It's Christmas time!

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2013/12/christmas-activities-for-all-age-groups.html

You'll love the game:

http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/fun-games/run-santa-run

FCE SAMPLE SPEAKING VIDEO

The video:

http://youtu.be/EdeZp0n0JHw

 

Examiners' comments and description of the process:

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/173977-cambridge-english-first-speaking-test-examiner-comments.pdf

An email to Sarah from Australia

Hi Sarah,
I read your email and I am happy to hear from you!I am going to tell you where I prefer to go on for holidays here in Greece.
Firstly,there are many places that Greece can offer for holidays but I'll tell you my favorite ones. The first place I like going to is my uncle's house in Chania.I like this location because my uncle's house is huge and his kids are in my age, (comma) so I can spend my time playing and chatting with them.Moreover,there is a fascinating beach near my uncle's house so we can go there whenever we want to.

(Change paragraph-the email is too long!)

Now that I told you what is my favorite place for holidays in the summer is, I'll tell you about my favorite place to go on holidays in the winter!Well, my family and I usually go to my granny's village because there is so much snow that we can play with it.But,because sometimes it gets boring, I have started taking my friends with me there, so we can all have a great time playing card games,snow games,watching TV and chatting of course.Furthermore,when winter's over,spring is next.My favorite location to spend my free days in spring is my cottage in Malia.I like going there in spring because in winters it's too cold and in summer it is too warm,so spring is the perfect time.When I spend my free time there, I always go to meet my friends and play football,basketball,volleyball,tell our news and play some video games,too.I enjoy staying in my cottage because I can visit my friends and play,go to the beach nearby and spend time with my little sister playing different kind of games and watching some nice series on television in the evening.Last but not least,my favorite destination to go in September,October or November is my friend's house outside of Heraklion.I like going there because when it rains for the first time, we can see the rain through my friend's window and drink hot chocolate or play monopoly and that is really cozy!
To sum up,I have written to you about my favorite holiday destinations,one for each season of the year.I hope it will help you. (Full stop) I am waiting to hear from you again.

Your friend from Greece,Manolis

 

INTERVIEW OF OUR FRENCH EPALS ABOUT PARIS TERRORIST ATTACKS

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2015/11/interview-of-our-french-epals-about.html

WATCHING THE FREEDOM WRITERS ON NATIONAL TOLERANCE DAY

Watching, discussing and reflecting on "Freedom Writers" with my teenage students: The ideal way to celebrate the International Day of Tolerance (16th November), especially in the light of the recent inhumane terrorist attacks.

An outstanding film on the value of tolerance and the difficulty, but also glory, of learning how to co-exist. Proof of the brilliance of proper educators and the extent of difference they can make, one person at a time, one class at a time, in an ever-changing multifarious world.

Related information:

School's slides on tolerance:

http://www.slideshare.net/cm24/national-tolerance-day-a-cpe-lesson

The film on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0463998/

The trailer: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3634888985/

Quotes as a discussion springboard:

Erin Gruwell: Maybe we should talk about art. Tito's got real talent, don't you think? You know something? I saw a picture just like this once, in a museum. Only it wasn't a black man, it was a jewish man. And instead of the big lips he had a really big nose, like a rat's nose. But he wasn't just one particular jewish man. This was a drawing of all jews. And these drawings were put in the newspapers by the most famous gang in history. You think you know all about gangs? You're amateurs. This gang will put you all to shame. And they started out poor and angry and everybody looked down on them. Until one man decided to give them some pride, an identity... and somebody to blame. You take over neighborhoods? That's nothing compared to them. They took over countries. You want to know how? They just wiped out everybody else. Yeah, they wiped out everybody they didn't like and everybody they blamed for their life being hard. And one of the ways they did it was by doing this: see, they print pictures like this in the newspapers, jewish people with big, long noses... blacks with big, fat lips. They'd also published scientific evidence that proved that jews and blacks were the lowest form of human species. Jews and blacks were more like animals. And because they were just like animals it didn't matter if they lived or died. In fact, life would be a whole lot better if they were all dead. That's how a holocaust happens. And that's what you all think of each other.

