We made it!

Looks like we made it!
Welcome to the ultimate class in English 7!

Today we have a few items on the agenda.

• Hopefully we will be rounding off with something very English- scones!
• I want you to write a letter in English to yourself in the future 

Start the letter "Dear me in five years time""

Write about your thoughts where you are today and what you think you will be doing in five years time. Don't forget to put a reminder on your phone for 3rd June 2021!!

Either do it on paper or on your computer.

• Grades. I have a grade sheet for each of you.

Anyone who doesn't turn up will get the document sent to Vklass.

With regard to your result, don't just look at the letter you get as a grade result- look at everything you have learnt and how your English has improved this year.

See English as a life skill in this globalized age where communication in English pervades many jobs and different walks of life.

Remember also the value of literature in the original language. Shakespeare's plays are an amazing mirror of today's society where so much is governed by a desire for power and money.

We can see that the struggle was the same over 400 years ago.

Finally I want to wish you every success in your continued studies/life choices...

There is a life after Leksand's Gymnasium!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As you finish off your time at the school please don't allow alcohol and other consciousness-changing substances to spoil the experience of saying farewell to many of the friends who you will carry with you throughout life.


Take care!

And finally..................

I want to leave you with the words of the Desiderata- a poem written by max Erhmann in 1927

And here it is on YouTube in the definitive Les Crane version which was a big hit when I was your age !!!!!

Ok, instead of feeling the last lesson is just a waste of time why not read and discuss the following article:
http://www.australiansabroad.com/sweden/youknow.html

Thank you for participating faithfully in the course.

The penultimate lesson

Today I want to talk to you individually about the results of two assignments:
1. The CAE examination

• speaking
• writing
• reading
• listening

2. The Diploma Project Report

During this time I want to do  a few things to round off the course.

• 
  1. An assessment of the course on paper
  
  
  
  
  2. Return the text books to the library
  
  On Friday I will talk to each of you individually about your final grade.
  
  I hope as many as possible will attend.
  
  3. Conversation/Discussion
  Most of you are finishing off school now.
  Where will you be in five years time?
  Discuss with your neighbour.
  
  Write up some thoughts and put them somewhere safe.
  Check them out in June 2021!!!
  
  4. Finishing off school is a time of formal and informal gatherings.
  
  One very special element is the importance of speeches.
  
  There will be a speech at your graduation ball, the graduation lunch and ceremony when you receive your grades..
  
  Speeches have sometimes changed the course of history
  
  
  
  
  I want you to find the text/sound recording/video recording for several of these.
  
  Here is one very famous speech to get you started:
  
  
  
  Decide which one you think is your favourite and why.
  
  Finally, you have been given the opportunity to address the United Nations for ONE MINUTE.
  
  What would your speech look like? Discuss this assignment in small groups of 2-4 students.
  Send your choice(s) of  favourite speech to me on Vklass.
• Have a good week!

Oral presentations of your report/diploma project

Today we will have the oral presentations of your report/ diploma PROJECT.

5-10 minutes per person (please respect this!)

The presentations will be filmed and we will use 1206 and Lingoteket


Here is the running order:


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1juGscEPI55XfTl0BhySzgwhmxVv6c_us0w_03JBGTGU/edit#gid=0

Report for diploma project

Today is the deadline for handing in your diploma project (Gynasisearbete) report.
I have put a link on Vklass.

Please send it there..

This Friday will be the last part of a CAE exam (Listening).

Next week will be a short 5-10 minute presentation of your report in small groups.

Book in a time
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1juGscEPI55XfTl0BhySzgwhmxVv6c_us0w_03JBGTGU/edit?usp=sharing

Good Luck!

Speaking and preparations for the report

Today we will complete the speaking part of the CAE test for the technocrats and other stragglers.

Those who missed the reading can either do it on Wednesday p.m. or after the listening exam ( Friday week 19)

Otherwise, it is top priority to work on your report.

Deadline next Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!

Speaking CAE

Today we start the speaking exam for CAE in pairs/groups of three.

