Improve Your Listening Skills Over The Holidays

Improve your listening skills and find out what it is like to work for a British law firm.
Go to:
http://www.slaughterandmay.com/careers/trainee-solicitors/life-as-a-trainee/trainee-podcast.aspx
This is excellent practice for ILEC exam preparation or just working on your listening skills with Legal English vocabulary.

Preparing For A Tutorial - All B2+ Groups

Prepare for your tutorial this week by thinking about the following questions:

1. What have you learnt this semester?
2. What areas have you improved?
3. What areas do you need to improve on?
4. How are you going to improve your English when the course is finished?

The tutorial is your last chance to hand in any course work for marking (e.g. essay, progress test). You must also present your self study notebook or folder for marking.

A Note About Self Study:

A Note About Self Study:

25% of your final grade is for Self Study, so therefore it is extremely important. Apart from homework you must also show evidence of:

• 
  Full answers to the 3 discussion questions posted on this blog this term.
  Recording new vocabulary
  Extra reading
  Extra Grammar work (e.g. workbook exercises)
  Lesson notes and reflection on them.
  

I will also take into account your attendance and participation in assessed activities (e.g. debates, role play negotiations) and class discussions.

Please have your blogs, notebooks and folders up to date and ready for assessment for your tutorial in the last week (14th – 18th December).

LUISS Classwork & Homework 1st – 4th December 2009

LUISS Classwork & Homework 1st – 4th December 2009

GPIII B2.2 Group 9
Tuesday 11:30am

Classwork:

Progress Test

Homework:

Prepare for your tutorial 15/12/09
What have you learnt this semester?
What areas have you improved?
What areas do you need to improve on?
How are you going to improve your English when the course is finished?

The tutorial is your last chance to hand in any course work for marking (e.g. essay, progress test). You must also present your self study notebook for marking.

GPII B2+.1 Group 18
Wednesday 5pm

Classwork:
Presentations

Homework:

Prepare for your progress test – which will include questions on grammar, vocabulary and reading. Remember to keep a record of the revision that you do (e.g. exercises, example sentences, mind maps) that you do as this will also count towards your self study.

GPI B2+.1 Group 20
Thursday 11:30am

Classwork:
Presentations

Homework:

Prepare for your progress test – which will include questions on grammar, vocabulary and reading. Remember to keep a record of the revision that you do (e.g. exercises, example sentences, mind maps) that you do as this will also count towards your self study.


GPIII B2+.1 Group 17
Thursday 5pm

Classwork:
Presentations

Homework:

Prepare for your progress test – which will include questions on grammar, vocabulary and reading. Remember to keep a record of the revision that you do (e.g. exercises, example sentences, mind maps) that you do as this will also count towards your self study.



GPIII B2+.2 Group 19
Friday 11:30 pm

Classwork:
Presentations

Homework:

Prepare for your progress test – Remember to keep a record of the revision that you do (e.g. exercises, example sentences, mind maps) that you do as this will also count towards your self study.

The test will be in 3 parts:
Written: Reading, Open Cloze (Grammar), Sentence Transformation (Grammar).
Listening: 2 Legal English Tasks – A gap fill & a matching exercise
Speaking:

For the speaking test you can choose the format you wish to practice – Legal English (ILEC), Academic English (IELTS) or General English (CAE)

For information on these exams go to: http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams

LUISS Classwork & Homework 23rd – 27th November

LUISS Classwork & Homework 23rd – 27th November

GPIII B2.2 Group 9
Tuesday 11:30am

Classwork:

Revise & Check Listening p. 51
Reading & Discussion pp. 52 – 53
Past & Present Hypotheticals, 2nd & 3rd Conditionals p. 54, pp. 138 – 139 (4A)

For an overview of all conditional tenses go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Conditionals

Homework:

Revise all vocabulary, grammar & pronunciation in units 3A, 3B & 3C. Next week’s progress test will also include listening, speaking, writing and reading. The test will start promptly at 11:30am. Don’t be late.

ESSAYS ARE NOW 2 WEEKS OVERDUE!!
The essay is worth 25% of your final grade, if you do not hand it in, you are at risk of failing the course.

GPII B2+.1 Group 18
Wednesday 5pm

Classwork:

• 
  The Criminal Justice System – vocabulary & discussion - for class notes and further reading go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-Criminal-Justice-System
• 
  Preparing a presentation – listening & signposting language. For extra material on presentation skills go to: http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm

Homework:

Individual Presentations 5 mins per person. Prepare for your presentation. This will be on the same topic as your essay but think about the changes that need to be made for a presenting the material orally. This assessment is worth 25% of your final grade. It’s important to practise your presentation before next week to check the timing, resolve any problems and to gain confidence.


