INFOGRAFÍAS: QUÉ SON Y CÓMO HACERLAS

Para enterarte bien de qué es una infografía y cómo se hacen, pulsa en el suguiente enlace: http://www.etwinning.es/es/ideas/herramientas-tic/782-la-importancia-del-aprendizaje-visual-infografias-en-el-aula

ADVENT CALENDAR

Something new and surprising everyday in this ADVENT CALENDAR: http://www.pearsonelt.es/adventcalendar/

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

QUIZ ABOUT MOUTH

A mini quiz about the mouth & teeth: http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/worldservice/quiznet/quizengine?quiz=1227_quiznet

MUM'S BIRTHDAY CAKE

BY MARTA LÓPEZ, BTO2B

Watch this video to know how Marta prepared her mum a very nice birthday cake. Yum!

THE DIVORCE AND THE MUTE KID

BY MARÍA ROSSO, JAVIER LEAL, MARINA GARCÍA, BTO2A

A fun short film.

DIFFICULT SITUATION ON THE PHONE

BY CONCHITA MOYA, BTO2B

Watch this video to find out how Conchita manages a difficult situation while speaking on the phone. Have fun!

HOW TO COOK EMPANADA

BY ANTONIO PINEDA, BTO2D

Easy recipe to make... and so tasty to eat!

GRADABLE & NON GRADABLE ADJECTIVES

BY MICAELA VECCHI, BTO2C

What this video-lesson about adjectives:

HOW NOT TO ASK SOMEONE OUT

BY CRISTINA ORIHUELA, BTO2C & GONZALO DE ORY, BTO2D

Follow Cristina and Gonzalo's advice before you ask someone out. It's so important. I promise :)

FLORA A GRACE

BY FÁTIMA GONZÁLEZ-ALLER, BTO2A

"Flora and Grace" is a book written by Maureen Lee, a British novelist. "Flora and Grace" is set in the summer of 1944 in Switzerland. Flora finds herself holding a baby in a train station after his mother gave him to her before she was taken to a concentration camp. This book is an amazing representaion of how complex our lives can be, and how we do not live separate lives; we interact with each other. This book clearly represents how our lives can be affected by such drastic and unexpected factors, just like what happened to Flora. It also teaches us about the beauty of motherhood; this love is taught through the way Flora loves the boy as if she was her actual mother. Also, this connection between a mother and her son is best shown through the sacrifice Grace (the baby's mother) made by saving her son's life, no matter how hard it was for her.

BALCONING: ALCOHOL PLUS DRUGS

BY MARTA MARTÍNEZ, BTO2C

Since many years ago, young people tourist (mainly the English ones) HAVE PRACTICED this dangerous trend that consists OF jumping from balcony to balcony, or from a balcony to a pool. This is usual on Mediterranean hotels. The authorities, and even the hotel owners, don´t know how to end with this "activity", because it's impossible to watch and control all young tourists that stay in the hotels. It was decided to use advertisement campaigns, here and in their countries, to make the people be aware of the risk: they can't lose their lives when the only thing they have to do is to have fun on holidays.

In my opinion, this is a problem with a difficult solution, because each person decides to practise balconing or not (knowing that, usually, people who practise it take drugs and alcohol, whose mix is very dangerous). It is usual on young people to confuse risk with fun, a mistake that sometimes ends in a tragic case.

I hope that's just a passing trend, like so many others with no positive effects, so young people (with a long future) will stop dying.

VIOLIN (INFOGRAPHIC)

Mª MAR MARTÍNEZ, BTO2C

Have a look at this great infographic about the VIOLIN:

TATTOOED PEOPLE

BY DARÍO CALA, BTO2C

We live in a sort of society which is really rudimentary in a lot of aspects.

One of them is judging people for their personal image. More specifically, a lot of people are not hired for a job just because they have got tattoos on their skin.

Tattoed people are considered rebel, immature, less capable or less "person" than someone with a totally clean skin.

I think it´s a mistake to judge people's values and talents just because of their personal-image preferences. Here in Spain, people are still judge because of that, among many other things. However, in other European countries, companies hire tattoed people for important positions; we should really learn from them because everyone has the right to work.

I think tattoed people should be able to denounce people who harras, bully or insult them. Everyone has the right to work, and a tattoo shouldn´t be an obstade for that.

SPORT IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

BY JAIME IBÁÑEZ, BTO2C

Nowadays there are more and more people who are having health problems because of the lack of exercise on their daily routine. The number of children who have obese problems is increasing, so we must do something about this.

With the introduction of technologies, our society is becoming lazier and as a consequence of this, people prefer watching TV rather than going for a walk. The solution to all these problems is simple: we must teach people how to have a good time doing exercise because everyone doesn’t like the same sport. Furthermore, these “new sportmen or sportwomen” should do it about more than three days a week.

In my opinion, this is the best way to fight against obese problems because the more sport you practise, the fitter you’ll be. So, if you read this and you don’t practise sport, you must take your trainers and go for a walk at least!

EMPRESSES IN THE PALACE

BY CAROLINA CHEN, BTO2A

Red walls, enormous gardens, dark plots within the shadows... A not so common side of the Forbidden City for foreigners, but common sense for Chinese people. This is the background of the phenomenal TV series named "Empresses in the Palace". It has reached millions of views, but personally I don't think that it is educational or recommendable to watch.

The plot is about the young Zhenhuan, the seventeen-year-old daughter of a functionary of the royal court, who enters as a fresh maiden to the Emperor's harem, AND WHO is stuck between the two powers reigning in the shadows: the Empress and Consort Hua. Summarizing in my own words, it's a story about how an innocent white sheep turns into a calculative dark vixen.

