British Council English Courses At The LUISS February 2014

Take some time this weekend to have a look at your course outline which you will find on this link: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/74452691/LUISS%20Spring%20Term%202014%20Feb%20-%20May Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

LUISS Business School Lesson 4 Groups 5 & 6

Lesson 4
Group 5 (9:30am) & 6 (11:30am)

Class
Interview Skills. Click here for the Top 10 Interview Questions http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/top-10-interview-questions.htm
Using fillers in interview situations (e.g. job, exam) http://www.ieltsspeaking.co.uk/using-fillers/
Role-play and feedback

Maintaining your level:
Now that the course is over, remember that a little bit often is the most effective way to maintain your level. Work on listening especially and give yourself as many opportunities to speak English either by meeting friends, peers, fellow students or using social media. For more advice and lessons go to my wiki http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442631/FrontPage

GPII Group 15 B2+2 (Thursday 2pm) Lesson 2

Lesson 2

Class

• The link between grammar and pronunciationhttp://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442648/Pronunciation
• The 3rd Conditional - revising form and meaning - noticing the 3rd conditional in fast connected speech.http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32174148/Conditionals%20and%20Pronunciation
• Unit 3.2 p. 28 - 29   International Co-operation (1) International Organisations - Abbreviations and Acronyms n.b.  ASEAN, NATO and OPEC are acronyms. For definitions on acronyms and abbreviations see: http://www.abbreviations.com/?+ (2) Reading & Vocabulary CERN (n.b. collocations: shining example, joint venture, peer committee) (3) Subordinate Clauses

Homework

1. Unit 3.1 p. 26 -27 Reading & Vocabulary Q. 5 & 7
2. Unit 3.2  p. 28 q. 7
3. Unit 3.2  p. 29 read again and highlight subordinate clauses and classify them. 

Self Study

Read the following Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/federiga-bindi/renzithor-and-the-breakin_b_4837745.html

(1) Content:

Do you agree with the view expressed? Is the portrayal of Italian politics accurate? Do you detect any bias?

(2) Grammar:

Highlight any subordinate clauses and classify them (e.g. cause, reason, condition, finite verb phrase etc)

n.b. the expression: glass ceiling = invisible barrier to success e.g. prejudice (racism, sexism, homophobia)

A Career in International Organisations?

As we discussed today, a law degree is good training for a career in an international organisation. Have a look at the websites for WHO, IMF etc and see what positions are available. Do they offer internships? If so, why not apply? Also look at websites such as http://www.internships.com or http://www.internship-uk.com for other opportunities. 

GPII Group 8 B2+2 Lesson 2 (Thursday 11:30am)

Lesson 2

Class

Unit 3.2 p. 28 - 29
International Co-operation
(1) International Organisations - Abbreviations and Acronyms
n.b ASEAN, NATO and OPEC are acronyms
For definitions on acronyms and abbreviations see: http://www.abbreviations.com/?+

(2) Reading & Vocabulary CERN (n.b. collocations shining example, joint venture, peer committee)
(3) Subordinate Clauses

Homework

Unit 3.1 p. 26 -27 Reading & Vocabulary Q. 5 & 7

Self Study

Read the following Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/federiga-bindi/renzithor-and-the-breakin_b_4837745.html

(1) Content:
Do you agree with the view expressed? Is the portrayal of Italian politics accurate? Do you detect any bias?
(2) Grammar:
Highlight any subordinate clauses and classify them (e.g. cause, reason, condition, finite verb phrase etc)

n.b. the expression: glass ceiling = invisible barrier to success e.g. prejudice (racism, sexism, homophobia)

A Career in International Organisations?
As we discussed today, a law degree is good training for a career in an international organisation. Have a look at the websites for WHO, IMF etc and see what positions are available. Do they offer internships? If so, why not apply? Also look at websites such as http://www.internships.com or http://www.internship-uk.com for other opportunities.

