EF p 194. A Proposal. Writing. Cloze

A proposal to increase the number of students

Introduction
The King James Language School is a successful business (1)___________ attracts a reasonable number of students every year. (2)_____________, the school managers think that these numbers could be increased, (3)____________ we carried out a satisfaction survey with existing students. The (4)____________ of this proposal is to suggest a range of improvements to the classes and facilities at the school in (5)_____________ to attract new customers. 

The classes
(6)_____________ general, students rate the quality of teaching very highly. (7)______________, there are some criticisms about class size and the length of classes. (8)____________ regards class size, we suggest that there (9)____________ never be more than 12 students in a class. (10)__________ class duration, lessons officially last an hour, but in (11)____________ they are usually only 45 minutes because (12)___________ latecomers. (13)____________ a result, we propose that all students (14)___________ arrive more than five minutes late should have to wait (15)__________ the next break for admittance. 

The self-study centre
It is generally (16)____________ that the self-study centre, (17)_________ useful, has two major drawbacks. There are not enough computers, and at peak times they are always occupied. In (18)____________, the centre closes at 7 p.m., so students who come to the later classes cannot use the centre (19)____________ all. (20)_____________ address these issues, we suggest, firstly, (21)_____________ more computers, and secondly, extending the opening hours (22)___________ 9 p.m.
The cafeteria
The cafeteria was recently (23)_____________ by vending machines for drinks and snacks. (24)_______________ there’s no doubt that people often had to wait quite a long time (25)___________ be served, feedback shows that most students greatly prefer to have a cafeteria (26)___________ the premises. Our final proposal is that the cafeteria should be reopened, serving (27)___________ healthy snacks and hot meals.

Conclusion
Overall, the majority of students currently attending courses at King James are positive about the school and (28)___________ facilities. We strongly believe that (29)___________ the suggested changes were implemented, student numbers (30)___________ be increased by as (31)___________ as 10%.

 

 

 

KEY

 

 

 

 

 

1. which 

 

 

 

 

 

2. However/ Nevertheless/ Nonetheless

 

 

 

 

 

3. so 

 

 

 

4. aim/ purpose  

 

 

 

 

 

5. order 

 

 

 

 

6. In 

 

 

 

 

 

7. However/Nevertheless/ / Nonetheless 

 

 

 

 

 

8. As 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. should 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Regarding 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. practice 

 

 

 

 

 

12. of 

 

 

 

 

 

13. As 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. who 

 

 

 

 

 

15. until 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. thought/ believed 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. while/ though 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18. addition 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. at 

 

 

 

 

 

20. To 

 

 

 

 

 

21. purchasing/ buying 

 

 

 

 

 

22. to 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23. replaced 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24. While/ Although 

 

 

 

 

 

25. to 

 

 

 

 

 

26. on 

 

 

 

 

 

27. both 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28. its 

 

 

 

 

 

29. if 

 

 

 

 

 

30. could/ would 

 

 

 

 

 

31. much 

EF C1.1 p 50. Mary Beard. Listening

Part 1 

Mary Beard believes that the use of (1)__________ and challenging literature excerpts does not catch people's attention.

If a place name ends with -chester or -caster, it means that it once had a Roman (2)__________ or military (3)__________ there.

People may lose interest when taught about (4)_________ literary writers, whom people consider (5)_______.  

In 63 BC there was a terrorist (6)_________ in Rome to (7)___________ the political leaders, to (8)_________ the city and to (9)_________.

Marcus Tullius Cicero was a great (10)___________ and (11)__________ of Roman culture.

No sooner had Cicero discovered the secret plan than he laid it (12)____________ the Senate. 

The leading (13)______________ are soon after executed without (14)____________, which is called (15)_______________.

Mary Beard compares this situation with present-day (16)_______________ to terrorism.

Mary Beard wonders where the (17)_____________ lies between national security and an individual's freedom. 

Part 2: T/F p 50

Part 3

Mary Beard complains that programme makers can be somewhat (18)____________ about accuracy.

Mary Beard's friend, who worked as an (19)____________ for a Roman film, was often called by the (20)__________. 

He thought that the film-makers were getting the whole of Roman history (21)__________ wrong.

Mary Beard loved Gladiator despite its (22)____________ plot.

One thing that history has got (23)_______________ is that the best stories are the true stories.

According to Mary Beard, non-fiction is a better (24)__________ than fiction. 

It's not always necessary to be (25)___________ serious about history.

If they show that history can be (26)___________, funny, surprising, and enjoyable, it will be all (27)_____________.
 

KEY

1. arcane

arcane: /ɑːˈkeɪn/ secret and mysterious and therefore difficult to understand.

