Τρίτη 11 Φεβρουαρίου 2025

A natural or a hard worker?

 What have the masters achieved? To what extent are their achievements due to natural talent or hard work in your opinion? 


 

So how did Judith become so good ____chess?
She had a long-term commitment _____ becoming the best.
So, from a very early age, she focused ____ the game and pracised.
Where do Stephen's amazing abilities stem ___?
Already as a child, he had a passion ____ drawing.

Practice prepositions

https://create.kahoot.it/share/prepositions-advanced/20ca120f-311c-4ae7-a6f9-30c426e8afb5


Circle all the /dj/, /tj/ and /sh/ sounds in the tongue twisters (1-8). 
Practise saying the tongue twisters in pairs. 

1. I'm sure 1 saw Sheila selling seashells on the seashore, but I can't be sure she sold seashore shells. 

2. Julia, George, Jean and Joan joyfully jumped down the jagged hill. 

3. Chester the Cheetah chewed a chunk of cheap cheddar cheese. 

4. Fresh fried fish, 
Fish fresh fried, 
Fried fish fresh, 
Fish fried fresh. 

5. If a dog chooses to chew shoes, whose shoes does he choose to chew? 

6. Jenny just got jeans and a jacket for graduation in June or July. 

7. Jump then touch your chin, jaw and cheek. 
Jump then touch your jaw, cheek and chin. 
Jump then touch your cheek, chin and jaw. 

8. She saw Shirley's shoes on the sofa, but was she so sure she saw Shirley's shoes on the sofa? 

B Discuss the questions in pairs.
1. Which of these sounds exist in your language?
2. Which of these tongue twisters did you find the most challenging? Why? 
3. Did you find any of these tongue twisters easy? Which, and why? 

YOUR TURN


Find a person you know for being a master in his domain (business, sports, etc). Prepare to talk about them using the words from the exercise above and the vocabulary of the lesson.

Τρίτη 28 Ιανουαρίου 2025

Difficult Conversations 2

 Do you usually talk about problems with the people that are upsetting you?

What can happen if you don't? How far do you consider "embracing Discomfort for Growth" is applicable in life?

Read an article by social scientist, author, and famous speaker, Simon Sinek. What does he suggest?

READING STRATEGY

1. Start with the WIIFY (what's in it for you). This engages the reward system of the brain, improving concentration and memory.

2. Skim read for general ideas. This is not the time for detail. Titles, topic sentences and key words hold the major points that interest you.

3. Read the questions one by one. (Refrain from reading the options as this will confuse you.) Go back to the text, find and underline the  answer, then match with the optimal option. 

Key: pay special attention to the question key words! 

Answer the following questions

  1. What is the first step that Simon Sinek suggests before starting an uncomfortable conversation?

    • A) Presenting solutions immediately
    • B) Seeking permission to begin the conversation
    • C) Raising the issue suddenly
    • D) Avoiding the topic
  2. What does Sinek recommend using to structure an uncomfortable conversation?

    • A) A list of problems
    • B) The FBI method: Feelings, Behavior, Impact
    • C) A clear set of rules
    • D) A timeline of events
  3. What is one benefit of expressing vulnerability during an uncomfortable conversation?

    • A) It makes the other person feel weak
    • B) It builds trust and reduces defensiveness
    • C) It encourages anger and frustration
    • D) It helps you win the argument
  4. What is the goal of having uncomfortable but important conversations, according to Simon Sinek?

    • A) To avoid future conflicts
    • B) To change someone’s opinion
    • C) To foster personal growth and stronger connections
    • D) To prove you are right
  5. How can using empathy in uncomfortable conversations help, according to Sinek?

    • A) It makes the conversation easier to control
    • B) It transforms discomfort into meaningful dialogue
    • C) It ensures the other person agrees with you
    • D) It leads to the other person apologizing
  6. What should you focus on when using the FBI method in a conversation?

    • A) Feelings, Behavior, Impact
    • B) Feelings, Beliefs, Importance
    • C) Facts, Behavior, Ideas
    • D) Feelings, Bias, Information
  7. According to Sinek, how should you approach initiating uncomfortable conversations?

    • A) Without preparation and just speaking freely
    • B) With empathy and permission to create a safe space
    • C) By using forceful language
    • D) By preparing an argument to convince the other person
Now watch a relevant video for a more in-depth understanding 

Create a summary aiming to reinforce key concepts from Simon Sinek's approach to handling uncomfortable conversations, promoting effective communication and personal development.


