GPII Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 10
30th April, 5pm

Class
Presentations - final speaking assessment
Running Order:

1. Alba
2. Chiara S.
3. Vincenzo
4. Elisa
5. Gianmaria
6. Evita
7. Riccardo
8. Alessandro

Break 

1. Alberto
2. Luca
3. Filippo
4. Chiara C.
5. Nicolo
6. Francesca
7. Federico
8. Virginia

Audience: You have two tasks to do today while listening to your classmates: 
(1) You MUST ask a question to the speaker who precedes you in the running order. 
(2) For each speaker make notes on the following:

1. What is the area of law?
2. Why will it be important in the future?
3. What points did he/she make to support this view?
4. Was the presentation easy to follow? Why/why not?
5. Do you think the presentation would help the candidate make a positive impression at an interview for an internship?

Your Presentation goes towards your final grade for speaking (25%) so if you were absent today, you have one last chance to complete this requirement on 14th May.

Homework
1. Self Study - Reflection: Reflect on today's lesson and write a couple of paragraphs (150 words) on the following topics: Were you happy with your performance today? How can you improve your presentation skills in the future? Which presentations by your classmates do you still remember now? What was it about their presentation that made it memorable? Structure? Delivery? Content?

2. Revision:
Next week's test will cover:
Skills:
Listening
Reading
Legal English:
Legal Principles
Contract Law
Prepositions in Legal Collocations
Idioms related to law
General English:
Tenses, modals, conditionals
Sentence structure
Error correction
Presentation language

SPI Group 9 B2+1

Lesson 9
29th April 4:30pm

Class
Report Writing - IELTS Part One http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32702969/Academic%20Writing%20Paper%20One
Approaching Speaking Tasks
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/41721142/Suggested%20Answers%20-%20Speaking

Speaking Assessment

1. Matteo & Ginevra
2. Nicola & Giuliana
3. Veronica & Fabio
4. Alberto & Valeria
5. Luca & Agnese
6. Alice & Tommaso

If you were absent today, then you must complete your speaking assessment after the test on 13th May. This speaking assessment is worth 25% of your final grade. 

Homework
Revision: Next week's class (6th May) has been cancelled to allow you to go to Mario Draghi's presentation. This means that we will have to hold your final assessment, the progress test, in the last lesson on Monday 13th May. It is extremely important that you attend as the test is worth 25% of your final grade. Please also bring with you all your self study work and I will grade this while you are doing the test. Self Study is also worth 25% of your final grade.

The test will include 3 skills tasks - reading, listening and writing (IELTS part one report, which we looked at today) as well as grammar and vocabulary questions from Units 1 and 2 of the book. The best way to revise is to do something, so rather than just read over your notes, do the relevant exercises in the workbook (if you have it) or the review sections on pages 36, 37,135, 137 - especially the Key Language and Vocabulary tasks. Remember that all your preparation for the test also counts towards your self study, so keep a record of what you do. 

SPI Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 9
29th April 2pm

Class
Presentations - Final Speaking Assessment

Running Order:

1. Shasa
2. Diletta
3. Francesca F.
4. Silvia
5. Francesca R.C.
6. Alessio

Break

1. Virginia
2. Eugenio
3. Marco D.P.
4. Eloisa
5. Marco B.
6. Pasquale

Your Presentation goes towards your final grade for speaking (25%) so if you were absent today, you have one last chance to complete this requirement on 13th May.

Audience: You have two tasks while listening to your classmates today:
(1) You MUST ask a question to the speaker who precedes you in the running order.
(2) For each speaker make notes on the following:

• The topic of the presentation and the presenter's opinion.
• The main points of presentation.
• Did the speaker use a range of signposting language consistently through the talk?
• Did the presentation make an impression on you? Why/Why not?

Homework
(1) Self Study: Reflect on today's lesson and write a couple of paragraphs (150 words) on the following topics: Were you happy with your performance today? How can you improve your presentation skills in the future? Which presentations by your classmates do you still remember now? What was it about their presentation that made it memorable? Structure? Delivery? Content?
(2)Revision: Next week's class (6th May) has been cancelled to allow you to go to Mario Draghi's presentation. This means that we will have to hold your final assessment, the progress test, in the last lesson on Monday 13th May. It is extremely important that you attend as the test is worth 25% of your final grade. Please also bring with you all your self study work and I will grade this while you are doing the test. Self Study is also worth 25% of your final grade.

