GOOGLE MEET - El enlace para tener las clases.
DRIVE FOLDER - Para que me subas escritos y que avancemos en la escritura.
LOOM FOLDER - Para que veas vídeos sobre la corrección de tus escritos
Aptis Practice Tests - Para entender bien cómo es la estructura del examen.
Buenos días, Sisi.
Te he preparado esta página para que podamos llevar tu progreso en el APTIS de una manera lo más práctica y funcional posible. Está personalizada para tí 100%. El objetivo es que te sirva y que le saques provecho a la inversión de tiempo y esfuerzo. Aquí te pondré cada semana materiales para que vayas practicando y cogiendo gustillo al inglés. Igualmente, pondremos los objetivos de la clase del fin de semana para que sepas lo que vamos a ir viendo, cómo, y que tengas una visión de lo que vas avanzando. Al ser las primeras semanas, de momento las explicaciones te las pongo en español, pero de aquí a nada pasamos a todo en inglés. Espero que los disfrutes.
Aquí te dejo varios enlaces a textos del British Council para ir practicando. En principio, para coger bien las bases, empezamos por el B1, pero lo mismo, muy en breve saltaremos al B2. Cada ejercicio es autocorregible, o contiene las respuestas en un pdf. La gracia está en que los hagas, revises donde falles y tomes nota. Los errores y las cosas que no entiendas las comentamos en la siguiente clase. Aquí, cada día, te incluyo de manera pormenorizada qué habilidades vas a trabajar en cada sección, cada día. Te lo incluyo para que vayas desarrollando la intuición de cómo vamos creciendo en el inglés. Pero si ves que no te ayuda, no te preocupes. El blah blah blah que te meto aquí es un plus: es por si te ayuda. La estructura y el camino escalonado lo tengo yo en mente para guiarte:
27th December [Listening]: "Advice for exams"
Listen to the teacher giving students advice for exams and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills. The exercise contains several parts:
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level, namely definitions.
In "check your understanding", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence-level.
In "check your understanding (grouping)", you'll practice understanding at an global-idea level.
If you don't understand what they say, use the transcript. Ideally, however, try and see up to which point you understand without reading. Write down any problem or difficulty, and we'll work through it in our next class.
28th December [Reading]: "Adventure travel"
Check out this brochure with some of the most exciting adventure holidays around the world and improve your reading skills. Are you ready for this?
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level, just to refresh passive vocabulary from memory.
In "check your understanding", you'll practice understanding info at a paragraph-level. You'll link specific info with where it is found.
In "check your understanding (grouping)", you'll practice understanding at a pragraph-level again. You'll link concepts with the paragraph where they are found.
29th December [Listening]: "Amazing facts"
Listen to the conversation about the human body and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills. The objective of this day is working on accuracy.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level focussing on your intuition. You'll get definitions and you'll have to predict appropriate vocabulary based on lateral thinking, knowledge from your prior education, other languages, etc.
In "check your understanding", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence-level.
In "check your understanding (gap fill typing)", you'll practice identifying useful words from a given text (oral, in this case) and applying them to related contexts.
30th December [Reading]: "An Olympic blog"
Do you remember the 2012 London Olympics? Check out this blogger's memories of a wonderful summer of sport in the capital.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level, namely definitions.
In "check your understanding", you'll practice understanding info at a paragraph-level. You'll link specific info with where it is found.
In "check your understanding (matching)", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence-level. They will ask you concrete questions and you'll need to identify concrete answers.
31th December [Listening. Depending on your stamina and available time]: "Celebrations"
Listen to the speakers and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level. This will help you build your vocabulary.
In "check your understanding", you'll practice understanding info at a "paragraph" level. This is interesting. You'll get different speakers. Each one will share an anecdote. You'll have to try to indentify who said what. If you can do it successfully, you understand globally what each person said. Or, if we visualise each of their contributions as a paragraph in a more general article that contains all of them, understanding who said what is the same as understanding a whole paragraph as a unit in itself.
In "check your understanding (gap fill)", you'll practice info at a paragraph level again. Basically, you need to understand where to find the info.
1st January [Reading. Depending on your stamina and available time]: "Food and restaurants"
Do you like eating out? Check out these reviews of the trendiest places to eat and improve your reading skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level. This will help you build your vocabulary.
In "check your understanding (matching)", you'll practice understanding info at a "paragraph" level. If you understand which restaurant you can recommend to different people, it means that you understand the paragraphs globally.
