Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: Grammar Review

20th May 2020

I usually start a class with a review or warm up exercise, so here’s a selection of short activities.

English School EC London - English Courses for all Ages

Subject:

Adverbs (frequency & probability)

For / since / ago / already

Past Perfect & Past Perfect Continuous

Phrasal verbs

Re-writing sentences

Quick-fire corrections

Verbs into nouns

Vocabulary booster

Adverbs

Notice how a native speaker will alter the sound of the adverb, from a high ‘always’ to a deep ‘never’.

Encourage the construction of sentences with this exercise

always

usually / often

sometimes

rarely

never

Subject + adverb + verb + object …. when ?

I always drink coffee … in the morning

I usually read books … after work

I sometimes go swimming … in the afternoon

I rarely study Vietnamese … ever

I never play music … late at night (OK, maybe sometimes)

NOW … Your turn

Have students work in pairs, making their own sentences. Weaker students can copy the examples, but stronger ones are expected to introduce different vocabulary.

Listen out for the final -s sound, notably in sometimes

Similarly, introduce adverbs of probability

definitely

probably

possibly

unlikely

definitely not !

It will definitely rain soon

He will probably be late tonight

I will possibly go shopping after class

It’s unlikely that he will play for Barcelona, ever OR He is unlikely to play for Barcelona, ever.

I will never go back to that terrible restaurant.

Past perfect simple

Past <____X________X__________Present_________>Future

Something happened before another action BOTH in the past

Sub + had + past participle : I had seen the film before I read the book

She had finished the test before I was even half way through it !

Had you visited the museum before Jane arrived ?

BUT there is a time gap

past perfect continuous

something was happening when another thing started

Sub + had + been + verbing // I had been playing games when he called

How do you Find the Best Video Games for your Child to Play — I was playing games AND THEN the phone rang.

You had been laughing until she stopped you.

No laughing matter: Critics and audiences debate whether Joker and ...

Had you been waiting long when she emailed you ?

Waiting for an Email from Recruiters? Read This | Blog | TalentWorld

NOW … Your turn

Write sentences using the past perfect continuous for these photos:

Kids crash their parent's teleconference call - YouTube

Man on Skype … then his daughter walks in

SEAGULL ATTACK: Fury as angry seagull targets man because he's ...

Just looking at the church … then a bird attacked

for / since / ago / already

I have lived in HCM … 4 years // She has been here … 2014

We came here 7 hours … // They have … seen the film

Students – make four sentences, using the four words

Quick fire corrections

Maths is / are very exciting and beautiful. History is / are fascinating

There is not many / much space in my car. Mr James has much / many fb friends

Can you buy a few / some milk and a few / some oranges ?

Rewriting sentences

Tony started in 2010. will By 2025, Tony will have been working here for 15 years.

Pam went to Japan and is returning in June. the It’s the second time that Pam’s been to Japan

I woke at 10am and have worked all day. will

By 6 pm, I …………………. for 8 hours

Julie has never seen Star Wars before. the

It’s ………………… she’s seen Star Wars

Verbs into nouns

Assist / reside / help / inspire / exhaust / attract / repute / inhabit / enthusiastic

One verb doesn’t change its form

Phrasal Verbs

Call in sick // call off // call back // call out // calm down // take under consideration // bottle up

Live up to // look down on // move out // move on up // settle in // settle down // settle up // start off

Students – use as many of these phrasal verbs as you can.

Alternately, hold a contest. Put class into teams. Give them a minute or two to do the activity.

Vocabulary booster

Students confused over Japanese school banning ponytails for ... — Is she about to fly soon ?

Anxiety // eagerness // enthusiasm // fear // joy // optimism

The students are sure they will pass. There is a lot of …………

Flying can cause ……….

Horror films use people’s love of ….. to entertain

Can you remember the ……………… we had for collecting comics ?

Character or personality ?

Are they real people or characters in a film or book ?

Brad Pitt / Iron Man / Hamlet / Donald Trump / Ronaldo / James Bond

What Happens When an Assignment Is Unclear? | The Teaching Professor

Adult Speaking Class, level 3: Let’s go to San Francisco … or Boston … or Chicago.

18th May 2020

In our last blog lesson, we focused on what we needed to do BEFORE travelling to the States, all the boring logistics and organising, booking and planning. Now … we are all set. All we have to do is select which city to visit.

Which of these destinations are most appealing to you and why ?

Boston

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and gateway to New England. One of America’s oldest cities, it’s steeped in history – brimming with cobblestone streets and significant heritage sites – as well as gleaming skyscrapers.

Unlike many other US cities, it’s best explored on foot. One of the most popular tours is the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile path that passes 16 important sites, including America’s first state school, the oldest church in Boston, and several markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.

The tour is greatly enhanced by the costumed guides, who’ll passionately transport you back to the 1700s during the 90-minute walk.