The test will include listening and reading tasks, questions on the vocabulary and grammar from the units covered this term (7, 8) as well as your general grammar questions - so make sure you revise, tenses, modals, countable and uncountable nouns as well as other problem areas. The best way to revise is to do something, so rather than just read over your notes, do some listening and reading practice and look at the relevant exercises in the workbook (if you have it) or the review sections on pages 100 - 101, 147, 149 - especially the Key Language and Vocabulary tasks. Remember that all your preparation for the test also counts towards your self study, so keep a record of what you do.

ECII Group 1 B2+1

Lesson 9
24th April 2:30pm

Class
Presentations - Final Speaking Assessment
We will run the presentations in 2 groups:
Group A  -  2:55 pm
Running Order: (1) Giorgia, (2) Micol, (3) Domenico, (4) Stefano, (5) Cecilia, (6) Federica.(7) Raffaele (8) Antonio (9) Valentina (10) Carmen
Group B  -  3:55 pm
Running Order: (1) Fabiana (2) Luigi (3) Alessandro (4) Federico (5) Maria Carolina (6) Silvia (7) Claudia (8) Mario 

While you are waiting for your session, practise - get someone to listen and time you. Pay particular attention to chunking (intonation) and signposting.
You are free to go once you group has finished giving its feedback.

You MUST ask a question to the speaker who precedes you in the running order.
For each speaker in your group make notes on the following:

• The name of the company
• The problems it's facing
• The main points of the business plan
• Did the presentation make an impression on you? Why/Why not?

Isabella, Luisa, Chiara, Carolina T., Vittorio and Valentina V. you will have an opportunity to give your presentation in the last lesson on 15th May. The Presentation is worth 25% of your final grade. 

Homework:

1. Revision: Due to the holiday next Wednesday (1st May) the next time we meet will be for the progress test on 8th May. The test will include 3 skills tasks - reading, listening and writing (IELTS part one report, which we looked at last week) as well as grammar and vocabulary questions from Units 1 and 2 of the book. The best way to revise is to do something, so rather than just read over your notes, do the relevant exercises in the workbook (if you have it) or the review sections on pages 36, 37,135, 137 - especially the Key Language and Vocabulary tasks. Remember that all your preparation for the test also counts towards your self study, so keep a record of what you do. 
2. Self Study: Reflect on today's lesson and write a couple of paragraphs (150 words) on the following topics: Were you happy with your performance today? How can you improve your presentation skills in the future? Which presentations by your classmates do you still remember now? What was it about their presentation that made it memorable? Structure? Delivery? Content?

GPI Group 17 B1.2

Lesson 9
24th April 11:30 am

Class

• Past Continuous - uses and pronunciation
• Unit 6.3 (p.62 - 63) - Reading, Business Word Combinations,  Past Perfect (also p. 145 - 146 G2)
• Listening: Revision for Test p. 69

Business Word Combinations

Negotiate a contract
Make a profit
Found/run/launch a company
Make/introduce/launch a product
Go bankrupt
Go into business

They were able to negotiate a 5 year contract.

During the Global Financial Crisis, many companies have gone bankrupt.

Richard Branson founded the Virgin Group of companies.
If you want to go into business, you need to write a business plan.
As manager you will be in charge of the day to day running of the business.

For more information on the famous people mentioned in today's lesson:
http://www.siredmundhillary.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000080/?ref_=sr_1

Homework/Self Study

1. Your progress test will be on 8th May (there is no lesson on 1st May). The test will include questions on the grammar and vocabulary from units 4, 5 and 6 as well as reading and listening tasks. A good way to revise is to do the exercises in the review section (p.68 - 69 ) and the Vocabulary and Key Language exercises on pages 141, 143, 145
2. Self Study: Write a short obituary (approximately 150 words) for a famous person who has died recently, e.g. Margaret Thatcher, Paolo Soleri http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2013/apr/10/paolo-soleri-architect-dies-93?INTCMP=SRCH
3. And/Or Write a short response (approximately 150 words) to the following statement:

A difficult childhood helps you become a good business person.

 

You can agree, disagree or present both views. 





