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Please email me the score you received for the first writing assessment we did back in October (report about globalisation). It is a score out of 20 points, for example 14/20.

Thanks,

mike.mcritchie@britishcouncil.bg

See you on Friday for counselling and activities.

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"Human Spirit" recognizes those who put others above their own well-being, who are willingly leaving their comfort zone to help the others, once those are in need. Qualities like bravery, altruism, empathy mean nothing if they are not used in the right moment. And that spirit makes human not to be afraid to improvise and to use them. Briefly, the award goes to ordinary people who cope with unordinary situations.

The most impressive story to the panel was the one of Lucy Gale. Approaching a level crossing she saw a car accident with both drivers injured and both vehicles being on the line. She had no time for calling a rescue team, for she saw an approaching train. Not only did she rescue people from the cars, but she also moved both vehicles away and thus made railroad clean. A derailing train could have caused even more people suffer, and perhaps some of them die, not those in cars only. She deserves admiration for she has solved two problems in the best possible way – rescuing people first, and after then driving the cars out of the railroad. Any other approach (like, for instance, pushing the driver to a passenger seat and then driving) could have taken more time and this way could have risen the probabilities of failure. “I had no much time to think.” Lucy said, “I am happy my approached was the correct one.”.

The runner-up is Om Prakash who, traveling to school in a van, saved the rest of the passengers, once the van had started to burn. Though “the captain should be the last to abandon the ship”, it was actually the driver who escaped first after a short circuit that lighted the fire. Thinking of the rest, showing empathy and strong feelings, neglecting himself, made him a real hero, a living icon, and a model to copy. Might it be the Hindu believe in reincarnation that make him forget about his own safety? We don’t think so, as he says “It just happened that I was the one who reacted first, anyone else would do the same.” Admirations, Om!

Our third choice is a young boy who showed courage in a situation, most of the adults would not take part in. He helped a professional may be not professionally, but the best way to become a pro is to act like a pro. We wish him to be as brave and empathetic all his life as he is now.

The next choice is a child psychologist, whom we rather consider as “a big heart mom”, who has been taking care of a rising number of children and, most impressing, succeeded to use ex-criminals to help her transform other criminals into decent citizens.

And our last choice is a strong spirit woman, who, despite the fact that she lost both her legs, lives more actively then the average men do.

Tonight, TV programme will show you some of the previous winners, facts, they are willing to share, of their current life. No matter what these (and any other) people say, the most important is what they do. The greater the spirit, the better the world!

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The test next Wednesday will actually cover all Units we have studied. You should review grammar and vocabulary especially.

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Please write at least one page of A4 following instructions on p43.

The articles below should help you with features of the genre (news article about awards ceremonies).

This task is compulsory and if you want to progress to Adv B, you should attempt it:)

http://adventureblog.nationalgeographic.com/2014/04/29/5point-film-festival-award-winners-embody-the-human-spirit/

http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/052815aaa.html

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Dear teenagers,
1. Be crazy, now is your time to do crazy things
2.Don't forget that your parents love you a lot
3.Be careful how you behave with others, because you don't know with whom you have to work one day.
4.while you are doing your craziness enjoying yourself, don't stop studying, because after this these wonderful years you have to build your future
5. believe in your dreams and never stop trying to achieve them
6. be always Always be in love

Good, Nikol

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Pieces of advice for teenagers

1. Decide WHO you want to BE in your life.
2. Decide WHAT you want to DO in your life.
3. Write down goal 1 and goal 2. Take time to think how can you achieve these goals. Ask yourself questions. Can, for example, education help you? What kind of education? Do you need anything else? Observe people who have already succeeded and answer the question "Why?". Can you take something beneficial from them? Are there weaknesses in your character that can stop you from reaching your dreams? How can you overcome them?
4. Based on point 3, make a plan - write down what you'll do practically in order to reach your goals.
5. Follow your dreams - do what you has promised yourself to do and most likely your dreams will become reality.
And don't forget: enjoy life - it's a free and wonderful gift.
:)

Great advice, Alex. You should be a life coach!

Haha, thanks, Mike!

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Alexander Pochinkov - 5 pieces of advice for a teenager

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Alexander Pochinkov - 5 pieces of advice for a teenager

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1. Don’t take your parents for granted! Respect them and remember that they always want what is best for you.

2. Believe in yourself! Whatever is happening it is mostly depends on you and your motivation.

3. Don’t neglect your instincts, trust them! Everytime when Anytime you are in tough situation, be aware of what your instincts are trying to tell you.

4. Listen before you speak! Don’t be short-tempered and try to understand others.

5. Expand your horizons! Never stop being eager to know and learn new things.

Very good, Alexander:)

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Favorite form of exercise

When I was a schoolgirl I was playing(vf) volleyball and I liked it. It made me feel myself as a part of a team, it was fun and helped me to relax. But I haven't played volleyball since I graduated from university/high school?. Years later I started to attend a fitness classes. So boring! Yes, in general it improves self-discipline, but after a year or so I gave up and never came(ww) back.
Many people enjoy running. I don't. Why running(vf) when you can walk?
No, I'm not lazy, just don't want to do something that I find stupid. Maybe one day I'll find MY sport. Who knows?