Chicago

Chicago, my kind of town! A unique city with a character all of its own, Chicago offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, museums, theatre, music and nightlife options.

Chicago is on Lake Michigan, boasts over 20 miles of beachfront and some of the most dynamic and visually stunning architecture in the world. The city is famous for its skyscrapers such as the Hancock Building and the Willis Tower, which features several glass-bottomed ledges at 1,300ft above the city streets, making it a fantastic photo opportunity for the brave!

North Michigan Avenue is also known as the “Magnificent Mile” as this is where most visitors and residents come to shop, with firm favourites lining the street such as Tiffany, Nike and Nordstrom.

San Francisco

San Francisco indulges the senses with the wonderful array of scenic beauty, arts, museums, bars, restaurants and nightlife. San Francisco is famously known as the “City on the Bay” and its stunning location and undulating surroundings have been taking visitor’s breath away for centuries.

Enjoy fresh seafood and spot playful sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, a fun and family-friendly district of the city; dine on authentic dim sum in the vast Chinatown or join the crowds of shoppers amidst the bustle and cable cars of Union Square.

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to the infamous prison at Alcatraz island. Rent a bicycle and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito for a scenic day out and fantastic photo opportunities; brave Lombard Street, the “crookedest street in the world” or bring many movie favourites to life as you stroll the city streets.

San Francisco is the perfect destination for exploring and creating new memories in, with world-class sports, dining and adventure.

Video

Before you watch this video, what do you know about San Francisco ?

Which of the sights mentioned in the guide do you see ?

What really struck you (impressed) about San Francisco ?

What was intriguing (interesting, fascinating) ?

What did you make of (think of) the architecture ?

Did you see any mouth-watering (delicious) food ?

What adjectives would you use to describe San Francisco ?

GRAMMAR

Make your comments stronger, and increase your English, by adding adverbs.

unbelievably // incredibly // extremely // undeniably // amazingly //

quite // rather // somewhat //

Example: The house was old – the house was extremely old.

San Francisco is …

The food in San francisco is …

Riding cable cars must be …

Remember, if you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

YAROK Hair Care - . Be sure to wear some flowers in your... | Facebook

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: More collocations

16th May 2020

Collocations

First lesson as a writer – make sure you grab the reader’s attention.

As previously mentioned in my first post about collocations – link here: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/18/adult-speaking-class-level-2-collocations/

these are a great way to build up your English skills; not only will you learn new phrases, but you will also develop linking skills in speech and thereby acquire a more natural speech pattern.

Yes, I know it takes time and a lot of practice … but it’ll be worth it.

The previous post focused on the verb ‘make’. Today, we’ll turn our attention to the verb:

Take

Do you know these collocations ?

turns speaking // it up with the manager // up my trousers a little //

a good look at yourself // a hike ! // medicine // a deep breathe

Which would you use for:

1 You have a complaint at work.

2 You buy some clothes but they are too big.

3 You want to tell someone to go away !

4 try to be calm and relax.

Moving on, some everyday collocations

What do these collocations suggest ?

Widely available // routine check-up

disperse the crowd // boost employment

catch up with the news // catch up with friends

Which would you use for:

1 We hope the new factory will …

2 Police were called to … because there were too many people.

3. I’m going to my old university and …

4. Let me watch BBC and CNN, I need to …

Street food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Saigon Food Tours — fresh fruit and vegetables are widely available in Sai Gon and Vietnam

Find longer definitions for these collocations.

Adequate supplies to meet demand

Revised edition

Cause insurmountable difficulties

Major turning point

Set realistic aims

1) Enough things so that everyone that wants one can have one

2) Know what you want to do but it must not be too much for you to be able to do it.

3) Make problems which people will not be able to solve or cause problems that people are not able to work properly.

4) A very important moment when things changed completely

5) A new book, similar to the old one but with more up-to-date information, or mistakes have been corrected.

The Apple Store Is No Longer Called A Store Anymore, It's Just Apple — New iPhone on sale at the Apple Store … but will there will adequate supplies ?

IELTS Mindset: Preparing for the speaking test.

14th May 2020

As usual, I use bold font to highlight words, expressions and idioms that students can learn and then use in their everyday speech. Remember, some expressions are only used in some situations, but an IELTS instructor will always notice an attempt to use a wider variety of English.

Những lầm tưởng về IELTS Speaking - AMERICAN STUDY

Next week, one of my IELTS classes has their speaking test therefore this blog will help, I sincerely hope, to prepare them, and enable them to achieve a commendable result.

With that in mind, tonight’s class will just be practice, practice and … more practice.

I try to relax my students by telling them that passing IELTS is easy (that normally gets their attention). I have to elaborate; IELTS is easy because they

TELL YOU WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR

Namely, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and para linguistics (body language, eye contact, stress, intonation, rhythm) and fluency (the ability to speak without overlong pauses) as well as answering the question relevantly.

