The Oscars

The race for the Oscars has already started. If you want to learn about the nominees and keep up to date about this year's ceremony, visit http://oscar.go.com/
You can watch videos, read about the hosts, the movies, the actors...

Isabel Allende's "Island Beneath the Sea"

Watch this interview with Isabel Allende in which she talks about her book "Island Beneath the Sea" and take notes. Then, listen and read it. Check your notes.

The Outback

Watch this video about a man talking about The Outback in Australia (This Outback life- 2'12")

Then read the script.

HOLIDAYS

Watch this video and learn about holidays and travelling. You can read the tapescript and see some vocabulay explained in the story notes. Do the multiple choice quiz and have a look at the spotlight.

Sticking to New Year's Resolutions

Watch the interview and answer the following questions. Then check your answers in "comments".
Glossary:
stick to something: to do something that you promised or decided you would do, or that you believe you should do.
downside: the disadvantage or negative aspect of something.
setback: a problem that delays or that stops progress or makes a situation worse.
I. According to the presenter some people have brains that seem to expose to change. The psychologist says she’s one of those people and mentions a downside to it. Which one?
II. These are some of the tips the psychologist gives to help you to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions. Can you explain what she says about them?
1. A real desire of change:
2. Ability to change:
3. A supportive environment:
4. Confidence to change:

How can you get it?

5. Instant feedback: new studies show that big dramatic changes cause a loop of feedback.
6. Good habits take time.What do people do when setbacks happen?

III. What is her New Year’s Resolution this year?
IV. She also says you have to put in a reward system. What will be her reward?
V. What is the presenter’s New Year’s Resolution?

JANUARY LISTENING HANDOUT

I. Janet talking about living in New York (1’15”)http://www.mansioningles.com/listening61.htm
II. I got a new computer
http://www.eltpodcast.com/archive/ic/igota.html

III. Travel Chaos (2’01”)
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1012/101222-travel_chaos.html
IV. Craig from England (8’04”)
http://thedailyenglishshow.blogspot.com/search/label/Monday%20Guest?updated-max=2009-12-07T09%3A37%3A00%2B13%3A00&max-results=20
V. Living on my own (4’02”)
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/i-wanna-talk-about/living-my-own
VI. Ecotourism (6’03”)
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/magazine/ecotourism

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Watch this video about different New Year's Celebrations and do the online activities (if you want to see the subtitles, click on "CC").