MY COURSES OCTUBER - DECEMBER 2018

B2.4

C1.1

C2.3

CAE  + materials

B2.4 INFO AND EXAM STRUCTURE

Tuesday - Thursdays 4 - 6pm

Check post MY COURSES for more info

+ 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 info 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

01/11 NO CLASS
06/12 NO CLASS


Last class: 13.12.18


FINAL EXAM 

WRITTEN 18.12.18 (Tuesday from 4 to 6)

SPEAKING 20.12.18 (Thursday from from 4 to 6)

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO HAVE 80% ATTENDANCE (you can miss 5 classes / 10 hours) to take the exam.
REMEMBER YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK 25hours at home

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

C1.1 INFO AND EXAM STRUCTURE

Materials you need to buy/ get (obligatory)

1) EF ENGLISH FILE ADVANCED, STUDENT'S BOOK
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

2) EXTRA PHOTOCOPIES

-----------------------------------------------

3) EF ENGLISH FILE ADVANCED, WORKBOOK - NOT OBLIGATORY, EXTRA!

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! We'll correct them at the beginning of every class.
I won't accept writings handed in past the deadline.

Holidays Group Tuesday- Thursday

01/11 NO CLASS
06/12 NO CLASS


Last class: 13.12.18


FINAL EXAM 

WRITTEN 18.12.18 (Tuesday from 4 to 6)

SPEAKING 20.12.18 (Thursday from from 4 to 6)

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO HAVE 80% ATTENDANCE (you can miss 5 classes / 10 hours) to take the exam.

REMEMBER YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK 25 hours at home


C1.1. EXAM STRUCTURE (to be confirmed)

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 con preguntas tipo A, B, C o matching o true/false (justificando el porque si es falsa si las instrucciones lo requieren) o seleccionar que información se menciona en el texto.

USE OF ENGLISH
30- 50 preguntas de rephrasing, choose the correct option or use the correct word (aquí entran have - auxiliary/main verb, discourse markers - linkers, pronouns, the past, get, discourse markers - adverbs and adverbial expressions, speculation and deduction, adding emphasis, distancing and unreal uses of the past tenses-  todo lo que sale en la parte de gramática p.140-149 y vocabulario p. 160-166 de los temas  1-5 del libro)

LISTENING
2 AUDIOS (cada uno se escucha 2 veces) con preguntas tipo A, B, C o matching o TRUE/FALSE  (justificando el porque si es falsa si las instrucciones lo requieren) o completar con la palabra(s) correcta.

WRITING
A escoger 1 entre 3 opciones:

1) formal letter  - job application (250 palabras) - check p. 112/113
2) article (250 palabras) - check p. 114/115
3) dos writings cortos (125 palabras cada uno) entre las siguientes opciones -
 a) blog entry about an experience you lived (terrible, rewarding, scary ...) - check p. 163, extra photocopies
b) blog entry about some childhood memory --- check p. 143, book (My earliest memory)
c) a short presentation about  somebody (a person who inspired you, a famous person in your city, a teacher you had) - check p. 167, extra photocopies
d) breaking news story using distancing expressions (check p. 148 grammar)


SPEAKING

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

Check examples here: http://ceciliasclasses.blogspot.com.es/2017/01/c11-speaking.html (not finished, work in progress)

C2.3 INFO AND EXAM STRUCTURE

Materials you need to buy/ get

PROFICIENCY EXPERT - PEARSON

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! We'll correct them at the beginning of every class.
I won't accept writings handed in past the deadline.

Last class: 12.12.18


FINAL EXAM 

WRITTEN 17.12.18 (Monday from 4 to 6)

SPEAKING 19.12.18 (Wednesday from from 4 to 6)

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO HAVE 80% ATTENDANCE (you can miss 5 classes / 10 hours) to take the exam.

REMEMBER YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK 25 hours at home


C2.3. EXAM STRUCTURE (to be confirmed)

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.

