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Relationships between Animal Personalities

For an ecosystem to remain stable, it must contain a wide diversity of species. It is also important that the ratio of these species is balanced, since an overabundance of predators could wreak havoc on the ecosystem. If predators were not present at all, then prey animals would overpopulate the environment causing overgrazing and disease. Interestingly, the ratio between predators and prey in nature seems to be mirrored in our own society. Larger animal personalities like elephants, giraffes, and gorillas cannot be supported in large numbers since their bulky personalities put a disproportional stress on the social environment. Conversely, smaller personalities like mice, otters, beavers, and sheep are found in great numbers throughout the concrete jungle.

The ratio of predators to prey in human society is maintained through a process of social pressure. Consider the artificial environment of prisons. In these overcrowded inhospitable conditions, someone who was previously a combative warthog might be unable to survive in a society dominated by crocodiles and lions. By backing away from his assertive stance and manifesting the more gregarious personality of a herbivore, this prisoner can seek the protection of the herd in order to survive. Carnivorous personalities are territorial and require more personal space than their herbivorous counterparts.

Courtship Rituals

From the subtle and coy techniques of the mouse and cottontail personalities, to the aggressive displays of the lion and wolf, every species employs a unique mating strategy. These sorts of behaviors come naturally to us and a visit to a public park quickly reveals our animal personalities in action. Young girls walk by, often arm in arm, pretending not to notice the watching boys displaying their own mating behavior. Some boys adopt masculine stances, lounging around with their legs apart, calling aggressively to the females. Others will feign disinterest and use subtle body language and eye contact to stake their claims.

A male wolf personality might pursue a female sable by first surrounding himself with friends for moral support and then carefully and indirectly approaching the female. If comfortable with these advances, the female will display her interest by moving slowly away from the pack-taking care not to withdraw too far. As the male continues his hunt, she will turn and cautiously engage the group. This stalking approach is not for the male weasel. To seduce a female warthog personality he must first gain the trust of this cantankerous lady by hiding his true intentions with a small gift or an offer of friendship. If successfully swayed by these advances, the female warthog soon finds herself lured into an uncomfortably unbalanced relationship with the wily weasel.
The rules that govern our mating behaviors are instinctive and deeply rooted. In a number of mammalian species, when males reach middle age they respond to a biological realization that they are no longer in their prime. Aging silverback gorillas can no longer compete physically or sexually with the upcoming group of younger males, and in a biological panic, their reproductive urges trigger them to make one last fling at mating with younger, more fertile females. In humans, this manifests itself when a middle-aged man suddenly feels the urge to display his wealth by buying a fancy sports car, begins ignoring his wife, and starts a workout routine. This middle-life crisis is simply one example of our response to animal programming.

Animal Magnetism

Fortunately, we humans have the ability to control our own behaviors and are not complete slaves to these drives. Still, it is useful to understand our passions in the light of these powerful animal urges. When a wildcat and a fox get together, they have superficial connections with a common range and nocturnal spirit. However, as a canine, the fox is a natural competitor of the cat and its natural friendliness grates against the cat's tendency to maintain its distance. Over time these tensions conspire to destroy the relationship. Likewise, if a mouse personality married a cat, power conflicts or spousal abuse would quickly destroy the union.

So, all animal personalities should avoid forming close relationships with their species' natural predator. However, this does not mean that all herbivorous personalities must avoid predators. The meek cottontail rabbit might even strike up a friendship with a powerful lion, since lions are disinclined to waste energy chasing elusive, low-calorie rabbits. Although marriage is out of the question, these friendships can be quite enduring. In exchange for companionship and loyalty, the predator provides resources and protection for the cottontail. Animal personalities tend to relate to species that share their ranges. The water personality of the dolphin has much in common with the aquatic sea lion and the pastoral nature of the sheep makes for a compatible mate with the grazing deer. Conversely, animal personalities that live in markedly different environments tend to avoid each other. Birds choose to remain out of reach of the land mammal personalities and the unencumbered lives of the sea dwellers make them awkward mates for complex land creatures. On the other hand, the semi-aquatic beaver is capable of forming relationships with both water-going and land-based animal personalities.

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Mark Otto, Jacob Thornton, and Bootstrap contributors

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Relationships between Animal Personalities For an ecosystem to remain stable, it must contain a wide diversity of species. It is also important that the ratio of these species is balanced, since an overabundance of predators could wreak havoc on the ecosystem. If predators were not present at all, then prey animals would overpopulate the environment causing overgrazing and disease.

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What's your spirit animal? Take the quiz!

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What's your spirit animal? Take the quiz!

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March 4th/5th and 6th/7th - Exam on Units 5,6, and 7

June 3rd/4th and 5th/6th - Exam on Units 8,9, and 10

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Mock 1 - November 13th, 15th, and 20th

Mock B1 - February 9th READING AND WRITING @16h

IN CLASS:

(February 12th LISTENING and February 14th SPEAKING)

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B1 Preliminary for Schools Speaking test - Roberto and Simone | Cambridge English

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MOCK 2

Listening - Tues. February 13th

Speaking - Thurs. February 15th

Reading UOE and Writing - Mon. March 4th

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Cambridge English: CAE Listening 4

Difficulty level: C1 / advanced

In this part, you will hear five speakers. Each speaker talks about a related topic. In this example all the speakers are talking about holidays. There are two blocks of five matching questions. Read the questions carefully before you listen. You can listen to the audio twice. Click on the 'See script' button to review your answers.

