Read the beginning of a well-known Christmas poem:

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

Now try to fill the gaps in the poem.

Inventions

Group A:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z86V_ICUCD4


Group B:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQBjJjpkjl0


Group C:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvxIB83Y0PA


Group D:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk7LcugO3zg

CAE Ready for Advanced Essay p.50

Read the essay:

Over the last ten years there has been a rise the number of teens finishing their studies at  age 16 or 17. Statistics indicate that they are opting to leave school as early as possible, either because they are unable or unwilling to take their education further. It is clear that this could have a long-term impact on the skills, knowledge and qualifications of the general workforce. It is therefore essential that governments find ways to reverse this trend.

We need to begin by asking why young people do not see college as a good option. A major factor is certainly the cost. For many low-income families, course fees, materials and equipment are simply unaffordable. Reducing fees would therefore enable many more students to attend college. However, for the government to do this, it would need to use a very large part of its total budget for education, year after year.

It might be a more practical solution to offer young people more flexibility in when and how they study. If governments supported colleges developing online courses and blended learning programmes, more young people could study at a time and place that was convenient to them. Students with daytime jobs, for instance, could choose to do their coursework and view workshops or online webinars in the evening or weekends.

Setting up these kinds of programme would be expensive at first, but once the courses were established, it would be a cost-effective approach. Now we have the technology, we should use it to maximize educational opportunities for the young generation. 

Now reconstruct the text:

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-11rjn1e3?colscheme=red


Go to exercise 5 page 51 in the book. Read the instructions and write your essay using the link below:

http://goo.gl/forms/zjZzK4Mm2i

FCE Gold Unit 4 Essay

Here's the model answer read it:

TV programmes often show beautiful scenes in the countryside that feature the wildlife, fantastic landscapes and beautiful beaches, for example. They don't often show a lot of detail about what rural life is actually like. Is it really better to live in the countryside than in a city?

It is true that living in the countryside offers some obvious health benefits. The air is less polluted, and you may have more opportunities to spend time outdoors enjoying nature. This can be good for your mental health as well as physical health.

On the other hand, there are some clear advantages to living in a city. Public transport is often better and there are more facilities for education, leisure and entertainment.

However, people aren't always able to choose to live in the country, even if they want to. Some people have to move to cities to find employment as jobs are much more plentiful there.

I think that living in the countryside can provide a better way of life, but really this depends on your lifestyle and your personal situation.

Now follow the link and reconstruct the answer:

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-7tqjn1e3?colscheme=orange

CAE 1 Ready for Advanced Unit 4 Essay: Encouraging school-leavers to take college courses

Over the last ten years there has been a rise the number of teens finishing their studies at age 16 or 17. Statistics indicate that they are opting to leave school as early as possible, either because they are unable or unwilling to take their education further. It is clear that this could have a long-term impact on the skills, knowledge and qualifications of the general workforce. It is therefore essential that governments find ways to reverse this trend.

We need to begin by asking why young people do not see college as a good option. A major factor is certainly the cost. For many low-income families, course fees, materials and equipment are simply unaffordable. Reducing fees would therefore enable many more students to attend college. However, for the government to do this, it would need to use a very large part of its total budget for education, year after year.

It might be a more practical solution to offer young people more flexibility in when and how they study. If governments supported colleges developing online courses and blended learning programmes, more young people could study at a time and place that was convenient to them. Students with daytime jobs, for instance, could choose to do their coursework and view workshops or online webinars in the evening or weekends.

Setting up these kinds of programme would be expensive at first, but once the courses were established, it would be a cost-effective approach. Now we have the technology, we should use it to maximize educational opportunities for the young generation.

Now reconstruct the text:

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-utqjn1e3

Time to write your essay:

http://goo.gl/forms/hNWbbM1wcx

Breaking News: The Great Blue Diamond Heist Task

Here's a news item from The Burglars Gang:

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=12112359&height=267&width=200

Here's a news item from the Robbers Gang:

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=12112516&height=267&width=200


And finally here is a news item from the Con Artists:

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=12336158&height=267&width=200

CAE Report Model Answer Complete Advanced p.48

Here is the text of the report:

Report on workplace improvements

Introduction

The aim of this report is to outline the deficiencies in our present office environment and the suggestions which have been made for improvements, and to make recommendations for two changes.