GPI B2+.1 Group 20
Thursday 11:30am

Classwork:

Preparing a presentation – listening & signposting language. For extra material on presentation skills go to: http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm


Homework:

Group Presentations – 10 minutes per group. Prepare for your group presentation. This will be on the same topic as your essay but think about the changes that need to be made for a presenting the material orally. This assessment is worth 25% of your final grade. It’s important to practise your presentation before next week to check the timing, resolve any problems and to gain confidence.

GPIII B2+.1 Group 17
Thursday 5pm

Classwork:

Preparing a presentation – listening & signposting language. For extra material on presentation skills go to: http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm

Pronunciation - common problems for Italian learners. For more material on pronunciation go to: http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm and http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Pronunciation


Homework:

Individual Presentations 5 mins per person. Prepare for your presentation. This will be on the same topic as your essay but think about the changes that need to be made for a presenting the material orally. This assessment is worth 25% of your final grade. It’s important to practise your presentation before next week to check the timing, resolve any problems and to gain confidence.


GPIII B2+.2 Group 19
Friday 11:30 pm

Classwork:

How Grammar is tested in the International Legal English Certificate Exam
How Listening is tested in the International Legal English Certificate Exam
Material for today’s Lesson was taken from International Legal English p. 220, 234

Preparing a presentation – listening & signposting language. For extra material on presentation skills go to: http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm

Homework:

Essay (250 words)
Presentation (10 minutes)

Presentations

Next Week the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday groups will be giving presentations. This is an assessed Task and is worth 25% of your final grade. To help you prepare, have a look at the link below.

http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm

Click on "Presentation", "Check List" and "Exercises"

Good Luck and remember...
Practise! Practise! Practise!

LUISS Classwork & Homework 16th – 20th November

LUISS Classwork & Homework 16th – 20th November


GPIII B2.2 Group 9
Tuesday 11:30am

Classwork:
Expressions with “take” p.45
Listening “Risk” p.45, p. 47
0 & 1st conditionals & future time clauses p. 46, p. 136 3c

Homework:
Revision pp. 50 - 51
Opinion Essay – do exercises and write essay p. 49
Topic: “There is nothing that we as individuals can do to prevent climate change.”

DUE TUES 17TH NOVEMBER THIS IS NOW A WEEK OVERDUE!!

GPII B2+.1 Group 18
Wednesday 5pm

Classwork:

Homework:
Essay

Essay Question: “What is the most important legal issue facing Italy today? What steps should be taken to try to solve this problem?”

THIS ESSAY IS NOW DUE

GPI B2+.1 Group 20
Thursday 11:30am

Classwork:
The Criminal Justice System – vocabulary & discussion - for class notes and further reading go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-Criminal-Justice-System

Homework:
Organise yourselves into groups of 3 and select your group presentation topic.
Maria Rosaria, Giorgia, Cristina, Claudia – you need to contact your classmates and form a group.

GPIII B2+.1 Group 17
Thursday 5pm

Classwork:
The Criminal Justice System – vocabulary & discussion - for class notes and further reading go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-Criminal-Justice-System

Homework:
Look at the further reading on the Criminal Justice System (see link above).


GPIII B2+.2 Group 19
Friday 11:30 pm

Classwork:
Company Law – Vocabulary, Listening, Directors’ Duties (Fiduciary Duty & Duty of Care)
Case Study & Negotiation
Material for today’s Lesson was taken from International Legal English p. 23, 25, 32, 62 - 63

Homework:
Start thinking about your Essay & Presentation topics. (Presentations & Essays due 4/12/09)

LUISS Classwork & Homework 9th – 13th November

LUISS Classwork & Homework 9th – 13th November


GPIII B2.2 Group 9
Tuesday 11:30am

Classwork:
LESSON CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS

Homework:
Opinion Essay – do exercises and write essay p. 49
Topic: “There is nothing that we as individuals can do to prevent climate change.”

DUE TUES 17TH NOVEMBER

GPII B2+.1 Group 18
Wednesday 5pm

Classwork:
Consumer Law – Reading
Conditionals overview
For materials go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Conditionals

Homework:
Essay

Essay Question: “What is the most important legal issue facing today? What steps should be taken to try to solve this problem?”

GPI B2+.1 Group 20
Thursday 11:30am

Classwork:
Legal Systems
Debate
For materials go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Legal-English and click on the document Introduction to Legal English with Links( pp. 4 – 5).

Homework:
Self Study

GPIII B2+.1 Group 17
Thursday 5pm

Classwork:
Consumer Law – Reading
Conditionals overview
For materials go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Conditionals

Homework:
Essay

Essay Question: “What is the most important legal issue facing today? What steps should be taken to try to solve this problem?”


GPIII B2+.2 Group 19
Friday 11:30 pm

Classwork:
Speaking – Getting from B2 to C1 – IELTS, CPE & ILEC speaking tasks
Introduction to Company Law

Homework:
Finish matching exercise – Business Associations in the U.K.