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cae  exam practice english language elt efl grammar writing structure cambridge business exercises

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CAE Listening Part 4- free practice test

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Listen to 5 speakers talking about their holidays and do a matching exercise.

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7 TIPS PARA APROBAR EL B2 FIRST CAMBRIDGE FCE - CONSEJOS FÁCILES

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First Certificate in English (FCE) Listening

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FCE Listening - information about this intermediate level exam and links to free practice exercises.

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CAE Practice Tests for Use of English (Cambridge English: Advanced)

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Practice Tests for Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Use of English

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B1 PRELIMINARY CAMBRIDGE 2020 PARTES Y TIPS PARA APROBAR EL EXAMEN

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The online Telephone Game! Play the popular game for free now

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Join a game of Blooket to answer questions and compete in a fierce clash to determine who is the best and what Blook will come out victorious.

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Mock 1 - February 13th LISTENING and 15th SPEAKING

READING AND USE OF ENGLISH - February 14th 16h-19h (Leo @19h)

Mock 2 - May 14th and 16th

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Your Speaking Habits Will Reveal If You’re An Introvert Or An Extrovert

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You probably know what your love language is, but have you ever wondered what your communication style is? This super handy quiz made with Klaviyo, an email marketing platform with SMS, is here to help you find out.

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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18 Small Things You Can Do To Brighten Someone's Day

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Because it's true: A small gesture really can go a long way!

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Complete this quiz for a nice uplifting message

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Complete this quiz for a nice uplifting message

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We'll Give You An Uplifting Fact If You Tell Us What Makes You Feel Good

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VOCABULARIO C1 Advanced - 7 Verbos para mejorar WRITING

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Try to stay within the spending limit, and make sure you make a Wishlist to give your person some good ideas. This is going to be lots of fun!

Try to stay within the spending limit, and make sure you make a Wishlist to give your person some good ideas. This is going to be lots of fun!

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Try to stay within the spending limit, and make sure you make a Wishlist to give your person some good ideas. This is going to be lots of fun! Try to stay within the spending limit, and make sure you make a Wishlist to give your person some good ideas.

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Students complete the chart with nouns, verbs and adjectives. Then they complete the sentences below transforming the words given in the brackets. The exercise is aimed at upper-intermediate students.

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Only A True Perfectionist Can Check 30/30 On This List

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First Certificate in English is an upper intermediate level exam and corresponds to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference. The examination is designed for students who have a satisfactory command of the English language and is recognised by many educational institutions and universities. There are four papers in the exam: Writing, Reading and use of English, Listening and Speaking. Paper 1 has seven parts (52 questions) and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Use of English consists of texts with accompanying vocabulary and grammar tasks. Students are expected to be able to understand different types of texts like magazines and newspaper, fiction, short stories and internet articles. Why not try our free practice tests below.

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Practice Tests for Cambridge English: First (FCE) Use of English

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B2 First Speaking test - Victoria and Edward | Cambridge English

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REPASO WRITINGS B2, EBAU, EOI - Structure, grammar, vocabulary and connectors

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Cómo escribir ARTICLE B2 First Cambridge - Tips y Estructura

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El Speaking B2 First es el examen de Speaking de nivel B2 de Cambridge Assessment English, y es una de las 5 partes que conforman el examen B2 First, anteriormente llamado First Certificate in English (FCE). En este post, dado que el Speaking del B2 es una de las partes más complicadas del B2 First, voy a explicarte exactamente cómo es el Speaking del B2 First, describiéndote cada parte y dándote un ejemplo para cada una. 💪🏼

Speaking B2: Qué es el nivel B2

Tal y como vimos en la guía de Writing del B2 First, es importante definir qué es el nivel B2 cuando hablamos de Speaking. Es decir, ¿qué se espera de un candidato en un examen oral de B2?

El nivel B2, en general, es un nivel intermedio alto, por lo que ya se espera algo más de fluidez que en niveles anteriores, esperando que un candidato de Speaking sepa expresar ideas más allá de lo que le rodea. Pero para hacernos una mejor idea, veamos qué dice el Marco Común Europeo de Referencia para las Lenguas (MCERL), comúnmente llamado Marco de Referencia (MER):

- Realiza descripciones y presentaciones claras y sistemáticamente desarrolladas, resaltando adecuadamente los aspectos significativos y los detalles relevantes que sirvan de apoyo.

- Realiza descripciones y presentaciones claras y detalladas sobre una amplia serie de asuntos relacionados con su especialidad, ampliando y defendiendo sus ideas con aspectos complementarios y ejemplos relevantes.

- Realiza descripciones claras y detalladas sobre una amplia gama de temas relacionados con su especialidad.

- Desarrolla argumentos sistemáticamente, dando un énfasis apropiado a los aspectos importantes y apoyándose en detalles adecuados.