E.g.

the arcane language of the law

the arcane rules of cricket

 

 

2. fort

fort: a building or buildings built in order to defend an area against attack.

E.g.

the remains of a Roman fort 

 

3. camp

4. remote

5. boring

6. plot

plot: a secret plan by a group of people to do something harmful or illegal.

E.g.

plot to do something  a plot to bomb the UN headquarters.

7. assassinate 

8. torch

torch: to deliberately make a building, vehicle etc start to burn. Set fire to sth.

Rioters torched several abandoned cars.

9. take over

take over: to take control of something.

E.g.

His only reason for investing in the company was to take it over.

 

 

10. orator

orator /ˈɒrətə(r)/ 

a person who makes formal speeches in public or is good at public speaking 

E.g.

a fine political orator

 

 

11. wit 

wit: a person who has the ability to say or write things that are both clever and humorous. Sp. persona ingeniosa.

E.g.

a well-known wit and raconteur

 

 

12. before

lay something before someone: To present some topic, issue, case, etc., to someone or some group. 

E.g.

The local government secretary laid the bill before parliament last week. 

13. conspirators

14. trial

15. summary execution

summary execution: an execution in which a person is accused of a crime and immediately killed without the benefit of a free and fair trial.

 

 

 

16. responses 

17. boundary

18. nerdish

nerdish: (also nerdy) boring and unfashionable.

 

 

19. advisor

 

 

20. crew 

crew: /kruː/ a group of people with special skills working together.

E.g.

a film/camera/TV crew

21. utterly

22. schmaltzy

schmaltzy: /ˈʃmɔːltsi/ too sentimental. 

E.g. a schmaltzy love song.

 

 

 

23. going for it

have (got) going for it: has to its advantage. If something has something going for it, there are certain advantages that will make the end result successful.

E.g. What does Rochester have going for it? Festivals and entertainment.

 

 

 

24. yarn

yarn /jɑːn/ 

1. thread that has been spun, used for knitting, making cloth, etc.

E.g.

    The sweaters are hand-knitted in cotton, linen or wool yarns.

    There's a knot in the yarn. 

A skein /skeɪn/ of yarn 

A ball of yarn

2. a long story, especially one that is exaggerated or invented.

    He used to spin yarns (= tell stories) about his time in the army. 

 

 

25. deadly

deadly: extremely 

E.g.

deadly serious/dull

 

 

26. larky

larky: full of or creating enjoyment and entertainment: The movie has its larky moments, but the dominant mood is melancholy, even dark. As larky and carefree as Poppy is, she's certainly no airhead.

 

 

27. to the good

be (all) to the good: used to say that something that happens is good, especially when it is in addition to or as the result of something else. Sp. para el bien.

E.g.

If further improvements can be made, that would be all to the good.

 

 

 

Open World p 173. Multiple Choice Cloze

 Do Ex 2

at the expense of somebody/something      ​with loss or damage to somebody/something   Sp. en detrimento de, a expensas de.     

E.g.

He built up the business at the expense of his health.         

an education system that benefits bright children at the expense of those who are slower to learn

draw on/upon something  ​to use a supply of something that is available to you . Sp. recurrir a

E.g.

I'll have to draw on my savings.         

The novelist draws heavily on her personal experiences.

stop short of something/of doing something      ​to be unwilling to do something because it may involve a risk, but to nearly do it         Sp. estar a punto de.

E.g.

She stopped short of calling the president a liar.         

The protest stopped short of a violent confrontation.

    I was furious with her, but I stopped short of saying something I'd regret. Sp. Estaba furioso con ella y estuve a punto de decir cosas de las que me hubiera arrepentido.

Roadschooling is a growing trend in which families pack up their belongings and take their homeschooling on the road. Many families who embrace this lifestyle integrate what they are seeing and experiencing into their child's homeschool curriculum.

 

concede: /kənˈsiːd/ to admit that something is true, logical, etc. after first denying it or resisting it. Sp reconocer, admitir.

E.g.

+ speech ‘Not bad,’ she conceded grudgingly.     

concede (that)… He was forced to concede (that) there might be difficulties.     

concede something I had to concede the logic of this.

Open World p 97. Education. Listening

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE. You will hear people talking in eight different situations. For questions 1-8, choose A, B or C.

Listen to it twice.

1. You overhear two friends talking in a corridor. What did the man find difficult when he was studying Arabic?

A) the grammar

B) the writing

C) the pronunciation

2. You hear a student talking about his future plans. What is he going to do when he leaves university?

A) get a job as a teacher

B) do voluntary work

C) study to become a psychologist

3. You hear a man and a woman discussing the qualities of a traditional education. What does the woman think?
A) Learning doesn’t stop once children have left school.

