CU after summer

Now that the "busy days" are coming, here are our last posts of this school year.
Hope that you find Our Blog useful. We'll see you again in September.
In the meanwhile, let's listen to some music to get ready for the summer hols.



“Summercat” – Billie the Vision & The Dancers

I kissed you good bye at the airport. I held you so close to me. I said ‘So here we are now and I can’t stop from crying Lilly’. And you said ‘Hey hey hoo, you know this is the way to go. You will forget about me when I’m on that plane. Forget about me when I’m on that plane.’

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

The plane took off and my love went with it. The chilly wind whipped my both cheeks hard. And the man next to me said ‘Everything is gonna be alright’. I said ‘Nothing is gonna be alright, but thank you anyway’. And then I saw your face in the airplane window. I waved my hands and I shouted to you:

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

I wore a T-shirt and my worn out hat. Abandoned as a summer cat. And as I stood there as a broken hearted I realized you got the car keys still. So I broke into my own old car. I fell asleep on the passenger seat. I dreamed of summer sex with you and you whispered in my ear:

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

Why can’t you leave me tomorrow instead?

And above the clouds she said to herself ‘I can’t believe how naive a man can be. That’s why I love you so and that’s why I can’t be with you…’

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

..... and some others for you to enjoy.

CU after summer

Now that the "busy days" are coming, here are our last posts of this school year.
Hope that you find Our Blog useful. We'll see you again in September.
In the meanwhile, let's listen to some music to get ready for the summer hols.



“Summercat” – Billie the Vision & The Dancers

I kissed you good bye at the airport. I held you so close to me. I said ‘So here we are now and I can’t stop from crying Lilly’. And you said ‘Hey hey hoo, you know this is the way to go. You will forget about me when I’m on that plane. Forget about me when I’m on that plane.’

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

The plane took off and my love went with it. The chilly wind whipped my both cheeks hard. And the man next to me said ‘Everything is gonna be alright’. I said ‘Nothing is gonna be alright, but thank you anyway’. And then I saw your face in the airplane window. I waved my hands and I shouted to you:

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

I wore a T-shirt and my worn out hat. Abandoned as a summer cat. And as I stood there as a broken hearted I realized you got the car keys still. So I broke into my own old car. I fell asleep on the passenger seat. I dreamed of summer sex with you and you whispered in my ear:

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

Why can’t you leave me tomorrow instead?

And above the clouds she said to herself ‘I can’t believe how naive a man can be. That’s why I love you so and that’s why I can’t be with you…’

Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you Tonight tonight tonight tonight
I wanna be with you tonight

..... and some others for you to enjoy.

Holiday snaps of 'smiling' three-ton hippo 'Otis' become web hit

When Jay Parker told his wife Lauren to say ‘cheese’, it seems someone else was listening, too. Otis the hippo pressed his face against the glass of his tank and produced what appears to be a beaming smile.
And when the couple exchanged positions, the three-ton beast duly obliged with another grin for the camera next to her husband. The Parkers, from Little Rock, Arkansas, took their extraordinary photographs during a holiday visit to San Diego Zoo in California.

'We took the picture on holiday at San Diego Zoo, my wife is a big fan of animals so we always try and visit somewhere when we are away,' said Mr Parker.

'Actually the week we were there the zoo had just put two hippos together for the first time in the tank. Hippos are not usually that friendly and the two they had in the tank - the male Otis and the female Funani - had been having a bit of a fight with each other that day. Mr Parker said 'When I look at his face I think he looks pretty tired by it all, or maybe he's having a happy dream - either way it's a great picture.'

To add another dimension to the memorable snap, the picture has become an internet hit after Jay posted them on the internet and pops up on blogs and chatrooms from USA to China. Mr Parker, 35, from Little Rock, Arkansas, even gets fan mail from people far away telling him he is their computer screensaver or Facebook profile picture.

He said: 'It's kind of strange to think there are people out there with a picture of me on their computer, but I guess I'm just the hippo man as far they're concerned.’


Question 1 [2 points]Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Jay Parker appears in the first photograph of Otis in San Diego. b) Lauren likes animals a lot.
c) Otis has always had company in his tank. (
d) Mr Parker received emails from people all over the world.

Question 2 [2 points] Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) When and where were the photos taken?
b) Who has used the photos of Mr and Mrs Parker and how?