If you want to find out what the exam is like check out in your 
Advanced Gold book, page 10 and pages 146, 147 and 218

Discuss what the pictures are about..

Part 3 is about discussing how things will change in the future..

Alternatively look at the following link on the internet:
http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/cae/students/speaking/

CAE writing today

Today we will be doing the writing part of the CAE test.
Good luck!

Link to help you for tomorrow

Here is a link to remind you about the difference between some of the CAE writing tasks for tomorrow. We start at 8 a.m.

Good luck!

http://benteachesenglish.com/category/better-english-blog/writing/cae-style-guides/

Whose report will you believe?

Today we continue with the report..

For quite a number it will mean starting it today...

We have rescheduled the final deadline for handing in the report to Monday week 19.

Report! Report! Report!

Today we begin our last major piece of work before tackling some of the papers from the Cambridge Advanced Exam.

This is what is written in the curriculum about writing assignments

• Muntlig och skriftlig produktion och interaktion i olika situationer och med olika syften, där eleverna argumenterar ur olika perspektiv, ansöker, resonerar, värderar, utreder, förhandlar och motiverar sina åsikter.
• Muntlig och skriftlig framställning inom valt fördjupningsområde.
• Strategier för användning av olika typer av källor, med källkritisk medvetenhet och vedertagna sätt att ange källor, inom valt fördjupningsområde och inom andra områden.

That is why we will be writing a report based on your so-called
"Gymnasiearbete".


Here is the basic structure for your report:

Simple Report Writing: Structure

Standardly, your report should contain the following elements:

1.      title page;

2.      contents;

3.      abstract; (summary + key words)

4.      introduction;

5.      findings;

6.      discussion;

7.      recommendations (if appropriate)

8.      conclusion;

9.      references;

Since the focus of the report is on CONTENT and not on FORMAL ASPECTS the following applies:

Simple Report Writing: Style

Since the main objective of any report is to present 

information in a most distinct way, mind the following:

• keep the language simple and easily readable;
• avoid heavy constructions and too long sentences.  

 With regard to the presentation of the report the following applies:

Simple Report Writing: Presentation on the page

The way you lay out your report is crucial for its readability:

1.      structure your report with obvious highlighted headings;

2.      use an accepted system for sources and footnotes;

3.      make a glossary of special terms at the end if necessary

How many words?

Your report should be between 700-1200 words 

Report- Clarification

4. Introduction
In this section you should include

• Background- some information about why you chose the area/subject you did
• Aims/goals- what was the purpose of doing what you did
• Method- what methods did you use to obtain your goals

5. Findings

This is called "Results" in other reports

Adaptation for different programs 
 For the social science, natural science and technology programme the report should cover your "gymnasiearbete" as it stands.

For the music programme the report should focus on a general presentation of the concert project but with the possibility of going deeper into one of the following areas:

• The choice of theme and songs/music
• The marketing and preparations for the concert
• the challenges of organising and co.operating in a project like this 

This report will need to be completed after the actual performances in order to be able to conclude it successfully.

For the economists the report should focus on the "YE" (Young Enterprise) company where the introduction explains the choice of company (service/retail sector) etc. The findings should cover the actual carrying out of the company activities and the discussion should focus on the problems and possibilities faced.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. We will begin today to focus on the basic materials needed for writing the report and how to start going about it.

As previously stated the focus is on content but, obviously, the report needs to have a clear structure and be consistent in its use of formalia. 

Welcome back!

Hi and welcome back after your Easter break!

Today we are going to do some language work to get you going again..

First of all in small groups ( 3-4 students) talk about your Easter holidays.

Then we will do some feedback on this.

There were big celebrations in Dublin this Easter. Why was that?
So there were many activities.

Here is a link to 50 activities that took place at Easter weekend.

Imagine your little group had planned to visit Dublin.
Choose 3 things you would like to do together.

Now work on your own on this page
http://www.examenglish.com/grammar/b2_grammar.html

This is a little below the level of English 7.

Choose any three quizzes to do which are highlighted in blue..

Just before 9 O' Clock I will be going off to my Spanish class.