ECII Groups 1 & 10 B2+2 Lesson 2

Groups 1 (2:30pm) & 10 (5pm)
Lesson 2

Class

• The link between grammar and pronunciation http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442648/Pronunciation
• The 3rd Conditional - revising form and meaning - noticing the 3rd conditional in fast connected speech. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32174148/Conditionals%20and%20Pronunciation
• Business & Economics Vocabulary (taken from Language Leader Advanced Unit 11)

Homework & Self Study Suggestions 
1. Have a look at the proposed course outline - do you have any comments or suggestions?
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/75673430/ECII%20Group%201%20B2%20Plus%20Module%202
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/75673631/ECII%20Group%2010%20B2%20Plus%20Module%202
2. REM listening http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32174148/Conditionals%20and%20Pronunciation

3. Film lesson - try the procedure suggested in class http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442630/Film%20Lessons
Remember to use sites like http://www.script-o-rama.com/oldindex.shtml if you don't have access to the subtitles in English

Vocabulary

A business (countable) = a company
c.f. business (uncountable)  to do business, business is good/bad/slow/picking up

to hire someone 
to fire/sack /dismiss someone 
to make someone redundant

Merger
Company A + Company B = Company A
Consolidation
Company A + Company B = Company C

Euler Hermes Legal English Course Lesson 18

Lesson 18

Class
Debtor & Creditor - Key Vocabulary Click on link below for notes:
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/75861506/Debtor%20and%20Creditor
Types of liens
Concept of favoured status
Statutes governing attachment
Protecting Assets - Listening
Pre-judgment & Judgment liens

Homework

• Review today's vocabulary in preparation for next week's role-play assessment
• Reading on the handout "Making a career as an Insolvency Practitioner"

GPII Group 1 B2+1 Lesson 2

Lesson 2

Class

• Rethinking English Tenses http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442630/Film%20Lessons
• Grammar & Pronunciation (present Perfect Simple & Continuous) http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442648/Pronunciation
• Education & Employment (Language Leader Advanced Unit 1.1) nos. 1, 3 & 8 Vocabulary, Discussion & Listening

Homework

1. Reading p. 7,  nos. 6 & 7
2. Vocabulary: Idioms no. 9
3. Check the audio script on p. 170 for new vocabulary and collocations.
4. Have a look at your course outline for this term. Do you have any comments or suggestions? http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/75673679/GPII%20Group%201%20B2%20Module%201

Self Study Suggestions

• Reading & Paragraph Writing http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/41658221/English%20Grammar%20and%20Thinking%20in%20English
• Vocabulary Work (8x8)
• Write a paragraph on one of the three questions in no.10, p. 7

GPIII Group 12 B2+2 Lesson 2

Lesson 2

Class

• The link between grammar and pronunciation http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442648/Pronunciation
• The 3rd Conditional - revising form and meaning - noticing the 3rd conditional in fast connected speech. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32174148/Conditionals%20and%20Pronunciation
• Deciding on a syllabus - group speaking exercise http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/67380036/Deciding%20on%20a%20Syllabus

Homework & Self Study Suggestions

• Have a look at the proposed course outline - do you have any comments or suggestions? http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/75673697/GPIII%20Group%2012%20B2%20Plus%20Module%202
• REM listening http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32174148/Conditionals%20and%20Pronunciation
• Film lesson - try the procedure suggested in class http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442630/Film%20Lessons

Multiple Intelligences - Self Study Work For All Students

Last week we talked about the importance of finding effective learning strategies and to avoid wasting time on activities that are not right for you. One thing you could do for your self study is to take a look at the theory of Multiple Intelligences. Go to http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/questions/questions.cfm
and take the test. What kind of intelligence are you? What activities would be best to stimulate your learning - not only for English but also your university studies? See http://esl.about.com/od/multipleintelligences/a/Multiple-Intelligence-Activities.htm for suggestions.

All Law Students

Here is an interesting article about how language and society are constantly changing and the law sometimes struggles to catch up.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/02/22/men-banned-becoming-queen-ahead-sex-marriage/

All Students - English Through Film This Week

Catch the following films in English (with Italian subtitles) in Roman cinemas this week - check my movies.it for cinema details and screening times. Alternatively, try a 15 minute DVD lesson to work on listening and vocabulary at home. Go to the Film Lessons page on my website, Sean's English Classroom for advice and activities. 

