articles. Imagine that you are “speaking” to them through your article. To involve your reader, ask questions, give advice, give encouragement where appropriate, persuade, suggest, etc.
(Remember you DON´T have to write any piece so far. Just read everything carefully, reflect upon it and let me know if you have a clear idea about it)
2. THE ENDGAME- Part 2
a. Check the meaning of the following words/phrases and make sentences or a dialogue using all of them
ASK FOR A LOAN – A MATTER OF TRUST – PURCHASE THE LEASE OF A SHOP – A CHORE – MAKE A HANDSOME PROFIT – OUTSTANDING LOANS
b. Answer the “While reading” questions on p. 145 and send me the answers for next class (16th July)
3. If you still haven´t do so, don’t forget to send me the answers to the homework we had assigned for today:
- PRACTICE TEST # 4 – JULY (Just send me your marks for each paper)
-Expert p. 83-Relative Clauses- ex. 4, 5 and 7
- Expert p. 76 – Reflexives – ex. 1a and “Robots”
Keep working hard!!
See you next class,
Daniela
1. Today we´re doing the Familiarization Activities for our next portfolio: ARTICLE
Open your Student´s Book on page 19
- Read the question and then look at the checklist on the other side of the page, to get a clear idea of what you are expected to include in you writing. Remember examiners will take this into account when they mark your composition. They´ll give you a mark for each of the following criteria:
· Content (Ideas to include)
· Range (variety of grammar and vocabulary)
· Organisation (paragraphing)
· Register (grade of formality)
· Target reader (who will read your writing)
· Language accuracy (errors)
- Go back to page 19 and have a look at the “Ideas for writing” . Please send me your answers to the questions asked here for next class (July 16th)
- Look at the Model Answer on p.21 paying close attention to the numbered comments.
- Do you have a clear idea of the kind of piece you are expected to produce? Here are some other useful tips for you to take into account:
· Articles can be on almost any topic, and have any reader. It is therefore important to think about your reader and choose an appropriate style.
· Your article will be published in a magazine or newspaper of some kind, or perhaps included in a book of articles, like an anthology. Think about who might read such publication, in order to select an appropriate style of writing. When the reader could be just about anybody, think about one possible reader, and write for that reader.
· It is a good technique to directly address your readers in articles. Imagine that you are “speaking” to them through your article. To involve your reader, ask questions, give advice, give encouragement where appropriate, persuade, suggest, etc.
(Remember you DON´T have to write any piece so far. Just read everything carefully, reflect upon it and let me know if you have a clear idea about it)
2. THE ENDGAME- Part 2
a. Check the meaning of the following words/phrases and make sentences or a dialogue using all of them
ASK FOR A LOAN – A MATTER OF TRUST – PURCHASE THE LEASE OF A SHOP – A CHORE – MAKE A HANDSOME PROFIT – OUTSTANDING LOANS
b. Answer the “While reading” questions on p. 145 and send me the answers for next class (16th July)
3. If you still haven´t do so, don’t forget to send me the answers to the homework we had assigned for today:
- PRACTICE TEST # 4 – JULY (Just send me your marks for each paper)
-Expert p. 83-Relative Clauses- ex. 4, 5 and 7
- Expert p. 76 – Reflexives – ex. 1a and “Robots”
Keep working hard!!
See you next class,
Daniela
PRACTICE TEST #4 JULY - LISTENING PAPER
You can listen to the four parts of this paper by clicking on the following links:
Part 1 : http://www.mediafire.com/?mguy1ynytni
Part 2 : http://www.mediafire.com/?z1zzyz134zm
Part 3: http://www.mediafire.com/?qdjew1nhjzl
Part 4: http://www.mediafire.com/?5zj1jnqmymo
Please do it as we usually do in class. Don´t stop or rewind it.
Good luck!
