Spain's millenary olive oil: New taste for ancient flavor

http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/24/foodanddrink/millenary-olive-trees-spain/

Breathless (The Corrs)

Idiom of the day (47)

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

No se puede tener todo.

A letter of complaint

Introduction

First paragraph = state your complaint, including details of what has happened and where/when the incident took place.

      Mild

     I am writing in connection with.../to complain about...the terrible 

     behaviour/attitude/rudeness of...

     I am writing to draw your attention to...which...

      Strong

     I wish to bring to your attention a problem which arose due to your

     staff/inefficiency...

     I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction/unhappines at...

     I wish to express my dissatisfaction/unhappines with the 

     product/treatment I received from (your staff) on (September 22nd)

Main body

Second, third and fourth paragraph = present each of the specific points you are complaining about. You start a new paragraph for each point and justify theses points by giving examples and reasons.

Closing remarks

Last paragraph = explain what you expect to happen (to be given a refund/replacement/apology/etc)

      Mild

     I hope you will replace... 

     I feel/believe that I am entitled to a replacement/refund...

     I hope that this matter can be resolved/dealt with promptly.

      Strong

     I insist on/I demand a full refund/an immediate replacement or I shall be

     forced to take legal action/the matter further.

     I hope that I will not be forced to take further action. 

Example: You recently hired a car for a part of your holidays. However, there were several problems with the arrangements. Write a letter of complaint to the manager/manageress explaining the problems and requesting compensation.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the service I received when I rented one of your cars on 20th July.

Firstly, I had specially requested a four-door model. However, I was given a smaller two-door version which, apart from being too small for my needs, was clearly in need of extensive repair. Despite my objections, your employees informed me that it was the only car available and assured me that it was in perfect order. Having no other alternative, so I accepted the vehicle.

Contrary to what I had been told, there were, in fact, several things wrong with the car. Despite the fact that I had driven it for only one hour, I was forced to stop when the engine showed signs of overheating. Having added two litres of water to the radiator, I was able to continue, although during the course of my journey a knocking sound from the engine became increasingly persistent and the windscreen wipers stopped working.

My subsequent journey was most uncomfortable. Not only did I have the worry of driving a car which was not roadworthy, but I also had to stop on three occasions to refill the radiator. Finally, I had no choice but to leave the car at your Oxford branch and continue my journey using public transport.

I feel that your employees acted irresponsibly in issuing a car which was not safe to drive, and I believe I am entitled to compensation for the interruption to my holiday. I therefore request that you send me the sum of 200€ to cover the cost of my train ticket and compensate me after the distress I was forced to suffer as a result of your neglicence.

I insist that you give this matter your urgent attention, otherwise I will be forced to take legal action.

Yours faithfully,

Mr S. Mallison

Idiom of the day (46)

You could've heard a pin drop.

No se oía ni una mosca.

Let it be (The Beatles)

Idiom of the day (45)

There's always a catch.

No hay miel sin hiel.

A letter to apply for a job

A letter to apply for a job is also known as letters of application or cover letters. You can write to apply for a job or a course.

Introduction

First paragraph = opening remarks

     - Reason for writing

     - The name of the job/course, where and when you saw it advertised

Main body

Second, third and/or four paragraphs = you give details

     - Age, present job and/or studies

     - Qualifications

     - Experience

     - Skills and personal qualities that are suitable for the job/course

Conclusion

Last paragraph = closing remarks

     - When you are available for interview

     - Where and when you can be contracted

     - A remark that you hope that you application will be considered

Example of a letter to apply for a job:

                                                                                         18 Kings Road

                                                                               Birminghan, M24 6HD

                                                                                         June 16, 2003

Mr P Bradley

Trans Europe Tours,

17 Bridge Street,

Cambridge, SW12

Dear Mr. Bradley,

I am writing to apply apply for the position of travel courier, which I saw advertised in the February edition of Sunshine Holidays.

As outlined in my curriculum vitae, which I have enclosed, I have got a degree in Modern Languages from Bristol University. I have been working as a travel courier for the las two years.

I believed that I would be an ideal candidate for the position because I speak French, German and Spanish fluently and I have got a working knowledge of Greek. This makes me capable of dealing with people from different countries. Besides, I am outgoing, talkative and friendly, which are the perfect qualities for a travel courier. Apart from this, my time spent traveling around Europe gives me a valuable knowledge of several countries. Therefore, I would be good at showing people all those places.

I thank you for considering my application and am willing to attend an interview at any time.

Yours sincerely,

J. Henderson

Idiom of the day (44)

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Nadie está contento con lo que tiene.