The office environment

At present, the office suffers from a number of problems. Firstly, the air-conditioning system is antiquated and therefore noisy. This causes headaches and occasionally makes difficult to hold telephone conversations. Also, the open office plan makes difficult for people to concentrate on their work as they are frequently distracted by conversations in other parts of the office. Finally, many of the office chairs are uncomfortable and employees who spend long hours in front of their computers often complain of backache.

Staff suggestions

Staff were consulted and they made the following suggestions : first, the air-conditioning should be replaced by a more modern, quieter system which provides cool air in the summer and heating in the winter. It was felt that this would reduce tiredness and improve morale, which would enable staff to work more productively. To deal with distractions from conversations there were two suggestions : either dividing the office with screens round each work station, or having separate meeting rooms for "necessary work discussions. Staff also requested more ergonomic office chairs.

Recommendation

As a first measure, I would recommend replacing the air-conditioning and the office chairs. These two changes will have a direct effect on productivity by reducing absence due to sick leave enabling staff to work more efficiently and more comfortably.

Now recreate the text:

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-udqjn1e3?colscheme=aqua

Now try to fill the gaps with the words hidden:

http://www.textivate.com/udgapfill-udqjn1s11?colscheme=orange

Super-recognizers

Student A:
Follow this link and read the article:
http://harvardmagazine.com/2009/09/facial-pheenoms

Student B:
Follow this link and read the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/26/health/26face.html

Tell each other about what you have read.
Success criteria:

1. Don't read the article aloud.
2. Make notes.
3. Use a good online dictionary to look up the meaning of the words you need to tell your partner about your article. Macmillan   OALD
4. Use your own language as well as your notes.

Now look at both articles (A's read B's and vice versa).

In pairs try to identify any differences in style. Both articles use similar stylistic tools to make the read interesting for the target reader. What are they?

to+infinitive/bare infinitive or gerund..... hmmm

Student A follow this link:

https://quizlet.com/95998861/flashcards

Student B follow this link (after A has finished asking you questions):

https://quizlet.com/96000738/flashcards

Model answer: used to sentences

I just made a new Voki. See it here:

I just made a new Voki. See it here:

Multiple Intelligences Test

(c) http://bit.ly/1G8Pa3d Rebekah Elliott, City Honors School
Follow the link and do the test:
https://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-assessment

Record your dreams.

1. Find a picture.
2. Save it.
3. Feed it into this website: http://ericandrewlewis.github.io/emoji-mosaic/
4. Show 'your dream' to another student.

Language for guessing:
I'm not sure but I think it might be.....
Am I right?

FCE Gold Informal Letter p.14

Hi Josh

Yes, I'm really looking forward to your visit too! It's good you want to see some live music while you're here because in my town there's a music festival every summer you'll be able to see lots of local bands play. None of them is very famous but there's a fantastic atmosphere there and I always enjoy going a lot. The tickets are very reasonable and you can spend the whole day there. Of course, like all my friends, I'm mainly interested in rock bands but you can find reggae and traditional music there too - you won't be disappointed because there's something for everyone.

There aren't any large music venues near where I live, so it's not that easy for me to go to big concerts very often. But one of my favourite bands, Mystery Jets, is playing in the nearest city on 22 August, so if you like, I get tickets for us to go to that.

Let me know what you think.

Alice 

Now reconstruct the text:

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-dipjn1e3

Advanced Complete p.17

Copy the text and paste it here.

For many young people it is hard to find the sort of job they aspire to. This is in part due to a mismatch between what education provides and what employers believe they  require.

Schools and universities should offer students courses which provide them with qualifications which will attract potential employers. However, employers often complain that courses are too theoretical and do not teach students the practical skills they will need in the workplace.

While I understand this viewpoint, I do not entirely share it. I believe that the purpose of education is primarily to develop critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyse and solve problems. These abilities will be useful throughout people's working lives. To achieve this, I do not think it matters whether someone studies history or theoretical physics as long as the right teaching methods are used. Students will then pick up the specific job skills they require very quickly once they are in full-time employment.

It is often suggested that young people need to gain work experience in order to make an informed choice of university course and career. Although I believe this helps to focus students’ minds on what working life will be like, generally speaking it is not possible for students to get a wide enough range of experience to be able to choose their career wisely.

I would therefore argue that the best way to help young people find suitable jobs is to give them an excellent general education while ensuring that employers realise how valuable it is. 


Follow the link and reconstruct the text:
http://www.textivate.com/nextword-kepjn1e3

Now try to match some items from the text:
http://www.textivate.com/m_1in5-mepjn1e0

Try to identify the paragraph the phrases come from.