Let’s break that down:

Vocabulary: low-frequency words // idioms // expressions //

Structure: complex sentences employing discourse markers and clauses

Let’s kick off with complex sentences. Here’s a link to a previous blog regarding just that subject; there are a number of exercises for students to practise:

https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/30/ielets-mindset-complex-sentences/

Now some tips on using various expressions and phrases to introduce and close your speech. Again, this is from a previous blog (IELTS 12th May 2020):

https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/12/ielts-quick-fire-talking/

The above blog gives an example of answering a question about laptops, then allows students to compose their own response on subjects of their choice.

Finally, here are some expressions that can be used to ‘spice up’ a student’s talk as they are all everyday phrases though some will be UK-specific as they are part of the common culture:

Not my cup of tea = a polite way of saying you don’t like something.

I can take it or leave it = have no strong feelings about something.

I’m really into it = like or love something very much.

It does what it says on the tin = something that does the job, no more, no less (this is from a UK TV commercial).

Vocabulary game:

To pracise using low-frequency words, put students in teams, giving each team a set of IELTS words (or phrases, idioms). They have a set time, maybe a minute, to use as many as they can, speaking about any subject they choose.

Some students may prefer to be given a set topic, so choose typical general subjects such as shopping, food, their city or country, free time etc.

Words and expressions are:

ubiquitous // somewhat // not my cup of tea // significant or significantly // I can take it or leave it // exhausting // challenging // miserable // having said that // I’m keen on // all in all // consequently // allow me to explain // eventually // thrilling // put up with

Vocabulary booster

Find low-frequency words for these adjectives:

boring // repetitive // tiring // interesting // relaxing

Break A Leg: What Does "Break A Leg" Mean? | Useful Example ...

Business English: Role-playing activities part 3

8th May 2020

The final activity sheet is devised for a totally different type of client. This firm uses urban, street lingo (language), trying to attract a young, modern and dynamic workforce. They attempt to stand out from other companies by their use of non-standard vernacular and images.

There are some notes at the end of the blog to help explain some of the vocabulary.

TEACHERS’ NOTE: When I make physical copies, I use an appropriate font, looking like a hand-written flyer, so play around with the style and alignment.

GOTAJOB INNIT

Fun work for fun peeps

Here at Gotajob Innit, we try to sort you out with cool work, so you can get some cash to party and buy some wicked stuff. Work don’t have to bring you down, man 🙂 it can be a laugh …… INNIT !!!

Why do this ?

When you could do this ?

Fun work for fun peeps

Yo – check out these little beauties

1 Junior web designer. Travel company

Young, energetic company seek candidate to join their lively and fast-moving team. Some experience preferable. Basic programming skills essential. Qualifications not necessary, talent and potential more important.

Candidate must be fun, energetic and able to work to a deadline. Candidate will be required to submit an example of own work.

Salary starts at £17K per annum plus bonus.

2 PR – party planner

We love this job – we wanna do it. Young and amazing person needed to promote events and organise parties. Take something boring and make it F U N

Got to be able to work and drink, and organise and drink, and shout at people.

No experience, no qualifications … can you drink ? This could be your perfect job. Salary – lots of fun and drink and also some money.

3 Lotteria shift manager

Join this fun, lively, bright red hangout and get experience in the food and retail industry. We know you ain’t going to stay long, but tell your friends and give them a discount ! You’ll be in charge of a small team so you can be boss, a little, and tell people to clean the floor hahaha ! The money is rubbish, but you can eat all the junk your stomach can digest. Great way to meet other cool cats. You can wear the cool uniform and the uber-cool hat – WOW !

Good luck, peeps !

Notes:

Wicked means very bad or evil in standard English, but in urban talk, it means very good, amazing and fantastic.

Gotajob (got a job ?) is taken from a British TV show from the 1980s, when unemployment was high. One of the characters walks from job site to job site, asking, aggressively, “Gotajob ?”

Innit is urban vernacular for the tag question ‘isn’t it ?’ as in, “Hot today, isn’t it ?” or “Hot today, innit ?”

Peeps is taken from a British TV comedian, and is short for ‘people’, but was later used to mean someone’s close friends, ‘my peeps.’

Rubbish is what the British use for the US English trash or garbage. Also used to express contempt for something that is not good e.g. “The film was rubbish !”

Lotteria is a Japanese fast-food chain popular throughout east Asia. You could substitute it for a similar franchise in your country.

Business English: Role-playing activities part 2

8th May 2020

A second job market or careers fair activity, following on from the previous blog.

The idea is for some students to work for a recruitment agency, while other students search for an appropriate career. The recruiter will interview the candidate then suggest possible jobs.