Even though the storyline is fantastic and very interesting, it's also very dark and nerve-wrecking. Positive values, such as kindness and honesty, are the reason of the fall of Zhenhuan during the first season. They are portrayed as utopic and useless, when facing the ideals of power, lust and betrayal. This makes people's hearts' heavy, full with pesimism towards life.

THE OLIMPIC TORCH

How much do you know about the olimpic torch? Do this test:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/quizzes/quiznet/2012/06/120606_flash_quiz_3_torch_relay.shtml

LONDON WEBQUEST

Try to do this London City webquest:
http://www.onestopenglish.com/teenagers/topic-based-materials/city-webquests/pdf-content/city-webquests-london-webquest/147150.article

MISS DOUBFIRE

BY BLANCA BESTEIRO, BTO2A

The comedy film I'm going to talk about is Miss Doubtfire. It is a fantastic film about divorce, how difficult it is for parents, and how much their children suffer.

I have chosen this film because it is my favourite. It is very funny and moving. If you watch it ,  you will understand why.

I would like to highlight that Robin Williams´ performance in this film is outstanding. His voice is absolutely perfect for the role of Miss Doubtfire. It has excelent dialogues and incredible moments. Another amazing aspect to bear in mind is Miss Doubtfire's aTtitude. She is crazy and modern in spite of her age.

On the other hand ,  there are general aspects which we should mention about this film. Maybe the end is a little long and boring. And perhaps the dialogues are a little difficult for young people. It is impossible that you won´t laugh with them. Perhaps we could think that Robin Williams shows off a little; That´s to say, it is the only important character in the film. 

To sum up, Miss Doubtfire is an amazing film which both children and adults will enjoy. If you like to laugh and you appreciate sense of humoUr, you will love this film. Don´t miss it¡¡

WHIS IS YAWNING CONTAGIOUS?

SHOT PUT

BY NURIA DÍAZ, BTO2C

Here you are my infographic about SHOT PUT, the sport I practice.
If you want to know more about it, please click on picture to enlarge (=make it bigger).

DESIGNING A BUILDING

A new listening lesson by ESLPOD.COM:
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=14338008&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#

USA AGAINST SYRIA

BY CLAUDIA GALÁN, BTO2C

Syria's situation (known in all the whole world) has forced the United States to react. But, why now? Why didn't they act before?

Most of mass media try to make us believe that the USA have decided to interfere in this moment because of the chemical weapons. Chemical weapons are extremely dangerous, and of course, they're forbidden worldwide.

In spite of that, some other people have a point of view completely different. Barack Obama and his government have decided to intervene just because they don’t want anyone, any country, to be more powerful than the USA. If they really cared about all children and all innocent people, they would have stopped Bashar al-Assad a pretty long time ago. It’s even degrading how ‘the richest and most powerful country in the world’ let all that people die, being killed, and they try to repair all the damage now.

Sorry, USA, I do not believe in your goodness.

THE HOST, BY STEPHANIE MYERS

BY BEATRIZ BOLADO, BTO2A

“The Host” by Stephenie Meyer: My review.

The Host is a science-fiction and romance novel by Stephenie Meyer. The idea of this book is alien souls who travel from planet to planet, taking the inhabitant species and learning about their ways of life.

In my opinion, Stephenie Meyer did a good job with this book because it's something different from "Twilight" Saga. The characters have very special personalities, and Melanie, the human whose body is being handled by Wanderer, the host, was very interesting to read. The ending of this book was very touching, probably the best part of the whole book.

However, the book takes much too long to get interesting. The first pages were so boring to read because they repeated the same things again and again.

In general, this book is a good read if you have nothing else to do. The beginning is so frustrating, but the novel has some plot twists that make it a good story to read.

HOW TO MAKE A CAKE OF BISCUITS & CHOCOLATE

MARTA LÓPEZ, BTO2B

Watch this video if you want to prepare a cake of biscuits and chocolate for your mum's birthday:

CROSSWORD: HAIR

A new mini Crossword by BBC Learn English: HAIR
http://feedly.com/k/1fjcI3t

CHEMICAL WEAPONS

BY ESTRELLA SAN NARCISO, BTO2C

Nowadays, everybody has heard about the civil war in Siria. As a result, over six million people have been forced to abandon their homes and become refugees.

What's more alarming is the fact that chemical weapons have being used. The UN investigators HAVE CONFIRMED that and GIVEN convincing evidences about it. (For example, people dying due to the use of sarin gas). Plus, the descent movement of air made even bigger the scope of it.

The effect of this dangerous gas is that it affects jitters ans muscles, and it ends up with death by asphyxia.

The spokesman of the White House informs that Al Asad was responsible for this attempt.

In my opinion, war is not a way to solve problems. Also, I think people who are responsible should be sentenced for life in prision because they could have damaged people's health, hurt innocent people and spoilT the tranquility in the Sirian community even more, resulting in never ending war.