Your teacher
Part 1 : http://www.mediafire.com/?mguy1ynytni
Part 2 : http://www.mediafire.com/?z1zzyz134zm
Part 3: http://www.mediafire.com/?qdjew1nhjzl
Part 4: http://www.mediafire.com/?5zj1jnqmymo
Please do it as we usually do in class. Don´t stop or rewind it.
Good luck!
Your teacher
miércoles, 8 de julio de 2009
PRACTICE TEST # 4 - JULY - KEY
Hi everyone!
Here´s the key to the complete test. Please check the answers, correct yourselves and send me your marks. Don´t forget to keep your own record in your FCE Monitor (in your Booklet p.125)
PAPER 1 - READING
Part 1 (2 marks each correct answer)
1B - 2C - 3A - 4D - 5A - 6B - 7C - 8C
Part 2 (2 marks each correct answer)
9B - 10C - 11E- 12H - 13D - 14F - 15A
Part 3 (1 mark each correct answer)
16 B - 17C - 18D - 19B - 20A - 21E - 22A - 23C - 24A - 25D - 26C - 27B - 28E - 29D - 30E
PAPER 3 - USE OF ENGLISH
Part 1 (1 mark each correct answer)
1D - 2C - 3D - 4B - 5C- 6C - 7D - 8A - 9B - 10C - 11D - 12A
Part 2 (1 mark each correct answer)
13 long - 14 with - 15 of - 16 later/on - 17 in - 18 had/needed/used -
19 to/for/before - 20 takes - 21 These - 22 much - 23 which - 24 one
Part 3 (1 mark each correct answer)
25 extraordinary - 26 freezing/frozen - 27 assistance - 28 equipment -
29 loneliness - 30 hopeful - 31 friendships - 32 heat - 33 poisonous - 34 reasonable
Part 4 (There´re two parts to each answer – 2 marks each)
35 never seen (1) such a strange (1) -
36 were driven (1) into town by (1) –
37 insisted on (1) paying (1) -
38 didn´t succeed (1) in persuading (1) –
39 you mind (1) not using(1) -
40 made a good (1) impression on (1)
41 wishes (that) he had (1) told(1) -
42 had trouble (1) (in) following (1)
Paper 4 - LISTENING
(1 mark each correct answer in all parts)
Part 1
1 A - 2A - 3B - 4A - 5C - 6A - 7C - 8C
Part 2
9 circle (around them) - 10 (a) brain(s) - 11 stress - 12 feelings - 13 read -
14 reward - 15 52 teeth - 16 two days - 17 sound vawe(s)/sound(s) / high-pitched noises -
18 (fishing) nets
Part 3
19 E - 20 F - 21C - 22D - 23B
Part 4
24A - 25C - 26B - 27A - 28A - 29 C - 30B
Wish you good luck!
Don´t forget to send me your marks.
