We are the crazy students of B2 level in Maria Markaki school. We live in Iraklion, Crete, Greece. We enjoy blogging because we practise for the FCE and ECCE exams in a fun way.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Comment exchange
Hello bloggers! You are welcome to leave a written comment on our French e-pals' new blog post about a very interesting sculpture:
Click on the link and then click on 'comments' under the text to write something in the comment box. Good luck with your mission!
If you want to see some Spymasters comment on the sculpture orally, watch this video!!!
Benefits of technology
What is more, the online communication through video chats with other foreign students and teachers and also, the online lessons among the class are some of the most entertaining and openminded technology's use results. However, last but not least, through digital education, both students and teachers have easier and quicker access to information and in addition, new activities for all the learning styles (visual, auditory and kinesthetic) could be created with the contribution of technology.
To sum up, technology is blessing if we utilise it and use it wisely. However, such as in everything, its overuse could lead in undesirable results. So, to conclude, we should reap technology's benefits and follow it in magic, unexplored paths...!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Describing And Contrasting Pictures
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Benefits of using technology
(The students can reap the benefits of the use of technology as it is suitable for all learning styles.)--> not to be stated in the introduction, but in the main body
There are a lot of benefits of using technology. Firstly, the lessons become more interesting because of the wide variety of online activities and the opportunity to chat with foreign students. Students can be more open minded and knowledgable, (comma) as they have access to the internet and they can obtain useful information, read e-books and encyclopedias or join a social networking site. Moreover, there are online lessons for students to do at home.
There are further benefits related to technology in the classroom. It encourages people to keep learning and it helps students with disabilities to conduct research more easily. Also, teachers can prepare their lesson, find lots of activities and discover new methods of teaching.
In conlusion, there is a number of advantages related to the use of technology. It is a blessing and an intriguing way to learn information if we use it wisely.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014
Describing places- FCE Speaking
How many of these words do you know and actually use? :)
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Story
"Recall of the Past"
"Emergency calling Alan! I know you have a hard time joining us today, but it's necessary! Meet us at 10 Queens Road! Arson alarm!"
Alan didn't say a word. He just put his phone down and started getting dressed.
Some minutes later he was at 10 Queens Road - as his boss har ordered - waiting to storm into the building where a pyromaniac with 10 imprisoned innocent citizent had been spotted. As soon as he recognised the preassinged signals, he stormed confident into the building. In front of th cramped entrance there were various piles of papers surrounded by huge ethanol bottles. 10 people were tied in the middle of the room while a muscular man was mysteriously smiling.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Surprise: Film Night!
Commemorative photograph:
Informal Email
Saturday, September 20, 2014
DESPICABLE ME 2
I completed the online quiz and I am fascinated because of my memory as I scored 27 out of 30.
Activity 2
Examples:
1) He saw the bus in front of him and decided to hold the horses.( He slowed down)
2) Putting all the parts of this puzzle together might take a while. ( Take a lot of time)
3) Tom and Marry had so many fights that they decided to break up, so Tom drowned his sorrows by consuming alcohol. ( Handle his problem).
4) My maths teacher always says: " There is more to Maths than meets the eye" ( It is more interesting than what I believe)
5) After he gave the money to the poor he said: " It was for a worthy case and I don't regret it."
6) You have a lot going on in this weekend! ( You are very busy)
7) The manager found out how to deal with the problem by exclaiming " I figured it out!"
8) My brother has been working on his writing skills since last summer.
9) I held the table tight while I was shocked by the earthquake.
10) When she saw that everything was fine, she breathed a sign of relief and she said: " Oh! Goodness!"
11) I will go to the cinema tonight. Care to join me?
12) When Tom goes to bed, his mother always says: "Sleep tight! Don't let the bedbugs bite."
13) Don't be a nut job!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Personal Questions
About me
Music
I really enjoy listening to music because it relaxes me and gives me energy. I usually listen to pop music. If I like a song I find the lyrics and then I sing karaoke. Sometimes I read the review of this song but not very often because I don't care so much what the other people say. When I come back from school I sometimes listen to music because, as I said before, is relaxing. As for my favourite Greek group, I like Vegas.
