A blog to help secondary school students improve English. You can find mind maps, worksheets, videos and songs as well as some of the project works and activities done by the students.
Hello! My name's Liliana. I'm a teacher of English (Language and Literature) to Italian teenage stu
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Monday, December 16, 2024
MACBETH with questions
- What was the expression used by Shakespeare to refer to Macbeth?
- Where was the tragedy first performed?
- What does action-packed mean?
- This is a bloody tragedy. What are the themes it deals about?
- Who became king after Queen Elizabeth I?
- Which century is the tragedy set?
- What does rowdy audience mean?
- What does jeering mean?
- What's the first prophecy of the witches?
- Lady Macbeth is obsessed with......................
- What's done is done. What does it mean in Italian?
- What issues being relevant still today does it deal with?
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
DEBATE -rebuttal tennis
TOPICS
Students in Italian schools shouldn't learn a foreign language
All students should wear a uniform
Football players are paid too much money
Bullies should be excluded from school
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
EDUCAZIONE CIVICA SOCIAL MEDIA
CREATE A PODCAST, answering the following questions
- How many social media platforms can you name in English?
- How many social media platforms do you use?
- What social media platforms do you refuse to use? Why?
- How much time do you spend using social media every day?
- Why do you think that many people become addicted to social media?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media?
- How can someone protect their privacy on social media?
- What are some of your favorite social media?
- Who are your top 3 social media personalities or influencers? Why?
- Would you like to be a famous social media celebrity? Why or why not?
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
WEATHER COLLOCATIONS AND IDIOMS-exercises 2 class (LEVEL B2)
1) Students complete with the Italian word
General Weather Conditions:
- Cold
weather
- Hot
weather
- Mild
weather
- Rainy
weather
- Dry
weather
- Wet
weather
- Stormy
weather
- Foggy
weather
- Windy
weather
- Humid
weather
- Freezing
cold
- Blistering heat
Rain
and Snow:
- Heavy
rain
- Light
rain
- Drizzle
- Torrential
rain
- Rain
showers
- Snow
showers
- Flurries
of snow
- Snowstorm
- Sleet
- Hailstones
- Patches of fog
- Thunderstorms
- Drenching rain
1. A storm in a teacup___________________________________________________________
2.
Under the weather___________________________________________________________
3. Save for a rainy day___________________________________________________________
4. Every cloud has a silver lining________________________________________________________
5. The calm before the storm___________________________________________________________
6. Come
rain or shine___________________________________________________________
7. It’s raining cats and dogs___________________________________________________________
8. A
fair-weather friend___________________________________________________________
9. Chasing
rainbows___________________________________________________________
10. Put
something on ice___________________________________________________________
11. Weather
the storm___________________________________________________________
12. Steal
someone’s thunder___________________________________________________________
13. In the eye of the storm___________________________________________________________
14. A
snowball effect___________________________________________________________
15. The tip of the iceberg___________________________________________________________
Meaning: A small problem or argument that is made out to be much bigger than it actually is
Example: "Don’t worry about that argument with John. It’s just a storm in a teacup."
2.
- Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell.
- Example: "I think I’ll stay home
today. I’m feeling a bit under the weather."
3.
- Meaning: Every difficult or unpleasant
situation has a positive side or potential for improvement.
- Example: "I know you lost your
job, but every cloud has a silver lining—you’ll find something better
soon."
4.
- Meaning: A period of peace or quiet
before a major event or difficulty occurs.
- Example: "The office was really
quiet this morning—it's just the calm before the storm of deadlines next
week."
5.
- Meaning: No matter what happens,
regardless of the weather or circumstances.
- Example: "I’ll be there at 3 PM,
come rain or shine."
6.
- Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
- Example: "I was planning to go
for a walk, but it’s raining cats and dogs outside."
7.
- Meaning: A person who is only your
friend when things are going well but is not around during difficult
times.
- Example: "Don’t rely on Tom—he’s a fair-weather friend. He disappears when things get tough."
8.
- Meaning: Pursuing something that is
impossible or unlikely to happen.
- Example: "I think you’re just
chasing rainbows by trying to get that contract—it’s unrealistic."
9.