Here´s the key to the complete test. Please check the answers, correct yourselves and send me your marks. Don´t forget to keep your own record in your FCE Monitor (in your Booklet p.125)
PAPER 1 - READING
Part 1 (2 marks each correct answer)
1B - 2C - 3A - 4D - 5A - 6B - 7C - 8C
Part 2 (2 marks each correct answer)
9B - 10C - 11E- 12H - 13D - 14F - 15A
Part 3 (1 mark each correct answer)
16 B - 17C - 18D - 19B - 20A - 21E - 22A - 23C - 24A - 25D - 26C - 27B - 28E - 29D - 30E
PAPER 3 - USE OF ENGLISH
Part 1 (1 mark each correct answer)
1D - 2C - 3D - 4B - 5C- 6C - 7D - 8A - 9B - 10C - 11D - 12A
Part 2 (1 mark each correct answer)
13 long - 14 with - 15 of - 16 later/on - 17 in - 18 had/needed/used -
19 to/for/before - 20 takes - 21 These - 22 much - 23 which - 24 one
Part 3 (1 mark each correct answer)
25 extraordinary - 26 freezing/frozen - 27 assistance - 28 equipment -
29 loneliness - 30 hopeful - 31 friendships - 32 heat - 33 poisonous - 34 reasonable
Part 4 (There´re two parts to each answer – 2 marks each)
35 never seen (1) such a strange (1) -
36 were driven (1) into town by (1) –
37 insisted on (1) paying (1) -
38 didn´t succeed (1) in persuading (1) –
39 you mind (1) not using(1) -
40 made a good (1) impression on (1)
41 wishes (that) he had (1) told(1) -
42 had trouble (1) (in) following (1)
Paper 4 - LISTENING
(1 mark each correct answer in all parts)
Part 1
1 A - 2A - 3B - 4A - 5C - 6A - 7C - 8C
Part 2
9 circle (around them) - 10 (a) brain(s) - 11 stress - 12 feelings - 13 read -
14 reward - 15 52 teeth - 16 two days - 17 sound vawe(s)/sound(s) / high-pitched noises -
18 (fishing) nets
Part 3
19 E - 20 F - 21C - 22D - 23B
Part 4
24A - 25C - 26B - 27A - 28A - 29 C - 30B
Wish you good luck!
Don´t forget to send me your marks.
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success-Day 3
Assessment Criteria
Welcome to Day 3 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'.
Hopefully you now have a clear idea what you have to do in your Speaking exam. Today we'll look at how you'll be assessed.
If you've had the chance to look at the handbook for your exam you'll know that each section of the Speaking Paper has a particular focus.
For example, during the opening 'getting-to-know-you' phase (Part 1) the focus is usually on your ability to use language for social purposes, such as making introductions and answering questions.
In the long turn section(Part 2) the focus will be on skills such as being able to speak at length clearly, using language to state an opinion, being able to describe, compare and contrast etc.
In the discussion stage(Part 3) you'll need to show you're able to keep a discussion going, ask for and give opinions, agree and disagree, develop comments made by your partner or the examiner and generate new ideas.
How well you do in these tasks will depend on your proficiency in English and the examiner will use general criteria to grade you.
Most exams will include the following criteria:
Grammar and vocabulary
Discourse management
Pronunciation
Interactive communication (in paired interviews)
It's important that you understand what all these criteria mean so that you have a clear idea of how you'll be assessed - which brings us to today's tasks.
Task
1) For a general idea of what these criteria mean try our quiz on exam assessment criteria:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/exams/speaking_assessment.html
2) Once you're clear what these areas mean refer to your handbook to get an accurate picture of how the criteria apply to your exam. http://www.candidates.cambridgeesol.org/cs/Help_with_exams/General_English/FCE/Papers?paper=Speaking&panel=parts#selectedtab
Tomorrow
How do you feel you'll stand up to this assessment? Tomorrow you'll get the chance to set some personal goals to help you with your 'Roadmap to Exam Success'!
Welcome to Day 3 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'.
Hopefully you now have a clear idea what you have to do in your Speaking exam. Today we'll look at how you'll be assessed.
If you've had the chance to look at the handbook for your exam you'll know that each section of the Speaking Paper has a particular focus.
For example, during the opening 'getting-to-know-you' phase (Part 1) the focus is usually on your ability to use language for social purposes, such as making introductions and answering questions.
In the long turn section(Part 2) the focus will be on skills such as being able to speak at length clearly, using language to state an opinion, being able to describe, compare and contrast etc.
In the discussion stage(Part 3) you'll need to show you're able to keep a discussion going, ask for and give opinions, agree and disagree, develop comments made by your partner or the examiner and generate new ideas.
How well you do in these tasks will depend on your proficiency in English and the examiner will use general criteria to grade you.
Most exams will include the following criteria:
Grammar and vocabulary
Discourse management
Pronunciation
Interactive communication (in paired interviews)
It's important that you understand what all these criteria mean so that you have a clear idea of how you'll be assessed - which brings us to today's tasks.
