Lombardi Segni & Associati Legal English Courses - Lesson 3

12:00 pm Level B1

Class

Vocabulary skills/learning strategies continued

• Collocations in legal contexts
• Learning activities - "legal" a worked example

Vocabulary

To name but (+ number)

Pronunciation

Adjective

Procedure

Comfortable

Homework

Download the Sounds Right App from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/apps/sounds-right

If Sounds Right is unavailable for your device, download an alternative phonemic chart but ensure that it has the same configuration as Sounds Right (see below).

1:30 pm Level C1/C2

Class

Vocabulary skills/learning strategies continued

• Collocations in legal contexts
• Introduction to the phonemic chart
• Learning activities - "legal" a worked example
• Communicative exercise - legal principles

Vocabulary

To name but (+ number)

Shoddy
To carry out

Pronunciation

Comfortable

Sovereignty

Low versus law

Homework

1) Legal English idioms

2) Download the Sounds Right App from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/apps/sounds-right

If Sounds Right is unavailable for your device, download an alternative phonemic chart but ensure that it has the same configuration as Sounds Right (see below).

ANIA Group Courses

12:30 pm Group 1 - Level B2
Lesson 25

Class
Review of previous writing skills and listening skills lessons.


2:00 pm Group 2 - Level C1
Lesson25

Class  

1. Restructuring conditional sentences But for (+ noun), unless, in case 
2. Listening Skills - the features of spoken English and how they can impede listening comprehension e.g. hesitation (err, um), fillers (you know, I mean), repetition, incomplete sentences & ellipsis

Source Language Leader Advanced p. 115

Vocabulary

Catch-22

Going Further

Joseph Heller's satirical novel Catch 22 was first published in 1961. Set during World War II, the title refers to a plot device that is repeatedly invoked in the story in which people who were crazy were not obliged to fly missions, but anyone who applied to stop flying was showing a rational concern for his safety and was, therefore, deemed to be sane and had to fly. By the end of the novel, the phrase Catch 22 is invoked as the explanation for many unreasonable restrictions and has since entered the English language, referring to a type of unsolvable logic puzzle sometimes called a double bind. The novel was adapted into a film in 1970 directed my Mike Nichols and starring Alan Arkin. 

ANIA Group Courses

2:00pm Group 8 - Level B2

Lesson 24

Class

1. Reporting verbs and verb patterns

Verb + that + clause (explain, argue, believe, claim)

Verb + noun or indirect question (present, describe, explain)

2. Expressing contrast and similarities

While, whereas, are different in that, on the other hand, in contrast

Both ( ) and ( ), are similar in that, in the same way

Source: New Headway Academic Skills pp. 7, 56, 64

Homework

Write a pargraph (50 - 60 words) summarising the two authors' opinions on the image of the insurance industry and how to fix it. Use a range of reporting verbs and phrases for showing similarity and contrast where appropriate. 

ANIA Group Courses

12:30 pm Group 5 - Level C1

Lesson 25

Class

Exam technique and practice - Speaking Exam Part 3

Functional language for:

• agreeing/disagreeing
• suggesting
• justifying and clarifying
• initiating & moving on to another prompt
• asking for opinions

Vocabulary
in depth
let's move on to the next prompt

Corrections
We don't want to lost lose the past
You're not You don't completely agree with her
According to me In my opinion/view, From my point of view
It could might not be the best thing.

Homework

Make a list of fillers which you can use when you need some time to think of an answer.
See:

2:00 pm Group 6 - Level C2

Class
Entertainment - Reading/Use of English CPE vocabulary practice (Cambridge Proficiency Masterclass pp. 101 - 102)

Vocabulary & Collocation

Reams of paper/writng/data information
avoid versus evade
broad ranges, wide spheres
In this case versus in this instance
display emotion towards someone, show emotion

Homework
Do the exercises on pp. 103 -104 of the photocopies revising contrast clauses, adverb clauses of manner and phrases with make.

Going further

Show Some Emotion - Joan Armatrading

ANIA C2 - Geostorm reviewed by Mark Kermode

Following on from our discussion on passive entertainment, you may be interested in listening to Mark Kermode in classic "rant"form as he reviews the new disaster movie, Geostorm, featuring Gerrard Butler (or Shut Up Butt-wad as he is referred to in the review). Kermode says that he felt himself getting stupider as the film went on and fully expected a tornado of sharks to turn up (great minds think alike Fabrizio).