GPII Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 9
23rd April 5pm

Feedback on Essays
Criteria

• Task Response
• Cohesion and Coherence
• Grammar and Accuracy
• Lexical Resources (including register)

Task Response
Need to manage time better/write faster
Many answers were underdeveloped - it is difficult to answer the question properly in under 200 words.

Cohesion & Coherence
Clear paragraphs needed.
Good range of linkers - n.b.What's the difference between  At first, At last and Firstly, Lastly?

Word Order
Keep you subject, verb and object together at the start of the sentence. Always ask: Where is my subject? Check verb structure - use your dictionary if you are not sure.

Correct the following:
Has developed the idea that free information it's real.
Sometimes appears that the information put on the internet isn't true.
The same function has also this journalism.

Tenses
Correct the following:
The age of readers is changed.

Use Strong Verbs
Correct the following:
They are trying to get the country politically influenced.

Verb Structure
Correct the following:
He risks to be arrested.
It is impossible not doing it.
I hope we can resolve the problem without change the system.

Articles
the journalism, the young people, the communication but the internet, Freedom of the press

Countable & Uncountable
news, progress, information, research
media is plural.

False Friends
According to me, condemn, accord, stylist, story, television journal, diffused were all used incorrectly. What would the proper word or phrase in English be?

Avoid Repetition
In the first option about values many people just copied the adjectives - honour, kindness and trust.
It is better to either (1) change the word form e.g. trust is important - being trustworthy is important
(2) Think of a synonym: e.g. Kind - benevolent, thoughtful, courteous, gracious, good hearted

Class:
Presentations
Preparation, Delivery, Signposting Language
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32233573/Presentations

Presentation - Final Speaking Assessment:

You have been asked to interview for an internship position at a prestigious European law firm.
As part of your interview they would like you to give a short (5 - 6 minutes) presentation about an area of law you are interested in, saying why you think this will be important in the future.

Homework:

1. Error correct your essay using the feedback above.
2. Prepare your presentation ready to deliver it in class next week.

SPI Group 9 B2+1

Lesson 8
22nd April 4:30pm

1. Politics in Action

How would you describe the events of the past week to a political science student from another country? What do you think will happen next?

Watch the news report above. Did they get it right? Were there any details/explanations that they should have added?What does a foreign journalist need to understand about Italian history/politics/culture?

Listen again, noting down any useful politics related vocabulary - e.g. ballot, rally, political stalemate, (break) the political deadlock, re-elcetion, (comfortably) win a majority, major parties, general election, to be taken for a ride.

New words/corrections: dissolve parliament, unemployment, mortgage, cost of living, Member of Parliament (M.P.) or parliamentarian, technocrat government.

2. Introduction to Modals
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442644/Modals

Homework:

1. Modals:p. 21 q. 10, p. 137 G2 q.3
2. Prepare for your Speaking Assessment by reviewing the vocabulary and phrases from the subject areas we have looked at this term: Education, Tourism, Politics.

SPI Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 8
22nd April 2pm

Feedback on Essays
Criteria

• Task Response
• Cohesion and Coherence
• Grammar and Accuracy
• Lexical Resources (including register)

Problem Areas:
Articles
the information, the communication but the internet, Freedom of the press

Countable & Uncountable
news, progress, information, research

Singular/Plural Verb/Noun Agreement
Everyone thinks of himself as a journalist
One of the  + superlative adjective + plural noun
This last years These last years

Word Order
Keep you subject, verb and object together at the start of the sentence. Always ask: where is my subject? Check verb structure - use your dictionary if you are not sure.

Correct the following:

Is said that the main problem is not decide if it is better information of social media or traditional journalism.

It is said that the main problem is not deciding whether social media or traditional journalism provide better information/whether information is better from social media or traditional journalism

Vocabulary
False Friends:
According to me, condemn, accord, stylist were all used incorrectly. What would the proper word or phrase in English be?
Collocation:
A strong heated debate
Avoid Repetition:
In the first option about values many people just copied the adjectives - honour, kindness and trust.
It is better to either (1) change the word form e.g. trust is important  - being trustworthy is important
(2) Think of a synonym: e.g. Kind - benevolent, thoughtful, courteous, gracious, good hearted

Class

1. Politics in Action

• How would you describe the events of the past week to a political science student from another country? What do you think will happen next?
• Watch the news report above. Did they get it right? Were there any details/explanations that they should have added?What does a foreign journalist need to understand about Italian history/politics/culture?
• Listen again, noting down any useful politics related vocabulary - e.g. ballot, rally, political stalemate, (break) the political deadlock, re-elcetion, (comfortably) win a majority, major parties, general election, to be taken for a ride.

