CAE PREPARATION COURSE

JUNIO: Periodo de Inscripción: del 30 de abril al 09 de mayo de 2018

CAE (C1) examen escrito: 13 de junio de 2018

Pruebas orales: del 8 al 13 de junio de 2018

Resultados: a partir del 11 de julio de 2018

Diplomas: a partir del 6 de septiembre de 2018

JULIO: Periodo de Inscripción: del 11 al 22 de junio de 2018

CAE (C1) examen escrito: 25 de julio de 2018

Pruebas orales: del 20 al 25 de julio de 2018

Resultados: a partir del 22 de agosto de 2018

Diplomas: a partir del 6 de septiembre de 2018

CLASSES AND HOMEWORK

1) 13.04 from 16 to 19.30

HOMEWORK CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS

p. 8-21 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH: TIME YOURSELF - YOU HAVE 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES TO DO EVERYTHING

p. 22, WRITING, ESSAY, 220-260 WORDS - IT SHOULD TAKE YOU APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO WRITE (REMEMBER YOU ACTUALLY HAVE 2 WRITINGS TO DO IN THE EXAM). PLEASE, HANDWRITE IT, BECAUSE IN THE EXAM YOU WILL HAVE TO.
(check examples etc here)

2) 20.04 from 16 to 19.30

HOMEWORK CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS

p. 30-43 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH: TIME YOURSELF - YOU HAVE 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES TO DO EVERYTHING

p. 45, WRITING, REVIEW (3) 220-260 WORDS - IT SHOULD TAKE YOU APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO WRITE (REMEMBER YOU ACTUALLY HAVE 2 WRITINGS TO DO IN THE EXAM). PLEASE, HANDWRITE IT, BECAUSE IN THE EXAM YOU WILL HAVE TO.
(check examples etc here)

ADVANCED TRAINER

LISTENINGS, track 1.10 - listen to the question and answer, time yourself, you should be able to talk about each question for at least 30 seconds. In the exam you will be asked a couple.

Pictures in S2 (back of trainer pdf, after p. 256) - talk about the two pictures for 1 minute, time yourself. Use HYPOTHESISING EXPRESSIONS on p. 63 trainer.

3) 27.04 from 16 to 19.30

HOMEWORK

CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS

p. 52-65 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH: TIME YOURSELF - YOU HAVE 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES TO DO EVERYTHING

 p. 24-28 LISTENING LISTEN TO EVERYTHING IN 1 GO, IT WILL TAKE APPROX 40 MINUTES (Tracks 1-4 in googledrive here). The tracks will give you the instructions and timings.
SOLUTIONS AND TRANSRIPT p. 121-128


ADVANCED TRAINER
p. 17, ex: 1, 2 (solutions p. 197)
p. 18, ex: 1 (solutions p. 197)

LISTENING
p. 51, ex: 1 (track 1.02) (solutions p. 204, tapescript p. 206)
p. 54, ex. 1, 2, 3, 4 (tracks 1.04) (solutions p. 204, tapescript 207)

(Tracks in googledrive here)


4) 04.05 from 16 to 19.30

HOMEWORK CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS

p. 74-87 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH: TIME YOURSELF - YOU HAVE 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES TO DO EVERYTHING

p. 67, WRITING, REPORT (2) 220-260 WORDS - IT SHOULD TAKE YOU APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO WRITE (REMEMBER YOU ACTUALLY HAVE 2 WRITINGS TO DO IN THE EXAM). PLEASE, HANDWRITE IT, BECAUSE IN THE EXAM YOU WILL HAVE TO.
(check examples etc here)

ADVANCED TRAINER

LISTENING

 p. 56, ex: 1, 2, 3
 P. 59, all the page

(Tracks in googledrive here)

5) 11.05 from 16 to 19.30

ADVANCED TRAINER
p. 24 - 41 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 197-200

CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS

p. 89, WRITING, LETTER (2)  220-260 WORDS - IT SHOULD TAKE YOU APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO WRITE (REMEMBER YOU ACTUALLY HAVE 2 WRITINGS TO DO IN THE EXAM). PLEASE, HANDWRITE IT, BECAUSE IN THE EXAM YOU WILL HAVE TO.
Check examples etc here

 p. 46-50 LISTENING LISTEN TO EVERYTHING IN 1 GO, IT WILL TAKE APPROX 40 MINUTES (Tracks 5-8 in googledrive here ). The tracks will give you the instructions and timings.
SOLUTIONS AND TRANSRIPT p. 130-137