Lombardi Segni & Associati Legal English Courses

12:00pm Level B2

Lesson 2

Vocabulary Skills

1. How to approach a difficult text
2. U.K. Criminal System - collocations

Key Vocabulary

Go on trial

Plead guilty/not guilty

Give evidence

Cross-examine witnesses

Sum up the case

Reach a verdict

Acquit/convict the defendant 

Pass sentence

Can you remember who is the likely subject for each of these verbs?

Homework

Write a short paragraph describing the U.K. criminal law system using the collocations from today's lesson.

1:30pm Level C1/C2

Lesson 2

Class

Vocabulary Skills

Categories of vocabulary

Collocation, fixed expressions, idioms, word complementation, phrasal verbs, lexical precision

Corrections

Verb structure - she said me - she told me, she said to me

Homework

Read the other article (use the links below). Try to summarise the main points in your own words and then find some examples of the vocabulary categories that we looked at today.

https://www.thelawyer.com/60-second-interview-legal-services-need-reinvent/?mm_59e218a590fec=59e218a59108f
https://www.thelawyer.com/60-second-interview-wayne-robertson/

ANIA Group Courses

Group 1 - Level B2

Lesson 24

Class

1. Writing Skills - constructing concise business emails. Source: BEC Masterclass Vantage (course book p. 29, workbook p.18)
2. Timed writing - email (50 words, 10 minutes

Remember:

• Always start your email by saying why you are writing e.g. I am writing to request/inform/book/complain
• State clearly what action you want the reader to take e.g. Please let me have your feedback by Friday
• Make your writing lively and interesting by using verbs rather than nouns (e.g make a reservation - reserve) and synonyms to avoid repetion (e.g. reserve/book, call/phone)
• Your email needs to be consistently formal or informal - e.g. contractions are used in informal emails but not formal ones to people you don't know. 
• Always try to be clear and concise.
• Don't reinvent the wheel! Use functional English phrases rather than translating your own structures from Italian

Vocabulary
To fetch 

Queue (noun and verb) /kjuː/

Group 2 - Level C1

Lesson 24

Class

1. Discussion - Rome Film Festival 

To see the programme go to: http://www.romacinemafest.it/news/primo-piano/primo-piano-festa-del-cinema/2017/10/17/romaff12-scarica-il-programma/

All films are being shown in their original language with Italian subtitles

2. Confusing words

Source: Language Leader Advanced p. 115

The difference between words could be due to meaning (loan/debt), structure (rise - intransitive, raise - transitive) or collocation (things & individuals rise, situations arise). Be aware of false friends, e.g. Discrete = separate, distinct, detached. 

3. Alternatives to if

Source: Language Leader Advanced p. 115

As long as

Unless

Even if (emphatic)

In case (something you defintely do as a precaution)

Vocabulary

Quagmire

Idiom of the day - you took the words right out of my mouth

Homework

Alternatives to if exercises - question 8, p. 115

Speaking Skills - All Students - How to make yourself sound more fluent

Check out this post from clarkandmiller.com. They suggest that if you want to sound more fluent you should:

• always use contractions
• show agreement with phrases e.g. I hope so, I think so
• use fillers in informal situations as over precision can sound inappropriately formal e.g. kind of, sort of 
• use fillers such as you know to prevent hesitations mid sentence

What do you think?

Let me and your colleagues know in the comments section below.

Link: 4 Simple Changes To Make You Sound More Fluent In English 

https://www.clarkandmiller.com/4-simple-changes-to-sound-fluent-in-english/

ANIA Group Courses

2:00 pm Group 8 - Level B2
Lesson 23

Class

1. Discussion - health care in public hospitals, the role of charitable associations.
2. Jigsaw reading & summarising skills. The Big Question - How to fix insurance's poor public image. Source: https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/the-big-question-how-to-fix-insurances-poor-public-image/1425180.article 

Vocabulary
hospital/children's/oncology ward
designated driver
deductible/excess  (a deductible reduces the maximum payout, the excess does not)
to fix = to repair
leak (noun and verb)
to underpin (something)
to harness (something)
grudge (grudge purchase)
to do yourself justice
to shoot yourself in the foot

Corrections
asked to me
told to me
except to for
do an insurance take out an insurance policy for something/insure something
he lost his travel he missed his trip
a mean an average Italian family

Check the pronunciation of image.
/ɪmɪdʒ/
Where is the stress? How are the vowel sounds pronounced? Check by listening to an online dictionary - click here https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/image

Homework
Read the second article noting the opinion of the author and any interesting language features. Bring both articles with you to next week's class when we will work on reporting verbs.