2. Presentations
Tips on preparation and delivery
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32233573/Presentations
Signpoting Language
http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/presentations-lang.htm

Homework:
Please prepare a 5 minute presentation on ONE of the following topics:

• Inequality is the most important issue facing governments in the developed world.
• What are the qualities of a good leader? Talk about a famous political leader (past or present) saying how they demonstrate good political leadership.
• Your ideas on electoral reform for Italy.

Helpful Links/Background information
http://www.equalitytrust.org.uk/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/apr/14/britons-sympathetic-unemployed-france-germany
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/47280077/The%20Spirit%20Level
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/37883227/Political%20Leadership

GPIV Legal English Group 5

Lesson 7
19th April 11:30am

Class
Negotiating Skills
Think of all the situations where you could be called on to negotiate, e.g. Family Law (division of property, maintenance, custody, access), Criminal Law (bail, plea bargain, sentencing) as well as contract formation and dispute resolution.
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/37881077/Negotiations
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/41183619/Negotiations%20-%20Advanced%20Features%20Answers

Types of Contract Clauses:

1. Acceleration
2. Assignment
3. Confidentiality
4. Consideration
5. Force Majeure
6. Liquidated Damages
7. Entire Agreement (U.S.)/Merger Clause/Parol Evidence
8. Severability
9. Termination
10. Payment of Costs

Speaking Assessment - Contract Formation Role-play

Homework
Write up your term sheet into a contract.

GPII Group 11 B2+1

Lesson 8
18th April 11:30am


Homework Answers - Modals
P.21 Q. 10
1. can't, 2. can't, 3. might, 4. don't have to, 5. might, 6. may, 7 mustn't, 8. have to, 9. can't.
P. 137 G2, Q. 3
1. may, might, 2. can't, mustn't, 3. Can, Could, 4. can't (or it isn't true) 5. may, might.

Class
The Law Making Process
Links used in Class:
The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilMBLV3A6ug
How Parliament Makes A Law In NZ http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/HowPWorks/FactSheets/6/1/5/00HOOOCPubResAboutFactSheetsProcess1-Parliament-Brief-The-legislative.htm
How Parliament Makes a Law In the U.K. http://www.haveyoursayonline.net/home/lawmakingexplained/
Compare and contrast with the Italian system.
Collocations for the law making process:
introduce, sponsor, debate, support, oppose, amend, assent to a bill.
conscience vote
first, second, third reading
Read the article on the Marriage Amendment Act and highlight any collocations that you can use to talk about the legislative process: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878217
Unit 9.4 - Amending & Modifying a Law
Discussion Skills
Group Role-play Speaking Assessment. Amending a Law

Homework/Self Study
Write up your draft bill/law. Remember it needs to be clear and unambiguous whilst including all necessary details.

ECII Group 1 B2+1

Lesson 8
17th April 2:30pm

Homework Answers - Modals
P.21 Q. 10
1. can't, 2. can't, 3. might, 4. don't have to, 5. might, 6. may, 7 mustn't, 8. have to, 9. can't.
P. 137 G2, Q. 3
1. may, might, 2. can't, mustn't, 3. Can, Could, 4.  can't (or it isn't true) 5. may, might.

Writing Feedback - Letter Rewrite, Tourism Paragraphs
Correct the following errors
I haven't a higher qualification.
We need to participate to more international treaties and think at the problem more seriously.
I have done a lot of researches in the field of informatics.
But there is only an expensive accommodation.
Do not hesitate to contact me should you need more informations.
The relevance of tourism is increased.
Italy is one of the most visited place.
The tourism could be improved by looking at new business models.
We need to focalise on the strengths of the industry.

Class
Report Writing - IELTS Academic Paper 1
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32702969/Academic%20Writing%20Paper%20One
Business Plans
What is a business plan? When do you need one? What should it include? What businesses are in trouble at the moment? How could you turn them around?
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/37941671/Business%20Plans
Presentations
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32233573/Presentations

Homework/Self Study

1. Choose a company which is currently "on the ropes" and prepare a 4 - 5 minute presentation on how you are going to turn it around. It's important that your presentation is well structured and uses signposting language effectively see http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/presentations-lang.htm for more examples.
2. Practice answering an IELTS report writing task. Go to http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=7&id=20&Itemid=32 for example questions and model answers. Time yourself. Remember you will only have 20 minutes to write your answer in the exam. This will also be part of your progress test on May 8th.

