Hello! My name's Liliana. I'm a teacher of English (Language and Literature) to Italian teenage stu

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

My Favourite Influencer

 

MY FAVOURITE INFLUENCER

1.      Who is this influencer and what is his/her  main topic?  Introduce your favorite influencer What platform(s) do they use (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)? What is the main subject of their content (e.g., cooking, gaming, fitness, travel, education)?

2.      What is the format and style of their content? Describe a typical video or post they create. How often do they post? What kind of language or tone do they use? Do they offer tutorials, share daily life, or give opinions?

3.      Why do you find them so engaging and reliable?  What specific qualities (personality, creativity, expertise) make them appealing to you? Do you feel their content is honest and well-researched? How do they stand out from other people doing the same thing?

4.      How has this influencer affected your actions, choices, or knowledge?  Explain the impact they have had on you. Did they teach you a new skill? Did they influence a product you bought or a place you traveled to? Did they change your opinion on a subject?

5.      Do you think they use their influence responsibly?  Discuss the responsibility that comes with having a large audience. Do they use their platform to promote positive messages, or just products? What is one way you think they could use their influence even better?

NOW LOOK AT YOURSELF

  • Consider the difference between the selected image (what you choose to share) and your authentic self (how you behave and feel when no one is watching).
  • What parts of your real personality (e.g., insecurities, spontaneous thoughts, moods) are missing from your online profile?
  • Do the limitations of social media platforms (like character limits, photo filters, or the pursuit of 'likes') encourage you to create a version of yourself that is better, happier, or more extreme than you truly are? Explain that point

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MY FAVOURITE INFLUENCER

1)Who is this influencer and what is his/her main topic?  Introduce your favorite influencer What platform(s) do they use (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)? What is the main subject of their content (e.g., cooking, gaming, fitness, travel, education)?

“2)What is the format and style of their content? Describe a typical video or post they create. How often do they post? What kind of language or tone do they use? Do they offer tutorials, share daily life, or give opinions?

3)Why do you find them so engaging and reliable? What specific qualities (personality, creativity, expertise) make them appealing to you? Do you feel their content is honest and well-researched? How do they stand out from other people doing the same thing?

4)How has this influencer affected your actions, choices, or knowledge? Explain the impact they have had on you. Did they teach you a new skill? Did they influence a product you bought or a place you traveled to? Did they change your opinion on a subject?

5)Do you think they use their influence responsibly?  Discuss the responsibility that comes with having a large audience. Do they use their platform to promote positive messages, or just products? What is one way you think they could use their influence even better?

NOW LOOK AT YOURSELF


  • Consider the difference between the selected image (what you choose to share) and your authentic self (how you behave and feel when no one is watching).
  • What parts of your real personality (e.g., insecurities, spontaneous thoughts, moods) are missing from your online profile?
  • Do the limitations of social media platforms (like character limits, photo filters, or the pursuit of 'likes') encourage you to create a version of yourself that is better, happier, or more extreme than you truly are? Explain that point

Adjectives for Self-Description: Real vs. Online

1. Authenticity & Honesty

Real Self (In Person)Online Self (Social Media)
AuthenticCurated
GenuineFiltered
VulnerableImpenetrable
HonestExaggerated
FlawedPerfect (or Perfectionist)
RawPolished

2. Energy & Mood

Real Self (In Person)Online Self (Social Media)
TiredEnergetic
QuietLoud
ReservedExtroverted
AnxiousConfident
MellowExcitable

3. Presence & Depth

Real Self (In Person)Online Self (Social Media)
ComplexSimple
In-depthSurface-level
PrivatePublic
IntrospectiveAttention-seeking
SeriousCasual
Real-timeDelayed (or Staged)

4. Self-Perception

Real Self (In Person)Online Self (Social Media)
UncertainOpinionated
Normal (or Average)Exceptional
InsecureBold
DevelopingEstablished

Key Student Phrases Using These Adjectives:

  • "My real self is more anxious and reserved, but my online self is confident and extroverted."

  • "I feel vulnerable in person, but my online persona looks totally impenetrable."

  • "Everything I post is so curated and polished; it doesn't show how raw and flawed I feel in real life."


Tuesday, November 18, 2025

How to make complaints

 

 




How to Complain About Goods in a Shop

The key to a successful complaint is to be calm, clear, and prepared.

1. Preparation (Before You Go)

  • Find Your Proof: Locate the proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or warranty). This is crucial.

  • Know Your Rights: Determine what your legal rights allow (e.g., a refund, repair, or replacement). In many places, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and match the description.

  • Decide Your Desired Outcome: Know exactly what you want:

    • A full refund?

    • A direct replacement?

    • A free repair?

  • Gather the Goods: Bring the faulty item, ideally in its original packaging.

2. The Interaction (In the Shop)

  1. Be Polite but Firm: Start with a calm, polite tone. Using phrases like "Hello, I hope you can help me," is effective.

  2. State the Facts Clearly: Identify the item, when you bought it, and exactly what is wrong with it. Avoid emotional language; stick to the objective defect.

