Amphibian Decline Serves As Global Warning
Nearly one in three species of frogs and toads in the world is under threat of extinction, according to the most comprehensive study of amphibians ever conducted. The report shows that 122 amphibian species have disappeared since 1980. The discovery, reported in the journal Science, is seen by researchers as an early warning of imminent environmental disaster.
Amphibians act like "natural barometers" since their highly permeable skin makes them very sensitive to the effects of climate change and pollution. Any drastic change in the natural world is likely to affect them first. Over the past three years, scientists analysed the distribution and conservation status of all 5,743 known amphibian species. Of these, 1,856 -32 per cent- were threatened with extinction. In comparison, only 12 per cent of bird species and 23 per cent of all mammal species are considered to be endangered. The president of Conservation International, who co-led the research, said: "Amphibians are one of nature's best indicators of overall environmental health. Their catastrophic decline serves as a warning that we are in a period of significant environmental degradation."
Amphibians were the first terrestrial vertebrates to colonise the land successfully about 350 million years ago. They have developed a remarkable diversity by adapting to many different aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Amphibians are present today in every continent except Antarctica, and can be found in almost all habitat types from dry, inhospitable deserts to lush tropical rainforests and temperate climates such as Britain's.
1.Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.
a)Researchers consider that the disappearance of amphibians is a sign of ecological catastrophe in the near future
b)The number of endangered birds is greater than amphibians
2.In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions.
a)Why does any climate change affect amphibians before birds or mammals?
b)Where do amphibians live and why do they live there?
3.Find the words in the text that mean:
a)complete (paragraph 1)
b)because (paragraph 2)
c)extreme (paragraph 2)
d)exceptional (paragraph 3)
4.Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the words in brackets when given.
a)Greenpeace was created __________ fight environmental disaster. This organization is especially interested in __________ (protect) our environment.
b)________ many people know the legend of Count Dracula, few __________(read) the novel.
c)Richard __________ (not /brush) his teeth three times a day.
d)Two years ago, they _________ (leave) for Italy.
e)Normally she __________ (finish) work at 5:00, but this week she __________ (work) until late.
5.Write about 100 to 150 words in the following topic: What could we do to reduce pollution in large cities?
lunes, 21 de diciembre de 2009
EXAMEN INGLÉS CICLOS FORMATIVOS GRADO SUPERIOR
READ THE TEXT AND DO THE TASKS BELOW
Serguei Povaguin: Russian design in Barcelona.
This Young designer was born in Russia but has lived in Spain for more than a decade now. In this short time, his work has been seen on several Barcelona catwalks, as well as at one or two international shows in Berlin and in collections in Mexico. His first award, a FAD prize for the best Spring-Summer collection 2002, was given to him during his second year of studies at the ESDI school in Sabadell. And the last and final edition of the Gaudí event showed his work in the section dedicated to young designers. A first presentation, if not to society, at least to the media and specialised press that attended.
Movement and particularly dance are the background to his latest works. These are the themes that inspire his collections and bring them to life. His most elaborate works, including his latest Spring-Summer proposals for 2006, have used flamenco and other dances that brought people together in large salons during the 1930s as their source of inspiration. Both of these have been resolved with its characteristic essential style, eliminating excess, and his fascination for the body and its curved shapes.
This imagery comes from his memories and the reference of his country of origin: “I think it comes from having grown up surrounded by snow, as the snow wraps everything in white, creating strong contrasts with the things that don’t get covered”.
(Adapted from the translated article “Serguei Povaguin” by Charo Mora, B-Guided, Spain Winter 2006)
1. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1.1. What was Serguei doing when he got his first award? Paragraph1
1.1…………………………………………………………………………………………
1.2. Where has his work been seen up to now? Paragraph 1
1.2. ……………………………………………………………………………………………
1.3. In what section of the Gaudí event was his work shown? Paragraph 1
1.3……………………………………………………………………………………………
1.4. What are the main themes in his collections? Paragraph 2
1.4. …………………………………………………………………………………………
1.5. What does he remember from Russia the most? Paragraph 3
1.5. ……………………………………………………………………………………………
2. FIND SYNONYMS IN THE TEXT FOR THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
2.1. Introduction.
2.2. Subjects.
2.3. Basic.
2.4. Rounded.
2.5 Birth
3. TURN INTO NEGATIVE
3.1. His work has been seen in Barcelona.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3.2. People danced in large salons in the 1930s.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.3. His imagery comes from his memories.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.4. People like his work.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.5. In the future he will have other sources of inspiration.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. WRITE QUESTIONS ACCORDING TO THE UNDERLINED WORDS
4.1. The young designer was born in Russia
–..........................................................................