Vocabulary (11) - Cinema

actor

actress

director

screenplay
script

plot

film (BE)
movie (AE)
cast
lead role
secondary role
main actor
secondary actor
original version
scene
setting
special effects
star
story
subtitles
stuntman/stuntwoman

soundtrack: if you want to know what a soundtrack is, click here (you will find some examples)

genre, types of genres: action film/movie, animation film/movie, cartoon film/movie, comedy, historical drama, horror film/movie, martial arts film/movie, musical, romantic comedy, science fiction film/movie, silent film/movie, thriller, war film/movie, western

Verbs related to the cinema
act
be based on
be dubbed into
direct
film
play the part
record
set
subtitle
test

Interview with George Clooney

A good way to practice the listening skill...

Red red wine (UB40)

Idiom of the day (43)

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Mejor no revolver el asunto.

Weekend camping resets body clock

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38826127

Lucky (Pharrel Williams)

Idiom of the day (42)

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Más puede la pluma que la espada.

Famous words (7)

The public is like a piano. You just have to know what keys to poke.

                                                              Al Capp (US cartoonist)

A formal transactional letter

We usually write a formal transactional letter to respond to written information in the form of advertisements, letters, invitations, notes, etc

Introduction

First paragraph = we write our opening remarks and explain the reason for writing the letter.

Main body

Second and third paragraphs = we ask questions or give the information required. We always ask our questions in a formal indirect way.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we write our closing remarks.

It is important to include all the facts provided in the rubric and the notes. However, we need to rewrite the information in our own words as much as possible. We do not use abbreviations, contracted types or colloquialisms for this type of transactional letter.

Example: You are an author and you have received the following invitation. Write a letter accepting the invitation and ask for details regarding the location, time and whether you can can bring any guests with you.

     Dear Mrs Stephens,

          We would be delighted if you would accept our invitation to present

     the awards at the Book Society's 5th annual awards dinner.

     Yours sincerely,

     Peter Van De Vere

Dear Mr Van De Vere,

Thank you for your kind invitation. I would be honoured to present the awards at the Book Society's 5th annual awards dinner. Unfortunately, you failed to mention a few important details.

Firstly, I would be grateful if you could let me know the exact date of the event, so that I can rearrange my schedule. I assume that you are holding the event at the Regency Hotel in London, as you did last year. However, I would be grateful if you could let me know if the location has changed. I also need to know what time the event starts.

In addition, I was wondering if it would be possible to bring my daughter as my guest. Finally, I would like to mention that I am a strict vegetarian, therefore I would be grateful if you could let me know whether there will be any vegetarian dishes on the menu.

Thank you again for choosing me to host such a worthwhile event. I am looking forward to it immensely.

Yours sincerely,

Jane Stephens

Catalan trial: Artur Mas independence vote case draws crowds

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38878688

National geographic

Adventure video, pictures, world exploration, educational cable TV programming. Includes show schedule, plus multimedia previews.

Website: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/

Black or white (Michael Jackson)

Idiom of the day (41)

Let bygones be bygones.

Lo pasado, pasado está.

Rolling in the deep (Adele)

Famous words (6)

Sports do not build character. They reveal it.

                                          Heywood Hale Brown (US broadcast juornalist)

A letter to the editor

We usually write a letter to the editor when we want to express our opinion about a topic that is of interest to the general public, to agree or disagree with something that has been reported, or to discuss a problem and suggest solutions. We usually write a letter to the editor in a formal or semi-formal style.

We start our letter with Dear Sir/Madam,

Introduction

First paragraph = we present our reason for writing and our opinion about the topic.

Main body

Second and third paragraphs = we present our arguments/the problems, together with consequences/suggestions/results in separate paragraphs.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we summarise our opinion or write it again using different words.

We end with Yours faithfully, and our full name.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

To begin the letter: I am writing to express my support for/(dis)approval of...; I am writing with regard to...; I am writing about...; I have just read...; etc

To state an opinion: In my opinion,...; I (do not) feel/believe/think...; I am (totally) opposed to/in favour of...; I strongly (dis)agree with...; etc

To express the consequences/results: xThis will/would mean...; Then...; Therefore...; As a result,...; Consequently,...; If we/they do/did this,...; Obviously,...; Clearly,...; etc

To list ponts: Firstly,...; First of all,...; Secondly,...; Furthermore,...; What is more,...; FInally,...;

To end the letter: I hope my comments/suggestions/points will be taken into consideration; I hope the government/local council/we will...; I hope something will be done about this urgently; etc

Example: The local council has decided to build a new sports centre in your home town where an old factory used to be. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, expressing your support for the plan.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writign about the recent article in your newspaper regarding the decision to build a new sports centre in our town. In my opinion, this is an excellent idea which will have many advantages for our town.