GPI Group 17 B1.2

Lesson 8
17th April 11:30 am

Class
Speaking Assessment - Presentations
Peer Feedback - Make notes and give feed back on the following:

• What is the product/business/advertising campaign?
• What are its special features or USP?
• Was the presentation convincing and memorable? Why/Why Not?
•  Did the speaker use a range of signposting language?
•  Was the speaker’s delivery effective? Think about: voice (speed, volume and intonation), eye contact, body language. 

General Feedback On Presentations

Excellent work – good use of signposting and excellent range of accurate vocabulary

More signposting needed if you have lots of information – your audience has to remember it

Vowel sounds /fruit/ /launch/

Intonation and chunking

Presentation skills – will improve with practice – eye contact – don’t fold arms, use cue cards rather than notes.

Ethical Dilemmas

Shoplifting = stealing from a shop

Bribe (illegal in business and politics) = the giver expects a favour in returnUnit 6.2, p. 60 - 61

Past Continuous

P.145 G1

Homework:

1. p.61, q. 6
2. Write a paragraph reflecting on your Presentation today. What did your classmates say? What were you happy with? What areas do you need to improve in the future?

 

GPII Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 8
16th April 5pm

Class
Introduction to IELTS
For more information go to:http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/what_is_ielts.aspx
Linkers & Organisation
http://www.ielts-exam.net/ielts_writing_samples_task_2/708/
Thesis and Argument led essays
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/65348624/Academic%20Writing%20Paper%20Two
Planning and essay - Outline, developing paragraphs, introductions and conclusions.
For an example question and model answer see: http://www.ielts-exam.net/IELTS-Writing-Samples/IELTS_Sample_Writing_Academic_Task_2_2.pdf
Timed Writing Assessment - IELTS Academic Writing Part Two
Peer Correction:

• Count the number of words.
• Is the essay clearly thesis or agument led?
• Is the same point of view expressed in the introduction and conclusion but using different language?
• Are there any noticeable errors?

SPI Group 9 B2+1

Lesson 7
15th April 4:30pm

Class
1. Listening skills and Articles Unit 2.2 (p. 18 - 19)
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/37880634/The%20Trouble%20With%20Nouns
2. Reading, Style & Two Word Phrases Unit 2.3 (p.20 - 21)
Key Vocabulary:

Sustainable development

Whacking great + noun

To plonk (on/down)

Grassroots campaign

Protracted struggle

Regional authorities

Business consortium

Environmental issues

Social considerations

To develop or to exploit?

3. Introduction to Modals

For a copy of the use/functions chart - click on this link:

http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442644/Modals

Homework/Self Study

1. Find a text to read or listen to. Once you have understood it, highlight all the modal auxiliary verbs. What are their functions/uses?

2. Song Sprawl - Arcade Fire

 

 

 

 

SPI Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 7
15th April 2pm

Class
Linkers
http://www.ielts-exam.net/ielts_writing_samples_task_2/708/
Thesis and Argument led essays
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/65348624/Academic%20Writing%20Paper%20Two
Planning and essay - Outline, developing paragraphs, introductions and conclusions.
For an example question and model answer see: http://www.ielts-exam.net/IELTS-Writing-Samples/IELTS_Sample_Writing_Academic_Task_2_2.pdf
Writing Assessment - IELTS Academic Writing Part Two
Peer Correction:

• Count the number of words.
• Is the essay clearly thesis or agument led?
• Is the same point of view expressed in the introduction and conclusion but using different language?
• Are there any noticeable errors?

        

GPIV Legal English Group 5

Lesson 6
12th April 11:30am

Class
Legal Writing In Plain English http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/25080245/Legal%20Writing%20In%20Plain%20English
Feedback and Correction on Written and Oral Assessments. For notes see previous blog post http://seansstudypage.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/legal-english-feedback-on-case-brief.html

Homework
Finish the exercises on today's worksheet which is also available on the link above.
Have a look at my corrections, suggestions and comments on your case brief and correct your work. if you are unhappy with your grade and want to redo the task, I am quite happy to regrade your work.