6) 18.05 from 16 to 19.30

CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS

 p. 68-72 LISTENING LISTEN TO EVERYTHING IN 1 GO, IT WILL TAKE APPROX 40 MINUTES (CD2 Tracks 1-4 in googledrive here ). The tracks will give you the instructions and timings. SOLUTIONS AND TRANSRIPT p. 139-146

 p. 45, WRITING, PROPOSAL (4)  220-260 WORDS - IT SHOULD TAKE YOU APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO WRITE (REMEMBER YOU ACTUALLY HAVE 2 WRITINGS TO DO IN THE EXAM). PLEASE, HANDWRITE IT, BECAUSE IN THE EXAM YOU WILL HAVE TO.
Check examples etc

ADVANCED TRAINER

p. 77 - 85 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 213-214

p. 92-99 PREPARATION FOR LISTENING + LISTENING  SOLUTIONS p. 217-219
C1 TRACKS 1.13-1.18 here

7) 25.05 from 16 to 19.30

CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS

 p. 90-94 LISTENING LISTEN TO EVERYTHING IN 1 GO, IT WILL TAKE APPROX 40 MINUTES (CD2 Tracks 5-8 in googledrive here ). The tracks will give you the instructions and timings. SOLUTIONS AND TRANSRIPT p. 148-155

ADVANCED TRAINER

p. 112 - 119 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 225-226
p. 134 - 141 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 232-233

p. 42, ex: 1
p. 43, ex: 4 (check detailed solutions on p. 201)
p. 43, ex: 5
p. 45, Check task and look at example of essay --- MODEL ANSWER p. 202 + notes
p. 47, ex: 2 Check solutions on p. 202
p. 48, ex: 3, 4 Check solutions on p. 202
p. 49-50 Check tasks and look at examples of letter/review/report p. 203-204 + notes


8) 01.06 from 16 to 19.30

ADVANCED TRAINER

p. 156 - 162 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 238-239
p. 178 - 185 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 245-246


MATERIALS in my google drive HERE
(more things will be uploaded throughout the course)

DOWNLOAD/PRINT 
1) CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS because your homework will come from there
2) ADVANCED TRAINER we need this one in class
3) ADVANCED TRAINER AUDIO TRANSCRIPT



FIND MORE PDFS OF BOOKS AND GRAMMARS HERE


Information for candidates here

GRADES:

You will get a C1 certificate in the following cases

200-210 Grade A (the certificate states your level is actually C2)
193-199 Grade B
180-192 Grade C

You will NOT get an official certificate, just a document

160-179 B2 (but it is not official like FCE)

You will not get a certificate

Under 159


TIMINGS (CHECK P. 5 ON PDF  1) CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS)

READING AND USE OF ENGLISH (IN PENCIL)
1 HOUR 30 MINUTES
8 PARTS, 56 QUESTIONS
PART 1-4 READINGS  WITH GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY TASKS
1) 1 - 8 (1 MARK)
2) 9 - 16 (1 MARK)
3) 17 - 24 (1 MARK)
4) 25 - 30 (UP TO 2 MARKS)
5) 31 - 36 (2 MARKS)
6) 37 - 40 (2 MARKS)
7) 41 - 46 (2 MARKS)
8) 47 - 56 (1 MARK)
PART 5-8 READINGS WITH READING COMPREHENSION TASKS

WRITING (IN PEN - THIS IS THE ONLY PART IN WHICH YOU CAN USE CORRECTION FLUID)
1 HOUR 30 MINUTES
TWO PARTS
1) ESSAY (COMPULSORY)
2) EITHER LETTER, PROPOSAL, REPORT OR REVIEW

CHECK CAE 1-4 pdf p. 108-109 for more info.
The mark is out of 40 points.
The examiners will look at CONTENT, LANGUAGE, ORGANISATION AND COMMUNICATIVE ACHIEVEMENT.