- Desarrolla argumentos con claridad, ampliando con cierta extensión y defendiendo sus puntos de vista con ideas complementarias y ejemplos adecuados.

- Construye cadenas argumentales razonadas.

- Explica puntos de vista sobre un tema, proponiendo las ventajas y las desventajas de varias opciones.

- Puede hacer declaraciones sobre la mayoría de temas generales con un grado de claridad, fluidez y espontaneidad que no provoca tensión o molestias al oyente.

- Realiza presentaciones claras y desarrolladas sistemáticamente, poniendo énfasis en los aspectos significativos y ofreciendo detalles relevantes que sirvan de apoyo.

- Es capaz de alejarse espontáneamente de un texto preparado y de seguir las ideas interesantes sugeridas por miembros del público, mostrando a menudo una fluidez notable y cierta facilidad de expresión.

- Realiza con claridad presentaciones preparadas previamente, razonando a favor o en contra de un punto de vista concreto, y mostrando las ventajas y desventajas de varias opciones.

- Responde a una serie de preguntas complementarias con un grado de fluidez y espontaneidad que no supone ninguna tensión para sí mismo ni para el público.

Como ves, un Speaking de B2 no es ninguna tontería, pues ya se espera del hablante que se pueda desenvolver en situaciones no familiares, con una espontaneidad que dista mucho de un hablante con nivel B1.

Ahora que ya conocemos qué es el nivel B2 del Speaking según el MER, centrémonos en el Speaking del FCE y todas sus partes.

Cómo es el Speaking B2 First

El Speaking B2 First (FCE) consta de 4 partes bien diferenciadas. Cada una de estas cuatro partes está pensada para que el candidato demuestre diferentes destrezas propias de un examen oral de B2. En general, el Speaking del FCE tiene las siguientes peculiaridades:

Tiene 4 partes.

Se realiza en parejas.

Es evaluado por dos examinadores orales.

Durante el examen debes interactuar con tu pareja y con uno de los examinadores, el Interlocutor.

El otro examinador no habla, simplemente evalúa.

Pasemos ahora a describir cada una de las diferentes partes del Speaking del B2 First.

FCE Speaking: Part 1

En el FCE Speaking Part 1 del examen oral del FCE, el interlocutor te preguntará una serie de preguntas personales básicas (de dónde eres, por qué aprendes inglés, experiencias pasadas, trabajos, estudios, etc.). Además, tendrás que expresar tu opinión acerca de varios topics.

Esta parte del Speaking B2 es completamente individual, por lo que únicamente interactúas con el examinador. Sin embargo, tienes que prestar atención a lo que le preguntan a tu compañero, ya que puede que te repitan la pregunta a ti. Para que te hagas una idea de lo que preguntan en la parte 1 del Speaking del First (FCE), te dejo aquí una serie de preguntas descargadas desde la web de Cambridge Assessment English.

Como ves, son preguntas acerca de tus gustos, intereses, experiencias pasadas, etc.

Pasemos ahora al Speaking Part 2 del FCE.

FCE Speaking: Part 2

La Parte 2 del Speaking B2 First es lo que llamamos el "turno largo" para cada candidato. Es decir, en esta parte cada candidato tendrá una intervención más larga que durante el resto del examen. En concreto, cada candidato tendrá que comparar dos imágenes con una pregunta en 1 minuto, de manera individual. Después de ello, tendrá que responder una pregunta acerca de las imágenes que ha comparado el compañero, en 20 o 30 segundos. Es decir, la dinámica del ejercicio sería algo así:

1. Instrucciones del examinador

2. Comparación del Candidato A (1 minuto)

3. Pregunta del Candidato B (20-30 segundos)

4. Comparación del Candidato B (1 minuto)

5. Pregunta del Candidato A (20-30 segundos)

Para que conozcas mejor cómo es la parte 2 del Speaking B2, te dejo aquí unas instrucciones del examinador y, a continuación, las fotos que se supone que compararían los dos candidatos haciendo el B2 First (FCE).

Cuando haces la comparación, en lo que más se van a fijar los examinadores es en cómo de bien comparas, describes, expresas opiniones, especulas, etc. Por lo que te recomiendo que practiques bien esta parte del Speaking para que sea lo más fluida posible.

Por cierto, aunque estas imágenes aparezcan en blanco y negro, en el examen serán a color, así que no te preocupes por eso.

FCE Speaking: Part 3

En B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 3 tendrás que interactuar con tu pareja de examen. En este caso no se espera que hagas un monólogo, como en la parte 2, sino que demuestres que eres capaz de mantener una conversación con tu compañero.

En concreto, en esta parte del Speaking de FCE, el examinador os describe una situación y os plantea una tarea en forma de pregunta y posibles temas que tratar con respecto a la pregunta. Básicamente, lo que tenéis que hacer es hablar sobre las diferentes opciones que os han planteado y trabajar para llegar a un acuerdo.

Al tratarse de una conversación, esta parte del examen de Speaking evalúa cómo intercambias ideas, expresas y justificas opiniones, expresas acuerdo y desacuerdo, sugieres, especulas, evalúas diferentes opciones, etc. El objetivo es llegar a un acuerdo.