Films
Watching films is my favourite activity. I am really keen on adventure and fantasy films. I usually go to the cinema at weekends with my best friend and we have a great time. Also, I rent DVDs and watch them at home.
Free time
In my free time I usually watch TV,playing computer games,listening to music or read a book. In school periods I don't have so much free time because I have a lot of homework but I usually read a small book or watch a movie. At weekends I usually hang out with my friends. Moreover, I do active things such as dancing or jogging.
English
English is the global language and I obtain valuable information from it. It will be useful if I travel to another country and I want to communitate with other people or set up my own business. An English certificate is an important qualification, too.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
A Letter Of Complaint
According to your advertisement, a range of sports would be offered, but instead I realised that the only option available was tennis. Although I enjoy playing tennis, I would prefer something more vigorous. In addition, private rooms did not exist. I am very frustrated for having to share my room, which was not spacious enough, with two strangers.
I request a full refund of my disastrous holidays, as I could have spent my money on splendid holidays. I hope action will be taken to rectify these problems, though. I look forward to hearing from you.
Marina Konstantinou.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
A report
From: Eva Chrisostomaki
Date: 3 August 2014
Subject: Skills and qualifications for students working at KoolKids
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to recommend the skills and qualifications the foreign students will need to have to work at KoolKids summer camp.
Facts about KoolKids
Kool Kids is an international summer camp with lots of activities for children all over Europe. It is a quite big and relaxing place with a lot of greenery and many facilities. The camp offers hospitality to approximately 250 to 300 children and it also provides accommodation in large and comfortable dormitories. There is a big amount of activities such as dancing, martial arts, extreme sports, etc. Also, the beach is near the camp. That means that a lot of water activities are provided. Now, I would like to suggest the skills and qualifications that students will need to have.
Suggested skills and qualifications
You do not need any special qualifications for a position at the summer camp, but you have to have secondary school education. You also need to be a team player and have good communication skills. Moreover, it would be great if tou are an enthusiastic and sporty type of person and (of course) love children.
Conclusion
To conclude, I can strongly recommend the KoolKids as a place to work. You will have a great time and a positive experience. I am sure you will not regret it.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Chess Boxing
Chess Boxing
... So if you are interested in chess boxing, you'd better start working out because it needs countless hours of working out in order to be good at it! Hoever, in my opinion, it'll be worth it, since chess boxing is one of the few sports, that actually combines physical exercise and mental exercise. That's why I highly recommend it to all of you!
This is a video of the first chess boxing championship! I hope you enjoy this!!!
Despicable Me 2
DESPICABLE ME 2
Activity 1I completed the online quiz and I was very satisfied with my score which was 27 out of 30.
Activity 2
The definition of the idioms:
- Hold the horses = slow down, hold on, wait
- Take a while = spend some time doinf sth
- Drown my sorrows = dealing with your problems or anxiety by consuming usually alcohol
- More to us than meets the eye = more weird or interesting than sb/sth before
- For a worthy cause = for sth good and important
- Have a lot going on = being very busy
- Figure it out = deal with, handle, work on
- Working on = trying to improve
- Hold tight = grip
- Oh! Goodess! = phrase usually used on extremely impressive or terrifying situations
- Care to join me? = to invite sb to come, sit, chat with you
- Sleep tight! Don't let the bedbugs bite = sleep well
- A nut job = crazy and foolish person
- Go about your business = stick to your own job
- Please stop worrying about me and go about your business! It can be really annoying!
- I really need to figure it out... I am a little cautious about this...
- This might take a while, but it's a very important step if you want the work to be done carefully and properly so you should wait!
