Read The Guardian: How Vienna Became the World's Most Livable City
Monday, October 5, 2026
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Getting Started in C2.1 Class
Here follows some General Information about this course:
Teacher: María Cristóbal
Time: Mo&Wed: 18:30-20:20; Tue&Thu: 16:30-18:20 // 18:30-20:20
Classroom: 5.14
Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 20:20-21:20 /Tuesday and Thursday 15:30-16:30. You need to make an appointment via email.
Teacher's contact email address: mcristobal@educa.madrid.org. Please write your name and group in the subject.
Textbook : READY FOR C2 PROFICIENCY. Student’s Book. Macmillan Education
To see new posts in your course please scroll up
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Shadowing Practice
Shadowing is a learning technique where you listen to a text in your target language, and then repeat it aloud right after the speaker, so that you become his/her shadow.
You play the video, and after one sentence or two you pause it to repeat the words that you just heard with a minimum delay. You can do this as you sit down, stand or walk around the house... the point is that you repeat the exacts words in the exact same manner (tempo, intonation, nuances, etc.) as the speaker.
So, here's my proposal to get started in this new technique: Become the shadow of Patch Adams. Patch Adams is an American physician, social activist, clown, and author whose ideas were featured in a famous Hollywood film (Robbin Williams starred in it). Do no more than 2 minutes of his speech at a time.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Climate Change: How Do Scientists Feel About It?
Find below an article from Mother Jones magazine focusing on the distinct burden of being a climate scientist right now. Note that you have the opportunity to listen to the text as you read it.
Next week, some students will present a summary of its contents in class, and we will hold a follow-up class discussion.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
UK Elections explained for non-Brits
Here's the video by The Guardian I mentioned yesterday in class.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Arctic: Life in the Deep Freeze
Human Planet is a British television documentary series produced by the BBC with co-production from Discovery and BBC Worldwide. It describes the human species and its relationship with the natural world by showing the remarkable ways humans have adapted to life in every environment on Earth.
After watching the episode Arctic: Life in the Deep Freeze, now it's time to check your answers to the questions discussed in class, so click on the link below to find out!
Answers to the comprehension questions
And if you'd like to watch the Human Planet documentaries online, check out this link:
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Some Thoughts Inspired by Garry Winogrand's Images
Here follow the minitales, or perhaps better called literary thoughts, inspired by some of Garry Winogrand's images.Thanks Estrella and Carlos for your engaging words.
Sunset,
She is coupled
By the solitude of stuffed animals,
No one stops ...
With a smile in her eyes,
Camouflages her bad luck
By Estrella Gómez
And me...when is my turn? I'm tired of being the third
wheel during their date!!
By Estrella Gómez
The American dream flies by
By Carlos Estangüi
And now a few more words about the collection of photographies displayed in the exhibit: For those who didn't get the chance to go see it yet, check out the review written by a former student and still friend, Carlos Estangüi:
Monday, April 20, 2015
Going Places: Our Classmates' Reviews and Recommendations
These are the top ten online reviews by my students from NA1B and NA1C. Keep up the good writing guys!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Julio's Workout Session this Coming Thursday!
Dear all,
Julio sent us these tunes to get into the mood for exercising! This is the music we're going to hear as we struggle to follow his workout, ok? We're going to have a 15-minute-session for all types of audience, so no need to be in any special physical conditions, and no need to wear a tracksuit either, some comfortable clothes will do!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Our Literary Club: The Swimmer by John Cheever, April 13th through 16th
"The Swimmer", a short story by American author John Cheever, was originally published in The New Yorker on July 18, 1964. Originally conceived as a novel, it is probably Cheever's most famous and frequently anthologized story. At one point Cheever wanted to parallel the tale of Narcissus, a character in Greek mythology who died while staring at his own reflection in a pool of water. Later he dismissed this as too restrictive: His story explores suburban America, especially the relationship between wealth and happiness. As published, the story was highly praised for its blend of realism and surrealism, as well as his use of myth and symbolism. A twenty-page-long story with a whole inner world in it for you to discover.
This American literary classic has been selected from the school library by two keen readers in the NA1B class, Melissa and Laura, I would like to thank them for their willing cooperation, and great ideas. They will be running our next literary club, to be held the second week of April, together with the teacher.
Find below the pdf with the short story and a complete glossary of words and expressions in it.
The Swimmer by John Cheever
These are the first two questions posed by your fellow students. You will have to think about them as you read:
1) How is Neddy presented at the beginning and the end of the story?
2) What do the pools and the storm represent in Neddy's life?
Friday, March 13, 2015
Could Art Turn the World Inside Out?
Now that we have just finished the unit of Art, I would like to present to you one of the most stimulating photographers I have recently known: He's a French guy called JR, and he has described himself as a photograffeur (a photographer with a touch of graffiti in his art). He was awarded the TED prize back in 2011 for his inspiring work which he has spread all over the planet. JR's work combines art and action, and deals with commitment, freedom, identity, and limits. Check out his talk in TED: Could art actually change the world?
JR photograffeur wins the TED prize
I would like to say thanks to my former student and photographer Carlos Crespo for sharing JR's art with me, and with you.
Monday, March 2, 2015
I Might as Well Use English Modal Verbs More Frequently From Now On
Please, read this full account of Modal Auxiliary Verbs in English below.
Modal Auxiliary Verbs Handout
Modal Auxiliary Verbs Handout
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