englishmajorana

Thursday, September 11, 2025

EDUCATION-topic for conversation

EDUCATION 1. How old were you when you started school? What kind of school did you attend?Do you have any memories of that time?

2. What kind of changes would you make to your country education system?

3. Do you think studying a second language should be compulsory or optional in schools?

4. Are you for or against wearing a uniform at school? What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing one?

5. Have you ever needed a tutor to help you keep up with your studies?

6. Are your teachers committed to integrating technology in their lessons?

7. What are some of the most common problems in schools? Please, rate them - absenteeism - lack of parent involvement - alcohol/drug abuse - physical conflicts - student apathy - disrespect for teachers - bullying Can you add any others?

8.Say whether you agree or disagree with the following, giving reasons - The best teachers should be sent to the worst schools - Teachers should also be evaluated every 10 years - Exams are a waste of time and should be abolished

B1/B2 Vocabulary for Talking About Education Issues

1. Types of Education

Primary school / Secondary school
Higher education (e.g., university, college)
Compulsory education
Vocational training
Distance learning / Online learning
Home-schooling
Lifelong learning

Example:
"Distance learning has become more common since the pandemic."

2. Subjects & Curriculum

Core subjects (e.g., Maths, Science, English)
Optional / Elective subjects
Curriculum
Syllabus
Academic performance
Assessment / Evaluation
Grades / Marks

Example:
"The national curriculum needs to include more life skills."

3. Exams and Testing

Standardised testing
Entrance exams
Pass / fail / retake
Cheating / plagiarism
Exam stress / pressure
Results / scores / ranking

Example:
"Many students suffer from exam stress due to pressure to succeed."

4. People in Education

Teacher / Educator / Lecturer / Tutor
Student / Pupil / Classmate / Peer
Head teacher / Principal
Teaching assistant
School counsellor
Mentor / Coach

Example:
"A good mentor can have a big impact on a student’s motivation."

5. School Issues

Bullying
Lack of funding
Overcrowded classrooms
Inequality in education
School dropout / dropout rate
Discipline problems
Access to education

Example:
"In many countries, rural students still struggle with access to education."

6. Educational Policy & Reform

Education system
Public vs private education
Education reform
Free education
Tuition fees / Student loans
Inclusive education
Equal opportunities

Example:
"Many people believe that education should be free for everyone."

7. Modern Challenges

Digital divide
Technology in the classroom
Lack of motivation
Mental health
Screen time
Attention span

Example:
"Too much screen time can affect students’ attention span."

Useful Phrases to Express Opinions on Education Issues

"In my opinion, the education system needs..."
"One major issue is..."
"A possible solution could be..."
"It is unfair that some students have access to better resources."
"Many students drop out due to financial problems."
"There should be more focus on practical skills."

social identity

https://www.cristinacabal.com/

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Find out the story of your name

Prompt: "Your mission is to find out the story of your name."

Give students these questions to answer:
What is the origin of your name? (For example, is it Latin, Greek, etc.?)
What is the meaning of your name?
Is there a story behind why your parents or guardians chose it for you? How you got your name?
Find a famous person or fictional character who has the same name as you.
If you could change your name, what name would you choose and why?

Blobs and lines

. Blobs and lines

This activity is easy, quick, keeps students moving and talking, plus helps them discover what they have in common. The idea is for students to listen to their teacher’s prompts and organize themselves in a line (for example, in alphabetical order of last name) or in blobs according to something they have in common (birth month).

Try these prompts:

Line up in chronological order of your birthdays
Line up in order of how many siblings you have
Find those who are allergic to the same things as you
Gather with those who have the same colored clothing as you
Line up in alphabetical order of your fathers’ names
Gather in four blobs: those who traveled by car to class, those who traveled by bus, and those who traveled another way
Line up in alphabetical order of your first names.
Line up in order from the person with the most siblings to the person with the fewest.
Line up in order of the number of letters in your first name, from least to greatest.
Line up from shortest to tallest.
Line up in order of the current month you were born in.
Line up in order of the number of pets you have, from most to fewest.
Line up in order of your favorite number, from least to greatest.
Line up in order of the first letter of your last name.
Line up in reverse chronological order of your birthdays.
Line up in order of the number of buttons on the clothes you are wearing right now, from most to fewest.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

role-plays

At the Travel Agency

Student A: You are a customer planning a holiday. You want a relaxing beach vacation, but you're on a budget. Ask about options, prices, and activities.
Student B: You are the travel agent. Offer destinations, explain packages, and try to meet the customer’s needs.