LISTENING  (IN PENCIL)
40 MINUTES (APPROX)
4 PARTS, 30 QUESTIONS
YOU WILL HEAR EACH PART TWICE

SPEAKING
15 MINUTES
4 PARTS

PART 1
2 minutes (individual with interlocutor) - intro questions and general questions

CHECK EXAMPLE TRAINER PDF p. 62

PART 2
4 minutes (individual with interlocutor + comment on your partner's answer)
- comment (not just description) on 2 pictures out of 3, answering 2 questions related to them (1 minute approx) - the questions are written down
- your partner will be asked a question related to  the topic in your pictures (30 seconds)
- your partner will comment on a different set of pictures ( 1 minute approx)
- you will be asked a question related to the topic in his/her pictures (30 seconds)

USEFUL SENTENCES FOR HYPOTHESISING p. 63 TRAINER PDF

PART 3
4 minutes

Talk together for around 2-3 minutes about each of the prompts presented connected to a specific situation/task question that is written down. Agree, disagree, comment, give reasons.
It shouldn't be 2 separate monologues! INTERACT! You will have 15 seconds to look at the task.

Answer a specific question about the issue together for 1 minute, you will have to discuss it but it is not a problem if you don't come to a conclusion.

USEFUL SENTENCES FOR NEGOTIATING p. 65 TRAINER PDF

PART 4 
5 minutes

The examiner will ask you some questions to broaden the topic in part 3.
The questions are NOT written down.
Talk together, justifying opinions, commenting on what your partner has said, agreeing and disagreeing.


USEFUL SENTENCES FOR EXPRESSING OPINIONS  p. 67 TRAINER PDF

CAE SPEAKING

Part 1 (2 minutes)

ONE OR TWO FOR EACH CANDIDATE
Where are you from?
What do you do here/ there?
How long have you been studying English?
What do you enjoy most about learning English?

ONE OR MORE FOR EACH CANDIDATE
What would you do if you had more time at the weekend?
Are you still in touch with friends from school?
Is there a celebrity you particularly admire? Why?
What is your favourite season? Why?
What is a good place for tourists to visit in your country?
Have you been on an interesting holiday lately?
Are your ambitions the same as 5 years ago?
What plans do you have for the immediate future?

B2.4 INFO AND EXAM STRUCTURE

Tuesday - Thursdays 6-8pm

Download the materials clicking  here

or buy the photocopies at D' LOLA photocopy shop, c/Actor Isidoro Máiquez 2)

DO NOT GET ANY NEW EDITION OF THE BOOK

+ more photocopies/materials will be given in class

(+ lots of materials and links published on our FACEBOOK, like us! I run the page, so the main focus is English)

+ you will find extra books (grammar, phrasal verbs etc) here

Class rules
Switch off or silence your phone, NO whatsapping or or social media in class!
Sit with different people everyday
Get the email/ phone number/ whatsapp of a classmate or open your own whatsapp group (to be able to get your homework if you miss classes)
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
I won't accept writings handed in past the deadline.


Holidays Group Tuesday- Thursday

01/05 NO CLASS


Last class before Easter: 22.03.18
First class back after Easter: 10.04.18

FINAL EXAM 

WRITTEN 12.06.18 (Tuesday from 6 to 8)

SPEAKING 14.06.18 (Thursday from from 6 to 8)

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO HAVE 80% ATTENDANCE (you can miss 6 classes / 12 hours) to take the exam.

Al aprobar este examen tendréis derecho a presentaros GRATIS al examen de ACLES B2 en la convocatoria de junio.



EXAM STRUCTURE

Cada parte = 25% de la nota
(B2.4 Hay que sacar un 5/10 mínimo en cada parte, pero la media final tiene que ser 6/10 para aprobar. Sacando una nota inferior a un 5 en una de las partes se suspende todo el examen).

READING
2 TEXTOS con preguntas tipo A, B, C, matching, true/false (justificando las falsas), o seleccionar que información se menciona en el texto

LISTENING
2 AUDIOS (cada uno se escucha 2 veces) con preguntas tipo A, B, C, matching, rellenar huecos, true/false o seleccionar que información se menciona en el texto

WRITING
2 WRITINGS a escoger entre 3, para cada uno tendréis que escribir 140-150 palabras (no os paséis! No se corrige lo que supera el número de palabras requerido y se quitan puntos si escribís menos)
Puedes ser de todos los tipos que se hayamos practicado en el curso: carta formal, essay/opinion article (in the form of blog post, webpage post, newletter post etc),  film review, short story, report.

