#5 #march #britishcanals #emojipedia #pubs #futurehouses

Hello everyone! 

Here you have the new topics and extra materials for this week. This time, there are a lot of videos and external links in case you have more extra time now.

This week I present another culture-related topic for everyone. This time, as I told you some things about the British canals in our A2 class, I've decided to share more information with you. 

Enjoy!

__________________________________________________

Resultado de imagen de british canals birmingham wharf
(Bridgewater Canal, Manchester)
  • A few lessons ago I told you about the British canals, their origins and their importance.  Canals were built during the Industrial Revolution (mid 18th) to transport materials before trains were used. They gained importance in Manchester, Livepool and Birmingham to connect these big indrustrial areas with the rest of the country. Nowadays the canals are maintained by some assossiations and they are normally used by tourists. In fact, there are boat houses, restaurants and hotels!
Resultado de imagen de regency wharf birmingham
(Birmingham City Centre)
  • The canals are very narrow so only 'narrowboats' can navigate them. In addition, the canals have different levels of water which are separated by 'lock gates'. It's very stricking to see how these lock gates work! Look!

  • Interestingly, there is an English TV jounalist, David Johns, who left his job and sold his house in London to live in a narrowboat. Now, he lives navigating the whole Britain's canals. He has a Youtube channel. He shows a beautiful side of the British countryside and history. He also shows different boats, some exhibitions and life in a boat, mainly. Surprising!
Resultado de imagen de narrowboat

___________________________________________________
ELEMENTARY

Special topic: INTERNET
  • READING: these days we're unfortunately spending too many time on our phones and reading lots of news. But, how safe are we on the Internet? Find out in this poster. (Remember you've got printable exercises and their online version to check your understanding)
  • VIDEO-LISTENING: do you send emojis to your friends? Which ones do you use the most? Here you have a video on some of their meanings. (Printable exercises / online exercises)

By the way, did you know that there's an encyclopedia for emojis? WOW! Humans are crazy!



___________________________________________________

 PRE-INTERMEDIATE

This week's topic: FOOD & RESTAURANTS


  • VIDEO-LISTENING: In this week's Practical English we've seen how to order food in a restaurant and we are now familiar with food vocabulary, too. So, let's learn some English culture about food! What's one of the most famous places for food in Britain? Pubs! Yes, they're everywhere in the British Isles and they've become an icon. Watch the video and get to know them!

Now that you've watched the video, think:
When did the first English open?
What are the two sizes of beer called? (e.g. un tercio, una caña...in Spain)
How much is food in a pub?

  • PHOTO-CAPTION: there's more British food than Fish and Chips and a tyical breakfast. These are two of my favourite dishes: Sunday Roast, Jacket Potato, and crumpets as dessert. Have a close look at them and think: What are the ingredients of each dish? 
Resultado de imagen de sunday roast

Resultado de imagen de jacket potato

Resultado de imagen de crumpets

__________________________________________
UPPER-INTERMIDIATE


This week's topic: SPACE & HOUSING

  • READING: Here you have a short but interesting article on minimalism, which, as you know, is on trend now! I don't know what's your opinion on it, but, reading the article will help you reflect and learn new vocabulary. Go on!
  • VIDEO-LISTENING: Have you ever thought about the future of arquitecture? What houses will look like in a few years time? Here you have a listening by the British Council on the homes of the future: refurbishments and improvements. (exercises) (answers)
Resultado de imagen de homes of the future british council

  • VIDEO (*high-level). Closely related to housing it is the highly debatable topic of moving out! Especially when you start university or when you form your own family. Here you have a high level YouTube vlog of a young woman discussing about the pros and cons of leaving home. There aren't exercises but you can watch it and read the transcript afterwards.






Popular Posts