Question 3 [1.5 points] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) very wide and happy (paragraph 1)
b) animal (paragraph 2)
c) to appear (paragraph 5)

Question 4 Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a) The Parkers, from Little Rock, Arkansas, took their extraordinary photographs during a holiday visit to San Diego Zoo in California.
The extraordinary photographs ……..

b) My wife is a big fan of animals so we always try and visit some when we are away.
If my …….

c) Mr Parker said: 'It's kind of strange to think there are people out there with a picture of me on their computer, but I guess I'm just the hippo man as far they're concerned.’
Mr Parker said that it …………

Question 5 Write a short essay (between120-150 words) on the following topic:
‘Nowadays, the internet makes it possible for everyone to be famous’. Do you agree? Is it always a good thing?

Holiday snaps of 'smiling' three-ton hippo 'Otis' become web hit

When Jay Parker told his wife Lauren to say ‘cheese’, it seems someone else was listening, too. Otis the hippo pressed his face against the glass of his tank and produced what appears to be a beaming smile.
And when the couple exchanged positions, the three-ton beast duly obliged with another grin for the camera next to her husband. The Parkers, from Little Rock, Arkansas, took their extraordinary photographs during a holiday visit to San Diego Zoo in California.

'We took the picture on holiday at San Diego Zoo, my wife is a big fan of animals so we always try and visit somewhere when we are away,' said Mr Parker.

'Actually the week we were there the zoo had just put two hippos together for the first time in the tank. Hippos are not usually that friendly and the two they had in the tank - the male Otis and the female Funani - had been having a bit of a fight with each other that day. Mr Parker said 'When I look at his face I think he looks pretty tired by it all, or maybe he's having a happy dream - either way it's a great picture.'

To add another dimension to the memorable snap, the picture has become an internet hit after Jay posted them on the internet and pops up on blogs and chatrooms from USA to China. Mr Parker, 35, from Little Rock, Arkansas, even gets fan mail from people far away telling him he is their computer screensaver or Facebook profile picture.

He said: 'It's kind of strange to think there are people out there with a picture of me on their computer, but I guess I'm just the hippo man as far they're concerned.’


Question 1 [2 points]Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Jay Parker appears in the first photograph of Otis in San Diego. b) Lauren likes animals a lot.
c) Otis has always had company in his tank. (
d) Mr Parker received emails from people all over the world.

Question 2 [2 points] Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) When and where were the photos taken?
b) Who has used the photos of Mr and Mrs Parker and how?

Question 3 [1.5 points] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) very wide and happy (paragraph 1)
b) animal (paragraph 2)
c) to appear (paragraph 5)

Question 4 Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a) The Parkers, from Little Rock, Arkansas, took their extraordinary photographs during a holiday visit to San Diego Zoo in California.
The extraordinary photographs ……..

b) My wife is a big fan of animals so we always try and visit some when we are away.
If my …….

c) Mr Parker said: 'It's kind of strange to think there are people out there with a picture of me on their computer, but I guess I'm just the hippo man as far they're concerned.’
Mr Parker said that it …………

Question 5 Write a short essay (between120-150 words) on the following topic:
‘Nowadays, the internet makes it possible for everyone to be famous’. Do you agree? Is it always a good thing?

New York cabbie picks up $5,000 fare to California

New York taxi driver Mohammed Alam has picked up the fare of a lifetime - $5,000 (£3,000) to drive across the US to Los Angeles. He got a shock when he was asked to drive the two friends. Investment banker John Belitsky and friend Dan Wuebben wanted to do something "magical".
They decided on a cab ride to LA and struck the deal with Mr Alam after finding him at LaGuardia Airport.
The 2,448-mile trip took six days and included a stop in Las Vegas where the friends won $2,000. On 22 April, after their winning streak in Las Vegas, he tweeted: "Woke up Alam to a shower of $100 bills at sunrise."
Mr Belitsky, of Leonia, New Jersey, and Mr Wuebben, of Queens, New York, haven't yet said how they intend to get back to the East Coast. But Mr Alam says a mate will help him make the drive back home from their destination.
New York news blog NYU Local estimated that the trip would have cost $17,000 (£10,000) if the meter had been running for the whole trip.

Match the words below to their definitions

destination / trip / magical / mate / meter /shock

emotional reaction to something you don’t expect
the act of travelling from one place to another one
friend
special and exciting
place that you are going to
device that measures the amount of something

True or false?
1. Los Angeles is near to New York.
2. The trip cost less than if it has been on the meter.
3. You can drive from New York to Los Angeles in less than a week.
4. John and Dan were enemies.
5. John Belitsky works in a bank.
6. Dan Wuebben drove the taxi.
7. The meter was not running during the trip.
8. The journey actually cost ten thousand pounds.

