For, in, on, to or from?!

Check out this list of common verb + prepositions:

FOR	IN	ON	TO	FROM
apologise for	participate in	focus on	object to	suffer from
hope for	be inherent in	insist on	be allergic to	choose from
wait for	be lacking in	concentrate on	belong to	recover from
pay for	believe in	depend on	subject to	save s/o from

Tip!
When you come across new verbs, always write them down and learn them with their preposition if they have one.

Exercise:
How many phrases can you write using the verbs above?

Music is GREAT!

Right guys, watch part one again so that you can complete your homework (Gianni!!) and then watch part two. Try doing the tasks!

Food is GREAT Britain

Short video describing modern attitudes to British food culture and dispelling myths about overcooked meat and soggy veggies!

How many different dishes can you pick up?

Interview Dos and Don'ts

Check out the video from this week's conversation class on what to do and what not to do during a job interview:

Different points of view

We watched Derek Sivers: Weird, or just different?
on TED talks. Remember you can download the transcript to understand it in more detail.

More listening:
A few years ago HSBC put together a global campaign on cultural differences: it makes the point of cultural perceptions in a clear & funny way, giving examples from all over the world. Their slogan is “The world’s local bank”!  

Check out some of the adverts they made:

http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_different.html

4 ways to use SHOULD

Should I stay or should I go?

"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.

Examples:

1. Recommendation

• When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in Potsdam. 

2. Advice

• You should focus more on your family and less on work.

3. Obligation

• I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. 

4. Expectation

• By now, they should already be in Dubai.

Need practice? Check out these links:

Test your modals: 

click here for explanation of should and shouldn't plus plus quick grammar quiz

click here for a quick quiz to test your knowledge of common modals - easy

click here for a quick quiz to test your knowledge of common modals - medium

*Conversation Class 9/10/2013

Mind your language! - Conversation Class 24/9/2013

I like your pants! 

Some new expressions from yesterday's lesson:

What comes to mind when you think about ...?

Mind your language/tongue!

Don't rub it in!

I'm chuffed to bits for you!

Watch out!
Pay attention v Be careful

I didn't want TO do something.

I listen TO something

They had my same age (x)
They were the same age as me ( ok )

Or they couldn't speak English, or they couldn't understand me. (x)
Either they couldn't speak English, or they couldn't understand me. ( ok )

Culture and different points of view - Conversation Class 23/7/2013

Notes from discussion 24/7/2013

Some new vocab from yesterday's lesson (it's all about the 's'!):

strict (severo)
snobby (ovvio!)
stuck up (person who thinks they are better than / above others)
standoffish (aloof / reserved)
stereotypes

We also watched Derek Sivers: Weird, or just different?
on TED talks. Remember you can download the transcript to understand it in more detail.

More listening:
A few years ago HSBC put together a global campaign on cultural differences: it makes the point of cultural perceptions in a clear & funny way, giving examples from all over the world. Their slogan is “The world’s local bank”!  

Check out some of the adverts they made:

http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_different.html

Useful Expressions for Telephoning - Conversation Class 17/7/2013

Conversation Club
martedi' sera
Via dei serragli, 79/r

Hi guys,

Good class yesterday!

Here below you can find useful expressions for dealing with phone calls:

Introducing yourself. Phrases to use when you place the call.

When calling a general number:

- May I speak with Marina Smith?

- Hello, this is John Block calling for Marina Smith.

- Is Marina Smith in? (informal)

When the person answers the call directly:

- Hi Marina, it’s John calling.

- Good afternoon, Marina. This is John Block from ABC company calling.

Answering the phone.There are many different ways to answer your phone.

For calls to your direct line:

- Good morning, this is Marina.

- Good afternoon, XYZ firm. How may I help you?

- Marina speaking.

- XYZ firm, Marina speaking.

For calls to your direct line, when the person asks for you by name:

- Speaking (caller says: “Is Marina there?” and Marina replies: “speaking”).

- This is she / this is he (caller says: “Is Marina in?” and Marina replies “This is she”).

For calls to a general number:

- Thank you for calling XYZ. How may I direct your call?