Listening Practice - All Students - Sir Harold Evans Gets Righteous About Writing

Choosing the right words can be the difference between life and death, says Sir Harold Evans.

Evans, a legendary editor knighted by the Queen of England for his service to journalism, spent a lifetime pouring over documents. He’s corrected files from reporters on the battlefield, memos by past U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and now, Evans is out with a new book that celebrates the importance of clear writing. It’s called, “Do I Make Myself Clear: Why Writing Well Matters.”

Guests
Sir Harold Evans, British-born journalist and editor of The Sunday Times from 1967 to 1981; historian and author of the new book “Do I Make Myself Clear: Why Writing Well Matters.” He was knighted for services to journalism in 2004.

© 2017 WAMU 88.5 – American University Radio.
Listen to the interview by going to: http://radio.wpsu.org/post/sir-harold-evans-gets-righteous-about-writing

ANIA Group Courses

12:30pm Group 5 - Level C1
Lesson 24
Class

1. Discussion, jigsaw reading, summarising skills. The Big Question - How to fix insurance's poor public image. Source: https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/the-big-question-how-to-fix-insurances-poor-public-image/1425180.article 
2. CAE Writing Part One Writing - opinion collocations and brainstorming (taken from Ready For Advanced Workbook)

Vocabulary
To underpin (something)
To harness (something)
Fat cats
backlash
Grudge (grudge purchase)
Do yourself justice
Shoot yourself in the foot
to be in someone's gift  = Very formal way of saying that you have the power to decide who something should be given to

Collocations for writing
(in)sufficient funds/resources/money
pressing/cause for/of great concern

Homework

1. Read the other three interviews from the Insurance Times Article (see link above).
2. Write your essay - don't spend more than 45 minutes on writing your answer.

2:00pm Group 6 - Level C2
Lesson 24

Class
Speaking Skills: Discussion - Language and Identity

Homework
Follow up reading from today's discussion:

1. The Ungrateful Refugee https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/04/dina-nayeri-ungrateful-refugee
2. After Brexit E.U. English Will Be Free To Morph into a Distinct Variety https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2017/sep/25/without-uk-influence-eu-english-will-be-free-to-morph-into-a-distinct-variety

Legal English at Lombardi Segni

All groups

Lesson 1

Class

• Needs analysis
• The 4 keys to a successful language course.
• Introduction to vocabulary strategies

Homework

Read the interview you have been assigned and come to class next week prepared to talk about:

(1) The content (e.g. What points does the interviewee make? Do you agree/disagree with this view?)

(2) The language (e.g. What new vocabulary or structures do you notice? Consider: collocations, phrasal verbs, fixed phrases, idiomatic expressions, word complementation, tenses)

Useful links

The reading:
https://www.thelawyer.com/60-second-interview-legal-services-need-reinvent/?mm_59e218a590fec=59e218a59108f
https://www.thelawyer.com/60-second-interview-wayne-robertson/

Strategies and language learning:
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/84924628/Things%20To%20Think%20About%20When%20Starting%20A%20New%20Course
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/24182444/Vocabulary%20Strategies%20For%20Legal%20English

ANIA Group Courses

12:30pm Group 1 - Level B2
Lesson 23

Class

• Listening Skills: prediction, note taking, BEC Exam part one.
• Telephone Language 
• Expressions with get
• Present Continuous for future arrangements (The meeting is taking place on 23rd October), actions in the (general) present (I'm calling about the meeting, I'm putting together the agenda for the meeting), hedging (I'm proposing a 10 o'clock start)

Vocabulary
so so
nevertheless

I've got it  = I understand 
let me just get my diary
I'm getting back to her with some prices

fly into (a city) 
check out (information)
go for = choose
put together = organise