Discussion Question 3 – All Groups:

Music & Learning:

Do you listen to music when you study? Does it help you to concentrate or do you find it distracting?

Do you listen to English language songs? How can they help you with your language learning?

Select a song and find the lyrics (use a sites like http://songlyrics.com or http://lyrics.com ) Highlight any new words, phrasal verbs, slang, fixed phrases. What features of pronunciation do you notice while listening to the song and reading the lyrics?

LUISS Classwork & Homework 2nd – 6th November

LUISS Classwork & Homework 2nd – 6th November


GPIII B2.2 Group 9
Tuesday 11:30am

Classwork:
Listening & reading p.43
Formal Debate – Assessed task
Homework:
Opinion Essay – do exercises and write essay p. 49
Topic: “There is nothing that we as individuals can do to prevent climate change.”

GPII B2+.1 Group 18
Wednesday 5pm

Classwork:
Explaining what the law says
Court structure discussion comparison of jurisdictions
For materials go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Legal-English and click on the document Introduction to Legal English with Links ( pp. 4 – 5).

Homework:
Choose essay topic and write a plan

Essay Question: “What is the most important legal issue facing today? What steps should be taken to try to solve this problem?”

GPI B2+.1 Group 20
Thursday 11:30am

Classwork:
Consumer Law – Reading
Conditionals overview
For materials go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Conditionals

Homework:

Print & read a short article and highlight all the conditional structures. You need to think first about what type of articles contain conditional forms. Think about each conditional – what type is it? Why has the writer chosen it?

GPIII B2+.1 Group 17
Thursday 5pm

Classwork:
Explaining what the law says
Court structure discussion comparison of jurisdictions
For materials go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Legal-English and click on the document Introduction to Legal English with Links ( pp. 4 – 5).

Homework:
Choose essay topic and write a plan

Essay Question: “What is the most important legal issue facing today? What steps should be taken to try to solve this problem?”

GPIII B2+.2 Group 19
Friday 11:30 pm

Classwork:
Conditionals revisited see: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Conditionals for Conditionals Chart.
Hypothetical forms in general (if only, It’s about time, It’s high time, I wish)

Homework:
Finish exercises on worksheet (q. 4, q. 5)

Discussion Topic 2: The Image of The Legal Profession

All Groups write 50 - 100 words on the following topic:

What do people think of lawyers in Italy? Are they trusted and respected or are they hated and ridiculed? How are lawyers portrayed in the media? Do you think this is accurate or not?

Look at the following clips from films and T.V. programmes about lawyers, can you find any of the following stereotypes:

• a crusading human rights lawyer
• a famous criminal lawyer
• a controversial lawyer
• a sleazy, shady or crooked lawyer

Clip 1: Michael Clayton (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A59RJv8SpfE

Clip 2: ...And Justice For All (1979) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sOeY6ZVG2U

Clip 3: In The Name Of The Father (1993) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBaE5msKjsA

Clip 4: The Verdict (1982) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBD6FxrtJN0

Clip 5: Boston Legal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MziHZz62peg

Clip 6: Rumpole of the Bailey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhufSDj7FSA

Have you seen any of these films/T.V. Shows? Do you think they portray lawyers realistically?

Coursework 26th – 30th October All Groups

Coursework 26th – 30th October

GPIII GROUP 9 B2.2
Tuesday 11:30 am

Classwork:
Listening strategies & practice
Modifiers
Future forms
Coursebook pp. 41 – 42

Homework:
Future Perfect & Future Continuous Grammar Bank pp. 136 -137 (3B)
Reading & Vocabulary pp. 44 – 45

GP II GROUP 18 B2+.1
Wednesday 5pm

Classwork:
Legal Systems
(for this week’s class notes go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Legal-English and click on the document called “Introduction to Legal English”)
Debate

Homework:
Self Study – Tasks & Discussion question

GPI GROUP 20 B2+.1
Thursday 11:30am

Classwork:
Listening Strategies
The Features of Fast Connected Speech

Homework:
Self Study – Tasks & Discussion question

GPIII GROUP 17 B2+.1
Thursday 5pm

Classwork:
Legal Systems
(for this week’s class notes go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Legal-English and click on the document called “Introduction to Legal English”)
Debate

Homework:
Self Study – Tasks & Discussion question

GPIII GROUP 19 B2+.2
Friday 11:30am
Classwork:
Discussion: The Image of the Legal Profession
Legal Vocabulary
Verb Patterns
Sentence Transformations

Homework:
Complete Transformation exercises.
Review & correct verb structure homework from 9/10 in light of today’s information
Self Study – Tasks & Discussion question

Discussion Question 1: All Groups.