SPEAKING
2 partes
Individual: 2-3 preguntas generales sobre temas parecidos a los del libro --- to practice check:
http://ceciliasclasses.blogspot.com.es/2016/09/speaking-practice-b24.html


En parejas: pregunta común con fotos, como las que vayamos practicado (opiniones sobre actividades, viajes, casas, hobbies o ponerse en una situación real de viaje, salir con amigos, cena etc)

Encontraréis ejemplos aquí

POSSIBLE FORMATS:
- Activities (for families, for children, for teenagers, for foreigners, for couples etc)
- Activities pleasure/nightmare
- Travelling / Sightseeing/Means of transport
- Imagine meal
- Imagine afternoon/night out
- Houses

C1.4 INFO AND EXAM STRUCTURE

Materials you need to buy:

1) ADVANCED EXPERT COURSEBOOK -  THIRD EDITION
2) Listening transcripts
3) Vocabulary Revision Exercises chapter 6-10


Click  here to download all the materials

Or get them at At D' Lola Photocopy Shop, Calle Actor Isidoro Máiquez, 2

Follow us on FACEBOOK

Class rules

Switch off or silence your phone, NO whatsapping or facebook in class!
Sit with different people everyday
Get the email/ phone number/ whatsapp of a classmate or open your own whatsapp group
(to be able to get your homework if you miss classes)
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
I won't accept writings handed in past the deadline.

Holidays Group Monday- Wednesday

19/03 NO CLASS
30/04 NO CLASS --- to be confirmed - we will have to make up for it on some other day


Last class before Easter: 21.03.18
First class back after Easter: 09.04.18

FINAL EXAM 

WRITTEN 11.06.18 (Monday from 6 to 8)

SPEAKING 13.06.18 (Wednesday from from 6 to 8)

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO HAVE 80% ATTENDANCE (you can miss 6 classes / 12 hours) to take the exam.


C1.4. EXAM STRUCTURE

Cada parte = 25% de la nota

NO GRAMMAR/VOCABULARY part in this exam!!!!! 

Hay que sacar un 5/10 mínimo en cada parte, pero la media final tiene que ser 6/10 para aprobar.
Sacando una nota inferior a un 5 en una de las partes se suspende todo el examen.

READING
2 TEXTOS - options:
- Preguntas tipo A, B, C
- Matching (e.g: which of the paragraphs fits into the numbered gap) 
- True/false (justificando el porque si es falsa)

LISTENING
2 AUDIOS (cada uno se escucha 2 veces) - options:
- Preguntas tipo A, B, C
- Completar con la palabra(s) correcta.
- Matching
- TRUE/FALSE  (justificando el porque si es falsa )


WRITING

1 writing a escoger entre 3 opciones, 250 palabras

- ESSAY (check structure, useful vocabulary etc p. 100-101)
- COMPLAINT LETTER (check structure, useful vocabulary etc p. 116-117)
- BOOK REVIEW (check structure, useful vocabulary etc p. 132-133)


ORAL

1-2 Preguntas individuales sobre temas parecidos a los del libro.
1-2 preguntas en parejas sobre temas parecidos a los del libro.

(check: http://ceciliasclasses.blogspot.com.es/2016/01/speaking-practice-c14.html)

C2.1 INFO AND EXAM STRUCTURE

Materials you need to buy:

1) OBJECTIVE PROFICIENCY, Student's book with answers
     FOR REVISED EXAM FROM MARCH 2013

Get the materials here

- or buy the photocopies at D' LOLA photocopy shop, c/Actor Isidoro Máiquez 2

+ more photocopies will be given in class

(+ lots of materials and links published on our FACEBOOK, like us! I run the page, so the main focus is English)

EXTRA BOOKS (grammar, collocations, phrasal verbs) here

Class rules
Switch off or silence your phone, NO whatsapping or facebook in class!
Sit with different people everyday
Get the email/ phone number/ whatsapp of a classmate or open your own whatsapp group (to be able to get your homework if you miss classes)
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
I won't accept writings handed in past the deadline.

