Liberty enlighting the World, dedicated 125 years ago

The Statue of Liberty  is a colossal neoclassical  sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbour. It was designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and the framework for the statue was designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel, who the Eiffel Tower is named after. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a 46 m long torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet.

The copper skin was created piece-by-piece using a trade practice called repousse. This method entailed fashioning and hammering each component of the copper skin into a specific configuration and a thickness of 3/32 of an inch.

The height of the statue, from the top of the pedestal it rests on to the tip of the torch, is 151 feet. The total height, which includes the foundation and base, is 305 feet.

The statue was constructed in France, shipped overseas in 214 crates, and assembled on the completed pedestal on what was then called Bedloe's Island.

Fundraising proved difficult, especially for the Americans, and by 1885 work on the pedestal was threatened due to lack of funds. Publisher Joseph Pulitzer of the World started a drive for donations to complete the project, and the campaign inspired over 120,000 contributors, most of whom gave less than a dollar.

The statue has become an icon of freedom and of the United States and has welcomed millions of inmigrants to the United States ever since.

Task:
After reading the Statue description, make questions for the following answers.
1. ____________________________? On Liberty Island in New York Harbour.
2. ____________________________? Frédéric Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel.
3. ____________________________? On October 28, 1886.
4. ____________________________? It is  a robed female figure representing
the roman goddess Libertas.                                                
5. ____________________________? A torch and a tabula.
6. ____________________________? It´s 305 feet.
7. ____________________________? Joseph Pulitzer.
8. ____________________________? An icon of freedom and of the USA.

Fashion is more than a word.....

It´s difficult to know what words to use when referring to Fashion, because like Fashion itself, terms and  fashion-related words are always changing.
Popular fashion comes and goes, and sometimes comes back again. New fashion trends reflect the times and often come from social change and popular culture, music, cinema, tv, sport and so on.

Mr. Ducan, one of my favourite teachers on the Net, shows us the way this happens.

                           

                                       

Music Styles

Are you a music lover? What type of music do you like? Is there any kind of music that you can´t stand?, these and other similar questions can be answered depending on your favourite music style.
There are many genres and everybody enjoys some kind of music or a related activity, listening, singing, playing a musical instrument, or dancing. Music is present in our life and is part of human culture.

Culture and taste vary, and so do music styles.

This video offers you a particular music taste, but it shows you a great variety of music genres.

Tasks:
1. Watch the video and make a list of all the styles selected by the author.
2.  Find out additional information about Music genres in the file below
by Ajanta Bhattacharyya              

                                                       

3. Visit the address below and  practise your English by listening to the songs. You can choose blues, folk, folk-rock, pop-rock, punk-rock, reggae, ska and soul music among others...

http://www.xtec.es/~vfeliu/songs.htm

U2 " I still haven´t found what I´m looking for"

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin, formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Muller, Jr (drums and percussion).

U2 early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music.

They have maintained a recognisable sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge´s guitar playing and Bono´s expressive vocals. Their lyrics, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns.

U2 have released 12 studio albums and are among the best-selling groups in popular music, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band. In 2005, U2 were included into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Rolling Stones ranked U2 in its list of the "100 greatest Artists of All Time."

Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and philantropic causes, including Amnesty International, the ONE/DATA campaigns, Product Red, and The Edge´s Music Rising.

Source: Wikipedia

"I Still Haven´t Found What I´m looking for", one of their best-known songs, is an example of how the "Present Perfect" tense is used.
Besides, by listening to the lyrics you can find out how many things the singer has done and tried to find love.

Task:
1. After watching the video and listening to the song, complete the gap-filling exercise.
2. If necessary, watch the second video to check.

                                                     

BNL stands for Barenaked Ladies

Barenaked Ladies is a Canadian alternative rock band currently composed of Jim Greeggan, kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson and Tyler Steward. Barenaked ladies formed in 1988 in Ontario and they are best known for their hit singles, One Week, The Old Apartment, Pinch me, If I Had $1000000, and Brian Wilson.

They have won multiple Juno Awards and been nominated  for Grammy Awards. They are also known  for their light-hearted, comedic performance style. Their live shows are known for humerous banter between songs and improvised raps/songs, both of which  are staples at virtually every concert. Original keybordist Andy Creeggan left the band in 1995, and founding member Steven page departed in 2009.

They have sold at least 15 million records including albums and singles.

Source: Wikipedia

 Barenaked Ladies
"If I Had A Million Dollars"

 

Enjoy the video and revise "Conditional Sentences Type II" while listening to the lyrics.