-----------

Eva: White people wanting respect like they deserve it for free.
Erin Gruwell: I'm a teacher, it doesn't matter what color I am.
Eva: It's all about color, it's about people deciding what you deserve, about people wanting what they don't deserve. About whites thinking they own this world no matter what, you see, I hate white people.
Erin Gruwell: You hate me? You don't even know me.
Eva: I know what you can do. I saw white cops shoot my friend in the back for reaching into his pocket, his pocket! I saw white cops come into my house and take my father away for no REASON except they feel like it! Except because they can! And they can, because they're white. So I HATE white people on sight

-----------

Marcus: I've never had a hero before. But you are my hero.
Miep Gies: Oh, no. No, no, no, young man, no. I am not a hero. No. I did what I had to do, because it was the right thing to do. That is all.

-----------

Marcus: Lady, stop acting like you tryin' to understand our situation, and just do your little babysitting up there.
Erin Gruwell: That's what you think this is?
Marcus: It ain't nothing else. When I look out in the world I don't see nobody that looks like me with their pockets full unless they're rapping a lyrics or dribbling a ball, so what else you got in here for me?
Erin Gruwell: And what if you can't rap a lyric or dribble a ball?
Andre: It ain't this.
Marcus: I know that's right.
Erin Gruwell: And you all think you're gonna make it to graduation like this?
Andre: I made it to HIGH school ain't nobody stop me.
Marcus: Lady I'm lucky if I make it to 18, we in a war! We graduating every day we live because we ain't afraid to die, protecting our own. At least when you die for your own, you die with respect, you die a warrior.

----------

Erin Gruwell: So when you're dead, you'll get respect, that what you think?
[murmurs of 'yeah' from the class]
Erin Gruwell: You know what's gonna happen when you die? You're gonna rot in the ground, and people are going to go on living, and they're going to forget all about you. And when you ROT, do you think it's gonna matter whether you were an original gangsta? You're dead, and nobody, NOBODY, is gonna want to remember you, because all you left in the world is this.
[holds up Tito's drawing]

---------

Miep Gies: You are the heroes. You are heroes every day.

---------

Margaret Campbell: You can't make someone want education.

Personal Questions

1.What sport do you enjoy and why?
Answer;The sport I enjoy the most is volleyball,I like volleyball because it is based on your teammates and the cooperation you have.Another reason I enjoy playing volleyball is that it trains your whole body and brain and you can have fun at the same time.

2.What's your favourite TV programme and why?
Answer:Although I rarely watch Tv programmes,you could say that my favourite TV programme is the greek comedy ''Μην αρχίζεις την μουρμούρα''.I like it because it is shown at a very comfortable time that my family and I can watch all together.I also like it because it makes fun of things that is possible to happen at our lives,too.

3.Are there a lot of interesting things to do in your town at the weekend,what are they?
Answer:I believe that there are not a lot of interesting things that you can do at my town at the weekend.Heraklion is a town that you can see all its landmarks in one day,and you don't have many things to do at the weekends.Some things that you can possibly do on Saturdays and Sundays  is paying a visit to Knossos museum which is really interesting or going for a walk at the castle made by Venetians,Koules.

4.What are you planning to next weekend?
Answer:My family and I are going to go on a vacation at Chania next weekend.We are planning to go to a tavern so we can eat Chania's special foods,secondly we will probably go for a walk to Chania's main town to see  its landmarks and sights.After that,we will be drinking a coffee at a coffee.Finally,we are going to visit my uncle's house to say ''Hallo'' and then leave.

5.Is there something you would like to learn in the future and why?
Answer: Well,yes there is something that I would like to learn to the future,this thing is mountain biking,I'd like to learn how to ride a mountain bike because I want to visit Greece's famous mountains as a guy who does extreme sports.Another faction that led me to this decision is that mountain biking is super fun and it trains your whole body while seeing the amazing view.

6.What would you like to do when you leave school and why?
Answer:When I leave school,my first priority will be to join a good university so I can take a good degree in order to find the job I like the most.Another reason that I want to join a university is to gain more knowledge because I firmly believe that knowledge is the strongest weapon nowadays.