Holidays Group Tuesday- Thursday

01/05 NO CLASS

Last class before Easter: 22.03.18
First class back after Easter: 10.04.18

FINAL EXAM 

WRITTEN 12.06.18 (Tuesday from 4 to 6)

SPEAKING 14.06.18 (Thursday from from 4 to 6)

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO HAVE 80% ATTENDANCE (you can miss 6 classes / 12 hours) to take the exam.




C2.1. EXAM STRUCTURE

Cada parte = 20% de la nota
Hay que sacar un 5/10 mínimo en cada parte, pero la media final tiene que ser 6/10 para aprobar.
Sacando una nota inferior a un 5 en una de las partes se suspende todo el examen.

READING
2 TEXTOS
- preguntas tipo A, B, C, (D)
- matching (e.g.: in which section are the following mentioned) 
- choose the paragraph that fits in the gap

USE OF ENGLISH
30- 50 preguntas
Grammar - 15 sentences : underline the correct option out of 3 options; Revise grammar p. 178-182, the sentences in the exam are similar to the examples on those pages.

Vocabulary - 10 sentences: complete the sentences about idioms or phrases with the correct word out of a list of given words; Revise Idiom spot and Phrase Spot p. 8, 20, 24, 36, 37, 43, 51, 54, 59, 70

Word formation - complete the sentences with a form of the word given ; Revise p. 14, 15, 29, 40, 59


LISTENING
2 AUDIOS (you will listen to each twice)
- multiple choice questions
- sentence completion
- multiple matching


WRITING
A escoger 1 entre 3 opciones:

1) ESSAY with discursive focus: texts with opposing views (check p. 22-23 and p. 199-200)
2) ESSAY with discursive focus: texts with complementary views (check p. 56-57 and p. 217 SAMPLE ANSWER)
3) REVIEW (check p. 38-39 and p. 208 CORRECTED AND IMPROVED ANSWER)

MORE INFO ABOUT ESSAYS

You will have to write an essay based on 2 short texts provided, presenting either opposing or complementary viewpoints.
You must summarise and evaluate the key  ideas expressed, using your own words.
You must add your own ideas where relevant, deciding how far you agree with the points presented.
You can select 1-2 important short phrases to 'quote' from the texts.
You should use an unmarked register (neither formal, nor informal)
You should use an impersonal tone and NO reference to personal experience (BUT you
do need to share your opinions)
You should use openers to preface your ideas (check p. 57)

STRUCTURE
Write a short introduction saying what the general topic is about.
Write a paragraph based on the main ideas of the first text + your ideas
Write a paragraph based on the main ideas of the second text + your ideas
Write an effective conclusion

MORE INFO ABOUT REVIEWS 

Name the film, book, play, exhibition you are reviewing  in the first paragraph
Provide a balance of information and opinion.
Introduce your opinions with a variety of linkers.
Use catchy rhetorical questions  (and follow them up, adding your opinion)
Use a wide range of adjectives and adverbs

STRUCTURE
Brief introduction, lead-in
General opinion and information, brief description of the content, plot etc
Specific opinion about sth that makes the film/book/exhibition memorable or terrible
(1 or 2 paragraphs)
Conclusion, assessment, recommendations


SPEAKING

1-2 Preguntas individuales sobre temas parecidos a los del libro/CPE y a los temas que vemos en clase.
1-2 preguntas en parejas sobre temas parecidos a los del libro/CPE y a los temas que vemos en clas.

EXAMPLES here: http://ceciliasclasses.blogspot.com.es/2017/08/speaking-practice-c21.html

C2.2 INFO AND EXAM STRUCTURE

MATERIALS
links, listenings, solutions, vocabulary exercises will be uploaded HERE



(+ lots of materials and links published on our FACEBOOK, like us! I run the page, so the main focus is English)

 Class rules
Switch off or silence your phone, NO whatsapping or facebook in class!
Sit with different people everyday
Get the email/ phone number/ whatsapp of a classmate or open your own whatsapp group (to be able to get your homework if you miss classes)
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
I won't accept writings handed in past the deadline.

FINAL EXAM 


ORALS from 23.05.18 (from 3.30pm)

WRITTEN  13.06.18 (Wednesday from from 4 to 6)

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO HAVE 80% ATTENDANCE (you can miss 6 classes / 12 hours) to take the exam.

