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Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
FOR BEN: Cambridge practice book page 86 writing part1
Sports are an essential part of our life. In fact, sports allow improving everyone's mental and physical health. Most of the time, sports bring great results for people of any age, especially to young people. However there are not only benefits but also some drawbacks.
To begin with, there can be lots of hidden expenses when you participate in sports. For instance, clothing, coaching costs and equipment. Practices can eat up a lot of your time,especially if there is travelling involved so as a result you might loose a lots of events that you would like to attend as a teenager. Finally if practices get harder you may suffer from anxiety and have sleep problems.
However, benefits overweight the drawbacks of participating in a sport. First of all, one of the most obvious advantages of a sport is increasing physical health. Additionally sports is a way to make friends as similar interst are shared. Moreover, it is believed that participation in sports can increase academic achievement. Finally, they will learn the value of teamwork ( depends on the sport ) and learn to select the trustworthy people.
So, do you think all young people should play a sport ? Personally, I think it is up to them, Not anyone is made to play sports, although everyone should give it a try because it is a real learning experience.
Monday, March 30, 2020
Some food for thought
Step 1: Watch this informative video. You can also activate the English subtitles. Notice the vocabulary which is used.
Step 2: Read these articles and/or other related ones on the web, concerning the recently imposed lockdown and quarantine due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The causes and effects of our current situation could easily be topics of discussion in all the official oral exams in June.
Suggested reading:
How to Keep Mentally Healthy During a Quarantine (with a quiz for learners of English at the end)
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| Reflect on this quote, too. |
Step 3: Now answer at least two of the following questions in the comment section below or in your own post on this blog. Click on the image to read the questions.
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| Typo in question number 5: Have your eating habits...? |
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
E-MAIL TO KEELY
Dear Keely,
Thanks for your e-mail. You know you can always ask me anything.
Your idea sounds really interesting, but l can understand why you are unwilling to go. Being at that school, there is a small possibility you may feel lonely, and you might become antisocial by not having friends. Another thing that should be considered is the fact that (a little too formal here for a letter to a penpal) there is a chance of the new school (we need a subject for every gerund or infinitive) not growing on you and maybenot liking it. it not being to your liking.
From the opposing point of view (this is not an essay- your writing must be informal!), it would be rewarding to be a student of this school because you will have the opportunity to have a good business/ professional future. And did you know that going to this school can be a good way to make new friends and socialize? So you never know, you might enjoy it. (bravo, this is the appropriate tone)
Overall, I think it's a good idea. If I were you, I would definitely go there at least once, just to see if you like it. But it's up to you and you should do what feels right. Let me know what you decide, and if you go, send me an e-mail tosee tell me what is your first impressions are.
Love, ('Best Wishes' would be better for a penpal)
Manolis
Bravo Manolis for your effort to use our new vocabulary and paragraph plan. Your advice is very good, too, and makes sense. Take a look at my corrections here as well as at your classmates' posts below and let me know if you understand or agree with my changes. Be careful with some essay expressions you keep using in informal contexts. This removes 'communication effect' marks from candidates.
Content 5/5
Language 3/5
Organisation 4/5
Communication effect 3/5
Total score: 15/20! That is great! Keep up the effort, talented blogger! Christina 👌👏💪
Thanks for your e-mail. You know you can always ask me anything.
Your idea sounds really interesting, but l can understand why you are unwilling to go. Being at that school, there is a small possibility you may feel lonely, and you might become antisocial by not having friends. Another thing that should be considered is the fact that (a little too formal here for a letter to a penpal) there is a chance of the new school (we need a subject for every gerund or infinitive) not growing on you and maybe
From the opposing point of view (this is not an essay- your writing must be informal!), it would be rewarding to be a student of this school because you will have the opportunity to have a good business/ professional future. And did you know that going to this school can be a good way to make new friends and socialize? So you never know, you might enjoy it. (bravo, this is the appropriate tone)
Overall, I think it's a good idea. If I were you, I would definitely go there at least once, just to see if you like it. But it's up to you and you should do what feels right. Let me know what you decide, and if you go, send me an e-mail to
Love, ('Best Wishes' would be better for a penpal)
Manolis
Bravo Manolis for your effort to use our new vocabulary and paragraph plan. Your advice is very good, too, and makes sense. Take a look at my corrections here as well as at your classmates' posts below and let me know if you understand or agree with my changes. Be careful with some essay expressions you keep using in informal contexts. This removes 'communication effect' marks from candidates.
Content 5/5
Language 3/5
Organisation 4/5
Communication effect 3/5
Total score: 15/20! That is great! Keep up the effort, talented blogger! Christina 👌👏💪
Informal letter
Dear Keeley,
Thanks for your email. I hope you are doing great. It is great hearing from you. I am so happy that you asked for my advice. You know that you can always ask me anything you want.I can totally understand the difficult situation that you are in.It is hard to make such a tough decision, COMMA HERE especially if it is going to have an effect on your future.