Which word or phrase means the same as the one in italics?
1.whole
a) the same as missing
b) the same as partial
c) the same as entire
2.asked
a) the same as requested
b) the same as told
c) the same as demanded
3.running
a) the same as walking
b) the same as turned on
c) the same as dripping



KEY

shock emotional reaction to something you don’t expect
journey the act of travelling from one place to another one
mate friend
magical special and exciting
destination place that you are going to
meter device that measures the amount of something

True or false?
1. False
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
6. False
7. True
8. False

Which word or phrase means the same as the one in italics?
1. c) the same as entire
2. a) the same as requested
3. b) the same as turned on

New York cabbie picks up $5,000 fare to California

New York taxi driver Mohammed Alam has picked up the fare of a lifetime - $5,000 (£3,000) to drive across the US to Los Angeles. He got a shock when he was asked to drive the two friends. Investment banker John Belitsky and friend Dan Wuebben wanted to do something "magical".
They decided on a cab ride to LA and struck the deal with Mr Alam after finding him at LaGuardia Airport.
The 2,448-mile trip took six days and included a stop in Las Vegas where the friends won $2,000. On 22 April, after their winning streak in Las Vegas, he tweeted: "Woke up Alam to a shower of $100 bills at sunrise."
Mr Belitsky, of Leonia, New Jersey, and Mr Wuebben, of Queens, New York, haven't yet said how they intend to get back to the East Coast. But Mr Alam says a mate will help him make the drive back home from their destination.
New York news blog NYU Local estimated that the trip would have cost $17,000 (£10,000) if the meter had been running for the whole trip.

Match the words below to their definitions

destination / trip / magical / mate / meter /shock

emotional reaction to something you don’t expect
the act of travelling from one place to another one
friend
special and exciting
place that you are going to
device that measures the amount of something

True or false?
1. Los Angeles is near to New York.
2. The trip cost less than if it has been on the meter.
3. You can drive from New York to Los Angeles in less than a week.
4. John and Dan were enemies.
5. John Belitsky works in a bank.
6. Dan Wuebben drove the taxi.
7. The meter was not running during the trip.
8. The journey actually cost ten thousand pounds.

Which word or phrase means the same as the one in italics?
1.whole
a) the same as missing
b) the same as partial
c) the same as entire
2.asked
a) the same as requested
b) the same as told
c) the same as demanded
3.running
a) the same as walking
b) the same as turned on
c) the same as dripping



KEY

shock emotional reaction to something you don’t expect
journey the act of travelling from one place to another one
mate friend
magical special and exciting
destination place that you are going to
meter device that measures the amount of something

True or false?
1. False
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
6. False
7. True
8. False

Which word or phrase means the same as the one in italics?
1. c) the same as entire
2. a) the same as requested
3. b) the same as turned on

Schoolboy to climb Mount Everest

A 13-year-old is planning to make history by becoming the youngest ever person to climb the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest.
Jordan Romero from the USA will attempt to summit the 8,850 metre peak which is above the height some planes fly at.
Jordan will be joined by his dad and stepmum on the expedition, both are experienced climbers.
Climbing so high can be dangerous though, the cold and lack of oxygen has killed lots of climbers in the past.
It's likely Jordan will use bottled oxygen as he climbs higher up the mountain as there is less oxygen to breathe in the higher up you go.
Record books
At age 10, he became the youngest American to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
The current record holder for the youngest person to climb Mount Everest is Temba Tsheri from Nepal who was 16.
Because of the extreme cold though he lost five fingers during his climb due to frostbite.

True or False?

1. Jordan Romero is 13 years-old.
2. Romero is from Canada.
3. The 13-year-old is planning to climb Mount Everest.
4. Jordan will climb the mountain with his father and uncle.
5. Jordan's father has never climbed a mountain before.
6. It can be dangerous to climb mountains.
7. Lack of oxygen can kill climbers.
8. The peak of Mount Everest is above the height at which some planes fly.
9. Jordan will probably use oxygen when he climbs the mountain.
10. There is less oxygen at the bottom of Mount Everest.

What is the missing word?