THIS IS HALLOWEEN, HALLOWEEN, HALLOWEEN!

Great videos for advanced or adult learners:

Halloween history 1

Halloween history 2

Funny scene from Modern Family TV series

Top 10 Halloween songs

Girl explains about her Halloween project

 

Related blog posts:

Nightmare before Christmas: The film

This year's Halloween photos.

 

A letter

Hi Tom,
I just received your letter.This seems like a difficult choice so I'm happy I can help you!

In my opinion you should choose science for your main course.I believe that, because you can use science in ways that can help many people or even the whole humanity.Also since you were little you were very into science experiments and movies. Furthermore you have to enjoy doing your job in order to be successful in it,so I would definitely  advise you to choose science.I don't believe you should choose languages because in my opinion you would easily get bored with it and you would be unhappy with your job.Moreover I remember you being less interested in class when we had literature lessons than when we had lessons connected with science.

To sum up, I personally think that you should better choose sience because I believe that you will be more interested in it and you are not going to get bored with it.However It's up to you now!I hope that my letter was helpful.
Best wishes,
Konstantinos

Examiners talking about speaking tests

Writing: Entering talent shows

School children many times tend to enter TV talent shows,but is that good beneficial to them or should they avoid it?In my opinion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to it.

The first advantage is that if school children take part in a talent contest and perform in front of so many people, it can increase their confidence.Moreover, if they have a hidden talent, (comma here) they might be seen by a producer or a director and that can be a very good chance for them to start a promising career.Furthermore, (comma here) true friends will be happy for them and supportive.

On the other hand, (comma)there are also some disadvantages.Firstly, they won't be able to control the fake rumours about them at school.Also, many people that they thought were their friends might be jealous of them and start calling them names and spread rumours behind their back.Finaly, all that might interfere with their studies and lessen their time to do their homework.

To sum up,there are both advantages and disadvantages regarding this issue.However, in my opinion the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because I believe that if a school child doesn't care much about the rumours and has a talent ,it's better to use and evolve it while they are still young.

 

 

The best way to spend my free time

There could be many preferred ways for someone to spend his free time and they differ from person to person depending on the person's character,plans for the future,age and his mood.I usualy spend my spare time in many different ways depending on the situation, but which one of them is my best?

My best way to spend my free time is to be with friends or alone and play computer games or try to understand and use computer programmes.I usually have just a little free time after 9 o' clock, so I can't do something extreme or a sport.Also, computer games and programmes have helped me enrich my English vocabulary because sometimes I have to look up words I don't already know when they are important in order to understand the meaning of something.Moreover, I am very interested in using and making programmes and games, so this helps me understand how these things work.

In conclusion,the best way for me to spend my spare time is using computer programmes (new software) and playing computer games because it is the most suitable thing to do considering my character,preferences and my available free time.

 

My favourite sport .....

 My favourite sport is Badminton. Badminton is played by two opposing players and both of them  have to pass the suttlecock (suttlecock is the badminton ball) before It fall on the net. This sport include aerobics, agility, strength and speed. Since 1992 badminton has been an Olympic sport.
 I like it because you play alone, I mean that some times If you play on a team some of your team call you names for the fact that you have done something wrong . Last but not least I always play it with my best friends and this is one of the reason I like so much ....

 

My favourite sport!

 My favourite sport is volleyball.It's a team in which of six players are separated by a net.Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the others team court.Volleyball appears first 1895 in United States and ever since is one of the most popular sports.Also it has take part in Olympic games in 1964.There are three places that you can play volleyball: indoor,on the beach,on grass.One of the best volleyball players is Ricardo Lucarelli.

My Favourite Sport

My favourite sport is cycling.I've been doing it since I was around 6 years old.I started learning at my village and I like it because I am keen on exploring new places and go for small trips.I ususally prefer going for offroad trips to escape all the traffic and see new places.I don't like  racing with bikes because I prefer to cycle with a more  relaxed  pace and observe the nature.

My favourite sport.

