Showing posts with label READING. Show all posts
Showing posts with label READING. Show all posts
11/09/2023
27/01/2012
21/12/2010
Christmas in the United Kingdom
In the UK (or Great Britain), families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents!
Most families have a Christmas Tree (or maybe even two!) in their house for Christmas. The decorating of the tree is usually a family occasion, with everyone helping. Christmas Trees were first popularised the UK by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Prince Albert was German, and thought that it would be good to use one of his ways of celebrating Christmas in to England.
Like a lot of countries, Nativity Plays and Carol Services are also very popular at Christmas time. The Church that I go to always has a Carols by Candlelight Service where the church is only lit up by candles. It is a very special service and always makes me feel very Christmassy! Lots of other British churches also have Carols by Candlelight and Christingleservices.
Children believe that Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, leaves presents in stockings or pillow-cases. These are normally hung up by the fire or by the children's beds on Christmas Eve. Children sometimes leave out mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas to eat and drink when he visits them. Now, some people say that a non-alcoholic drink should be left for Santa as he has to drive!
Children write letters to Father Christmas listing their requests, but sometimes instead of putting them in the post, the letters are tossed into the fireplace. The draught carries the letters up the chimney and Father Christmas reads the smoke.
There are some customs that only take place, or were started, in the UK. Wassailing is an old anglo-saxon custom that doesn't take place much today. Boxing Day is a very old custom that started in the UK and is now taken as a holiday in many countries around the world.
In Scotland, some people celebrate New Year's Eve (which is called Hogmanay) more than Christmas! The word Hogmanay comes from a kind of oat cake that was traditionally given to children on New Year's Eve.
Also in Scotland, the first person to set foot in a house in a New Year is thought to have a big effect on the fortunes of the people that live there! Generally strangers are thought to bring good luck. Depending on the area, it may be better to have a dark-haired or fair-haired stranger set foot in the house. This tradition is widely known as 'first footing'. In England it is sometimes said that a stranger coming through the door carrying a lump of coal will bring good luck.
In Scots (a Scottish dialect) Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Blithe Yule'; in Gaelic it's 'Nollaig Chridheil'; and in Welsh (which is spoken in some parts of Wales it's 'Nadolig Llawen'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.
In the UK, the main Christmas Meal is usually eaten at lunchtime or early afternoon on Christmas Day. It was traditionally roast goose, although it's common to have turkey now, roast vegetables and 'all the trimmings' which means stuffing and sometimes bacon and sausages. (In Scotland, some people might even have Haggis instead of turkey!) Dessert is often Christmas Pudding. Mince pies and lots of chocolates are often eaten as well! The dinner table is decorated with a cracker for each person and sometimes flowers and candles.
12/10/2009
THE PLEASURE OF READING.
FROM:
http://www.englishgateway.com/ArticleVm.aspx?SectionID=d110128e12974f6bb118fcb081764008&ArticleID=
2b90c31e6020490f914a4449d7a92555
Reading for pleasure is often something ESL learners don’t do. Learners will read a book, or newspaper article with a dictionary in their other hand.Reading for pleasure should be about reading for enjoyment. If learners are unable to understand the meaning of a story or book without stopping to look up numerous new words in the dictionary, then the material they’ve chosen to read is too difficult. Learners should be able to read a page of a book without having to look up more than 2-3 words from that page. That is not to say that they will clearly understand every word that they’ve read, but they should be able to understand the general meaning from the context of the sentence.Remember they’re reading to enjoy themselves, not in to study. Encourage learners to choose works that are the appropriate level. Learners may favour novels filled with suspense, action and drama, but these novels may also have difficult vocabulary, complex sentence structure, and topic specific expressions that could leave the reader feeling frustrated and discouraged after reading only a few pages.There are numerous interesting young adult novels and magazines that may be more appropriate for some learners to read. They will enjoy the material, review vocabulary and expressions that are familiar to them, learn a few new words and have a positive reading experience. They will find that reading is a pleasure.
http://www.englishgateway.com/ArticleVm.aspx?SectionID=d110128e12974f6bb118fcb081764008&ArticleID=
2b90c31e6020490f914a4449d7a92555
Reading for pleasure is often something ESL learners don’t do. Learners will read a book, or newspaper article with a dictionary in their other hand.Reading for pleasure should be about reading for enjoyment. If learners are unable to understand the meaning of a story or book without stopping to look up numerous new words in the dictionary, then the material they’ve chosen to read is too difficult. Learners should be able to read a page of a book without having to look up more than 2-3 words from that page. That is not to say that they will clearly understand every word that they’ve read, but they should be able to understand the general meaning from the context of the sentence.Remember they’re reading to enjoy themselves, not in to study. Encourage learners to choose works that are the appropriate level. Learners may favour novels filled with suspense, action and drama, but these novels may also have difficult vocabulary, complex sentence structure, and topic specific expressions that could leave the reader feeling frustrated and discouraged after reading only a few pages.There are numerous interesting young adult novels and magazines that may be more appropriate for some learners to read. They will enjoy the material, review vocabulary and expressions that are familiar to them, learn a few new words and have a positive reading experience. They will find that reading is a pleasure.