1. The summit of Mount Everest is 8,850___________tall.

2. The cold has _____________lots of climbers in the past.

3. Jordan became the_______________American to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro when he was 10.

4. Temba Tsheri____________five fingers when he climbed to the top of Mount Everest.



KEY

1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE
6. TRUE
7. TRUE
8. TRUE
9. TRUE
10. FALSE

1. metres
2. killed
3. youngest
4. lost

Schoolboy to climb Mount Everest

A 13-year-old is planning to make history by becoming the youngest ever person to climb the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest.
Jordan Romero from the USA will attempt to summit the 8,850 metre peak which is above the height some planes fly at.
Jordan will be joined by his dad and stepmum on the expedition, both are experienced climbers.
Climbing so high can be dangerous though, the cold and lack of oxygen has killed lots of climbers in the past.
It's likely Jordan will use bottled oxygen as he climbs higher up the mountain as there is less oxygen to breathe in the higher up you go.
Record books
At age 10, he became the youngest American to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
The current record holder for the youngest person to climb Mount Everest is Temba Tsheri from Nepal who was 16.
Because of the extreme cold though he lost five fingers during his climb due to frostbite.

True or False?

1. Jordan Romero is 13 years-old.
2. Romero is from Canada.
3. The 13-year-old is planning to climb Mount Everest.
4. Jordan will climb the mountain with his father and uncle.
5. Jordan's father has never climbed a mountain before.
6. It can be dangerous to climb mountains.
7. Lack of oxygen can kill climbers.
8. The peak of Mount Everest is above the height at which some planes fly.
9. Jordan will probably use oxygen when he climbs the mountain.
10. There is less oxygen at the bottom of Mount Everest.

What is the missing word?

1. The summit of Mount Everest is 8,850___________tall.

2. The cold has _____________lots of climbers in the past.

3. Jordan became the_______________American to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro when he was 10.

4. Temba Tsheri____________five fingers when he climbed to the top of Mount Everest.



KEY

1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE
6. TRUE
7. TRUE
8. TRUE
9. TRUE
10. FALSE

1. metres
2. killed
3. youngest
4. lost

Warning about falling icicles

Kids in Scotland are being warned to look out for falling icicles, as the weather warms up this weekend.
Parts of Scotland have experienced temperatures as low as -20 degrees over the past few weeks.
Weather forecasters say temperatures are rising, and icicles that were frozen solid are starting to melt and could snap off buildings.
People are also being warned to be careful, as melting ice could make roads and pavements very slippery.
Forecasters said Friday would be a milder day but it would start to get cold again on Saturday night.
They said there might be more snow towards the end of next week too.

True or False?

1. Children in Scotland are being given icicles.
2. The weather is warming up this weekend.
3. Parts of Scotland have been as cold as minus 40 degrees.
4. Weather forecasters say temperatures are going to stay cold.
5. Icicles may melt and snap off buildings.
6. People are being warned as roads and pavements could be slippery.
7. Friday is going to be a hot day.
8. The weather will get colder again on Saturday.
9. There will be no more snow.

Which word or phrase means the same as the one in italics?
warms up

a) the same as gets colder
b) the same as gets warmer
c) the same as starts raining
low

a) the same as hot
b) the same as cold
c) the same as interesting

rising
a) the same as getting colder
b) the same as getting warmer
c) the same as starting to snow

starting
a) the same as beginning
b) the same as ending
c) the same as happening



KEY
1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE
4. FALSE
5. TRUE
6. TRUE
7. FALSE
8. TRUE
9. FALSE

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. A

Warning about falling icicles

Kids in Scotland are being warned to look out for falling icicles, as the weather warms up this weekend.
Parts of Scotland have experienced temperatures as low as -20 degrees over the past few weeks.
Weather forecasters say temperatures are rising, and icicles that were frozen solid are starting to melt and could snap off buildings.
People are also being warned to be careful, as melting ice could make roads and pavements very slippery.
Forecasters said Friday would be a milder day but it would start to get cold again on Saturday night.
They said there might be more snow towards the end of next week too.

True or False?

1. Children in Scotland are being given icicles.
2. The weather is warming up this weekend.
3. Parts of Scotland have been as cold as minus 40 degrees.
4. Weather forecasters say temperatures are going to stay cold.
5. Icicles may melt and snap off buildings.
6. People are being warned as roads and pavements could be slippery.
7. Friday is going to be a hot day.
8. The weather will get colder again on Saturday.
9. There will be no more snow.

