Category: Writing

Improve your English level with the must-do sign up websites

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must-do

  1. All About .com English as a Second Language: To sign up for daily emails on grammar and vocabulary tips, click here:ESL Daily Email
  2. All About .com English as a Second Language: To sign up for a weekly email on a variety of topics, click here: ESL Weekly Email Please note: the place to subscribe is in the top, left hand corner of the webpage.
  3. Splendid Speaking: This resource is great for Intermediate –  Advanced learners. Sign up for weekly challenges.
  4. The Conversation: For advanced learners this website is brilliant to improve your vocabulary and review grammatical structure in context.

For more support, please view the Link In section of the Inglés Málaga site.

Fashion Waste: How big is the problem?

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What happens to the clothes we don’t buy? You might think that last season’s coats, trousers and turtlenecks end up being put to use, but most of it (nearly 13 million tons each year in the United States alone) ends up in landfills. Fashion has a waste problem, and Amit Kalra wants to fix it. He shares some creative ways the industry can evolve to be more conscientious about the environment — and gain a competitive advantage at the same time. Listen to his Ted Talks presentation to get informed.

Formal expressions and phrases

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It is widely accepted that using formal expressions and phrases, in both written and oral contexts, is a little more difficult than using informal expressions and phrases.  Wouldn´t you agree? However, as the well-known saying goes: ”Practise makes perfect!” So, with this in mind, why not try a few exercises from the Flo-Joe website.

The must link-in websites

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English Link InThere is a lot of information on the Internet that you can use to improve your English and get yourself linked-in.

Why not check out the sites that Janette and Inglés Málaga recommend? The Inglés Málaga Link In section gives you direct links to external sites which will help you improve your English level.  To help you on your way, here are a selection of online resources you might find useful:

  1. Downloads: Provides general information for grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and speaking.
  2. Topic of the Month: Provides ideas for writing and speaking on specific topics.
  3. Link In: Provides links to external support.
  4. Written Work: EOI suggested Levels: A2, B1, B2
  5. Written Work: The British Council
  6. Cambridge Write and Improve

Happy surfing!

 

Film Reviews

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filmReviewLogoImagine you recently saw this advert in a local English language lifestyle magazine.

Reviews Needed!

  • We are hoping to add a Film section to our magazine. We would like you to write a review about your favourite film of all time. Describe the film and explain why you would recommend it to others.
  • Get writing as the best review will win £500 and free tickets to the cinema.

Not sure how to start? Well, think about the following 5-step structure to help you organise your ideas. In addition, there is a sample example in the Reading section of DOWNLOADS.  Remember you will need to use the password.

1) Title: Short and Catchy: For example: ‘Sophie’s Choice – Not a Dry Eye in the House’

2) Introduction:

  • General information: the name of the film, genre, the name of the director, the main stars, any awards won.
  • Include overall opinion about the film, for example: ‘This fast-paced, action-packed thriller is a must see’.
  • Try to write a strong expression or a phrase that will catch the reader’s attention

3) Paragraph 1

  • Where and when it was set. A brief summary of the plot, with comments on the acting

4) Paragraph 2

  • Additional aspects of the film: special effects, the musical score, supporting roles
  • If appropriate, you might include some negative opinions here ( either general / personal)

5) Conclusion

  • Personal recommendation with reasons
  • Consider using a direct question, or a memorable expression at the end

Writing a complaint letter: Online Shopping

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online shoppingOnline Shopping is on the increase as are the number of associated complaints.

Imagine you have recently ordered something from the department store, John Lewis, through their online shopping website but you are not happy with the service neither the product. Write to the company complaining about three things.

You must:

  1. .Say why you are writing and describe the context
  2. Explain the reasons you are dissatisfied and therefore complaining
  3. Express what you want the company to do about the situation

Here are some phrases you might find useful:

letter-of-complain-expressions-to-help

 

Want to learn more vocabulary about shopping? No problem, click here: Shopping

Looking for love?

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Dating Profile C20Are you looking for love or a special type of friendship?

Do people we get on well with have the same personality traits as ourselves? Or, is it more likely that opposites attract? Free Dating.co.uk is a UK based online dating company, that tries to help match people together for friendship or for a romantic relationship.   If you want to improve your vocabulary, their website is great place to spend 10 minutes: http://www.freedating.co.uk/

Also, if you want to improve your writing technique, imagine you have joined an online dating company.  Write a profile about yourself in less than 100 words. Are you like Cinderella2020? What type of person are you? 

The must-follow offical English exam sites:

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Cambridge EOI Ingles ExamenesThe following websites will help you prepare for official Cambridge Exams.

  1. Cambridge Exams B1, B2, C1, C2: Subscribe for weekly updates and quick language testing exercises.
  2. Cambridge CAE: C1: CAE Online Resource Directory:CAE Online Resource Directory
  3. Cambridge Internet TV
  4. La Junta Andalucia: EOI Exams

Free tools to support writing improvement

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cambridge-inglesWrite & Improve is a free service for learners of English to practise their written English. Submit your written work and receive feedback in seconds, covering spelling, vocabulary, grammar and general style.

If you use it, don´t forget to let me know what you think about it. Is it useful, or is it another online tool which isn´t worth your time and energy? Click here: Cambridge Write and Improve

For more support, please view the Link In section of the Inglés Málaga site.