4.2. He has lived in Spain for a decade.
- …………………………………………………………
4.3. He showed his collections in Mexico.
- …………………………………………………………
4.4. The snow covers everything in winter.
- ……………………………………………………………
4.5. He travels to Russia every year
-…………………………………………………………
5. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES USING THE CORRECT FORM OF THE VERB IN BRACKETS
5.1. Yesterday I ………………. (meet) my friend Mark.
5.2. I ………………(study) English for ten years, since 1999.
5.3 Last week I (lose) .............my passport.
5.4 He always (buy)............. the newspaper in the same place.
5.5. Where is the money? We ………………. (buy) some milk.
6. PERSONAL QUESTIONS.
7. 1. What kind of films do you like?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7.2. What do you usually do in your free time?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7.3. How often do you buy the newspaper?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7.4. Have you ever been to the Opera?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
7.5. How many books did you read last year?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Serguei Povaguin: Russian design in Barcelona.
This Young designer was born in Russia but has lived in Spain for more than a decade now. In this short time, his work has been seen on several Barcelona catwalks, as well as at one or two international shows in Berlin and in collections in Mexico. His first award, a FAD prize for the best Spring-Summer collection 2002, was given to him during his second year of studies at the ESDI school in Sabadell. And the last and final edition of the Gaudí event showed his work in the section dedicated to young designers. A first presentation, if not to society, at least to the media and specialised press that attended.
Movement and particularly dance are the background to his latest works. These are the themes that inspire his collections and bring them to life. His most elaborate works, including his latest Spring-Summer proposals for 2006, have used flamenco and other dances that brought people together in large salons during the 1930s as their source of inspiration. Both of these have been resolved with its characteristic essential style, eliminating excess, and his fascination for the body and its curved shapes.
This imagery comes from his memories and the reference of his country of origin: “I think it comes from having grown up surrounded by snow, as the snow wraps everything in white, creating strong contrasts with the things that don’t get covered”.
(Adapted from the translated article “Serguei Povaguin” by Charo Mora, B-Guided, Spain Winter 2006)
1. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1.1. What was Serguei doing when he got his first award? Paragraph1
1.1…………………………………………………………………………………………
1.2. Where has his work been seen up to now? Paragraph 1
1.2. ……………………………………………………………………………………………
1.3. In what section of the Gaudí event was his work shown? Paragraph 1
1.3……………………………………………………………………………………………
1.4. What are the main themes in his collections? Paragraph 2
1.4. …………………………………………………………………………………………
1.5. What does he remember from Russia the most? Paragraph 3
1.5. ……………………………………………………………………………………………
2. FIND SYNONYMS IN THE TEXT FOR THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
2.1. Introduction.
2.2. Subjects.
2.3. Basic.
2.4. Rounded.
2.5 Birth
3. TURN INTO NEGATIVE
3.1. His work has been seen in Barcelona.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3.2. People danced in large salons in the 1930s.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.3. His imagery comes from his memories.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.4. People like his work.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.5. In the future he will have other sources of inspiration.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. WRITE QUESTIONS ACCORDING TO THE UNDERLINED WORDS
4.1. The young designer was born in Russia
–..........................................................................