 
  My favourite sport is volleyball.I like volleyball because it is a team sport and you don't play on your own,so you have to rely on your team.As a result, volleyball and team sports in general create bonds among the players.I started playing volleyball at secondary school,before I hated it.You can play volleyball on a beach or at a schoolyard.Volleyball teams are formed by 6 players and you have to pass the ball to the other side with 3 passes to the maximum.If the ball touches the ground or go out of the lines you lose one point,the game ends at 24 points.My favourite volleyball player is Peter Blange because he does the best passes.

My favourite sport!

I like most of the sports, but I believe that my favourite sport is tennis. I like playing tennis and in my opinion is a very demanding sport, because you need to be fit and concentrated. My favourite players are Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

What is your favorite sport and why?

Information from some sites!

     Alianait:
Alianait is a charitable organization, founded in 2005, that is leading the way to build a healthier Nunavut through the arts. With Alianait, it is not enough to present high quality performances. They also create events that bring the community together in a healthy environment that is alcohol-free, tobacco-free, pop-free and free for children 12 and under. 
    Public Theater Season:
Public Theater Season is a site that organises free and paid performances by many artists for many hot topics,like ''Under the Radar'' or ''Free Shakespeare in the Park''
     TCG:
Tcg stand for ''Theater Communications Group'' which organises free and paid performances,too.It has organised many performances that help the young people to start watching performances or listening to artist at many concerts.

Speaking Stage 1

1.How do you feel when you have got an exam?
When I have got an exam I feel a bit anxious and I act nervously,like biting my nails or moving my legs RESTLESSLY/ continuously.Furthermore,I am worried because I don't want to forget anything.

2.Do you want to go to university?
Yes,I want to go to  university because I think that it helps you very much,and if you don't have a deGree from a university you won't find a job easily.

3.Are you a competitive person?
No,I don't think I am a competitive person because I don't care much about things that other people care,like playing a video game WELL or be a good scorer at basketball or football.

4.What characteristics must a good friend have?
In my opinion a good friend must be honest and helpful,he/she doesn't need to always be honest .Moreover,a good friend must be a person that you can turn to when you have problems.

5.Have you ever had a swollen ankle/a bad bruise/a black eye?What happened?
Well,if I remember well I had a swollen ankle once when I was 5 or 6 years old.I was playing football with my friends when I tripped over a chair and hurt my ankle.

6.What do you like doing at the weekends?
At the weekends I like meeting my friends and hanging out with them.We usually go to the cinema but other times we play card or video games.Additionally I like taking exercise with my sister.

Who is your favourite entertainer or celebrity?

         I don't have any favourite celebrities, but there are some of them that I like more than the others. For example, I like David Tennant and Matt Smith in the role of Doctor in "Doctor Who", Peter Dinklage in the role of Tyrion Lannister in "Game of Thrones", Mel Gibson, Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom.

More Safe Space for Schools

Dear editor,

I was interested in the article about more safe space for schools.

I have experience of this as once my friend fell and broke his arm because of a broken down spot in our schoolyard.

First of all, I absolutely agree that students need a place where they can exercise and be sociable.Also that safe outdoor space is important for keeping students in good health mentally and physically.It would be good to create a safer outdoor space because many accidents like that my friend had could be prevented.Furthermore, if a safer outdoor space helps students become more healthy, mentally and physically it should also help them to improve their performance at school.

On the other hand we could spend money on other things rather than making a safe outdoor space in order to make the students more careful and responsible.

Finally, I believe that students need a safer outdoor space in order to help them be healthier, perform better at school and prevent more accidents from happening.

Yours faithfully,

Konstantinos

Healthy eating: ECCE essay contest

Click here to download the student's book and, if necessary, check some answers using the Teacher's Book. All material is made and distributed by the Hellenic American Union.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6t82kzfii408h44/AAAKA7-sC60vBLy7_Kymm2G7a?dl=0 

My Favourite Entertainers and celebrities

One of my favourite celebrities is the author J. K. Rowling.She is famous for writting the Harry Potter books.She was born in Bristol(1965).Also she started writing the Harry Potter books in very diffucult times of her life.I chose her because I have read all the Harry Potter books and I  liked them very much.