Which word or phrase means the same as the one in italics?
warms up

a) the same as gets colder
b) the same as gets warmer
c) the same as starts raining
low

a) the same as hot
b) the same as cold
c) the same as interesting

rising
a) the same as getting colder
b) the same as getting warmer
c) the same as starting to snow

starting
a) the same as beginning
b) the same as ending
c) the same as happening



KEY
1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE
4. FALSE
5. TRUE
6. TRUE
7. FALSE
8. TRUE
9. FALSE

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. A

The Story of a Town

Brighton is the largest seaside resort in the south-east of England.
At first the town was a fishing village and did not become popular until about 1800. Rich people began to visit Brighton in large numbers and when King George IV decided to build a house there, it became very fashionable. The King continued to visit it until 1827, but Queen Victoria did not like the house.
It is open to the public every day and there is a special exhibition there in the summer.
Brighton offers all kinds of entertainment, from concerts and plays in the theatre to local attractions like the Aquarium.
The area of old houses known as The Lanes is a very attractive shopping centre, where visitors can buy souvenirs and antiques. The houses were once lived in by fishermen but have now been converted into shops. Not far from The Lanes is a modern shopping centre with licensed restaurants and tables outdoors where you can enjoy a drink in good weather.
Brighton is within easy reach of London and has been a popular day out for Londoners for many years.


Are these statements TRUE or FALSE?
1. Brighton began to be popular when King George IV arrived.
2. The town became popular because it was a fishing village.
3. You can visit King George’s house only in the summer
4. The fishermen’s cottages are shops now.

Choose the correct answer
1. What kind of buildings are in The Lanes?
a. New houses.
b. Old pubs.
c. Modern shops.
d. Converted houses.

2. What does the text say you can do near The Lanes in fine weather?
a. Buy antiques.
b. Buy souvenirs.
c. Go to concerts.
d. Sit outside for lunch.
3. How long do many people from London stay in Brighton?
a. A month.
b. A weekend.
c. One day.
d. A week.
4. Which of these is true?
a. Brighton is the same size as London.
b. No resort in south-east England is bigger than Brighton.
c. Brighton is the biggest town in south-east England.
d. Brighton is the biggest town on the coast of England.

Answer these questions
1. What things does the text say can you do in Brighton?
2. What did Queen Victoria think about the King's house?

The Story of a Town

Brighton is the largest seaside resort in the south-east of England.
At first the town was a fishing village and did not become popular until about 1800. Rich people began to visit Brighton in large numbers and when King George IV decided to build a house there, it became very fashionable. The King continued to visit it until 1827, but Queen Victoria did not like the house.
It is open to the public every day and there is a special exhibition there in the summer.
Brighton offers all kinds of entertainment, from concerts and plays in the theatre to local attractions like the Aquarium.
The area of old houses known as The Lanes is a very attractive shopping centre, where visitors can buy souvenirs and antiques. The houses were once lived in by fishermen but have now been converted into shops. Not far from The Lanes is a modern shopping centre with licensed restaurants and tables outdoors where you can enjoy a drink in good weather.
Brighton is within easy reach of London and has been a popular day out for Londoners for many years.


Are these statements TRUE or FALSE?
1. Brighton began to be popular when King George IV arrived.
2. The town became popular because it was a fishing village.
3. You can visit King George’s house only in the summer
4. The fishermen’s cottages are shops now.

Choose the correct answer
1. What kind of buildings are in The Lanes?
a. New houses.
b. Old pubs.
c. Modern shops.
d. Converted houses.

2. What does the text say you can do near The Lanes in fine weather?
a. Buy antiques.
b. Buy souvenirs.
c. Go to concerts.
d. Sit outside for lunch.
3. How long do many people from London stay in Brighton?
a. A month.
b. A weekend.
c. One day.
d. A week.
4. Which of these is true?
a. Brighton is the same size as London.
b. No resort in south-east England is bigger than Brighton.
c. Brighton is the biggest town in south-east England.
d. Brighton is the biggest town on the coast of England.

Answer these questions
1. What things does the text say can you do in Brighton?
2. What did Queen Victoria think about the King's house?

Are you planning to travel for Carnival?

Are you one of those who always ask questions before thinking?

Have a look at this!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/4973350/20-stupid-questions-asked-by-tourists.html

Now that you are ready to be a wise tourist, try this exercise.

Arranging and going on a plane journey

If you buy a ticket then travel with an online airline, you have to go through several steps before you fly.