Listen to the teacher:
You will get log-in details to prepare your own activities for other students.

****************************************

Time to write!
http://goo.gl/forms/8CNXSGXF2R

Communication Skills Test 2 Units 7-9

Welcome!
Please read these instructions BEFORE you start the test.

1. You will have to complete 3 activities with a minimum score of 60% in each one.
2. When you have completed the first activity you will see a pop-up window. Click anywhere outside it and then click the NEXT button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. This will take you to your next activity.
3. If you don't know what to do ask the teacher BEFORE you start the activity.
4. After you have completed ALL 3 activities you will see this pop-up window:

USE THE STUDENT PASSWORD BOX!!!

You MUST log in.
User name: anglomat
Ask the teacher for the student password.
5. You will then see this pop-up window:

Use your real name.

Don't write anything in the group box.

6. If you have any questions at this point ask the teacher NOW.

YOU ARE READY FOR THE TEST!

CLICK BELOW:

http://www.textivate.com/sequence-eaojn1

Reasons for calling in sick

Think of 7 good reasons and 7 lame reasons to chuck in a sickie ( Australian English).

Now read this article. Pause after each slide and answer these questions:

- Is this a good or lame reason for you and your partner? Why?
- Have you or someone you know ever used it? What happened?
- Would you use this reason to call in sick at work?
- Is there any vocabulary you would like to remember from the slide? (Note it down, try to guess what it means.)

Busness Benchmark Upper Intermediate Writing Task p.108

Read the instructions in the book or from the picture below.
Follow the link and submit your answer. Your letter should be 120-140 words.
You should spend maximum 30 minutes on this task.

(c) Cambridge University Press 2013

Here is the link:
http://goo.gl/forms/9qLh41dLtx

Business Benchmark Upper Intermediate Unit 21 p.101

Follow the link and spend ____ minutes on the task.

http://goo.gl/forms/ujRlVWIam0

BEC Vanatge Vocabulary List

Quizlet:
https://quizlet.com/79154087/business-benchmark-vantage-upper-intermediate-flash-cards/

Excel version:
http://upbo.com/elt/businessbenchmark/wordlists.htm

Mr. Rooney's Phone Call (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)

Here's the story:

Ferris wants to skive off (bunk off) school. He wants to meet his girlfriend and go into town. He talks his friend into calling the school's principal Mr Rooney and pretending to be the girl's (Sloane's) father. The excuse he gives is that Sloane is needed at home because of her grandmother's death. Mr Rooney is convinced that he is talking to Ferris and he is not nice to him. Then Ferris calls him on another line - the secretary puts him through to Mr Rooney. The principal then has to apologise to 'the girl's father'... (Ferris' friend on the other line).

Follow the link and reconstruct the dialogue.

http://www.textivate.com/1in3-ixnjn1

Now watch the video:

Now answer these questions in pairs/small groups:

https://quizlet.com/81788666/flashcards

Proposal for outsourcing IT

Reconstruct the text:
http://www.textivate.com/nextword-crnjn1e3

Essay Reconstruction: The Effect of Internet on Newspapers

First read te model answer below:

The issue of whether or not the Internet is a threat to newspapers is a complicated one. Some people claim it offers a great opportunity while others believe that traditional newspapers are already irrelevant. It is my own belief that, rather than pose a risk, the Internet actually is changing newspapers for the better.

Critics of the effect of the Internet on newspapers point out that sales of newspapers have dropped dramatically on account of the Internet and newspapers are therefore no longer able to make money. In addition to this, many claim that the Internet has led to a decline in the quality of journalism as newspaper websites are updated several times a day and much of the content is written quickly and therefore carelessly.

On the other hand, the Internet has undoubtedly had a beneficial effect on newspapers. One particularly positive influence is that it is much easier for readers to interact with a newspaper. They are invited to send their own accounts or photos and consequently newspaper websites can carry information about events as soon as they happen. Furthermore, readers can share their views with others on message boards and as a result there is a livelier debate than there was in the days of the traditional 'letters to the editor'. Finally, thanks to their websites, many newspapers have seen a significant increase in their readership, often from across the world.

To conclude, the Internet has had both a positive and a negative impact on newspapers, but, all in all, the change has definitely been for the better. To my mind, newspapers now feel less remote and elitist due to the constant presence of their readers online and this is surely a positive development.

