Pre-registration for next year

If you're thinking of taking the C1 course or maybe starting a new language, don't forget to pre-register (until June 10th).

June Final Exam

ADVANCED 2	MORNING CLASS	EVENING CLASS
WRITTEN EXAM	JUNE 14th      TIME:  3.45PM         Room 4	JUNE 14th         TIME:  3.45PM         Room 6
SPEAKING EXAM	JUNE 20th        TIME: 10AM Room 1	JUNE 21st        TIME: 3.45PM Room 5

Some recommended posts for your writing and speaking

Here are some recommended posts by Cork English Teacher:
Cover letter
Writing essays
Functional language
Extreme adjectives
-ed endings

How to make a book report

You have to make a 5-minute oral book report in mid-May. 

Here are some pointers: 

 

 Introduction

You should state the book's title, the topic, and the author's name. Include publication information as well as the book's genre and the setting.

Body

• Did you enjoy the book?
• Was it well written?
• Which characters play important roles that relate to the overall theme?
• Is this book a part of a series?
• What is the writing style?
• Plot summary. (Try not to spoil the ending in case your classmates feel like reading the book.)
  

  Conclusion

• Was the ending satisfactory?
• Would you recommend this book?  
• Your opinion

(Adapted from http://homeworktips.about.com/od/writingabookreport/a/report.htm )

Bruno Mars Grenade

The canoe couple

Click to read the story of the Darwins: The canoe couple

Formal letters

• Letters of complaint  Samples at the bottom 
• Letter of complaint : organisation
• Formal letters
• 
   
  

   Writing formal letters to complain:

  FORMAL LETTER
  Dear Sir/Madam ( when you don’t know the name → Yours Faithfully)
  Dear Mr X (→Yours Sincerely)
  
  
  Reason for writing:
  
  

  Who I am (not the name!), What I want, When and Where it happened

  •   I am writing in order to complain about /I am writing to complain about
  • I am writing with regard/reference to (the article which appeared when/where) to express my concern about/disappointment with/dissatisfation with/disapproval of/apologies for (motivation)
  Introducing the complaint:
  
  
  • Firstly/In the first place/First of all/ My first complaint is/
    To begin with/
  • The first thing I would like to draw your attention to is /My first concern is
  
  

  •  According to your (brochure/article)/ Your (brochure/article) states that..
  • However, ...
  • , which is completely wrong
  Introducing further complaints:
  
  
  • Secondly/In the second place/Not only .......but also /In addition, /In addition to this/ Added to this/Moreover/In fact/Furthermore/In addition/Finally
    
    
    (I feel) I must also (dis)agree with/ I would like to/ I want to point out that
    
    
  •   X was also unacceptable
  
  
  Demanding action:
  
  
  • I suggest that you replace the item
  • I would be grateful if my money was refunded
  • I would be grateful if you could give me a full refund 
  • I trust/very much hope you will (print this letter in the next issue of your newspaper)
  • I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would
  • It seems only fair that you should
  • In light of the above (I feel I am entitled to a full refund and a formal apology)
  Ending the letter:
  
  
  • I look forward to hearing from you
  • I look forward to receiving a full refund
  • I look forward to receiving a replacement
  • I look forward to receiving your explanations

Language for speaking exam

Follow this link to Elisa's  post with a very useful handout on phrases for your speaking exam

Cleft sentences

Follow the link to download a pdf with explanation + exercises with key:      Cleft sentences

Street Style Fashion

• Street Style Fashion - London
• New York 
• How to dress like a hipster