Category Archives: listening

Top 5 reasons for downloading an audiobook

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AUDIOBOOKS

 

You might have heard this term, which started circling the web over 5 years ago, but didn’t know what the fuss was all about. Well, let us introduce you to this modern way of ‘reading’ or learning a language.

Please meet audiobooks, professionally narrated recordings of different kinds of literature, ranging from classical novels to modern sci-fi, including biographies and even recipe books. They are usually the exact version of a book, but sometimes they are shortened to further simplify the reader’s or in this case the listener’s life.
Now that we know what audiobooks are, we will find out why they are so popular and where to download free audiobooks in English.

Here are top 5 reasons why you should listen to an audiobook.

1. Audiobooks are great for those who do not like reading. We all have different learning techniques, some prefer reading while others prefer listening, so if you are one of the latter team, then audiobooks are your perfect match. Also, they are amazing for when you are feeling too lazy to read or just too busy to spare some of your time to reading.

2. You can take your audiobook wherever you want. It will substitute your boring date on your walks in the park, sunbathing sessions by the pool and many other activities like going to the gym, travelling and so on. Whether you are on the move or lying in your cosy bed, they can be downloaded straight to your phone or other smart device and be available within minutes.

3. When learning a new language, for example English, audiobooks will help you improve your pronunciation and boost your vocabulary. Furthermore, listening is proved to be an efficient way of memorising important facts, so stack up on books and get learning.

4. If you haven’t seen yet, there is a huge list of audiobooks available to suit everyone’s taste. And since they do not take up any space in your bag you can download several books at a time and enjoy listening to different stories and scenarios.

5. Another advantage of audiobooks is that you can set your own pace and regulate the speed of the recording. You can set it on low speed, to allow your brain to consume and process new information, or you could speed it up and learn more in an hour.

And if you are still not convinced, I suggest you give it a go and let us know what you think.

Big fans of audiobooks, who I am sure are members of Audible, will most definitely recommend to sign up and explore the rich collection of books that Audible has to offer.

At last, all I have to say is, audiobooks are wonderful! Even if you prefer reading books, you should at least once, try listening to your favourite novel.

 

As promised, here are a few websites where you can download free audiobooks in English:

http://esl-bits.net/

http://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks

If you do the crime, you will do the time.

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Today crime and detective stories are very popular. So, we decided that it would be interesting for you to complete some tasks related to this topic.

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree that many modern prisons are too comfortable for the inmates?

2. Watch the video and answer the following questions:

If you do the crime, you will do the time.

 

  • Why is Joe Arpaio famous?
  • What is his approach to administering justice?
  • What is his approach to administering justice?
  • What is Tent City, Arizona?
  • What are chain gangs?
  • What has Joe Arpaio done to prevent recidivism?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Sheriff Arpaio’s methods?

4. Do you agree or disagree with his methods?

 

Tips for Autumn Fashion

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It is August and according to our calendar, it is still summer 🙂

However, the weather is no longer pampering us with nice and sunny days, and amazingly gorgeous and warm evenings. It is getting colder every day and we can feel the breath of Autumn every time we cross the threshold and step outside.

So, it high time to introduce our next lesson, during which you are going to learn more about autumn fashion trends.

1. Match the words and the expressions on the left with their definition. Form a sentence with each word and expression.

a) in full swing

b) earth tones

c) slather

d) mulch

e) gravel

f) fashionista

 i. to spread a large amount of something over something else

ii. an individual obsessed with following trends in fashion

iii. moving rapidly

iv. a mixture of little stones and sand used on driveways

v. brownish colours

vi. straw used sometimes to keep moisture in the soil

2. Using concessive structures (“while, whereas, whilst; however, nevertheless, nonetheless”) form 6 sentences contrasting summer and autumn fashion in terms of colours, clothes, accessories (bags, scarves, hats) and essential items.

3. Watch the video and fill in the table below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX5-E8djI3s

 

Tip #1 Earth tones are a classic fall look. Before leaving the 1.________, remember to slather yourself 2_________ of mulch and 3________.

 
Tip #2 5______ your summer clothes. It’s time to put away those flip flops and 6______.

7________of your summer clothes.
Tip #3 Create your own 8______ backpack. All 9_______ fall fashionistas can create a backpack by 10_______a pumpkin.
Tip #4 Find your perfect colours. Send in pictures.
Tip #5 11_______are a great accessory. Be careful not to get your 12_________ accessory caught as you could 13_________ hang yourself.
Tip #6 Avoid shopping 14________. 15_____ Just  stay at home. Let yourself become totally 16___________.

4. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Fashion is made to become unfashionable” ? 

We would be happy to know your favourite autumn fashion trends! 🙂