Do you think Italy is on the verge of a constitutional crisis?

Now that the Italian Prime Minister has been stripped of his immunity, he has vowed to restructure the judiciary.

What do you think? Do the judiciary have too much power in Italy? Do you think the Prime Minister's plans are undemocratic?

Write a paragraph of 50 - 100 words stating your view. Be sure to support your argument with explanations and examples.

Self Study: Important Message For All Groups

Dear Students,

We have now completed 3 weeks of term so you should have started your self study blogs/folders/notebooks/portfolios. Remember this is worth 25% of your final grade so it's important that you do a little bit of work on it each week. I have set some tasks as homework but these are things that you should also do each week for self study. By next week, your self study work should include at least 2 or 3 of the following tasks:

VOCABULARY

Choose 8 words/phrases to learn each week and do something with them - e.g.

• write example sentences
• note their pronunciation
• note their collocations
• put them in a lexical set with words related to the same subject

GRAMMAR

Work on your tenses by analysing short articles from newspapers, magazines and the internet.

Read the text quickly and get the general idea.

Highlight the different tenses - why has the writer used these tenses and not others?

LISTENING

• Choose a film in the English language that you have already seen.
• Select a scene (about 5mins) and watch it without subtitles. Mak a note of things you don't understand.
• Watch it a second time with subtitles - note any new vocabulary or features of fast connected speech.
• Watch the same scene a third time without subtitles. Can you understand it better now?
• Write a short paragraph in your study blog/folder about the film you used, what you found difficult and what you learned from the experience. Is your listening improving? Why/Why not?

For example exercises go to: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Film-Lessons

WRITING

Write a response (50 - 100 words) to the Discussion Questions posted on this blog starting today.

Class Notes & Homework 19th - 23rd October 2009

GPIII Group 9 B2.2
Tuesday 20/10 11:30am

Classwork:
Reading English File 4 pp. 39 - 40
Group Discussion - The Criminal Justice System, Creative Sentencing.

Homework:
P.40 (c) - Vocabulary from Reading
P. 150 Weather vocabulary.

Self Study (see note above)

GPII Group 18 B2+1
Wednesday 21/10 5pm.

Classwork:
Understanding fast connected speech. The link between listening and grammar.
Translation exercise. (If you missed the lesson you can do it now by clicking on to the following link: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/Sentence-Structure

Homework:
Create your own error correction checklist.
Find a copy of the phonemic chart (English sounds) and start familiarising yourself with them. The English File series of coursebooks have a useful version which includes pictures can help you remember the sounds better. Also have a look at this link: http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/try/activities/phonemic-chart

Self Study (see note above)

GPI Group 20 B2+1
Thursday 22/10 11:30am.

Classwork:
Error Correction of Essays - general feedback
Overview of the English Tense System - A copy of this lesson is available here: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-English-Tense-System

Homework:
Error Correct your own Essay.
Find an article and highlight the tenses - Why has the author used the tenses they have?

Self Study (see note above)

GPIII Group 17 B2+1
Thursday 22/10 5 pm.

Classwork:
Finding the eroor in tenses - pair exercise
Fast Connected Speech - Listening & Grammar

Homework:
Try 15 minutes of listening practice using a DVD. (For instructions see notes in Self Study above)

Self Study

GPIII Group 19 B2+2
Friday 23/10 11:30 am.

Classwork:
Listening, Notetaking, Sympathising, Reading (Advanced Innovations Part 4 "The Law" pp. 24 - 26)

Homework:
Prepare question 3 p.26 - for a discussion next week on why lawyers have such a terrible image.
8 new words from today's listening (plus supporting pronunciation and structure work - e.g. lexical sets and example sentences)

Self study (see above)

ALL Groups 'Class Notes / Homework 12th to 16th October

GPI Group 20 Thursday 11:30am



Classwork

Translation exercise

Writing Criteria

Timed Writing on the Ministry of Justice



Homework

Make a note of new Legal English vocabulary and expressions. How will you remember them?



GPIII Group 19 Friday 11:30 am



Classwork

Grammar and listening, coping wirh fast connected speech.

Present Perfect

Colloquial expressions for talking about law

Listening practice.



Homework

Look at the models in exercise 4 - what do they mean?

Add the new legal words and phrases you learned today to your self study file, include example sentences.

GPIII Group 9 Tuesday 11:30am

Classwork:
English File 4 pp. 36 -38, 149
Crime Vocabulary
Passive Forms
For extra notes and explanations on the Passive go to:
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-Passive-Voice


Homework:
Put your 8 new words/phrases in your blog/self study folder with examples, collocations and pronunciation.
English File 4, p. 38 exercise (e), P.136 - 137 3A - Read notes and do the exercises.