Describing people in English

The description of people, family members or yourself,  is a recurrent and handy topic to talk about, and another possible task for the oral PAU exam.

As all of you know, there are many ways to talk about physical appearance, here you have a sample of how to do it.



Task: After watching the video, choose a member of your family and describe him/her to your classmates.


To help you describe people and pets, you can try these exercises:

http://home.nordnet.fr/~rmaufroid/pupitre/description/physical%20descriptionlien.htm

Describing a picture in English

Describing a picture is one of the possible tasks to do in the oral  PAU exam, so in order to have confidence in your skills, and as an additional help to the conversation practice in class, watch this useful video.

Task: Following the three steps proposed in the video, describe a picture.

Learning vocabulary about Clothes may be a game

Window shopping, going shopping, trying clothes on  and wearing them are usual activities that some young people enjoy, but others dislike doing.
Although reasons for loving or hating them are varied, there´s something not many people  take into account when choosing an item of clothing, that´s it, what material clothes are made of.
Whether you are in favour or against buying clothes, searching bargains or good quality items, I´m sure you enjoy learning while playing.

Here you can learn and refresh clothing vocabulary and guess types of materials and hairstyles by playing listening games.

http://www.elllo.org/english/Games/G004-Materials.html

http://www.elllo.org/english/Games/G025-Clothes.html

http://www.elllo.org/english/Games/G005-Hairstyle.html

Highway 66

"Highway 66 was the main route for people in fight from dust and empty land."
This is the way Chapter 3 of The Grapes of Wrath starts.
If you want to have a look and experience the Mother Road yourself, you can take a cyber Tour of Route 66 at the Navegation map at the bottom of this web:

http://www.theroadwanderer.net/route66.htm.

Have a try and you´ll enjoy at the same time that you´ll  learn about this famous American Highway.



The Grapes of Wrath

Before you start reading The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, it will be helpful to understand the American situation at the time when the book is set, The Great Depression of the 1930´s.


The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of a poor Midwest family that is forced off  their land. They travel to California, suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great depression.

What do you think are some of the causes and consequences of an economic depression?
Part of the family´s problem in the story is environmental.
What do you know about the problem of the " Dust Bowl" in the United States?.
Another problem the family faces is the arrival of new technology which means fewer agricultural jobs.
How might similar problems happen in the future?.

Homeless and Homelessness

Most people have a home in which they enjoy all the comforts we expect in life. These include food, warmth, television, internet / phone and the company of others. Becoming homeless can happen to almost anyone.

How do you think this can happen? The key phrases below, may help you answer this question.

Made unemployed - Drink / Alcoholism / Drug addition - Not paying rent - Mental health problems - Running away from home - Rogue landlords - Eviction - repossession - Antisocial behaviour.

When you think of a homeless person, what images and pictures come to mind?

Often members of the general public consider homeless people as a burden on society or as being lazy and not willing to work. These are stereotype images.

Where do the general public get their information about homeless people from?

The key phrases below may help you answer this question.

Newspapers - Magazines - What we see on the streets - TV: Soaps or Documentaries - What we are told by others - Internet - Charities such as "Shelther" - Music/Songs.

Did you know that many homeless people, have at one time or another, had important jobs such as being in the armed forces. Other homeless people have mental illnesses that mean they cannot cope with normal life. Some homeless people have owned businesses, homes and had families and then lost everything. This can be due to divorce, bereavement and bankruptcy.

Can you think of any other reasons a person may become homeless?

Source: V. Ryan

Task:

Apart from answering the text questions about homelessness. Write an essay to answer the following additional questions:

What´s your own view?. What sorts of things would be really difficult if you were homeless?

A Britishman´s home is his castle.

Among the proverbs related to buying or having a house we can find, let´s choose "A Britishman´s home is his castle" which means:
"You are the boss in your own house and nobody can tell you what to do there. No one can enter your home without your permission".

But there is a long list we can mention and learn:
One´s house, one´s castle.
Home is  where the heart is.
Better one´s house too little one day, then too big all the year after.
To every bird, its own nest is beautiful.
Home follows the family.
Home is where you make it.
Love makes a house a home.
There´s no place like home.
Everybody wwants to go home.
Make yourself at home.
Home sweet home.
Charity begins at home.
Consider yourself at home. 

Tasks:
1. Choose four of the  proverbs from the list above and try to explain their meaning. Can you find similarity to any Spanish proverbs?