Legal English GPIV Groups 1 & 3 Lesson 1

Legal English GPIV
Group 1 (9:00am)
Group 3 (11:15am)

Lesson 1
Class

• Goal Setting http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63701997/Make%20A%20Difference
• Vocabulary Strategies For Legal English http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/24182444/Vocabulary%20Strategies%20For%20Legal%20English
• Legal English Collocations

Notes:

Barrister, Solicitor, In house Counsel, Attorney, Legal Representative, Legal Adviser/Advisor, Counsellor

Legal Collocations:

advise - clients, corporations, defendants

draft - contracts, decisions, law, legislation

litigate - cases, disputes

represent - clients, corporations, defendants

practise - law

research - cases, decisions, law, legislation

Homework

Reading & Vocabulary 

On the link below you will find a reading and vocabulary lesson on extra-curricular activities for law students. Read the article and tell me what you think, then check for any useful vocabulary, remembering to look for collocations and the 8 x 8 rule for any new words. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/64138157/Extra-Curricular%20Activities%20For%20Law%20Students

http://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/oct/12/law-degree-extracurricular

LUISS Business School Group 6 C1 Lesson 3

Lesson 3
Class

• Covering letters - structure and language
• Applying for an Internship - Timed Writing Task http://www.bafta.org/jobs/team-assistant-communications-intern,1549,BA.html
• Peer Editing & Correction

Idioms
Putting your best foot forward, getting a foot in the door, thinking outside the box, to have other irons in the fire.
Homework

Next week we will be looking at job interviews and presentations. Spend some time this week researching a job/internship which you would really like to apply for. Have a look at http://www.topinternships.com/ for suggestions. 

LUISS Business School Group 5 B2.3 Lesson 3

Lesson 3
Class

• Covering letters (listening/structure/language)
• Timed writing task - volunteers advertisement
• Peer editing

Idiom:  Putting your best foot forward = making the best possible impression. 

Homework

Next week we will be looking at job interviews and presentations. Spend some time this week researching a job/internship which you would really like to apply for. Have a look at http://www.topinternships.com/ for suggestions. 

GPII Group 15 B2+2 (2pm) Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Class
Goal Setting
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63701997/Make%20A%20Difference
Vocabulary Skills
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/41184334/Vocabulary
Legal English - Describing a Law, Court Structure, Types of Laws
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/64428921/Court%20Structure

Vocabulary
Party (ies)
Litigation
Art. 8 (2) (a) (ii) = Article 8, section 2, sub-section a, paragraph 2
c.f. prescribe (state) proscribe (prohibit) Check the spelling and pronunciation
A party to a contract
The elements of a contract
The clasuse/provisions of a contract

Homework
(1)  Read the notes on your self study requirements  and start your self study blog/notebook/folder. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63767935/Self%20Study
(2) Write down your personal goal for the term and how you intend to achieve it.

Suggestions for Self Study

• Write a paragraph describing the Italian court system using the terminology that you learnt today.
• Look at the court structure of another jurisdiction, e.g. U.K., Australia, New Zealand or Canada and compare and contrast it with Italy. What might the advantages or disadvantages of working in that system be?

GPII Group 8 B2+2 (11:30am) Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Class
Goal Setting
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63701997/Make%20A%20Difference
Analysing the textbook and deciding on a syllabus (group speaking assessment)
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/67380036/Deciding%20on%20a%20Syllabus
Present Perfect Simple/Coninuous - Understanding Fast Speech
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442648/Pronunciation

Homework
(1)  Read the notes on your self study requirements  and start your self study blog/notebook/folder. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63767935/Self%20Study
(2) Write down your personal goal for the term and how you intend to achieve it.
(3) New Vocabulary - try a listening exercise - remember the 8 x 8 rule.http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/41184334/Vocabulary

ECII Group 10 B2+2 (5pm) Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Goal Setting
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63701997/Make%20A%20Difference
Vocabulary Skills
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/41184334/Vocabulary
Listening for collocations, phrasal verbs and fixed phrases
http://seansstudypage.blogspot.it/2014/02/renzi-readies-to-form-new-italian.html

Homework
(1)  Read the notes on your self study requirements  and start your self study blog/notebook/folder. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63767935/Self%20Study
(2) Write down your personal goal for the term and how you intend to achieve it.
(3) New Vocabulary - try a listening exercise - remember the 8 x 8 rule.