4.2. He has lived in Spain for a decade.
- …………………………………………………………
4.3. He showed his collections in Mexico.
- …………………………………………………………
4.4. The snow covers everything in winter.
- ……………………………………………………………
4.5. He travels to Russia every year
-…………………………………………………………
5. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES USING THE CORRECT FORM OF THE VERB IN BRACKETS
5.1. Yesterday I ………………. (meet) my friend Mark.
5.2. I ………………(study) English for ten years, since 1999.
5.3 Last week I (lose) .............my passport.
5.4 He always (buy)............. the newspaper in the same place.
5.5. Where is the money? We ………………. (buy) some milk.
6. PERSONAL QUESTIONS.
7. 1. What kind of films do you like?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7.2. What do you usually do in your free time?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7.3. How often do you buy the newspaper?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7.4. Have you ever been to the Opera?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
7.5. How many books did you read last year?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
miércoles, 14 de octubre de 2009
PROGRAMACIÓN CURSO Y CONSEJOS ÚTILES
Respecto a la planificación del curso, queda configurada del siguiente modo:
- Primer trimestre (hasta el 18 de diciembre): temas 1, 2, 3, 4 y 11
- Segundo trimestre (hasta el 19 de marzo): temas 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 y 10
- Tercer trimestre (hasta el 21 de mayo): temas 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 y 18
Evidentemente esta planificación es completamente abierta, y podéis configurar el curso como queráis. Podéis mandar vuestras dudas de cualquier tema. Es fundamental que todos vosotros leáis en inglés lo máximo posible con ayuda de un diccionario: libros por niveles en inglés, textos en inglés sacados de internet, traducir canciones... Esta tarea debe ser constante desde el principio. Es tan importante como conocer los aspectos gramaticales y estructuras del idioma. Sería importante también trabajar con un vocabulario temático.
Es conveniente tener un vocabulario en distintos ámbitos de la lengua. Os recomiendo que antes de realizar una redacción en inglés, busquéis 15 ó 20 palabras que pertenezcan al tema de redacción que os propongan (algunas que conocéis y otras que podéis buscar en el diccionario). Esta metodología os ayudará a recordar vocabulario de algunos temas concretos.
Además, en este primer trimestre, aparte del trabajo con vocabulario, es fundamental el conocimiento de todos los tiempos verbales, los verbos irregulares y los conectores (tema 11), para cohesionar las redacciones.
Cada semana os iré enviando ejercicios diversos sobre los temas incluidos en el primer trimestre. En diferentes entradas de este blog podréis encontrar diferentes ejercicios. También podéis hacer los ejercicios que aparecen en cada tema de vuestro libro y corregirlos vosotros mismos, ya que aparece un solucionario en el propio temario. De todas formas, si tenéis cualquier duda, podéis hacerla a través del blog.
Ánimo y trabajad mucho, tanto la gramática como el vocabulario con la práctica de la lectura. Un saludo
- Primer trimestre (hasta el 18 de diciembre): temas 1, 2, 3, 4 y 11
- Segundo trimestre (hasta el 19 de marzo): temas 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 y 10
- Tercer trimestre (hasta el 21 de mayo): temas 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 y 18
Evidentemente esta planificación es completamente abierta, y podéis configurar el curso como queráis. Podéis mandar vuestras dudas de cualquier tema. Es fundamental que todos vosotros leáis en inglés lo máximo posible con ayuda de un diccionario: libros por niveles en inglés, textos en inglés sacados de internet, traducir canciones... Esta tarea debe ser constante desde el principio. Es tan importante como conocer los aspectos gramaticales y estructuras del idioma. Sería importante también trabajar con un vocabulario temático.
Es conveniente tener un vocabulario en distintos ámbitos de la lengua. Os recomiendo que antes de realizar una redacción en inglés, busquéis 15 ó 20 palabras que pertenezcan al tema de redacción que os propongan (algunas que conocéis y otras que podéis buscar en el diccionario). Esta metodología os ayudará a recordar vocabulario de algunos temas concretos.
Además, en este primer trimestre, aparte del trabajo con vocabulario, es fundamental el conocimiento de todos los tiempos verbales, los verbos irregulares y los conectores (tema 11), para cohesionar las redacciones.
Cada semana os iré enviando ejercicios diversos sobre los temas incluidos en el primer trimestre. En diferentes entradas de este blog podréis encontrar diferentes ejercicios. También podéis hacer los ejercicios que aparecen en cada tema de vuestro libro y corregirlos vosotros mismos, ya que aparece un solucionario en el propio temario. De todas formas, si tenéis cualquier duda, podéis hacerla a través del blog.
Ánimo y trabajad mucho, tanto la gramática como el vocabulario con la práctica de la lectura. Un saludo
jueves, 20 de agosto de 2009
Examen de inglés verano 2009
Read the text and answer the questions below:
WELCOME TO BRITAIN
I am a frequent visitor to Britain and a frequent traveller by British Airways, which provides a fantastic service at highly competitive prices. But what a difference when I get off the plane!
First I have a long way for the taxi. It seems that British taxi drivers are not prepared to wait in line for passengers, even when those passengers are paying $30 a head to go to the city centre.
My first stop is the local supermarket. Another shock: the selection is limited, and when I go to the checkout, they give me a bag and tell me to pack my own groceries. Any supermarket in the USA offering the same level of service would quickly go out of business.
