AC2.2-19W Assessed Writing Task One

Yesterday in class, I gave out the first assessed writing task for this session.

First, to explain a point in one of the questions. A 'Green Champion' is a member of staff at the British Council who promotes 'greeen' issues, and encourages other members of staff to be aware of the ecological impact of their work and to try to reduce their carbon footprint etc.

Secondly, if the subjects seem a bit 'dry', remember that these are the sorts of things you'll have to write about in the real exam. Cambridge Exams, unfortunately, are not renowned for their imaginative stimulating composition titles. I enjoy reading compositions about other, perhaps more interesting, issues, but we must remember that we're rehearsing for an exam, and I chose these first titles with that in mind. It doesn't mean we won't have an opportunity to write about something more interesting sometimes, though! Anyway, if you have a little imagination, almost any composition can be made more interesting that it might at first seem.

'Can we write our compositions on the computer?' You can. But I don't necessarily recommend it. Remember, that in the exam, you'll have to write with a pen, and it's good to practice.

Lastly, please note that the absolute deadline for handing this in is the next Wednesday class, November 4th. This gives you two weekends, so it should be plenty of time.

Proficiency Classes: English Vocabulary in Use Advanced

Hopefully you all now have English Vocabulary in Use Advanced by McCarthy and O'Dell. Here are the units of this book you should now start looking at.

Everyone
Look at the introductory units of the book 'Aspects of Vocab Learning'.

AC2.1-9S
While doing Unit One of PassKey Profiency, you should do Units 28 and 29 (Food) and 55, 56 and 57 (Health).

AC2.2.19W
There are no specific links for Unit 20. Feel free to do units that look interesting.

Do remember to try things out in Sara (now linked on the right of this page under 'links'). Look at new words and see how they're used.

AC2.219W - Links

Was it Ana who mentioned Monty Python on Wednesday evening?

Still completely different...

Fans of Michael Palin's travel documentaries will like his website, 'Palin's Travels'. Here, you can see the photos, and actually read the whole text of his books about his travels. Worth a look.

Bryson Book for AC2.1-9S

Pedro sent me the following message:

I'm trying to organize a joint order for the Bill Bryson book, so that we don't have to order it individually, which is quite expensive. So I'd like to ask you if you could write a new post on your blog, to let people know about this. I don't have everyone's number, to let them know, but Joana Gomes, Miguel and Tomás are already in, and we're at 8,15€ per book, delievery included, from Amazon.co.uk.

Cheers,

Pedro pedrobarbieri92@gmail.com

So if you want to help Pedro make up a joint order, let him know!

Notes from a Small Island

Now you’ve had your appetites whetted by the Bill Bryson intro activities, you are probably dying to get started on the book itself. If you haven’t managed to order 'Notes from a Small Island' yet, you can read the prologue here. Enjoy it... and then DO order the book!

AC2.2 Books

The books you need for this year are:

Objective Proficiency - Student Book and Workbook with key
English Vocabulary in Use Advanced by McCarthy and O'Dell with answers
Certificate of Proficiency in English 4 (Past Exam Papers)

and the set book for this session:
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Also, please remember to send me an email if you haven't already done so and identify yourself!
snowfinch@yahoo.com