Renzi Listening – Economics/Market Lexical Set
The Eurozone’s third largest economy
Is technically out of recession
Returned to growth in the final quarter of 2013
Suffering from a severe slump
2 trillion euros of public debt
The market will take it well
Reduce/cut back taxes/bureaucracy

Collocations, Phrasal Verbs & Verb Structures from the Renzi listening 
give someone a mandate
Accept a mandate
In a row
Suffer a (severe) slump
Public debt
Fail to do something
To press ahead with something
To make headway
To secure a majority
To bide your time
To oust a rival
Sense of urgency
To be frustrated at something (e.g. slow pace of reform)

ECII Group 1 B2+2 (2:30pm) Lesson 1

Lesson 1
Class
Goal Setting
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63701997/Make%20A%20Difference
Vocabulary Skills
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/41184334/Vocabulary
Listening for collocations, phrasal verbs and fixed phrases
http://seansstudypage.blogspot.it/2014/02/renzi-readies-to-form-new-italian.html

Homework
(1)  Read the notes on your self study requirements  and start your self study blog/notebook/folder. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63767935/Self%20Study
(2) Write down your personal goal for the term and how you intend to achieve it.
(3) New Vocabulary - try a listening exercise - remember the 8 x 8 rule.


Corrections
I traduce from Italian                           translate 
We study too grammar at school         too much 
I want to learn as much phrasal verbs as possible.     many

What type of mistakes are these? E.g. over translation, countable or uncountable nouns?

Renzi Listening – Economics/Market Lexical Set

The Eurozone’s third largest economy

Is technically out of recession

Returned to growth in the final quarter of 2013

Suffering from a severe slump

2 trillion euros of public debt

The market will take it well

Reduce/cut back taxes/bureaucracy

Collocations, Phrasal Verbs & Verb Structures from the Renzi listening 
give someone a mandate
Accept a mandate
In a row
Suffer a (severe) slump
Public debt
Fail to do something
To press ahead with something
To make headway
To secure a majority
To bide your time
To oust a rival
Sense of urgency
To be frustrated at something (e.g. slow pace of reform)

Euler Hermes Legal English Course Lesson 17

Lesson 17
Both Groups

• Unsettled Areas of Law
• Fixed & Floating Charges
• Book Debts
• Shrink Wrap Contracts
• Case Briefs

For more on Shrink Wrap Contracts See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrink_wrap_contract
http://euro.ecom.cmu.edu/program/law/08-732/Transactions/ShrinkwrapFenwick.pdf

For more on Case Briefs see: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/24661613/Dealing%20With%20Case%20Law
If you want to practice go to http://www.bailii.org/ and select a case. Try to summarise it into a one page case brief using the section headings and language form the example we looked at today.

GPII Group 1 B2+1 Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Class
Goal Setting
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63701997/Make%20A%20Difference
Vocabulary Skills
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/24182444/Vocabulary%20Strategies%20For%20Legal%20English
Listening for collocations, phrasal verbs and fixed phrases
http://seansstudypage.blogspot.it/2014/02/renzi-readies-to-form-new-italian.html

Homework
(1)  Read the notes on your self study requirements  and start your self study blog/notebook/folder. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63767935/Self%20Study
(2) Write down your personal goal for the term and how you intend to achieve it. 
(3) New Vocabulary - try a listening exercise - remember the 8 x 8 rule. 
(4) Purchase the set text for the course - Language Leader Advanced. The book is available from the university bookshop, Feltrinelli International or on line from Amazon. Please make sure you have the coursebook by next week. If you want to buy the workbook as well, to use for your self study, that is up to you.

Vocabulary Suggestions from the Renzi listening 

give someone a mandate

Accept a mandate

In a row

Suffer a (severe) slump

Public debt

Fail to do something

To press ahead with something

To make headway

To secure a majority

To bide your time

To oust a rival

Sense of urgency

To be frustrated at something (e.g. slow pace of reform)

GPIII B2+2 Group 12 Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Class
Goal Setting http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63701997/Make%20A%20Difference
Vocabulary Skills
http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/24182444/Vocabulary%20Strategies%20For%20Legal%20English
Listening for collocations, phrasal verbs and fixed phrases http://seansstudypage.blogspot.it/2014/02/renzi-readies-to-form-new-italian.html

Homework/Self Study 

1. Start your self study blog/file/notebook http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/63767935/Self%20Study
2. Write down your goal for the term and how you intend to achieve it.
3. Record and learn 8 new collocations from today's listening

Corrections

Check your suffixes. E.g It is difficult (adjective) I have difficulty with ... (noun)