1) READING

1) Multiple choice (A, B, C)  - recycling
2) Paragraphs removed - technology

2) USE OF ENGLISH

GRAMMAR 

Underline the correct option
Revise grammar p. 172 - 178

Choose the correct option

COLLOCATIONS, PHRASAL VERBS, PHRASES and IDIOMS

Complete the sentences with the correct idiom, collocation or part of a set phrase using the words given

p. 10 - 3a
p. 11 - 4
p. 
p. 34 - 1a, 2, 3a
p. 43
p. 175

PHRASAL VERBS
p. 27

WORD FORMATION (based on Use of English 1 - paper 1, part 3)

p. 11
p. 26
p. 27
p. 38
p. 43


+ photocopy p. 26-31
 
3) LISTENING
Formats:
Multiple choice (a, b, c)
Fill in the blanks


4) WRITING

ESSAY
Check example p. 14 + p. 192/193
Check example p. 20-21 + solutions p. 3-4 (+ example)
Check p. 52-53 + solutions p. 12 (+ example)

Write an essay based on 2 short texts provided, presenting either opposing or complementary viewpoints.
Summarise and evaluate the key  ideas expressed, using your own words.
Add your own ideas where relevant, deciding how far you agree with the points presented.
Eventually select 1-2 important short phrases to 'quote' from the texts.
Use an unmarked register (neither formal, nor informal)
Use an impersonal tone and NO reference to personal experience (BUT you
do need to share your opinions)

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


ARTICLE (semi-formal)
Check p. 30 + solutions p. 6-7 (+ example)
Check p. 197 example and structure
Check p. 36-37 + solutions p. 8 (+ example)


Choose a suitable, snappy title that will capture the readers' attention

Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I completed the task? (Content): it will require you to describe and evaluate
- Is my article well-organised? (Organisation)
- Have I used a wide range of vocabulary? (Language) : you can also use idioms and collocations
- Have I used different grammar tenses? (Language)
- Is all the article writen in the same style? (Style) : in the exam - semiformal and anecdotal
- 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

REPORT
Check p. 62 + solutions p. 14-15
Check p. 68 + solutions p. 16-17 (+ example)
Check p. 200 example

Use impersonal language and a neutral tone
Use passive structures
Use sub-headings for each section
Add bullets when listing information
Use linkers and connectors

STRUCTURE
Intro: say what the reports presents, examines and that it makes recommendations.
2-3 paragraphs (don't forget to state the findings of the research)
Conclusion and recommendations (and the benefits of implementing them)

REVIEW
Check p. 84-85  + solution p. 22 (+ example)
Check p. 78 + solutions p. 20-21 (+ example)
Check p. 201 example

STRUCTURE (review of a book)

1)     Who it was for and why you thought of a specific genre/topic
2)     Outline of the plot, highlighting what is special/peculiar
3)     What makes it attractive, e.g. some specific detail
4)     Why you picked that book and not another
5)     Criticism, if any
6)     Final general recommendation

SPEAKING

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

EXAMPLES HERE

CAE PREPARATION COURSE

Información sobre convocatorias aquí

CLASSES FROM SEPTEMBER 26TH TO NOVEMBER 28TH
WEDNESDAYS FROM 6 TO 9PM

30 hours of classes
45 hours minimum of work at home

You will get 6 CREDITS (3 for the course + 3 for the exam) if you pass the exam.

BOOKS WE USE IN CLASS
1) CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS because your homework will come from there
2) ADVANCED TRAINER we need this one in class

CLASSES AND HOMEWORK



1) HOMEWORK FOR OCTOBER 3RD

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) HOMEWORK FOR OCTOBER 10TH

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

p. 61, ex: 2, TRACK 1.09 + ex: 3

p. 61, ex: 4 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 S1 - S2 (back of trainer, after p. 256) - S1 talk about each picture for approx 30 seconds - S2 talk about the two pictures for 1 minute, time yourself. Use HYPOTHESISING EXPRESSIONS on p. 63 trainer.
It would also be a good idea to record yourself and listen to it afterwards.

3) HOMEWORK FOR OCTOBER 17TH

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). 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)


4) HOMEWORK  FOR OCTOBER 24TH

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

LA CLASE DEL 31 DE OCTUBRE SE CAMBIA AL 12 DE DICIEMBRE - MISMA HORA!