- Meaning: To delay or postpone
something.
- Example: "We had to put the
project on ice until we get more funding."
10.
- Meaning: To survive a difficult or
challenging situation.
- Example: "We lost a lot of customers during the recession, but we managed to weather the storm."
11.
- Meaning: A small, visible part of a
much larger problem or situation.
- Example: "The issues with the new
software are just the tip of the iceberg; there are many more problems to
fix."
12.
- Meaning: To take attention or credit
away from someone’s achievement.
- Example: "She announced her
promotion at the meeting, but John stole her thunder by announcing his
resignation right after."
13.
- Meaning: To be at the center of a
difficult or chaotic situation.
- Example: "She was in the eye of
the storm during the argument between the two team members, trying to keep
the peace."
14.
- Meaning: A situation that starts small
but grows bigger and more serious over time.
- Example: "The issue with the
software bug had a snowball effect, and now the entire system is
down."
- Meaning: To keep money or resources
for a time when you might need them in the future, especially in case of
emergencies.
- Example: "I try to save a little
bit every month for a rainy day, just in case something unexpected
happens."
FLOWCHART created by CHAT GPT
CHAT GPT may also help create very useful flowcharts.
Here's an example
Flowchart: Daily Routines
Wake Up
└── Time: Early morning or as per your schedule
└── Action: Turn off alarm, get out of bedMorning Hygiene
├── Brush Teeth
│ └── Action: Use toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes
├── Wash Face
│ └── Action: Splash water or use face wash
├── Shower
│ └── Action: Cleanse body
└── Get Dressed
└── Action: Choose appropriate clothes for the dayBreakfast
├── Prepare Food
│ ├── Examples: Cereal, eggs, toast, smoothie
│ └── Action: Cook, assemble, or grab something quick
└── Eat Breakfast
└── Action: Sit down, eat, and enjoyWork or School Preparation
├── Pack Bag
│ └── Items: Laptop, books, papers, snacks, lunch
├── Check Calendar/To-Do List
│ └── Action: Review tasks for the day
└── Leave for Work/School
└── Mode of transport: Walk, drive, public transportWork/School Activities
├── Attend Meetings/Classes
│ └── Action: Participate in meetings, lectures, or lessons
├── Complete Tasks
│ └── Action: Work on assignments, projects, emails
├── Lunch Break
│ └── Action: Eat, relax, recharge
└── Continue Tasks
└── Action: Finish work or school-related activitiesEvening Routine
├── Finish Work/School
│ └── Action: Pack up and wrap up tasks
├── Exercise (Optional)
│ └── Examples: Gym, yoga, running, walking
└── Relax/Unwind
└── Action: Read, watch TV, listen to musicDinner
├── Prepare Meal
│ └── Action: Cook dinner or order food
└── Eat Dinner
└── Action: Sit down and enjoy the mealEvening Hygiene
├── Brush Teeth
│ └── Action: Brush for 2 minutes
├── Wash Face
│ └── Action: Cleanse face for bed
└── Prepare for Bed
└── Action: Change into sleepwear, set alarmBedtime
├── Wind Down
│ └── Action: Read a book, meditate, or relax
└── Sleep
└── Action: Turn off lights and sleep
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
JOB VOCABULARY- job interview
https://www.cristinacabal.com/?paged=2
https://manwrites.com/how-to-talk-about-your-job-in-english/
Types of Jobs:
- Full-time
job
- Part-time
job
- Temporary
job
- Freelance
job
- Casual
job
- Internship
position
- Entry-level
job
- Senior
position
- Contract
position
- Remote
work
- Desk
job
- Manual
labor
- Office
job
- Shift
work
- Creative
job
- Skilled
job
- High-paying
job
- Blue-collar
job
- White-collar
job
- Overseas
job
2. Job Actions/Tasks:
- Do
a job
- Carry
out responsibilities
- Handle
tasks
- Perform
duties
- Take
on a role
- Manage
a team
- Supervise
staff
- Take
on extra responsibilities
- Oversee
operations
- Meet
deadlines
- Write
reports
- Attend
meetings
- Give
a presentation
- Complete
assignments
- Provide
feedback
- Respond
to inquiries
- Make
decisions
- Solve
problems
- Plan
events
- Handle
clients
- Deal
with customers
- Work