Vocabulary Suggestions from the Renzi listening 

give someone a mandate

Accept a mandate

In a row

Suffer a (severe) slump

Public debt

Fail to do something

To press ahead with something

To make headway

To secure a majority

To bide your time

To oust a rival

Sense of urgency

To be frustrated at something (e.g. slow pace of reform)

Renzi readies to form new Italian government

Before you watch the video, look at the title. What type of word is ready? How is it used here?
Listening 1:
What are the main points discussed in the video? Is there a point of view expressed or is the report politically neutral?
Listening 2:
What points do the financial analyst and political analyst have to say about Renzi becoming PM?
Listening 3:
On the third listening make a note of any phrasal verbs, collocations, idiomatic and fixed expressions that you hear. E.g. to give/accept a mandate, to make headway, to secure a majority. 

All Students - Improve Your English Through Film

Have a look at what I have to say about using film to improve your English on the following link http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442630/Film%20Lessons then check out the following films which are currently playing in English at cinemas in Rome. 

LUISS Business School Lesson 2

Lesson 2

Group 5 (Level B2.3)
9:30am

Class

• Listening Skills http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/37875566/Listening%20Skills
• Grammar, Pronunciation and Listening - coping with fast connected speech.
• Present Perfect Simple & Continuous

For more help with tenses see: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442655/The%20English%20Tense%20System
For more help with grammar and pronunciation (e.g. strong forms/weak forms) see: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442648/Pronunciation

• Note Taking Skills

Error Correction
ask someone something  (not ask to)
fast (not fastly)
advice (uncountable - not advices)

Homework

• Compare your notes with the audio-script. Note any new vocabulary and collocation
• Look at the notes and suggested exercise on the Film Lessons Link

Group 6 (Level C1)
11:30am

Class

• Listening Skills http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/37875566/Listening%20Skills
• Grammar, Pronunciation and Listening - coping with fast connected speech.
• Third Conditional http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/32174148/Conditionals%20and%20Pronunciation
• Note Taking & Public Speaking http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/74724947/Listening%3A%20Ken%20Robinson%20on%20Creativity%20in%20Education

Suggestions for Self Study

• Watch the video again using the transcript and note any new collocations, idiomatic expressions. use the link to TED here:  http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
• Film Lessons - try the suggested exercise on the link: http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/11442630/Film%20Lessons

Queries & Notes:

Commonly confused words - incident/accident http://www.f.waseda.jp/vicky/students/help/mistakes/accident.html

Euler Hermes Legal English Course: Lesson 16

Lesson 16
Class

Legalese Adverbs
e.g. whereof, heretofore, therewith etc. 
Approach:
(1) What are the general meanings
e.g.

• where = which (c.f. time references e.g. whereas = while, whereupon = when)
• here = now or in this document (c.f. hereafter = from now on, hereinafter = from now on in this document)
• there = referring to a thing (c.f. therefor (legal English) = for that thing, therefore (general English) = so (it follows that)

(2)  Think about dependent prepositions when trying to work out the meaning. Look at the preposition and think about what it collocates with other words in the sentence:

e.g.  derive from > … any income deriving therefrom, attach something to something > …set out in the mission statement attached hereto.

Real Property Vocabulary
Lease, lessor, lessee
fee tail
easement
appurtenant

Creating a Security Interest
Seven Steps in the U.S.
Blanket Lien - why these aren't generally used
Perfection
Now owned or later acquired
Authentication

Homework
Think about the following questions and come to class next week ready to discuss them:

• How is a security interest created in your jurisdiction? 
• How does this compare/contrast with the American procedure we looked at today?
• What are common problems/issues which arise when creating a security interest? 

LUISS Business School - Proposed Course Outline

Dear Students,

Have a look at the following link which is a suggested outline for your course. http://seansenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/w/page/74451950/LUISS%20Business%20School%20Jan%202014
We can discuss if there is anything you want to change/add/take out in our next lesson on 14th February.

For reading/vocabulary practice, why not try this site?
http://www.theweek.co.uk


Sean

Special notice to students attending Euler Hermes Legal English Course

Dear Students,

Unfortunately, due to illness I will not be able to attend tomorrow's lessons (Wednesday 5th February) at 9:30 and 11 am. We will reschedule the lesson either at the end of the course (e.g. 12th March) or at another more convenient time.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Sean