Good, Alex

Corrections

When I was a schoolgirl I played volleyball and I liked it. It made me feel part of a team, it was fun and helped me to relax.

But I haven't played volleyball since I graduated high school.

Yes, in general it improves self-discipline, but after a year or so I gave up and never started again.

Why run when you can walk?

Good:)

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My favourite form of exercise

Are you lazy?

Yet do you crave for an adventure? What about mountains? What about mountain biking? It is one of the best ways to combine mountain sight-seeing and an active life. The higher you ride, the wider the picture(ww), the longer the downhill paths trails . Yes, you say it is hard, yes, we say, the effort is worth it. An endurance exercises is just like sex – the satisfaction comes at the end.

Nobody to bike-ride with? Wanna go’n’ride with us on the Rhodopes? The bigger the team, the higher the spirit. Is there Any greater time spent than making new friends? Any greater experience than riding up and down ^ riverside? Any bigger stimuli to push the pedals harder than “Beware! Bears!” sign? haha

Still lazy?

Good, Sando! You've used some of the structures from the lesson well here.

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Jasmine needs to live(ww) her comfort zone. Although she says she doesn't feel good working so much, obviously she is(wo) good at her job and that brings comfort. That's why my advice to her is to do boldly (wo) something that at first may scares(vf) her - for example to join a dating agency. If she has dates once or twice a week, it would probably help her to improve her self-discipline (she will leave the office when she has to leave it in order not to be late). On the other hand, if she meets someone who ^ likes, probably she'll be motivated enough to change her lifestyle and not to work so(ww) long hours. This way she'll have time to have fun, which means to relax. And who knows - maybe it will give her a sense of perspective.

Very good, Alex

Corrections

Jasmine needs to leave her comfort zone. Although she says she doesn't feel good working so much, she is obviously  good at her job and that brings comfort.

That's why my advice to her is boldly to do something that at first may scare her - for example to join a dating agency.

On the other hand, if she meets someone who she likes, probably she'll be motivated enough to change her lifestyle and not to work long hours.

good:)

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Jasmine need(vf) to prioritize her tasks during the working day. She has to stop working late into the evenings. Train(vf) to run a marathon is an option that works for me. That activity can socialize her improve her social life and it will improve her self-esteem. As her work is stressful, a massage could be a better good idea to take a rest and it will improve her physical and mental well-being. I suggest that Jasmine to starts making a to -do list and organize(vf) her time. Is(ww) she is organized she will develop self-discipline and that will allow her to have more personal time. I really insist to think she should have free weekends and go out with her friends.

Good, Tsvetalia. I think you could practise infinitive/-ing verbs. Try this resource to start: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/verb-patterns/verb-patterns-verb-infinitive-or-verb-ing

and

http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/

Hope this helps:)

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What I think that might be helpful for Ray is, first of all, to get counselling or therapy to deal with his depression. Almost everyone in(ww) his age, after been retired (vf), is feeling at least a bit useless, left outside the society alienated from society and even less qualified than the others. Furthermore last year Ray lost his wife. Death is natural and inevitable, but also very painful when it comes to someone we love. good! In his case it’s even more difficult to get over it, because he’s feeling alone. His children are now grown-ups and they live far away from him. This is why his situation is even more complicated and hard to overcome. A counselling or therapy is going to help him in order to improve his self-esteem (referring to his retirement). The talk  Talking about his wife’s death and the advice that the psychologist will give Ray are going to make him see a way forward – life after his wife’s death and after his retirement.

Another thing that would be really good for helping Ray overcome ing Ray’s his loneliness is to make him get in contact with other people from his age and to have a nice chat with some new friends. If he’s in a his physical and mental health is good well-being, a great idea would be to increase his activities. For example, doing voluntary work with sick children is going to make him feel useful and even helpful. He will start to think about himself as a normal, qualified as everyone else man. Ray will believe in himself again. He will no longer be won’t be any more the one who receives help, but the one who is able to give it to the others. This is going to give him a sense of perspective, which is what he really needs right now.

Why not taking(vf) up something artistic such as painting, creative writing or visiting a foreign language classes? It’s never too late to learn something new – it’s good for both broadening your horizons while having fun and making you feel more confident. Besides(p) it’s a great way to meet new people and get more socialized.

Good Albena

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https://www.meetup.com/Sofia-Consciousness-Meetup/events/235020667/

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1. Only now can I appreciate what a  good luck it is to have a big brother.

2. I remember every single day of the year when I lived in Italy - never before have I ever felt so happy to be on this Earth. :)

3. Under no circumstances should you pass through Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi boulevard - it's under construction. :) strong recommendation

4. You're arrogant and selfish - no longer will I help you to get back together with my friend. :)

5. I just bought my iphone - no way will I buy a new one in the next year. (Amen!) Haha.

Very good, Albena:)

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31/6a
Not only were the elections intense for journalists, but on top of that (p) the prime-minister resigned and now we can't even think of a day off.

Never before have I felt as exhausted as I feel now.

Only now can I understand the importance of my education.

No way will I've(g) finish all delayed because of the government's resignation work till the end of the week.

Under no circumstances should you go to the nightclubs in Student's town -yesterday a man was attacked and injured in one of them.

