This spookily-themed webquest by Luke Vyner includes activities on the history of Halloween, popular traditions, global celebrations and terrifying tales. It is free to all onestopenglish users. Click here.
And you can also visit this website to know more about the history and traditions of Halloween.
The English We Speak The English We Speak is your chance to catch up on the very latest English words and phrases. In under 3 minutes, they help you stay ahead of the pack by giving you must have phrases that you can use in your everyday conversation. Words in the News Weekly news video section. In each programme one of the presenters tells you a story from the week's news. They also teach five useful words and phrases that you can use in daily life. 6 Minute English Long-running series of topical discussion and new vocabulary, brought to you by your favourite BBC Learning English presenters. Pronunciation There is a system of symbols for writing the sounds of English. They have a guide to these symbols and also videos to show how to pronounce each of the sounds. Source: BBC Learning English. Click here.
One year ago schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen - her "crime", to have spoken up for the right of girls to be educated. The world reacted in horror, but after weeks in intensive care Malala survived. Her full story can now be told. Click here to read the article.
Huge congratulations to Malala Yousafzai & Kailash Satyarthi - joint winners of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for their incredible work protecting children and their right to education.
Click here to read the article and listen to the videos.
Last Friday (26th September) was the European Day of Languages. It celebrated linguistic and cultural diversity in Europe and the importance of language learning worldwide.
Click here and find an exclusive infographic, selection of quizzes and special social surprises dedicated to celebrating Europe and the importance of English language learning!
If you feel that your pronunciation is poor and that you make 'so many mistakes', have a look at the blog below where you can find some videos showing how sometimes native speakers struggle, too. As the author of the blog says, I hope this makes you a bit more reassured. Enjoy it!
A new school year is starting and my wish for you is...
Enjoy the adventure of learning and never give up.
Welcome to your B1 Blog!
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Grammar videos
This section offers you grammar practice in snack-size bites. Our Grammar Snack videos show the grammar being used in a natural way. A conversation-style explanation and interactive exercises will check that you can really use the language.
Many colleges around the country require all incoming freshmen to read a specific book over the summer before the fall semester begins. It’s usually part of a school’s “common reading” programme.
Click here to find out more information about these books.
St George's Day is celebrated in England on 23 April, in honour of St George, the patron saint of England.
The 23 April 1616 was also the date of the death of the English playwright William Shakespeare. UNESCO marked this historic date by declaring it the International Day of the Book.
Many Catalonian men present their female relatives with roses on St George's Day (Día de San Jorge) in Spain. The day is celebrated on April 23 each year. Lovers also swap gifts of books and roses on this day. Click here.
If you want to know more information about St. George's Day, surf on the websites below and listen to the story of George and the Dragon:
And, as I can't give a book to all of you, let me share with you a link (www.voicesinthedark.com) where you can find free audiobooks and stories read aloud by real people for free! Click here.
All about the warping of space from the Big Bang to general relativity. This mind boggling program was all about physics and Albert Einstein. The short animation accompanied the hour long Science Club hosted by Dara O Briain which featured comedians and scientist in the studio based program on BBC2.
Many people think that the topic animals is suitable only for children. Thus the learners learn the names of twenty animals when they are young and they think it is enough. However, intermediate students need to know more animals than the twenty they learnt as children. Here you can practise what you learnt a long time ago and add some more new words.
Last Tuesday was Pancake Day also known as Shrove Tuesday in Britain. Pancake day is the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. 'Shrove' - as in Shrove Tuesday - stems from old English word 'shrive', meaning 'confess all sins'. It is called Pancake Day because it is the day traditionally for eating pancakes as pancake recipes were a way to use up any stocks of milk, butter and eggs which were forbidden during the abstinence of Lent.
Click here to read more about Pancake Day. Source: About.com
Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards,
candy, gifts or flowers with their special “valentine.” The day of
romance we call Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr and
dates back to the 5th century, but has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia.
Click here to learn more about St Valentine's Day .