GPII Group 18 Wednesday 5pm

Classwork:
Review of the English Tense System
Overview, Correction & Practice of Perfect Tenses.
For class notes go to:
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-English-Tense-System

Homework:
Self Study Blogs/Folders - What tenses do you need to work on?


GPIII Group 17 Thursday 5pm

Classwork:
Review of English Tense System
Overview, Correction & Practice of Perfect Tenses.
For Class notes go to:
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-English-Tense-System

Homework:
Find a short article in English, Read it, print it, highlight the tenses. Why has the writer used the tenses he/she has?

Class Notes & Homework 7- 9 October 2009

GP II B2+.1 Group 18 Wednesday 7/10 5pm
GPIII B2+.1 Group 17 Thursday 8/10 5pm
Classwork:

Introduction, Needs Analysis & Course Aims.
Reading: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6802599.ece
Finding legal vocabulary & collocations

Homework:
(1) Types of Errors Handout. Classify the errors and correct them.

(2) Start your study blog/folder - choose 8 new words and find example sentences, collocations and pronunciation for them.


GPI B2+.1 Group 20 Thursday 8/10 11:30am
Classwork:
Needs Analysis
How to get to C1 - Speaking Skills
1 minute speeches round robin

Homework:
Think about the questions on the handout in preparation for a writing exercise next week.

GPIII B2+.2 Group 19 Friday 9/10 11:30 am
Classwork:
Needs Analysis
Review of Tenses

Homework:
Handout - Verb Structures

Class Notes & Homework GP III Group 9 B2.2

Tuesday 6/10

Classwork: Introduction, Needs Analysis & Course Aims.
Reading: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6802599.ece
Finding legal vocabulary & collocations

Homework:
Handout - revision of English File 4
Start your study blog/folder - choose 8 new words and find example sentences, collocations and pronunciation for them.

New Legal English Dictionary

Translegal have created a Legal English Dictionary for non-native speakers.

Check it out by clicking on the link below and tell me what you think.

http://www.translegal.com/legal-english-dictionary/

Autumn Term October 2009

Hello and welcome to Sean's Study Page.

It's good to check this blog every week as I will post notices, homework and class notes on it regularly. Also check older entries for useful websites and other information.

A blog can be a good way of collecting all your notes together in a virtual space where you can always access them. If you would like to start up your own blog go to: https://www.blogger.com/start
If you need some help, here is a link to a video tutorial on creating a blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnploFsS_tY

If you create a blog using this Blogger site you can also link it to this blog and the blogs of other students in the group.

Remember you can use a blog for your self study grade, so it's worth keeping it up to date.

If you have any questions, just let me know.

Good Luck and see you soon!
Sean

Good Luck & Keep Up The Good Work

Well done to all of you who participated in the Legal English Wiki project this term. You have created a great resource so use it, tell your friends about it and keep updating it.

http://luisslegalenglish.pbworks.com/

Make sure you keep using your English over the summer. If you are looking for some exercises to do, try my other website, which includes grammar, listening and film lessons.

http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/

Best of luck.
S.B.

Progress Tests This Week

B1.2 Groups GPI & GPII (Wednesday 11:30 am & 2:30pm)
Progress Test on:

• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Pronunciation
• Reading
• Listening

All material will be taken from Units 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B & 4C of English File

Group GPI B2+ 2 (Thursday 11:30 am)

Part 1: Grammar 3 CAE type questions
Open Cloze – General Grammar
Error Correction - Articles, Noun-Verb Agreement, Relatives
Multiple Choice Cloze – Modals

Part 2: Summarizing & Referencing.
Summarizing the main points from 2 short articles on a related topic. You will need to include citations if you quote or paraphrase and put in references at the end.

Part 3: Listening & Note Taking Skills
Listening to an academic lecture and answering 10 true/false questions and making notes from the lecture.


Group GPII B2+1 (Friday 2pm)

Part 1: Grammar 3 CAE type questions
Open Cloze – General Grammar
Error Correction - Articles, Noun-Verb Agreement, Relatives
Multiple Choice Cloze – Modals

Part 2: Summarizing & Referencing.
Summarizing the main points from 2 short articles on a related topic. You will need to include citations if you quote or paraphrase and put in references at the end.

Part 3: Listening – Exam Skills
One multiple choice and one gap fill question based on the Legal English exam

Assessments!

Dear Students,

With only 3 weeks left of term, it's important that you are up to date in all your work. Remember that your final grade will be calculated as follows:

25% Writing.
You must complete ALL 3 Wiki Assignments (navigating/drafting your page/adding links). Some students still haven't logged on to the site and completed assignment one. Get Cracking!

25% Speaking.
This week's group presentations are worth 25% - the topic is your wiki so come prepared.