Corrections
Not only were the elections intense for journalists, but on top of that, the prime-minister resigned and now we can't even think of a day off.

Is that clearer or again not? Yes!

Not only did I delay finishing projects because of all the extra work during the presidential elections, but now, after the government's resignation, don't even know when I'll be able to do that.
Sorry, I didn't notice this the first time around. The meaning is not so clear. Can you rephrase it? The meaning is not so clear.

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Alexander Pochinkov - homework, p.31, ex. 6a

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Alexander Pochinkov - homework, p.31, ex. 6a

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1. Only now can I appreciate the freedom of the  my childhood

2. I remember the moment when I won an Olympic medal. Never before had I thought that it is was possible.

3. Not only should you go to Vitosha mountain, but you also should visit the seaside.

4. Not only is my colleague noisy, but he is unfriendly as well.

5. Under no circumstances will I finished the project by the end of the year.

Good!

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Please listen and answer the questions on p31 - 5a and 5b
Also, please complete the worksheet I gave you in class

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Yes, I do. But there is at least one important thing that a manager must add to money if they want to make them work - respect. A boss can pay extra to an employee who shows excellent results or work(vf) extra hours in order to motivate them. But actually the real motivation comes from respect, from showing to that person that their efforts, qualities, loyalty are valued. And giving extra money is just one among many tools that a manager can use to show respect.

Excellent writing. You have posted some really nice writing on this site. Well done:)
Alex Markaryan
HW p.29/6

Correction

A boss can pay extra to an employee who shows excellent results or works overtime, in order to motivate them.

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The love of money is the root of all evil

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The love of money is the root of all evil

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This statement is a quote from 1 Timothy - a book in the New Testament's book written by the apostle Paul (chapter 6, verse 10). This book in the Bible is actually a letter from the apostle Paul to a young Christian leader called Timothy who is mentored by Paul.
Among the other important advices in this chapter, the apostle Paul says this to Timothy in order to show him how to be wise and how to recognise people who are trustworthy.
Although the letter has been was written long ago, this wise statement refers to our society today. People can easily see the connection between wrong decisions and the love of money in every sphere of life.
Alex Markaryan
HW p. 27/4a

Good!

Corrections
This statement is a quote from 1 Timothy - a book in the New Testament written by the apostle Paul (chapter 6, verse 10). This book in the Bible is actually a letter from the apostle Paul to a young Christian leader called Timothy who is mentored by Paul.

Although the letter has was written long ago, this wise statement refers to our society today.

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·         “Money makes the world go round”

I am someone who’s always telling people that they don’t need any money to be happy. I do really(wo) believe it, but the reality is a bit different. Everybody has to admit that the role of money in society nowadays is incredibly important, whether we like it or not.

Today money doesn’t mean just happiness. It could mean health, safety, ^ peace. The importance of money has extremely increased dramatically in the last few centuries, so far that nowadays we can’t even imagine how our forefathers lived their life before there was money.

Let’s imagine a world without money. There would be no business, no economy problems with the economy / economic problems, but although (g) there wouldn’t be any of the things we’re used to have(vf) today. Without money as a medium of exchange there wouldn’t be any progression, inventions, innovations or new products. We wouldn’t even have any commerce. In fact without the existence of money, maybe we would have been(vf) dead by now. Money means sponsoring researches and making different diseases that cause ing death all over the world, curable.

So the conclusion is money does really make the world go round. It’s sad, but true that today we cannot even properly function on this planet with no without money. The only thing that we need to understand is how to use it right – wisely, paying attention to the problems its use can cause and where it’s really important to be spent.

Very good, Albena. You have posted a lot of good writing on this page. Keep up the hard work:)

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·         What professions do you think should/shouldn’t have performance-related pay?

Performance-related pay sounds like the fairest way to reward workers. Well, sometimes it really is, but definitely not always.

Studies show that financial incentives work only(wo) when the tasks involve purely mechanical skills. Bonuses aren’t an effective way to motivate people working more mentally than physically to perform better. It’s the same thing with the performance-related pay. When the tasks are purely mechanical, you can see, evaluate and even touch the result of someone’s work. You can see how much effort the worker is putting into his task, how much time it takes to fulfill(ww) the greatest result, is and if he's working hard or not.

But when it comes to measure(vf) mental skills, it becomes a very different story. For example you can never be sure what does it costs a teacher to make your child learn the alphabet, or a lawyer to sue the employer that doesn’t pay your salary. Yes, in the end you can see the real result of his performance, but you can never know what it really took him to reach his goal. So, when it comes to evaluate(vf) people whose job is to think and process information, you can’t just give them a performance-related pay. It would be like judging a book by its cover – unfair.

Excellent, Albena. Please check your corrections. Thanks for your patience while I corrected this.