La dinámica de esta parte es la siguiente:

1. Instrucciones del examinador

2. Debate (2 minutos)

3. Instrucciones del examinador

4. Debate para llegar a conclusión (1 minuto)

Básicamente, tenéis 2 minutos para debatir las diferentes ideas antes de que el examinador os interrumpa y os pida que lleguéis a un acuerdo. A partir de ese momento, tenéis 1 minuto para concluir la conversación intentando llegar a un acuerdo.

A continuación tienes un ejemplo de las instrucciones del un examinador, incluyendo interrupción y cierre de la parte 3, y lo que tú y tu pareja tendríais delante para debatir: el diagrama con la pregunta y algunas ideas para ayudaros.

FCE Speaking: Part 4

En el FCE Speaking Part 4 First se trata de una mezcla entre un turno largo y una interacción. En esta última parte del examen, el examinador te hará preguntas y tú deberás responder de manera extendida. También es típico que te plantee una afirmación y te pida que expreses tu opinión al respecto, diciendo si estás de acuerdo o no.

Esta parte del Speaking del First comienza con la temática planteada en la parte 3 del Speaking. Es decir, si la parte 3 iba de turismo y vacaciones, la parte 4 comienza con preguntas relacionadas con lo mismo. Y lo que más se evalúa es cómo expresas y justificas tus opiniones.

Para que te hagas una mejor idea, te dejo aquí una serie de preguntas que componen la parte 4 del examen. Lo normal es que el examinador elija unas cuantas, no todas, si no el examen se haría demasiado largo.

Ejemplos de Speaking B2 First (FCE)

En esta sección quiero presentarte un par de ejemplos por escrito de cómo deberían ser tus respuestas. Dada la espontaneidad y naturalidad de las partes 1 y 4 del examen de Speaking del B2, únicamente voy a presentarte ejemplos de cómo deberían ser las partes 2 y 3, es decir, la comparación individual, y la interacción con el compañero.

Ejemplo de Speaking B2 First: Part 2 (FCE)

Instrucciones iniciales del examinador al Candidato A

In this part of the test, I'm going to give each of you two photographs. I'd like you to talk about your photographs on your own for about a minute, and also to answer a question about your partner's photographs.
(Candidate A), it's your turn first. Here are your photographs. They show people who are helping other people in different situations.

(pone las siguientes imágenes frente al candidato Candidate A)

I'd like you to compare the photographs, and say how important it is to help people in these situations.

(introduction) Both of these pictures show people getting some help; the first one shows a football player who seems to be injured whereas the second one is an Asian tourist getting help from a policeman.
(similarities + differences) Although both situations involve someone helping a person, they are very different. In the first one, the football player needs help because he's had an injury and, probably, he can't walk properly. On the other hand, in the second picture, the tourist is probably asking for directions because he might be lost. Also, the footballer is likely to be in pain, while the tourist may only be a little nervous.
(question) As for how important it is to help these people, I'd say it's important in both situations. However, I strongly believe that the footballer needs more help than the tourist, as his situation is obviously more serious.

Pregunta del examinador al Candidato B

(Candidate B), do you find it easy to ask for help when you have a problem?

Well, it depends on the problem, but normally I do. Whenever I have a serious problem I ask my mum or my dad for advice. It's not easy, but I do it. With other problems, I always ask my friends first, because they normally know what to do.

Después de esto, se repite el proceso de igual modo, pero empezando por el Candidato B y terminando con el Candidato A.

Como ves, en esta parte del Speaking B2 se pueden apreciar las siguientes características:

Al Candidato A se le pide que compare 2 imágenes y que responda a una pregunta sobre ellas, la que está en la parte superior de la imagen.

El Candidato A debe hablar más que el Candidato B, ya que en este turno le toca comparar las imágenes.

El Candidato A ha comparado bien las imágenes y ha respondido a la pregunta.

Las expresiones en negrita son expresiones útiles para cualquier comparación.

La comparación del Candidato A sigue un orden marcado bastante claro, lo cual es muy recomendable en esta parte del Speaking del B2.

La pregunta al Candidato B tiene que ver con su experiencia personal y sus preferencias, y no debe extenderse mucho.

Speaking B2: expresiones útiles para comparar imágenes

A continuación te dejo una serie de expresiones útiles que utilizo yo con mis alumnos para realizar las comparaciones. Mi consejo es que elijas las que más te gusten o más naturales te suenen e intentes utilizarlas en todas las comparaciones que hagas para practicar para el examen de Speaking de B2.

Para empezar la comparación:

Both of these pictures show...

These two pictures show...

The two situations in these pictures are...

Consejos para el Speaking B2 First (FCE): Part 2

Veamos una serie de consejos elementales para superar la parte 2 del Speaking del FCE:

Compara, no describas únicamente.

No utilices "and" demasiado e intenta utilizar conectores de contraste como "whereas", "while", "however", etc.

Intenta hablar de las dos imágenes más o menos por igual.

No te olvides de responder la pregunta que viene con las imágenes.

Dirígete al interlocutor, no a tu compañero.

No dejes oraciones a media, acaba siempre de expresar tus ideas.