First of all, I have to admit that Despicable Me 2 - to my surprise - was much better than the first one and I had the time of my life watching it. All the movie was hilarious and full of adventure and mystery. However, although there was a wide range of scenes that completely stood out, I still cannot choose my favourite one... I undoubtly laugh a lot when Pollito attacked Lucy and Gru and also, when Gru went on a date with an annoying woman and Lucy helped him to get rid of her! This one was for sure one of the best! Moreover, minions stood out again with their foolish and chilidish character and made the movie even more entertaining, hilarious and unique!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Despicable Me 2!
Activity 2:
- Hold the horses!(or Hold your horses) = hold on, wait
- Take a while = spend a lot of time doing sth
- Drown my sorrows =to handle your problems by consuming a substantial quantity of alcohol
- More to us than meets the eyes = more interesting or complicated than sm or sth appears at first
- For a worthy cause = for sth that is important (like a charity)
- Have a lot going on = be busy
- Figure it out = work out
- Working on = trying to improve
- Hold tight = clasp, grip
- Oh! Goodness! = we use that phrase when we can't stand a situation
- Care to join me? = Would you like to come with me?
- Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite. = Sleep well
- A nut job = a crazy and foolish person
- Go about your business = to continue doing what you usually do
- I quarelled with my best friend and I want to apologise to her, but I haven't found the best way, yet. I've been trying to figure it out for the last 2 weeks.
- While my family were having lunch, I was working out a very difficult math problem. I had already told them that it might take a while, so I didn't care to join them.
- When I grow up, I would like to raise money for a worthy cause. That is, I would like to raise it for charity.
Activity 3: The funniest scene:
To begin with, "Despicable Me 2" was a hilarious animation film! As a comedy, it has many funny scenes from which I cannot choose (I'm definitely indecisive!). Of course the Minions take pride of place in the film and the scenes, where they appear, become even more splendid. I can't imagine the film without them! Apart from that, the Minions have become so popular that a game has been invented, called The Minion Rush. So I believe all the Minions scenes are my favourites, because I believe they're kind of friends to me!
To be honest, I have another favourite funny scene and it's Antonio's (El Macho's son) and Margo's (one of Gru's daughters and actually the oldest one) dance. While the two tender aged individuals are dancing, Gru decides to watch after his daughter, as he doesn't really like Antonio. Well, even in animation films, father's habits never stop to exist! Gru is basically a classical father in that scene!
I hope you enjoy the videos!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
A Report
Zorbing
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Charles Dickens's biography
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens is one of the most famous writers in Britain. He was born in 1812 near Portsmouth on the south coast of England and he died on 9 June, 1870. As a child, he and his family were living in poor and he didn't have a lot of happy memories. His father was in prison because of the debts that were not paid.
His novels
He has wonderful written skills! By his novels, not only did he present his strong feelings, but he also defended the people who suffered by poverty. He always supported his opinion and his books are controversial. "Christmas Carol", "Oliver Twist", "David Copperfield" and other world-famous mastrerpieces have a very important message for all of us.
My opinion
At first glance, I don't like the idea of reading a biography due to the fact that I think that it might be boring, but we mustn't forgot the phrase: " Don't judge a book by its cover." Then I came round to my teacher's way of thinking. Never had I been fascinated so much by a book! I definitely recommend it! While I was reading this book, I also noticed that there are more to biographies than meets the eye! And I am ready to run a mile in order to read another biography like this.
An extreme sport!
What's the funniest, craziest and ( I nearly forgot)... the "easiest" sport you can think of? Do you believe that there is a sport that players are bounce on a trampoline to strike the ball and to pass it over a net? In fact, this sport exists and it is called bossaball. It began in Spain by Belgian Filip Eyckmans.
This sport requires a lot of training! Due to the fact that during you do acrobatics, quite often you might get seriously injured for instunce to fall down and to get bruised! On the other hand, it is an absolutely interesting, funny and spectacular sport.
To sum up, I really believe that bossaball will get more popular. However, I wouldn't like to try it but I really recommend it you if you are an adrenaline junkie because there is more in this sport than meets the eye!