In "check your understanding (multiple selection)", you'll practice understanding info at a "paragraph" level.They will ask you for certain info and you have to understand which restaurant will work in that case.
2nd December: Next lesson?
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WEEKLY PROJECT:
Para que practiques los pasados, prepara una presentación oral de un par de minutos acerca de qué hiciste ayer. La idea es que me incluyas cosas de la vida rutinaria. Por ejemplo, "ayer me levanté a las 8:00 am. Desayuné un café. Me duché y me vestí. Saqué a mi perra Tali a pasear. Hacía frío. Hablé con un vecino y me volví para casa, ..."
Para que uses muchos verbos, puedes tomar como referencia esta lista de verbos irregulares de British Council. Cuantos más uses, pues mejor, claro. Así que tú invéntate cosas. Lo que sí que ayudaría muchísimo es que lo escribieras. De esa manera, veo cómo usas los conectores, la puntuación, cómo organizas los párrafos, etc.
*****
ESTRUCTURA DE LA SIGUIENTE CLASE:
Miramos las dudas que te hayan surgido en los ejercicios auditivos y de lectura de la semana.
Haces la presentación oral para ver los pasados y te doy feedback
Reviso la escritura de los pasados y te doy feedback
Practicamos la pronunciación de los verbos regulares en pasado (esto te voy ayudando yo, no te preocupes, no hace falta que prepares nada antes)
Si tenemos tiempo, miramos la introducción a la parte escrita del examen del APTIS.
Welcome to your second week. First things first, very well done in the APTIS preparatory test. Hooray! In the grammar section, you did wonderfully well. I took notice of the little nuances here and there. I will include some drilling exercises related to them.
As for the rest, here it goes. We are still working at a B1 level, building up your confidence.
2nd January [Listening]: "Difficult situations"
Listen to the people discussing different problems and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice very simple vocabulary.
In "check your understanding (gal fill)", you'll practice the structure [Someone] + [is telling his/her] + [member of the family] + that + [something happened in the past]. This structure is important because it uses reported speech to summarise a text. Both skills (reporting and summarising) are crucial at B2 levels.
In "check your understanding (true or false)", you'll practice understanding at a sentence level.
If you don't understand what they say, use the transcript. Ideally, however, try and see up to which point you understand without reading. Write down any problem or difficulty, and we'll work through it in our next class.
3rd January [Reading]: "Foreign exchange emails"
Look at these emails between a student and his friend who is studying in Scotland, then do the exercises to improve your reading skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level, just to refresh vocabulary from memory.
In "check your understanding (true or false)", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence level.
In "check your understanding (matching - informal expressions)", you'll pay attention to expressions to control your tone and register. In this case, inflormal expressions that you can use.
4th January [Listening]: "Favourite things"
Listen to the speakers describing their favourite things and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice collocations. Take note of the ones you didn't know beforehand.
In "check your understanding (matching)", you'll practice identifying who said what. This means that you understand each speaker globally.
In "check your understanding (gap fill typing)", you'll practice understanding at a word level.
If you don't understand what they say, use the transcript. Ideally, however, try and see up to which point you understand without reading. Write down any problem or difficulty, and we'll work through it in our next class.
5th January [Reading]: "Friendship quiz"
Are you really a good friend? Would you always be there when your friends need you? Try this quiz to find out!
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice vocabulary at word-level, just to refresh vocabulary.
In "check your understanding (true or false)", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence level.
In "check your understanding (multiple choice)", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence level.
6th January [Listening]: "Llamas"
Listen to the zoo guide talking about the llamas and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll learn some very specific verbs. Take note of the ones you didn't know beforehand.
In "check your understanding (true or false)", you'll check understanding at a sentence level. They'll give very specific and detailed info, so listen to it as many times as you need.
In "check your understanding (gap fill typing)", you'll practice understanding at a word level. Again, it's detailed and specific to the topic, so take your time.
If you don't understand what they say, use the transcript. Ideally, however, try and see up to which point you understand without reading. Write down any problem or difficulty, and we'll work through it in our next class.
7th January - Next class
*****
Starting from this week, we will have mini-presentations responding to the questions from the weekly exercises. Try to prepare 20-30 second answers. you can use mind-maps to guide you or brief notes. If you produce brief notes or texts, upload them to Drive, and I'll mark them.
1) Have you been in any difficult situations recently? What happened?