C2.2. EXAM STRUCTURE (to be completed)

Cada parte = 20% de la nota
Hay que sacar un 5/10 mínimo en cada parte, pero la media final tiene que ser 6/10 para aprobar.
Sacando una nota inferior a un 5 en una de las partes se suspende todo el examen.

READING
2 TEXTOS
- preguntas tipo A, B, C, (D)
- matching (e.g.: in which section are the following mentioned) 
- choose the paragraph that fits in the gap

USE OF ENGLISH
30- 50 preguntas
Grammar
p. 184 - 188
Corpus spot
p. 102, p. 121, p. 129, p. 137, p. 154


Vocabulary

IDIOM SPOT
p. 93, p. 101, p. 127, p. 144, p. 149
PHRASE SPOT
p. 104 (+ p. 239/240), p. 119

WORD FORMATION
p. 95, p. 121, p. 155, p. 165



LISTENING
2 AUDIOS (you will listen to each twice)
- multiple choice questions (a, b, c)
- sentence completion
- multiple matching
- true/false


WRITING (320 words) - choose 1 out of 3 options
A escoger 1 entre 4 opciones:

REPORT p. 106-107 + improved answer (p. 240)  + sample answer (p. 240-241)
ESSAY p. 114-115 + suggested answer (p. 246)
LETTER p. 124-125 + improved answer (p. 250) + sample answer (p. 251)
REVIEW p. 140-141
ARTICLE p. 158-159 + improved answer (p. 269) + sample answer (p. 269)

MORE INFO
  
REPORT
Use impersonal language, adopt a neutral tone
Use passive structures
Use sub-headings for each section
Add bullets when listing information
Use signposting (check examples on p. 107) to organise the text
Identify the areas/sections given and add suitable info

STRUCTURE

Intro
4-5 paragraphs with subheadings
Short conclusion

ESSAY

You will have to write an essay based on 2 short texts provided, presenting either opposing or complementary viewpoints.
You must summarise and evaluate the key  ideas expressed, using your own words.
You must add your own ideas where relevant, deciding how far you agree with the points presented.
You can select 1-2 important short phrases to 'quote' from the texts.
You should use an unmarked register (neither formal, nor informal)
You should use an impersonal tone and NO reference to personal experience (BUT you
do need to share your opinions)
You should use openers to preface your ideas (check p. 57)

STRUCTURE
Write a short introduction saying what the general topic is about.
Write a paragraph based on the main ideas of the first text + your ideas
Write a paragraph based on the main ideas of the second text + your ideas
Write an effective conclusion


LETTER
Do not include a postal address
Divide it in paragraphs
Use a suitable opening and ending
Use a formal register and a neutral tone
Use appropriate expressions to argue for or against something
Use connectors and cohesive devices

STRUCTURE

State the reason for writing in the first paragraph
Write 2-3 more paragraphs containing suitable arguments
Conclude the letter clearly adding a formal close (yours faithfully or your sincerely)

ARTICLE

Choose a suitable title
Try to capture the readers' imagination by asking a question you will answer later on
Use headings if appropriate
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I completed the task? (Content)
- Is my article well-organised? (Organisation)
- Have I used a wide range of vocabulary? (Language)
- Have I used different grammar tenses? (Language)
- Is all the article writen in the same style? (Style)
- Is the article interesting enough? (Reader)

STRUCTURE

Introduction that outlines the article coverage and ties it with the title
Order (3-4) paragraphs logically
Summarise the main ideas in the conclusion


SPEAKING

1-2 Preguntas individuales sobre temas parecidos a los del libro/CPE y a los temas que vemos en clase.
1-2 preguntas en parejas sobre temas parecidos a los del libro/CPE y a los temas que vemos en clase.

Speaking practice click here

SPEAKING PRACTICE - C1.4

1) What makes a good communicator?  Do you know anyone who goes on about something all the time? In what situation have you not been able to get a word in edgeways? Have you ever got hold of the wrong end of the stick? Is there something you haven’t been able to make head or tail of?

2) In general, are you a rational person or do you base decisions on your emotions? What are the advantages of each approach? Do you think women are generally more emotional/intuitive than men? Are we less patient and less considerate nowadays than 30-40 years ago?