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http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertberger/2014/04/30/top-100-money-quotes-of-all-time/#6ee286c5675e

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Michael Sandel (philosopher) on salaries

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Michael Sandel (philosopher) on salaries

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKxta8FLTVY

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- In my opinion now exactly luxury brands can be something for people to aspire to aspire people, but stuff with high quailty. Everyone want(g) to wear comfortable shoes and cloths(s), but I'm not so sure that luxury shoes are comfortabe(s) esspecially(s) women's shoes. I think that this(wf) brands can cause division at school and that is way(s) I like uniforms.
- This kind of brand companies spend much(ww) money on adverts, but they can affort(s) it. Their target custumers(s) are people with money who want to see expensive advertisment(wf). In this way brands makes their custumers(s) feel importnant(s)
- Some of them are waste of money, but when you car(g) for example you buy your safety. I don't know if Bentley could be more safety(wf), but german cars are than french. (g/p)
- I buy thinks which I like no mater is there a brand or no. :). rephrase

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Advertisement we see in a office where a lot of people are working on their computers. All employees like coffee and they drink it while they are working. But their boss doesn’t allow them to put hot drinks on the table because they can splash their computers and documents. So, they need to think another way for drinking coffee, because if they don’t drink it they aren’t productive. Well… look here is a new coffee cup with a top. This cup is made for you. You can drink your coffee with pleasure while working. It can save keep your drink hot and also it can protect your computer and stuff. You are  Are you in the mood for green, blue, red or something else? You can choose between 35 different colours. This “coffee thermos” makes you feel energetic at work.

Good work, Nikol. Thanks for your patience while I corrected it.

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P. 25/8
Do you agree that luxury brands are good thing, because they give people something to aspire to or do you think they cause division and envy?
Neither the first nor the second opinion one. Luxury brands are nor(ww) a good, nor bad thing. People can make them good or bad, something that serves you well or something that causes envy. Having Getting things, material things must not be the main motive for people to do something, their job for example. Doing what people love - that can make them happy.
It is so sad when people pretend they are valuable(ww) because of the things they have and not because of who they are. And may be(g) this way of thinking is one not so positive(hyphens needed here) result of ads, because it equals(wf) human beings to things and, based on that, it can causes envy and breaks(ww) relationships.
Do you "treat yourself" to luxury brands or do you regard them as a waste of money?
I am not a fashion or luxury slave (ww/coll). Good quality for the money is important for me, not the brand. If I can afford a little luxury, ok, I'll treat myself, but I won't die if I don't have something that I don't need, but just like.

Good Alex. Please check your corrections and rewrite/ask me if you don't undertand them. Thanks for your patience in waiting for correction:)
Alex Markaryan

Corrections

Neither the first nor the second opinion. Luxury brands are neither a good, nor bad thing. :)

Getting material things must not be the main motive for people to do something, their job for example. :)

It is so sad when people pretend they are precious important because of the things they have and not because of who they are. And maybe this way of thinking is one - not so positive - result of ads, because it equals(wf) equates human beings to things and, based on that, it can causes envy and destroy s relationships.

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Kalki by Gore Vidal

Mid 70s. The age of decay. A materialistic world. Soulless people. A life without a hope. A dead ending(wf) civilization. A Hindu God’s blond and white skin avatar had grasped ^ hearts and souls of millions of people all around the globe, promising them nothing but the end of the world. This is how the story begins.

Teddy Ottinger, the narrator, is a divorced woman and a bankrupted aviator. She got an offer by a newspaper to go to Nepal and interview this new avatar – Kalki. Although she is not a journalist, the Hindu God had pointed ^ her. On the plane she meets another main character – dr. (p) Ashok, a Hinduist who is indignant at a non-Indian ^ proclaims himself a Hindu God. After being introduced to the Kalki’s closest people, the so-called Perfect Masters*, she is stunned for all of them are scientists and yet they strongly believe in Hinduism and that (new sentence here). James Kelly is the avatar of Kalki. Kalki also offers her a job, a job that turned to be a mission.

Can an atheist believe in somebody proclaiming himself to be a God if whatever he says turns ^ to be real? Isn't it the true nature of being (a) God?

A hopeless fictional story hinting ^ a possible solution to the same problems humanity suffers from nowadays. A very moving novel with many open questions.

Hamah Shivaya!

* This and all other names are as they are on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_(novel)

Good work, Alexander. please check your corrections and re-write them below

A dead end civilization.
... an avatar had grasped the hearts and souls of millions ...
... the Hindu God had pointed to her.
... Dr. (?) Ashok
... a non-Indian who proclaims himself a Hindu God
good!

... she is stunned for all of them are scientists and yet they strongly believe in Hinduism and that (new sentence here). James Kelly is the avatar of Kalki.
She is also amazed that they also believe that Kelly is an avatar, I think that separation into two sentences changes meaning, i.e. Kelly is that avatar has nothing in common with scientists believes. Am I right?
Ah, I see. Yes you are right:)

... whatever he says turns out to be real?
A ... story hinting at a possible solution

Excellent corrections!

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I can write a report - rewrited

International Companies
… More and more of such kind are opening offices here for a variety of reasons. Interoffice communication … increases the need for English. These companies occupy a greater percentage of job market, so it seems that local companies are either going to be * bought by global ones …  being bought :)

Brain Drain and Emigration
Many skilled residents prefer to work in local offices. As well as that many doctors and IT specialists go to work abroad hoping for a better quality of life. Lots of underqualified people go to work abroad, some of them for seasonal jobs … :)

Immigration
In opposition to the brain drain, foreigners are coming to live and work here ** should be a full-stop "." or possibly a "-"  the evidence is all around … passengers on the urban transport…

Conclusion
… Companies were made to serve people, but global companies are going to make people serve them… :)

* It was "getting to be", your mark was it should be a form of BE only, though "are eighter being bought" seems to me as there is no OR, but only "being bought" ...
** Don’t know what punctuation sign there should be. “-” (marked as an error) seems to me natural, this is how the Bulgarian punctuation is.