5) HOMEWORK FOR NOVEMBER 7TH

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) The tracks will give you the instructions and timings.
SOLUTIONS AND TRANSRIPT p. 130-137

6) HOMEWORK FOR NOVEMBER 14TH

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 ). The tracks will give you the instructions and timings. SOLUTIONS AND TRANSRIPT p. 139-146

ADVANCED TRAINER

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

7) HOMEWORK FOR NOVEMBER 21TH

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). 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

8) HOMEWORK FOR NOVEMBER 28TH
CAE 1-4 EXAMINATION PAPERS
 
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. 134 - 141 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 232-233
p. 156 - 162 READING AND USE OF ENGLISH, PART 5-8, SOLUTIONS p. 238-239


9) TO REVISE BEFORE YOUR EXAM

 ADVANCED TRAINER

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

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




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 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 

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

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 

Useful expressions for your speaking exam

MAKING YOUR POINT/ EMPHASIZING THAT SOMETHING IS YOUR OWN OPINION
In my opinion, ...
In my view ...
Personally, I think that ...
Personally speaking,
I reckon ...
If you ask me, ...
I'd say that ...
I feel that ...
My feeling is that ...
As far as I am concerned ...
From my point of view ...
It is my belief,
For my part,
As I see it,
The way I see it,
From where I stand,
To be honest,
That's my personal opinion.
That's about it, I think.
That's how I see things.
That's basically where I am at on this.

AGREEING
I completely/totally agree ...
I quite agree ...
That's (just) what I think, too.
That's a good point.
That's exaclty the point.ç
You are absolutely right.
I'll go along with that.
I'd go along with that.
Absolutely.
I can't disagree.
You are right there.

HALF-AGREEING
I see/ take your point, but ...
I see what you mean, but ...
I agree up to a point, but ...
You have got a point, but ...
I sort of agree.
I know what you mean, but isn't it also true that?
That may be the case, but ...

DISAGREEING
I completely disagree.
I don't agree at all.
No, you are missing the point.
That's not the point.
I can't see your point at all.
But that's not always the case.
I am not so sure about that.
I am not sure I agree with you.
I am afraid I don't really agree.
I don't really think you are right.
Not necessarily.
I think there might be another way of looking at it.

UNCERTAINTY
I am undecided ...
I am unsure ...
I am ambivalent about ...
I am in two minds about ...
It is not something I have very strong views about,

ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION
You mean ...
Sorry, I don't really see what you are getting at
Sorry, I don't quite follow you

END OF AN ANSWER
… in my view, anyway.
That’s my opinion, anyway.
So, in short …
All in all …
And that’s about it, really.

STARTING/CLOSING A DISCUSSION
We couLd start by talking about ...
Let's talk about ... first.
I think we need to make a decision.
Shall we try to come to an agreement?

 CONTRAST
But on the other hand …
But at the same time ...
Although I must admit that …
Having said that, …  

PREDICTIONS about yourself
I guess I’ll …
I reckon I will …
I don’t think I’ll ever …
I don’t imagine I’ll …

SUPPOSING ABOUT OTHERS
They are probably …
They probably + verb
They must + verb
It looks as if they are + ing
I imagine they might + verb  

PROPOSING
Let’s go to (this photography exhibition).
Well, why don’t we go to (this photography exhibition).
How does this sound?
Shall we go and see (this photography exhibition).?
How about going to (this photography exhibition).?
I have got an idea. We could go to (this photography exhibition).
Do you fancy going to see (this photography exhibition)?
Would you like to go to (this photography exhibition)?  

EXPRESSING OPINIONS/ REACTING
Believe me, …
… seems like the best option to me.
I am really keen on the idea of …
If you ask me, I really think we should …
But just think of the …. !
Personally, I am in favour of … (+ gerund)
I am sure it will be worth it.
Let’s go for it.
Oh, come on!
… , don’t you agree?  

REACTING in a negative way
I don’t find (modern art) very interesting.
I am not really into (modern art) In fact, I don’t really like(modern art) at all.
To be honest, (modern art) just makes me laugh.
(Modern art) isn’t really my thing.
I am not a big fan of (modern art)

REACTING TO STRANGE INFORMATION
How weird/ strange/ bizarre/ odd!
How spooky!
How awful!

EXCLAMATIONS
What a great/brilliant/fantastic idea!
What an amazing coincidence!
What a terrible experience!
What a pity!
What a waste of time!
What bad luck!
What a shame!

How interesting!
How annoying!
How embarrassing!
How awful!

ALLOWING YOURSELF TIME TO THINK
I need to think for a moment.
That’s an interesting question.
That's a tricky question, really.
Well, it’s difficult to say, really.
That's quite a difficult one.
Let me see.
It depends …
I guess an honest answer would be …
I suppose the simplest answer to that question is …
If I think about it, I suppose …
On balance, I think …
The best example that comes to mind is ...
I have never given it a lot of thought ...
I must admit I haven't really thought about it much before ...