Functions practiced: asking for information, making suggestions, expressing preferences, polite conversation.

Returning a Product

Student A: You bought a pair of headphones last week, but they stopped working. Go to the shop and ask for a refund or exchange.
Student B: You are the shop assistant. Ask for the receipt, check the condition of the product, and explain the return policy.

Functions practiced: complaining politely, requesting, explaining problems, giving reasons.

Choosing a Restaurant

Student A: You and your friend want to go out for dinner, but you have different tastes. You prefer Italian food.
Student B: You prefer something spicy, like Indian or Thai. Try to agree on a restaurant.

Functions practiced: giving opinions, agreeing/disagreeing, making compromises, persuading.

Making Plans for the Weekend

Student A: You want to go to the cinema and then get dinner.
Student B: You’re free, but you’d rather do something outdoors, like go for a walk or have a picnic. Discuss and make a plan you both like.

Functions practiced: making suggestions, expressing preferences, reaching agreement.

Booking a Hotel Room

Student A: You are calling a hotel to book a room for 3 nights. Ask about prices, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and check-in times.
Student B: You are the hotel receptionist. Answer questions and help make the booking.

Functions practiced: asking for information, making a reservation, polite formal English.

1. At the Travel Agency

Travel Agent (B): Good morning! How can I help you today?
Customer (A): Hi! I’m looking for a relaxing beach holiday, but I’m on a tight budget.
B: Sure! How about a week in Greece? We have a special offer for €500, including the flight and hotel.
A: That sounds good. Is breakfast included?
B: Yes, breakfast is included. And the hotel is just 5 minutes from the beach.
A: Great! Are there any activities nearby?
B: Yes, you can try snorkeling, boat trips, or just relax.
A: Perfect. Can I book it now?

2. Returning a Product

Customer (A): Hello, I bought these headphones last week, but they’ve stopped working.
Shop Assistant (B): I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have the receipt?
A: Yes, here it is.
B: Thank you. Let me check... Yes, it’s still under warranty. Would you like a refund or an exchange?
A: I’d prefer an exchange if possible.
B: No problem. Let me get a new pair for you.
A: Thank you very much!

3. Choosing a Restaurant

A: I’m starving! Let’s get dinner. I feel like Italian food tonight.
B: Hmm, I had pasta yesterday. I’d prefer something spicy—maybe Indian or Thai?
A: Thai sounds good too. There’s that Thai place near the station.
B: Yes! They have great curry. Let’s go there.
A: Perfect. Let’s leave in 10 minutes.

4. Making Weekend Plans

A: What are you doing this weekend? Want to go to the cinema?
B: I’d love to, but the weather’s supposed to be nice. Maybe we could go for a walk instead?
A: Hmm... how about we go for a walk in the afternoon, and then the cinema in the evening?
B: That sounds perfect! What movie do you want to see?
A: The new action film. It starts at 6.
B: Great! Let’s meet at 2 for the walk.
A: Deal!

5. Booking a Hotel Room

Guest (A): Hello, I’d like to book a room for 3 nights, please.
Receptionist (B): Certainly. What dates would you like?
A: From the 10th to the 13th of October.
B: We have a double room for €80 per night, including breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
A: That sounds good. What time is check-in?
B: Check-in is from 2 p.m., and check-out is by 11 a.m.
A: Okay, I’d like to book it.
B: Can I have your name and phone number, please?

my first day of school

1)On my first day of school I got up at seven.

I was very happy and I wanted to meet new friends.

I wore jeans and a shirt and I went to school by myself

I didn’t take too long to arrive at school.

In a few minutes I was there.

Some ex-classmates of mine were with me in the same classroom and luckily I wasn’t alone.

I met new older students than me;in the classroom I had a deskmate of my age.

I knew him but one month later he left this school.

In the break I ate nothing but I talked with my new classmates and took part in their conversations.

Then, when the break finished I knew other teachers.

At first sight, I understood teachers in this school were able to teach and they were very good.