Is that (name)?
Yes, speaking
How can I help you?
I'm calling about (noun/-ing)
By the way
Could I speak to (name)?
I'm afraid she's not in the office right now
Can I take a message?
Sorry can you spell your last name please?
One other thing
While I've got you on the phone there's one other thing
Could you let him know which/what/when/where/who/how

I hope you can manage to reschedule your other commitments

Corrections
is died is dead
have lucky  is lucky

Homework

1. Read through the audio script noting the features from today's lesson.
2. Songs with telephone language https://open.spotify.com/user/11142496185/playlist/6r3rJS9Kr5nQWOYoguqBJH

2:00pm Group 2 - Level C1
Lesson 23

Class
The Financial Crisis (Language Leader Advanced p. 114)

• Reading
• Body metaphors

wet behind the ears, point the finger, shrug your shoulders, wrapped around your finger, keep your eyes peeled, rub shoulders (with someone), get cold feet, word of mouth, change of heart, lazybones, (rule with an) iron fist.

Homework
Confusing words (Language Leader Advanced p. 115 question 5a
Is there a difference in

• meaning e.g. discrete/discreet?
• collocation e.g. rise/arise?
• structure e.g. lend/borrow? 
• word form e.g. effect/affect? 

Listening Practice - Behavioural Economics - Interview with Richard Thaler Nobel Prize Winner

How Richard Thaler changed Economics
More or Less: Behind the Stats
The behavioural economist who has inspired governments around the world.

Release date: 13 October 2017
Available now
23 minutes

To listen to or download the podcast go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05jvyp8

Writing Skills - All Students: Beware of nominalizations (AKA zombie nouns) - Helen Sword

ANIA Group Courses

2:00 pm Group 8 - Level B2
Lesson 22

Class - Speaking Skills focus

1. Changing approaches to English language learning - translation, Shenker, experimental English in schools, Speak Up, full immersion summer schools and study year abroad. 
2. Family relationships
3. Error correction

Vocabulary

• viscose/rayon
• nephew (your sister/brother's son)
• niece (your sister/brother's daughter)
• grandson/daughter/grandchildren
• grandparents
• groceries
• grocery shop/store
• newsagent

Error Correction
1. Countable and Uncountable Nouns.
I'm doing a good work 
2. Verb Structure
stop to do or stop doing? (see previous lesson notes and exercises on verb structure)
3. Word Forms
dead (adjective)/died (past tense verb)
economy (noun)/economic (adjective)
image (noun)/imagine (verb)


Homework
Go over today's corrections again.

ANIA Group Courses

12:30pm Group 5 - Level C1

Lesson 23

Class

1. Speaking skills - European trends in insurance
2. Podcast Resources - science and economics vocabulary e.g. The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07dx75g/episodes/downloads

Vocabulary

• Adjacent 
• Whiteboard
• Remember to do something
• Remind someone (else) to do something 

Homework

Listen to one of the episodes from The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry. How might using this material for listening practice help you prepare for all papers in the CAE exam?  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07dx75g/episodes/downloads

2:00pm Froup 6 - Level C2

Lesson 23

Class

This Is Spinal Tap (1984) directed by Rob Reiner 

1. Indefinite hyperbolic numerals https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/zillions. Vocabulary:Umpteen, umpty, forty-leven, zillion, billion (two definitions), gazillion, eleventy-stupid  
2. How to fix insurance's poor public image. Source: https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/the-big-question-how-to-fix-insurances-poor-public-image/1425180.article Discussion, jigsaw reading, summarising skills.

Vocabulary

• To underpin
• Grudge (grudge purchase)
• Do yourself justice
• Shoot yourself in the foot
• To feel let down
• To take a hit = suffer loss/damage
• To be/get ripped off

N.b. Use of the structure to come to (realise/terms with/the conclusion that) to emphasise the (slow) process involved.

Corrections

An effort should be done made.