2) Have you ever studied abroad? If you had the chance in future, where would you like to study?
3) What's your favourite thing? Why is it important to you?
4) Are you really a good friend? Would you always be there when your friends need you?
5) What's your favourite wild animal? Why?
*****
ESTRUCTURA DE LA SIGUIENTE CLASE:
Miramos las dudas que te hayan surgido en los ejercicios auditivos y de lectura de la semana.
Haces las mini-presentaciones y expandimos ideas y gramática.
Si me has subido algo al Drive, comentamos las correcciones.
Practicamos la pronunciación de los verbos regulares en pasado (esto te voy ayudando yo, no te preocupes, no hace falta que prepares nada antes). Esto al final no nos dio tiempo a verlo en la clase anterior.
Si tenemos tiempo, continuamos con las otras partes del examen del APTIS.
7th January [Listening]: "My favourite film"
Listen to the speakers talking about their favourite films and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll review very simple vocabulary.
In "check your understanding (matching)", you'll identify info at a global level
In "check your understanding (gap fill)", you'll practice understanding at a sentence level.
8th January [Reading]: "How to be a safe and smart searcher"
Can you always find what you want to find on the internet? These eight easy-to-remember tips will help you to become a safe and smart searcher!
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice intermediate-level vocabulary at word-level.
In "check your understanding (true or false)", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence level.
In "check your understanding (grouping)", you'll practice understanding info at a global level.
9th January [Listening]: "Organising your time"
Listen to the radio interview about the Pomodoro Technique and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll learn vocabulary and collocations.
In "check your understanding (true or false)", you'll identify info at a sentence
In "check your understanding (gap fill)", you'll practice understanding at a word level.
In "check your understanding (gap fill)", you'll practice transforming/producing words.
10th January [Reading]: "Interview with Henry Smiles"
Check out this interview with Henry Smiles from Two Direction and complete the tasks to practise and improve your reading skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice intermediate-level collocations at word-level.
In "check your understanding (true or false)", you'll practice understanding info at a sentence level.
In "check your understanding (multiple choice)", you'll practice understanding info again at a sentence level.
11th January [Listening]: "Sports centres"
Listen to the people introducing two different sports centres and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll review very simple vocabulary by organising it into different categories.
In "check your understanding (multiple choice)", you'll identify info at a global level
In "check your understanding (multiple choice)", you'll practice understanding at a sentence level.
12th January [Reading]: "Job adverts"
Do you need some cash? Are you looking for work? Well, look at these job adverts and do the exercises to improve your reading skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll practice intermediate-level collocations at word-level.
In "check your understanding (matching)", you'll practice understanding info at a global level.
In "check your understanding (gap-fill)", you'll practice understanding info again at a global level.
13th January [Listening]: "The weekend"
Listen to the conversation about plans for the weekend and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
In the "preparation" section, you'll review very simple vocabulary.
In "check your understanding (multiple selection)", you'll identify info at a global level
In "check your understanding (multiple choice)", you'll practice understanding at a sentence level.
******
WEEKLY PROJECT:
"Speaking Test: Part 1": Prepare 30-seconds oral presentations for the questions on the section "Past simple questions - Anecdotes." Prepare as many as you can. However, in class, I'll ask you the first 5.
Tell me about your last vacation. Where did you go? What did you do?
What did you do for you last birthday?
What was the last really difficult thing you had to do?
What did you eat for you last meal?
Who did you meet last week? What did you do together?
"Writing test: Part 2": You are a new member of a new club. Fill in the form. Write sentences. Use 20-30 words per prompt.
Please, describe some activities you like to do.
Please, tell us about some good habits that you have.
Please, write about some things you do every day.
Please, let us know of any bad habits that you may have.
Please, let us know if there is something that you should do every day but don’t.
*****
Additional listening practice: "The survivor"
14th January [Listening]: "Theme parks"
Listen to the radio interview about theme parks and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.
15th January [Reading]: "Phone chat"
Do you like spending time with your mates? How do you organise a night out? Look at the phone chat and do the exercises to improve your reading skills.
16th January [Listening]: "Can, could and would for invitations, offers, requests and permission"
Sophie's in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year. At home it’s cold and Oliver is making soup. [As you watch the video, look at the examples of can, could and would for offers, invitations, requests and permission. They are in red in the subtitles. Then read the conversation below to learn more. Finally, do the grammar exercises to check you understand, and can use, these structures correctly.]