Another one of my favourite celebrities is Edmund McMillen.He is an American game designer and comic artist and he is 35 years old.He spent his childhood with his grandmother,whom he considers his greatest source of support.I chose him because I have tried some of his games and they are interesting and fun.

Personal Questions

1)How do you feel when you've got an exam?

When I've got an exam I usualy feel anxious and nervous but at the same time impatient to take the exam and finish it.

2) Do you want to go to the university?

I want to go to the university because it will be very important in order to achieve my goals and dreams

3)Are you a competitive person?

I don't think I am a very competitive person because most of the time I prefer being calm rather than trying to surpass the others.

4)What characteristics must a good friend have?

In my opinion a good friend has to be helpful loyal and trustworthy.I also think that a good friend has to always be there for you in both good and bad times.

5)Have you ever had a swollen ankle/a bad bruise/a black eye?What happened?

Yes I have had.I once hurt my ankle while I was playing basketball.

6)What do you like doing at the weekends?

At the weekends,I like meeting or going to the cinema with my friends,playing computer games,listening to music,watching movies and series and going for walks.

Personal Questions

1) How do you feel when you've got an exam?  

When I have got an exam I feel emotional.If I have study well I'm very confident about the exam.But when I've not study very well I feel anxious and nervous.

2)Do you want to go to university?

Yes I'd love to go to university.I believe that it is a very good and useful qualification for my future to find a job.

3)Are you a competitive person?

I don't think that I am a competitive person because I'm not always anxious to be better than everyone else.

4)What characteristics must a good friend have?

I think that the most important thing must a friend have is honesty.A good friend must always tells the truth.Also another thing is loyalty.Friends should be loyal and never to squeal their friends.

5)Have you ever had a swollen ankle/a bad bruise/a black eye?What happened?

Yes, I have.While I was playing hopscotch I fell and I broke my right hand.

6)What do you like doing at the weekend?

In my free time at the weekend I like to go jogging and cycling with my best friend.Also I like watching adventure films with my cousin.

Speaking questions Stage 1

1. How do you feel when you've got an exam ?
   One of my feelings when I've got to give an exam is  anxious because, I don't know how well I had read and my knowledge can anwer all the questions.
2. Do you want to go to university ?
   Yes,I'd like to go to university and I wish My dream came true to become a dentist.
3. Are you a competitive person ?
    In my opinion, I am not competitive but, some things could make me .
4. What characteristics must a good friend have ?
     Well, I think a friend have to be honest, patient, mature and decisive.
5. What do you like doing at the weekends ?
    I usually go for shopping with friends and of course I read English !!!!

Essay about television

                                                               

     Nowadays, most of people have at least one television at their houses. But is it always beneficial to watch it? In my pinion, we have two aspects to consider.

     There are some advantages of watching television. First of all, viewers have been given the opportunity to watch a variety of programmes on their screens. Consequently, all people can watch and learn from documentaries and they can also be entertained by watching their favourites films or cereals. Moreover, people can hear the news or watch sports matches. The second advantage is that if young children watch educational programmes the will surely reap the benefits.

     However, watching television has also some important diasdvantages. Firstly, people can be hooked on that screen. As a result, children and teenagers or adults may forget to do their homework or housework and fulfil their obligations. In this way all people may get in trouble. Another disadvantage is that all viewers are exposed to watch all those advertisements and their favourites programmes are interrupted. That may be very annoying.

     In conclusion, television has some advantages, but it has also some important disadvantages. If adolescents and teenagers use it in the right way, they will be entertained and informed. Furthermore, they will enrich their own knowledge.

Adjectives to describe places

 

Six Flags

Six Flags is the biggest amusement park in the Northeast America.This amusement park has got a lot of visitors and it is has got much popularity,too.Six Flags has got rides for all the types of visitors.But if you like the experience,you are in the right place.Also it is a good idea for a day out with your children.I recommend it to you and you will not be disappointed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKH3q9WNhSI

THEME PARKS VOCABULARY

stading in line, rollercoaster, dress code,height restrictions,soaked wet,rides,air roller

This is a very exciting video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKJAaoPDINA

Amusement parks

The six flags park is a big amusement park in Northeast America.It has a lot of rides and rollercoasters.

