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 one off 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 and won'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 💪😏👍

Essay:Are teenagers capable to teach anything?

 Many people believe that teenagers are too young to teach other people about anything.However is that statement really true?I personally do not agree with it.

 First of all, teenagers usually know more about technology because they live with it from a very young age.Older people, many times face problems while trying to use a gadget or any type of technology.That results in teenagers being able to teach things about that to other people.Furthermore, they can also teach things about the environment because the latest years,  many things about it have changed and teens are given many information from their schools that wasn't known in the past or that older people might have forgotten.

 On the other hand, things teenagers can teach are not much.The main reason is that elders have generally more experience on multiple things, know more about life and can teach many things better, such as historical events, grammar and even life advice.

 To sum up, I disagree with this statement because I believe that even though teenagers are young, they can still have more knowledge about some things even if these are not a lot.

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

~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.

Letter of opinion about further studies

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my opinion about your recent article that I saw in your last edition newspaper.The article was about students who decide not to carry on with their studies to go to university.

First and foremost, students are not motivated to further their studies.Morover, even if they decide to go to university, they can not find a job because of the major unemployment numbers.In this way, most students are putt off from their studies and try to find a job, for instance in cafes, night bars,kiosks, to make some money.

According to the article, the decision not to go to university to further their studies is by virtue of extremely expensive fees in universities. Furthermore, families can not afford them, so their children do not take appropriate knowledge to deal the requirements of their lives.

Taking all that into consideration, I hope solutions will be given to students and apply for further studies. Also, the inability of finding a job should not be always in their minds, because this way no one tries to study and work hard to make a living.

    Yours faithfully,

          Fotis Markakis

Letter of complaint

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to complain about your Summer Sports Camp which I joined a few days ago. I feel that your advertisement was misleading.

According to your advertisement, the camp offers a wide range of sports. However, there was only tennis available which is not a well known sport and as a result noone could enjoy their time. In addition, it claimed that each of us will have a private room. When we asked for one the staff told us that all the rooms where full so I had to share with other 25 people.

To make matters worse, in your advertisement you mentioned that all the meals are included in the price. But unfortunately the meals where so small that most of us had to order takeaways. Last but not least it was stated that there woyld be evening activities. When I went and complained to the staff about their substandard equipment they were very rude and they starded to call me names.

I hope to receive a complete refund of my money as the services I received in your camp were awful. I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Georgia Assarioti. 

 

FCE FOR SCHOOLS: See the changes in the exams

Describing And Contrasting Pictures

In the following text are going to be described and contrasted those 5 photos that are included in the link; http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2010/07/describing-places-fce-speaking-part-2.html 

Picture 1 is showing a picturesque path in a argicultural, mountainous aera. (in Giouchtas mountain in Crete as we are informed by the caption) The weather is cloudy and maybe a little bit foggy. The background has a lush vegetation and generally the aera is particularly stony. Moreover Picture 2 is quite related with the previous Picture due to the fact that is showing the view of the mountain Giouchtas. The scenery is breath-taking and immensely spectacular as we can see the whole valley down of the mountain and we can enjoy - a little bit blurrily due to the high altitude - its variety of vagatation. On the other hand, Picture 3 is completely different to the previous ones since it shows a quiet costal aera, and more specificaly Heraklion's port. We are able to see the calm clean sea and some boats and yachts that surrounds the castle "Koule". The scenery remind us again the picturesque aspect of Heraklion. In contrast, the following pictures are completely different, since they both show aeras that are located in Barchelona, Spain. However, the first picture is refered to an urban Barchelona's aera with many people who surround huge building which could be a company or maybe a shopping mall. In addition, in the bottom right-hand corner there are some trees and a fountain. Generally, a pleasant environment occurs. Furthermore, the last picture shows Park Duell, a world famous park due to its innovative, creative architecture. In the foreground there are some tourists who are taking photographs while they are enjoying the view whereas in the top right-hand corner there is a variety of stange colourful buildings. To sum up, apart from picture 1 and two that are refered to the same place and maybe picture 4 and 5, each pictures shows something different but undoubtedly beautiful.

Personal Questions

Topics to focus on:

Films:

    

To begin with, I do watch films very often. I guess that's because I don't watch much TV. I usually go to the cinema, because the big screen is not in existence in my bedroom. Apart from that, having access to the Internet has helped me download films and watch them whenever I want. I don't have a favourite type of film, but if the plot is interesting, I can't wait to see it! 

Music:

Well, music is an irresistible charm for me.  It is part of my daily life (for example, I listen to music when I walk down the street, or while I'm studying) and it is necessary for me, as it eliminates my anxiety. My favourite sorts are trance, electro and generally dance music. The rhythm is either relaxing, or energetic and as there no lyrics to make it tiring. 

Free time activities:

To be honest, I don't have much free time, because I'm always busy with my handouts. But when I want to switch off , I'd rather spend quality time with my friends. We prefer to walk down town, go shopping and then hang out in a cafeteria. Apart from that, I am fond of reading books; both English and Greek. Reading provides me useful information and especially when historical events are being mentioned.  Moreover, as I have already mentioned, I like listening to music and going to the cinema. I also like playing volleyball and I am a leader of a team (called O.F.I.). 

English:

First and foremost, by mastering English my horizons are broadened, as I obtain inevitable knowledge. Then, it affects positively the way I behave and think and that's why I enjoy studying it. To continue, I definitely believe that it will be useful for me in the future; firstly because I want to become a teacher of English and live abroad and secondly because I want to travel a lot. Not only is English a means of communication, but it is also an important qualification. Taking all these into consideration, the invasion of English in my life is very important. 

Letter of Application-Cambridge Book

Dear Mrs Benson,

  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.

Yours sincerely,

Eva Chrisostomaki