To begin with, COMMA I can understand how hard it is for you to leave your school, as you will have to start over and make new friends. Secondly, COMMA you might find it tough to adapt be adapted, due to the fact that (a little too formal here) everything is going to be new to you.
However, there are many benefits of going to that music high school that you might not have thought about. First of all, you are going to meet new people that are devoted to music too. Additionally, you are going to have specialist teachers that will help you not only be a better musician, COMMA but also to try out new instruments. Finally, you may end up performing in concerts and maybe that will help you lead to a career.
I hope that you found my advice helpful. If I were you, I would take this opportunity without a second thought, but it is up to you. Let me know what you decide.
Take care,
Evridiki
*Remember: always use commas after linking expressions at the beginning of the sentence.
Great piece of writing! Friendly tone and loads of B2-level expressions.
Content 5/5
Organisation 4/5
Language 4/5
Communicative effect 4/5 --> could be 5/5
17/20 --> very close to 18/20!! Well done, amazing blogger! Christina 👍💕💟
*Remember: always use commas after linking expressions at the beginning of the sentence.
Great piece of writing! Friendly tone and loads of B2-level expressions.
Content 5/5
Organisation 4/5
Language 4/5
Communicative effect 4/5 --> could be 5/5
17/20 --> very close to 18/20!! Well done, amazing blogger! Christina 👍💕💟
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
ex. G, p. 111 Student's book (Letter/Email) B2 (lower)
Dear Keeley,
I'm glad to have received your email and I hope you figure something out after my suggestions, COMMA as that's a serious decision for your future.Also, you will certainly benefit from that school, COMMA since it is specifically designed for talented students, like you, COMMAS and many more who might not have the opportunity to have a learning experience like that.
To begin with, I can understand why you are not comfortable with this decision. I was in your shoes 9 years ago when I had to choose between the mathematic school and the normal/ conventional one, where most students used to be. So after a lot of consideration, I opted for the maths school and today I am one of the best mathematicians in the country, having a really well-paid job and a family, too. * So, if where you, I would probably opt for the music school for the simple reason that it will be oneoff of the most beneficial colleges high schools for you and for every talented musician to go to.
On the other hand, you may lose some friends andwon't you may not be able to communicate with them in person when you are used to, in the mornings before the school ring rangs bell rings and start the lessons start. Nevertheless, (that is a little too formal for a letter to a friend- you can still use however) you will be able to chat with them, COMMA using the social media or even having video chats with them providing you have a smartphone or a tablet. Besides, you could meet them at cafés and talk about the news in their school, as you will be absent.
In conclusion, that's a great opportunity for you το expand your knowledge on music and try to study it at the future.Nonetheless, (too formal again) it's up to you what you choose and I hope that you are well-informed about the music school and what it will imply.
Love/ Best wishes is more appropriate for a penpal,
Anderson-> you must sign off with your first name
*Jim, you are supposed to be a student with an English-speaking friend. You don't have to assume the role of a successful adult just to convince your friend to follow your advice. You have to be you and that is enough! (Good life advice, by the way!) So you are just a student choosing to pursue Maths and you recommend this kind of special school to your penpal. Simple as that!
Your attempt at writing the letter was a great one! Some words could be a little less formal, but still you proved you can use advanced vocabulary and grammar. Your sympathy towards your friend and good advice also gave you marks. Pay attention to my corrections, which we can discuss in person or in the chat group with the rest of your class.
Communicative effect 4/5 (because of the way you signed off and your new identity!)
Language 4/5
Organisation 4/5
Content 5/5
17/20!!! Well done, Jim! Keep up the effort! Christina 💪😏👍
I'm glad to have received your email and I hope you figure something out after my suggestions, COMMA as that's a serious decision for your future.Also, you will certainly benefit from that school, COMMA since it is specifically designed for talented students, like you, COMMAS and many more who might not have the opportunity to have a learning experience like that.
To begin with, I can understand why you are not comfortable with this decision. I was in your shoes 9 years ago when I had to choose between the mathematic school and the normal/ conventional one, where most students used to be. So after a lot of consideration, I opted for the maths school and today I am one of the best mathematicians in the country, having a really well-paid job and a family, too. * So, if where you, I would probably opt for the music school for the simple reason that it will be one
On the other hand, you may lose some friends and
In conclusion, that's a great opportunity for you το expand your knowledge on music and try to study it at the future.Nonetheless, (too formal again) it's up to you what you choose and I hope that you are well-informed about the music school and what it will imply.
