Writing Unit 9: Write a narrative with dialogue An accident

Something happened a couple of weeks ago which was a real test of my honesty. I was with some friends playing baseball in one street of my towns. There is a statue in the street and, to cut a long story short, I broke the statue’s head with the football ball. We felt bad about the accident and we felt wrose when one of the policemans appeared.

‘Who broke the statue, lads?’ he asked. ‘Did you see anything?’ We looked at each other guiltily, then my friend spoke.

‘I’m not sure what happened,’ he said. He wasn’t exactly telling the truth and I knew that I had to say something.

‘The ball hit the statue,’ I said. ‘It was me who broke it.’ Surprisingly, the policeman didn’t look too upset. ‘Well, I’m gland that you admitted it,’ he said, ‘because I knew it was you. I saw you.’

In the end, nothing happened about the statue. The policeman was very good about it and it was an accident after all. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, but at least I felt that I’d done the right thing.

Writing Unit 8: A happy ending

This time last year, things weren’t going too well for me. I’d failed some exams at school, and I’d also had a big argument with my family. In my house I didn’t really want to see my family. I spend a lot of time playing computer games in my room.

Everything changed for me the day I read a book about be optimistic in own lives. People who is optimistic always fight for their ideals and never give up. The optimistics always live smiling and good things happen in their lives because they are friendly and they never are angry. Finally I decided to be an optimistic person and finally good things started to happen to me.

These days, i feel much happier. Be optimistic has made me feel more useful and sociable. I’m helping other people for be optimistic. If I hadn’t read the book, I’d never had the opportunity.

Speaking Dialogue Unit 9: How to: Explain and clarify a situation

Ferran Veciana:-Hi, Jordi. How was your last holidays?
Jordi Marias:-Not bad, thanks. Why do you ask?
Ferran Veciana:-Because you told me that you were staying in all the holidays, but I heard you were at Barcenlona.
Jordi Marias:-Who told you that?
Ferran Veciana:-Adam said that he'd seen you. How come didn't tell me about it?
Jordi Marias:-Cause I was only there for a half an hour.
Ferran Veciana:-Are you telling the truth, Jordi?
Jordi Marias:-Honestly, it's true! If you didn't believe me, you can ask Adam.
Ferran Veciana:-OK, OK. I believe you. Sorry, Jordi.
Jordi Marias:-That's OK.

Speaking Dialogue Unit 8: How to: Console and encourage

Ferran: Hey Jordi, you look a bit down. What's the matter?
Jordi: Oh, I've just heard that Marie, my girlfrind, has to moving away the city because her father works in Barcelona.
Ferran: Oh, right. Sorry to hear that. It isn't the end of the world though.
Jordi: I know, but I'm really going to miss him.
Ferran: Don't take it too badly - at least she won't be very far away and if you want, you can visit him in Barcelona.
Jordi: That's true, I suppose.
Ferran: Look at it this way - if she lives there her father have his work nearly.
Jordi: Yeah, maybe you're right.
Ferran: Cheer up! come on - let's go to a café or something.
Jordi: OK. Thanks, Dean. I feel a bit better now.

Writing unit 7: Changing laws

The government plans to introduce a new law which will mean that students will go to school on saturday in order to improve the level of education. In my view, this would have negative consequences.

In the first place, I believe that free time in weekends are necessary because young people must have a good youth and must have fun. Young people can’t always study because we won’t have time for our hobbies or for meet with friends. So if this new law is introduced, I’ve no doubt that a lot of them will have difficulty in making new friends and meeting with them.

If the aim of the government is improve the marks of the public school students, it seems that there’s a better alternative; if they spent more money on better classrooms and teachers, the students marks in this country will be better.

Writing unit 6: Spending my time

My name is Jordi Marias Parella and I'm a student in Escola Casa Nostra in Banyoles. I'm interested in dubsep music and comedy. Some of my friends are into dubstep too. The people who I spend most time are my mate "El tete" and my friend "El tato". The thing which I like best is playing with my laptop into La Draga park.

I think that in the world there are now a lot of injustice, so I think that we could improve the economic system because the economic crisis it's so dangerous. There aren't many things that make me angr, but one thing that annoys me is when people are rude and ignorant.

As far as the future is concerne, it sometimes worries me that we won't have peace. I find a bit froghtering that there's always a war somewhere in the world. I'm fairly optimistic about my own future thought. In a few years time, I see myself travelling arround the world with a bussines group.

Magazine: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's pop songs are loved by millions of fans... but it's her positive attitude and generosity that make her a real star.

From the moment the 14-years old singer arrived in the city of nashville, USA, it was clear she was destined for success. Taylor Swift moved to American country music capital from her home in Pennsylvania for just one reason... she wanted to be a famous country singer. Her songs soon made an impression on music bosses... and her dream became reality.

Early Succes

In 2006, at age 16, Taylor realessed her first single "Tim McGraw" about one of her ex-boyfriends. Love has been a theme of her music ever since. Taylor's public appreciated her intimate, autobiographical songs and in 2008 she was nominated for her first Grammy Award. Then at 2010 Grammy Awards, she became the youngest singer to win Album of the year... at age of 20.