Good effort with the re-writing. You're taking advantage of these learning opportunities:)

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The first thing we see on the screen is a men who is driving a fancy car. He arrives in-front of a business(ww) building, park the car and heads ^ the front door of the building. On his way he buys a newspaper. The next scene is in the elevator where the man is standing with the newspaper under his arm. There are a few other people in the elevator, who try(vf) to read the newspaper. After a while the man reaches his floor, enters to a(g) office and sits down on(ww) a desk. We see the newspaper on(ww) the background. He starts working very intensively like he knows very very well what he is doing. The last screen(ww) shows us the man who is reading the same newspaper and a slogan appears on the screen "we just make you successful"

Good work, Alexander. Is it an advert for the newspaper?
Yes
Please check your corrections and rewrite them below.

The first thing we see on the screen is a men who is driving a fancy car. He arrives in-front of a office business(ww) building, park the car and heads to^ the front door of the building. On his way he buys a newspaper. The next scene is in the elevator where the man is standing with the newspaper under his arm. There are a few other people in the elevator, who is are trying try(vf) to read the newspaper. After a while the man reaches his floor, enters to an(g) office and sits down at on(ww) a desk. We see the newspaper in on(ww) the background. He starts working very intensively like he knows very very well what he is doing. The last scene screen(ww) shows us the man who is reading the same newspaper and a slogan appears on the screen "we just make you successful"

Excellent! Just a few minor changes to make it all correct.

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Description
Imagine your life.
As a child you're told: "Study hard now, if you want to enjoy a good life".
As an adult you're saying yourself: "Work hard, save money and you'll enjoy a good life".
As an elder you realize: "It's too late.".
Stop. Think. Life is now. Enjoy it with.... (imagine some luxury brand).

Good, Alex!

Ps.
I was inspired by this (it's not connected to the US elections - this ad is from 2014!):

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A 30 years(wf) old man who went out for a walk remembers an important moment in his life (graduation, first kiss, night with friends…good memories). The camera moves to his legs and subtitles appear:

Did you always want to capture every moment?

Now this man it’s(ww) outside with his life(wife?) looking at the nature. It’s a sunny day and in front of him there are a huge mountain which is too(ww) green that you can’t see where the end is and then the subtitles appear:

Did you always enjoy the magic of beauty?

The man is looking at his children and he’s trying to memorize as an image his feelings (capture his feelings through the image in that moment is better), then the subtitles appear:

Do you want to memorize(ww) every moment?

The old man is looking at all photos he made and then he smiles, subtitles appear:

NIKON – capture your life and enjoy it again with your memories.

Great idea, Tsvetalia. Please check your corrections and re-write them below.

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The screen opens. The film starts...? We see a man holding his cellular phone and thinking out loud: “To call her or not? What if she says no? Okay, I’m calling her, I’m brave enough!”. We hear in the background Destiny’s child’s song “Soldier”. Finally he’s dialing(vf) the number. We see the phone’s screen with her name – Katy. She answers. The man starts talking after cleared his throat: “Hi, this is Peter calling. How are you? I was wondering if you’re free tonight…”. Then she directly starts talking about how she spent the day looking for new shoes to buy for a very important event. We see a clock ticking away – hours are passing.

Finally he manages to say something:”So? Are we going out tonight?”. She answers: “It would be…” – the phone call is interrupted by the automatic call service. We hear an automatic audio massage: “We’re sorry, you’re out of credit and you can’t proceed with this phone call. For more information, please call 123”. We see Peter shouting angry: “Nooooooooo!”. Then in the background we hear Destiny’s child’s song “Bills, bills, bills”.

The screen turns red and there appears the logo: “Love is for free?”. We hear a woman’s voice saying: ”Now love can really be for free. Come and see our new call tariff with which you can make unlimited free phone calls with the one you love.”

This is a great idea for an ad, Albena. You should consider a career in marketing;) Remember to check your corrections and re-write them below.

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Nikol Hristova - advertisement We see ^ office where a lot of people work(vf) on their computers. All employee(g) like coffee and they drink while they are working. But their boss does not allow them to drink coffee near ^ computers, because they can destroy(ww) it(ww). They need of(x) solutions, because if they do not drink coffee they can not be productive... Well.. look here is a new coffee cup with ^ top . This cup is made for you. To drink your coffee with a(x) pleasure while working and also it can safe your computer and also your coffee stay(vf) hot for a long period. Your(wf) in a(x) the mood for green, red, or blue, well order your new " coffee-thermos" it can makes you feel energetic at work.

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Nikol Hristova - advertisement We see ^ office where a lot of people work(vf) on their computers. All employee(g) like coffee and they drink while they are working. But their boss does not allow them to drink coffee near ^ computers, because they can destroy(ww) it(ww). They need of(x) solutions, because if they do not drink coffee they can not be productive... Well.. look here is a new coffee cup with ^ top . This cup is made for you. To drink your coffee with a(x) pleasure while working and also it can safe your computer and also your coffee stay(vf) hot for a long period. Your(wf) in a(x) the mood for green, red, or blue, well order your new " coffee-thermos" it can makes you feel energetic at work.