IRREGULAR PLURAL

Have a look at this infographic by Grammar.net to know more about IRREGULAR PLURALS in English (click to enlarge):

THE RAIN

It's raining
It's pouring
The old man is snoring.
(traditional song when it is raining)

Here you are vocabulary for rainy days:
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s97/sh/c261246f-0807-46c5-8d32-086e2652fb99/8760356d35a5ea1251b87c3e35958999

THAT'S NOT MY JOB

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but . realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

SPELLING MISTAKES, MINIQUIZ

A new #miniQuiz by BBC Learning English:
SPELLING MISTAKES
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/worldservice/quiznet/quizengine?ContentType=text/html;quiz=1025_spelling_1

10 WEATHER EXPRESSIONS IN ENGLISH

A new mini video-lesson by Teacher Emma of Engvid.com.
Today's lesson: 10 Weather Expressions:10 

MINI-QUIZ: EMAIL

How much do you know about EMAIL? #miniQuiz  http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/worldservice/quiznet/quizengine?ContentType=text/html;quiz=1429_email by @bbcle

FLASH MOBS

What do U know about FLASH MOBS? #listening & #miniLesson http://www.englishbaby.com/mobile/lesson?id=6450 by EnglishBaby.com

THE ENGLISH MANIA

THE RAIN (VOCABULARY)

PARAGUAS - UMBRELLA
CHUBASQUERO - RAINCOAT
BOTA DE AGUA - WELLINGTON BOOT
LLOVIZNA - DRIZZLE
CHAPARRÓN - CLOUDBURST
AGUACERO - DOWNPOUR
MONZÓN - MONSOON
ROCÍO - DEW
TORMENTA ELÉCTRICA - THUNDERSTORM
AGUANIEVE - RAIN AND SNOW MIXED
GRANIZO - HAIL
GOTA - DROP
BARRO - MUD
PLUVIÓMETRO - RAIN GAUGE
PRECIPITACIÓN - PRECIPITATION
LLUVIA ARTIFICIAL - CLOUD SEEDING
LIMPIAPARABRISAS - WINDSCREEN WIPER
CHARCO - PUDDLE
CANALÓN - RAIN GUTTER

MINI-QUIZ: LOVE & MARRIAGE

How much vocabulary do you know about weddings?
Try this new mini quiz by BBC LEARNING ENGLISH. Todays's topic is LOVE & MARRIAGE:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/worldservice/quiznet/quizengine

VIDEO LESSON: PAST SIMPLE TENSE MARKERS

IMAGINE, by JOHN LENNON

Do you like the song "IMAGINE" by John Lennon (ex-Beatle)?

Here you are the LYRICS (letra)

Click to ENLARGE (aumentar)

10 EXPRESSIONS ABOUT WORK

A new video lesson on vocabulary by Teacher Emma www.engvid.com

TEXTING DURING CLASS?

Do you TEXT (chatear con móvil) during classes? If your answer is YES, you should see this #Infographic by OnlineSchools.org before doing it again: http://www.onlineschools.org/visual-academy/multitasking/

DOWNLOAD PAU EXAMS 2012

2BTO students need PAU 2012 exams for the 1st Term practice.

You can get the exams from Web folder at http://marmillas.safasanluis.es or you can download with Link http://g8h3.qr.ai or scan the following qr-code:

MINI-QUIZ "THINGS IN THE KITCHEN"

Vocabulary mini quiz by BBC Learn English. It is not neccessary to be a good cook to do it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/ukchina/quizengine?ContentType=text/html;quiz=1212_food_kitchen

SCHOOL IS WAITING FOR STUDENTS

Our silent empty inner yard is waiting for our ESO-BTO students to come to @SAFASanLuis on Monday https://t.co/oPR9XO4ixT
— Miguel Armillas (@miguelarmillas) September 12, 2013

GRAVITY DAY IS ON 8TH SEPTEMBER

Do you know that #GravityDay is celebrated on 8 Sep? https://t.co/l9Mc9yi4eB
— Miguel Armillas (@miguelarmillas) September 9, 2013

WE ARE BACK!

We are back!
Keep calm & enjoy 2013/2014

MINIQUIZ: TENNIS

How much do you know about tennis? FIND OUT (descúbrelo) by doing this mini-test:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/worldservice/quiznet/quizengine?ContentType=text/html;quiz=1135_tennis

1ESO AC SAYING BYE ON VIDEO :)

Bye to our @euPals friends at Carrickfergus Grammar School in N.Ireland

euPals! Greeting from 1ESO-B/D

1ESO-B/D students saying "adiós" to their @euPals friends at Carrickfergurs Grammar School.

III WORLD WAR?

BY MANUEL PEREIRAS, 2BTO-D

Recently, Governor of North Korea has declared the country in "state of war", causing the hysteria in the media of all the world. But I think that a world war is not probablE.

Many people say that USA would support South Korea (I'm sure of this) and China would support North Korea BEcause they have similar ideologies, but I really don't share that idea. The reason TO me, is that China lives of the products exported over the world, but especially of the exported to United States of America and European Union (EU is ally of USA).

Therefore, it's not good for China to support North Korea, and also, they didn't back up at North Korea in the last United Nations congress. Knowing this, I hope that Kim Jong-un (leader of North Korea) won't be so silly to start a war that they will lose, and that he only pretends TO attract attention, but at any rate. The war wolud be between North Korea, and South Korea plus their allies, but not a world war.

ENGLISH: MY OPINION

BY ALICIA RIQUET, 2BTO-C

To start with,  we have to say that, as an international language, English is spoken by people around the world. It is also the most commonly used language in science, books, magazines, newspapers and other mass media and entertaiments. Becasuse its important role, English is considered as one of the most popular language subjects in many countries.

Besides, for many years, English has been a compulsory lesson in Spain`s secondary schools. Its main purpose is to make students able to compete in the globalization era.

I think that English is very important in our society. English should be tought from small to have a better level. Also, we have many opportunities to learn English as for example the exchanges.

MINI CROSSWORDS: SAYING GOODBYE

Here you are a new mini-crosswords.
Today's topic is "Ways of Saying Goodbye" (Formas de decir adiós):
Learning English - Crossword - Goodbye

THE CATWALK WORLD

BY CRISTINA MARTÍN, 2BTO-C

It is assumed that the aim of models is to be irresistibly attractive, sexy women, beautiful face.. so, why are fashion models so bad looking?