This is a video of the top 10 amsument parks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=vayGPtphfwQ

Environment

Environment words:

Global warming
Grrenhouse Effect
Coil
Oil
Natural Gas
Nuclear Plants
Solar Panels
Wind  Turbines
CO2
Fossil Fuels
Carbon Cycle

This is a nice video:
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/climate-change-earth-s-giant-game-of-tetris-joss-fong#review

FCE online word banks and practice tests!

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2015/05/fce-revision-links.html 

~What's your favourite TV programme ?~

 Nowadays, television has conducted many different kinds of programmes: documentaries thrillers, dramas and many other series with a view to provide the viewers with a great number of satisfation. With regard to my favourite one, I would definitely choose a documentary, called "The Ancient Present", which is about 45 minutes per week.

 In this programme, there are two main characters: Evans and Leo. Both of them are experienced and high-qualified archeologists with an identified certificate in scientific researches based on archeology. As far as the plot of the documentary is concerned, the two men travel back to the ancient Hellas and try to show us the civilization of this period. Moreover, they show you the remains of many attractions and try to analyse what is hidding behind them. They talk to you about the music that used to be played, the food that the regions used to eat, the constitution they had and eminent personalities, like Plato, Socrates, Homer e.t.c.

 The reason I really like watcing this programme, is due to the fact that it is very informative and gives you information about your ancestors, the people who "built" the worldwide distinguished civilization you are in awe of today. It makes me eager for the next episode every time the previous one finishes. It is thrilling!

 From my point of view, we should all watch such good documentaries. I strongly recommend you watch it, because it is a great watch, from which you can learn plenty of things and feel like you are, or you have been to the ancient Hellas.

Amazing videos for listening practice

https://www.ted.com/

Revision: Speaking

Students' answers to different speaking exam questions:

http://markaki-b2.blogspot.gr/search/label/Speaking  

These are the most common questions asked by examiners:

ECCE Speaking: Stage 1

Should parents try to control their teenage children's behaviour? Why/why not?

From my point of view, the stage of the adolescence is one of the most difficult stages of life.When somebody is a teenager, because of his thoughts/ belief/ conviction that he has to prove to someone his maturity, he may express himself in a weird and mysterious way hiding his real feelings. Some people succeed in passing this period of their life quite easily, but others face difficulties and here lies the importance of the intervention of parents.

Teenagers, due to the fact that they grow up, they start to show some usual signs. For example, the annoying spots on the face, the steep raise of height etc and their behaviour at times changes.Parents are in desperation, they don't know what to do and some of them make the mistake of taking their child to a psychologist to examine what's wrong with him.I believe that this is really wrong and sometimes it can cause psychological problems to their child ,because he believes that his symptoms are not ordinary and there is a disruption in the family.

I think that being nervous, worried and stressed at an age like this is absolutely normal.In my opinion, people shouldn't be judged at this stage of the adolescence.Parents should let their children express their feelings however they want, but they should also be aware of them, because if they are uncontrolled they can do many strange things...

~The computer games judgement~

 This is a writing topic issue that was given by the FCE practice book:
"Playing computer games is a complete waste of time" 
I believe that this is a very interesting issue to discuss! Here is my view about it:

 Nowadays, the number of computer games users is increasing rapidly daily. 75% of adolesants play computer games every day and they are obsessed with them. However, are computer games a waste of spare time or a useful hobby that helps you increase your thinking ability?
 First and foremost, I could not agree more that playing computer games is an easy and helpful way to learn strategy tips, balance control, house keeping and sometimes they help your mind go wild. The thing you will learn depends on the game you will play. Opposites of this view believe that, instead of sitting on a chair, watching a monitor and waiting for the game to teach you all these things, you can learn them on your own by trying to fulfil them and see the realistic side of the world. For example, you can go out, hang out with your friends and have more fun than what you would have if you played games. I'm sure you will be more pleasant with your classmates.
 Furthermore, a basic and vital thing about computer games, is how they affect our lives. To begin with, I believe that it's not very good for your health just sitting on a chair and type some letters on a keyboard. Via this harmful habit, you lack in physical fitness and you start getting fatter because you do not excersise in a proper way. What's more, is that by playing computer games your social skills are highly reduced. You do not go out and chill  out with your colleagues and this results in no friendships at all.
 All things concerned, I believe that the disadvantages of not playing computer games outweigh the advantages of playing. In my point of view, I think that there are many more enjoyable things to do that spending your time playing computer games. Life is a journey not a computer game!