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Good effort, Nikol. I couldn't edit this post as usual (not sure why) so "x" means not needed (usually a line written through the text). Please check your corrections and re-write below.

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one nice ad :)

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Nikol                                                                                  Warm-up questions - Why are you learning english ?

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Nikol                                                                                  Warm-up questions - Why are you learning english ?

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Hm, because I want to speak fluenly when I go somewhere aborad. Also  I want to learn my master in english. Another reason for learning english is because I like reading in english, but now I can't understand everithing from the first time. The most important reason is because of my work. Our company is international and we communicate with foreigners. Another reason cross my mind - I like watching movie I prefer without subtitles.
2. Do I have any language learning goals, yes I do . I will feel more confident if I can pass CAE.

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If you want to add to a post you have already written (when making your corrections), just double-click on the post and you should be able to type normally.

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1. Why are you learning English?

I'm learning English for several reasons. First, because I love learning. But not only that - I need it at work, because I translate articles daily and need to do it in a better way, which means to expand my vocabulary. Second, I want to improve my writing and speaking skills, because I feel these two areas are the weakest for me (I can learn grammar home alone, but can't correct myself when I speak and write). Surrounded by people who speak English better than me, I can grow.

2. Do you have any language learning goals, related to your English studies? if so, what are they?

Yes, I have. I'd be really happy if I manage to pass the exam for CAE.

Alex Markaryan

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Songo’s  is a better ^ example/city (noun) than Medelin, because in Songo’s people use new technologies to make their life easier and to protect our planet ( e.g. the street lights turn off when the street is empty).

About the future I can not say exactly, because Medelin was able to drop down the crime reduce the crime rate but it still exists has a lot of crime. There is one theory of broken windows The theory of broken windows originates ing in NY and  I think Columbia is another good example.  It would be interesting for me to live in very technological city like Songdo(s) in Korea, but if one day the internet goes down how would citizens live? And it’s good to live in a green environment, but you can not(wf) cannot rely on the internet.

Bulgaria has a lots of villages where gypsies live and they sometimes landed(vf) land normal people in trouble. They also steal and don’t want to study. If that(ww) those villages have more police, people would live better. �<->`K'�

I made some further corrections here, Nikol. Hope they help.

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Alex Markaryan's 2nd homework - corrections

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Alex Markaryan's 2nd homework - corrections

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I'm sorry that I rewrite corrections here, but I just couldn't find a way to write them below the original text.

To be honest, I wouldn't say "yes".

On the other hand, sometimes I ask myself why something in English grammar, for example, is the way it is and can't find a logical answer.

And yes, maybe sometimes I would prefer to find logic instead of something that I don't understand and have no other choice but to learn it by heart.

Do I want some rules to disappear from the English language? To be honest, I wouldn't say "yes". I like it actually and maybe I'd feel discouraged, confused and even ancient if I've made an effort to learn something and one day it just disappears. On the other hand, sometimes I ask myself why something in English grammar, for example, is the way it is and can't find a logical answer. And yes, maybe sometimes I would prefer to find logic instead of something that I don't understand and have no other choice but to learn it by heart.

Good, Alex. Yes, sometimes there are no logical answers. This is frustrating for teachers, too, as it gives us nothing to explain to students. Please check you corrections and rewrite them below:)

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https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bulgaria/rodopi-mountains

Aha, thank you, mystery person! I appreciate you posting this for me. I am keen to see many of Bulgaria's mountains. I'm also aware that there are bears so would like to avoid them if at all possible:/

Hopefully hitting Vitosha this weekend!

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When I start learning english, reading was very difficult for me, the main explanation is that I've learned German at school  and It has stronger pronunciation than English.  Now I really like reading in english and listening english conversation. I don not want to remove anything because I choose to learn this language, so I accept it at all. I don not want to remove idioms and phrasel verbs,but this is the hardest part of English for men. The most advantage is that you can speak fluently when you know more phrasel verbs and idioms. Another strong reson why I like english is that english people never judge you about you pronunciation.

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The discussion in our last class made me think about my way of learning English.

I already passed thought this language level in French and Spanish and the best thing for me would be to apply the same technic in order to have the same level of knowledge. I need to concentrate more on pronunciation and learning more new vocabulary.  Having in mind that in the business communication and in normal life English is the universal key of understanding, I would like to get more autonomy dominate it.

My main aim is to speak fluently and the best approach should be to practice on daily basis. It’s a benefit that one of my colleague is Russian so our conversation switch directly on English. My plan in the next moths and not only will be to speak, learn new vocabulary and try to put it in practice.

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Flipchart from last Friday's lesson p10/11

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Flipchart from last Friday's lesson p10/11

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Sorry for the late upload:)

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When I start thinking what ^ is that think I (wo)want to change in the English language, I remembered the attempts of George Bernard Show(s) to inspire English-language spelling reform. One of the most difficult thinks(s) in English is spelling. Even nowadays when we have spell checker and Google translate, is difficult for me to write without mistakes. But I am sure that this spelling reform is not possible because there is a hidden logic in that difficult spelling. Another reason not to change English spelling is that it helps and makes people to improve and cultivate(ww) themselves day after day. A further consideration is that easier is not always better, so the English spelling should stay as it is.