After the break you can either continue to work on your assignments for "Letters from the Inside" or CV/covering letter.

Those who have completed these can work on ExamEnglish or on another topic

Short films and final assignment for "Letters from the Inside"

Today we are going to look at three short films on the blog.

Afterwards I want you to discuss one of them in small grpoups.

The rest of the lesson you can use to complete your unfinished assignments.

Here is the first film- entitled "My shoes"


Here is the link to the second film on vimeo, entitled
"Imaginary Hero"

https://vimeo.com/6510682

The final film is called "Racism is real"
https://vimeo.com/136101511

Here are some examples of racism as seen in the film

1. Thousands of resumes were sent out which were identical except for the names. Black-sounding names were 50% less likely to be called back for an interview.
2. Black people are charged $700 more than white people when buying cars.
3. Black people are twice as likely to be pulled over by the police.
4. Black clients are shown 17.7% fewer houses than white people.
5. Black people are 4 times more likely to be arrested for using marijuana.
6. Black people are incarcerated 6 times the rate of white people.
7. Doctors did not inform black patients as often as white ones about an important heart procedure.
8. White legislators did not respond as frequently to constituents with black-sounding names.

What kind of racism can people experience in Sweden ?

Letters- final assignment
Assignment 3- choose ONE of the following:

1.
Write a newspaper article about Tracey. You are a reporter from a youth magazine who has interviewed Tracey and then decided to write an article about her.

2. Analyse the concepts of freedom and confinement(isolation) presented in the book. Who is free and who is not? What does the ending of the book say about this theme?


3. Write an alternative ending to the book using the same style as the author...

Missing in action?

A lot of students were missing on Friday when we were to do the job interviews.

However, my impression was that those who participated got something out of the exercise..

The actual job interview was not compulsory. However, writing the CV and covering letter were!

I am still missing a number of CVs and covering letters.

Since some of us  (from SA13 and ES 13 ) will be joining the guests from Soroti for a welcome meeting, the rest of you will have an opportunity to complete the following:

1. CV and covering letter for a specific job

2. The chance to do a job interview role play ( in room 1223)

3. The first exercise (language and words) for Letters from the Inside
and even the  second exercise which is due in next Monday..

Good luck!

Job interviews

Rooms available:

1205

Holken

1223 (Study room)

1206

Lingotek

Social Science study room

Start off by getting your documents in order:

You will need:

1. Your CV

2. Cover(ing) letter

3. Copy of the interview questions from  

www.job-interview.net

Make sure your name is on all three.



Print out copies for:

1. Yourself

2. The interview group

3. Mike

 How to carry out the interview

• Start off with introductions and welcome the candidate
• Talk through the CV  "Tell us about yourself/ your education/ your leisure interests/why you think you should get this job"
• Divide up the interview questions
• Finish off by asking " Is there anything we have missed which you would like to talk about?"
• Give the candidate a chance to express himself/herself.

• Final greetings and information about follow-up

Now you're done!!!!! 

Before you finish off.. Take a few minutes to

 discuss what was good and not so good about 

the interview.

Book assignment II and preparations for job interviews

Welcome back after your mid-term break.
Hope you are refreshed and not hung over!!!

According to the planner from today and by week twelve there is an assignment based on the text of "Letters from the Inside".

Here is the link to Assignment 2...

Otherwise today it is to round off your cvs and covering letters (loads missing) and choose your job and get into a group (3- 4 people) so that we can get the interviews going on Friday

I would be very happy to get paper copies of the info and questions about your job!

Preparation for job interviews

Today you will have the opportunity to continue your preparations for the job interviews.

One thing I forgot to say last time- please send me the names of the people in your group and the jobs you have chosen.

Otherwise today it means:

• writing your CV

• Choosing a job and preparing the questions

• writing a cover(ing) letter

• Give paper/digital copies of everthing to the other memebers of your group (and me)

Hope you have a good holiday next week.

CV (Resumé) and cover(ing) letter PLUS Job interview instructions

It seems like we think the most important things in life we cannot learn about- like being a good parent or having reasonable relationships with the people around us..
This may be true but at least we can try!!!!