Britain is famous for top-quality men’s clothes, and I myself am a regular customer. But when I go to my shirtmaker, I am told that delivery will be in 14 weeks. In China the same shirt can be done overnight.
Then a quick tour at Harrods, which is a marvellous shop with a world class selection of goods. But if you want to reclaim tax on exported goods, you not only have to pay extra for this, but you also have to go to another floor, get in the queue, and complete a number of forms.
I asked several British taxi drivers for their impressions of the USA. Those who have been there all respond that the service is excellent, even at the least expensive hotels and restaurants, and that “everyone seems happy to see us”. So why not in Britain?
1.
QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT
The writer makes comments about the following things. Write a P if he has a positive opinion and an N if he has a negative opinion
1.1
British Airways…………………………
1.2
British supermarkets………………..
1.3
British men’s clothes………………
1.4
China shirtmakers…………………
1.5
Bureaucracy at Harrod´s………..
1.6
British taxi drivers
1.7
American supermarkets……..
1.8
Harrods…………………………
1.9
American hotels and restaurants…
1.10
British shirtmakers´deliveries…….
2.
SYNONYMS
Find words in the text that mean :
2.1 per person
2.2 the place where you pay for your goods
2.3 to put in a bag
2.4 a line of people waiting
2.5 the cheapest
3.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?. MATCH THE FUNCTION TO THE ACTUAL WORDS
3.1
Apologize………………………………………………………………………………
3.2
Ask to speak to someone on the phone……………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.3
Ask about prices………………………………………………………………………
3.4
Offer help………………………………………………………………………………
3.5
Ask who someone works for…………………………………………………………
A.
What price do you have in mind?
B.
I am afraid I can’t do it now
C.
Could I speak to someone in Accounts please?
D.
What can I do for you?
E.
Who do you work for?
4.
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Complete the sentences writing the verbs in brackets in the correct form
4.1
If you help me, I ………………………………………………………… (help) you.
4.2
If you don’t drive more carefully, you ……………………… (have)an accident.
4.3
If you don’t stop making that noise, I………………………….………… (hit) you.
4.4
If you don’t wear a coat, you………………………………..…………… (be) cold.
4.5
If you see the film, you………………………………………….….………(enjoy) it.
5.
STUDY THE EXAMPLE AND COMPLETE THE SENTENCES IN THE SAME WAY. WRITE ONE WORD FOR EACH SPACE:
Example: I’m a doctor. My name is Peter. My patient trust me.
He’s a teacher. His name is Paul. I like him.
5.1
…………my girl-friend…………………name’s June. I love………….
5.2
He’s a policeman. Bonzo is …………police dog. He follows………….
5.3
You’re my students. These are …………texts books. I teach ………
5.4
We’re customs officers. This is…………..….office. Come with ………
5.5
This is a tape recorder. ………………………………….….very useful.
6.
READ THIS PARAGRAPH AND ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT IT
“Leonardo da Vinci was born near Florence in 1452. He was a painter, but he was also a great scientist and a mathematician. He painted some famous pictures, like the Mona Lisa.
He worked in Milan for Ludovico Sforza. He did not paint many pictures there. He designed war machines. Afterwards he went to France. He died there in 1519.
6.1.
Where………………………………………?He …………………………….in 1452
6.2.
What……………………………………do? He ………………………scientist and mathematician
6.3.
Where………………………………………? He …………………………..in Milan
6.4.
When ……………………………………? He……………………………..1519
6.5.
Which…………………………….most famous picture?
7.
REPORT THESE COMMANDS AND QUESTIONS USING REPORTED SPEECH
7.1.
Please come to dinner at 6.00. ……………………………………………………
7.2.
Please don’t mention the plans to anyone…………………………………………
7.3.
Please return the form as soon as possible ………………………………………
7.4.
Don’t put any calls through to my office ……………………………………………
7.5.
Send the letter immediately……………………………………………….
8.
WRITE SENTENCES USING: MUST, NEEDN´T, OR MUSTN´T
8.1.
James needs these documents urgently.(fax them to him immediately)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.2.
Good, we all seem to agree.(discuss the matter any further)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.3.
We’ve still got plenty of stock. (order any more yet)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.4.
Our health car products are selling really well (make sure we keep our market share)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.5.
I’ve got a very important meeting this afternoon (be late)
………………………………………………………………………………
9.
