Saturday 29 October 2011

Just... imagine!


Do you think it is ever possible to live in a world like the one described in the song?  Is world peace and unity feasible? 

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Halloween and tradition

After surfing the Net and googling certain concepts, answer the following questions:

What is Halloween and what do its celebrations involve?

Is keeping traditions important to a nation? Is knowing about foreign traditions equally important?

How can tradition be combined with cutting edge technology that has radically altered the way we used to live?

Friday 21 October 2011

Aggelikoula's favorite song! Enjoy!


Technology and I

Well, although i don't know much of technology, the two gadgets that appeal to me and i really enjoy to use, is my blue notebook(small laptop) and my mobile phone. I bought my notebook two years ago, in order to help me with my activities in university. Because of it's size i can take it everywhere, even in my bag, and it provides to me the opportunity of being consistent in my university obligations. Now i use it also, for my english homework! This isn't a common laptop for me,because i see it as a useful tool for my work. But it also offers relaxation and fun. The other gadget that i love to use is my pink mobile phone. It has got the possibility of storing large numbers of mp3 music,that accompanies me, especially when i'm travelling.
When i first get a device that i do not know how to use, i usually read the manual in order to find how the device works. But when i get a device that is new(e.g. a new mobile phone), but it is a kind of gadget that i have already use it, i prefer to figure out how it works by trial and error. How different can be from my old one?

And some corrections to the paragraph:

Well, although I don't know much of technology, the two gadgets that appeal to me and I really enjoy to use ARE my blue notebook(small laptop) and my mobile phone. I bought my notebook two years ago, in order TO USE IT FOR MY UNIVERSITY ASSIGNMENTS AND RESEARCH. Because of ITS size I can take it everywhere, even in my bag, and it provides ME WITH the opportunity of FULFILLING ALL MY UNIVERSITY OBLIGATIONS. Now I use it also, for my English homework! This isn't a common laptop for me,because I see it as a useful tool for my work AS WELL AS TO relax and HAVE fun. The other gadget that i love to use is my pink mobile phone. It has got the possibility of storing large AMOUNTS of mp3 music,that accompanies me, especially when I'm travelling.It has also GOT a camera that can CAPTURE my good times or beautiful landscapes.
When I first get a device that i do not know how to use, I usually read the manual in order to find how the device works. But when I get a device that is new(e.g. a new mobile phone), but it is a kind of gadget that I have already useD, I prefer to figure out how it works by trial and error. How different can IT be from my old one?

Thursday 20 October 2011

October Vocabulary Calendar!

  1. Despite the economic crisis, he applied a viable plan to his company. As a result, his company is flourishing and he is branded as the most prudent entrepreneur of the year.
  2. When you are shopping around, you must always wear practical shoes. Otherwise, your feet are going to swell.
  3. As soon as she got out of the bank a thief grabbed her bag. A few pedestrians ran frantically after him, but they didn’t catch him.
  4. When I first visited Las Vegas, I was gazing all the time at its glowing lights.
  5. She didn’t stay calm in the presence of the burglar and she was frantically hurling things on him.
  6. When I hired her, I told her that her duties are to duplicate documents by photocopying and to convey all the messages from the clients to me. Is that so difficult for her? Is she slow on the uptake?
  7. My parents decided to truncate their holidays without informing me. When they came back to our homeland and half an hour before they reached home they let me know about it; so I was hectically trying to clean up the filthy house because of my last-night party.
  8. While she was taking her diploma from the dean of her University, she was proposed to become a professor; as you can imagine she was really flattered.
  9. None of the social Media levels charges against politicians who get bribes, probably because they are afraid of their authority.
  10. The earthquake in September 1999 leveled a lot of houses in Athens.
  11. She expressed her appreciation for my hospitality by buying me an outstanding painting.
  12. Two persons were in the car that crashed. The driver had a few fractured bones but the other passenger needs immediate transfusion.
  13. I hate the transition from summer to autumn. One day it is raining and the other it is muggy, and you can never know what to wear.
  14. He lost his job and he was strapped for cash; so he asked his best friend, who is in the money, to lend his 2.000€
  15. I fretted over my final grade when my teacher told me that my essays are completely incoherent and I would never pass the exams.
  16. She is ready to give birth to her first child; her contractions have just begun.
  17. The acquisition of a second language is a necessary skill for every single person.
  18. She doesn’t like her job; whatever she is told by the intoxicated clients has to reciprocated with deterrence and politeness.
  19. We must use the detergent sparingly because there is only a little left.
  20. The unprecedented levels of unemployment are caused because of the economic crisis.
  21. The convict is held in custody till the court reaches a decision.
  22. A vast number of people are demonstrating at the moment due to the oppressive measures that the Government applied.
  23. Everyone was captivated by her immaculate performance.
  24. You have to start studying the fundamentals of music at first and afterwards you will learn how to sing.
  25. We should do our best to uphold our traditions because they portray our national identity.
  26. Once again he feigned illness, but his mother took him to the doctor straight away. When they got there the doctors asked “Which symptoms manifested themselves and made you come here?” but the boy didn’t answer.
  27. He was so stressed by his upcoming presentation that he continuously rehearsed what he was going to tell to his manager.
  28. She diversified her shop’s merchandise by adding men’s clothes in order to boost her sales.
  29. Oh no. It’s raining again. But the fire station is poised to be deluged with calls about incidents in flooded areas.
  30. I shouldn’t have let the cat out of the bag. I am so repentant that I divulged your secret.
  31. If your posture is not correct, then you are going to suffer from spinal malformations.