B) Children learn from a traditional education how to become good citizens.

C) A traditional education provides more career opportunities.

4. You hear two students talking about one of their university courses. What do they agree about?

A) how boring it is

B) how difficult it is

C) how relevant it is

5. You hear two friends talking at a graduation ceremony. Why didn’t the woman want to attend?

A) She didn’t enjoy her time at university.

B) Her family aren’t there.

C) She doesn’t enjoy parties.

6. You hear a woman talking on the phone with her son. What does she suggest?

A) he works harder at school

B) he spends time with his friends

C) he starts his next assignment

7. You hear a man talking on the radio about his job. What disappoints him about being a lecturer?

A) the marking

B) the salary

C) the long hours

8. You hear a teacher talking about a colleague at work. What does she admire most about her colleague?

A) His lessons are interesting.

B) He gets enjoyment from teaching.

C) He treats students equally.


Find the answers on the next page.


EDUCATION KEY


1- A THE TENSES AND STRUCTURES







2- B WORKING LONG HOURS WITHOUT GETTING PAID WASN'T MY FIRST CHOICE







3- A DOESN'T END AFTER GRADUATION







4- B







5- C BIG EVENTS AREN'T HER KIND OF THING







6- B ASK WHAT MATT AND LUKE ARE DOING - BOWLING







7- A I’VE GOT AN ISSUE WITH HOW PAPERS HAVE TO BE GRADED NOWADAYS







8- C THAT’S WHAT I THINK IS VERY IMPRESSIVE ABOUT HIM



Script




You overhear two friends talking in a corridor. What did the man find difficult when he was studying Arabic?


Speaker 1: "You finished your Arabic lessons now, haven't you? How did it go?"


Speaker 2: "I really enjoyed it, although there was a lot of writing to do toward the end of the course. Plus it was a bit of a challenge finding enough time to study after work."


Speaker 1: "I bet! I've heard the pronunciation is quite difficult too."


Speaker 2: "Well, there are a few sounds not made in my first language, so it took a while for me to get used to it, but overall I think I managed it quite well. This time, though, it was the sentence structures and tenses, which I didn't find clear. I only just passed in the end."



You hear a student talking about his future plans. What is he going to do when he leaves University?


Speaker 1: "I've always wanted to work with children during my research. I discovered, though, that it wasn't as easy as that. I mean, there was so much planning, marking and paperwork to do. I'm still interested in working with them, though, and I'm fascinated by the research I've read about human emotions and behaviors. Unless I'm prepared to do more studying, it'll be more of a hobby than anything else. My tutor suggested I gained some experience after graduation, and I can see her point. Working long hours without being paid wasn't my first choice, but if I don't, I just won't get a job in my chosen field."



You hear a man and a woman discussing the qualities of a traditional education. What does the woman think?


Speaker 1: "I think that without an educated population, society just won't work as effectively."


Speaker 2: "Perhaps, though, I disagree that the aim of school is to set boundaries and teach rules, providing there are close family and friends who can set a good example. Children could learn those things at home."


Speaker 1: "What about getting a job?"


Speaker 2: "Well, getting a good education does indeed give people more options in life, although that doesn't always come from conventional teaching methods. It's important to remember that education doesn't end after graduation, does it?"


Speaker 1: "I guess not."



You hear two students talking about one of their University courses. What do they agree about?


Speaker 1: "What do you think about the course?"


Speaker 2: "I'm really enjoying the course at the moment."


Speaker 1: "I'm not surprised! You've been getting full marks in every test we've done. It's not really my area of interest."


Speaker 2: "Well, I must admit that it's a really complex topic, so I do think we need to spend a lot of time on it."


Speaker 1: "That's true. I don't really get it, to be honest."


Speaker 2: "Do you think it would be useful if we arranged to meet the tutor to talk about the course?"


Speaker 1: "Not really. She's always so busy. I've been trying for months to set up a meeting now and haven't had any luck. It's probably best to keep going as we are."



You hear two friends talking at a graduation ceremony. Why didn't the woman want to attend?


Speaker 1: "Hey, isn't this brilliant? I never thought we'd do it!"


Speaker 2: "Any excuse for a party where you're concerned, but I know what you mean. It's been hard work, but we made it in the end."


Speaker 1: "Are your parents here?"


Speaker 2: "They're away for their anniversary. Somewhere exotic. They were going to cancel, you know, but I didn't want them to miss their holiday."


Speaker 1: "Unlucky timing. How are you feeling now?"


