MORELLO+BAHILO,+TO�I

SECOND PRESENTATION(7)(language: 6( +1 for work put in) cinema (/i/, not /ai/, and not /e/)XXXX brick (break /breik/) we can speak about the movie (could) good father (godfather) films where appear, where appear, it appears (/i@/, not /e@/) place when I can (where) can /bicame acostumeit/ (become accustomed /bik^m @k^st@md/) psychological (/i/, sc /ai/) manage (/i/, not /a/) known (/ou/, not /au/) ballet (/ei/, not /i/) Hugo(/hju:/, not /u/) well-known (/ou/, not /au/) one police (policeman) a police (a policeman)(the stress is on the second syllable in //police//) thriller that get your attention (captures your attention)

**Dear Toni, I apologise for the delay in the correction. Please write your next composition above the last one. Reverse order, as is done in blogs, is much easier to handle and allows the reader to see updates in a flash. The compositions are good and interesting.**

**Second book review:** ** THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon .**

To be honest, I bought this book last summer with the intention of reading it but I didn’t. Now, flicking through the Wiki, I saw the review of a student about it and I remembered that I had it and I decided to read it. Fortunately, I don’t regret my decision, just the opposite, I’m very pleased. The book has surprised me nicely.

When I started to read it I thought it was a mystery book but as the reading progresses I realised that it was about a boy, a special boy who suffers Asperge n ’s Syndrome.

The narration is made in first person by Christopher, which allows us to witness his relationship with the outside world, with people, with things, his thoughts, his peculiar “reflections”... The murder of the dog is the fact from which the writer introduces Christopher to the reader, his personality, his family, his teacher, his neighbourhood and how he relates to all them. We have a first-hand knowledge of his needs and fears.

Among his needs there’s one that stands out above the rest that is the need to feel safe. This need means routine, no changes, planning. He’s totally methodical and perfectionist.

Regarding social interaction, he’s incapable to establish empathy with people, he’s unable to put himself in place of anothe r. He can’t interpret physical or verbal tokens of feelings from others and, even, he can’t understand his own feelings and emotions. Consequently, he can’t stand physical contact, he can’t bear to be touched.

In contrast to this inability for social relations, he’s brilliant at solving complicated maths problems and at explaining natural phenomena difficult to understand for a child. He’s a kind of savant.

From the moment he finds the killed dog, he decides to do detective work in order to discover who the killer is. This fact triggers a series of events that make Christopher take the decision to go beyond the end of his street by himself, having to face completely new situations for him, which make him feel panic: strange people, crowds, the unexpected, the unknown. He has to tackle all his fears and insecurities and he has to deal with his family reality.

As for the language, the book is easy to read. One of the reasons is, as I’ve said earlier, that the narrator is Christopher and he says he doesn’t like words whose meaning he doesn’t know, so the vocabulary is quite simple and the grammar constructions also. He takes the language literally, he can’t read “between lines ”.

The book is divided in chapters that are numbered only with prime numbers because Christopher likes them. This is a way used by the author to establish a parallelism between the real book and the book that Christopher is writing in the fiction about the killed dog and his investigations. Also with this purpose, it has drawings by Christopher that he uses in order to clarify what he’s explaining or talking about. There are also lists, diagrams and maps which show us how his mind works. He needs planning and method.

I’ve read the review by Pablo Martin on the Wiki and I totally agree with him. “It’s a surprising book, a poignant story”. The harder the situation more tenderness awakens in the reader towards a child unable to cope with situations that are beyond his understanding.

I’ve greatly enjoyed the reading from the beginning to the end due to several reasons. First, the writer has managed to keep my attention without failing at any time. Second, as I said at the beginning, it has surprised me. And finally, during all the reading Christopher has reminded me one pupil I had once, Miguel, a special boy with Asperge n ’s Syndrome

= MARKING AND ASSESSMENT =

**Second book review:** ** THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon .**

To be honest, I bought this book last summer with the intention of reading it but I didn’t. Now, flicking through the Wiki, I saw the review of a student about it and I remembered that I had it so I decided to read it. Fortunately, I don’t regret my decision, just the opposite, I’m very pleased. The book has surprised me nicely.

When I started to read it I thought it was a mystery book but as the reading progressed I realised that it was about a boy, a special boy who suffers Asperge r ’s Syndrome.

