African American History Month

In February, the US celebrates African American History Month to recognize the historical contributions of African Americans and to remember the trials and tribulations they have had to endure.

While international audiences are probably familiar with the story of Dr. Matin Luther King, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Civil Rights leader, most are unfamiliar with his many predecessors who also fought for freedom and justice. Check out these African American Portraits and Biographies to read more about their stories.

The portraits mentioned above include African-Americans from all walks of life, and Jackie Robinson is one example. Robinson was the first African American to make it to the big leagues in professional baseball and insodoing fought against the racist and segregated sports establishment. (He also happens to be from my hometown of Pasadena, California.) As an inspirational sports figure, Robinson paved the way for African American athletes, demolishing all kinds of sports records and demonstrating an amazing amount of class,courage and restraint. 

Here is the trailer from the 2013 film about Jackie Robinson´s life, 42.

6 Minute English

A great way to improve your listening skills and learn new vocabulary is by listening to the radio in English. There is a plethora of podcasts and programs that you can access for free online. One of the best, in my opinion, is 6 Minute English. It has reports on a range of topics and includes the text as well as key vocabulary on the website.

Listen to the BBC podcast: "Going where the work is" and answer the following comprehension questions:

1. What are some of the reasons that people go to other countries to look for work?
2. Can you think of any other reasons not mentioned in this report?
3. Where did Jennifer go and what did she do there?
4. What is the biggest reason that people emmigrate?
5. According to the report, where do people working in the healthcare sector tend to move?
6. Where is there a demand for psychologists?
7. What professions are needed in Ireland and Greece after the recent economic crisis?
8. Why do you think it is hard for people to uproot themselves? Have you ever done it? Share your experiences with the class. 

Now jot down the definitions to the key vocaulary they spoke about in the podcast:

Vocabulary

global migration

emigrate

economic migrants

a brain drain

qualified

overqualified

remittances

to uproot

a working visa

the streets are paved with gold

Word Stress

• English is considered a stressed language (as opposed to syllabic) 

• Certain words are stressed while other words are spoken very quickly 

• Stressed words are LOUDER, LONGER and AT A HIGHER PITCH

• Example: the modal verb "can".
• When we use the positive form of "can" we quickly glide over the can and it is hardly pronounced.

• When we use the negative form "can't" we  stress the the negative

• "They can't come to the party" is longer than "They can come to the party" because "can't" is stressed

This video gives a further explanation and some practice questions:

Sentences have different meanings based on the word you stress. Consider the meaning of the following sentences with the stressed word in bold.

I don't think he should get the job.

I don't think he should get the job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

Now, match the sentence version to the meaning in the sentence below.

1. I said she might consider a new haircut.

2. I said she might consider a new haircut.

3. I said she might consider a new haircut.

4. I said she might consider a new haircut.

5. I said she might consider a new haircut.

6. I said she might consider a new haircut.

7. I said she might consider a new haircut.

Meanings:

1. Don´t you understand me?
2. It´s a possibility
3. It was my idea
4. Not another person
5. Not something else
6. Not just a haircut
7. She should think about it. It’s a good idea.

Conversation Exercise: Write down three sentences each. 

With a partner, read each of them aloud, stressing a different word each time.

Discuss how the meaning of the sentence changes.

Answers to the word stress exercise:

1.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
It was my idea.

2.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Don't you understand me?

3.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Not another person.

4.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
It's a possibility.

5.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
She should think about it. it's a good idea.

6.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Not just a haircut.

7.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Not something else.

Happy Valentine´s Day!

How many of you celebrate this meant-to-be-romantic holiday? How do you celebrate it?

Here's a video that explains some V-Day traditions from all around the world, but do you agree that people actually celebrate in these traditional ways? Watch the video and answer the following questions:

• Which countries does the video mention?

• Name the country which, according to the video, practices the following tradition:
• a. Exchanges candy.                                               

• b. Sends snowdrop flowers.                                    

• c. Visits a temple.

• d. Sends beautiful bouquets of roses to wives.

• e. Gives chocolate as a gift.                                      
• Which two countries celebrate Valentine's twice and what are the two dates that they celebrate it on?

Now take a look at this "Bet you didn't know" video from the History Channel about the holiday and answer the comprehension questions.

Let’s go to the movies

Going to the movies is a pastime that most people love. In today´s lesson we will talk about genres, complete a fill-in-the-blank activity for a song from a famous musical, read a film review, learn new vocabulary related to the cinema, and do your own movie review to be presented in class.

• First, how many synonyms can you think of for the word movie?

• Here is a classic song about going to the cinema called "Let’s go to the movies" from Annie, the musical. Listen to this song while completing the fill-the-gap activity. 

CINEMA VOCABULARY (Borrowed from the BBC)

Here is some vocabulary to describe different types of film and some people connected with the cinema.

Types of film, using the word 'film':

A horror film: A film that scares you A science fiction film (a sci-fi film): A film set in the future, or an imaginary world and time An action film: A film with lots of chases, violence and strong heroes

Types of film that don't need the word 'film' in the name:

A comedy: A film that makes you laugh. A drama: A film about human relationships and life A thriller: A film that keeps you excited

Detailed description of films using compound words:

A period drama: A drama set in a definite historical period A romantic comedy (A rom com): A comedy that is also a love story A psychological thriller: A thriller that has a lot of suspense and fear

Compound words with 'film':

A film review: A report about a film, usually with opinion A film critic: A person who writes film reviews A film premiere: The first time a film is shown in a country A film star: A famous actor from films A film-maker: A person who makes films: a film director A film festival: A special event when many different films are shown A film buff: Someone with a very detailed knowledge of films A film-goer: Someone who regularly goes to the cinema

Vocabulary:

(That's/It's) not really my thing (informal):  I don't like it. (Someone or something) doesn't do it for me (informal): I don't like him/her/it. Lots of people think Tom Cruise is fantastic but he doesn't really do it for me. MOVIE REVIEWS

Do you usually read the reviews before choosing a film to go see? Why or why not? How does it affect your viewing experience? Complete the jigsaw reading about Amazing Spiderman 2 and discuss the movie review as a class. 

For homework, write a movie review. Try to incorporate the new vocabulary and grammar points we worked on in class.