Number the steps in the order you do them. (1 - 14)

a) You type in the web address onto your browser.

b) You choose the best flight times for you.

c) You check in and print your boarding card.

d) You submit your personal details.

e) You show your boarding pass and passport.

f) You select your starting point, destination airport and dates of travel.

g) You go through security control.

h) You select or reject options like number of bags and priority boarding.

i) The total cost, including any additional charges is shown.

j) You submit your payment details.

k) You wait at the gate.

l) You arrive at the airport.

m) You receive a confirmation number by email.

n) You board the plane and take a seat.




1.a 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.


Self-Access Group. CEP. Santander



KEY
1.a 2.f 3. b 4.h 5.i 6.d 7.j 8.m 9.c 10.l 11.g 12.e 13.k 14.n

And if you feel exotic ....................

World’s Tallest Building Opens in Dubai

The world's tallest building officially opened in Dubai on January the 4th. The height of the 828-metre Burj Khalifa was kept a secret until the opening ceremony. It is twice the height of New York’s Empire State Building. Another big surprise at the opening was the renaming of the tower. The building had always been called Burj Dubai. However, Dubai’s ruler announced it would now be called Burj Khalifa after the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s neighbour. The oil-rich emirate of Abu Dhabi helped save Dubai from possible financial collapse. The chairman of the company that built the Burj, Mohamed Alabbar, said the building gives "hope and optimism". He added: “The world has gone through …difficult times… this is the beginning of a gradual move forward.”
It is likely the Burj will remain as the world’s tallest building for a while to come. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, there seems to be little appetite for ambitious construction projects from property developers. The Burj’s owners, however, are confident the building will be a success. More than 90 per cent of the space has been sold. It cost $22 billion to build and has broken many records. The opening celebrations included the world’s highest fireworks, which lit up the sky above the world’s tallest fountain. The building houses the world’s highest mosque and swimming pool, located on floors 158 and 76. Burj Khalifa has 1,044 luxury apartments, 49 floors of offices and the 160-room Armani hotel. Around 12,000 people will live and work in the tower.

Question 1. Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.
a) Everyone knew the height of the world’s tallest building ages ago.
b) The building is named after Dubai’s ruler.
c) A property developer said the Burj is a symbol of good times to come.
d) Another project will soon beat the Burj as the world’s tallest building.

Question 2. Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) Why has this tall building got that name?
b) What will there be inside the building?

Question 3. Find a word or a phrase in the text that means the same as
a) ruin (par.1) b) slow (par.1) c) desire (par. 2)

Question 4. Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) The building had always been called Burj Dubai.
People _________________________________
b) “The world has gone through difficult times. This is the beginning of a gradual move forward.”
Mohamed Alabbar said that ____________________________________________
c) There is no appetite for construction projects. The Burj´s owners , however, are confident the building will be a success.
Although __________________________________________________________

Question 5. Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
What do you prefer to visit: old towns or modern towns? Give reasons

Self-Access Group. CEP Santander

Are you planning to travel for Carnival?

Are you one of those who always ask questions before thinking?

Have a look at this!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/4973350/20-stupid-questions-asked-by-tourists.html

Now that you are ready to be a wise tourist, try this exercise.

Arranging and going on a plane journey

If you buy a ticket then travel with an online airline, you have to go through several steps before you fly.

Number the steps in the order you do them. (1 - 14)

a) You type in the web address onto your browser.

b) You choose the best flight times for you.

c) You check in and print your boarding card.

d) You submit your personal details.

e) You show your boarding pass and passport.

f) You select your starting point, destination airport and dates of travel.

g) You go through security control.

h) You select or reject options like number of bags and priority boarding.

i) The total cost, including any additional charges is shown.

j) You submit your payment details.

k) You wait at the gate.

l) You arrive at the airport.

m) You receive a confirmation number by email.

n) You board the plane and take a seat.




1.a 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.


Self-Access Group. CEP. Santander



KEY
1.a 2.f 3. b 4.h 5.i 6.d 7.j 8.m 9.c 10.l 11.g 12.e 13.k 14.n

And if you feel exotic ....................

