Creativity

Hi everyone,
I've just seen a video that I'd really like to share with you.

I just loved it! Creativity really does take time and I would also say that tired minds can't produce much. As a teacher,  I have been through moments where my creativity just disappeared. I was exausted and no matter how hard I tried no ideas came to my mind.
Our minds need breaks, vacations, change of habits! Let's take care of our minds!

Expression of the Week - 24/7

So this week I went a little crazy and decided to make a video to explain the expression of the week. It's very playful because I used all the fuctions of the program I have for making videos.

I hope you had fun watching this video and that you could understand the expression.

See you soon!

Difference between Cearense and British people

I have just seen this image on facebook and I started laughing hard.
The man is drowning and needs someone to help him, but he can't just scream: "Help!" The British are known for being very polite people and they always apologize (in british "apologise) for everything.
On the other hand, I am from Brazil and was born in a city called Fortaleza which is in the state of Ceará. Beautiful city, really wonderful beaches, but we have a little problem:when we speak we use the imperative 100% of the time! It's not because we are rude, it's just the way we are.
So, picture number 1 would be completely accepted in Ceará.
If you are in England remember to use the magic expressions: excuse me, I wonder if, I'm afraid I can't..., I'm terribly sorry, please and thank you

How are things in your country or city? Which picture would best describe it?

Conversation Activity- Laughter :-)

It's really a shame that I can't have nice discussions here on the blog. I know it's complicated to post comments and most people don't feel secure when they have to give personal information.
If you are a Facebook friend and would like to give your opinion, suggestion or leave a comment about the topic you can write it on Facebook too, ok?!
Anyways, this week a video from Youtube caught my attention and I used it with some of my conversation students.
                                                 Medical Benefits of Laughter

Did you watch it? What do you think about the research presented on the video?
According to this research what happens to our blood vessels when we laugh?
Do you agree with this research?

Just in case you haven't laughed today, here is another video that might help you a little:

Leave your answers and your comments!

Thanks for reading!

Other Topics

In the past weeks I've been posting activities to help you prepare for traveling.There are many other topics that we can work with to prepare you for your touristic trip. This is just a taste of what you can learn through our Skype Classes.
And if what you need is business english,you've come to the right blog! Take a look at this lesson.

Nas últimas semanas postei atividades que te ajudam a se preparar para uma viagem. Existem muitos outros tópicos com os quais podemos trabalhar para te preparar. Isso é só uma provinha do que você pode aprender através das nossas aulas pelo Skype.
E se o que você precisa é de inglês para o trabalho, veio para o blog certo! Dê uma olhada nessa lição:

En las últimas semanas he posteado actividades que te van a ayudar a prepararte para un viaje. Hay muchos otros temas con los cuales podemos trabajar. Estos son sólo algunos ejemplos de lo que puedes aprender con las clases de inglés por Skype. Si lo que estás buscando es inglés de negocios, este es tu blog. Dale una mirada a la siguiente lección.

A Job Interview


Useful Vocabulary

• application - a request for employment.
• résumé (CV) - personal, educational and professional qualifications and experience prepared by an applicant for a job.
• cover letter - a letter sent with the résumé as an introduction. Some say it is in use anymore.
• position - a post of employment (as a chef, as a doctor, as a teacher...)
• candidate - the person that applies for a job.
• skills - abilities.

Dialogue

Employer: Thanks for coming Mr. Sanders. I received your résumé and it seems you could be a part of our company. Why would you like to work for us?
Candidate: Well, your company has an impressive reputation on the market and now that you've opened a branch here I thought it would be the perfect opportunity.
Employer: That's good to hear. Could you tell me a little bit about your current job?
Candidate: Well, I'm a head broker in a local company. I deal with clients on a daily basis, handling all aspects of their accounts personally.
Employer: Why do you think you are the right candidate for this position?
Candidate: I have a lot of experience in the stock market. And I enjoy working with people. As a matter of fact, in my current job I'm in charge of a team of 8 brokers.
Employer: I see, great! What would you say your greatest weakness is ?
Candidate:I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied. However, I began setting time-limits for myself If I noticed this happening.
Employer: Thanks for answering all the questions. Is there anything you would like to ask?
Candidate: Yes. If you were hired, how many accounts would I be handling?
Employer: You'd be working with two other head brokers, so you'd be handling about a third of our clients. Do you have any other question?
Candidate: No, not at the moment.
Employer: Well, I'll discuss your application with my partners and we'll get back to you next week.
Candidate: Ok, thanks.

For practice of this topic you can watch this video. It shows a job interview and some aspects of grammar, there is also a parallel funny video which can be more difficult to understand if you are a beginner:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppqcn1CiKEo

If you have an interview coming up here is another video that helps you prepare for it. Some Do's and Don't's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epcc9X1aS7o