We all know that being a model is an exciting job, because models have a lifestyle full of luxury, they have a highly paid job, they get to meet famous and interesting people, etc. However, there are also some disadvantages. 

Firstly, one part of models are girls under 16 years OLD, so they are more vulnerable to develop eating disorders. In addition, models are more likely to abuse of drugs, being a serious threat to them, as it can affect their behaviour and give them health problems. 

Worst of all is that there are many people who love this horrible canon of beauty, both men and women. Fortunately, I hope that a majority of men do not like a skinny woman. It is clear that the world of modeling is a business. They say how people should be psychologically and how they should dress, because they just care about selling. I'm not judging the appearance of people, even if that appearance is real or an illusion. What really shocks me is that fashion designers manage to sell their clothes using such an uncomfortable size.

To sum up, I think that people in the fashion industry must take care about models with the purpose to protect their lives.

POPE FRANCISCO I

BY ALBERTO MESA, 2BTO-B

Many people say that Francisco I is the pope that the Catholic Church needs. However, other people disagree with that. We must look at both sides of the question.

On the one hand, this pope is closer than other popes. In addition, he loves helping poor people. Also, He is prepared to speak with the leader of the other religions.

On the other hand, people say that Francisco I thinks like the other popes about homosexual marriage, abortion, and other things. Moreover, some people say that he prefers football above all.

In my opinion, this is the best pope for the Catholic Church because the Catholic Church doesn’t need a pope who stays in the Vatican the Catholic Church needS a pope who is with people.

YOUNG PEOPLE & SOCIAL WEBS

BY ROCÍO LÓPEZ, 2BTO-C

Do we live in a world where the television and the social webs are the most important in teenager’s life? I don’t think so. 

Nowadays, it’s true that teenagers are more and more dependent on those ways OF entertainment than years before. But, in my opinion, the first important thing for one of them is to have a lot of friends and going out with them. They prefer HAVING a relation in person than virtually. I am aware of the fact that teenagers are a lot of hours in front of a computer or a television; even somebody is addicted to them. Now, with smart phones the uses of this have grown but they use them to communicate with other people. But this doesn’t become the most important priority for them.

As a conclusion, teenagers spend many hours in front of a television or social webs, but there are other things more important like to be with friends and family in person.

HOW TO MAKE A BANGLE

BY ANA BENÍTEZ, 2BTO-A

Learn how to make a beatiful recycled bangle (pulsera)

FAIR STALLS' CLOSURE AT 5 A.M.

BY MÓNICA MOVILLA, 2BTO-C

The closing of the fair stands at five o'clock in the morning

It has been explained in the newspaper a new option to avoid wasting energy in special dates, as in this case the fair of El Puerto de Santa María.

This measure consists of closing the stands at five o'cloc

k in the morning to save energy, and also to improve safety. It also means reducing the number of drunk people.

As an advantage, I think that this option will work for the saving of electricity, which is something necessary today.

But instead, I don't consider that it will work for security, because even if the stands are closed and they stop selling drinks, people will be there. Drinks can be bought in other places and the stands will open again a few hours later.

In addition, stallholders will lose money because of this.

In my opinion, I think this measure may work to avoid unnecessary expense, but it has more disadvantages than advantages, so I think that before you put it into practice you should think about all the consequences.

CINEMA & ME

BY ALICIA PASTOR, 2BTO-A

Watch this video to know Alicia's favourite movies.

TRIVIADOS

BY CARLOTA ARMILLAS, 2BTO-D

More and more people, specially teenagers, download this new application on their phone. TriviaDos, by PANDERETA Studio, is a popular mobile phone game that consists of answering questions to get stars. Once you've got the seven stars, you are able to win the game. The question is the following one: is triviados a nice app to have on your phone or not?

In my opinion, TriviaDos is a funny game and I don't regret having installed it, but I think we must be very careful because it might cause addiCtion.

On the one hand, I like this game because you can play with someone who is far from you. If you are bored and want to relax a bit, you just have to add a friend and begin to play, even if you are alone in the doctor's waiting room. Also, you can learn lot of new things about sports, sciences, technology, geography, history, art, shows and some other categories, because most of the questions are not easy at all.

On the other hand, you might feel the necessity to reply your friends when they have just failed a question. If you see the statistics, you will check that there are some astonishing records. For example, an user called Azu.viana has won 454 games this week, and user Kirchoff played 30 games one day. TriviaDos allows you to play with an unknown person, which may be bad if you begin texting that person. You don't know him, and you mustn't GIVE him any personal information.

In conclussion, I believe playing TriviaDos is amusing, but only if your rival is a friend or someone you know, and providing that you don't get obsessed.

JORGE LORENZO, MOTO GP CHAMPION

BY LAURA GARCÍA, 2BTO-C

Jorge Lorenzo Guerrero was born IN PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN, on May 4, 1987. He is the world champion in the 250cc class, and current MotoGP World Champion. His team is Yamaha.

In 2002, he became the youngest driver in history to participate in a Motocycle Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Jerez in the 125cc class. Although in that year he didn't win, he did in 2003. It was in 2006 when he won his first world title. HE DID it again in 2007. With only twenty years old he had became double world champion. It helped him progress to the premier class MotoGP.

In MotoGP, HE was pole in his debut. Unfortunately, the following year a series of injuries didn't allowed him to work hard, but it gave him the strength to triumph the next year. With only twenty-three years old, he haS becOme the second Spanish motocycle rider to be world champion in the premier class. Today he's the world champion in the sport of motocycling.

Jorge Lorenzo's route has been surprising us every day to all those who are fond of this sport. Personally, I think we'll not see another like him for many years. Tremble the other riders! 

MOBILE PHONES

BY LUCÍA BECERRA, 2BTO-C

Nowadays the most people have a mobile phone, from children of five years old to grandparents.