Task
1) For a general idea of what these criteria mean try our quiz on exam assessment criteria:http://www.splendid-speaking.com/exams/speaking_assessment.html
2) Once you're clear what these areas mean refer to your handbook to get an accurate picture of how the criteria apply to your exam. http://www.candidates.cambridgeesol.org/cs/Help_with_exams/General_English/FCE/Papers?paper=Speaking&panel=parts#selectedtab
Tomorrow
How do you feel you'll stand up to this assessment? Tomorrow you'll get the chance to set some personal goals to help you with your 'Roadmap to Exam Success'!
lunes, 6 de julio de 2009
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success-Day 2
Hi!
As I promised you yesterday, this is the second of a series of tips I´m sending you to help you improve your Speaking test.
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success
Day 2: Get to know your Exam
Welcome to Day 2 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. Hopefully you're now surrounded by stickers at home reminding you of your commitment to speaking English. (See yesterday's lesson if you have no idea what I'm talking about!)
Let's go back to yesterday's lesson and get a reminder of the first of the three goals we identified:
Goal 1: Know what to expect in the exam so you can prepare efficiently and avoid any nasty surprises on the big day.
Knowing your Speaking exam inside out will increase your confidence and enable you to prepare efficiently. In today's task, you'll become totally familiar with the structure of your exam with our ten-question quiz. (Tomorrow we'll look at assessment and what the examiner will be expecting from you.)
Today's Task
Go to Cambride Candidate Resource Site and find out about the Speaking Paper.
Using these resources, answer the following 10 questions:
Your Speaking Exam
1) How many sections are there in your Speaking exam?
2) How long is each section?
3) What's the focus of each section? Answering questions? Making a long turn? Taking part in a role-play, simulation or discussion?
4) Are you interviewed alone or with a partner?
5) What kind of questions are you likely to be asked in the 'getting-to-know-you' section?
6) What do you have to do in the long-turn?
7) Do you have time to prepare for your long turn and if so can you make notes?
8) If you're being examined with another candidate, do you have to do anything at the end of your partner's long turn?
9) If your exam has a role-play or simulation activity, is the task given to you in writing?
10) If there's a discussion stage, do you talk with a partner, the examiner or both?
If you can answer these questions about your exam it's safe to say you're very clear about what you need to do.
See you tomorrow!!
Daniela
As I promised you yesterday, this is the second of a series of tips I´m sending you to help you improve your Speaking test.
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success
Day 2: Get to know your Exam
Welcome to Day 2 of 'Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success'. Hopefully you're now surrounded by stickers at home reminding you of your commitment to speaking English. (See yesterday's lesson if you have no idea what I'm talking about!)
Let's go back to yesterday's lesson and get a reminder of the first of the three goals we identified:
Goal 1: Know what to expect in the exam so you can prepare efficiently and avoid any nasty surprises on the big day.
Knowing your Speaking exam inside out will increase your confidence and enable you to prepare efficiently. In today's task, you'll become totally familiar with the structure of your exam with our ten-question quiz. (Tomorrow we'll look at assessment and what the examiner will be expecting from you.)
Today's Task
Go to Cambride Candidate Resource Site and find out about the Speaking Paper.
Using these resources, answer the following 10 questions:
Your Speaking Exam
1) How many sections are there in your Speaking exam?
2) How long is each section?
3) What's the focus of each section? Answering questions? Making a long turn? Taking part in a role-play, simulation or discussion?
4) Are you interviewed alone or with a partner?
5) What kind of questions are you likely to be asked in the 'getting-to-know-you' section?
6) What do you have to do in the long-turn?
7) Do you have time to prepare for your long turn and if so can you make notes?
8) If you're being examined with another candidate, do you have to do anything at the end of your partner's long turn?
9) If your exam has a role-play or simulation activity, is the task given to you in writing?