COMMUNICATION SKILLS
If you are trying to encourage someone to change their behaviour, try this:

1. accept your part of the responsibility. eg. I know I didn't listen/ I shouted. ...and I'm sorry

2. describe the problem from your point of view as an observation, not an emotion. e.g. I notice that...

3. Avoid exaggeration and generalization. eg. You never...

4. explain why the issue is important to you. eg. It means that I can't...

5. describe your feelings without acting them out. eg. I feel upset when...

6. request a change. eg.  Would you be willing to...

What's the problem with these statements?
You never ever do the dishes!
Just turn the music down, ok?
I know you like playing video games but the noise is too much.


USEFUL LANGUAGE
I hope you don't mind me saying this, but...

I appreciate that you want to...and I ...

It would be really helpful for me if you could...

It's just that you could...which would allow me to...

Can I suggest something? How about...? 

OWN IT!
1. In pairs, decide on two annoying behaviours each one of you has that makes living together or next to one another difficult.
2. Individually, prepare to explain the problems to your partner without offending them. (Use the tips in communication skills and useful language).
3. Discuss aiming to find a solution

ACT IT OUT!
 Act out the conversation. How well did the other pair give feedback? How could they have done better?

Δευτέρα 20 Ιανουαρίου 2025

Difficult Conversations- Part 1

  Have you ever shared a flat with a housemate? What did you like/dislike about it?

If you had to rank these habits, how annoying would you say they are and why?
a. Insists on thoroughly cleaning the flat twice a week.
b. Leaves a pile of dirty dishes in the sink.
c. Listens to very loud music until late.
d. Often invites friends round and has parties.
e. Spends most of the time in their room and rarely talks to you.

Watch this video of nightmare roommates and fill in the sentences
1. He's just ...... messy.
2. For example, he _______ asks his roommate to buy him things.
3. The bathroom is ____ a mess.
4. I wish he________smoke in the house.
5. _____ she had people over once a week but it's three or more times.
6. If only he __________ the rent on time.
7. I _______ you didn't litter the bin with your hair.




PRACTICE
wishes

ON YOU
1. Write 5 things about other people that annoy you.
2. Share using so/such
3. Make a wish

AT HOME
4. How could you politely encourage your friend to change?
Think of possible ways to give temperate advice.

Τετάρτη 1 Ιανουαρίου 2025

A flexible behemoth!

 Dell's story provides an interesting outlook to a contemporary company's growth. 

 Let's watch a relevant video (Ch 4 & 5) and discuss the questions here


Michael's future and future tenses here!

Discover IT Vocabulary here

Now, imagine you are Dell's Training officer and you are planning a seminar. Look at this example of an email to the participants and find ways to improve it.

Time to sing!


Πέμπτη 26 Δεκεμβρίου 2024

Will the future surprise you?

  

 
Well, what do you think? Will it have happened 25 years from now? 

Do you think it's a good thing?

Read the following emails written by people to their future self. 

What can you guess about the writers?

What is the reason for writing them?


What do they expect to have happened?

What does each writer think they will be doing in the future?


LANGUAGE TIME

Check FUTURE TENSES here and play Quizzes here

Practice Future uses here

Τρίτη 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2024

He's bad enough!

 

1. What makes this person success special?

2. Which of these things mean success to you? Put them in order from 1 (most important) to 8 (least important): Then discuss with your partner 

  • the ability to help others
  • the chance to travel
  • dealing with challenges
  • enormous wealth
  • inner peace and happiness
  • a lot of friends
  • a loving family
  • a rewarding career

Now, discuss with your partner what you would like to achieve personally 

a. this year

b. in a few year's time

c. by 2050


Check this article on SMART goals. Set your goal for 2025 and let's discuss it at the next class!

Song time!

Τρίτη 26 Νοεμβρίου 2024

AI - As human as it possibly can?

 What do you think helps build rapport among people?




How has AI affected your life so far? How does think it will affect the human society in the future?

Read an article about AI and its implications
Underline the expressions you find intriguing and write each in a separate piece of paper.
Exchange with partners to create a story.

This is a sentence taken from the article:

"If AI significantly complements higher-income workers, it may lead to a disproportionate increase in their labor income."
  • What is the time reference of this sentence? 
  • What does the use of this form imply?
  • How can it be restructured to refer to something the speaker considers unlikely/improbable?
  • How can it be restructured to refer to a past event?
  • What other words could be used insted of "if"?
Study Conditional sentences here
Practice (to your heart's desire) here

Τρίτη 19 Νοεμβρίου 2024

Flavours - Cultural wonders

 Remember the fast story we saw some time ago?