A very important thing in life is getting a job and to reach that goal we often have to go through the process of applying for the job and being called to an interview.

That is what we are going to practice this week and the week after the mid-term break.

Here are the instructions:
As a document 
or as text 

English 7

Job Interviews

The job interview task gives you the opportunity to 

speak English in a more formal setting. Start off by 

getting into a group of three to four students (3-4) To 

prepare for it you will need to do the following:

              

1.    Write your CV-a good resource which is simple is:

http://www.soon.org.uk/cvpage.htm

or http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-write-a-cv-2

 here are some written examples

2.    Surf  onto www.job-interview.net

3.    Click on Mock Job Interviews

4.    Choose a job and prepare your interview (see the general instructions on the above website.

5.    Write a brief covering letter explaining that you have seen the advertisement for the post of…(your chosen area) and you would like to be considered for the job.

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-write-a-cover-letter

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE

6.    Talk to the other people in your group and give them a copy of your interview questions.

7.    Check through the general questions you may be asked at a job interview.

8.    Think about the way you will be dressed ( we will not dress up for this interview)

9.    Think about your body language, your confidence and your eye contact.

10.                  Practise!

See http://www.videojug.com/interview/the-job-interview

11.                  You are now ready to do your interview.

Results of the interview

1. The student interviewers and myself will decide if you should be called back for a second interview or get the job or be thanked for your interest in the post. This is a subjective judgement and not to be taken too seriously!

ON Friday after the break we will do the actual interviews in your small groups. 
You will have about 20-25 minutes per interview.
I will try to get around to as many as possible.
The interview will NOT be graded.
However, the CV/covering letter will be given a pass/non-pass grade  

CAE Listening and language work

Today we will listen and go through a CAE listening test.

The format is the same as last time.

Answer all the questions and then we will go through the answers together.

After we have listened to the test I will put up the sound files and key on the blog so that you can listen again if you want.

Here is the Key

Listening
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

After the break you can work on one of the language areas.

Here is an excellent link if you want to work on the CAE.

Good luck and have an excellent weekend.

Book assignments 2 & 3 on "Letters from the Inside"

Here is the link to Assignment 2

Assignment 3- choose ONE of the following:

1.
Write a newspaper article about Tracey. You are a reporter from a youth magazine who has interviewed Tracey and then decided to write an article about her.

2. Analyse the concepts of freedom and confinement(isolation) presented in the book. Who is free and who is not? What does the ending of the book say about this theme?


3. Write an alternative ending to the book using the same style as the author...

Documentary analysis/review and "Letters from the Inside" Assignment 1

Today you will have a chance to complete your assignment about the documentary "Blackfish"

First, however, we will look at "Letters from the Inside"

1. "Letters from the inside" is written in the typical language of young Australians. This version of English is a mixture of  expressions which come from the UK, the US and Australia.

Here is a document to try out for the language study for "Letters from the Inside". You will get a copy of it on paper to make life easier (maybe)!

We will go through it together.

Here are some online resources to help you:

www.etymonline.com  (All sources especially UK)
http://www.artistwd.com/joyzine/australia/strine/#.VPRIivmG-E9
Australian English- most complete
http://eleaston.com/aus-eng.html  (Australia)
http://www.fionalake.com.au/other-info/other-references/rural-words/australian-american-words  (Australian slang)
http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html
www15.uta.fi/FAST/US1/REF/aust-eng.html
www.manythings.org/slang  (slang from US)
www.englishdaily626.com  (from US mainly)
http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/big_list/

Finally you can even set up a trial one month account with: 
https://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/


The other alternative is to google a word and see where it is mainly used- for example "roll-a-door"

And here is a link for "tat"
http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/slang/history-of-american-slang-words.html


And for "knock off something"
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/knock-sth-off

And finally "goss"
http://www.slang-dictionary.org/Australian-Slang/J/Goss OK! Hope you've got it!

Now here comes the real thing
Use the links suggested in the document as well as your own google searches to find the answers.

You have a couple of weeks to get that done!