10) If there's a discussion stage, do you talk with a partner, the examiner or both?
If you can answer these questions about your exam it's safe to say you're very clear about what you need to do.
See you tomorrow!!
Daniela
domingo, 5 de julio de 2009
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success
Hello!!
During the next eigh days, I´m going to send you some useful tips to help you in your Speaking test.
This is some material I downloaded from the site www.splendid-speaking.com
You should check our blog every day in order to follow this mini-course, called "Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success" If you do, your chances of passing the Speaking test will improve.
Don´t miss this opportunity!!
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success
Day 1: Take up the challenge!
If you're reading this the chances are you're facing an English Speaking exam and want to make sure you're successful on the big day.
What can you do in the time available to increase your chances of passing with the highest possible grade? Well, three things are essential:
Goal 1: Make sure you know what to expect in the exam so you can prepare efficiently and avoid any nasty surprises on the big day.
Goal 2: Be aware of your strengths in speaking English and the areas you need to work on.
Goal 3: Take every opportunity to practise!
The good news is that by doing this mini-course you'll be taking a giant step towards achieving these goals.
However, let's start with a reality check. If you think about it, speaking is the one skill that many students get the least amount of practice in.
Imagine you're lucky enough to be attending a weekly one-hour lesson in a class of 12 students given up entirely to speaking - that's 60 minutes.
Take off ten minutes for late arrivals, greetings and administration at the start and end of the lesson - that's 50 minutes left.
The teacher might talk for about 30% of the lesson including giving instructions, feedback etc. - that's about 35 minutes left.
If you work in pairs for the entire lesson that's about 17 minutes speaking time for you each week. If you work in small groups of three for the entire lesson that's about 11 minutes speaking time for you per week! In a whole-class discussion for the entire lesson that means you have about 3 minutes speaking time per week!
The likelihood is you'll take part in a variety of speaking tasks so the figures will be somewhere in between. However, there will also be lots of interruptions, questions and sometimes someone else who talks a lot ….. the times above are probably a little generous!
This is why your teacher will advise you to take every opportunity to speak English, both in class and in your own time.
And this mini-course will make exactly the same recommendations. To get the most from the time that remains until your exam day, you'll need to commit to practising your English speaking skills.
However, we're pretty sure if you make this commitment and try the tasks we suggest over the next eight days, your chances of passing the speaking exam with the grade you're hoping for will improve significantly.
This is what we'll be covering over the following 8 days:
Day 2: Get to know your Speaking exam with our '10-Question Quiz'.
Day 3: Assessment criteria: find out exactly what the examiner wants from you.
Day 4: Know yourself: learn what you do well and where you need to improve.
Day 5: Get speaking partners at a time and place that suits you.
Day 6: Speaking exercises: make the most of your speaking opportunities.
Day 7: Talk successfully online: tips for online communication.
Day 8: Get a progress report: how to get feedback on your speaking skills.
Day 9: Tips for the big day: some final advice for a successful exam.
Each day there'll be a task and here is today's:
Task
This task is an easy one to start with but very important nonetheless.
1) How much time can you put aside each week to prepare for your Speaking exam? List times in the week you can do some self-study. Put them in your diary.
2) Do something to remind you of your commitment … putting some stickers around the apartment/house with 'Speak English' written on them will do for a start!
Tomorrow
How well do you know the Speaking Paper for your exam? Try our '10-Question Quiz' in tomorrow's lesson.
That´s all for now,
Remember to check our blog again tomorrow!!
During the next eigh days, I´m going to send you some useful tips to help you in your Speaking test.
This is some material I downloaded from the site www.splendid-speaking.com
You should check our blog every day in order to follow this mini-course, called "Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success" If you do, your chances of passing the Speaking test will improve.
Don´t miss this opportunity!!
Your Roadmap to Speaking Exam Success
Day 1: Take up the challenge!
If you're reading this the chances are you're facing an English Speaking exam and want to make sure you're successful on the big day.