Connecting someone. When you answer the phone and it is for somebody else.

- One minute, I’ll transfer you now.

- Please hold and I’ll put you through.

- Let me see if Jim is available.

- One moment, please.

- Hang on a minute. (informal)

When you need to put somebody on hold

- Jim is on another line at the moment. Would you like to hold?

- I’m sorry, I have a call on my other line. Can you please hold?

When you don’t understand the caller

- Could you please repeat/rephrase that?

- I’m sorry, I didn’t catch what you just said.

- Can you please speak a little more slowly?

- Can you please speak a little louder?

Clarifying what your caller says

- Can you please spell that for me?

- How do you spell your last name?

- And that company name again was, JAQ Industries?

- Let me repeat your information to make sure I got it right.

Ending a conversation

- It’s been great talking with you. I’ve got a meeting now so I better run.

- Thanks for calling. I’ll speak with you again soon.

- I’ve got another call coming in. Good talking to you.

- I better let you go.

- It’s 5 o’clock already. I better let you go.

- Let’s touch base on this again in a few days.

- Nice to speak to you, let’s speak again soon

Conversation Class 9/7/2013 - Rachel's Interview

Here's the clip we watched yesterday!

This is a slightly longer version with the subtitles:

If you want to watch it without subtitles, click here.

Remember:

To give advice we often use: should and shouldn't:

Should = it's a good idea

Shouldn't = it's not a good idea.

Watch out! Don't have to means that it isn't necessary

You don't have to come to the party tonight (if you don't want to).

What is the difference in meaning?!:

1. You mustn't wear jeans
2. You shouldn't wear jeans
3. You don't have to wear jeans

Conversation Class Lesson Notes 2/7/2013

Great job organising the surprise parties! We were really hungover this morning ... which means the party was a success ;)

Here is some language that we looked at:

I'm dying to do something = I'd love to do something
I'm dying to see the new James Bond film

Picky = choosy
I like all kinds of food; I'm not picky!

Grab = get something quickly
I only have half an hour for lunch, so I'll just grab a sandwich.

Split the bill = go Dutch
Let's split the bill!

No big deal = I don't mind; it's not so important
I can't go out tonight.
No big deal. I'll see you next week

To treat someone to something i.e dinner or food = to buy it for them as a gift
You've worked so hard on that project, so I'll treat you to dinner


Question Tags
You're Italian, aren't you?
You live in Florence, don't you?


Remember:

I'm going to a dinner party.
I'm going out to dinner or I'm going out for dinner.
I'm having a dinner party tonight.
I went to dinner last night.
I went out for dinner last night.

Not: I had a dinner

Conversation Class Lesson Notes:25/6/2013

Great class last night guys! Here are the notes from the lesson. Can you remember what everything means?!

In regard to English, which area do you want to improve on the most?

In regard to English, which area do you want to improve on the most?

In regard to English, which area do you want to improve on the most?
	Speaking
	Comprehension
	Reading
	Writing
	Grammar
	Why not all?
pollcode.com free polls

5 things you can do to improve your English comprehension

If you want your English to improve, it essential that you try to listen to as much real English as possible. (And that means listen to as many different accents as possible!)

Here are some suggestions:

What can I listen to? 

• Listen to podcasts - they're free and there are lots available
• we love: http://www.eslpod.com/website/index_new.html

• Watch TV series (from the UK, USA and Australia ) 
• Choose one you like, you'll be more motivated to watch it. Try watching with and without subtitles
• No time to watch a whole episode? Check out clips from YouTube: We love, Friends, Cheers, Frasier ...
• Or sign up to English Attack: http://it.english-attack.com/ It isn't free, but it is a really good resource for learning English

• Listen to music - download the lyrics from the net and sing sing sing! learn the words by heart.*
• We would recommend The Beatles - the songs are easy to remember and the words are quite clear. A good thing to do is choose a few songs you like and then google the lyrics - that way you can see the words so that you can understand better. 
• Also this website is great: http://www.tuneintoenglish.com/ You can search the grammar you want to practise, and it will give you a song to learn. 