No divagues ni empieces a hablar de experiencias propias.

Si no has comprendido la tarea bien, pide al interlocutor que repita las instrucciones.

Procura utilizar vocabulario relevante al tema de las imágenes.

¡Sonríe! Una buena sonrisa y una actitud positiva siempre es más comunicativa.

Pasemos ahora a la parte 3 del Speaking del FCE.

Ejemplo de Speaking B2 First: Part 3 (FCE)

Instrucciones iniciales del examinador

Now, I'd like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.
I'd like you to imagine that a town wants more tourists to visit. Here are some ideas they're thinking about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

(El examinador pone la siguiente imagen delante de los candidatos y espera 15 segundos)

Now talk to each other about why these ideas would attract more tourists to the town.

Conversación entre candidatos (2 minutos)

- Candidate A: Shall I go first?

- Candidate B: Sure, go ahead.

- Candidate A: I believe that this option (señalando), "building a large nightclub", will attract tourists, especially young ones who enjoy partying and going out with friends, don't you think?

- Candidate B: Yes, I think so, too. However, it might not be the best type of tourism, because it can disturb neighbours and residents. How about having more shops?

- Candidate A: Oh, that's a great idea. If the city offers a good shopping experience, many people will be attracted to it, which I guess is quite positive for everyone. Wouldn't you agree?

- Candidate B: Yes, of course. Maybe that option could go hand in hand with building holiday flats because. The way I see it, you want tourists to spend more time in your city. So if you have plenty of shops and accommodation, it's the perfect combination, right?

- Candidate A: Yeah, you're absolutely right. But what do you think about the other two options? (señalando)? Do you think they're a good idea?

- Candidate B: Well, if you ask me, putting up security cameras isn't very appealing to anyone. But I suppose parks can be attractive, but I'm not sure how much exactly. What's your take on those two options?

- Candidate A: As you said, security cameras are not appealing at all. As for parks, maybe they are a good thing for residents, but not for tourists, particularly.

Segundas instrucciones del examinador

Tras dos minutos, el examinador interrumpe a los candidatos y dice lo siguiente:

Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which idea would be best for the town.

Candidatos intentando llegar a un acuerdo (1 minuto)

- Candidate B: Well, given our previous comments, I would say that the two best options would probably be the shops and the holiday flats, don't you think?

- Candidate A: Yeah, well, I do agree with you on having more shops, but I think that building a nightclub is more important than holiday flats.

- Candidate B: Okay, I see what you mean, but I don't think the same way. Shall we stick to having more shops then?

- Candidate A: Yes, sure, I also think it's the best one. So do we have an agreement?

- Candidate B: Yes, we do.

Última intervención del examinador

Thank you. Can I have the booklet, please?

Ahora que has leído cómo debería ser una conversación para la parte 3 del Speaking B2 First, pasemos a analizar un poco lo que acabamos de leer:

Los candidatos tienen que interactuar entre ellos, no hacer 2 monólogos por separado.

Es esencial expresar y preguntar opiniones, estar de acuerdo y en desacuerdo, si encarta, y saber cambiar de tema.

La pregunta principal está en el centro de la tarea.

Los candidatos deben debatir las opciones alrededor de la pregunta principal.

Las frases en negrita son expresiones útiles para cualquier conversación de este tipo.

No es requisito indispensable llegar a un acuerdo, pero sí intentarlo.

Speaking B2: expresiones útiles para debatir

En esta sección te voy a dar una lista de expresiones útiles que podrás utilizar en el Speaking B2 First (FCE) Part 3, de manera que puedas elegir unas cuantas para intentar ponerlas en práctica cada vez que hagas esta parte del examen oral. Vamos allá.

Para comenzar el debate:

Shall I start? / Yeah, go on.

Shall I go first? / Of course, go ahead.

Is it okay if I start? / Sure, no problem.

Would you like to go first? / Yes, why not?

Para preguntar a tu compañero:

Para expresar desacuerdo:

I'm afraid I don't see it the same way.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree.

You may be right, but I have a different view.

That might be true, but I'm not sure I agree with you.

I'm sorry, but I don't agree.

Para concluir el debate:

I believe we have an agreement, don't we?

So, do we have an agreement?

Shall we stick to...?

Shall we agree on..?

Consejos para el Speaking B2 First (FCE): Part 3

Veamos una serie de buenas prácticas que te ayudarán a superar la parte 3 del Speaking del FCE:

Debate y pregunta, no hagas un monólogo.

Justifica siempre tus opiniones.

Intenta que la conversación no se centre únicamente en una opción.

Trabaja con tu compañero para que el debate sea fluido.

Ayuda a tu compañero cuando lo necesite.

Haz un esfuerzo por utilizar expresiones útiles para interactuar.

Haz que tus intervenciones sean concisas pero efectivas.

Céntrate en el tema que estáis tratando y no divagues demasiado.

Intenta acabar tus intervenciones con una pregunta a tu compañero.

Dirígete a tu compañero, no al examinador.

¡Sonríe! Una sonrisa siempre causa una mejor impresión y una cara de acelga.