WRITE A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF A FAMOUS PERSON (100 WORDS AT LEAST)
WELCOME TO BRITAIN
I am a frequent visitor to Britain and a frequent traveller by British Airways, which provides a fantastic service at highly competitive prices. But what a difference when I get off the plane!
First I have a long way for the taxi. It seems that British taxi drivers are not prepared to wait in line for passengers, even when those passengers are paying $30 a head to go to the city centre.
My first stop is the local supermarket. Another shock: the selection is limited, and when I go to the checkout, they give me a bag and tell me to pack my own groceries. Any supermarket in the USA offering the same level of service would quickly go out of business.
Britain is famous for top-quality men’s clothes, and I myself am a regular customer. But when I go to my shirtmaker, I am told that delivery will be in 14 weeks. In China the same shirt can be done overnight.
Then a quick tour at Harrods, which is a marvellous shop with a world class selection of goods. But if you want to reclaim tax on exported goods, you not only have to pay extra for this, but you also have to go to another floor, get in the queue, and complete a number of forms.
I asked several British taxi drivers for their impressions of the USA. Those who have been there all respond that the service is excellent, even at the least expensive hotels and restaurants, and that “everyone seems happy to see us”. So why not in Britain?
1.
QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT
The writer makes comments about the following things. Write a P if he has a positive opinion and an N if he has a negative opinion
1.1
British Airways…………………………
1.2
British supermarkets………………..
1.3
British men’s clothes………………
1.4
China shirtmakers…………………
1.5
Bureaucracy at Harrod´s………..
1.6
British taxi drivers
1.7
American supermarkets……..
1.8
Harrods…………………………
1.9
American hotels and restaurants…
1.10
British shirtmakers´deliveries…….
2.
SYNONYMS
Find words in the text that mean :
2.1 per person
2.2 the place where you pay for your goods
2.3 to put in a bag
2.4 a line of people waiting
2.5 the cheapest
3.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?. MATCH THE FUNCTION TO THE ACTUAL WORDS
3.1
Apologize………………………………………………………………………………
3.2
Ask to speak to someone on the phone……………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.3
Ask about prices………………………………………………………………………
3.4
Offer help………………………………………………………………………………
3.5
Ask who someone works for…………………………………………………………
A.
What price do you have in mind?
B.
I am afraid I can’t do it now
C.
Could I speak to someone in Accounts please?
D.
What can I do for you?
E.
Who do you work for?
4.
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Complete the sentences writing the verbs in brackets in the correct form
4.1
If you help me, I ………………………………………………………… (help) you.
4.2
If you don’t drive more carefully, you ……………………… (have)an accident.
4.3
If you don’t stop making that noise, I………………………….………… (hit) you.
4.4
If you don’t wear a coat, you………………………………..…………… (be) cold.
4.5
If you see the film, you………………………………………….….………(enjoy) it.
5.
STUDY THE EXAMPLE AND COMPLETE THE SENTENCES IN THE SAME WAY. WRITE ONE WORD FOR EACH SPACE:
Example: I’m a doctor. My name is Peter. My patient trust me.
He’s a teacher. His name is Paul. I like him.
5.1
…………my girl-friend…………………name’s June. I love………….
5.2
He’s a policeman. Bonzo is …………police dog. He follows………….
5.3
You’re my students. These are …………texts books. I teach ………
5.4
We’re customs officers. This is…………..….office. Come with ………
5.5
This is a tape recorder. ………………………………….….very useful.
6.
READ THIS PARAGRAPH AND ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT IT
“Leonardo da Vinci was born near Florence in 1452. He was a painter, but he was also a great scientist and a mathematician. He painted some famous pictures, like the Mona Lisa.
He worked in Milan for Ludovico Sforza. He did not paint many pictures there. He designed war machines. Afterwards he went to France. He died there in 1519.
6.1.
Where………………………………………?He …………………………….in 1452
6.2.
What……………………………………do? He ………………………scientist and mathematician
6.3.
Where………………………………………? He …………………………..in Milan
6.4.
When ……………………………………? He……………………………..1519
6.5.
Which…………………………….most famous picture?
7.
REPORT THESE COMMANDS AND QUESTIONS USING REPORTED SPEECH
7.1.
Please come to dinner at 6.00. ……………………………………………………
7.2.
Please don’t mention the plans to anyone…………………………………………
7.3.