22/08/2009
Five Ways to Improve Your English Reading Comprehension
taken from: http://www.1-language.com/articles/five-ways-to-improve-your-english-reading-comprehension
Improving your ability to read English quickly and accurately takes a great deal of practice. However, you don’t have to read boring materials that or ones that contain words and concepts you aren’t interested in. Once you know the basic elements of the English language, you can select from a wide variety of reading materials, including different methods of presentation. Here are a few fun ways to improve your reading comprehension.
Play word games
Today, crossword puzzles and other types of word game puzzles entertain native and non-native English speakers of all ages. If you’re looking for a way to improve your vocabulary and have fun at the same time, these types of puzzles can be of immense help to you. If this is something that interests you, you might also consider Scrabble, word searches and other similar games.
Take a speed reading course
If you aren’t interested in word games, you might want to try taking a course in speed reading. These lessons will teach you how to pick key words out of a paragraph and understand the message without having to read each sentence word for word. That said, if you’re having difficulty isolating nouns and verbs, you may need to practice more before you try taking these courses.
Take notes on subjects that interest you
If you’re reading a book on a topic that you enjoy, take some notes. These can be verbatim samples from the text or you can try putting sections in your own words. As you write, you’ll also have an opportunity to think about the sentence structures and see how ideas are conveyed. This will help you learn to discuss these topics in a way that sounds more natural.
Select materials that will challenge you
Just like with physical exercise, you need to constantly set new goals for yourself so that you continue to progress and improve. For example, if you’re able to work your way through a 100 page children’s book, it’s time to start tackling a longer book or one on a more difficult topic. Regardless of which subjects interest you the most, you’ll be able to find some books that are harder to comprehend than others. By applying yourself to the ones that are more difficult, you’ll gain increased mastery over written English.
Read materials from many different authors
Considering the number of people that have websites, it’s easy to sample a wide range of English writing styles. This will help you to learn about the flexibility of the English language, as well as the means of expression that most people are comfortable with. If you already know a great deal about a certain topic in your native language, you can use that background to help you read websites in English that focus on similar concepts.
For the most part, once you know the basic elements of the English language, practice and time will be your most valuable teachers. It’s important to spend time reading materials that interest you in as many forms as possible – and to spice up your practice with things like word games and speed reading classes. Over time – and with hard work – you’ll see dramatic improvements in your comprehension of written English.
Improving your ability to read English quickly and accurately takes a great deal of practice. However, you don’t have to read boring materials that or ones that contain words and concepts you aren’t interested in. Once you know the basic elements of the English language, you can select from a wide variety of reading materials, including different methods of presentation. Here are a few fun ways to improve your reading comprehension.
Play word games
Today, crossword puzzles and other types of word game puzzles entertain native and non-native English speakers of all ages. If you’re looking for a way to improve your vocabulary and have fun at the same time, these types of puzzles can be of immense help to you. If this is something that interests you, you might also consider Scrabble, word searches and other similar games.
Take a speed reading course
If you aren’t interested in word games, you might want to try taking a course in speed reading. These lessons will teach you how to pick key words out of a paragraph and understand the message without having to read each sentence word for word. That said, if you’re having difficulty isolating nouns and verbs, you may need to practice more before you try taking these courses.
Take notes on subjects that interest you
If you’re reading a book on a topic that you enjoy, take some notes. These can be verbatim samples from the text or you can try putting sections in your own words. As you write, you’ll also have an opportunity to think about the sentence structures and see how ideas are conveyed. This will help you learn to discuss these topics in a way that sounds more natural.
Select materials that will challenge you
Just like with physical exercise, you need to constantly set new goals for yourself so that you continue to progress and improve. For example, if you’re able to work your way through a 100 page children’s book, it’s time to start tackling a longer book or one on a more difficult topic. Regardless of which subjects interest you the most, you’ll be able to find some books that are harder to comprehend than others. By applying yourself to the ones that are more difficult, you’ll gain increased mastery over written English.
Read materials from many different authors
Considering the number of people that have websites, it’s easy to sample a wide range of English writing styles. This will help you to learn about the flexibility of the English language, as well as the means of expression that most people are comfortable with. If you already know a great deal about a certain topic in your native language, you can use that background to help you read websites in English that focus on similar concepts.
For the most part, once you know the basic elements of the English language, practice and time will be your most valuable teachers. It’s important to spend time reading materials that interest you in as many forms as possible – and to spice up your practice with things like word games and speed reading classes. Over time – and with hard work – you’ll see dramatic improvements in your comprehension of written English.
