Useful Phrases for your monologue (Ignore the first paragraph)
Saturday, 16 May 2026
EL PAÍS (News in English)
Dear readers,
Donald Trump is in Beijing for a much-anticipated visit in which Chinese President Xi Jinping has already warned the U.S. leader that bilateral ties hinge on the red-line issue of Taiwan. But there are other key points that will be discussed, from AI to rare earths.
Trump reportedly also asked the Chinese leader for help getting Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The war in Iran may be driving up gas prices, but it is also giving the U.S. hegemony in global oil and gas exports.
Elsewhere this week, we explored how Spanish law enforcement, working with U.S. intelligence, seized the largest cocaine shipment on record, as well as the growing power of the world’s new plutocrats.
And finally, we answered a pressing question: why do luxury hotels smell so good?
We hope you enjoy this selection of stories from EL PAÍS USA Edition.
You can also read:
- Keir Starmer, stripped bare: neither charisma nor political acumen
- Down the pipes with Super Mario: an interactive journey
- The organ is back: How a fiendishly complex Baroque instrument has become fashionable again
- Andes hantavirus: Deadly 2018 outbreak shows it is not only transmitted through close contact
Friday, 15 May 2026
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Improve your Vocabulary 2
Rephrase as many times as possible using the words in the lists:
The present was nice and interesting, but expensive. Improve your Vocabulary
Rephrase as many times as possible using the words in the lists:
The information was important and amazing.
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
C2 Speaking Techniques
Barack Obama's Top 4 Speaking Techniques
This video (below) analyzes the speaking techniques used by Barack Obama in an interview with Hasan Minhaj. Obama's use of summary prompts, analogies, and examples makes him a clear and engaging communicator. He also shows vulnerability and a sense of humor, which makes him relatable and likable.
This video (below) analyzes the speaking techniques used by Barack Obama in an interview with Hasan Minhaj. Obama's use of summary prompts, analogies, and examples makes him a clear and engaging communicator. He also shows vulnerability and a sense of humor, which makes him relatable and likable.
By modeling these techniques and teaching them to your students, you can help them develop the skills they need to become confident and effective communicators in their own personal and professional lives. [This is the reason for this post ;-)]
From: PUBLIC SPEAKING
Bulletin of the JALT Mind, Brain, and Education SIG
Volume 11, Issue 8 | ISSN 2434-1002 | Aug 1, 2025 (page 12)
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
C1 May ORALS
Write your name (with your classmate pair if you have it) and the day & time you choose for your final oral exam. I'll be writing your names and days & times on this post as I receive your answers in the Comment Section or you tell me in class. (Just like we did in the mock exams)
Mon. 18th, classroom 11
16.00-16.45: Víctor &
16.45-17.30: Marimar & Juan
17.30-18.15: Mª Dolores & Lucía Martínez
18.30-19.15: Lucía Bonaque & Fran H.
19.15-20.00: Amy & Carlos
Tue. 19th, classroom 1
16.00-16.45: Álvaro & Miguel
16.45-17.30: Sara & Antonio O.
17.30-18.15: Kristen & Elia
18.30-19.15: Antonio P. & Ismail
19.15-20.00: Rosa & Fran M.
C2 May ORALS
Fri. 15th, classroom 1
9.30-10.15: Daniel &
10.15-11.00: Daniela & Pedro
11.15- 12.00: Beatriz & José Luis
Speaking Practice
- Decide on the main points you want to develop.
- Select the vocabulary chunks and grammar you want to use.
- Be ready to use connectors and links between your ideas and make your points sound coherent.
- Have fillers ready to use in case you forget or don't know how to express something.
· Do some speaking practice with the following cards: Childhood memories, Describe a resort, Important moments / decisions in your life, Security measures.
· Try some the following Splendid Speaking Activities to rehearse both the speech and the interaction parts of the oral exam:
Technology, Music, Language Learning, Jobs, Environmental Concerns, Cultural Attractions, Jobs, Eating Habits, Travel, Money, People, Home Sweet Home, Work, Life, Personality, Sport and Fitness, Cinema & TV, National Festivals.
Monday, 11 May 2026
What are you Afraid of?
Answer the question
using the vocabulary in the picture.
fear I have a dreadful fear of heights.terror She fled from the attacker in terror.
phobia He has no real desire to travel and suffers from a phobia of flying.
dread The thought of giving a speech filled me with dread.
alarm I don't want to cause you any alarm, but there's a rattlesnake in the path ahead of you.
fright The family ran from their home in fright when the earthquake struck.
paranoia There's a lot of paranoia about crime at the moment.dread The thought of giving a speech filled me with dread.
alarm I don't want to cause you any alarm, but there's a rattlesnake in the path ahead of you.
fright The family ran from their home in fright when the earthquake struck.
anxiety /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/ That explains his anxiety about / over his health.
horror The thought of speaking in front of so many people fills me with horror.panic Panic spread through the crowd when someone shouted "Fire!"
Saturday, 9 May 2026
Learn English with Songs!
You can also have a look at Cambridge Learn English through songs
Friday, 8 May 2026
Thursday, 7 May 2026
Concert Cancelled
We regret to inform you that, due to adverse weather conditions, we are forced to cancel today’s scheduled concert by the Sonrisas Harmony choir.
We will look for the most suitable date during the next academic year. Sorry for the inconvenience.
We will look for the most suitable date during the next academic year. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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