GENERALISING
Broadly speaking ...
To a great extent ...
In general ...
On the whole

 TALKING ABOUT MISUNDERSTANDINGS
I was under the impression that …
I thought that … but in fact …
Naturally I assumed that …
It turned out that …
It was so embarrassing.
I was horrified.
I felt awful.
I felt such a fool.
We had a good laugh about it.  

COMPARING PHOTOS
The most obvious similarity is that both photos show …
You can see … in both photos.
The … in photo 1 is/are … . Similarly, the … in photo 2 is/are …
The … is the same in both photos.
In the first photo ... but in the second one ...
This picture ... while on the other hand this one ...
In comparison to the first photo, this one ...
The biggest difference between the photos is that photo 1 shows … whereas photo 2 shows …
While photo 1 shows ..., photo 2 on the other hand …
The … is completely different in the two photos.

And you'll find many more here:
http://www.uefap.com/speaking/group/grouplan.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv281.shtml

SPEAKING PRACTICE - C2.3

SPEAKING C2.3

INDIVIDUAL

CHAPTER 1

1) Do you generally `prefer to be anonymous or to stand out in a crowd?

2) How do you think musical training might enhance other areas of your life?

CHAPTER 2

3) What aspects of the natural world do you appreciate the most? Which aspects of modern society do you enjoy the least?

4) Describe a place that you have enjoyed visiting, evaluating its importance as a place of natural beauty.

5) In what way are you trying to help the environment in your daily life?

CHAPTER 3

6) What do you think about the following methods to promote health: acupuncture, meditation, aromatherapy and dance therapy.

7) Under what circumstances would you recommend that sb should buy a self-help book or go and see a professional psychologist?

CHAPTER 4

8) What do you think about the idea of digital detox? How do you think digital dependency will change in the next 10 years?

9) What are the effects of mobile use in public places, on the way of people interact socially and specifically in your life?

CHAPTER 5

10) Which type of book would you take with you to read on holiday?

11) How important are these characteristics in your workfield:  creative imagination, working under pressure, dealing with emergencies, being sympathetic,  good oratorial skills.


PAIRS

CHAPTER 1

1) Discuss this statement: Etiquette should be taught by parents.

2) Technology is causing young people to have shorter attention spans.

CHAPTER 2

3) Should we try to bring 'civilisation' to uncontacted tribes or do they have the right to follow their traditional way of life in peace?

4) Discuss the importance of renewable energies.

5) Discuss the pros and cons of keeping animals as a food source.

CHAPTER 3

6) Discuss the following statement: you have the right to say 'I don't care'

7) Imagine you are promoting a TV programme on popular leisure activities to promote wellbeing. Discuss which activities you would include and why.

CHAPTER 4

8) Online game are a great way of learning to perform problem-solving tasks of all kinds. Discuss.

9) I can't see the point of social networks sites, with people cluttering pages with meaningless comments all the time. Discuss.

10) What ways of sharing ideas and information over the internet may be beneficial?

CHAPTER 5

11) What makes a good book?

12) Which areas do parents tend to encourage more in their young children? Art, music, maths, creativity, intuition, logic? Which do you think is the most important?

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?


More to be added

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 - C1.1

 WORK IN PROGRESS - NOT FINISHED

 Individual

1) Can you remember something you were afraid of when you were a child? Do you have any childhood memory of any special event or celebration? Did you use to get pocket money? What was your favourite place when you were little? Were you part of any organization or youth club? Would you have liked to?

2) Is there some attitude you can't stand and drives you crazy? Is there a person in your family that particularly annoys you? What about at work? Do you prefer music or silence when studying/working/driving/ at the gym? Is there any sound that really bothers you? What about a sound that really relaxes you?

3) What's your favourite book? Why? Is there any book that you started reading and couldn't put down? What about one that you really disliked? Would you like to be a translator? Why? Why not? Do you prefer reading books and watching films in the original language?

4) Were there any favourite places where you used to like going as a child? What did you do there? Who were the people you felt closest to when you were younger? Did you have any chores while you were growing up? How did you feel about them? As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you change your mind afterwards?

5) Do you consider yourself a person who usually gets their own way? Do you know anyone who does? Do you think women are better than men at getting presents for people? Is there someone in your family or group of friends that really gets on your nerves? Do you tend to keep up to date with your studies/work, or do you often get behind?

6) Would you ever go on a blind date? What would be the best place to go for a first date?  Do you have any childhood memories of a nice day out or a special occasion?  How did you use to celebrate your birthday when you were younger? DO you have any good memory of when you were in secondary school?