Now the mobile phone can be our best friend, what do you think?

One advantage of mobile phone is that they could be a great help, for example if you don´t know THE direction of a place, you can look for it with your phone. In addition, if you have got Whatsapp application, you can CHAT with your friends, and it´s free!

One disADvantage is that invention can be bad, for example, if you use YOUR MOBILE all the time, you can forget your friends and pay attention only to the mobile applications.

In my opinion, THE mobile phone is the best invention of the world because it is necessary TO WORK.

However, we must always take care of our friends and our family.

HOW TO GET A NATURAL MAKE-UP

BY ELENA LLORET, 2BTO-A
If you want to get a natural look with your make-up, you should watch this video-lesson.

G.M. FOOD

BY MARÍA GIL, 2BTO-D

Genetically modified foods are those that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. They are modified for a faster growth, resistance to patogens, production of extra nutrients or any other beneficial purpose.

Some of the advantages they have are for example, the reduced maduration time, the new products that are appearing, the fact that they improve animals health and that they take a more efficient processing.

But it also has some disadvantages like potencial human health impacts (as enviromental impacts) or stress to animals.

So, in my opinion, GM food is a great advance that will help lots of populations all over the world to develop, as long as they use this advance in a safe way.

ABORTION, MY OPINION

BY LUCÍA NOVO, 2BTO-D

It's not easy for me to say if I am for or against abortion ,  but if I had to choose one option I would say that I am in favour of abortion, especially in some circumstances.

Having a child is one of the most important moments in a woman's life ,  but that decision has to be MADE by herself. So if a woman is raped and getS pregnant she must Make the decision of having the child or not.

Nowadays, in many countries, women have a lot of ways to prevent them to get with child. However if any woman thinks that she does not want to have a baby I think that she has the right to stop the pregnancy only if that woman was in the first phase of her pregnancy.

MINI-CROSSWORD: PLURAL NOUNS

A new mini-crossword.
Today the topic is "plural nouns": Learning English - Crossword - Spelling: plural nouns

MOBILE PHONE AT SCHOOL

BY LAURA REY, 2BTO-D

Many people say that their cellphones are very important in their lives; because of that, children take it to school. There are advantages and disadvantages of this.

One advantage is that if you need to talk with your family because or important things, you can use it. Also, if you go to school with your mum in the car and you want to decide the place where you will wait for her.

On the other hand, mobile phones make children enjoy and they waste time in games or chatting with their friends, and they don’t study enough because they prefer to use mobiles. Also, if a teacher sees that you are using a mobile, you will have two problems: you will lose your mobile and you are going to GET a warning.

In conclusion, although you love your mobile and you want to use it all the time, you must be careful with it at school.

HOW I LIVE EASTER

BY IGNACIO MARTÍNEZ DE MURGA, 2BTO-D

Watch this video to get information and some recommendations about Easter in El Puerto.

POPE FRANCISCO I

BY CLARA FERNÁNDEZ, 2BTO-D

Francisco, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the 266th Pope in the Catholic Church. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17th December of 1936. He was chosen on 13th March of 2013 by the members of the College of Cardinals, because Benedicto XVI had resigned. The members of the College of Cardinals agreed in the fifth ballot. He is the first Pope born in America and the first who is Jesuist.

When Pope Juan Pablo II died on 2 April of 2005, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was considered one of the favourites to occupy his position.

Apart from Spanish, he fluently speaks Italian, German, Latin, French and English. He studied chemistry, human studies, phylosophy and theology.

Pope Francisco was ordained on 13 December of 1969, and ordained cardinal by Pope Juan Pablo II on 21 February of 2001.

In my opinion, I like this Pope a lot, because he was changing my vision of the Catholic Church.

DAVID FERRER

BY SERGIO GÓMEZ, 2BTO-D

In my opinion, David Ferrer is one of the best Spanish players close to Rafael Nadal. I admire David Ferrer because he never GIVES UP. He always fights until the last point although he is losing. These are some advantages ABOUT him. Nevertheless, sometimes he precipitates because he loses concentration. I think that if he improves this aspect, he will be better than now. Nowadays, he is the 4th player of ranking ATP, and this Sunday, he could have done history. He could win Masters 1000 IN Miami. If he got it, he would become the first Spanish player to win this tournament. In conclusion, he is a great player and he is an example AS person. I'm proud to be Spanish and have great players like him.

NEW TECHNOLOGY, MY OPINION

BY CLAUDIA SALAGRE, 2BTO-B

Recently, technology is changing quickly, and humans are developing a lot of new machines which make human´s life easier. But, is it always good?

On the one hand, it is true that new machines and technology are making our life easier and better, because they do the hardest works, and they do things which are dangerous to humans. For example, at an Israeli university some people have invented a robot which has a snake form. This robot is very useful, because the police can use it in their missions and in their rescues, when they don´t want to be seen.

But, on the other hand, new technology has some disadvantages. One of them is that we use new technology for everything, and if one day we don't have it, or it is broken, we won´t know how to do anything, and it is a problem, because it means that we depend on technology to live.

In conclusion, technology is very good and useful, but we don´t have to depend on it.

MOBILES PHONES AT SCHOOL

BY NATI GARCÍA-JUNCO, 2BTO-A

Today more and more students bring their mobile phones to school. I believe that students should carry mobile phones in case of an emergency. I am strongly opposed to phones being used at school, particulary in the classroom.

I think that it is important for students to have a mobile phone in case they need help or have an accident on the way to school or home. Some parents who work may need to contact their children. For example, if parents have had an accident the children should be called.

On the other hand,students should know that it is disrespectful because you are ignoring your teacher's lessons.