Well, here's the solution to what happened!


What's your favourite food? 

Is there a controversial food that you like -one or more acquaintances of yours detest?

Guess! The first countries where pizza appeared were___________________

Although pizza has long winding roots from ancient Greece through Italy to the rest of the world, it is genuinely most people’s delight. With every slice comes a rich history of different parts of the world. Social, economic, and cultural markings are baked into pizza’s goodness.

Over time, the toppings have changed to accommodate the different cultures of the world. Despite/ Although bakers from all over the globe now custom-making the pizza, the bottom line remains the same. Every good pizza has a crust that holds it all together.

To top it all up, the world got sight of the largest pizza in 2012, measuring more than 1,260 square meters.

Today, over 70,000 pizzerias offer this U.S. delicacy, not to mention its popularity across the world.

  1. People thousands of years ago made flat bread and added _______________of different ingredients.
  2. In ancient times the bread served as the ______________  
  3. _______________,  pizza has changed to _______________ the cultures of every nation in the world
  4. The common ingredient of all pizzas is ______________
  5. Tomatoes from America in the 18th century are the reason for ______________pizza
  6. Later pizza became a ______________ food for the upper class.
  7. Nowadays, pizza is __________food in Italy and the USA.
prominent, toppings, crust, plate, over time, modern-day, accommodate, staple

Let's play KAHOOT! 

C. Make a list of popular foods that came from other countries. Where did they come from? Discuss.  

D. Invent a new kind of pizza for Lombardi's, the oldest pizza restaurant in the USA. You should agree on toppings, sause and the type of crust.


Durian fruit is______________

 


 E. Make a short video guide for tourists visiting your country. Describe the foods that are popular in your culture but people from other cultures might find unusual or even disgusting. Give reasons why tourist should try these foods. 

Τρίτη 12 Νοεμβρίου 2024

Travelling Stories

  OWN IT- Be ready to present!

Think of three words or phrases or cultural concepts from your first language or another language. Be ready to present them to the class in the next lesson. you can include
  • a word or expression
  • a festival, dance, or celebration
  • a type of humour 
  • an important place that isn't well-known abroad
  • a dish that reflects the best food from home
  • an aspect of the national character that you want people from other countries to know about
  • a well-love TV show, film, or song that represents your country
TRAVEL STORIES
Do you like travelling? 



Read this funny story and underline the past tenses
The stories I had heard about hitchhiking were mostly shortcuts to getting murdered, so I hated the idea. However some friends persuaded me to give it a try when we missed our bus during a badly planned trip to Bosnia. 
The sun was setting when a truck slowed down in front of us. We pilled up in the back. The driver had no English and we didn'r speak his language but he kept repeating the word "Lavanda" in an ever louder voice. BY the time we arrived at our destination we were horrified!
As we were getting ready to escae he opened the trunk of his car. Ready he was going to murder us, we all screamed...
But no. None of that happened. Instead, he flashed a toothy grin as he unveiled his roomy trunk… Which was filled with tiny draw-string packets of dried lavender. Lavanda. Lavender.  All this time he had been trying to explain to us that he was a lavender farmer! “Lavanda!” he said for a final time and went off.  

Relieved and dazed, my friends and I continued our walk home, laughing to ourselves that we had just rode through Bosnia & Herzegovina with a baller lavender mogul. And true fact: he’s the reason why to this day, I still smile every time I see lavender.

NARRATIVE TENSES



















Practice online here

Τρίτη 5 Νοεμβρίου 2024

Fixing misunderstandings

 PAIRWORK

Think of misunderstandings you've had with people either in your own language or in English/another language. What happened? 

What were possible reasons?

  • the message relied on cultural information that the listener had no idea about
  • the message used vocabulary the listener didn't know
  • the message was disorganised
  • the speaker spoke too fast
Now watch the video. What do you think was the reason of the misunderstanding?



What's wrong with the message?
to the point, succinct, summarise, culture, start, clear, complicated, misunderstandings, disorganised
1. Messages need to be _____ , _____ and _________.
2. If a message is long and ______________, you could ask the speaker to _____________ it.
3. Information that is specific to your ______________ can cause _____________ if you don't explain it.
4. If a message is _________________, it might be necessary to _______ over from scratch.