7) Do you have a favourite historical film? Can you describe a scene of a film that particularly impressed you? Have you ever read a book after seeing a film based on it? Do you watch  TV series based on historical facts?

8) Is there anything or anybody that is taking up a lot of your time lately? What do you most enjoy doing when you have some me time? What do you usually do to kill time when you are waiting at the airport? Are you often short of time in the mornings? 

Pairs - Groups

1) Discuss the following statement:  when children are young it's better for one parent not to work and look after them

2) Discuss the following statement: there should be at least one hour every evening when all members of the family turn off their electronic devices and talk to each other.

3) Discuss the following statement:  marriage should be a 5-year renewable contract.

4) Discuss the following statement: the only way to learn a foreign language is to move to the country where it is spoken.

5) Talk together about what foreigners should do to fully integrate in Spain.

6) Talk together about the dos and don'ts at a first date, in terms of best place/plan, appearance, lying, politeness, first impressions.

7) Discuss the following statement: people get wiser as they get older

8) Discuss the following statement: school doesn't help you to get anywhere in life.

SPEAKING PRACTICE - B2.4

SPEAKING


INDIVIDUALES 

Monólogo: los candidatos reaccionarán ante un estímulo visual o ante un tema propuesto en la lámina de examen. Durante tres minutos como mínimo, tendrán que realizar descripciones, narraciones, expresar el punto de vista, etc., según la propuesta del tribunal. El entrevistador podrá realizar preguntas para guiar la prueba si lo estima conveniente. (3 – 4 minutos cada candidato)

1)      Would you like to have an identical twin? What advantages and disadvantages might there be?

2)      Would you like to be an only child? What advantages and disadvantages might there be?

3)      Tell us about a person you can’t stand and why.

4)      Do you have any particular good or bad habits? How easy is it to learn new habits or stop bad ones?

5)      Tell us about something strange or unusual that has happened to you.

6)      Tell us about a misunderstanding you have been involved in.

7)      In 5 years’ time, what kind of house will you be living in? clothes will you be wearing?

8)      In 25 years’ time, what kind of hobbies will you be doing? job will you be doing?

9)      Imagine that scientists could develop an ‘immortality pill’ that allowed people to live forever. Would you take it? Why/ Why not?

10)  What therapy or strategy would you use with an out-of-control teenager?

11)  Tell us about a funny thing that happened to you when you were out with your friends.

12)  Imagine you could have any superpower you can think of. What would you choose and how would you use it?

13)  A relative gives you a bag as a present. You don’t like it, so you give it away. The relative then asks you how often you use it. Would you tell a lie?

14)  One of your relatives is dating a person you don’t like. When he/she asks you what you think of this person, would you be sincere?

15)  What would be the advantages of doing a language course in an English-speaking country, rather than in your country? Would there be any disadvantages?

16)  Are zoos a good or bad thing?

17)  What do you think about graffiti? Are they vandalism? What is art for you?

18)  Have you seen any good film lately? Tell us about it.

19)  Tell us about something you were always warned not to do as a child.

20)  What is your learning style? What memory strategies do you use to prepare for an exam?

21)  Do you have any strange obsession? Are you addicted to someone? Do you know anyone who is?

22)  Nowadays people can’t live without their computers and cell phones. How important are new technologies in your life?

23)  Do you like travelling? Why do people travel? What’s your travelling style?

24)  If you could choose to live the life of another person for one week, which life would you most like to try?

25)  Do you judge people by the way they dress?

26)  What are your earliest memories?

27)  What would you do if you found yourself in a survival situation?

28)  Is there anyone your particularly admire? Why?

29)  Talk about things you don’t enjoy but have to put up with.

30)  What social problems are there where you live? How could individuals tackle them?

PAREJAS

Interacción oral: los candidatos dialogan entre sí para alcanzar un objetivo común o contrastar puntos de vista sobre el tema propuesto. Dispondrán de una ficha con la información suficiente para la realización de la tarea (aprox. 7 minutos)

Encontraréis ejemplos aquí http://es.padlet.com/sheaven7/ENGLISHB24
(La contraseña es mi nombre escrito en mayúsculas)
Check the photos/speaking prompts labelled: oral exam practice

Criterios de evaluación

1. Adecuación.
2. Interacción: las intervenciones favorecen la cooperación para el cumplimiento de la tarea propuesta.
3. Pronunciación.
4. Fluidez.
5. Competencia gramatical.
6. Organización discursiva.