To start with, the town has very few sports facilities. Many people do not get the chance to play sports when they want. A new sports centre will give more people the opportunity to play sports. It will also give children and teenagers access to better facilities tah they have at school, as well as somewhere to go at weekends. At the moment there is little for them to go.

Furthermore, the new sports centre will be in an excellent location. It is in the centre of town, near the railway station and several major bus routes. Consequently, it will be very easy to get to. What is more, the fact that it will be built on the site of the old factory means that the town's appearance will be improved.

All in all, I must state that I am in total agreement with the council's decision. I hope that the plan is put into effect as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,

James Marshall

Idiom of the day (40)

Laughter is the best medicine.

La risa es el mejor remedio.

Would you like to have a teacher like this?

Idiom of the day (39)

Are you up for it?

¿Te apuntas?

Famous words (5)

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

      Miguel de Cervantes (Spanish writer)

Idiom of the day (38)

There's no smoke without fire.

Cuando el río suena, agua lleva.

An assessment report

An assessment report is usually written for someone in authority such as your employer. It presents and evaluates the positive and negative qualities of a place, person, etc in order to make some kind of judgment or recommendation. Reports always contain factual information.

We always begin a report by saying who the report is for and their position, the writer's name and position and what the report is about.

Introduction
First paragraph = we present the purpose and content of the report.

Main body
Main body = we present each topic in detail under separate sub-headings.

Conclusion
Las paragraph = we summarise the information and state our general assessment or evaluation.

We usually write reports in a formal, impersonal style. We write short sentences containing factual language so that information can be understood easily. We normally use present tenses in assessment reports as well as the passive voice and full verbs forms.



Example: The editor of the magazine where you work as an assistant editor has asked you to write a report assessing the good and bad points of the Taj Mahal Indian restaurant. Write your report describing the restaurant's food, prices, service and atmosphere.

To..........: Mr. C. James, Editor
From......: Al Thompson, Assistan Editor
Subject...: Taj Mahal restaurant

Introduction
The purpose of this report is to assess the good and bad points of Taj Mahal restaurant.

Food and prices
The Taj Mahal offers a wide range of Indian cuisine, all of which is beautifully cooked and presented. What is more the meals are good value for money as the prices are quite reasonable.

Service
The waiters are very polite and friendly and they are able to make helpful suggestions about the menu. However, the service is a little slow, especially when the restaurant gets busy.

Atmosphere
The restaurant has a tasteful Eastern-style décor and thick carpets. In addition, the soft ethnic music helps to give the Taj Mahal a very pleasant atmosphere. Nevertheless, the lighting is poor, so it is difficultto read the menu.

Conclusion
In conclusion, although the service can be slow and the lighting poor, the Taj Mahal is a pleasant restaurant that offers excellent food at reasonable prices. Therefore, I would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Indian food.

Idiom of the day (37)

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

A diario una manzana es cosa sana.

Famous words (4)

Creditors have better memories than debtors.

                Benjamin Franklin (US statesman)

Idiom of the day (36)

Beggars can't be choosers.

A mucha hambre, no hay pan duro.

An article describing a visit to a place

When we write an article describing a visit to a place we usually write four paragraphs.

Introduction

First paragraph = we write the name and location of the place as well as our reason(s) for choosing it.

Main body

Second paragraph = we usually write about what the place looks like.

Third paragraph = we describe the place in detail; we can include the things we can see, feel, hear, smell and taste.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we write about our feelings and personal comments and/or our recommendation.

Narrative descriptions of places can be found in tourist magazines, letters, stories, etc. We normally use past tenses to describe our visit. However, we use present tenses to talk about the location. We can use a variety of adjectives and adverbs as wells as our senses to make our description more appealing to the reader.

Idiom of the day (35)

Good riddance!

¡Adios y hasta nunca!

joke

Little Johnny came home from school one day, and his Dad asked him, "So, how did your history exam go?"....Silence....then little Johnny said "Not very well, it was too difficult! All the questions were about things that happened before I was born!"

Idiom of the day (34)

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

Ten cuidado, puede haber gato encerrado.

Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott (1832 - 1888) was born in Germantown, Pensylvania, the second of four sisters. At an early age, Louisa and her family moved to Massachusetts, where she lived for most of her life. Her father was a teacher, and he encouraged Louisa to keep a diary. She started to write at the age of 16. Alcott used her diary to help her write about her own life and experiences. One of her most famous books is Little Women, which is based on the life of her family.

From relief to regret: Readers' experiences of abortion

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38775641

Verb tenses - exercises without key

http://www.bsu.by/Cache/pdf/243113.pdf

Idiom of the day (33)

It's water under the bridge.

Agua pasada no mueve molino.