25% Progress Test.
This test will take place in next week's lesson.
For B1.2 groups this will include all the worrk we have done in Units 3 and 4 of English File.
For B2+ groups it will include questions on modals, articles, derterminers, nouns & noun phrases (e.g. countable and uncountable) as well as summarizing, referencing, citing & listening.

25% Self Study.
Apart from homework you must also show evidence of:

• Recording new vocabulary
• Extra reading
• Extra Grammar work (e.g. workbook exercises)
• Lesson notes and reflection on them.

I will also take into account your attendance and participation in assessed activities (e.g. negotiation for B2+) and class discussions.

Please have your blogs, notebooks and folders up to date and ready for assessment for your tutorial in the last week.

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND A LESSON IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE MISSED AND COMPLETE IT.

IF YOU MISS AN ASSESSMENT YOU HAVE ONE LAST CHANCE IN THE FINAL LESSON TO COMPLETE IT.

The Longest Words In The English Language

Check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUhQN-PGWDg

Plagiarism, Citations & References B2+

Avoiding Plagiarism is an extremely important aspect of your writing at university. For your Wiki pages it's important that you paraphrase or quote and cite all your sources both within the text and in a list of references at the end of the article.

If you are unsure about what you have to do - take a look at the uefap site (Using English For Academic Purposes). If you click on the writing section you will find articles and exercises on plagiarism, references, citations and punctuation.

http://www.uefap.com/writing/writfram.htm

Homework for Week 27/04 - 30/04 All Groups

This week you must bring your wiki articles with you to class. We will be working on them during the lesson and need to be checked before you put them on the site. Remember that each Wiki assignemnt is worth 10% of your final grade - so you can't forget it or "leave it at home".

B2+ Groups: Modals - Lesson Notes

MODALS are used ....
TO SUGGEST
TO ADVISE
TO RECOMMEND
TO REQUEST
TO OFFER
TO ORDER
TO INVITE
and show ....
PROBABILITY
POSSIBILITY
ASSUMPTION
DEDUCTION
CERTAINTY
INTENTION
WILLINGNESS
SURPRISE
IRRITATION
FREQUENCY
HABITUAL ACTION
CHARACTERISTICS
ABILITY (SPECIFIC/GENERAL)
LACK OF ABILITY
INTENTION
WILLINGNESS
SURPRISE
IRRITATION
FREQUENCY
HABITUAL ACTION
CHARACTERISTICS

WAYS OF THINKING ABOUT MODALS
Advanced Features
1.CONTEXT

Think about the context first – that will help you decide what range of modals are available.
Horoscopes are good sources of modals. Highlight the modals below and think about their use.

“All along, there's been a role for you to play - a crucial task for you to carry out, a key connection that only you can make and uphold. But for some reason, you've been out of touch with a person who is able to help you find your niche. Today's New Moon somehow brings back the sense of involvement that you once had and allows you to see what ought to have been obvious. You've got friends who know how valuable you are - and who need something that only you can supply.”

© Jonathan Cainer 2006

In the above extract both can and to be able to mean “ability”. Look at the examples below – when do you use can, could & to be able? When is it possible to use both?
He can’t come to the lesson tomorrow.
He hasn’t been able to come to lessons for the last 3 weeks.
Will you be able to come to the lesson tomorrow?
He could swim when he was a child.
He was able to finish the marathon last Saturday.
He couldn’t/wasn’t able to finish the marathon last Saturday.

2.USE

An auxiliary verb might have many uses not just as a modal. Modals combine with infinitives & describe the mood of the verb. Look a the examples of “should” below – in only two sentences should is used as a modal in the strict sense (once to show probability and once to express an obligation/recommendation). What are the other uses?

(a) She should be home by now.
(b) You should talk to your father.
(c) If you should see David, tell him I need to see him.
(d) Should it rain, the game will be cancelled.
(e) The lawyers recommend that we should take no further action.
(f) I’m amazed that anyone should think like that.
(g) I should say so!
(h) How should I know?
(i) Why should I tell you?
(j) Then guess what? Who should I see but John himself!
(k) I should think so.

Which sentence(s)
(i) Shows surprise?
(ii) Shows irritation?
(iii) Is a set phrase meaning “As far as I know”?
(iv) Contains a subordinate clause?
(v) Is a conditional expressing weak probability?
(vi) Contains a modal expressing obligation or a strong recommendation?
(vii) Contains a modal that expresses probability from a more personal perspective? (An assumption)
(viii) Is a set phrase showing strong agreement?

It is very important to know what use the modal is being put to as this will determine which structures are possible. Look at the difference when must is used to show obligation and when it is used to show deduction:

Obligation:
Present/Future: I must study hard for the exam.
Past: I had to study hard for the exam yesterday.
The opposite of must is mustn’t (prohibition) or don’t have to (lack of obligation)
Deduction:
Present/Future: He must be very rich, he drives an expensive car.
Past: He must have been very handsome when he was young.
The opposite of must is can’t.