In conclusion, I feel that students should be allowed to take mobile phones to school for an emergency. However,all phones should certainly be turned off during lessons.

HOW TO MAKE ICECREAM

BY JULIA DÍAZ & CRISTINA EGOAVIL, 2BTO-D

You should this video if you want to learn how to make delicious Oreo ice-cream:

CROSSWORD: AIR TRAVEL

A new mini-crossword about air travel. Let's do it!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/quizzes/crossword/130517_crossword_air.shtml

GOOD MOMENTS AT SCHOOL

BY ALMUDENA SÁNCHEZ, 2BTO-C

What do you think about finishing school? Well, we have been WAITING FOR these moments for ages, but sincerely, I am not sure if I think that way now. I know that when I finish A-level I will go to university, and of course, I will study what I like. However, I wonder what I will think when I realise I'm not a child. I know that I will miss some of my schoolmates, my teachers, my big playground... and even the endless stairs. I have been AT Safa San Luis since I was four years old, and I'm afraid of feeling empty when I study in other city.
In some months, my life will have changed, but I must look at the bright side. I will meet a lot of new friends. Also, I will study what I like, and I will be able to improve my English because I will get an Erasmus grant!
In my opinion, I think that student life will be the best years in all our life, and we can't forget making the most of it!

BEACHES IN EL PUERTO

BY LOURDES REINA & ANA RODRÍGUEZ

Nice video about one of our popular beaches (including Levante wind):

USE OF INTERNET

BY DÉBORA PINTO, 2BTO-B

NowAdays, everybody has ever used Internet, but are they good news? I don't think SO.

We live in a technological world. Everything is controlled by machines or computers. But the most important progress is Internet. People use it for different things. Teenagers buy concert tickets, and adults book hotels. People even go shopping online! In addition, with Internet, you can always communicate with other people, and find all the information that you want.

However, there are some risks when you are using Internet. If you click a special link, you will be able to introduce a virus in your computer. 

That's why I think that everybody shouldn't use Internet. If only responsible people use it, we will be able to protect our computer.

BOOKS

BY JAVIER SANTOS, 3ESO-C

THE second idea.

In my opinioDo you like books?

The majority of people think that reading books is boring, but people who read think that it's fantastic. I'm in favour of n, there are books of all types. It's difficult that you like all. Normally, people like one or two types. My favourite types of books are science fiction and mistery. Firstly, the person who reads a lot of books has much vocabulary. Secondly, the person who reads becomes clever.

So all in all, I think that it's good to read books and for that reason I reckon that people should read at least once a day. 

STUDYING IN OTHER COUNTRY

BY PATRICIA CAMACHO, 2BTO-B

Many people think that studying in other country is good for us, but there are other people who think that it's bad. We must see the advantages and disadvantages of this.

One advantage is that if you study in other country, you learn a new language (and you are more independent). This is because you are in a different country, and you don´t know any person, so you must learn the language.

One disadvantage is that you must go to other country, and maybe, you would lose some reLations with people. What's more, you can't see you family and friends all days.

In conclusion, I think that studying in other country is good because if we learn a language, it will be good for our learning.

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CAKE

BY LUCÍA NOVO, 2BTO-D

Watch this video to learn how to prepare a milka chocolate cake:

MY AUPAIR EXPERIENCE

BY ALMUDENA MALDONADO, 2BTO-C
Last summer I went to a little town near London caring for Zowie. I mean that I was an aupair.

Personally, I can't write anything bad about King's family (my host family). However many aupairs have problems with their host family. Problems like: they don't pay you, they make you clean the house, or even they can disappear when you are in their country.

On the other hand, there are families like the Kings, who treat you as a member of their family, pay you a good quantity of money, and you have a lot of fun.

Thanks to aupair experience, you learn a lot about life, the culture, and the lAnguage. It is an incredible experience which makes you more mature and you can also make friends for all life, like me and Zowie. She is going to visit me this summer!!

AFRICA'S PROBLEMS

BY JUDITH SANTOS, 2BTO-B

I think that the first world must contribute wITH Africa since it is the poorest continent.

Despite they're the richest continent in natural reSourCes, Africa hasn´t got money which produceS consequences for the first world. We must look at both sides of the issue.

On the one hand, Africa has got a lot of problems. The first of them is that in Africa there are many people who haven't got food. Africa has got the highest death rate so neither they have got drinkable water. The majority of people haven’t got houses to live. Almost all countries IN Africa’s have a dictatorship. They haven´t got freedom.

On the other hand, there are serious problem for us. The first world earns a lot of money with Africa, because African workers are cheaper. There, companies have got their main office in Africa because they haven´t got taxes. If we help solving Africa’s problems, we lose much money. It won’t be profitable.

As far as I’m concerned we must save Africa, since we are one only world and everybody can have mutual benefit.

MY DOG MICKEY

BY RAQUEL MANCHEÑO, 2BTO-C

Video about a very special dog breed: Pomerania-German spitz

GRAFFITY

BY MARÍA SERRANO, 2BTO-B

Many people believe that graffiti is a way of vandalism, but is this really true? In my opinion, graffiti has an artistic part. However, graffiti can be vandalism too. It depends on different things, such as the place, the intention...

If the intention is expresive, graffiti is art, even though there are certain people who don´t know how to paint well and they destroy facilities by scrawling them. In my opinion, the place is very important, because a graffiti in a historical building or with archaelogical value is vandalism. I believe that there should be a special place for graffiti because there are people that don´t like graffiti.

In conclusion, graffiti is an art if it is used in a proper way. However, there are people that damage important structures. They contribute to make graffiti a form of vandalism.