What can you do in the time available to increase your chances of passing with the highest possible grade? Well, three things are essential:
Goal 1: Make sure you know what to expect in the exam so you can prepare efficiently and avoid any nasty surprises on the big day.
Goal 2: Be aware of your strengths in speaking English and the areas you need to work on.
Goal 3: Take every opportunity to practise!
The good news is that by doing this mini-course you'll be taking a giant step towards achieving these goals.
However, let's start with a reality check. If you think about it, speaking is the one skill that many students get the least amount of practice in.
Imagine you're lucky enough to be attending a weekly one-hour lesson in a class of 12 students given up entirely to speaking - that's 60 minutes.
Take off ten minutes for late arrivals, greetings and administration at the start and end of the lesson - that's 50 minutes left.
The teacher might talk for about 30% of the lesson including giving instructions, feedback etc. - that's about 35 minutes left.
If you work in pairs for the entire lesson that's about 17 minutes speaking time for you each week. If you work in small groups of three for the entire lesson that's about 11 minutes speaking time for you per week! In a whole-class discussion for the entire lesson that means you have about 3 minutes speaking time per week!
The likelihood is you'll take part in a variety of speaking tasks so the figures will be somewhere in between. However, there will also be lots of interruptions, questions and sometimes someone else who talks a lot ….. the times above are probably a little generous!
This is why your teacher will advise you to take every opportunity to speak English, both in class and in your own time.
And this mini-course will make exactly the same recommendations. To get the most from the time that remains until your exam day, you'll need to commit to practising your English speaking skills.
However, we're pretty sure if you make this commitment and try the tasks we suggest over the next eight days, your chances of passing the speaking exam with the grade you're hoping for will improve significantly.
This is what we'll be covering over the following 8 days:
Day 2: Get to know your Speaking exam with our '10-Question Quiz'.
Day 3: Assessment criteria: find out exactly what the examiner wants from you.
Day 4: Know yourself: learn what you do well and where you need to improve.
Day 5: Get speaking partners at a time and place that suits you.
Day 6: Speaking exercises: make the most of your speaking opportunities.
Day 7: Talk successfully online: tips for online communication.
Day 8: Get a progress report: how to get feedback on your speaking skills.
Day 9: Tips for the big day: some final advice for a successful exam.
Each day there'll be a task and here is today's:
Task
This task is an easy one to start with but very important nonetheless.
1) How much time can you put aside each week to prepare for your Speaking exam? List times in the week you can do some self-study. Put them in your diary.
2) Do something to remind you of your commitment … putting some stickers around the apartment/house with 'Speak English' written on them will do for a start!
Tomorrow
How well do you know the Speaking Paper for your exam? Try our '10-Question Quiz' in tomorrow's lesson.
That´s all for now,
Remember to check our blog again tomorrow!!
sábado, 4 de julio de 2009
Thursday 9th July 2009
Hi, dear all!!
Today is a holiday, so we don´t have classes.
However, check on what you are expected to do for next class, and start working today!
Don´t forget to complete your portfolios!!
Have a nice day,
Daniela
Today is a holiday, so we don´t have classes.
However, check on what you are expected to do for next class, and start working today!
Don´t forget to complete your portfolios!!
Have a nice day,
Daniela
Tuesday 7th July 2009
Hi everyone!!
These are the activities we agreed you should be doing for today:
- Practice Test # 4 Reading Paper Part 1 (Student´s Booklet –SB- p. 75)
- Practice Test # 4 Use of English Paper Part 1 (SB p. 86)
- Expert p. 86 – Vocabulary on Art and Entertainment – Ex. 1a and b ; 2a ; 3 ; 4 .
Here´s the link to a very good dictionary on line you can use to do this exercise: http://www.macmillandictionary.com/
- Expert p. 78 – Language Development 3:
In order to do the exercises follow this procedure:
1) FORMING NOUNS:
* Look at the examples on the table in the book of nouns formed from verbs and provide one extra example of each
· Do ex. 2b
· Complete the table in ex. 3a and provide one extra example of each.