Legal English Feedback on Case Brief Tasks

Written Case Brief

Content & Task Achievement

Overall the task was very well done and nobody failed. However, some case briefs omitted important information such as the names of the parties or the legal issues. Identifying the legal issues is the most important aspect and should not be confused with the ruling and the facts. Pose the legal issues as questions to help you. 

Organisation

Use heading in the written brief not the  linking language from the oral presentation which is inappropriate and/or redundant e.g. I'll be presenting ....  

Accuracy

1. Tenses

Need to be consistent. Present Tense OK for bullet point form but Past Tense better. When the facts are quite complex and the order of events important - use your full range of narrative tenses to make this clear (Past Simple and Continuous, Past Perfect Simple and Continuous).

They have been married for two years before they divorced.X

They had been married for two years before they divorced. 

2. Vocabulary

parts - parties    
Appliant - Applicant? Appellant?
sentence    - decision/judgment/verdict  

Word Forms - reimburse (v) reimbursement (n)    
Collocation & Verb Structure - relate to, promise of paying - promise to pay
Countable and Uncountable Nouns - evidence, litigation, legislation are uncountable and therefore always in the singular with no indefinite article.

3. Sentence Structure      

Put your subject first
The Court ruled that it does not exist an obligation. X
The Court ruled that an obligation did not exist.
There exists no valid contract. X
No valid contract exists.

Use verbs rather than nouns
He proposed a counterclaim. X
He counterclaimed.

Oral Presentation

Content & Task Achievement

Writing the brief beforehand meant that everyone knew their case well and could talk about it with confidence and authority. 

Organisation

• Generally, all presentations would have benefitted from more signposting. If you know your topic well and have a lot of information, you can confuse your audience if you don't outline your points clearly and communicate your structure to them. 
• Students who were unsure of their structure or who relied too heavily on their written notes tended to ramble and become repetitive. 
• Use your formulas: If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them now. rather than Questions?

Vocabulary

Generally excellent - everyone used a good range of accurate, appropriately collocated legal English.

Delivery

• Some persistent pronunciation errors e.g. vowel sounds /violated/, "th", suffixes /confirmed/
• Some students need to Slow down, others to speak up
• Be aware of end rising intonation
• Work now on intonation and chunking to sound more natural and to turn hesitations into pauses.
• Use notes as a prompt not a script.

Accuracy

Correct the following errors: 

many evidence

datas

depend from

for asking money

He then appellated

GPII Group 11 B2+1

Lesson 7
11th April 11:30am

Class

Homework answers:
Conservation vocabulary: 1. biodiversity (check pronunciation), 2. endangered, 3. emissions, 4. sprawl, 5. irreversible (check spelling), 6. renewable.

Arcade Fire Sprawl
What is the song about? Why have they chosen this title?

Class:
Overview of modals
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442644/Modals
Unit 2.3 p. 20 - 21
Vocabulary: Turn back the tide, grassroots campaign, whacking great + noun = huge, to plonk (on/down) = to put without care. 

Homework

1. p. 21 q. 10, p. 137 G2 q.3
2. Self Study - Reading & listening - find a text and highlight the use of modals. 

ECII Group 1 B2+1

Lesson 7
10th April 2:30pm

Homework answers:
Conservation vocabulary: 1. biodiversity (check pronunciation), 2. endangered, 3. emissions, 4. sprawl, 5. irreversible (check spelling), 6. renewable.

Listen to Arcade Fire's song, Sprawl. What 's the song about? Why have they given it this title?

Class:
Overview of modals
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442644/Modals
Unit 2.3 p. 20 - 21
Unit 2.4 Listening p.22
Vocabulary: Turn back the tide, grassroots campaign, whacking great + noun = huge, to plonk (on/down) = to put without care. 
Homework

1. p. 21 q. 10, p. 137 G2 q.3
2. Self Study - Reading & listening - find a text and highlight the use of modals. 

GPI Group 17 B1.2

Lesson 7
10th April 11:30 am

Class
Presentations Input unit 5.4 p. 54 - 55
Think about:

Preparation

Objectives

Audience

Content

Organization

Visual information

Practice!