Follow the link and reconstruct the text:
http://www.textivate.com/nextword-tsnjn1e3

Business Benchmark Proposal Unit 20 p.95

Follow the link and reconstruct the text:
http://www.textivate.com/nextword-crnjn1e3

Reconstructing a Letter (IELTS GT Task 1)

Read the letter than follow the link and reconstruct it:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Request to change room

I am writing to ask if I could please be given another room in college.

At present I share a room with another student who, unfortunately, is very noisy. This makes it very difficult for me to study. I have asked this student on many occasions to let me work quietly but there has been no change. He plays his radio or watches TV constantly and often invites friends round for parties which last till late in the night.

I have tried working in the library but it is not open at all the times I need. I am very worried about this situation, as I have to finish my final year project this term and have my final exams coming up at the end of the year.

I would be most grateful if you could please give me a room by myself or a room sharing with a student who is quiet.

I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your help.

Yours faithfully

Jan Hutt

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-nmnjn1

Business English Class Survey

Please follow the link and do the survey:

http://goo.gl/forms/t2Ct9MVFX9

Communication Skills Test 1: Units 1-3

Welcome!
Please read these instructions BEFORE you start the test.

1. You will have to complete 3 activities with a minimum score of 60% in each one.
2. When you have completed the first activity you will see a pop-up window. Click anywhere outside it and then click the NEXT button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. This will take you to your next activity.
3. If you don't know what to do ask the teacher BEFORE you start the activity.
4. After you have completed ALL 3 activities you will see this pop-up window:

USE THE STUDENT PASSWORD BOX!!!

You MUST log in.
User name: anglomat
Ask the teacher for the student password.
5. You will then see this pop-up window:

Use your real name.

Don't write anything in the group box.

6. If you have any questions at this point ask the teacher NOW.

YOU ARE READY FOR THE TEST!

CLICK BELOW:

http://www.textivate.com/sequence-xenjn1

Social media and business

Follow the link and read the article:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-skype-is-becoming-like-star-trek/

Note down 3 words/phrases you would like to remember.

Now watch the video here:

http://www.skype.com/en/translator-preview/

Would you find it useful? Why? Why not?

Now answer the questions with a partner:

• What social networking sites do you use?
• What are some good points about social networking?
• What are some bad points about social networking?
• Do you have a Facebook page?
• Do you use Twitter?
• What information do you have on your webpage?
• What kind of information are you comfortable releasing to the public?
• Does your company use social networking sites?
• What type of information should you put on social networking sites?
• How can companies use social networking sites?

Follow the link and read the relevant section of the article:

A's: 

1. Warby Parker

B's:

2. Pork Barrel BBQ

C's:

3. The Mermaid Inn

Get in groups of three and report on the way these companies use social media.

Decide which one you like best.

Model answer Report p.77

Follow the link:
http://www.textivate.com/udgapfill-kbnjn1

Report Reconstruction

First try to reconstruct the text of the report on page 75.

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-c9njn1

Then, try and fill the gaps:

http://www.textivate.com/udgapfill-c9njn1?colscheme=orange

Public Health Debate

Before you watch the video, do this vocabulary exercise:
http://www.textivate.com/m_1in3-r8njn1

Now watch the video:

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

Discuss these questions with a partner:

What are the pros and cons of state-owned public health institutions?
What are the pros and cons the private health sector?
Do you think the public health system in your country is efficient? Why? Why not?
How can health service be improved?
Do you think government is doing all it can to prevent disease?

Revision: talking about shopping

Follow the link.
Do the exercise.
When you've finished type in your name. Your class name is COM.
http://www.textivate.com/sequence-55njn1

100 best shops in London

Follow the link to get to the main article:

http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/the-100-best-shops-in-london

Once you get there, find the shop you want to talk about.

Read it again, note down any important words which you would like to use when telling others about the shop.

Now mingle and tell each other about the shop.

I can use phrases with GET!

Follow the link and do the sequence of 2 tasks:

http://www.textivate.com/sequence-nymjn1

Follow the link and do the sequence of 2 tasks:

http://www.textivate.com/sequence-pymjn1

Message from Sally to Safia

Follow the link and reconstruct the email.

http://www.textivate.com/nextword-jymjn1

Good luck!

What does the fox say?

Follow the link and fill the gaps (don't use auto-check):

http://www.textivate.com/udgapfill-xfmjn1

Check by listening to the song.