3) Have you ever struggled with some subject at school? Have you ever attempted  doing something new and failed? Have you ever neglected your family and friends because  of your job or studies?

4) Do you believe people in your country should be encouraged to leave their parents’ house when they are younger and be more independent? How does a child relationship with their parents affect their character? Has it affected yours? How?

5) Where do you most feel at home? What would you miss about your home town if you had to move away? How could people’s life change while travelling? What is the place that you like best in the world? Why?

6) How would you react in stressful situations, e.g. travel plans going wrong, being stranded in the middle of nowhere, cancelled flight etc? Have you ever lived any memorable situation while travelling that had an impact on your life?

7) Would you ever go into business with a family member? Why (not)? Which kind of business would you find most interesting to be involved with? What personal qualities does one need to be a successful businessman?

8) Why do people do yoga? What kind of people do you associate with this activity? Do you think you’d benefit from it? Which activities do you do when you want to unwind and relax? What about to focus and maximize your potential? 

9) What is your relationship with money? Are you a spendthrift or a saver? Do you buy on impulse or shop around? Compare your life with how it was 2 generations ago. Do you think it is better? How?

10)   What do you think are the biggest dangers of current scientific advances? How would you feel about working in a Space Station? Is exploring space a good thing? What would be the consequences for civilization if we discovered life on other planets? Do you know anyone who acts as if they lived on another planet?

11)   When people criticize you, are you unaffected by it? What topic of conversation is likely to be like a red rag to a bull for you? In arguments, are you like a dog with a bone? 

12)   What is the most difficult challenge you have set yourself? Which inventions do you think have been the most important for our lives? What scientific research should be given priority by the government? Are labour-saving devices a good thing? Or do they also have downsides? 

13)   What are the reasons for unacceptable teenage behaviors? Do you think teenage behavior nowadays is worse than it used to be? What do you think is the best time in life to develop your brain? Do you think society takes mental health seriously enough? 

14)   Do you think people are obsessed with their health? What most affects your sense of well-being? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? What are the most important factors for a healthy life?

SPEAKING PRACTICE - C2.1

CHAPTER 1

INDIVIDUAL

1) Talk about a change of heart that happened to you.

2) What single change would most improve your quality of life? How could you achieve it?

3) Everything has positive/negative energy, not only people, but also objects, rooms, buildings. What do you think?

PAIRS

1) What change has been made in your town recently that you (don't) approve of? 

2) What advice would you give a friend whose teenage son/daughter has got in with the wrong crowd? 

3) What would you suggest a single friend to find Mr Right?

CHAPTER 2

INDIVIDUAL

1) How do you feel about the idea of becoming an entrepreneur? 

2) Is there something you are dead set on doing, whatever it takes?

3) What attitude really gets your goat?

PAIRS

1) Do you think museums should offer a discovery room for families? Should museum entertain as well as educate?

2) What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an independent traveller versus choosing package holidays? 

3) Do you think European countries should do more to shoulder the burden of refugees?

CHAPTER 3

INDIVIDUAL

1)                 Is there an activity you always do, rain or shine?

2)                 Supposing you woke up in another country surrounded by people who don’t

speak any language you know and with only the clothes you slept in, what would you do?

3)                 Do you remember any occasion (trip, excursion, sports event) which you ended huffing and puffing but with a great sense of achievement?

PAIRS

1)                 What anger management techniques can we use to control our anger?

2)                 Guests can stay at my house providing/provided that … (what rules should they follow?). Compare your ideas.

3)                 Suppose one of your best friends lost their job tomorrow, what should they do?

CHAPTER 4

INDIVIDUAL

1)                  If you got the job of your dreams, what perk would be the icing on the cake?

2)                  Have you ever had a colleague that simply couldn’t cut the mustard? (= not up to the job)

3)                  When you have a lot on your plate, how do you deal with it?

PAIRS

1)                 Big supermarkets offer maximum diversity, but minimal flavour. Discuss.

2)                  How could we tackle the problem of food waste?

3)                  How can our lifestyle choices be modified to promote a greener future?

CHAPTER 5

INDIVIDUAL

1)                 Would you ever buy: A title to become Lord/Lady of 20cm2 of land? ; shares in a startup?; a kit to know about your DNA/ancestry?