The narration is made in first person by Christopher, which allows us to witness his relationship with the outside world, with people, with things, his thoughts, his peculiar “reflections”... The murder of the dog is the fact with which the writer introduces Christopher to the reader, his personality, his family, his teacher, his neighbourhood and how he relates to all them. We have first-hand knowledge of his needs and fears.

Among his needs there’s one that stands out above the rest and that is the need to feel safe. This need means routine, no changes, planning. He’s totally methodical and perfectionist.

Regarding social interaction, he’s ** incapable of establishing ** empathy with people, unable to put himself ** in someone els ** ** e´s shoes **. He can’t interpret physical or verb al tokens of feelings from others and, what´s more, he can’t understand his own feelings and emotions. Consequently, he can’t stand physical contact ; he can’t bear to be touched.

In contrast to this inability for social relations, he’s brilliant at solving complex maths problems and at explaining natural phenomena difficult to understand for a child. He’s a kind of savant.

From the moment he finds the killed dog, he decides to do detective work in order to discover who the killer is. This fact triggers a series of events that make Christopher take the decision to go beyond the end of his street by himself, having to face completely new situations for him, which make him feel panic: strange people, crowds, the unexpected, the unknown. He has to tackle all his fears and insecurities and he has to deal with his family reality.

As for the language, the book is easy to read. One of the reasons is, as I’ve said earlier, that the narrator is Christopher and he says he doesn’t like words whose meaning he doesn’t know, so the vocabulary is quite simple and so are the grammar constructions. He takes the language literally, he can’t read “between the lines ”.

The book is divided in chapters that are numbered only with prime numbers because Christopher likes them. This is a way used by the author to establish a parallelism between the real book and the book that Christopher is writing in the fiction about the killed dog and his investigations. Also with this purpose, it has drawings by Christopher that he uses in order to clarify what he’s explaining or talking about. There are also lists, diagrams and maps which show us how his mind works. He needs planning and method.

I’ve read the review by Pablo Martin on the Wiki and I totally agree with him. “It’s a surprising book, a poignant story”. The harder the situation, the more tenderness it awakens in the reader towards a child unable to cope with situations that are beyond his understanding.

I’ve greatly enjoyed the reading from the beginning to the end due to several reasons. First, the writer has managed to keep my attention without failing at any time. Second, as I said at the beginning, it has surprised me. And finally, during all the reading Christopher has reminded me of one pupil I had once, Miguel, a special boy with Asperge r ’s Syndrome.

=** Very good- a really personal reflection. **=

**WRITING UNIT 4 WORKBOOK**

**VOTING IN 2001 UK PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS**

The chart presents the turnout of voters in the 2001 parliamentary elections in United Kingdom comparing the figures with the same poll in 1983. The percentages of the citizens who participated are split into six age groups.

As seen in the chart, there was a general reduction of the turnout in all the groups, except in the group of people over 65, where there was a tiny increase. The three groups between 18 and 44 are the ones in which the drop was steeper. However, the turnout of the two groups between 45 and 64 fell slightly.

As far as the age groups is concerned, the lowest turnout was given in the first group, 18-24 years, while the highest one was given in the last group, over 65. It should be noted that the number of voters in the last group grew more than 30 % with regard to the number of voters in the first group.

To recap, the turnout in the 2001 parliamentary elections decreased significantly compared to the year 1983, perhaps as a consequence of the disillusionment with the politicians that people were l istening to in those days. As for the age of the voters, despite the general decrease there was a progressive increase in the number of voters from the first group to the last one.

=** Excellent **=

**First book review:** **DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney.**

//Diary of a Wimpy Kid// by J. Kinney, is the first of a set of little books about a boy called Greg Heffley. It was published in April of 2007 and it became a bestseller soon and was made into a movie. The books have an official website also. The book tells us about the adventures of Greg who is a teenager in the middle school. The narration starts the first day of the course and finishes the last one.

Just at the beginning, Greg says "This is a JOURNAL, not a diary" and "...this was MOM's idea, not mine”. He is totally worried about the fact the others know he is writing a diary, like a girl, giving to the reader an idea of how important the image is for a teenager. And, as a teenager, Greg’s behaviour is conditioned by this fact. He is always trying to improve his image, he wants to become popular, to be physically strong, to be desirable among girls…

In his “diary”, Greg writes about his diary activities both at school and home. The relationship with his parents, with his brothers, the elder one who bullies him, and the younger one, who is totally spoilt. And also the relationship with his best friend Rowley.

The whole narration is full of middle school humor and funny situations that make him a charming boy. Greg is always working out what to do, how to act in order to make things end up best for him but, usually, it happens the other way around, things turn out badly for him most of the times.