2. Watch the presentation on British houses and learn the different types of houses.           

http://www.slideshare.net/helenacvlobo/british-houses

3. The Guardian and the Observer  guide to British Architecture offers you the opportunity of watching the interior of a British home throughout history. Thanks to their interactive guide you can see how domestic spaces evolve from Saxon times to the post-modern era.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/interactive/2011/sep/10/inside-home-architecture :

4. Learn about houses in England from the children who live there:
http://projectbritain.com/houses/main/index.html

Curves in Couture

Curves in Couture is new fashion show that is being held for charity in November, the event is being organised by Models of Diversity. The show with focus on women with curves rather than the ultra thin catwalk models typically seen. Money raised from the show will be going to The Advance Centre, which is a charity that works with children who have suffered brain damage.

The show will start off by featuring models who focus on diversity. There will be women who are large, small, short, tall and from many races. All of these models will be wearing the latest fashion trends that are ready to wear. The winner of the show Britain’s Missing Top Model, Kelly Knox will also be making an appearance at the show. Robyn Lawley who has recently been featured on the front of Vogue will be showing clothes designed for larger women.

Many celebrities will be attending the event as well as a great deal of the fashion press. Sky, who are filming a documentary series, called Make me a Supermodel, will also be in attendance. The show is estimated to be broadcast to over 15 million people nationwide.

This is going to be the largest fashion event for plus sized women that has occurred in the UK to date and the press are already making a big deal out of the show. The show should also help in the campaign to get more plus sized women into popular magazines and fashion programmes.

Questions:


1. Add True / False to the statements, quoting the evidence from the text.  

1. The show will be held in favour of plus sized women. T/F 
2. All sort of manniquis will walk on this walkcat event.   T/F 
3. It´s posible not many famous people to attend the event. T/F

2. Answer the following questions about the text, using your own words.           
           
            1.  What´s the aim of this show organizers?

            2.  Has the show had any media repercusion? Why?

3. Rewrite the following sentences in other words, the meaning should be the same as that in the sentence above.

      
            1. The event is being organised by Models of Diversity

                Models of Diversity _____________________

            2. The show is estimated to be broadcast to over 15 million people   

       nationwide.

       It is  estimated_________________________

  3.  The show should also help in the campaign to get more plus

       sized women into popular magazines and fashion programmes.

  The show _____________________________

  4.  Many celebrities will be attending the event as well as a great deal

       of the fashion press.

  Not only ______________________________

4. Write a composition (80-120 words) on one of these topics. Add your personal opinion.

          1.  The importance of being trendy for teenagers.

          2.  Problems of being overweight.

Additional Tasks.

Link to :

http://www.dailyesl.com/clothing.htm

1. Read and listen to Getting Dressed in Fashion.

2. Practise Vocabulary Building on Fashion and Clothing

Would you like to have breakfast at Tiffany´s?

 Today is your opportunity to accept my invitation and join the 50th birthday of a classic, Breakfast at Tiffany´s, (Desayuno con Diamantes), the Spanish translation.

 A 1961 romantic comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, and featuring Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam, and Mickey Rooney. The film was directed by Blake Edwards and released by Paramount Pictures.

It was loosely based on the novel of the same name by Truman Capote.

The soundtrack composed and conducted by Henry Marcini, with songs by Marcini and Johnny Mercer won 1961 Oscar for Best Original Song for "Moon River".

In addition, the film had three nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Art Direction and Best Adapted Screeplay.

The film is set in an idealized New York City during the early 60´s. Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) is a charming socialite with a youthful zest for life who lives alone in a nearly bare apartment. She has such a lifestyle that she won´t even give her cat a name, because that would be too much of a commitment to a relationship.

Maintaining a childlike innocence yet wearing the most perfect of designer clothes and accessories from Givenchy, she spends her time on dates and at high-class parties. She escorts various wealthy men, yet fails to return their affections after they have given her gifts and money.

Holly´s carefree independence is changed when she meets her neighbour, aspiring writer Paul (George Peppard), who is suffering from writer´s block while being kept by a wealthy woman (Patricia Neal). Just when Holly and Paul are developing their sweet romance, Doc (Buddy Ebsen) appears on the scene and complicates matters, revealing the truth about Holly´s past.

Synopsis by: www.fandango.com

 Your tasks:

1. After reading about the film, watch the original trailer.

2. Surf the Net and find information about Truman Capote´s  novel on which the film was based. State out the main differences.

3. Listen to the "River Moon "song and try to write down the lyrics.