Tuesday 18 October 2011

The microchip!

A useful video, with all the new words from Unit 6, about microchips used as tracking devices. It also has Greek Subtitles. Enjoy Girls.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hz5BLFudxck#! 

Which high-tech gadgets appeal to you? When you first got them did you read the manual or you tried to figure out how they work by trial and error?

Everyday, I use two high-tech gadgets that enhanced but also improved my daily life. The first one is my tiny mp4 player, which is a device that allows me to listen to music while I am walking to my work but also it enables me to watch videos or movies while I am on the bus. As for the second one, it is my iPhone which was my most thrilling birthday present. Before I got it in my hand, I thought it was a waste of money. But how wrong was I? After a few days of searching and installing applications, at the moment I am able to check my e-mail and my English blog any time I want, no matter where am I (you see I mention the blog everywhere :P) . In addition, every day I have to use the bus because I leave in the outskirts of Heraklion; through an application I know exactly what time the bus leaves. Finally, what really amuses me is that I always have a high definition camera with me so as to take pictures that depict every special moment of my life.

Although it seems a bit unusual, when I buy a new thing, no matter what it is, I never read the instruction manual. I prefer to spend more time trying to find on my own what capabilities it has because it is more creative; but in some cases I do not figure out how it works properly, and as a result I waste a lot of time.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Involuntary chip implants

http://www.cyberwolfman.com/id_chip_implants.htm

Did you know about this aspect of chip implantation? Read the above article and find the section about cases that relate to the title of this post. How do you feel about this? 

Sunday 9 October 2011

Composition,test 5, Michigan practise test. Title: A BIG LET DOWN

    I used to think that friends were ''true-blue'' and would never let you down. I found out differently, however, when my good friend Magia let me down last year.
      Magia, was one of my best friends. We were members of the same basketball team and we had known each other for 5 years. I knew that I could trust her and I was sure that I could confide my secrets in her.One day, however (avoid reusing the same linking word), she called me up and told me that the boy I liked was fond of her and that she liked him, too. I realised that she was about to show her true colors. Magia knew that I was in love with that boy, but that did not stop her.
   At first, I felt it was a bitter pill to swallow.I just could not believe it!Then, I promised to myself that I could never trust anyone! Magia was finally a ''fair-weather'' friend. Not until I saw them together, did I realise what had happened. I was crying for 2-3 days. After months, of not even wanting to see Magia,I learnt to take the bitter with the sweet.This made me understand that not everyone is a real friend and from now on I will decide who I am going to trust. (the lessons you learnt form your conclusion)
   In retrospect,  I had an awful experience which, nevertheless, taught me what true friendship is. All in all, every cloud has a silver lining.

Thursday 6 October 2011

September's Vocabulary Calendar


1. After she had a plastic surgery, the improvement was perceptible on her face.
2. She found her car tires twice deflated and she perceived it as a threat.
3. All his innovations were characterized as technological breakthroughs. As a result, he was branded as the most perceptive inventor.
4. What is the equivalent of 500 euro in dollars?
5. After the “sudden death” question the eventual winner was Mike.
6. In case of any technical queries, please contact the Customer Service Department.
7. The police is making inquiries about the murderer’s criminal record.
8. She had a lot of qualms because she had to leave her baby with a babysitter for a couple of days.
9. I really esteem him for his honesty.
10. The broker assessed the value of my house at 200.000€.
11. Last week two people won the lottery; so the money will be apportioned between them equally.
12. My computer was taken apart in order for the defective hard drive to be replaced.
13. I was totally taken aback by the ruthless bombing attack in Iran.
14. Since I got the job, I earmark half of my salary to buy a new car.
15. His boss didn’t want to offend him in front of his colleagues. So he took him aside and took him apart. (I love this sentence! :)
16. The police pinpointed the stolen vehicle after the thief’s confession.
17. She tried to distract her father, because she wanted her boyfriend to leave her house without being noticed. (sidetrack= make a speaker change subject)
18. –Could you tell me how much do this skirt and the blouse cost?
-They cost 20 and 30 € respectively.
19. On account of the stroke my grandmother had, she went to a lawyer to draw her will up as soon as she recuperated.
20. After he cheated on his spouse (after he cheated on her), she decided to write him off and turn over a new leaf. (wow!)
21. A few days ago, Apple brought out the new Iphone 4S.
22. A good teacher must instill confidence in her students.
23. In order to do well in the exam, I spent my whole day poring over my fabulous “Green book”. (you won 10000000 points!)
24. She was crying and grieving over her husband’s tomb.
25. I could kick myself for doing such a witless thing.
26. Given such a mediocre service, I left a tip unwillingly.
27. The Government is in the foreground/at the forefront because of the announcement of the new measures.
28. His foresight helped him not to be left broke after his company went bankrupt.
29. She embellished her little black dress with some red streaks so as to suit it with her brand new pumps.
30. Finally I succumbed to an irresistible impulse to eat candies. (true! :)

Grammar quizzes!

http://www.usingenglish.com/handouts/

Click on the handout you prefer and turn it into an online quiz by clicking on the corresponding phrase at the top of the page so as to get a score right after you complete the quiz.