ENGLISH NOWADAYS

BY LETICIA ROMERO, 2BTO-B

I am going to explain the importance of English nowadays. English is an international language,

so it is spoken by people from different countries. English is easy as compared to French or Japanese, so it is easy to learn it with a bit effort. Nowadays, English is necessary to find a good job. Besides, if you go to university you will need to speak this language. English is also important to communicate with people from other countries, if you want to exhibit a project to a lot of people, or if you want to travel around the world and other things. In addition, English plays central role in aviation, aeronautical engineering, etc. In conclusion, English is the most important language, and it is necessary and essential for future generations to solve a lot of problems.

BULLYING

BY LOURDES REINA, 3ESO-D

Bullying is the use of force to abuse others, Sometimes referred to as 'target'. This behavior can be habitual and involves an imbalance of social power. Also, it can include verbal harassment or threat. But the most dangerous case is the physical, ability or maybe because of race. If bullying is done by a group, it's called mobbing.

Bullying can be defined in many different ways. But in Spain, it consists of three basic types of abuse - emotional, verbal and physical.

If you are even their target, you should tell your parents and speak with the headmaster of your school. To do that, you need to make good decisions and since this moment, you can also see who your friends really are.

With bullying they can do so much hurt in yourself and in other cases, even the victims die because of savage assault.

Here, we fOrtunately do not know many clases of bullying , and I hope that this problem will end.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

BY IRENE MEJÍAS, 2BT0-C

A nice video about Freedom of Speech

NORTH KOREA & NUCLEAR POWER

BY AMAIA SÁNCHEZ, 2BTO-A

North Korea declared in 2009 that it had developed a nuclear weapon, and it's widely believed to pOssess a small stockpile of chemical weapons. North Korea was a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty. But, THEY withdrew in 2003, citing the failure of the United States to fulfill its end of the Framework treaty, a 1994 agreement between the states to lImit North Korea's nuclear ambitions, begin normalization of relations, and help Noth Korea supply same energy needs through nuclear reactors.

On October 9, 2006, the North Korean government issued an announcement that it had successfully conducted a nuclear test for the first time.

In April 2009, reparts surfaced that North Korea BECAME a fully fledged nuclear power. On May 25, 2009, North Korea conducted another nuclear test.

On February 11, 2013 a magnitude 5.1 earthquake is detected reported to be a third underground nuclear test. North Korea has officially reported it as a successful nuclear test with a lighter warhead, and yet delivers more force than before without mentioning the exact yield.

However, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, a state-run geology research institute in Germany estimated the yield at 40 kilotons.

TWITTER

BY JAIME SANTIAGO, 2BTO-D

Twitter is a type of social network in which users submit "little messages" (140 characters or less), called tweets, in which users write all kinds of things, such as news, videos, photos or simply "rubbish". These messages are public and any user could read it, but you can also privatize the acCount and your tweets will not be public, that is, only the users you want will be able to read your tweets. To read other user´s tweets, you click on "follow" and you becOme his follower, so you can read all his tweets without having to go into his profile. In my opinion, Twitter is a very useful information tool if used effeciently, but most users don't use it THAT WAY.

SELECTIVITY IN SPAIN

BY PABLO CERÉN, 2BTO-D

Selectivity was created thirty years ago in Spain ,  and it was the 60% of your mark to enter in a grade (the other 40% was you’re A-level’s mark). Selectivity is always in June, between the 18-22, (it can change EVERY YEAR), and you have to do the subjects that you have learned in first and second of A-level. Now, four years ago, the government put a new law that reformed selectivity, now, selectivity is over 14 instead of over 10, and you can have a 14 in your marks!

All of universities in Spain (that are NATIONAL) tell us that we must have a minimum mark to enter, and in some of them, the minimum mark is more than 10 points, and now with the new study’s plan, we haven´t got any problem to enter.

FAST DIETS

BY NACHO CASTRO, 2BTO-D

There are different methods to lose kilos, but in all treatment is needed. Within these diets you can find: balance diets low in calories or fast diets which are considered restrictive diets because they are not only reduced in calories, but also in one or several types of nutrients. So now, we can say that fast diets have some advantages and some disadvantages.

These advantages are that they allow you to lose weight quickly and they are very low in calories. On the other hand, we can find many more disadvantages. For example, they must be made in a short time, and the highest loss is based on the removal of liquids. They can also produce dangerous health problems as kidney or liver ones, in the case of protein diets.

Apart from this, it is also known that these diets could produce "rebound effect", so you won't lose weight. Instead of this, you will gain much more weight.

It is very important to carry out a diet consciously, so you must remember that it is necessary the supervision of a health professional. In addition, it is important to include daily physical activity, that allows you to feel healthier.

COMENIUS TRAINS*e FNAL MEETING

@fundacionsafa PtoStaMa representatives at Comenius Trains*e meeting sent this pic from Viseu Portugal. Enjoy for us! twitter.com/miguelarmillas…
— Miguel Armillas (@miguelarmillas) 16 de abril de 2013

MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN FOOTBALL MATCHES

The English Premier League will use goal-line technology from next season. The Hawk-Eye system, currently used in tennis and cricket, was approved at a meeting of all league clubs in London.
More info: Learning English - Words in the News - Goal-line technology

YOU CAN'T TRUST HIM ANYMORE

YOU CAN'T TRUST HIM ANYMORE, BY CARLOS GUERRERO

Carlos Guerrero es profesor de inglés en el centro SAFA Nuestra Señora de los Reyes (Sevilla) y formador TIC, también forma parte de la Dirección Central de la Fundación SAFA, al cargo de la Formación Profesional.
Esta canción es su contribución contra la violencia de género
This song is his humble contribution against domestic violence.
Espero que os guste tanto con a mí :) Letra y música / Words and music: Carlos Guerrero