overtime
- Travel
for work
- Work
shifts
3. Job Skills and Qualities:
- Communication
skills
- Teamwork
skills
- Problem-solving
skills
- Leadership
skills
- Time
management skills
- Technical
skills
- Organizational
skills
- Attention
to detail
- Decision-making
ability
- Multitasking
skills
- Negotiation
skills
- Analytical
skills
- Interpersonal
skills
- Customer
service skills
- Adaptability
to change
- Creativity
- IT
skills
- People
management skills
- Project management skills
5. Job Search and Applications:
- Look
for a job
- Apply
for a job
- Send in a CV (curriculum vitae)
- Submit
an application
- Write
a cover letter
- Job
interview
- Get hiredù
- Pass
an interview
- Shortlisted
for a position
- Job
search
- Apply
onlineùùùùù
- Network
for jobs
- Search
for opportunities
- Search
job listings
- Get
a recommendation
6. Working Conditions:
- Workplace
environment
- Job
satisfaction
- Work-life
balance
- Healthy
work culture
- Office
politics
- Flexible
working hours
- Workload
management
- Employee
benefits
- Paid
vacation
- Sick
leave
- Employee
wellness program
- Competitive
salary
- Job
security
- High-pressure
job
- Toxic
work environment
- Stressful
job
- Workplace
stress
- Career
prospects
- Opportunities
for advancement
- Promotion
prospects
- Work
from home
7. Job Reviews/Performance:
- Do
well in a job
- Excel
in a role
- Perform
well in a job
- Get
a promotion
- Receive
positive feedback
- Get
a raise
- Meet
expectations
- Exceed
expectations
- Underperform
at work
- Be
evaluated at work
- Give
a performance review
- Be
recognized for work
- Get
a bonus
- Achieve
goals
- Review
job performance
8. Job-related Problems:
- Face
challenges at work
- Deal
with difficult customers
- Tackle
a problem
- Work
under pressure
- Handle
a crisis
- Overcome
obstacles
- Burnout
from work
- Experience
job dissatisfaction
- Face
job insecurity
- Get
laid off
- Resign
from a position
- Be
made redundant
- Deal
with workplace conflict
- Resolve
a dispute
9. Job Benefits:
- Generous
benefits package
- Health
insurance
- Retirement
plan
- Paid
sick days
- Paid
maternity leave
- Employee
discounts
- Bonuses
and incentives
- Company
car
- Flexible
working hours
- Free
lunch at work
- On-site
childcare
- Gym
membership
- Career
development opportunities
Here’s an example of a real job interview for a Retail Assistant, created by CHAT GPT. This example includes questions from the interviewer and answers from the candidate, as well as some typical elements of a job interview.
Example: Real Job Interview for a Retail Assistant Position (A2 Level)
Interviewer:
Hello! How are you today?
Candidate:
Hello! I’m fine, thank you. I’m happy to be here.
Interviewer:
Great! Let’s start. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Candidate:
Yes, I am Maria. I live in this city, and I finished high school last year. I have worked in a small shop for six months. I like working with people and helping customers.
Interviewer:
That’s good to hear, Maria. Why do you want to work here as a retail assistant?
Candidate:
I want to work here because I like this store. I visit it often, and I enjoy shopping here. I think I would be a good fit because I like helping customers, and I am friendly and hardworking.
Interviewer:
That’s great! Can you tell me about your strengths? What are you good at?
Candidate:
I am good at talking to people. I am friendly, and I listen well. I am also very organized and can help keep the store clean and tidy.
Interviewer:
That’s very important in a store. What about your weaknesses? What do you think you can improve?
Candidate:
Sometimes, I can be a little shy when meeting new people, but I am working on being more confident and talking to customers more.
Interviewer:
It’s good that you are working on that. Now, can you give an example of a time when you helped a customer?
Candidate:
Yes! One time, a customer couldn’t find a product. I helped her look for it, and we found it together. She was very happy, and she said thank you.
Interviewer:
That’s a great example. What are your goals for the future?