We are a big class.

On the first day there weren’t enough desks for all and so we moved out.

The first day was fun and it was a very important experience.

2)On my first day of school I wore a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers.

My father drove me to school.

I was very happy because I liked that a new experience had already started.

I didn’t know many new students, instead I knew my deskmate.

During the break I ate a sandwich and I visited the canteen, talked to my friends a lot and we exchanged views about the school.

The teachers explained to us that we should study hard to pass the school year.

In the end it was a nice and quiet day.

3)I remember that on my first day of school I wore a pair of baggy jeans and a yellow t-shirt.

I went to school with my sister and ny cousin on my father’s car.

I was happy,very happy and a little nervous because I didn’t know all my classmates and now one of them is my best friend

My deskmate is shy and very nice.

Getting to know my teachers made me nervous and frightened because I had never seen them before.

During the break I went to the canteen and I ate a ham sandwich.

We studied immediately.

I made friends with my new classmates, we talked about our new teachers.

It was one beautiful first day of school.

ICEBREAKER FIRST CLASS

1. This is the worksheet to be completed

Find three things you have in common with your deskmate

My favourite food is……………………………………………………………

My least favourite food is………………………………………………………

I like……………………………………………………………………………….

I don’t like………………………………………………………………………...

I’m good at ……………………………………………………………………….

My hobby is………………………………………………………………………

My favourite shop is…………………………………………………………….

My favourite restaurant is………………………………………………………

I’d like to…………………………………………………………………………

I’m not good at…………………………………………………………………..

I’m wearing……………………………………………………………………...

I can’t stand……………………………………………………………………..

My favourite social media is…………………………………………………………

The three things I have in common with my deskmate-

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Interview your deskmate

1. What is your name?

2. How old are you?

3. What grade are you in?

4. What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

5. Do you participate in any extracurricular activities or clubs? Which ones and why?

6. What are your hobbies outside of school?

7. How do you like to spend your weekends?

8. Do you have any siblings? If so, how many and what are their names?

9. What do you enjoy most about attending our school?

10. What do you find most challenging about school?

1. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

6. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

7. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

8. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

9. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

10. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Poem and Song for Compare & Contrast Activity

Poem and Song for Compare & Contrast Activity

Poem: “A Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns

O my Luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Oh il mio amore è come una rosa rossa, rossa

È appena spuntato a giugno;

O il mio amore è come la melodia

che è dolcemente suonato in sintonia.

Quanto sei bella, mia bella ragazza,

Sono così profondamente innamorato;

E ti amerò ancora, mia cara,

Finché tutto il mare non si sarà asciugato.

Song: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran (Excerpt)

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting

💡 Discussion Points for Students

Aspect	Poem: “A Red, Red Rose”	Song: “Just the Way You Are”
Language Style	Formal, poetic, metaphorical, uses similes	Informal, conversational, straightforward
Imagery	Uses nature (rose, melody) to describe love	Describes physical appearance directly
Tone	Romantic, gentle, timeless	Affirming, casual, personal
Structure	Rhymed quatrains	Repetitive chorus, simple structure
Emotion	Expresses deep affection poetically	Expresses admiration and acceptance simply
Personal Connection	Abstract and idealized	Direct and relatable

this or that-first and second year

Students raise their hands or move to the side that matches their answer.

This or That? – 20 Fun Questions

Ice cream or cake?
Pizza or pasta?
Books or movies?
Morning or night?
Beach or mountains?
Music or silence?
Bicycle or car?
Pen or pencil?
Chocolate or vanilla?
TV or YouTube?
Swimming or running?
Sneakers or sandals?
Red or blue?
Rain or sun?
Dogs or birds?
Math or English?
Drawing or dancing?
Summer or winter holidays?
Stay at home or go out?
Play video games or play outside?

My Name & Adjective Game-first year

My Name & Adjective Game

In this game, you will introduce yourself using an adjective that starts with the same letter as your name (or has a similar sound).
Example:

“My name is Anna. I am Amazing!