Homework

Read the three other views from the same article. To what extent do you agree with the point of view expressed by the author? https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/the-big-question-how-to-fix-insurances-poor-public-image/1425180.article

ANIA Group Courses

12:30pm Group 1 - Level B2
Lesson 22
Class

1. Recycling business travel collocations focussing on pronunciation, especially fast connected speech: excess baggage, aisle/window seat, over head locker, hand luggage, free of charge, perk (of the job), cost effective, scrutinise, impact. 
2. Functional language differences between Italian and English. When would you use: speaking, here I am, it's me, here/there you are?
3. Introduction to comparatives and superlatives (BEC Vantage Masterclass p. 26)

Homework
Finish the exercises on p. 26 (questions 3, 4, 5) refer to the reading on p. 24 if you need help

2:00pm Group 2 - Level C1

Lesson 22
Class

1. Discussion and jigsaw reading - the Image of the Insurance Industry https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/the-big-question-how-to-fix-insurances-poor-public-image/1425180.article#commentsJump
2. Economics vocabulary recycling of the word pairs from Language Leader Advanced Unit 11

Corrections
risk to do doing
think to be that + subject + verb

New Vocabulary
It scares the (living daylights etc) out of me
to make an effort
a broad brush method/approach/study
to do yourself justice
to shoot yourself in the foot
a return (on an investment)
if any at all = none or only a very small amount

Homework
Read the remaining three views from the Insurance Times article: https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/the-big-question-how-to-fix-insurances-poor-public-image/1425180.article#commentsJump

ANIA Group Courses

2:00 pm Group 8 - Level B2
Lesson 21

Listening Skills - Note taking: 50 Things That Made The Modern Economy - Insurance
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04r1sjb
Discussion - Financial derivatives.
Vocabulary
crops
drought
gossip
blur (verb)

Homework
Listen to the episode again and analyse any sequences that you found difficult to understand.
Listen to another episode in the series of your choice

ANIA Group Courses

12:30 pm Group 5 - Level C1

Lesson 22

Class

• Strategies for CAE speaking exam.
• Extra resources: Functional language http://www.ieltsspeaking.co.uk/english-functional-phrases/
• Learner training: Discussion: podcasts as listening resources. See links from last week's post: http://seansstudypage.blogspot.it/2017/09/all-students-podcast-resources-for.html

Vocabulary:

Side-show

Homework

Try out one of the new podcasts from today's list

2:00 pm Group 6 - Level C2

Lesson 22

Class 

• Listening skills - note taking and comprehension 50 Things that made the modern economy: Insurance http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04r1sjb
• Listening skills - listening for gist 50 Things that made the modern economy: Searching for 51 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csv3gs
• Learner training: Discussion: podcasts as listening resources. See links from last week's post http://seansstudypage.blogspot.it/2017/09/all-students-podcast-resources-for.html

Vocabulary

Bottomry

Wager = bet

(To have) no qualms 

To pluck (out)/(from) See meaning 6 in the Collins entry - plucked from obscurity

To jot down

Homework

Vote for your 51st thing by going to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4Y4Gn8gbQvp4X87wGLV3n4N/vote-for-the-51st-thing

Try out one of the new podcasts from today's list

ANIA Group Courses

12:30pm Group 1 - Level B2
Lesson 21

Class
Learner Training: vocabulary skills - identifying collocations
Discussion: Business travel
Reading: BEC Vantage Masterclass p. 24 (course book)
Vocabulary: Business travel collocations BEC Vantage Masterclass p. 15 (work book)

Vocabulary
go on a business trip
business trip/lunch/class 
expenses,
air miles
perks of the job
representatives
believe
waste of time

Corrections
make have an experience

Homework
Business Travel - vocabulary in context BEC Vantage Masterclass p. 14 (work book)

Going Further
Reading: Burden of the too frequent flyer
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11914218
Video: Up In The Air (2009) Director: Jason Reitman

2:00pm Group 2 - Level C1
Lesson 21


Class
Grammar: The Causative Passive to get/have something done
Discussion: The Beguiled (2017) and the male/female gaze

Listening Skills: Note-taking Searching for 51 
To download the podcast go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csv3gs

Vocabulary
to jot down (notes/a name/something on paper)
to drop your guard
c.f. to remember something, something reminds me of something else

Homework
Go to the website and vote for the thing which you think deserves to be featured in the 51st episode.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4Y4Gn8gbQvp4X87wGLV3n4N/vote-for-the-51st-thing