Speaker 2: "Well, I am a bit stressed, but that's only because I'm not really into big social events. I'd have preferred to have just gone out for dinner with a few friends."



You hear a woman talking on the phone to her son. What does she suggest?


Speaker 1: "How did your lessons go?"


Speaker 2: "Yeah, good, thanks. We got our math assignment back today. I got 80%."


Speaker 1: "That's great. I'm so proud of you. You must be over the moon. I know how much effort you put into that."


Speaker 2: "Thanks, mum."


Speaker 1: "Why don't you see what Matt and Luke are up to? I could take you all bowling if you'd like."


Speaker 2: "That sounds great. I'll give them a call now."


Speaker 1: "Well, I'll be back from work at six. Remember that you need to finish your school work before going, though, okay?”


Speaker 2: “Okay, okay."



You hear a man talking on the radio about his job. What disappoints him about being a lecturer?


Speaker 1: "I've been lecturing for ten years now. It has its downsides. Like all jobs. I wouldn't change what I do. Starting out, I wasn't aware just how long my working day would be. It's not just about the lectures themselves: there's all the preparation involved. Now, though, it's something I'm used to. These days, I've got a different set of challenges. I mean, we're not highly paid in this profession, although that's never been my motivation. I realize things change, but it's not always for the best, is it? I've got an issue with how assignments have to be graded these days, though I admit the topics are far more interesting than when I was studying."



You hear a teacher talking about a colleague at work. What does she admire most about her colleague?


Speaker 1: "I don't know how he does it. It's a challenging job, but he manages to stay motivated no matter what and seems to really like his job. For one, he's really good at creating fun and exciting lessons in what seems like no time at all. The students always seem to look forward to them, and I can often hear lots of laughter coming from his classroom. The other thing is that he acts fairly with the students and never makes any judgments. I think they look up to him that, and that's what I think is really impressive about him. He says he took inspiration from a tutor when he was studying at University."

Ready for C1 p 3. Challenges, Achievements and Motivation. Extra Speaking

A. Have a natural conversation with your partner  

 

 
1. Do you enjoy a difficult challenge? How do you usually respond to challenges? When was the last time you faced a daunting challenge and you decided to take the plunge? Did you rise to the challenge?

2. Would living in a small village present an enormous challenge? Would you feel cut off and isolated? When you started at your workplace did you fit in immediately or did that become a huge challenge at first?

3. Do you enjoy setting and achieving realistic goals? What would be your crowning achievement? 

4. Has anybody you know ever achieved the impossible? Can you think of a shining example? 

5. Have you ever defied the odds by doing something no one expected? When was the last time you pulled something difficult off?
 
6. When was the last time you felt a rush of adrenaline while completing something that had posed a challenge? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of completing a challenging task?

7. What challenges is the world facing nowadays?

8. If you were offered a job overseas, would you jump at the chance? Is this one of your main ambitions? Which is the greatest ambition you have pursued? Do you know anyone who has a burning ambition to travel somewhere? Do you?

9. In your opinion, what can we do to increase or improve student motivation?

10. What may be the causes for students’ poor motivation?

11. Have you ever done anything that was met with complete failure?

B. Monologue

Student A

1. Would it be an overstatement to say that you are a highly ambitious person? What are your biggest ambitions? What ambitions have you already fulfilled?

2. Can you define what “success” is? What qualities do we need to achieve success? Can you think of someone who has made a success of their lives? Can you think of  some outcomes that were nothing less than miraculous?

3. Have you ever taken up a difficult challenge?

4. Do you know anybody who after having made a name for themselves and having been on a roll, had to confront a major challenge and everything ended in a great debacle? Have you ever undergone anything that was met with complete failure? Do you think fear of failure should deter you from trying again?

5. What political / economic / sports projects have recently ended in total failure?

Student B

1. What challenges bring out the best in people? and the worst? What daunting challenges is the world facing nowadays? Can you give examples of economic, environmental, intellectual, political, and technological challenges?

2. Have you ever secretly harboured a lifelong ambition? Can you tell us about it?


3. What political or economic initiatives can be described as dismal (very bad) failures?

4. What film / book / song / scientific experiment / sporting event / etc. achieved a resounding success?

5.    How useful can advice from parents, teachers, and friends be? Do you follow their advice? Can you think of any occasions where people have followed or ignored advice (particularly regarding studies and work)? What happened?

Vocabulary  

Daunting: to make somebody feel nervous and less confident about doing something. Intimidating. E.g. She has the daunting task of cooking for 20 people every day.

Harbour: to have in mind a thought or feeling, usually over a long period. Sp. albergar.