Good, Desi. Good reasoning! Please check your corrections and rewrite them below:)

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Do I want some rules to disappear from the English language? To be honest(p) I wouldn't say "yes". I like it actually and maybe I'd feel discouraged, confused and even ancient if I've made an effort to learn something and one day it just disappears. On the other hand, sometimes I ask myself why something in the English grammar(p) for example(p) is the way it is and can't find a logical answer. And yes, maybe sometimes I would prefer to find logic instead of something that I don't understand and have no other choice but ^ learn it by heart.

Good, Alex. Yes, sometimes there are no logical answers. This is frustrating for teachers, too, as it gives us nothing to explain to students. Please check you corrections and rewrite them below:)

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Something in the English language you would like to disappear

The one thing I would like to disappear from the English language is the accent. As a non-native speaker I sometimes find it very confusing to chat with people from the Northern part of the United Kingdom. I hardly manage to understand what the other person is saying and in most cases I have to ask him/her to repeat the said thing numerous times. The most obvious drawback of the accent is that there are dialects in the different parts of a particular country, so it is very hard  for a non-native speaker to get to comprehend them all.
In view of the foregoing, I believe that the accent is the thing I would like to disappear from the English language and not only from it (I'm not sure what you man here), since it is a subtlety, which is considered to be a major problem amongst language learners.

Good, Nikola. Very articulate. Funnily enough, I am from the northern part of the UK (Scotland) but luckily for you, my accent is not that strong;)

You are right. Dialects make language even harder to understand. You could say that once accent and dialect are combined, then it becomes quite difficult for a non-native speaker to understand the meaning. This is when living somewhere helps a great deal with the language.

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4th Sept. 2016

Albena S. Blagoeva

·         What is that I would I like to disappear from the English language?

Well, I tried to think about something that a I really don’t like in the English language, but I found out  (maybe realised is better here) that there isn’t such ^ thing. Including the “th” sound, the uncountable nouns, the ‘’third-person-singular’’-s, the fact that many words we pronounce the same way, we write in a very different way with a whole new meaning ecc (?).

I can’t say that I have no problem with all these grammar references. Of course, as(ww) everyone else, sometimes I need to check which is the right form to use. But this doesn’t mean that I would like these grammar references, that I’m having a hard time writing correctly, to just disappear from the English language (good). In fact this is what I like about any foreign language – their typical language differences.

In conclusion(p) I’d dare to say that it would be great if the English language stays as it is now. There is nothing better than cultural conservation and I think an important part of it is the language – saved in its most original form despite all the external influences.

Good, Albena. Please check your corrections and re-write below. I will check them later.

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The story about Songdo really impressed me. I think that only the technological and technical innovations will help us to survive in  a world with enormous big cities, pollution and insufficient resources.

In the near future we will have to face the fact (good) that we don't have enough resources to live as we do now and we will have to learn how to live with less of everything. In my opinion we can do this only if science provides(vf) and develop(vf) the right solutions which will help us to live more efficient(wf).

In my country we don't have  problems with overcrowded cities. Instead, we have lots of shanty towns with low educated (this is a little too blunt. Maybe you could say people with a high school education or something similar) and poor people. In order to deal with this(ww) problems the solutions in Medelin sounds pretty good for my country.

Good, Alexander. Please check your corrections and re-write below. I will check them later.

The story about Songdo really impressed me. I think that only the technological and technical innovations will help us to survive in  a world with enormous big cities, pollution and insufficient resources.

In the near future we will have to face the fact (good) that we don't have enough resources to live as we do now and we will have to learn how to live with less of everything. In my opinion we can do this only if science provideS(vf) and developS(vf) the right solutions which will help us to live more efficientLY(wf).  GOOD

In my country we don't have  problems with overcrowded cities. Instead, we have lots of shanty towns with low educated (this is a little too blunt. Maybe you could say people with a high school education or something similar - I don't understand. You mean that I'm too direct or rude?) (YES, IT'S NOT A TERM THAT IS USED IN ENGLISH ALTHOUGH THE MEANING IS CLEAR. Maybe, people with a low level  of education is better) and poor people. In order to deal with SUCH(ww) good   problems the solutions in Medelin sounds pretty good for my country.

Good work:)

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Under the broken windows theory, an ordered and clean environment, one that is maintained, sends the signal that the area is monitored and that criminal behavior is not tolerated. Conversely, a disordered environment, one that is not maintained (broken windows, graffiti, excessive litter), sends the signal that the area is not monitored and that criminal behavior has little risk of detection.

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Singdo(s) is better than Madelin(s), because in Singo(s) people use new technologies to make their live(wf) simpler  and to protect our planet ( for example : the street lights is turn off when the street is empty)

About the future I can’t say exactly, because Medellin was able to dropped(ww) the crime but it still has a lot of crimes. There is one theory of broken windows which represented the crimes originating in NY and I think Columbia is another example. About Korea how I said it’s would be interesting for me to live in very technological city like Songdo in Korea but if one day the internet had gone goes down how the would citizens would have lived(ww)? And it’s good to live in a green environment -land land, but you can’t rely on the internet.