· Do ex. 4
2) PHRASAL VERBS WITH COME
· Do only ex. 5 a and b and send me the answers. (Next class, I´ll tell you what to do with this)
- Here´s the key to the Use of English exercises in Expert p.77 we didn´t have time to correct in class:
- PLEASE CHECK THE SPELLING VERY CAREFULLY!!!
-
- Ex. 2b: 1. UNEXPECTED Ex. 3: 1. CAREFUL
- 2. POSSIBILITY 2. LENGTH
- 3. PUZZLING 3. RESEARCHERS
- 4. ACCIDENTALLY 4. UNUSUAL
- 5. EXCITED 5. DEVELOPMENT
6. DISCOVERY 6.DISCOVERIES
7. EFFECTIVE 7. HIGHLY
8. INFECTION(S) 8. MIXTURE
9. SCIENTISTS 9. CRITICISM
10. SUCCESSFULLY 10. INSUFFICIENT
How many correct answers did you get? Please let me know!
These are the activities we agreed you should be doing for today:
- Practice Test # 4 Reading Paper Part 1 (Student´s Booklet –SB- p. 75)
- Practice Test # 4 Use of English Paper Part 1 (SB p. 86)
- Expert p. 86 – Vocabulary on Art and Entertainment – Ex. 1a and b ; 2a ; 3 ; 4 .
Here´s the link to a very good dictionary on line you can use to do this exercise: http://www.macmillandictionary.com/
- Expert p. 78 – Language Development 3:
In order to do the exercises follow this procedure:
1) FORMING NOUNS:
* Look at the examples on the table in the book of nouns formed from verbs and provide one extra example of each
· Do ex. 2b
· Complete the table in ex. 3a and provide one extra example of each.
· Do ex. 4
2) PHRASAL VERBS WITH COME
· Do only ex. 5 a and b and send me the answers. (Next class, I´ll tell you what to do with this)
- Here´s the key to the Use of English exercises in Expert p.77 we didn´t have time to correct in class:
- PLEASE CHECK THE SPELLING VERY CAREFULLY!!!
-
- Ex. 2b: 1. UNEXPECTED Ex. 3: 1. CAREFUL
- 2. POSSIBILITY 2. LENGTH
- 3. PUZZLING 3. RESEARCHERS
- 4. ACCIDENTALLY 4. UNUSUAL
- 5. EXCITED 5. DEVELOPMENT
6. DISCOVERY 6.DISCOVERIES
7. EFFECTIVE 7. HIGHLY
8. INFECTION(S) 8. MIXTURE
9. SCIENTISTS 9. CRITICISM
10. SUCCESSFULLY 10. INSUFFICIENT
How many correct answers did you get? Please let me know!
- If you owe portfolios, send them to me by e-mail. If you have to re-write any, please send me the previous drafts to the institute any moment you can (from 16:00 to 21:00hs)
- I remind you there´re some very useful sites you can visit:
http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/
http://www.splendid-speaking.com/
(I strongly recommend that you subscribe to these two sites. It´s free and you´ll receive newsletters and useful practice every week)
WELCOME TO OUR BLOG
Dear student,
Thank you for taking part in our online classes!!
As you know, our mock is coming soon, so this will be our way of keeping in touch for the next few weeks.
Remember it is really important that you do all the homework I assign, as well as any extra practice that you can, on your own.
Thank you for taking part in our online classes!!
As you know, our mock is coming soon, so this will be our way of keeping in touch for the next few weeks.
Remember it is really important that you do all the homework I assign, as well as any extra practice that you can, on your own.
You can contact me at danielatonelli@infovia.com.ar or tdanielaa@hotmail.com
Start working today!!
Best wishes,
Daniela
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