World’s Tallest Building Opens in Dubai

The world's tallest building officially opened in Dubai on January the 4th. The height of the 828-metre Burj Khalifa was kept a secret until the opening ceremony. It is twice the height of New York’s Empire State Building. Another big surprise at the opening was the renaming of the tower. The building had always been called Burj Dubai. However, Dubai’s ruler announced it would now be called Burj Khalifa after the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s neighbour. The oil-rich emirate of Abu Dhabi helped save Dubai from possible financial collapse. The chairman of the company that built the Burj, Mohamed Alabbar, said the building gives "hope and optimism". He added: “The world has gone through …difficult times… this is the beginning of a gradual move forward.”
It is likely the Burj will remain as the world’s tallest building for a while to come. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, there seems to be little appetite for ambitious construction projects from property developers. The Burj’s owners, however, are confident the building will be a success. More than 90 per cent of the space has been sold. It cost $22 billion to build and has broken many records. The opening celebrations included the world’s highest fireworks, which lit up the sky above the world’s tallest fountain. The building houses the world’s highest mosque and swimming pool, located on floors 158 and 76. Burj Khalifa has 1,044 luxury apartments, 49 floors of offices and the 160-room Armani hotel. Around 12,000 people will live and work in the tower.

Question 1. Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.
a) Everyone knew the height of the world’s tallest building ages ago.
b) The building is named after Dubai’s ruler.
c) A property developer said the Burj is a symbol of good times to come.
d) Another project will soon beat the Burj as the world’s tallest building.

Question 2. Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) Why has this tall building got that name?
b) What will there be inside the building?

Question 3. Find a word or a phrase in the text that means the same as
a) ruin (par.1) b) slow (par.1) c) desire (par. 2)

Question 4. Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) The building had always been called Burj Dubai.
People _________________________________
b) “The world has gone through difficult times. This is the beginning of a gradual move forward.”
Mohamed Alabbar said that ____________________________________________
c) There is no appetite for construction projects. The Burj´s owners , however, are confident the building will be a success.
Although __________________________________________________________

Question 5. Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
What do you prefer to visit: old towns or modern towns? Give reasons

Self-Access Group. CEP Santander

Are you Puenting?

"Going abroad this long weekend? Be careful with street signs!!!!"

Are you Puenting?

"Going abroad this long weekend? Be careful with street signs!!!!"

Tourist Information office

Welcome to Cheltenham Spa

Fill in the gaps with words from the box

accommodation call enjoyable provide qualified range
seeing stock trails


Make our Tourist Information Centre your first 1 …………………. when planning your visit to Cheltenham. Our friendly team can provide an extensive 2………………………. of services to make your stay 3…………………………. and memorable. We can book your 4………………….. , from a homely bed and breakfast to a four-star-hotel. We can 5……………………… tickets for local events and we are booking agents for National Express and local coach operators.
In summer we organise our own varied programme of Scenic Coach Tours of the Cotswolds, plus regular walking tours of Regency Cheltenham, all escorted by 6………………….. guides. We also 7……………………. a wide range of maps, walking 8....................................... and guidebooks plus quality gifts and souvenirs. We can help you with advice on what to see, where to go and how to get there.
We look forward to 9……………………….. you in Cheltenham Spa.




KEY

1. call
2. range
3. enjoyable
4. accommodation
5. provide
6. qualified
7. stock
8. trails
9. seeing

Tourist Information office

Welcome to Cheltenham Spa

Fill in the gaps with words from the box

accommodation call enjoyable provide qualified range
seeing stock trails


Make our Tourist Information Centre your first 1 …………………. when planning your visit to Cheltenham. Our friendly team can provide an extensive 2………………………. of services to make your stay 3…………………………. and memorable. We can book your 4………………….. , from a homely bed and breakfast to a four-star-hotel. We can 5……………………… tickets for local events and we are booking agents for National Express and local coach operators.
In summer we organise our own varied programme of Scenic Coach Tours of the Cotswolds, plus regular walking tours of Regency Cheltenham, all escorted by 6………………….. guides. We also 7……………………. a wide range of maps, walking 8....................................... and guidebooks plus quality gifts and souvenirs. We can help you with advice on what to see, where to go and how to get there.
We look forward to 9……………………….. you in Cheltenham Spa.