Famous words (3)

It is only when they go wrong that machines remind you how powerful they are.

                                                                    Clive James (Australian critic)

Idiom of the day (32)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Todo es según del color del cristal con que se mira.

An opinion essay

An opinion essay presents our personal opinion on a particular topic. We need to state our opinion clearly and support it with examples or reasons.

Introduction

First paragraph = we present the topic and state our opinion clearly.

Main body

Second and third paragraph = we present our viewpoints and give reasons/examples. We present each viewpoint, with reasons/examples, in a separate paragraph.

Fourth paragraph = we present the opposing viewpoint and give examples/reasons.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we restate our opinion using different words.

We usually use present tenses in this kind of writing and avoid using informal language such as contractions (I've, she's) and colloquialisms (What's up?) etc. We can use phrases like In my opinion, I (strongly) believe that, It seems to me that to introduce our opinion. We can find opinion essays in newspapers and magazines as articles or letters to the editor, etc.

Example: Your local newspaper is asking readers to write an article giving their opinion on the following statement: Students should not be allowed to have mobile phones at school.

                             NO MOBILE PHONES AT SCHOOL

Nowadays more and more students bring their mobile phones to school. While I believe that students should carry mobile phones in case of an emergency, I am strongly opposed to these phones being used at school, particularly in the classroom.

Firstly, many students travel to and from school without their parents. Therefore, it is important for them to have a mobile phone in case they need help or have an accident on the way to school or home.

Furthermore, parents who work may need to contact their children. For example, if a parent has to work late, the student has to be told if arragangements have been made for a relative or neighbour to look after them.

On the other hand, nothing is more disruptive during a lesson than the sound of a mobile phone ringing or playing an annoying tune. Moreover, students who send and receive text messages in class are not paying attention to the lesson.

In conclusion, I feel that students should be allowed to take mobile phones to school for use in an emergency. However, all phones should certainly be turned off during lessons.

Idiom of the day (31)

He did it accidentally, on purpose.

Lo hizo sin querer, queriendo.

Famous words (2)

The first wealth is health.

          Ralph Waldo Emerson (US philosopher)

Idiom of the day (30)

To kick the bucket.

Estirar la pata.

My girl (The Temptations)

A for and against essay

We usually write a for and against essay in a formal style. When we write the essay, we need to discuss both sides of the argument to give a balanced view.

Introduction

First paragraph = we present the topic, but do not give our opinion.

Main body

Second paragraph = we give the arguments for the topic together with justifications and examples.

Third paragraph = we give the arguments against the topic.

We start each paragraph with appropiate topic sentences.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we write a balanced personal opinion, or summarise the main arguments for and against.

We also need to use appropiate linkers to connect similar ideas and introduced opposing ideas.

Example: You have to write an article discussing the pros and cons of exercising to reduce stress.

                                  More exercise, less stress?

Do you know how dangerous stress can be? It affects us both physically and mentally, so reducing stress is something that we should all try to do. While many people feel that the best way to get rid of stress is some form of exercise, there are other ways which are just as effective.

The benefits of physical exercise are obvious. First of all, keeping fit helps your body stay strong and healthy. Therefore you are less likely to get sick or suffer form stress-related health problems such as heart attack and cancer. Furthermore, exercise is a good way to get rid of frustration and anger because after exercise the brain produces hormones called endorphines which make us feel good.

Moreover, if you are out of shape, exercise can be quite painful. You may pull a muscle or injure yourself. Furthermore, exercising may even cause more stress since it will add to your already hectic schedule.

In conclusion, the best way to combat stress in our lives is to live a healthy life. As James Freeman Clark says, "Never hurry. Take plenty of exercise. Always be cheerful. Take all the sleep you need. You may expect to be well."

soundtracks

In this post you can enjoy from different soundtracks which belong to famous films, for example:

Beetlejuice (this film is known in Spain as Bitelchus) - Banana Boat Song:

Titanic - My heart will go on:

Breakfast at Tiffany's - Moon river:

Riding in cars with boys - All I have to do is dream:

The full monty - You can leave your hat on:

The full monty - Looking for some hot stuff:

Idiom of the day (29)

There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Hay mucho más donde elegir (nueva pareja).

Famous words (1)

The only thing we have to fear on this planet is man.

                                Carl Jung (Swiss psychologist)

Idiom of the day (28)

To be filthy rich.

Estar forrado (de dinero).

Vocabulary (10) - Describing feelings

satisfied

disappointed

thrilled

tired

shy

embarrassed

frightened

excited

annoyed

fascinated

confused

worried

relaxed

bored

pleased

relieved

Idiom of the day (27)

...a fate worse than death.

Prefiriría morirme que...