Speaking B2 First (FCE): cómo se evalúa

Una de las preguntas más frecuentes por parte de mis alumnos, candidatos a examen, es cómo se evalúa el Speaking del B2, es decir, qué tienen en cuenta los examinadores orales para calificar esta prueba oral. Pues bien, es bastante sencillo. Los examinadores orales evalúan las siguientes categorías de tu intervención:

Grammar & Vocabulary: Esta categoría obviamente se centra en la corrección gramatical y léxica de tu discurso. Sin embargo, en un Speaking de B2 ya no basta simplemente con no cometer fallos, sino que además el assessor (el examinador que evalúa) se fijará en si aparte de no cometer muchos errores eres capaz de utilizar estructuras gramaticales y vocabulario de nivel intermedio-avanzado, es decir, de nivel B2.

Discourse Management: Este criterio hace referencia a cómo eres capaz de organizar tu discurso. Es decir, el assessor prestará atención a cómo organizas y enlazas tus ideas utilizando conectores, pronombres, y otros elementos lingüísticos de coherencia y cohesión. Además, es importante que puedas realizar un monólogo de manera continuada, sin demasiadas pausas, errores y dudas.

Pronunciation: Este criterio es relativamente fácil de comprender. En el Speaking del FCE se espera que tu pronunciación sea adecuada, que no exista dificultad para entenderte y que exista cierta entonación al hablar.

Interactive Communication: En este sentido, el examinador prestará atención a cómo respondes y preguntas, a cómo intercambias ideas y cómo eres capaz de mantener una conversación de manera natural utilizando mecanismos de interacción: preguntas, afirmaciones y negaciones, estar de acuerdo y en desacuerdo, etc.

Global achievement: Esta nota es la única que otorga el interlocutor (el examinador que habla con los candidatos) y hace referencia al nivel de la intervención global de cada candidato. Se trata de la impresión global a nivel comunicativo que el candidato da a los examinadores a lo largo de su examen oral.

Genial. Creo que con esta MEGAGUÍA ya debes tener una idea bastante buena de cómo es el Speaking del First. Aun así, si tienes alguna sugerencia o alguna pregunta, no dudes en dejarme un comentario, el cual responderé con toda la ilusión del mundo. 😃

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Speaking B2 First (FCE): Guía Completa con Ejemplos | KSE Academy®

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¿Aún no tienes claro cómo es el Speaking B2 First (FCE)? En este post te explico todo lo que necesitas saber del Speaking del FCE, con ejemplos y todo.

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CareGivers of America, Providing You With The Best In Home Healthcare - South Florida

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In conversations or on social media, we've heard about "Generation X" or reference to "Millennials". Most of us are familiar with the term "Baby Boomers". But these days, people seem to throw around labels that some of us may not be aware of.

Let's discuss the various age groups and the names by which they're known.
***Please keep in mind the years listed are approximations. Generations are generally 20-25 year periods, but the beginning and end years can be fluid, depending on research and ever-developing definitions.
Generation Names

The Greatest Generation - born 1901-1927

These folks were indelibly impacted by the Great Depression, which molded their children in regards to frugality. This group was also representative of the majority of soldiers in World War II. If still with us, these folks are between the ages of 98 and 121.

The Silent Generation - born 1928-1945

Those born between these years are actually the smallest group, due to consequences from the Great Depression and World War II. Between the size of the population and the hesitancy to speak out against social issues due to the McCarthy era of government, they earned their name.

In 2022, people in this group are between 77 and 97.

The Baby Boomer Generation - born 1946-1964

Baby boomers, along with Millennials, are one of the most misunderstood and mislabeled groups of the entire list. Countless internet jokes and videos of young people saying "Ok boomer!" in referencing an older person not understanding the modern world and how it works.

The baby boomers are actually one of the most relevant groups in modern society as they were integral and present for many of the technology advances in the last 50 years. They have been more adaptable to modern growth and learning how to function in today's technological age. Boomers are currently between the ages of 58 and 76.

Generation X - born 1965-1980

As with Baby Boomers, Gen X'ers are the most relevant generation of modern times, in relation to technology and serve almost as a bridge from older populations to younger ones. They were present for the inception of the internet, video games, artificial intelligence and is the population that has created many of these advances.

This groups of folks is currently between the ages of 43 and 57.

Millennials - born 1981-1996

As mentioned, alongside of Gen X'ers, Millennials are greatly misunderstood and often mislabeled. Older folks can tend to blame someone younger for being a "Millennial" when they don't understand the values of older times and hold the same views as they did when they were young.

It's quite common to hear someone use the term Millennial to refer to people in their 20s, although true Millennials are between the ages of 28 and 42.

Generation Z - born 1996-2012

This group of younger people is an interesting one. They have been exposed to social media, and were the first population to cope with cyber-bullying and other internet related issues, It was also during this time that school related violence and climate crisis have become more prevalent.

This large group of people are between the ages of 10 and 27.

Gen Alpha - born 2013 - 2025

These are the youngest people in the Unites States and are the first group to be born in the 21st century. They are the first generation to be born to parents who grew up with the internet, cell phones, tablets and social media. They are also inclined to be the most racially diverse and the most technologically adept.

The oldest people in this group would be 9 years old this year.