KEY

1. call
2. range
3. enjoyable
4. accommodation
5. provide
6. qualified
7. stock
8. trails
9. seeing

Ryanair may charge £ 1 for lavatory use

Ryanair may charge £ 1 for lavatory use
Ryanair is considering charging passengers £1 to use the lavatory on its flights, according to chief executive Michael O’Leary. In an interview on BBC television this morning, Mr O’Leary said that the low-cost airline was looking at the possibility of installing a coin slot on the lavatory door.
Ironically, in a light-hearted survey conducted by Telegraph Travel last November, we asked readers which service they thought no-frills airlines might start charging for in the future. 56 per cent of readers said that a charge for "using the loo" would be the most likely; while 31 per cent chose "reclining seats" and 11 per cent opted for "sick bags".
Mr O’Leary said that Ryanair was determined to make air travel easier and more affordable. “I don’t think there’s anybody in history gone on board a Ryanair flight with less than a pound,” he added. Later, Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: "While this has been discussed internally, there are no immediate plans to introduce it." "However, this highlights Ryanair's continuing obsession with lowering costs and passing these savings on in the form of lower fares.” "Passengers using train and bus stations are already accustomed to paying to use the toilet so why not on airplanes?
The Dublin-based airline has gained a reputation for its high booking fees and additional charges. The carrier charges £30 to check in a bag, £10 to pay for flights with a credit card, £60 to check in sports or music equipment, £15 for each kilo of excess baggage, £50 to change a flight and £100 to change the name on a ticket.
A spokesman for rival low-fare carrier easyJet said: "We have no plans to charge passengers £1 to use our toilets.”Inflation appears to have gone crazy if it now costs £1 to spend a penny."
Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Michael Leary announced on television today that Ryanair had decided to ask passengers to pay one pound for going to the toilet.
b) Mr Leary says that Ryanair passengers get on the plane with money.
c) People waiting to get on some trains or buses already have to pay to use the toilet.
d) Ryanair’s idea will be used by Easy Jet.
Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What predictions did Telegraph readers make in the survey?
b) What extra charges do you have to pay if you travel with Ryanair?
Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) not serious (paragraph 2)
b) cheap (paragraph 3)
c) draw attention to (paragraph 3)
Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Telegraph Travel asked readers to say what services airlines might charge them for in the future.
Readers ……………. what services they ….
b) Ryanair charges for extras, so fares are low.
If
c) "Inflation appears to have gone crazy if it now costs £1 to spend a penny." said an Easy Jet spokesman.
An Easy Jet spokesman said that .....
Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
• Travelling helps us understand the world.
Self-Access Group Ciefp Santander

Ryanair may charge £ 1 for lavatory use

Ryanair may charge £ 1 for lavatory use
Ryanair is considering charging passengers £1 to use the lavatory on its flights, according to chief executive Michael O’Leary. In an interview on BBC television this morning, Mr O’Leary said that the low-cost airline was looking at the possibility of installing a coin slot on the lavatory door.
Ironically, in a light-hearted survey conducted by Telegraph Travel last November, we asked readers which service they thought no-frills airlines might start charging for in the future. 56 per cent of readers said that a charge for "using the loo" would be the most likely; while 31 per cent chose "reclining seats" and 11 per cent opted for "sick bags".
Mr O’Leary said that Ryanair was determined to make air travel easier and more affordable. “I don’t think there’s anybody in history gone on board a Ryanair flight with less than a pound,” he added. Later, Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: "While this has been discussed internally, there are no immediate plans to introduce it." "However, this highlights Ryanair's continuing obsession with lowering costs and passing these savings on in the form of lower fares.” "Passengers using train and bus stations are already accustomed to paying to use the toilet so why not on airplanes?
The Dublin-based airline has gained a reputation for its high booking fees and additional charges. The carrier charges £30 to check in a bag, £10 to pay for flights with a credit card, £60 to check in sports or music equipment, £15 for each kilo of excess baggage, £50 to change a flight and £100 to change the name on a ticket.
A spokesman for rival low-fare carrier easyJet said: "We have no plans to charge passengers £1 to use our toilets.”Inflation appears to have gone crazy if it now costs £1 to spend a penny."
Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Michael Leary announced on television today that Ryanair had decided to ask passengers to pay one pound for going to the toilet.
b) Mr Leary says that Ryanair passengers get on the plane with money.
c) People waiting to get on some trains or buses already have to pay to use the toilet.
d) Ryanair’s idea will be used by Easy Jet.
Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What predictions did Telegraph readers make in the survey?
b) What extra charges do you have to pay if you travel with Ryanair?
Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) not serious (paragraph 2)
b) cheap (paragraph 3)
c) draw attention to (paragraph 3)
Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Telegraph Travel asked readers to say what services airlines might charge them for in the future.
Readers ……………. what services they ….
b) Ryanair charges for extras, so fares are low.
If
c) "Inflation appears to have gone crazy if it now costs £1 to spend a penny." said an Easy Jet spokesman.
An Easy Jet spokesman said that .....
Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
• Travelling helps us understand the world.
Self-Access Group Ciefp Santander