2)                 Have you ever had to complain about sth you bought? What happened?

3)                  When you were younger, where your decisions influencedby your peers? Did you make sensible choices?

PAIRS

1)                 What do you think of the threat to small independent shops from large chains?

2)                  Advertising exploits the vulnerable, i.e. children and teenagers. Discuss.

3)                  Environmental awareness has increased dramatically over the last decade. Do you agree?

CHAPTER 6

INDIVIDUAL

1)                  Have you ever taken exception to sb’s remarks and told them so?

2)                  What would you take into account if you wanted to buy a car/a flat/

a laptop/ a mobile phone?

3)                  What’s your opinion about manufactured boy bands? Do you think there is a relationship between fashion and music?

 PAIRS

1)                  Do you think when sb gets married/has children his/her friends

start taking second place?

2)                  Do you think music can help sick people heal? Do you think it affects unborn children?

3)                  Opera is just as chauvinistic as reggaeton. Discuss!

CHAPTER 7

INDIVIDUAL 

1) Is there some policy/rule at your workplace/university you are not in tune with?

2) Do you tend to buy things you don’t need because they are going for a song?

3) Were you the apple of sb’s eye when you were a child? (= sb’s favourite)

PAIRS

1) What would you suggest young people do to have a second string to their bows

in their pursue for a job? (besides learning English)

2) Would you turn a blind eye if you saw a child stealing candy in a shop? What if it was a teenager stealing a phone? What if it was sb throwing some rubbish on the ground?

3) What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over. Do you agree?

CHAPTER 8

INDIVIDUAL

1)                  Have you ever had to burn the midnight oil?

2)                  When a friend is disloyal, do you tend to burn your bridges and stop

being friends with them? What reason would make you want to burn

your bridges?

3)                  Have you ever felt out of place at a party/ in a group of people? Why?

PAIRS

1)                 What factor(s) might be more important for a person choosing to live in a big city? What are the main drawbacks of city living?

2)                  The amount of litter in the streets in some cities is appaling. What can we do to tackle the problem?

3)                  Living in the countryside and working in the city. The best of both worlds. Do you agree?

SPEAKING PRACTICE - C2.2

CHAPTER 11

INDIVIDUAL

If you were the one calling the tune at your workplace/in your household/in your block

of flats/ at your university, is there some rule or procedure you’d like to implement?

PAIRS

Do you know anybody who is always trying to keep up appearances? What do you think about people who are always trying to do that?

CHAPTER 12

INDIVIDUAL

If a friend of yours was dating sb you didn’t like, would you call a spade  a spade (= be direct and totally honest) and tell them what you think?

PAIRS

If sb had set their sights on (= focus on sth as a goal) getting a job at your workplace/doing their PhD/ getting the highest marks possible in your degree, what strategy would you recommend to achieve it?

CHAPTER 13

INDIVIDUAL

Think about your daily routine. What could you do to help save the planet?

PAIRS

Biodiversity is important for a healthy planet. What are the best methods to maintain it?

CHAPTER 14

INDIVIDUAL

Do you usually decide on services/places following the advice you get by word of mouth

(= just speaking, not written)? What was the last thing that was recommended to you and you liked /didn't like?

PAIRS

Do you think it is possible to live off the grid (= to live without one's home connected to municipal utility systems, e.g the water or electricity supply)?

CHAPTER 15

INDIVIDUAL

Are internships important? Do you think interns receive fair treatment?

PAIRS

What leadership qualities are important to be a successful leader?

CHAPTER 16

INDIVIDUAL

What makes a book hard to put down?

PAIRS

Can poetry and literature be successfully translated?

CHAPTER 17

INDIVIDUAL

Going on holiday is by far the best remedy for a broken heart. Do you agree?

PAIRS

A person is never happy except at the price of some ignorance. Discuss this quote.

CHAPTER 18

INDIVIDUAL

Social media – a toolkit for greater freedom. Do you agree?

PAIRS

Will globalization lead to more or less freedom for the individual?

CHAPTER 19

INDIVIDUAL

Do you believe in coincidences? What is your take on ghost hunt, poltergeist and similar phenomena?

PAIRS

Why do you think the topic of paranormal phenomena has been so popular in fiction and films in recent year?