Wrap Up

While you may not use the generational names in everyday conversation, it's helpful to know the difference between (for example) Baby Boomers and Gen X'ers. The more you know, the more you know!

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2022 Generation Names Explained - CareGivers of America, Providing You With The Best In Home Healthcare - South Florida

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In conversations or on social media, we've heard about "Generation X" or reference to "Millennials". Most of us are familiar with the term "Baby Boomers". But

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In part two of the Cambridge English: Advanced Speaking test, you are given a piece of paper with 3 photos on. The photos are almost always about people.

You have to talk about 2 of the pictures, on your own, for a minute. Then the examiner will ask the other candidate a question about your pictures. Next, the other candidate will have to talk for a minute about some different pictures, and you will be asked a question about those pictures. The technique for answering this follow-up question is the same as Speaking Test Part One - respond in about 3 sentences and try to show off your vocabulary.

In this section we will focus on what to say in your 60 second 'long turn'. In the exam, you don't get time to plan or make notes, so now is the time to prepare! (When you've read the tips, be sure to watch the videos, especially the public coaching one.)

2. HOW TO AVOID COMMON MISTAKES

You are asked to talk about TWO pictures. Choose two and say nothing about the third one.

Weak candidates simply describe the pictures: "I can see a car. The car is red. There is a tree." You aren't asked to describe them. Strong candidates compare the pictures - that's explained more below.

Don't waste the first five seconds by explaining which pictures you have chosen. Just start comparing the pictures! (If you feel you have to make it clear, you can point to the pictures you have chosen.)

Dead air ... is still a crime! You get 60 seconds to do this task. Use all of it! When your time is up the examiner will stop you.

The examiner tells you what to do, but the task is also printed on the page with the photos. Refer to that page to make sure you talk about both bullet points.

While you are comparing the photos, try to look at the examiner and the other candidate from time to time. It's hard because you have to look at the pictures, but strong candidates don't talk to the photos - they talk about the photos.

That's great, Ernesto, but the goal isn't to talk for 60 seconds... the goal is to say as much as you can in the time you are given! So talk a bit faster...
"Whereas in this picture the man is wearing a suit, in this picture the man is dressed in some kind of traditional costume." "While the businessman is sending a text or checking his portfolio, the man in the fluffy hat is checking his voicemail."

There are always lots and lots of possible comparisons - indoors/outdoors, cheap/expensive, old/new, old/young, traditional/modern - even if you have no imagination, you can practice finding similarities and differences before you get to the exam. (One way to do that is to take any two photos and find 5 similarities and 5 differences.)

Look at these photos - imagine the task is 'Say why the people might be wearing hats.'

" Perhaps these men are retired and are spending their day feeding ducks by the lake. In contrast, the policeman has to wear a hat for his job. It could be that he hates wearing the hat, whereas the old men have probably chosen to wear theirs. Maybe it's a sunny day and they want to protect their heads from the sun, while the policeman's helmet might protect him from attackers."

5. PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

In the last example there was a lot of speculative language, but also a lot of comparing language. See how easy it is?

Let's put it all together - A student called Heidi tries with a real example from Cambridge.

Her answer: "They're both young students, girls, and both in a traditional school setting. This picture shows a student on her own, whereas this student is in her whole class. She has the support of a teacher, but this student doesn't have that. She has to learn to study on her own, and that's not bad. I think she might be studying for a test or - oh! Probably she's just doing her homework. Both are useful skills for her future. I'm sure she has a lot of tests and homework still ahead of her! While the first student is doing her homework for tomorrow, this one has already done her homework and now she's presenting it to the whole class. That's useful - she'll have to do presentations when she gets a job or give a speech when she gets married! What else? Well, it's beneficial for the second girl to practice this - but I think doing the research will have more benefit in the future, because you have to prepare before you can give a good presentation."

(Listen to the audio file below to hear Heidi attempt this task.)

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In part two of the Cambridge English: Advanced Speaking test, you are given a piece of paper with 3 photos on. The photos are almost always about people. You have to talk about 2 of the pictures, on your own, for a minute. Then the examiner will ask the other candidate a question about your pictures.

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MOCK 2 -

February 12th LISTENING,

February 14th SPEAKING,

February 22nd (Thursday) at 20h - READING UOE AND WRITING

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Reading - History of Thanksgiving in the USA

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Reading - History of Thanksgiving in the USA

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Thanksgiving at Plymouth

In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers-an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the "New World." After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth.

Did you know? Lobster, seal and swans were on the Pilgrims' menu.

Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the Mayflower's original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from a member of the Abenaki tribe who greeted them in English.

Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition. Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which endured for more than 50 years and remains one of the few examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.

When Was the First Thanksgiving?

In November 1621, after the Pilgrims' first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony's Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as America's "first Thanksgiving"-although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time-the festival lasted for three days. While no record exists of the first Thanksgiving's exact menu, much of what we know about what happened at the first Thanksgiving comes from Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow, who wrote:

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower's sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations

Origins of Thanksgiving National Holiday

Pilgrims held their second Thanksgiving celebration in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened the year's harvest and prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast. Days of fasting and thanksgiving on an annual or occasional basis became common practice in other New England settlements as well.