Please return the form as soon as possible ………………………………………
7.4.
Don’t put any calls through to my office ……………………………………………
7.5.
Send the letter immediately……………………………………………….
8.
WRITE SENTENCES USING: MUST, NEEDN´T, OR MUSTN´T
8.1.
James needs these documents urgently.(fax them to him immediately)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.2.
Good, we all seem to agree.(discuss the matter any further)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.3.
We’ve still got plenty of stock. (order any more yet)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.4.
Our health car products are selling really well (make sure we keep our market share)
………………………………………………………………………………
8.5.
I’ve got a very important meeting this afternoon (be late)
………………………………………………………………………………
9.
WRITE A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF A FAMOUS PERSON (100 WORDS AT LEAST)
martes, 5 de mayo de 2009
Reported speech
Rewrite these sentences into reported speech
1“Please, don´t smoke here”, she asked him
2.“Could you please order a taxi?” Helen asked Jim
3.“Did anyone try to call an ambulance?” she asked
4.“The boys were collecting money for charity organizations”, he explained
5.“What have you prepared for our meeting?” she asked him
6.“Take this money and put it in your bank”, his mother said
7.“We must fill in our tax returns tomorrow”, he said
8. She asked where I had studied for my first degree (into direct speech)
9.“Did you hear the news last night?” he asked Sarah.
10.“Put these clothes in your room”, she said to me.
11.“Return these books to the library” she said to the pupil
12.“Can you let me use your car, please?” Jane asked her mother
13.“She never laughs at my jokes” Peter said
14.“Where did you park the car last night?” She asked her son
15.“Do you prefer to travel by car or by bus?” Marie asked me
16.“What can I do for these people?” Henry asked himself
17.“Dragons have played an important role in my life” Spielberg said
18.The nurse told the visitors not to make a noise (into direct speech)
19.“Mum, don´t forget to pick me up at five, please”, Susan said
20.“He is studying French now”, she told me
21.“The government will have to resolve the problem of unemployment” a politician argued
22.“When did the government decide to raise taxes?” He wondered
23.“Give me my pen back, please” George said to Lisa
24.I asked Dracula where he was going for his holidays (into direct speech)
25.He said he was going to the Dead Sea (into direct speech)
1“Please, don´t smoke here”, she asked him
2.“Could you please order a taxi?” Helen asked Jim
3.“Did anyone try to call an ambulance?” she asked
4.“The boys were collecting money for charity organizations”, he explained
5.“What have you prepared for our meeting?” she asked him
6.“Take this money and put it in your bank”, his mother said
7.“We must fill in our tax returns tomorrow”, he said
8. She asked where I had studied for my first degree (into direct speech)
9.“Did you hear the news last night?” he asked Sarah.
10.“Put these clothes in your room”, she said to me.
11.“Return these books to the library” she said to the pupil
12.“Can you let me use your car, please?” Jane asked her mother
13.“She never laughs at my jokes” Peter said
14.“Where did you park the car last night?” She asked her son
15.“Do you prefer to travel by car or by bus?” Marie asked me
16.“What can I do for these people?” Henry asked himself
17.“Dragons have played an important role in my life” Spielberg said
18.The nurse told the visitors not to make a noise (into direct speech)
19.“Mum, don´t forget to pick me up at five, please”, Susan said
20.“He is studying French now”, she told me
21.“The government will have to resolve the problem of unemployment” a politician argued
22.“When did the government decide to raise taxes?” He wondered
23.“Give me my pen back, please” George said to Lisa
24.I asked Dracula where he was going for his holidays (into direct speech)
25.He said he was going to the Dead Sea (into direct speech)
Passive voice
Rewrite the following sentences into passive voice:
-She was making the dinner
-Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin
-A policeman has stopped us
-Christian Dior designed this new collection
-You should inform the police immediately
-The company promised him a bonus for finishing the project
-Harvard University will offer him a scholarship
-The mechanics were fixing my car when I telephoned
-The Mafia assassinated an Italian judge
-We must pay our telephone bill before Friday
-She was making the dinner
-Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin
-A policeman has stopped us
-Christian Dior designed this new collection
-You should inform the police immediately
-The company promised him a bonus for finishing the project
-Harvard University will offer him a scholarship
-The mechanics were fixing my car when I telephoned
-The Mafia assassinated an Italian judge
-We must pay our telephone bill before Friday
martes, 3 de marzo de 2009
Find the synonyms in the text
A new study suggests that the amount of television young children watch may be directly related to attention problems later in school. They may even suffer a condition known as Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. Experts say that A.D.D. involves an over-stimulation of young developing brains and teachers say many children in the United States are showing signs of the disorder. Some education researchers have believed for years that watching television at a very young age could change the normal development of the brain. For example, they say that children who watch a lot of television are not able to sit and read for an extended period of time, show less ability to listen, pay attention, as well as engage in independent problem solving.