Candidate:
In the future, I would like to work in a bigger store and learn more about sales and customer service. Maybe one day I can be a manager.
Interviewer:
That’s a good goal. Do you have any questions for me?
Candidate:
Yes, I want to know, what will my daily tasks be?
Interviewer:
You will help customers, keep the store clean, and make sure the products are in the right place. You will also work with a team to make sure everything is ready for the customers.
Candidate:
That sounds good. Thank you for your time.
Interviewer:
Thank you for coming, Maria. We will contact you soon. Have a nice day!
Candidate:
Thank you! Have a nice day too.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
JANE EYRE OPINION ESSAY " Resilience and identity: Jane Eyre's lesson for women's empowerment in contemporary society"
OPINION ESSAY
" Resilience and identity: Jane Eyre's lesson for women's empowerment in contemporary society"
This is the essay that came out by extracting the best parts from my students' essays and rewriting some passages.
They'll read it to better understand how to write an opinion essay.
Jane Eyre’s life experience offers an important
lesson to all of us, thanks to her resilience and her will to find her true
identity. Women in today’s society can learn a lot about empowerment by
reflecting on many aspects of Jane’s way of life and her choices. I am firmly
convinced of this, and I would like to elaborate on this point in the following
essay.
One reason I agree with the above-mentioned
idea is that Jane does something that even contemporary women often find
difficult: she steps out of her comfort zone. Although she works as a
teacher at Lowood School, she makes a decision that could change her life for
better or worse—she leaves the school to accept a new job in a completely new
place. Jane does what she can to face her fears and overcome various life
challenges. I believe it is important for women to follow Jane’s example,
whether in choosing what to study or applying for a job that may traditionally
be considered a male-dominated field. What Jane does is take risks, and that is
how one can step out of the comfort zone. It is what every woman should do in
order to stand out, be recognized, and be fully appreciated for her value.
Secondly, Jane Eyre’s story shows the
importance of resilience. She is bullied by her cousins at Gateshead Hall
and mistreated by her aunt. Then, she spends a long time at Lowood School,
enduring harsh punishment and humiliation, where she also deals with the death
of her best friend, Helen Burns. Despite these challenges, she continues her
journey of personal growth. In my view, Jane’s struggles reflect the difficult
experiences we must all face in life—such as the death of a loved one or
enduring harsh criticism that deeply affects us. Jane never gives up, and her resilience
is a model for all of us, especially for women who experience unfair treatment
and must take action for change.
In addition, stories like Jane Eyre
highlight the critical role education plays in women’s empowerment. At
Lowood School, Jane learns that education can make women independent. Her
determination is inspiring. Her story reveals that education helps women find
their own voice, enabling them to become strong and self-sufficient. In the
past, women were often denied access to education, leaving them with few
opportunities and contributing to gender inequality. Sadly, education is still
a right denied to many girls, especially those in poverty, who are often
confined to domestic chores. Jane gains her independence by working, which
prevents her from having to marry a man she doesn’t love. Jane’s story also
shows that when women are given the right to education, society as a whole
benefits, as educated women can fully contribute to their communities.
Another important lesson from Jane’s story is
that she embraces her individuality and works hard to fulfill her true
self. She starts off as a shy, insecure girl who hardly believes in herself or
thinks she could ever be loved. However, from her childhood, she understands
the importance of taking action—she knows she must react, speak up, and take
the initiative, even if it risks turning her life into turmoil. For example,
she stands up to her cousin John, who constantly bullies her. Throughout the
book, Jane learns the value of self-control and the importance of knowing when
to speak up in defense of her beliefs or to better explain her thoughts. This
allows her to stay true to herself, holding on to her dreams, hopes, and
values. Once again, Jane communicates an important message for all of us, even
today.
To sum up, I believe that Jane Eyre is not just
a way to better understand the condition of women in the past, but also a role
model for avoiding discrimination, gender inequality, and prejudice. She is a
perfect example for women today. Going to school and getting a good education,
finding a job and earning a wage, being resilient in the face of life's
challenges, and remaining true to yourself—these are all powerful messages. The
book continues to inspire women to be strong and seek independence, reminding
us that the fight for women’s rights and equality is ongoing.