17th January [Reading]: "Skills for the 21st-century workplace"
Have you got the skills you need for the 21st-century workplace? Read about what employers are looking for and test yourself to see if you are prepared!
18th January [Listening]: "Conditionals"
Sophie is in Iceland for work and Oliver is in a really bad mood. [As you watch the video, look at the examples of conditional sentences. They are in red in the subtitles. Then read the conversation below to learn more. Finally, do the grammar exercises to check you understand, and can use, conditionals correctly.]
19th January [Reading]: "The noticeboard"
What's going on in your local area? Look at the different notices on the noticeboard and do the exercises to practise and improve your reading skills.
20th January [Listening]: "Future forms"
Oliver and Alfie decide to enter a bike race. [As you watch the video, look at the examples of future forms. They are in red in the subtitles. Then read the conversation below to learn more. Finally, do the grammar exercises to check you understand, and can use, future forms correctly.]
21st January [Reading]: "Travel guide"
Look at this guide for tourists visiting California, then do the exercises to improve your reading skills.
******
WEEKLY PROJECT:
"Speaking Test: Part 1": Prepare 30-seconds oral presentations for the questions on the section "Past simple questions - Anecdotes." Prepare as many as you can. However, in class, I'll ask you the first 5.
Tell me about what you did for the last 24 hours.
When was the last time you were really excited about something?
Tell me about where you lived as a child.
When was the last time you went to an amusement park? How was it?
What was the best meal you ate recently?
"Writing test: Part 2": You are a new member of a new club. Fill in the form. Write sentences. Use 20-30 words per prompt.
When was the last time you went to a movie theater? What did you see?
Write about the last time you were really scared at the movies.
Tell us about your favourite actor/actress.
What are some movies in the past that made you who you are?
*****
Additional listening practice: "The survivor"
Link to the reviewed document in Google Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18gNX2Z41U2dcbOiU0CpknZ8CCS_d1-6j_2As4GT7bm8/edit?usp=share_link
Loom videos:
Feedback 1: https://www.loom.com/share/abaf21a71ca5468e8624273f5a555be4
Feedback 3: https://www.loom.com/share/7216086984944b2687b6709014b0e595
Feedback 4: https://www.loom.com/share/5de882c5eb29416ea77e73055a9e1bcc
Feedback 5: https://www.loom.com/share/f47b49da9fbf4f299d484ce047b6a36a
Feedback 6: https://www.loom.com/share/ca438169327f4775b620457a1e543d7a
Feedback 7: https://www.loom.com/share/e51eef0053754bc88c5675875daf7952
Access write and improve and create an account: https://writeandimprove.com
Start with the beginners level. Check the feedback and what level you are at.
If you don't know how to improve it, you can copy and paste your writings and upload them into the Google Drive so that we can look at them together.
28th January [Listening/grammar]: "Modals of deduction"
Sophie is in Bali this week and she discovers some unusual Indonesian food.
29th January [Vocabulary]: "Air travel"
Do the exercises to improve your vocabulary for air travel.
30th January [Listening/grammar]: "Passive forms"
Sophie is in China for work and phones home to tell Ollie about her trip.
31st January [Vocabulary]: "Appearance 2"
Do you know what a 'toddler' is? Do these exercises and learn this and other words to talk about people's appearance.
1st February [Listening/grammar]: "Present perfect: simple and continuous"
Sophie is working in Dubai but Amy was hoping she may be able to ask her a favour.
2nd January [Vocabulary]: "Around town"
What's the difference between a 'crossing' and a 'crossroads'? Do these exercises to help learn words for the things around your town and find out!
3rd February [Listening/grammar]: "Question tags"
Sophie is in the Australian outback and not everything goes to plan.
***
WEEKLY PROJECT:
"Writing test: Complete": Following on our last lesson, do the writing test, as specified in the APTIS model test,or in the writing page of this website. If you can send it by Tuesday or Wednesday it would be awesome, as that would allow me to send you feedback fast.
"Speaking Test: Part 1": Prepare ideas for oral presentations for the questions on the section "Present perfect questions - Experiences." Prepare as many as you can. However, in class, I'll ask you the first 5.
Have you ever appreciated a sunset? Were you alone or with someone special?
Have you ever been a guest at a surprise party? Has anyone ever thrown a surprise party for you?
Have you ever been in a fist fight?
Have you ever been on TV?
Have you ever been to a theatre?