20/06/2009
LISTENING AND READING FROM :BBC LEARNING ENGLISH.
Words in the News: Canadian seals: Report (1.2 MB)mp3Words in the News: Canadian seals: Words (1.3 MB)mp3Words in the News: Canadian seals: Text (36 K)pdfFace up to Phrasals: Episode 3: Audio (465 K)mp3Face up to Phrasals: Episode 3: Script (38 K)pdf6 Minute English: Going gliding: Audio (4.8 MB)mp36 Minute English: Going gliding: Script (38 K)pdfWords in the News: Acropolis Museum row: Report (1.0 MB)mp3Words in the News: Acropolis Museum row: Words (1.1 MB)mp3Words in the News: Acropolis Museum row: Text (36 K)pdfQuiznet: At work: Download the quiz (32 K)pdfNews about Britain: Sunbeds: Audio (1.9 MB)mp3News about Britain: Sunbeds: Activities (53 K)pdfKeep your English up to date: Subprime: Audio (2.2 MB)mp3Keep your English up to date: Subprime: Text (34 K)pdfThe Flatmates: Episode 201: Audio (849 K)mp3The Flatmates: Episode 201: Language: Time expressions (66 K)pdfThe Flatmates: Episode 201: Quiz: Time expressions (68 K)pdfTalk about English: Academic Listening Part 8: Audio (8.9 MB)mp3Talk about English: Academic Listening Part 8: Script (48 K)pdfWords in the News: Iran opposition rally: Report (622 K)mp3Words in the News: Iran opposition rally: Words (1.0 MB)mp3Words in the News: Iran opposition rally: Text (35 K)pdfRecipes: Gnocchi: Text (18 K)pdf
17/04/2009
TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL,PLEASE.(FOR INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS)
CLICK ON THIS LINK:
http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-central-test-test-your-level.htm
Test your vocabulary - Try this test to know how good you are at English vocabulary. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
Test your grammar - Try this test to know how good you are at English grammar. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
Test your listening - Try this test to know how good you are at listening in English. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
Test your reading - Try this test to know how good you are at reading in English. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TEACHER'S NOTE:
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS TEST SO THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR LEVEL IS AND ,ACCORDING TO RESULTS,REVISE,STUDY THOSE ASPECTS THAT HAVEN'T BEEN LEARNT PROPERLY. YOU MUST BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN STRENGHTS AND WEAKNESSES FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT. GOOD LUCK IN THIS ONLINE TEST. PLEASE,WRITE DOWN YOUR SCORE FOR THE DIFFERENT SKILLS.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-central-test-test-your-level.htm
Test your vocabulary - Try this test to know how good you are at English vocabulary. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
Test your grammar - Try this test to know how good you are at English grammar. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
Test your listening - Try this test to know how good you are at listening in English. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
Test your reading - Try this test to know how good you are at reading in English. This test will give you a general idea about your language skills. Enjoy it!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TEACHER'S NOTE:
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS TEST SO THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR LEVEL IS AND ,ACCORDING TO RESULTS,REVISE,STUDY THOSE ASPECTS THAT HAVEN'T BEEN LEARNT PROPERLY. YOU MUST BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN STRENGHTS AND WEAKNESSES FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT. GOOD LUCK IN THIS ONLINE TEST. PLEASE,WRITE DOWN YOUR SCORE FOR THE DIFFERENT SKILLS.
22/10/2008
TIPS TO HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH!!
ALGUNAS VERDADES SOBRE CÓMO LOGRAR APRENDER INGLÉS.
http://elblogdelingles.blogspot.com/2005/12/unas-cuantas-verdades.html
HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH!
FROM: http://www.nkjo.pl/how_to_learn_english.htmSome tips which may help you to master the English Language!
TIPS AND IDEAS ON THE BEST WAYS TO LEARN ENGLISH FASTER.
http://www.englishclub.com/learn-english-how.htm
FIVE WAYS TO SPEAK ENGLISH MORE NATURALLY:
http://www.roadtogrammar.com/dl/5ways.pdf
CONSEJOS PARA LEER EN INGLÉS.
http://elblogdelingles.blogspot.com/2007/08/consejos-para-leer-en-ingls.html
10/10/2008
ENJOY READING AT .....
- CHILDREN'S
- FICTION
- NON-FICTION
- CRIME
- HORROR
- HUMOUR
- SCIENCE FICTION
- ROMANCE
- HYPER FICTION
FOR INSTANCE BROWSE CRIME :
- all stories list by rating list by author list by date added list by length-
contemporary stories- classic stories- new titles- authors A-Z - all collections
list by rating list by author list by date added list by length
subgenres:- detective- sherlock holmes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
VISITORS TO THE BLOG.