This new study tested the idea that television watching by very young children is linked to attention problems by the age of seven. The findings reported that every hour pre-schoolers watch television increases their chances by about ten percent of developing attention deficit problems later in life. For example, children who watched three hours a day were thirty percent more likely to have attention problems than those who watched no television.
One of the researchers said there are other reasons why children should not watch television. Earlier studies have linked it with children becoming too fat and too aggressive. Other experts say the new study is important, but more work needs to be done to confirm the results and better explain the cause and effect.
Find the words in the text that mean:
a) quantity
b) symptoms
c) examined
d) previous
e) long
f) probable
e) joined
f) raise
g) straightly
h) discoveries
This new study tested the idea that television watching by very young children is linked to attention problems by the age of seven. The findings reported that every hour pre-schoolers watch television increases their chances by about ten percent of developing attention deficit problems later in life. For example, children who watched three hours a day were thirty percent more likely to have attention problems than those who watched no television.
One of the researchers said there are other reasons why children should not watch television. Earlier studies have linked it with children becoming too fat and too aggressive. Other experts say the new study is important, but more work needs to be done to confirm the results and better explain the cause and effect.
Find the words in the text that mean:
a) quantity
b) symptoms
c) examined
d) previous
e) long
f) probable
e) joined
f) raise
g) straightly
h) discoveries
martes, 17 de febrero de 2009
TEXTO INGLÉS
Coetzee wins Nobel Prize
The 2003 Nobel Prize for Literature was won by the South African novelist J.M. Coetzee. This is wonderful news, Coetzee, 63, is unquestionably among the greatest living writers in English.
The Nobel has often been misapplied. It evaded Tolstoy, Chekhov, Joyce, Kafka and Nabokov. It was won, on the other hand, by Bjornstjerne Bjornson, José Echegaray, Rudolf Eucken and others now wholly forgotten. In many cases, the judges seem to have been influenced by political, rather than literary factors. But in choosing Coetzee, the judges have got it right and ignored the fact that Coetzee has many things to say that do not sit comfortably with liberal political assumptions.
His books dealS with difficult, painful matters – betrayal, the abuse of power, the nature of evil, our cruel treatment of animals- and ultimately they express deep scepticism over whether or not any of us are capable of true empathy with others. Coetzee presents these unwelcome truths with a rigour and purity that cannot be ignored.
Coetzee was born in Cape Town in 1940 and trained as a computer scientist, coming to London in the Sixties to work for IBM, a period recollected in a superb autobiographical novel. He then became a professor of literature in the United States, initially using his computing skills for verbal analysis of writers, before returning to Cape Town in the early Seventies, where he has continued to teach and publish literary criticism. His first fiction, Dusklands, was published in 1794, followed by In The Heart of The Country and Waiting for Barbarians, which swiftly won him international recognition.
1. READING COMPREHENSION (2 points) Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE?
Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE answers.
a) Many years ago Tolstoy was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature.
b) Coetzee has not yet written any book based on his life.
2. EXPRESSING THE MAIN IDEAS (2 points, 1 each correct answer) According to the text
and using your own words, answer the following questions:
a) Why has the Nobel Prize been sometimes wrongly awarded?
b) What did Coetzee do professionally before he wrote his first novel?
3. Find the words in the text that mean (1 point):
a) without doubt (paragraph 1)
b) completely (paragraph 2)
c) ideas (paragraph 2)
d) quickly (paragraph 4)
4. Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word in brackets
when given. (2 points)
a) Coetzee, _______ was born in South Africa in 1940, won the Nobel Prize ______ year.
b) Before _______ (win) the Nobel Prize, Coetzee ______ (receive) international recognition.
c) James Joyce, _______ works are still universally known, ________ (not choose) for the Nobel
Prize during his lifetime.
d) The German Rudolf Eucken, a Nobel Prize winner, wrote _______ ethics and religion. But
______ works are almost forgotten today.
5. Write about 100 to 150 words on one of the following topics. (3 points)
A) What is the last book you have read? Give reasons why you did or you didn´t like it.