Delivery

Nerves

Voice

Body language:  eye contact DON’T READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Visual information

Questions
 

Advertising campaign the presentation needs to include:

Names

Slogan

Packaging

Type of advertising

Special promotions

Colour, shape, TV commercials, Internet, different commercials, radio, sponsor, free cans, cheap T-shirts

Signposting Language

Good Morning (if before midday – Good Afternoon if after), I’m ….

I’d like to introduce myself, my name is

I’d like to talk to you today about…

My purpose today is to present ….

I’ll also suggest…

My presentation is divided into _ parts

First, after that, and finally

If you have any questions, I’ll be pleased to answer them at the end of my presentation

Moving on now to

Let’s turn to my second point which is…

Please look at the screen

As you can see…

If we now look at…

Well I have given you our ideas for/expalained/discussed

Now, let me summarise the/our/my main points

Thank you (very much everyone) for you attention

Are there any questions?

Business Vocabulary and Business Plans Unit 6.1 p. 58 - 59

Wages/Salary = the money you earn from a job

Loss (n) make a loss = to lose money

To charge = make somebody pay for goods/services

Pay wages, taxes, a bill, an invoice

Charge high/low prices, a lot, a little

Cover your costs

Give you a (good) return on your money/make a profit

To market a product

Homework

Presentations

Next week 17^th April we will have your speaking assessment for the term – a presentation. Please prepare a product launch, advertising campaign or a business plan for a product or company of your choice. See p. 54 – 55 and 58 – 59 (and the audio-scripts for the listenings at the back of the book) for examples, language and ideas. This will be an Individual presentation lasting  3- 4 minutes but you will deliver it in front of a group not the whole class).The most important aspect – preparation, especially make sure that you have a strong structure and use lots of signposting language (for more examples see this link) and practice!

GP II Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 7
9th April 5pm

Class

1. Error Correction - modals and hypotheticals

http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442644/Modals
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/49720439/Hypothetical%20Distance%20-%20Error%20Correction%20Task

 2. Legal Systems
For a copy of today's hand out go to  click on http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/file/51532973/Introduction%20to%20Legal%20English%20with%20links-1.pages

Treat prepositions not as grammar but as part of a fixed phrase

e.g. to contrast with, to refer to, to derive from, to settle by, to be bound by, (with)reference to, to arrive at something through, in contrast, to develop (something) through (something else) to be based on, to take something into consideration, to distinguish from, to deal with.

3. Speaking Assessment - Debate
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/31563189/Formal%20Debate%20Structure

Homework/Self Study
As next week we will be focussing on writing, try to do some practice. For example you could:

• Write a letter/email of complaint to a shop that wouldn't exchange a faulty product.
• An opinion essay comparing and contrasting Civil and Common Law systems, stating which you think is more effective. 

Aim to write about 200 to 250 words. 

SPI Group 9 B2+1

Lesson 6
8th April 4:30pm

Class

1. Margaret Thatcher

Listen to the video link on http://gu.com/p/3fxpf

1. What were her ideas, achievements? What were the key events in her political career and  Prime Ministership? What made her a great/controversial leader?

2. What are the different views expressed by:

Polly Toynbee (Journalist & Commentator)

Oliver Letwin (Cabinet Office Minister)

Phillip Gould (Labour Pollster)

 2. Tourism Vocab and Collocation

What impact does tourism have on:

The economy of a country
The politics of the country
The culture of the country?

Accommodation (u) Youth Hostel, Self-Catering Holiday, Resort Holiday, B&B, Boutique Hotel

Ease of Travel:  Low cost/budget airline, long/short haul flight
Types of Holiday: Eco tourism, staycation, last minute deal, city break

Phrasal Verbs - meaning may change according to context e.g. take in the sights (visit) take in the information (remember and understand)
Unit 2.1 p. 16 - 17

Homework

1. Write a short obituary (150 - 250 words) on Margaret Thatcher, stating what you think her legacy will be.

SPI Group 4 B2+2

Lesson 6
8th April 2pm

Class
1. Unit 8.3 (p. 84 - 85)

Social Media vs.Mainstream Media

Reuters, CNN, television, radio, newspapers

Twitter (tweets), Flickr, Metroblog, Wikipedia, Google Maps, “the blogosphere”

Social Media Pros and Cons

·         Speed

·         Internet – worldwide communication

·         Unlimited access

·         No control of information

·         True/untrue – how accurate is it?  (n.b. pronunciation /accurate/)

