Macmillan Dictionary - Word of the Day

Monday, January 31, 2011

Test your passive voice ...

Try these links to gather some information about the passive voice. Then test your knowledge.

Explanations and exercises:

http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/passive/menu.php

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/passive.htm

Exercises:

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-voice_quiz.htm - Active or Passive?

http://a4esl.org/q/h/vm/active-passive.html - Active or passive?

http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_passive1.htm - Active to passive transformations

http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_passive2.htm - Passive to active transformations

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Thursday, January 20, 2011

We live in a technological world (reading)


I was surfing the web, when I found this article about technology. I liked it so much, I decided to share it with you.
Don't forget that reading is a good way to aquire vocabulary.

You can read the all article at: http://itsallwrong.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/gen-y-living-in-a-technology-driven-world/

"I believe this technology-centered universe is a good thing. A great thing even. Look what we’ve accomplished because of it. Job interviews and work meetings can now be held via Skype, saving hundreds of dollars on plane tickets; 20-somethings can become published authors with the push of a button on WordPress; huge brands can connect directly with their consumers through Twitter and Facebook; and heck, men and women can even find their perfect “match” on various sites.

Technology has changed the way the world works. And in my opinion, it has given Gen-Y an edge. We’re used to embracing new trends. But more than that, we know what we want, what appeals to us, and are therefore positioned as leaders. Think about it. Mark Zuckerberg was only 20 years old when he launched Facebook from his Harvard dorm.

Gen-Y is privileged. As technology evolves, efficiencies continue to increase. When we’re in doubt, we can Google it.

On the other hand, we’re impatient. Insatiable. We see our lives flash before our eyes when computers malfunction. We spend too much time glued to video games instead of outside enjoying the Sun. Sometimes, we even take the personal touch for granted. And we shouldn’t.

Face-to-face conversations are still better than online chats. A hug is more comforting than XOXO. And handwritten cards are the best. The “basic” things in life can never be replaced. They are essential."

Written by : Lauren Novo, a senior at Florida State University double majoring in media/communication studies and creative writing. Her career in public relations begins full time in May. To learn more about Lauren, connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn, and read her award-winning blog: Gen-Y PRogress.

Good Text! Don't you think ?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

The evolution of technology and the human race: a video

An interesting video I found in Youtube about the evolution of technology.



There are so many videos about this topic you can watch.

A technological World

We have started a new topic: Man and technology.

I 've taken to class pictures of many important inventions and asked students to talk about them and their importance to the world. Then they had to match these inventions to the correct century they were invented. I was surprised because many of them thought that TV and radio were invented in the 19th century, which is not true. Besides, they couldn't believe the submarine and the printing press were so old. We also spoke about some important inventors.
When I asked them what they considered to be the most important invention of all, many of them mentioned the internet. Medical advances and communications are among the greatest human accomplishments.
Finally, I asked them if these chances were for the better or for the worse, and they all agreed that life has become better, longer, more comfortable and interesting because of technology.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Mel Gibson: born on this day

Mel Gibson, who was born on the 3rd January,  is an actor I truly admire. In fact, Brave Heart is one of my favourite films ever.

"Born in Peekskill, New York, producer, director and actor Mel Gibson grew up in Australia. His first success was in Mad Max (1979), and he went on to international fame in blockbuster hits such as Lethal Weapon (1987) and Braveheart (1995). Gibson bankrolled and directed the controversial, The Passion of the Christ in 2004."

Read more at : http://www.biography.com/articles/Mel-Gibson-9310680

Sunday, January 2, 2011

A new year has started ...

Let's get back to work after some rest. I really needed that. Teaching can be really rewarding, but it is also very tiring and demanding.

During this school break, I travelled to Switzerland to visit my relatives.  I had the chance to revise my French and contact with another culture and mentality. It was so enriching and refreshing...

School starts tomorrow, which means much work and stress.

I wish life wouldn't be so stressful and demanding. This year I hope to find a better balance between personal  and professional life. However, I ask myself if that is possible?

A happy New Year for all ....