B) How can winning a prize affect people´s lives?
The 2003 Nobel Prize for Literature was won by the South African novelist J.M. Coetzee. This is wonderful news, Coetzee, 63, is unquestionably among the greatest living writers in English.
The Nobel has often been misapplied. It evaded Tolstoy, Chekhov, Joyce, Kafka and Nabokov. It was won, on the other hand, by Bjornstjerne Bjornson, José Echegaray, Rudolf Eucken and others now wholly forgotten. In many cases, the judges seem to have been influenced by political, rather than literary factors. But in choosing Coetzee, the judges have got it right and ignored the fact that Coetzee has many things to say that do not sit comfortably with liberal political assumptions.
His books dealS with difficult, painful matters – betrayal, the abuse of power, the nature of evil, our cruel treatment of animals- and ultimately they express deep scepticism over whether or not any of us are capable of true empathy with others. Coetzee presents these unwelcome truths with a rigour and purity that cannot be ignored.
Coetzee was born in Cape Town in 1940 and trained as a computer scientist, coming to London in the Sixties to work for IBM, a period recollected in a superb autobiographical novel. He then became a professor of literature in the United States, initially using his computing skills for verbal analysis of writers, before returning to Cape Town in the early Seventies, where he has continued to teach and publish literary criticism. His first fiction, Dusklands, was published in 1794, followed by In The Heart of The Country and Waiting for Barbarians, which swiftly won him international recognition.
1. READING COMPREHENSION (2 points) Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE?
Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE answers.
a) Many years ago Tolstoy was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature.
b) Coetzee has not yet written any book based on his life.
2. EXPRESSING THE MAIN IDEAS (2 points, 1 each correct answer) According to the text
and using your own words, answer the following questions:
a) Why has the Nobel Prize been sometimes wrongly awarded?
b) What did Coetzee do professionally before he wrote his first novel?
3. Find the words in the text that mean (1 point):
a) without doubt (paragraph 1)
b) completely (paragraph 2)
c) ideas (paragraph 2)
d) quickly (paragraph 4)
4. Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word in brackets
when given. (2 points)
a) Coetzee, _______ was born in South Africa in 1940, won the Nobel Prize ______ year.
b) Before _______ (win) the Nobel Prize, Coetzee ______ (receive) international recognition.
c) James Joyce, _______ works are still universally known, ________ (not choose) for the Nobel
Prize during his lifetime.
d) The German Rudolf Eucken, a Nobel Prize winner, wrote _______ ethics and religion. But
______ works are almost forgotten today.
5. Write about 100 to 150 words on one of the following topics. (3 points)
A) What is the last book you have read? Give reasons why you did or you didn´t like it.
B) How can winning a prize affect people´s lives?
martes, 10 de febrero de 2009
Ejercicio de condicionales
Complete with the correct answer. All types of conditional are included
1. Fran ___________(do) better at French if she worked harder.
2. If the plane hadn´t been delayed by bad weather, we __________(be) late.
3. If you _________(ask) someone the way, you´ll find the British Museum easily.
4. You needn´t have tea if you _________ (prefer) coffee.
5. The doctor said that if Mrs Smith ________ (be) to diet, she would feel better.
6. Mary __________ (pass) the exam even if I hadn´t helped her.
7. I won´t go to the theatre unless you __________ (come) with me.
8. If I ___________ (be) Jim, I wouldn´t go out with Debbie.
9. Bill would have enjoyed himself if he __________ (be) at Tina´s party
10. If you __________ (listen) to me when I told you, you __________ (not/be) in trouble.
1. Fran ___________(do) better at French if she worked harder.
2. If the plane hadn´t been delayed by bad weather, we __________(be) late.
3. If you _________(ask) someone the way, you´ll find the British Museum easily.
4. You needn´t have tea if you _________ (prefer) coffee.
5. The doctor said that if Mrs Smith ________ (be) to diet, she would feel better.
6. Mary __________ (pass) the exam even if I hadn´t helped her.
7. I won´t go to the theatre unless you __________ (come) with me.
8. If I ___________ (be) Jim, I wouldn´t go out with Debbie.
9. Bill would have enjoyed himself if he __________ (be) at Tina´s party
10. If you __________ (listen) to me when I told you, you __________ (not/be) in trouble.
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