I had never read a book like this, that is, a book addressed to young readers but I have enjoyed the reading due to the funny things that happen and the way it is written. It is a novel in cartoons, as it is said on the cover. It is like a real diary because of the handwriting and drawings along the whole book that make it more entertaining.

The language used is simple and easily understood, with a lot of colloquial expressions. It is a straightforward book just because it is a narration made by an adolescent who tells us things about himself. There are not complicated concepts to understand which are usually expressed with a higher and more specific language.

If you are looking for a book that makes you reflect on something or a book that narrates a beautiful story, this is not your book. But, if you are looking for an unpretentious book, an easily readable book that makes you spend a nice time, this is your book. Moreover, if you have not much time to spend on reading, I highly recommend it to you.

MARKING AND ASSESSMENT

// Diary of a Wimpy Kid // by J. Kinney, is the first of a set of little books about a boy called Greg Heffley. It was published in April of 2007, it became a bestseller soon and was made into a movie. The books have an official website also. The book tells us about the adventures of Greg, who is a teenager in the middle school. The narration starts the first day of the course and finishes the last day.

Just at the beginning, Greg says "This is a JOURNAL, not a diary" and "...this was MOM's idea, not mine”. He is re ally worried about the fact the others know he is writing a diary, like a girl, giving the reader an idea of how important the image is for a teenager. And, as a teenager, Greg’s behaviour is conditioned by this fact. He is always trying to improve his image, he wants to become popular, to be physically strong, to be desirable among girls…

In his “diary”, Greg writes about his daily activities both at school and home. The relationship with his parents, with his brothers, the elder one who bullies him, and the younger one, who is spoilt rotten. And also the relationship with his best friend Rowley.

The whole narration is full of middle school humor and funny situations that make him a charming boy. Greg is always working out what to do, how to act in order to make things end up best for him but, usually, it happens the other way around, things turn out badly for him most of the times.I had never read a book like this, that is, a book addressed to young readers but I have enjoyed the reading due to the funny things that happen and the way it is written. It is a novel in cartoons, as it is said on the cover. It is like a real diary because of the handwriting and drawings along the whole book that make it more entertaining.

The language used is simple and easily understood, with a lot of colloquial expressions. It is a straightforward book just because it is a narration made by an adolescent who tells us things about himself. There are no difficult concepts to understand which are usually expressed with a higher and more specific language.

If you are looking for a book that makes you reflect on something or a book that narrates a beautiful story, this is not your book. But, if you are looking for an unpretentious book, an easily readable book that help s you spend a nice time, this is your book. Moreover, if you have not much time to spend on reading, I highly recommend it to you.

Very good

**THE SEVEN AGES OF MAN BY SHAKESPEARE**

Having seen the videos about “The seven ages of man” the one that I prefer is the first (first age, the baby link) because below each age there is a short reflection from the author. Also I like the Nate’s version (third age, the lover link) because I find it creative, mainly if we think that It’s performed by a teenager. It’s funny. The two that I don’t like at all are the seventh (seventh age, the dead link) and the last one (eighth age, reincarnation link). The first of this two, in which Shakespeare is moving his lips pretending reciting the monologue, because I find it quite scary, and the other one just because I’m not able to understand it so I can’t see the grace of the video.

Shakespeare wrote this poem from the point of view of a man of his time but I think the different stages throughout life are the same. Making a parallelism with today, each stage matches with the same stage at present. Perhaps, I would change some of the names: the baby, the child, the teenager (the lover), the youth (the soldier), the middle age (the judge), the elderly and the dead. The content is the same, this is, the feelings, the attitude, the way to face life remains the same but the environment, the society has totally changed and consequently our way to related to it also. I’m sure that our answer to a situation would be different in Shakespeare’s time from now although the attitude towards the situation was similar in each stage.

Regarding women, the stages are the same today and in those days irrespective of gender discrimination that there was in that time and today, nowadays especially in many countries from the Third World and in Muslim countries.

MARKING AND ASSESMENT

**THE SEVEN AGES OF MAN BY SHAKESPEARE**

Having seen the videos about “The seven ages of man” the one that I prefer is the first (first age, the baby link) because below each age there is a short reflection from the author. Also I like Nate’s version (third age, the lover link) because I find it creative, mainly if we think that it’s performed by a teenager. It’s funny. The two that I don’t like at all are the seventh (seventh age, the dead link) and the last one (eighth age, reincarnation link). The first of this two, in which Shakespeare is moving his lips pretending to recite the monologue, because I find it quite scary, and the other one just because I’m not able to understand it so I can’t see the point of the video.