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving a year, and in 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States; in it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the happy conclusion to the country's war of independence and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His successors John Adams and James Madison also designated days of thanks during their presidencies.

In 1817, New York became the first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday; each celebrated it on a different day, however, and the American South remained largely unfamiliar with the tradition.

In 1827, the noted magazine editor and prolific writer Sarah Josepha Hale -author, among countless other things, of the nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb"-launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. For 36 years, she published numerous editorials and sent scores of letters to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians, earning her the nickname the "Mother of Thanksgiving."

Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request in 1863, at the height of the Civil War, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to "commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife" and to "heal the wounds of the nation."

He scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November, and it was celebrated on that day every year until 1939 when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt's plan, known derisively as Franksgiving, was met with passionate opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

Thanksgiving Food

In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, may or may not have been on offer when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621.

Today, however, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat the bird-whether roasted, baked or deep-fried-on Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is a common Thanksgiving Day activity, and communities often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday in cities and towns across the United States. Presented by Macy's department store since 1924, New York City's Thanksgiving Day parade is the largest and most famous, attracting some 2 to 3 million spectators along its 2.5-mile route and drawing an enormous television audience. It typically features marching bands, performers, elaborate floats conveying various celebrities and giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters.

Beginning in the mid-20th century and perhaps even earlier, the president of the United States has "pardoned" one or two Thanksgiving turkeys each year, sparing the birds from slaughter and sending them to a farm for retirement. A number of U.S. governors also perform the annual turkey pardoning ritual.

Thanksgiving Controversies

For some scholars, the jury is still out on whether the feast at Plymouth really constituted the first Thanksgiving in the United States. Indeed, historians have recorded other ceremonies of thanks among European settlers in North America that predate the Pilgrims' celebration.

In 1565, for instance, the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilé invited members of the local Timucua tribe to a dinner in St. Augustine, Florida, after holding a mass to thank God for his crew's safe arrival. On December 4, 1619, when 38 British settlers reached a site known as Berkeley Hundred on the banks of Virginia's James River, they read a proclamation designating the date as "a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God."

Some Native Americans and many others take issue with how the Thanksgiving story is presented to the American public, and especially to schoolchildren. In their view, the traditional narrative paints a deceptively sunny portrait of relations between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, masking the long and bloody history of conflict between Native Americans and European settlers that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. Since 1970, protesters have gathered on the day designated as Thanksgiving at the top of Cole's Hill, which overlooks Plymouth Rock, to commemorate a " National Day of Mourning." Similar events are held in other parts of the country.

Thanksgiving's Ancient Origins

Although the American concept of Thanksgiving developed in the colonies of New England, its roots can be traced both to Native Americans, as well as back to the other side of the Atlantic.

Both the Separatists who came over on the Mayflower and the Puritans who arrived soon after brought with them a tradition of providential holidays-days of fasting during difficult or pivotal moments and days of feasting and celebration to thank God in times of plenty.

As an annual celebration of the harvest and its bounty, moreover, Thanksgiving falls under a category of festivals that spans cultures, continents and millennia. In ancient times, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans feasted and paid tribute to their gods after the fall harvest. Thanksgiving also bears a resemblance to the ancient Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot.

Finally, historians have noted that Native Americans had a rich tradition of commemorating the fall harvest with feasting and merrymaking long before Europeans set foot on America's shores.

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Thanksgiving 2023 - Tradition, Origins & Meaning | HISTORY

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Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States, and Thanksgiving 2022 occurs on Thursday, November 24. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.

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Mock 1 - November 13th, 15th, and 20th

Mock 2 - February 12th LISTENING , 14th <3 SPEAKING , and 19th FINISH/MARKS

Mock 2 READING, USE OF ENGLISH, AND WRITING - Thursday February 22nd

Mock 3 - April 3rd, 8th, and 9th

Mock 4 - May 13th, 15th, and 20th

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Unit 1 - October 11th

Unit 2 - November 6th

Unit 3 - November 27th

FINAL EXAM (Units 1-3) - December 4th

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Unit 1 - October 9th

Unit 2 and Writing (either U1 or U2) - October 25th

Unit 3 - November 27th

FINAL EXAM (Units 1-3) - December 4th

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SMASH English - Cambridge English Exam Preparation

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How to STRUCTURE your C1 ADVANCED (CAE) ESSAY! - C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay Writing

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Can American Tell who is a Foreigner just by their English? Find REAL American!

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https://quizizz.com/admin/presentation/623bf7202ec533001d676785/narrative-tenses?fromSearch=true&source=null

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NO CLASS - Wednesday February 28th

NO CLASS - SEMANA SANTA March 25th-28th

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Decorate Your Dorm Room And We'll Reveal Your Future Career

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This Personality Quiz Will Reveal Your Dream Job

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I love my class

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Complete this short Google Form about yourself!

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Complete this short Google Form about yourself!

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Getting to know you and your classmates :)

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Quiz your English

Quizlet flashcards

Exam Lift

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Cómo aprobar el C1 ADVANCED sin morir en el intento 🤓 (Examen CAE / Cambridge exams / Inglés)