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Vocabulary calendar 4!!!

1.My brother and I are like two peas in a pod.We are exactly the same...
2. What do you conjure up when you first think of the phrase:Death penalty?
3. She embellished the dress with colourful buttons.
4. His eventual retirement pension was 600 euros.
5. He pinpointed the problem meticulously.
6. My brother glowed with happiness when he took the first prize at the competition.
7. He winked at Mary, which shows that he liked her.
8. Everyone looked at me in awe, when I came into the palace.
9. Hey!You look stunning today!You re so beautiful!
10. The accident turned out to be a fatal experience!
11. He had a flimsy argument about the causes of global warming.
12.I took offense at his words, as he told me I was lying.
13. An idea about organising a party dawned on me during the piano lesson.
14. Most problems nowadays result in violence. (a lot of people resort to violence)
15. It is said that there are apparitions in this house!
16. My aunt has an immaculate house!She cleans it all the time!
17. We must all uphold the law.
18. Fear is the product of not knowing what is going to happen.
19. Mary glossed over the issue to make it seem unimportant. 
20. He lost sleep over his financial problems.
21. In the public sector, everything goes worse and worse.
22. These stories have fascinated people from all walks of life.
23. The blue sky promised a fair weather for the rest of the day.
24. He has a good knowledge of how to make jewellery.
25. She gave herself a boost by saying what she had done was right.
26.My skin was slightly illuminated by the sun.
27. Einstein explored every nook and cranny of science.
28. I had to divert, as there was a traffic jam.
29. The cartilage is the combination of tissues, isn't it?
30. It was an absorbing book and I couldn't stop reading it.

Surveillance - Reading Task

I have found a very interesting article on the topic we have been discussing lately:

http://infowars.net/articles/april2007/270407lip_reading.htm

After reading it, write a few words about the new types of technology the British government is considering to use in order to stop terrorism. Do you think these devices are effective? Will they deter terrorism or simply invade the privacy of the citizens?

Leave your answer in a comment under this post.

Good luck with your first blogging efforts! :-)

Monday 3 October 2011

Multiple Choice

1.Greeks were in ............... for five years.
a. captivity
b. dignity
c. prejudice
d. coersion

2. I had to .................. my maths exersises to find out whether they were correct.
a. suppress
b. verify
c. invade
d. patrol

3.Yesterday I had a lot of free time so, I decided to take a walk just to ................ the shop windows.
a. glance
b. peer
c. gaze
d. browse

vocabulary questions unit 6

1) He (without: is) usually _______ in troubles.
a) protester c) oppressive
b)engages  d) detrimental


2) Because of the fog it was difficult for him to _______ at the stars.
a) browse c) scan
b) peer d) gaze


3) The consultant informed her that she was (without: the) ________ for the covenant.
a) eligible c) associate
b) privileged d) inedible

multiple choice questions

1) Mary was...................at me all the time,that's why I 've changed my position.

a)winking
b)blinking
c)peering
d)staring

2) The police .................... the demonstration by using tear gas.

a)oppressed
b)suppressed
c)depressed
d)repressed

3)You will need a dictionary to .................up the unknown words.

a)find
b)look
c)seek
d)try

VOCABULARY QUESTIONS

He always tells his opinion before he thinks about it. He is an __________ person.
  1. vigilant
  2. impulsive
  3. inedible
  4. inhabitant
Teachers mustn't be _____________ against foreign students.
  1. discriminated
  2. prejudiced
  3. oppressed
  4. discerned
She tried to _________ her tears when she failed the maths exams.
  1. encrypt
  2. conceal
  3. repress
  4. oppress

Multiple choice questions

1. I went to the shops yesterday, but I didn't buy anything. I was just.....
a. glancing
b.staring
c. browsing
d. peering

2. The rebelion was ...... by the police.
a. repressed
b. suppressed
c. compressed
d. depressed

3. My essay was...... by my teacher so as for her to find out what mistakes I had made.
a. distorted
b. alleged
c. depicted
d. scrutinized

4. ..... parents have a bad influence on their children.
a. eligible
b. impulsive
c. oppressive
d. oblivious

Sunday 2 October 2011

New mission! :-)


Create vocabulary quizzes for your classmates, using some of the newly taught words. The questions should be in the official exam format. Publish them when they are ready on the class blog.

e.g. When he realized he was late for the lesson, he started apologizing  ______ .
a. abundantly    b. profusely   c. extraordinary   d. insignificantly

Useful listening conversations!!!!!

http://www.esl-lab.com/

In order to be well-prepared for the exams this site will help you practice for the listening section!!!!