In Bulgaria has a lot of villages where live gypsies (wo) and they cause troubles of(ww) normal people. They also steal and don’t want to study. If in this(ww) villages has(vf) more police(p) people would live better.

Good work, Nikol. Please check your corrections and re-write them below. I will check them. Also, thanks for posting the information about the broken windows theory.

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6b/9

Without a doubt for me Songdo is more impressive than Medellin. First, because people have made something out of nothing (good) . And not just something, but a super-modern town. Yes, this model can help us to solve some significant problems that come with urbanization - overcrowded polluted cities with their shantitowns(s) and slums.
But when we talk about the future I think we shouldn't underrate(underestimate is a better word here) the Medelline's example. Why? Because we, especially we those of us who live in Europe, need to solve problems, connected to incoming - wanted or not - migrants (wo). For now these people are not integrated, do not have ^ stable income which can produce crime and feelings of isolation. I'm not sure if the Madelline's model is the right one for Europe, not at all actually, but we need to think about the integration, how to integrate these people.

One of the problems in Bulgaria's big towns is pollution. I'm don't not saying say it's the big one, but the WHO released a report yesterday, that shows how polluted is the air (wo) especially in Sofia, Burgas, Stara Zagora and towns near the Donau river. So we need better and cleaner transport, we need green belts around big cities, etc.
This is just one of many problems here, but I think it's very important because the quality of air is directly connected to people's health. Yes, we have problems with ^ public health system, with the disappointing quality of public education, ^ with administration, roads, transport etc.

Good, Alex. Please rewrite your corrections below

Corrections:
Yes, this model can help us to solve some significant problems that come with urbanization - overcrowded polluted cities with their shanty towns and slums. :)

But when we talk about the future I think we shouldn't underestimate Medelline's example.  :)

Because we, especially those of us who live in Europe, need to solve problems, connected to incoming migrants. :)

For now these people are not integrated, do not have a stable income which and this can produce crime and feelings of isolation. (the lack of a stable income on its own does not produce a feeling of isolation:))

I'm not sure if Madelline's model is the right one for Europe, not at all actually, but we need to think about how to integrate these people.

I'm not saying it's the big one (do you mean I'm not sure how important it is...?), but the WHO released a report yesterday, that shows how polluted the air is especially in Sofia, Burgas, Stara Zagora and towns near the Donau river.

Yes, we have problems with the public health system, w the disappointing quality of public education, and also ^ with administration, roads, transport etc.

Very good, Alex. I corrected a few other points that I didn't highlight the first time. Hope this helps.

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- Which city, Songdo or Medelin, do you find most impressive? Why?
I definitely find Songdo as more impressive than Medelin. There are a few reasons for that:
1) It is designed and build(vf) with the idea to be a green city.
2) It is a technology(wf) smart city which optimizes traffic congestion (this means that it makes the most traffic congestion possible).
3) It is innovative introducing with video conferencing at each place
in every location. The main disadvantage of Songdo is the cost but advantages of the city  listed above impressed me more.

- Which model offers the best hope of the future?
Songdo's model seems to be the model of the future future model. Building with the idea to be smart, green and ecological Songdo's model is definitely promising. Moreover innovations are the main drivers of the future and that city involve(vf) many of them.

- Which solution can you think of for the problems of the major cities in your country?
I would say that Songdo's model cannot be adopted for solving the problems but rather than for getting rid of them from the beginning. That's why I think that Medelin's model would suit best (or would be best suited) for solving the problems of Bulgaria's major cities.

Good, Ivaylo. Please check your corrections and re-write them below:)

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- Which city, Songdo or Medelin, do you find most impressive? Why?
It is Songdo that definitely impresses me more. It seems to be a city of from a science-fiction novel or movie with its smart traffic lights and mostly with its ease of communicational ease. The very next step should could be having robots-servants. Medelin is just a city of ^ present, but the future belongs to cities like Songdo (good!). Anyhow theres(p) is much to do till all the major cities "go to the future" become futuristic perhaps applying solution of Le Corbusier's (wo).

- Which model offers the best hope for the future?
Comparing Songdo and Medelin, it is, as I mentioned before, Songdo's model. This is ^ only solution to urban problems, i.e. overcrowded cities. Its cost is too big though. What happens with free choise(s), even if it is an incorrect one, it is worth to live(vf) without any challenges if everything, that you need, is just there waiting for you? So, at(ww) my opinion, the Songdo model should be made a little bit more challenging. I'm not sure what you mean here...

- What solution can you think of for the problems of the major cities in your country?
The major cities in my country have the same problems as the major cities worldwide. Overcrowded, traffic jams, gypsies' ghettos without any hygiene. I can(can't?) think of any solution but(except might be better here) going back to ^ simple life in the country, though it is impossible - time goes forward only.

Call me Sando

PS: Should the answers be longer?
No, that is fine. Good work, Sando. You can make your corrections below and I will check them.

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I will post lesson notes here after every class. I will also assign some homework to be completed here. We can use it as a space to share things with each other. Please feel free to post anything you think may be useful, beneficial or interesting for the rest of the class:)

Just double-click to post and remember to write your name next to what you write.

Thanks,

Mike