For further information you can visit the site:
http://www.bossaballsports.com/
Parkour
What's the craziest sport you can think of? How about jumping off cars, buildings or anything that pops into your mind? In fact, parkour was invented by David Belle during the late 1980s and was developed in France. Nowadays, parkour is very popular.
Last week I had a chance to go and see some parkour training. The first thing I noticed was the bravery of all these teenagers and adults. They were jumping off buildings and doing tricks in the air. They used things that
However, there is one big disadvantage. It is very easy to get hurt or bruised. Coaches train the teenagers to be careful with their tricks.
I think the sport will stay/ remain popular in the future because it is very enjoyable. Anyone who wants to participate must be strong, both mentally and physically. I would like to try it one day if I have the chance.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Internet and social networking
INTERNET:
SOCIAL NETWORKING:
FINAL CONCLUSION:
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Internet and social networking
To begin with, children and especially teenagers spend too many hours in front of the computer screen. That might damage their eyes orcause them to have some other health problems. Also, the passionate net users might be unsociable because they spend most of their time chatting than talking to other people outside. They "become" part of the computer and they may lose their real friends. Their parents advise their children to stop, but they only thing that they succeed in is to make their children angry with them.
However, the internet has its bright side. For example, some children cannot express their feelings face to face and chatting with friends is a way to achieve that. Moreover, they can look up information and improve their language. Every person wants to keep up with everyone's news and that's why they turn to the social networking places.
Taking all this into consideration, I think that parents should let their children be at (use) the computer for some hours because it is good to talk with their friends or learn new things by surfing on the internet.It must be noted that children and teenagers must be responsible so that they avoid health problems or losing their real friends.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
TALKING ABOUT MUSIC ON SKYPE
We loved discussing with Patricia Johnston about the music industry and her job as a musician, artist manager and company director. Teenage students of upper intermediate level were thrilled to ask her questions about her action worldwide and listen to all the exciting answers she gave us.
Links to help students blog about their impressions:
About the jazz guitarist, Gilad Hekselman: :http://taklit.net/en/on_tour/
Here is the name of the famous West African musician Patricia mentioned: MORY KANTE
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mory_Kanté
Here is the violinist she mentioned: www.linekruse.com
Here is the web site about the children's songs she produces: www.kidsfactorymusic.com
Letter of Application-Cambridge Book
I am writing in response to your advertisement which I saw in an English Language Newspaper. I would like to apply for a position in your international bookshop.
I am 13 years old and I speak English very well as I have been studying the language for the past five years. I like books and reading very much and especially adventure and fantasy books. I am free every day this summer and I would like very much to eam my own income.
I had a part-time job before as a sales assistant in a bookshop. I consider myself to be a hard-working person. I work a lot and you can count on me to arrive at work on time. Moreover, I am an enthusiastic person and I like learning new things. I am also very friendly and patient with the customers.
If you require any further information, please contact me and I am also available for an interview.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
A Discursive Essay
Topic: Advantages and disadvantages of entering talent contests while still at school.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Letter of opinion!
I am writing with reference the article about the safe space for schools that I read with interest. I stronly believe that scchools have to provide a safe space for keeping students in good health, mentally and physically.
Firstly, I could not agree more that students need a place where they can exercise and be sociable. So, I support the idea of turning the school yard into an attractive one with a lot of greenery. Due to the fact that are tired after the lesson so they need a place to relax and to breathe a sigh of relief. Therefore, in an modernplace students are able to come together and to feel up to excercising and having fun. So, boredom will wear off. Moreover, new students can easily settle into a tidy and beautifully decorated place.
I also understand the fact that schools spend money on equipment for classrooms and laboratories because they aim at providing students whith a more pleasant way to learn and to pursue a dream. On the other hand, it is hazardous for students to trip over or have an accident, especially students tht are in puberty, due to the enthusiasm and the lack of attention that they have.
Taking all of this into consideration, safe space for schools has to be on our agenta because schools have to help students learn pleasantly, provided that students have an attractive and safe place to relax after the lesson.
Yours faithfully,
Varverakis Marinos