Adjective Ideas A–W

Letter	Adjectives
A	Amazing, Awesome, Angry (funny!)
B	Brave, Busy, Bright
C	Cool, Clever, Curious
D	Daring, Dreamy, Determined
E	Excited, Energetic, Easygoing
F	Funny, Friendly, Fantastic
G	Great, Generous,Grounded
H	Happy, Helpful, Honest
I	Interesting, Intelligent, Independent
J	Joyful, Jolly, Jazzy
K	Kind, Keen, Kooky
L	Lucky, Loyal, Leader-like
M	Moody, Mysterious, Motivated
N	Nice, Neat, Noble
O	Outstanding, Optimistic, Original
P	Polite, Powerful, Proud
Q	Quick, Quiet, Quick-witted
R	Rich (funny!), Relaxed, Responsible
S	Smart, Silly, Strong
T	Talented, Talkative, Thoughtful
U	Unique, Useful, Upbeat
V	Very nice 😊, Vibrant, Victorious
W	Wild, Wise, Wonderful

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Dr JEKYLL AND Mr HYDE- THE THEME OF DUALITY

MYSELF and THE OTHER FELLOW

LET OUT

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

RICH HOUSE-SINISTER

THe DUAL NATURE OF ITS OWNER

"THE VERY PINK OF THE PROPRIETIES"- idiom = much admired, accomplished gentleman

MR HYDE-dwarfish, troglodyte, ape-like

DR JEKYLL-has always concealed his pleasures, sense of shame

MR HYDE-" spring headlong into the sea of liberty"

THOMAS HOBBES " Life is short,nasty, brutish and people are selfish"

JOHN LOCKE " Man is the epitome of tolerance and reason"

JEAN JACQUES ROUSEEAU" we're naturally healthy and happy"

PARADOX of the book- We're radically both-good and evil

To Stevenson we must embrace the complexity of man

What happens when we nourish the lower elements the bad side takes over.

Dr Jekyll " licks the chops oh his memory"- he's proud of his bad actions!

Now he's condemned!

Monday, June 16, 2025

What's Romanticism

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Rhythm

Sunday, June 8, 2025

TEST ENGLISH B1

https://test-english.com/use-of-english/b1/

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/preliminary/preparation/

Thursday, June 5, 2025

PRONUNCIATION

https://www.englishclub.com/pronunciation/

Homophones

homophones

Thursday, May 29, 2025

https://www.examenglish.com/PET/PET_writing.html

https://www.flo-joe.co.uk/preliminaryenglish/pet-writing-practice-tests.htm

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-writing

https://test-english.com/writing/b1/how-to-write-an-article/

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

TO MAKE A PRAIRIE BY DICKINSON compared to Pascoli

To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee—
One clover, and a bee,
And revery.
The revery alone will do,
If bees are few.

In this brief, five-line poem we can find several themes central to Dickinson’s work: imagination, nature, and the inner life of the mind.

Imagination as Creative Force-At first glance, the poem appears to be a literal recipe for a prairie—requiring clover and a bee. But Dickinson quickly shifts the focus with the word “revery” (a dreamlike or meditative state). -FANTASTICHERIA

She’s not talking about physical creation, but imaginative creation. A single bee and clover can be enough to evoke the vastness of a prairie in the mind. And if even those aren’t available, revery alone will do.

This means that imagination is not just powerful, but sufficient. It suggests the mind’s ability to conjure entire worlds from almost nothing—one of Dickinson’s most recurring beliefs.

Minimalism and Essence Minimal language to express complex ideas

Solitude and Self-Sufficiency There’s also a subtle celebration of solitude here

Meaning

“To make a prairie” is a celebration of the imagination. Dickinson reminds us that the external world is not the only source of beauty and meaning—our inner world, through reverie, can be just as vast and sustaining. It’s a testament to the power of thought, memory, and poetic vision.

Comparison: Dickinson and Pascoli

1. Use of Nature as Symbol

Dickinson uses nature—here, a clover and a bee—as minimal symbols to represent vast imaginative possibilities. The prairie becomes a metaphor for what the mind can create.
Pascoli, especially in poems like "L’assiuolo" or "Il gelsomino notturno", also draws from small natural images (an owl’s cry, the scent of jasmine) to evoke profound emotional or existential states.

Both poets see nature not as scenery, but as a key to inner experience.