Questions from chatrooms

Chatroom Page: 65

• If you could turn the clock back, what would you change and why?

   If I could turn the clock back I wouldn't change anything because I'm very happy with my choices.

• Would you ever agree to go on a blind date?

   I wouldn't agree to go on a blind date. I believe that is really silly the whole thing and probably dangerous for the people who go on them because the don't even know who they are going to meet.

Chatroom P. 67

• Think about somebody who has moved away from your school or area. Do you miss him/her ?

    My really good friend, Daphne moved away from school  and the country approximately 3 or 4 years ago. She and her family have gone to Australia and they live there now. My other friends and I really miss her because she is a great, kind girl and and absolutely awesome friend.

A fantastic song for you

FCE FOR SCHOOLS: EXAM CHANGES 2015

Video about the new format of the exams:

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2015/02/fce-for-schools-exam-changes-2015.html

Sample lesson:

http://markaki-reading.wikispaces.com/FCE+For+schools+lesson 

What's your favourite gadget and why?

What's your favourite gadget and why?

From my point of view, the best gadget of all is the tablet.I really love it, because I can do many things with it and it is very useful.The most important advantage of the tablet is that you can take it with you wherever you are and if you have 3G, it is really convenient, due to the fact that when you are outside, you can easily surf on the internet.Another advantage, is that it is touch-sensitive.Maybe at the beginning it is a little bit difficult but I am used to occupating with touch-sensitive gadgets and they are of course more convenient.Additionally, with the tablet you can do all the usual things like playing games, taking photos, saving files, writing down notes etc.
I believe that the only downside with the tablet is that they need charging, and the battery runs down quickly if you use many apps at the same time, in contrast with other gadgets such as the computer or the laptop that are ''plugged in''. Generally, I think that the tablet is an extra-ordinary gadget and I'm vert pleased with the improvement of our technology.

Gadgets

• Have you or someone you know ever had a mishap or an accident with your iPod or MP3 player? What happened?     Fortunatelly  I hane never had an accident with my gadjets. I'm really careful and responsible with them. If I remember correctly,one of my friends, had dropped his iPod while he was listening to music in the cafeteria. Luckily his iPod is okey now!

• What's your favourite gadget: mobile plone, computer, MP3 player or iPod? Why?                                                                    I like to get through technology and keep up with it. I don't have a favourite gadget but the most useful in my opinion is mobile phone. Mobile phones have a wide variety of abilities which help you,to cover all your needs  such as making a phone call, taking photos, logging onto the internet, watching videos and much more.

Advantages and disadvantages of being famous

 Nowadays, being famous is something that most people wish. When I was younger, I dreamed to be a pearson who everybody recognise and the want to be like him such us an actor or a singer. But fame has as many advantages as disadvantages.
 One the one hand, if you are a famous person you can do everything you want. You can travel to magnificent places, visit world famous attractions. You can also meet interesting and important people and buy expensive clothes for good appearance. Furthermore, you have got a lot of fans, that means you are well-known and you can achieve all of your ambitions.
 On the other hand, there are several disadvantages. You can not go anywhere because you are always in the spot light.Hundreds of paparazzies are waiting to take photos of you, and you have to be protected by bodyguards. Another obvious disadvantage is that you don't have enough time for your private life because people are judging you for everything you do. Usually magazines, newspapers spread gossip about you. Moreover, famous people sometimes have strange behaviour. For example, they use drugs and this is really bad fact. 
 In my point of view, being famous might be awesome and wonderful even though it is difficult to live with. So I disagree with Lisa and I think that there are famous people who take it all in their stride and have a great time although there are disadvantages.