3.CHOICE

Even within the same use, different modals convey different ideas and attitudes. It often depends on who is talking. When talking about obligation, for example, it is wrong to always use “must” as must also contains information about who holds authority in a particular situation.

Consider the examples below. Think about their difference in meaning – the questions will help you.

(a) We must have a party to celebrate.
(b) We should have a party to celebrate.

(Both are suggestions, but which speaker is more certain that the party will actually take place?)

(a)You must wipe your feet before entering the house!
(b) You have to wipe your feet before entering the house, don’t you?

(Who has authority here? Who is making the rule - The person saying it or someone else?)

(a) You have studied grammar for 6 years so you must know the rules by now.
(b) You should know the rules by now, but if you don’t, get studying!
(c) You have to know the rules to pass the exam.

(Which sentence expresses an assumption, a necessity which one gives advice?)
Special Uses of Must:

Where would you read/hear these sentences? What does that tell you about some of the uses of must?

· CLOSING DOWN! EVERYTHING MUST GO!
· PASSENGERS MUST NOT CROSS THE RAILWAY LINES. USE THE UNDERPASS
· CANDIDATES MUST BE AT THEIR ROOM AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EXAM BEGINS
· You must come and have dinner with us this week.


Some Other Situations:

(a) I must buy a new dictionary.
(b) I have to take 2 pills, 3 times a day.
(Which modal is used to express a habitual action?)
(c) Something should be done to stop rising crime!
(d) Something must be done to stop rising crime!
(Which speaker feels more strongly about this issue?)
(e) People caught shoplifting have to be prosecuted.
(f) People caught shoplifting must be prosecuted.
(Which speaker is merely commenting on the obligation and which speaker approves of it?)

4.ALL MODALS OF PROBABILITY ARE NOT ALL CREATED EQUAL

Commonly you will find the following modals listed together under the heading “Modals of Probability”:
Will (Won’t), Must, Might, May, Could, Couldn’t, Should (Shouldn’t), Can’t
Although they follow the same form (modal + bare infinitive for present & future meanings, modal + perfect infinitive for the past) they have quite different uses.

Might, May & Could are modals of possibility

Must, Can’t & Couldn’t are modals of deduction i.e. when you infer logically that something is true.

Will & Should are modals of assumption i.e. when you believe something to be true. (Will = I’m sure, Should = I expect)

Fill in the gap below with the correct modal (Sometimes more than one is possible):
a. It ________ have been her husband who answered the phone, he’s been dead for 4 years.
b. He _______ be home, but I’m not sure.
c. He _______ be home, I saw him only two minutes ago. (If you are at home? If you are at the office?)
d. He _______ be home, I’m sure of it.


What’s the difference between the sentences below:
He should have finished by now.
He will have finished by now.
It might be the key.
It must be the key.
She might not have seen him yesterday.
She couldn’t have seen him yesterday.

5.THE SPECIAL CASE OF “CAN” AND POSSIBILITY

Many of you were surprised to find that we use could/might/may to express the possibility of a particular action but not can. Can can, however, express the general possibility of something (e.g. the circumstances of the situation permit it) or occasional possibility (e.g. sometimes it is possible).

What is the difference in meaning in these two sentences:

This beach might be dangerous, I’ve never been here before.
This beach can be dangerous, so swim between the flags.

Look at the sentences below, which uses of can are correct?

It can be the postman at the door.
You can ski on the hills, there is enough snow.
He can be very unreasonable at times.
He can be at home by now.
Can you get to the Trevi Fountain from here?

Homework - All Groups - Legal English Wiki Assignment 1

LEGAL ENGLISH PROJECT 2009
ASSIGNMENT 1 – INTRODUCTION TO THE WIKI

This is the first of 3 assignments. You will receive a grade for each assignment and must complete all 3 assignments to pass the course. When you have given your teacher your email address, you will receive an invitation to create a Pbwiki account. This account will allow you to access our wiki http://luisslegalenglish.pbwiki.com/ When you have created your account you will be able to complete the assignment below.

1.Go to http://luisslegalenglish.pbwiki.com/ and leave a comment on the Frontpage.

2.Look at the sidebar, how many sections does the wiki have?

3.Click on the Areas of Study page. What are the areas of law listed there?

4.Click on Constitutional Law – What can you see?

5.Click on Sources of Law, How many pages does it contain?

6.Click on Legal Systems. Who is the man in the photo on the Law Making Process page?

7.What is the document on the Court structure page?

8.Go to History of Law, Whose photo appears on the Important Judicial Figures page?

9.Write the title of topic down the title of your topic.

10.Decide in which section and page you should put your work – e.g. Areas of Study, Equity.
If you think your topic doesn’t fit on any of these pages, please suggest a new section &/or page .