2. Power of Imagination and Inner World

In “To make a prairie”, Dickinson ultimately claims that the dream alone is enough—imagination is self-sufficient.
Similarly, Pascoli develops the concept of the “fanciullino” (the child within), whose pure gaze can transform ordinary reality into mystery and meaning through poetic imagination.

They both celebrate a kind of mental autonomy, where external reality is less important than how it is perceived or imagined.

3. Simplicity and Symbolism

Dickinson's poem is incredibly short, almost aphoristic, yet symbolic and layered.
Pascoli’s style, though more lyrical and rich in sound patterns, often hinges on simple, concrete images that open up to symbolic or metaphysical interpretations.

Example from Pascoli’s “Il gelsomino notturno”:

E s’aprono i fiori notturni,
nell’ora che penso ai miei cari.
[...]
È l’alba: si chiudono i petali
un poco gualciti... Here, the flowers' nocturnal blooming reflects the mystery of love, memory, and perhaps even death—just as Dickinson's bee and clover reflect a mind creating vastness from the minimal.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

EMILY DICKINSON

What's offbeat vocabulary?

Offbeat vocabulary refers to unusual, quirky, unexpected, or unconventional word choices — words that stand out because they are not commonly used in typical speech or writing, or because they are used in an unexpected context.

Characteristics of Offbeat Vocabulary:

Rare or archaic words
Invented words
Playful or whimsical language
Surprising metaphors or combinations (e.g., calling hope “the thing with feathers”)

Example from Emily Dickinson:

In “Hope is the thing with feathers,” Dickinson uses offbeat vocabulary in a few ways:

Metaphorical phrasing: “Hope is the thing with feathers” – calling hope a bird is imaginative and unconventional.
Verb choices: “Perches,” “abash,” “crumb” – not unusual words on their own, but used in unexpected ways or settings.
Syntax and punctuation: Her use of dashes and capitalization creates a distinctive, offbeat rhythm and feel.

Why use offbeat vocabulary?

To create a memorable image or tone
To surprise the reader or subvert expectations
To convey complex or abstract ideas in fresh ways
To express a unique voice

ABASH

The word "abash" means to make someone feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.

Definition:

Verb (used with an object)
To destroy the self-confidence, poise, or self-possession of; to embarrass or humiliate.

Example from Emily Dickinson’s poem "Hope is the thing with feathers":

"That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –"

In this context, "abash" means to discourage, unsettle, or silence the bird (which symbolizes hope). Dickinson is saying that it would take a very strong storm (a metaphor for hardship) to shake or embarrass hope.

Synonyms:

Embarrass
Humble
Fluster
Disconcert

What's a slant rhyme?

Slant rhymes are rhyming structures with words that share similar sounds but aren't exactly perfect rhymes. They can be words that have the same consonant sounds with different vowel sounds, or the same vowel sounds with different consonant sounds.

Emily Dickinson is known for using slant rhyme in her poetry. In “Not any higher stands the Grave,” she uses a perfect rhyme with “Men” and “Ten” in the first stanza, then breaks expectations by using a slant rhyme with “Queen” and “Afternoon” in the second.

“Not any higher stands the Grave
For Heroes than for Men –
Not any nearer for the Child
Than numb Three Score and Ten –
This latest Leisure equal lulls
The Beggar and his Queen
Propitiate this Democrat
A Summer’s Afternoon –

The children’s nursery rhyme “This Little Piggy” features slant rhyme with the words “home” and “none.”

“This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy cried ‘wee wee wee’ all the way home.”

Examples of Slant Rhyme in the Poem:

Here’s the full first stanza for reference:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

1. “soul” / “all” (Lines 2 and 4)

These words do not rhyme exactly but have similar vowel sounds, making them a slant rhyme.
"soul" ends in an "ol" sound and "all" in an "all" sound — not identical, but close enough to create an echo.

Here’s another stanza with potential slant rhymes:

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

2. “heard” / “Bird” (Lines 1 and 3)

This is closer to an imperfect rhyme than a perfect one. While both end in a "rd" sound, the vowels differ slightly.
Depending on pronunciation, this could be interpreted as either a slant rhyme or a perfect rhyme. Dickinson often played with sound in this way.

Overall, Dickinson’s use of slant rhyme in this poem contributes to its lyrical quality without being overly predictable, mirroring the elusive and persistent nature of hope itself.

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