LETRA -LYRICS:
Love is always paradise
When the apple of desire
Is still within your reach

Love is always paradise
When you feel those butterflies
Touching your heart with their wings

Love is always paradise
When the tears in your eyes
Are tears of happiness

Love is always paradise
When there is no need to fight
And all the smiles are like sunshine

But if you can’t undo the ties
When they start fastening too tight
If you can’t set yourself free from his lock

When all that’s left in his heart is rock
Then it’s time to look for help
Cause you can’t trust him anymore

He looks innocent and nice
He could be the charming knight
You pictured in your dreams

You pretend that it’s all right
Can’t you see the big red light
Telling you that enough is enough

You keep your secret and your fright
And your bruises out of sight
Embarrassed by the pain

But you shouldn't be afraid
We’re all coming to your aid
Let’s put an end to your hell

Cause if you can’t undo the ties
When they start fastening too tight
If you can’t set yourself free from his lock

When all that’s left in his heart is rock
Then it’s time to look for help
Cause you can’t trust him anymore

Voz e instrumentos/Vocals and instruments: Carlos Guerrero

BBC MANCHESTER NEWS

BY BRUNO FERNÁNDEZ & INMA MOLINERO, 3ESO-C

LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN EL PUERTO

BY: LORETO BARCIA & LOURDES GARCÍA, 3ESO-D

McDONALD'S RESTAURANTS AT SAFA

McDonald's will open small 'take-away' restaurants at some SAFA schools, including SAFA San Luis in El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz) before June 2013.
SAFA students will have something new and exclusive in the menu: 'McSAFA burguer' and 'SAFA salad'.
For more information: www.fundacionsafa.es/McSAFA
I'm loving it!

EXTREME SPORTS

BY LAURA REY, 2BT0-D

Now, many people want to practise extreme sports, but this has got advantages and disadvantages.

One advantage is that if you practise one extreme sport, you will PRODUCE a lot of adrenalin and you will feel fine. This means tHAT you are a brave person because there are a lot of people who say they WOULD never practise one of them.

On the other hand, there are disadvantages too. You have to use the correct protection SO AS NOT TO have a serious accident, and if you want to practise those sports in Spain, you will have to pay a lot of money because the courses are very expensive.

In my opinion, those sports are expensive, but if you really want to practise one, you will have to pay fOr it. I would like to practise one someday. 

CATALONIA'S INDEPENDENCE

BY RAÚL SÁNCHEZ-RUBIO, 2BTO-D

Lately, this topic is heard everywhere: the independence of the community that politicians want to carry out in Catalonia. Many of us don't know the real causes of why they want to do this although some of the causes that they expose are: independence would be the best for the integration of immigrants, the problem of infrastructure managed by central government would be disappear, improvements in education, and that the money would be managed by the Generalitat...

In my opinion, the independence of Catalonia is definitely a ruin. According to some studies, it will take them about ten years to join the Euro group. On the other hand, I think it isn't fair that public constructions that have been done with all the Spanish money can stay there. If they want the independence, they'll have it with all its consequences. How much money they are willing to spend? This process is too expensive, and if the Generalitat doesn't have the money, what will they do? I think it's a waste of time.

RIHANA

Reading, Listening, Grammar and Vocabulary activity about the famous singer Rihana:
http://www.englishbaby.com/mobile/lesson?id=6186
Ebaby! Mobile Lessons

E-BOOKS VS. P-BOOKS

BY JULIA DÍAZ, 2BTO-D

Technology or tradition? Electronic books or paper books? Since few years ago, people's opinions have been divided in two. Different brands as Apple, Amazon or Sony have been launching onto the market a variety of these new e-books. But which one is better? Personally, I think that we must give newness a chance.

E-book gives you the posibility to take with you your favourite books everywhere. It doesn't matter if it's a huge mistery noVel or a historical book, because this little device can have tens of them. It's more ecological than paper ones, since it's not necessary to cut trees to make it. And contrary to what people think, this kind of technology doesn't hurt your eyes.

But I also like paper books. I think that nothing will be able to replace that smell of new book and that sensation when you turn the paper pages. I've got an e-book, but I will continue buying some "p-books" for me and for people who I love.

BASIC MATHS VOCABULARY

Watch this video-lesson to learn some basic maths vocabulary.

Then, do the comprehension quiz here: http://www.engvid.com/basic-math-vocabulary/#quiz

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland,[9]Northern Ireland,[10]Newfoundland and Labrador and Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world; especially in Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
For more detailed information: Saint Patrick's Day - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

TECHNOLOGIC CHRISTMAS GIFTS

BY CARLOTA ARMILLAS, 2BTO-D

Christmas finished last 6th January, and The Three Wise Men (in some families, Santa Claus, too) have left lots of presents in children's houses. Some children have received toys, and other children only got coal... but, if we ask them, it is not a surprise to hear "they gave me a mobile phone / a tablet / a Nintendo / a PSP / a laptop / etc.”. The question is the following one: is that good for children?

It's true that technology is a necessity nowadays, so children need to get used to it. Unfortunately, spending so much time looking at small screen is bad for our sight: more and more children need glasses today. Also, smartphones, tablets and some other devices are able to surf on the Internet, which is good if you are a responsible adult, but it might carry some trouble if you are an innocent child. Nobody knows what kind of things (images, videos...) may appear while they are using Google.

In spite of the disadvantages, I think that playing videogames and enjoying with apps IS not bad for children at all, but parents must take care of them and be careful, because it is not good to focus ON technology so much time. As everybody knows, the best games are traditional ones, such as playing with dolls, running or kicking a ball!