In my opinion Taylor Swift is one of the best pop singers that there are in our world. Maybe the Taylor Swift will be the new Madonna.

Speaking Dialogue Unit 7: How to: apologise for a misunderstanding

Security guard - Ferran Veciana
Skaterboarder - Jordi Marias

Security guard: Excuse me. Can I have a word with you?
Skaterboarder: Yes. There is a problem?
Security guard: I'm afraid so. Did you know that this is private property?
Skaterboarder: No, I didn't.
Security guard: Didn't you see the sign?
Skaterboarder: No, I'm afraid not.
Security guard: Have you been here before to ride a bike?
Skaterboarder: No, I live out of town.
Security guard: Well, if I were you, I'd look for a different place.
Skaterboarder: Ok. Sorry about that. I didn't realize.
Security guard: That's OK. Remember for next time.

Magazine: Who's hot in hollywood?

Who are the young actors that will become the big stars of their generation? Today makes its predictions...

Emma Stone

Our favourite famous girl gets serious

After a series of comic roles, she starred as Gwen Stacey, the love interest las year's The amazing spiderman and had lead role in civil rights drama The help (La coleur des sentiments). Next, she's playing a femme fatale in the crime drama Gangster squad. Suddenly, everyone is waking up to the fact that Emma Stone is one of the most talented actresses in the Holywood, comfortable with comedy and drama.

In my opinion Emma Stone will be one of the next big stars of Hollywood becouse she only got 25 years and she do lots of movies as a protagonist, i think that she will be an icon of 10's movies.


You can watch the movies of emma stone here:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1297015/?ref_=sr_1

Speaking Dialogue Unit 6: How to: discuss a questionnaire

Jordi: Hey, Ferran. We're doing a questionnaire about identity. Do you want to have a look?
Ferran: Yeah, go on then. Ask me something.
Jordi: OK, I'll ask you the most interesting questions. What hairstyle do you prefer?
Ferran: Er, though short hair...
Jordi: Yes, me too. Right, do you usually know what music someone likes from the clothes they wear?
Ferran: Oh, that's so easy. Not always, no.
Jordi: No, me neither. OK. How about this one - do you prefer hang out with a group of friends, or alone?
Ferran: I prefer a group, of course!
Jordi: Oh, me to! I love hang out with friends!
Ferran: We're equal.
Jordi: It looks like it, yes.

Speaking Dialogue Unit 5: How to: change something in a shop

Ferran: Hello. Are you ok there?
Jordi: Yes, hi. I was given these playstation 4 as a present but it doesn't works. Is it OK if I change them?
Ferran: That should be OK. Have you got the receipt?
Jordi: Yes, here you are.
Ferran: OK. well actually. We've should out of those console, I'm afraid. You can chose something else if you like.
Yes, sure. the test-consoles are over there.
Jordi: What do you think of Wii U? Isn't it too expensive, is it?
Ferran:No. I don't think so. It's really funny.
Jordi: OK. I'll take then. Thanks.

Writing Unit 5: Write about the story of a product

Smartphones got their name because smart means intelligent and smartphone means intelligent mobile phone that has the same functionality than a microcomputer with the ability of surf to the internet or play video games. Most of the smartphones are manufactured in china and designed in the united States or Japan. The firsts smartphones appeared in 2007 when Apple introduced their new mobile phone, the Iphone.

Smartphones become more popular in 2010 when Samsung and Sony started to sell new mobile phones with android. And apple introduce their new mobile device, the Ipad. A smart-device like smartphones with a big screens.

These days, smartphones are popular all over the developed countries. There is no one that don't know what are a smartphone. The problem of smartphones are that most of them are expensive and every year the designers design a new version of them. 

The british islands INTERNET PROJECT

Look again at charles Darwin. Connect to the internet and go to www.blackcat-cideb.com. Insert the title or a part of the title of the book into our search engine. Open the page for the british isles. Click on the internet project link. Then answer the following questions.

• Where can you sometimes see Darwin's face?
•  I can see Drawin face on stamps.
• Which city was named after Darwin? Where is it?
•  The Darwin city is in the north of australia
• Who was jenny?
•  Was the favourite orang-outang of Charles Darwin.
• Did he write his first scientific paper about biology?
•  No it was about letters
• What percentage of British people believe in evolution?
•  The 51% believe in evolution
• Did Darwin write On the Origin of Species for scientists only?
•  No he write it for everyone
• Did his father expect him to be famous?
•  No, the father of Darwin didn't expect that.
• What did Darwin study at the university? Was he successful?
•  He study medicine
• What did Darwin do with his specimen of the lesser rhea?
•  He talk about the evolution of the birds.
• Which islands did he explore?
• He explore the Galapagos islands

Speaking Dialogue Unit 4: How to: Ask for and give information

Assistant Ferran: Hello, there. Can I help you?

Jordi: Yes, I'm staying in Banyoles with a friend next week and we were wondring if there's anything to see around there. Have you got any information?

Assistant Ferran: Yes, there are day trips to Les Estunes caves if you're interested. I'll get you a leaflet.

Jordi: That sounds good. What time do the trips leave?