Communication Skills
Fixing a misunderstanding
Simplify
  • The speaker can: identify the key information and repeat; check the listener has understood
  • The listener can check for a summary

Clarify
  • The speaker can: assume cultural knowledge will not be known; explain anything unique t their culture /language
  • The listener can ask the speaker to explain

Organise
  • The speaker can: signpost the order clearly; write or draw the instructions
  • The listener can ask the speaker to start over.
























1. A. Let's meet at 8.
B. Sorry, I'm getting mixed up. Are you _________ eight in the morning?

2. A. So, in other _____ I think we should look at train prices before we book a flight.
b. Yes, that makes _______.

3. A. Ok, if I've been _________you correctly, this should be right now.
B. Let me see....No! You've got it the wrong way_____. This goes here and that goes there. 

4. A. Let me ________ it back to you. Out of the station, turn left. After 500 metres, second right into Broad street.
B. You've  ____it!

OWN IT!
Now think back to the misunderstanding you recalled at the start of the class. Use your new communication tools to fix it.

Τρίτη 11 Ιουνίου 2024

What on earth is he doing?

How do you usually communicate at work?

Look at these experessions 

VOCABULARY

Delete the verb that does NOT go

0 an email                                 send/draft/post

1. a phone call                          do/make/receive

2. a press release                     put up/issue/put out

3. an advertising campaign       launch/run / make

4. a presentation                       give / make/ tell

5. a meeting or seminar            hold/attend/carry out

6. a report                                 produce /run /publish

7. a notice                                 put out /put up / display

8. a memo to all concerned      publish /send out/circulate

9. information on the net           post/ make / put out


For which of the following would you feel most/least confident using English?

a presentation/ a meeting/ a phone call/ a report/ an email 


This is an extract from an old comedy with Mel Gibson. 

After you watch it, what are your answers to the questions?


What job does Gibson's chracter have in the film?
What do you think is expected of him?
Do the viewers like the product of his work?
What does the gesture his co-protaconist makes at the end mean?

Revise the use of  Present Simple here 
Watch another clip from the same film. What is he doing now?



What is he telling himself while he's trying on female cosmetics?
What is he doing tomorrow, you think?


I do or I am doing? Practice in Kahoot.




Τρίτη 18 Ιουλίου 2023

Do you communicate at work?


VOCABULARY

Delete the verb that does NOT go

0 an email                        send/draft/post

1. a phone call                do/make/receive

2. a press release            put up/issue/put out

3. an advertising campaign            launch/run make

4. a presentation            give / make/ tell

5. a meeting or seminar        hold/attend/carry out

6. a report                    produce/run/publish

7. a notice                        put out/put up / display

8. a memo to all concerned        publish/send out/circulate

9. information on the net            post/make / put


For which of the following would you feel most/least confident using English?

a presentation/ a meeting/ a phone call/ a report/ an email 


DISCUSSION

Have you had good experiences of dealing with companies through call centers? 

Do you shop online?

About which products or services is f2f contact helpful / not necessary?


READING

Match the paragraphs with the statements


LANGUAGE

Verb Patterns


Τρίτη 4 Ιουλίου 2023

Company benefits



What is most important for you when choosing a job? Rank from 1-10

an impressive job title                                                    training and staff development

a good salary                                                                  a pension

flextime                                                                          traveling opportunities

opportunities for promotion                                          parental leave

days off and long holidays                                            a company car


READING SKILLS

Read an article here about XErox. What incentives does the article mention for employees at Xerox?

Now answer the questions here


VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT

What are some expressions with take in the Xerox text that mean:

1. not completely believe smth

2. look after

3. for exaple

4. participate in

5. employs 

6. regarded as important

LANGUAGE PRACTICE: The Past

What tenses can you spot in this job profile? What are they used for?

Steve started as a project manager in global services and since then has moved into sales. He has only been working in the company for two years. 


You can practise narrative (past) tenses more extensively here.

SPEAKING SKILLS

Asking questions about jobs
-
Work in pairs. Use the prompts to ask questions 1 to 6 about working for your company

Example: Q. Why /like the company? Why do you like the company?
A: It's like a family.
1 Q: long /working /the company?
P. Two years.
2 Q: when / join?
A: In 1978
3 Q: was /first job?
A: A project manager.
4 Q: what /responsible?
A: Growing and maintaining customer relationships.
5 Q: where based?
P. At Uxbridge.
6 Q: would /like/do// in the future?
A: Work abroad and be part of the senior management team.


WRITING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Write a short piece (110 words approx) about a turning point in your life, work or studies; a moment when you decided to pursue a different route to the one you had until that point.