• Listen to digital radio or the World Service
• Next time you have to clean the house, or do the dishes, put the radio on in the background - you don't have to actively listen to it. We love the BBC iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/ 

• Like reading? Buy a graded reader with audio CD
• Read and Listen, or listen first, then read after to check your comprehension. You can select the level of English that you want. You can find these books in any international bookstore or on Amazon 

Seminario: Come trovare lavoro in UK dall’Italia

Come trovare lavoro in UK dall’Italia 

Seminario a Firenze in lingua ITALIANO e INGLESE

Attraverso l’esperienza diretta di due persone che hanno trovato lavoro a Londra, parleremo delle competenze necessarie e dei passi da compiere per trovare lavoro in inghilterra.

Agenda

- come funzionano le agenzie di recruitment in UK

- il cv e le parole chiave

- organizzare i colloqui a Londra (viaggi e frequenza)

- Interviews

- English level needed

- siti di annuci di lavoro

PROGRAMMA

Il seminario ha una durata di 1.5 -2 ore con inizio alle ore 20.00.  

DOVE 

Firenze - c/o Spazio COMBO Via dei Serragli 79/R (Zona Santo Spirito)

QUANDO

Martedi' 18 Giugno ore 20.00

PREZZO: €10

Prenota: http://www.eventbrite.it/event/6884442553

5 ways to open a formal e-mail in English

After our workshop this week on Effective E-mailing in English, we thought it would be nice to share some of the useful expressions that we covered.

Below are 5 phrases you can use near the beginning of a formal email:

1. I am writing in connection with...
2. With regard to... / With reference to ….
3. Thank you for your email received 12 February
4. I apologize for not getting in contact ….
5. Please find attached my report.

"Do you have any news?" v "Do you have some news?"

This question came up in class yesterday ...

What is the difference between asking:

Do you have any information about the project?
and
Do you have some information about the project?


The most simple answer is:

• If you expect the answer to be either Yes or No, use "any".

• If you expect the answer to be Yes, use "some".

For example: if I said, "Do you have some news for me?",  it would mean I was expecting news; that I knew there was news and I wanted you to tell me what it was.

If I said "Do you have any news?" it would mean there might not be any news.

Translation:

Do you have any info about the project?  --  Hai qualche informazione sul progetto?

Do you have some info about the project? -- Hai un po 'di informazioni sul progetto?

Compare:

Do you have any time tomorrow? -> Suggests that I know you are always very busy.

Do you have some time tomorrow? -> I'm expecting that you will have time tomorrow.

Can you guess the phrasal verb?

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Easter Traditions in the UK

Eggs and Hot Cross Buns! 

Eggs form a major part of Easter celebrations in Scotland. Egg hunts and decorating contests are held throughout the nation. Boiled eggs are given to the participants for painting and on Easter Sunday, egg-rolling contests are held!  You must roll your painted egg down a hill. The one, whose egg reaches the bottom of the hill first, wins the game.  It is believed that rolling off the eggs symbolize the waving away stone from the tomb of Christ.

The Easter festival not only brings along with it all the extreme festivities, but also yummy treats like the hot cross buns! Hot cross buns are an extremely delicious treat – leavened spiced buns made with ingredients like raisins and sugarcoated citrus fruits. They also have a cross-pastry icing to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Make it a point to share the buns with family and friends, as it is believed that the sharing ensures cordial relations and friendliness throughout the year. 

During the time of sharing, “Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be” is usually said to spread harmony and cheer. The origin of the hot cross buns lies in the pagan traditions of ancient culture wherein the cross of the bun is said to represent the four quarters of the moon. 

Hot Cross Bun Facts: 

• They are generally prepared on Good Friday to symbolize the ruthless death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• The pastry that is placed on top of the buns symbolizes and reminds people of the Cross, on which Lord Jesus was crucified.
• Hot cross buns are also considered to be one of ancient Pagan cakes which were eaten eaten by Anglo-Saxons in honor of their goddess “Eastore”.
• Hot Cross Buns are also related to a number of superstitions like people believed by hanging the buns, they can protect themselves and their house from all sorts of evil spirits. They also thought that the buns are gifted with a magical power of curing.

Happy Easter everyone!