Complete these tasks and bring your answers to your next class along with your first draft of your writing.


This Assignment is worth 10% of your final grade.

Homework (noun. uncountable) Week Ending 29/03

Hi There,
Please check that you have done this week's homework.

Group 10 B1.2 GPI

• Modals of obligation - check notes and exercises on blog
• Modals of obligation exercises in workbook

Group 6 B1.2 GPII

• Modals of obligation extra practice & revision
• Modals of deduction exercises in workbook

Group 14 B2+2 GPI

• Summary paragraph on the Sydney Opera House
• Write a paragraph on your blog reflecting on the listening workshop

Group 21 B2+1 GPII

• Summary paragraph on the Sydney Opera House
• Write a paragraph on your blog reflecting on the listening workshop

Must or Have to?

Even within the same use, different modals convey different ideas and attitudes. It often depends on who is talking. When talking about obligation, for example, it is wrong to always use “must” as must also contains information about who holds authority in a particular situation.

Consider the examples below. Think about their difference in meaning – the questions will help you.

(a) We must have a party to celebrate.
(b) We should have a party to celebrate.

(Both are suggestions, but which speaker is more certain that the party will actually take place?)

(a)You must wipe your feet before entering the house!
(b) You have to wipe your feet before entering the house, don’t you?

(Who has authority here? Who is making the rule - The person saying it or someone else?)

(a) You have studied grammar for 6 years so you must know the rules by now.
(b) You should know the rules by now, but if you don’t, get studying!
(c) You have to know the rules to pass the exam.

(Which sentence expresses an assumption, a necessity which one gives advice?)

Special Uses of Must:

Where would you read/hear these sentences? What does that tell you about some of the uses of must?

· CLOSING DOWN! EVERYTHING MUST GO!
· PASSENGERS MUST NOT CROSS THE RAILWAY LINES. USE THE UNDERPASS
· CANDIDATES MUST BE AT THEIR ROOM AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EXAM BEGINS
· You must come and have dinner with us this week.


Some Other Situations:

(a) I must buy a new dictionary.
(b) I have to take 2 pills, 3 times a day.
(Which modal is used to express a habitual action?)

(c) Something should be done to stop rising crime!
(d) Something must be done to stop rising crime!
(Which speaker feels more strongly about this issue?)

(e) People caught shoplifting have to be prosecuted.
(f) People caught shoplifting must be prosecuted.
(Which speaker is merely commenting on the obligation and which speaker approves of it?)

Homework & Self Study

Remember that your classwork, homework & self study makes up 25% of your final grade so it's important that you keep up and do a little bit each week. Record all your homework and self study on your blog or in your notebook or folder and be prepared to show it to your teacher throughout the term.

Check the list below to make sure that you are up to date with the work assigned to your class.

• GPI GROUP 10 B1.2

1. A paragraph on your learning style.
2. Decide on what you would like to do for the Legal English Wiki
3. Some exercise on the present perfect continuous (e.g Workbook pp. 17 - 18)

• GPII GROUP 6 B1.2

1. A paragraph on your learning style.
2. Decide on what you would like to write about for the Legal English Wiki.
3. Some work on Must/Have to (e.g. Notes & Exercises on Sean's Study Page or your English File Work book p. 25)

• GPI GROUP 14 B2+2

1. A paragraph on your learning style.
2. Decide on what you would like to write about for the Legal English Wiki.
3. Some self study work on countable/uncountable nouns and noun phrases.

• GPII GROUP 21 B2+1

1. A paragraph on your learning style.
2. Decide on what you would like to write about for the Legal English Wiki.
3. 3 summary sentences .
4. Some self study work on countable/uncountable nouns and noun phrases.

Wikis Are Easy!

In a couple of weeks we will start work on our Legal English project. If you are still not sure what a Wiki is or how it works, have a look at the following video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY

Learning Styles & Multiple Intelligences

This week we talked about Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. In the lesson we discussed 3 basic styles - Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic but the full list includes -

Linguistic
Logical-Mathematical
Visual-Spatial
Musical
Bodily-Kinesthetic
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalist

Have a look at the websites below. On many of them you can do an interactive test to find out more information about your learning style. When you've done some research, write a paragraph (on your blog, in your notebook) about your style and what you can do to study more effectively. We can then talk more about this fascinating area next week.

http://www.ldpride.net/learning_style_work.html
http://www.mypersonality.info/multiple-intelligences/
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/index.htm
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html

Useful Websites 2009 - Listening with Videoclips

A colleague recommended the following website which allows you to watch videos of all types (interviews, news, films, TV shows) with English transcripts and connect with other learners worldwide.

http://en.yappr.com/welcome/Welcome.action

Try it out and let me know what you think.
SB