·         Objectivity/subjectivity

Idioms with “keep”

Keep track of (someone, something e.g. time) Keep up with

Prepositional Verbs = verb + preposition + object (noun, pronoun,-ing)

Deal with something, Look at something, Look into something, Look after something
She looks amazingly like Cameron Diaz (it’s a surprise at how strong the resemblance is)
She looks like Cameron Diaz amazingly (it’s a surprise that she does)

2. Margaret Thatcher
Video Listening  Note Taking
http://www.guardian.co.uk/

What were her ideas, achievements? What were the key events in her political career and  Prime Ministership? What made her a great/controversial leader? What are the views expressed by:

Polly Toynbee (Journalist & Commentator)
Oliver Letwin (Cabinet Office Minister)
Phillip Gould (Labour Pollster)

3. Opinion Lead Essays
Unit 7.5
p. 79

Homework

1. In preparation for next week's writing assessment, do the exercise on the following link:http://www.ielts-exam.net/ielts_writing_samples_task_2/708/
2. P. 84 4(b) write example sentences for the collocations.

GPIV Legal English Group 5

Lesson 5
5th April 11:30am

Class
Case Brief (1) in class writing assessment (2) oral presentation

Homework
Reflect on your performance today and write about how it went. What aspect of your summarising or speaking skills do you need to improve? Which of your colleagues' presentations do you remember?  Why?

Procedure Notes:
Case Brief

Part One Written

Planning (20 Minutes)

1.       Read through the case quickly highlighting the information you need.

2.       Write notes under the following headings:

·         Parties

·         Facts

·         Legal issues

·         Ruling

·         Reasoning

3.       Select useful phrases from the models we looked at last week

Now you are ready to write.

                Writing (30 minutes)

·         Keep it simple and concise

·         Use headings

·         You can use full sentences or bullet points

·         Try to avoid jargon

·         Use your own words as much as possible

Checking (10 minutes)

·         Read first for content – have you included all the information needed?

·         Read again looking for specific mistakes e.g. verb structure, false friends, countable/uncountable nouns, articles (especially the zero article), spelling, punctuation.

Part Two: Oral Presentation

-          Look at your case brief, can you talk about the case without reading it? If not, reduce it down to short phrases that can prompt your memory

-          Look at the audioscript from last week – what useful phrases could you use for your presentation?

-          Think of an introduction that will create interest and outline the structure of your talk

-          Think about a variety of signposting/linking language which you can use.

http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/presentations-lang.htm

-          Think of a conclusion that summarises the main points and leaves your audience with a strong impression.

-          Practise/check any difficult pronunciation, think about how you can “chunk” your phrases and use pauses so that you sound interesting and natural

GPII Group 11 B2+1

Lesson 6
4/4/13

Class

1. Tourism and Law

Contract, International, (Homeland) Security, Anti-Terrorism, Human Rights (freedom of movement), Insurance, Rights of entry, Visas etc.

http://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/undergraduate/courses/2013/LEGT3001.html

Inns (c) = accommodation like a hotel

The hospitality industry = hotels, restaurants, bars etc.

Bailment

The temporary placement of control over, or possession of Personal Property by one person, the bailor, into the hands of another, the bailee, for a designated purpose upon which the parties have agreed.

e.g. when an airline takes possession of your suitcase.

2. Tourism Vocab and Collocation
Accommodation (u) boutique hotel, homestay, resort, B&B
Ease of Travel: long/short haul flight, weekend break, last minute deal, low cost/budget airline
Phrasal Verbs - meaning may change according to context e.g. take in the sights (visit) take in the information (remember and understand) 
Unit 2.1 p. 16 - 17 
3. Listening Skills & Articles Review
Unit 2.2 p. 18 - 19 
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/37880634/The%20Trouble%20With%20Nouns
4. Writing - Feedback & Error Correction
http://seansstudypage.blogspot.it/2013/03/feedback-on-writing-assessment-covering.html

Homework/Self Study

1. Conservation Vocabulary q. 6 p. 19
2. Check your answers to question 8 (articles) using the audioscript on p. 171 - 172
3. Error correct your letter.
4. Write a paragraph (100 words approx) on the following topic:

What are the challenges facing the Italian tourist industry?