Shakespeare wrote this poem from the point of view of a man of his time but I think the different stages throughout life are the same. Making a parallelism with today, each stage matches with the same stage at present. Perhaps, I would change some of the names: the baby, the child, the teenager (the lover), the youth (the soldier), the middle age (the judge), the elderly and the dead. The content is the same, that is, the feelings, the attitude, the way to face life remains the same but the environment, the society has changed completely and consequently our way to related to it has changed too. I’m sure that our answer to a situation would be different in Shakespeare’s time from now although the attitude towards the situation was similar in each stage.

Regarding women, the stages are the same today and in those days irrespective of gender discrimination that there was in that time and today, nowadays especially in many countries from the Third World and in Muslim countries. = = = ** Very good ** =

**MY PROFILE**

Hello everybody!! My name is Toñi Morelló. I'm a Primary school teacher. I've worked as a teacher for 28 years. throughout my career I've taught different subjects at different levels. I've taught Valencian, English and various subjects as tutor in the 1st Cycle of Primary. But the most rewarding job I've ever had was when I worked as a teacher in La Fe hospital with sick children. It was a totally different experience from teaching in an ordinary school. I keep a wonderful memory of this period. I'm an active person who likes to learn new things and keep up to date but I don't have so much time as I'd like to spend on my things. I try to go to the gym at least twice a week because I think it's important to take some exercise. My favourite hobbies are cinema, dining out with friends and, above all, travelling. I love getting toknow <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">new countries, new cultures. But travelling is so expensive!!!!! Every now and then what I like most is resting at home the whole weekend doing nothing especial, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> just relaxing...

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">TIME BANK

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I need to <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">speak <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">English and I'd like someone who teaches me to use <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">the <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Excel and Acces programmes at an advanced level. In exchange, I can help your children with their studies or their homework. On the other hand, I have some skills in video edition <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">digital photography and new technologies (Internet, digital blackboard, software <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">such as <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Word, PowerPoint...) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm a good cook and I also can prepare <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">homemade <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">food four you, <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">including <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">cakes. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Also I can sew so I can repair your clothes if you need it.

**WRITING UNIT 1 WORKBOOK**

Hi Sushant,

It´s great to know from you. I´m doing nothing special now, just relaxing after having finished my exams. Yesterday I did the last one so it´s time for you to come and stay some days here, with me. I'm available to you. I´m anxious to chat with you and also gossip a bit, why not?

Valencia is not very large, It´s an easy city to tour although in the last years it has spread quite a lot. Modern buildings and complexes have been built but, in my opinion, the old town has much more charm, with its old buildings and narrow streets. And, do you know?, there are lots and lots of taverns and pubs. The nightlife is crazy!!!! You´ll see. But not everything will be at night like owls, don´t you believe? We can also go to the countryside, e.g. to the "Albufera" lagoon, ride on a boat and visit its surroundings. Also We can have a paella and, as the weather is still superb, even go to the beach. Anyway, we´ll plan everything when you come. We´ll have a great time, sure.

I can´t wait to enjoy your company. Come soon, don´t be long. Just email me when to pick you up at the station.

Kisses, TONI MORELLÓ

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">CORRECTIONS AND ASSESSMENT Hi Sushant,

It´s great to hear from you. I´m not doing anything special now, just relaxing after having finished my exams. Yesterday I did the last one so it´s time for you to come and stay some days here, with me. I'm free for you. I´m anxious to chat with you and also gossip a bit, why not?

Valencia is not very large, It´s an easy city to tour although in the last years it has spread quite a lot. Modern buildings and complexes have been built but, in my opinion, the old town has much more charm, with its old buildings and narrow streets. And, do you know?, there are lots and lots of taverns and pubs. The nightlife is crazy!!!! You´ll see. But not everything will be at night like owls, can you believe it? We can also go to the countryside, for example (*) to the "Albufera" lagoon, ride on a boat and visit its surroundings. Also We can have a paella and, as the weather is still superb, even go to the beach. Anyway, we´ll plan everything when you come. We´ll have a great time, sure.

I can´t wait to enjoy your company. Come soon, don´t be long. Just email me when to pick you up at the station.

Kisses, TONI MORELLÓ

(*) <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">e.g. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">is too formal <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">Good