Every girl needs a hubby like this!

How the Italian elections are being viewed in the UK

Have a look at The Guardian's interpretation of the election results in Italy.
Click here for full article

Here we have the highlights for you:

Neither right nor left had an outright majority in the upper house, where the balance will be held by Beppe Grillo's Five Star Movement (M5S). Grillo has ruled out supporting either side in his drive to sweep away Italy's existing political parties and the cronyistic culture they support – a sentiment he appeared to reiterate after the countby insisting the M5S was not planning on "any stitch-ups, big or small" and lambasting Berlusconi's voters for committing "a crime against the galaxy".


In an audio message broadcast live online, Grillo said that, after his movement's "exceptional" results, the mainstream parties were "finished, and they know it". "We've started a war of generations … They've been there for 25 to 30 years and they've led this country to catastrophe," he said. "We will be an extraordinary force … We will be 110 inside [the parliament] and several million outside."


The result indicated that fresh elections were a strong possibility and, at best, foreshadowed a weak government unable to pass the tough reforms Italy needs to enhance its grim economic prospects.


European leaders have been desperate to see a stable government in Italy, and are likely to be horrified at the triumph of populism in the eurozone's third biggest economy.

Grillo, and to a lesser extent Berlusconi – both showmen politicians – were the victors. The understated Bersani saw an initially substantial lead in the polls slip away. Angelino Alfano, named by Berlusconi as the right's prime minister in case of victory, said the result was "very positive – I would say extraordinary, even – and we are very satisfied".

Turnout in the election was about 75% – the lowest since the Italian republic was founded after the second world war...... But it was rooted in widespread disillusionment over the corruption and stagnation in Italian politics.

Now that risk is fast taking shape again. Berlusconi is deeply mistrusted in the markets and Grillo wants a referendum on whether Italy should quit the euro. Mired in recession, Italy has had a decade of economic near-stagnation followed by a year of punishing austerity that has made the pledges of both men – though lambasted by their opponents as unfeasible – highly attractive.

It's a piece of cake!

There are a lot of idioms and expressions in English that involve food. But most of their meanings don't actually have anything to do with food! 

Listen to this lesson from Jon Teaches English where he teaches you food expressions. (American accent)


After the lesson, take the quiz at http://www.engvid.com/food-idioms/ .

Keep Calm and Carry On

We are constantly being bombarded with different versions of the iconic Keep Calm and Carry On image, but have you ever wondered where the original poster came from? 

Watch this short video which explains why the poster was designed in the first place and why such a heart-warming phrase from a bygone decade still has so much appeal and resonance today. 

10 modi per chiedere di ripetere una cosa in inglese

 
La verita' e che anche gli English native speakers (madrelingua) spesso non si capiscono nelle conversazioni. E’ quindi necessario nella vita di tutti i giorni sapere come chiedere di ripetere una frase o un concetto al nostro interlocutore in inglese.

In particolar modo nella vita lavorativa o quando si viaggia,  si viene in contatto con tanti accenti diversi inglese, scozzese, americano, australiano, neozelandese, solo per citarne alcuni. Tutti questi accenti accenti sono tra loro molto differenti e richiedono un tempo di adattamento dell’orecchio prima di poter comprenderli.

Non sono solo gli accenti dei madrelingua a cui dobbiamo fare l’abitudine e l’orecchio, immaginate di parlare in inglese con un cinese, uno spagnolo o un tedesco. Pensate di riuscire a capire tutto al primo colpo? Magari durante una conversazione telefonica?

Ecco quindi 10 modi di chiedere di ripetere che ho imparato vivendo due anni a Londra

1) Say it again, please? Pronuciato con tono tra l’interrogativo e l’esclamativo.
2) Sorry, could you repeat that?
3) I didn’t understand the last sentence
4) I didn’t catch that, could you repeat please?
5) I didn’t catch that, can you say it again?
6) What was the last thing you said?
7) Could you please clarify the last point?
8) You are speaking too fast for me, could you speak more slowly please?
9) (on the phone) I can’t hear you very well - could you please speak louder?
10) (on the phone) It's a bit noisy here, could you repeat it please?