Dismal: very bad. E.g. Their recent attempt to increase sales has been a dismal failure.

Useful language to describe the pictures 
dump: a place where waste or rubbish/garbage is taken and left
rubbish dump
a toxic/nuclear waste dump
tip: a place where you can take rubbish/garbage and leave it
landfill: an area of land where large amounts of waste material are buried under the earth. E.g. The map shows the position of the new landfills. a landfill site
Glass recycling
Bottle labels
Cans
Jars
Wind farm
Wind turbine
solar panels
solar power
renewable sources of energy


Useful language to discuss the topic: 

1. Challenges
 
It posed a challenge (to create a challenge that has to be dealt with)
It was a major challenge
I had to confront a big problem
I was a little apprehensive /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/(worried or frightened) about the effects of what I had done
I felt a bit tense (nervous or worried)at first
He was always on edge (nervous) before an interview
This year for my New Year’s resolution I decided I had to listen to others better.
In the past few years, I fell into the occasional bad habit of not listening closely enough to family and friends. I was aware of this, and I wanted to do my best to listen better. It became a major challenge at first but now, a couple of months later I must say I don’t have to make an effort anymore and I am actually enjoying it.
Last year I decided to complete my master’s degree. Now, a year later, I believe I rose to the challenge, and it has given me the confidence to embark on the next stage in my career
(If someone rises to the challenge, they act in response to a difficult situation which is new to them and are successful).
It was a challenge and it was daunting but at least I tried

I anticipated myself making some major changes in my life. This would be the year that I would finally attain some of the goals that would be personal achievements.

For the first time in my life, I knew what I wanted to do and I intended to go for it. That was something that I felt was right, with every bone in my body. Everything just fell into place naturally. It is funny how everything becomes brighter and clearer when you have a vision for it.  

2. Achievements

crowning achievement: the most important, significant, or excellent accomplishment or moment of one's career or life. 

E.g.

The author's oeuvre spans five novels, four plays, and six books of poetry, but this, her final novel, is by far her crowning achievement. 

I may have had success in business and led a somewhat romantic life, but my crowning achievement was by far the day I became a father.

3. Ambitions
 
My main ambition was…
I had always pursued my greatest ambition
To pursue his personal ambition, he decided to leave everything behind and go on an around the world trip.
I wanted to realize my secret ambition as soon as possible.
 
4. Motivation

I had to strengthen my motivation
A lot has been said about how to increase students’ motivation.
High school students lack motivation in the classroom for various reasons. Sometimes students lack role models. They don’t have relatives who they can look up to. And on top of that they are constantly targeted by non-academic celebrities or negative role models through the media.


5. Failure

It was doomed to failure from the start
It was a dismal failure
I was close to tears.
I was feeling weepy (sad)
I was reluctant to resign to failure.
I started a small business thinking it would be a shining moment in my life but, without proper planning, after a few months it was a dismal failure.  
debacle: /deɪˈbɑːkl/ /dɪˈbɑːkl/
an event or a situation that is a complete failure and causes embarrassment. E.g. He should take responsibility for the debacle and resign. Let’s hope this is the end of the debacle over player transfer fees. It's a total debacle 
 
6. Success
He's made a success of his life 
It was an overnight success
It was a resounding success (very great)
It was a roaring success (tremendous)
I was assured of success
It was an outstanding achievement
It was a remarkable achievement at first
To achieve success, a film should…
The book met with success in Great Britain, but at first no one in the United States wanted to publish it.
A book’s popularity doesn’t always guarantee its movie’s success.
The song was a resounding success. It became a Christmas hit that year, which was the beginning of a triumphal march around the world. 

pull something off      ​(informal) to succeed in doing something difficult         

E.g.

We pulled off the deal.        

I never thought you'd pull it off. 

be on a roll  to be having a lot of success with what you are trying to do.

E.g.

Midvale High was on a roll, having won their last six basketball games.

He defied the odds (= did what no one expected) and won the race 
I was delighted that he could do it
I was elated /iˈleɪtɪd/(very happy) by the prospect of the new job ahead
She was thrilled to bits (= extremely pleased) that he’d been offered the job
He was overjoyed (extremely happy) at my success
The English Department is astounded, amazed, taken aback, rocked back on its heels, flabbergasted, dumbfounded, stunned, shocked, astonished, bowled over and staggered that we have such wonderful students...

set (or rock) someone back on their heels: astonish or disconcert someone. E.g. she said something that rocked me back on my heels.

nothing less than something 

used to emphasize how important, serious, or impressive something is  

E.g.

His appearance in the show was nothing less than a sensation.