Love/ Best wishes is more appropriate for a penpal,
Anderson-> you must sign off with your first name
*Jim, you are supposed to be a student with an English-speaking friend. You don't have to assume the role of a successful adult just to convince your friend to follow your advice. You have to be you and that is enough! (Good life advice, by the way!) So you are just a student choosing to pursue Maths and you recommend this kind of special school to your penpal. Simple as that!
Your attempt at writing the letter was a great one! Some words could be a little less formal, but still you proved you can use advanced vocabulary and grammar. Your sympathy towards your friend and good advice also gave you marks. Pay attention to my corrections, which we can discuss in person or in the chat group with the rest of your class.
Communicative effect 4/5 (because of the way you signed off and your new identity!)
Language 4/5
Organisation 4/5
Content 5/5
17/20!!! Well done, Jim! Keep up the effort! Christina 💪😏👍
Monday, March 23, 2020
TED Videos and material
From TED's newsletter:
As the world faces the coronavirus crisis, TED is committed to being a resource for information, inspiration and hope. We’ve curated talks and interviews to help provide some perspective. Here’s where to start:
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And keep your eye on the homepage — we'll continue to share new TED Talks every week day on TED.com.
Submit your email address here: https://ed.ted.com/daily_newsletter
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Monday, March 16, 2020
Stay Connected Revision
Quizlet word tests:
http://markaki-b2.blogspot.com/2019/11/stay-connected-quizlet-word-tests.html
Vocabulary and grammar activities on the official website of the book:
https://markaki-b2.blogspot.com/2019/09/instructions-for-students-about-how-to.html
Listening or reading practice:
https://markaki-b2.blogspot.com/2020/01/further-practice-at-home-or-in-computer.html
http://markaki-b2.blogspot.com/2019/11/stay-connected-quizlet-word-tests.html
Vocabulary and grammar activities on the official website of the book:
https://markaki-b2.blogspot.com/2019/09/instructions-for-students-about-how-to.html
Listening or reading practice:
https://markaki-b2.blogspot.com/2020/01/further-practice-at-home-or-in-computer.html
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Listening practice at home
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000c9mb/episodes/downloads
The rise and fall of Anna Delvey, who conned New York high society into believing that she was a multi-millionaire heiress. Vicky Baker and Chloe Moss dig deeper into the scandal. (6 episodes in total)
The rise and fall of Anna Delvey, who conned New York high society into believing that she was a multi-millionaire heiress. Vicky Baker and Chloe Moss dig deeper into the scandal. (6 episodes in total)
Sunday, February 9, 2020
RECYCLING
Nowadays, many people believe that recycling is a good way of protecting the environment, but other humans argue that it is useless. There are some reasons why people don't recycle. First off all, a lot of them cannot be bothered because they are sometimes bored to recycle their trash and they throw it all in the same bin. Secondly, they often don't believe it will make any difference because if they only recycled, then the planet wouldn't be saved from global warming. Another reason would be that they complain that separating waste is too difficult and that there are no recycling bins near their house so they do not want to walk a long distance for rubbish. There are a lot of ways that we would encourage people to recycle. The first aspect that should be considered is to increase the number of recycling bins, so people would have the opportunity to recycle more easily. Another proposal would be to start an information campaign in the media, to open no-waste stores so people could bring their bag and save the planet at the same time and to people give people a reason or the benefits of recycling. This problem should be solved as soon as possible, because our planet will be destroyed in some decades. I am looking forward to seeing an increasing number of people recycling.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Recycling
Recycling
In modern society, most people try to protect the planet, so the next generation has a better place to live in.Not recycling has a negative impact on the environment.On the other hand, recycling ought to save energy,save money and reduce the pollution which is cauced by waste.
One of the most common excuses people use to avoid recycling is that it is too time consuming, as some people claim that recycling takes too much time and they have more important things to do.Additionally, other people say they cannot be bothered and they do not want to be the ones who make the effort first because they think if an action is too small it will not make a difference.
The question is what we can do to encourage people to start recycling.Actually I think there many ways, such as opening shops that are based on no-waste products.Or even publishing articles in the media, for instance putting an article on a newpaper about recycling as a good way for people to understand how important recycling is.
To sum up, Recycling can impact in a positive way on the environment, as if we give people incentives to recycle, more of them will understand how in danger our planet is.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Monday, January 27, 2020
Spotify playlist
This is our Spotify playlist of songs that express our students’ goals, wishes and dreams for the year 2020 and the future, in general. The list is getting bigger and bigger by the day!
https://open.spotify.com/user/11101034598/playlist/7spQBcTE06NsIWLlnMDKxy?si=dcIaKhFWSdqO31kOr4zuVA
You can visit the school’s class blogs to see each student’s message and song of choice.
https://open.spotify.com/user/11101034598/playlist/7spQBcTE06NsIWLlnMDKxy?si=dcIaKhFWSdqO31kOr4zuVA
You can visit the school’s class blogs to see each student’s message and song of choice.
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