  3. Present Your Proof: Hand over the receipt and the faulty item.

  4. State Your Desired Resolution: Clearly ask for what you want (the refund, repair, or replacement).

  5. Stay Calm: If the staff initially refuses, calmly refer to your legal rights (e.g., "The item is not of satisfactory quality, which entitles me to a full refund under [local consumer protection laws]").

  6. Escalate if Needed: If the initial staff member cannot help, politely ask to speak to the manager or supervisor.

  7. Document the Outcome: If they promise a repair or refund, get the details (like a reference number or the date the repaired item will be ready) in writing if possible.


📝 Complaint Example: Faulty Kettle

ElementCustomer's Script
Opening & Facts"Hello. I purchased this electric kettle here last Tuesday. Here is the receipt."
Stating the Defect"Unfortunately, it has stopped working. It heats the water for a few seconds, then shuts off before it boils. It is faulty and not fit for purpose."
Desired Resolution"I would like a full refund, please. I'd prefer not to take a replacement."
Addressing Resistance(If the shop tries to offer a repair): "I appreciate the offer, but since the item is less than a week old and fundamentally faulty, I am entitled to a refund, not just a repair."
Escalation(If necessary): "Could I please speak to a manager about this? I understand you are following protocol, but I know my consumer rights regarding faulty new products."

 Role-Play Scenarios

Here are a few situations to help you practice a role-play.

Scenario 1: The Defective Electronic Item (High-Value)

  • Your Item: A new tablet or laptop.

  • The Problem: The screen has developed a dead pixel line after only three days of use.

  • Your Goal: A full refund because you've lost confidence in the brand's quality.

  • The Shop Assistant's Role: The assistant initially insists they can only offer a repair, which will take 4-6 weeks, because that is the manufacturer's policy for all electronics.

Scenario 2: The Shrinking Clothing Item (Low-Value)

  • Your Item: A cotton shirt or dress.

  • The Problem: You followed the washing instructions exactly (cold wash/hand wash), but the item has shrunk significantly and is now unwearable.

  • Your Goal: A replacement in a larger size, or a gift card for the original purchase price if that size is unavailable.

  • The Shop Assistant's Role: The assistant is skeptical, suggesting that you must have washed it incorrectly, and points out that clothing wear and tear is often excluded from returns.

Scenario 3: The Mismatched Furniture (Service Issue)

  • Your Item: A flat-pack bookcase.

  • The Problem: When you opened the box at home, you discovered two of the main shelves are the wrong length, making assembly impossible.

  • Your Goal: The correct parts delivered to your home, or a full refund. You don't want to carry the heavy box back to the store.

  • The Shop Assistant's Role: The assistant says their store policy requires you to bring the entire item back to the shop before they can issue an exchange or refund, citing an issue with inventory checks.


Would you like to try one of these role-plays now? You can take the Customer role, and I will be the Shop Assistant!

Metaphorical Mapping Activity Sheet

 

Metaphorical Mapping Activity Sheet: The Process of Learning

Target Concept (T)Source Concept (S)Connections (T is S because...)
LearningBuilding a WallIt requires foundational materials (basic facts/prerequisites), involves layering (accumulating knowledge over time), and results in a strong, supportive structure (deep understanding).
LearningTaming a Wild HorseIt demands patience and perseverance (showing up consistently), requires gentle but firm control (focusing and managing distractions), and ultimately leads to a powerful partnership (mastery of the subject).
LearningFilling a BucketIt involves absorbing information (water entering the bucket), requires the source to be clean and reliable (quality materials and teaching), and the goal is to fill the container without overflow (reaching comprehensive knowledge).
LearningNavigating a MazeIt requires trial and error (making mistakes and correcting them), demands careful observation (paying attention to clues/lessons), and success means finding the clear path to the exit (solving the problem/achieving the goal).
LearningBaking BreadIt involves mixing and kneading the ingredients (practicing and organizing information), requires time to rise (allowing the knowledge to consolidate), and results in a finished, nourishing product (usable skill or wisdom).
LearningDriving a CarIt begins with theory and instruction (classroom learning), requires hands-on practice (applying knowledge/doing assignments), and improves with experience and repetition (gaining competence and speed

Metaphorical Mapping Activity Sheet: Personal Growth

Target Concept (T)Source Concept (S)Connections (T is S because...)
Learning a New LanguageBuilding a House
Finding Your PassionDigging for Treasure
A DeadlineA Ticking Clock
Revising an EssayPruning a Plant
FriendshipA Fire
StressA Tight Knot
CollaborationA Symphony Orchestra
MemoryA Museum
Good Study HabitsLifting Weights

Metaphorical mapping sheets related to the weather

 

Here are some metaphorical mapping sheets related to the weather:

Mapping Sheet 1: The Human Heart as a Storm

  • Heartbeat: Thunder (rumbling, strong, rhythmic)

  • Emotions: Precipitation (joy as a light drizzle, sadness as heavy rain, anger as a downpour with hail)

  • Love/Affection: Sunshine (warmth, light, growth)

  • Jealousy/Resentment: Fog (obscures vision, creates confusion)

  • Calmness/Peace: Clear Skies (serenity, vastness, openness)

  • Sudden Shock/Fear: Lightning (startling, disruptive, quick)

  • Forgiveness: Rainbow (beauty after the storm, promise of better)

  • Grief: Long, Grey Winter (cold, desolate, slow to pass)

  • Hope: First Signs of Spring (new growth, warming temperatures)

Mapping Sheet 2: A Business Project as the Seasons

  • Project Kick-off: Spring (new ideas blooming, fresh starts, initial energy)

  • Development Phase: Summer (intense work, long hours, peak activity, potential for "heatwaves" or stress)

  • Testing/Review Phase: Autumn (harvesting results, shedding old ideas, preparing for change, crisp evaluation)

  • Launch/Completion: Winter (final delivery, potential for "cold reception" or hibernation of the team, reflection)

  • Setbacks/Challenges: Storms (unexpected difficulties, requiring resilience)

  • Success/Growth: Sunny Days (smooth progress, positive outcomes)

  • Stagnation: Drought (lack of progress, resources drying up)

  • Innovation: Gentle Breeze (new ideas flowing, refreshing change)

  • Leadership: North Star (constant guidance, steady presence)

Mapping Sheet 3: A Journey Through Life as Daily Weather

  • Childhood: Bright Morning Sun (innocence, new beginnings, boundless energy)

  • Adolescence: Changing Clouds (mood swings, uncertainty, rapid development)

  • Adulthood: Midday Sun with Occasional Showers (responsibilities, periods of clarity, unexpected challenges)

  • Elderly Years: Gentle Evening Breeze (reflection, wisdom, slowing down, approaching twilight)

  • Accomplishments: Clear Blue Skies (moments of pride, feeling on top of the world)

  • Failures/Regrets: Dark Storm Clouds (periods of sadness, feeling overwhelmed)

  • Friendship/Support: Warm Sunshine (comfort, encouragement, brightening days)

  • Loss/Grief: Cold Rain (emptiness, sorrow, chilling to the bone)

  • Overcoming Adversity: Sun Breaking Through Clouds (resilience, finding strength after hardship)

  • Learning: Gentle Rain (nourishing growth, gradual understanding)







Thursday, November 13, 2025

THE VICTORIAN NOVEL-SUMMARY

 

Summary of Victorian Novel Characteristics

The Victorian novel, thriving during the 19th century, is defined by its commitment to Realism, its strong Morality and Didacticism, and its pointed Social Critique.


Core Characteristics

  • Realism: Victorian novels aim to depict real people and real-life situations, often focusing on the grim struggles of poverty and city life. For example, Oliver Twist portrays child labor, crime, and hunger in London.

  • Morality and Didacticism: These novels often serve as lessons on proper behavior and are aimed at teaching readers right from wrong, reflecting the era's emphasis on good morals. A Christmas Carol illustrates the transformation from selfishness to compassion.

  • Social Critique: Authors used their stories to expose and criticize society's flaws, such as unfairness to the poor, child labor, and the restrictive class system. Writers like Charles Dickens (Hard Times), Charlotte Brontë (Jane Eyre), and Elizabeth Gaskell (North and South) addressed these injustices.

  • Idealism vs. Realism: The literature often blends harsh reality with a touch of hope, showing life's problems but maintaining the belief that things can improve or that justice will eventually prevail (e.g., the ending of Jane Eyre).

  • Industrialization and Its Discontents: Novels deeply reflected the impact of the rapid rise of factories and urban growth. They explored both the opportunities and the immense hardships caused by industrialization and urban poverty, often symbolized by grim industrial cities like Coketown in Hard Times.


Additional Defining Traits

  • Psychological Character Development: Characters are developed in depth, with a focus on their inner thoughts, growth, and change throughout the story, making them feel authentic (e.g., Jane Eyre's journey).

  • The Woman Question: The role and limitations of women in society were a major theme, with novels exploring women's fight for rights, education, and the choice to marry for love over necessity (e.g., characters in works by Jane Austen and George Eliot).

  • Narrative Experimentation: Authors used innovative storytelling techniques, such as multiple narrators, letters, diary entries, and unreliable perspectives (e.g., Dracula and The Moonstone), to engage the reader.

  • The Supernatural and Gothic: Elements of the spooky, mysterious, and atmospheric (e.g., old houses, ghosts, and vampirism) were often mixed into the narratives (Wuthering Heights, Dracula).

  • Attention to Detail: Victorian novels are known for meticulous and vivid descriptions of characters, settings, and social interactions, painting a complete picture of the world they describe.