Assistant Ferran: oh, they're fairly regular - They go every day except Sunday at twelve.

Jordi: OK. And how much is the trip? We have got Carnet jove.

Assistant Ferran: Let's see. Well, in that case it's 2€ per person. the full price is 12€.

Jordi: That's fine. We'll go on Monday, then. Do we need to book it?

Assistant Ferran: I'll book it for you if you like. Can I take your names?

Writing Unit 4: Write about plans for a visit

Hi, Joel

I'm just writing to check that everything's OK for your visit.

I think you'll like Banyoles. On Saturday morning, we're doing a trip with my friends because they really want to show you El Pla de l'Estany. We'll be free in the afternoon, so we'll probably go to the La Draga parc to meet again with some of my friends, and we could either walk around the lake or go to the gym. It's up to you. I expect we'll end up in one of the cafés in the plaça major.

On Sunday, we could ride a bike around El Pla del Estany. There are some typical Catalan villages around here, like Centenys or St. Miquel de Campmajor. There isn't too much to do in them, but they're very pretty places. I'll get some photos and you can have a look.

We're going to meet you at the railway station tomorrow in Girona, so can you remind me what tine your train gets in?

Looking forward to seeing you.

Speaking Dialogue Unit 3: How to: Exchange opinions

Jordi: Hi, Ferran. Have you seen these?
Ferran: No, what are they?
Jordi: They're posters  for an anti-smoking campaign. All the studens in the school have to say which one's best, and why.
Ferran: Let's see what do you think?
Jordi: I don't know... Probabily the right one, because it has got a clearer message. Do you agree?
Ferran: I don't agree with you, I prefer the other, because i like the message of the photo.
Jordi: Why's that?
Ferran: Will, I reckon you should be positive. For me, the one on the right is very negative, and scary...
Jordi: Mmm. You might be right there.

Novel: Four weddings and a funeral

Some Characters:

Charles: Charles is an Englishman who is always late, He is handsome but he have some problems with marriage because he had a lot's of girlfriends but he never find the "special one".

Scarlett: Lives with Charles and she is always late too.

Carrie: Is an American woman that meet Charles in the first wedding. After this wedding she became engaged with Hamish but in the end of the movie she split up with him.

Hamish: He's the carrie's fiance but in the end of the story she split up with him.

Gareth: He dies suddenly of a heart attack. He has a beard and is very fat.

Vocabulary

Asile: A long passage between rows of seats, in a chrch or plane, for example.

Best man: The man who helps bridegroom on his wedding day.

Bride: A woman on her wedding day

Bridegroom: A man on his wedding day.

Bridesmaid: A girl or woman, usually unmarried, who helps a bride on her wedding day.

Coffin: The box or case in which the body of a dead person is placed for burial; casket.

Gloomy: Dark or dim; deeply shaded.

Groom: A bridegroom.

Honeymoon: A vacation or trip taken by a newly married couple.

Maid: A girl or young unmarried woman.

Nod: To make a slight, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent, greeting, or command.

Smart: To be a source of sharp, local, and usually superficial pain, as a wound.

Undone: Brought to destruction or ruin.

Self-conscious: Excessively aware of being observed by others.

Rusty: Covered with or affected by rust.

wedded: Married

Writing Unit 3: Write a discussion essay

Are you for or against using animals for medical research?

At the moment, it is legal in some countries to use animals for mediacl research, although there are arguments both for and angainst this practice.

One of the arguments for use animals for medical research is that we could use them to test new medicines. In addition, scientists could use these animals to find medicines to cure some illnesses.

On the other hand, there is a moral problem because the animals must have their own rights and some of them die when are testing a medicine. Also, some people say that we shouldn't allow using animals for medical research.

All in all, I'm not in favour of using animals for research experiments. I believe that if it continues, we should have stricter controls on research and experiments.

Speaking Dialogue Unit 2: How to: Invite someone out

Jordi: Hi, Ferran. I haven't seen you for a month. How are things?
Ferran: Very good. How are you, are you OK?
Jordi: Yes, I'm. Hey, have you seen that new comedy film yet? It's on at the central square in town every night this week.
Ferran: No, I haven't, but I've heard it's very funny.
Jordi: I'm going to see it with some friends tomorrow. Do you fancy coming?
Ferran: Yeah, I'll coming. That would be great. What time?
Jordi: I think it's at 7 o'clock. I'll text you, OK?
Ferran: All right. See you later then, Jordi.
Jordi: OK. Bye, Ferran.

Writing Unit 2: Ask for advice about a relationship

Hi Jonny,
We've been on holiday here in Filipines for a week now and I've just met this girl, Megan. She's absolutely gorgeous, but I'm not sure how I feel about him. I need your advice.

I met him on the beach yesterday and she invited me to dance with her. Both of us were having a real laught and Megan invited me to a party with her friends. When we were there, she basically ignored me and started flirting with a Canadian boy. But when i said goodbye, she walked to the bus stop with me and neither of us could stop talking.

I've been thinking about things a lot since then. I'll probably see her later, but I'm not sure what to do if she asks me out. She seems very diferent when she's with his friends. What do you reckon?

Jordi