Students will develop speaking skills in both asking and answering questions, as well as having an opportunity to practise using new vocabulary, phrases and terminology.

This time the focus is on office work, future executives, movers and shakers, and is aimed at business graduates and professionals.

Again, the name of the company is important. They use a London icon, symbol of reliability and stability to attract clients.

Big Ben Consulting

The biggest name in the City since 2009. Specialists in white collar recruitment.

World-wide reputation for matching the best people to the best jobs.

Start your countdown to a new career NOW with Big Ben

Don’t put it off any longer – visit our website www.bbenc.com.uk/vn

email on info@bbenc.com.uk/vn

Don’t put up with the rest – try the best

Big Ben Consulting

Our top three positions

Number One: Trainee Marketing manager. Pharmaceutical company

International company wishing to increase it’s presence in Vietnam requires young person to set out on a career in Marketing.

No experience required but must be presentable and willing to work hard.

A degree in Marketing or business studies is preferred.

Candidate must be enthusiastic, reliable, honest, trustworthy, able to work as a team as well as on own initiative.

General computer skills required. English essential. Clean police record.

Salary entry band £11K – £12.45K, rising annually.

Number Two: Junior Sales. Import / export

Learn the art of selling with this Singapore-based company. New office in central business district require a young person. No experience required, full training given. Deal with customers by phone, email and face-to-face. Candidate must be highly presentable, highly motivated and want to make a high income. Must own new business suit. Must be confident, sincere, persuasive and articulate. English at IELTS 7.5 or above a must.

Salary basic (to be negotiated at interview) plus commission.

Number Three: Junior accountant. International logistics company.

Position opened up for accounting junior. Entry level position with guaranteed job after period of probation. Degree preferred but not essential. Work to a routine. Would suit quiet, dependable, hard working, serious-minded person.

Be part of a small team. Benefits include free membership of company chess team and a safe and secure future.

For more details, contact us online or drop in to one of our shops.

Adult Speaking Class, Level 1: What will you do … ?

24th April 2020

What will you do after work ?

This blog will teach you how to talk about plans – what you will do later in the day.

The grammar will be future tense, and I’ll show you standard English and some everyday expressions.

I will … after work OR After work, I will … (standard English)

Example: I will play football after work OR After work, I will play football

Try these:

watch a movie // cook for my family // go shopping // play computer games

When I finish work, I’ll (I + will = I’ll) … a contraction

Later, when I knock off work … (knock off = finish) a UK expression / phrasal verb

Practice:

Make sentences, using these phrases. I give you an example:

I’m going to // I will (I’ll) // I plan to // I intend to // I’m thinking of …

After work, I’m going to a restaurant

Try to extend the sentence by giving more information:

After work, I’m going to take my family to a restaurant.

When I knock off, my family and I will go to a fast food restaurant because my son loves fried chicken and chips.

Now your turn:

What will you do after work ? See how long you can make your answer.

Tell me what you see in the photos.

I have some answers at the end of the blog.

Sample answers:

After work, I plan to drink beer. // I intend to drink beer after work with my two best friends.

When I knock off, I’m going to stay home // After I knock off, I’m going to play computer games and eat junk food. // After work, I plan to watch TV and eat crisps, chocolate and cake.

Tonight, I’m thinking of singing karaoke. // Later, I’m thinking of meeting my friends and going to sing karaoke because it’s a lot of fun.

After work, I will take my girlfriend to a restaurant. // Tonight is special because I will take my girlfriend to a romantic restaurant. // This will be a special night because I intend to ask my girlfriend to marry me so I’m going to take her to an expensive romantic restaurant.

Adult Speaking Class Level 2: Tell what you see.

21st April 2020

This blog is designed to help you with building longer sentences, and to promote the use of adjectives and adverbs. You will have to describe photos, explaining what you see, what is happening and how you react to them.

Photo ops

What is happening here ?

Try to write / say a paragraph about this photo.

What is happening ? Why ? What reasons do the police have ?

What is the phrasal verb? What is the police officer doing ?

Answer at bottom of blog

To extend your answer, describe what the people are wearing, how they look, the location, time of day etc. Give as much information as you can. You can arrange these in a complex sentence (two or more bits of information in one sentence).

EXAMPLE: The police officer, dressed in a light brown uniform, is stopping a motorbike which has three people on it of which only one, the driver, is wearing a helmet.

How would you describe the activity in this photo ?

What is the setting ? What is happening ? Who are the people ? What could they be discussing ?

In my opinion // I believe // I feel // (It) seems to me // I assume

They look like // In my view // (He / it) appears to me // I imagine

bring and buy sale

These are quite common in the UK. People try to sell unwanted items, and sometimes the money goes to a school, hospital or local charity. It is possible to pick up a bargain. Conversely, you can end up with a piece of old junk !

I picked it up at a bring and buy sale.

I saw an old camera and thought it would work. However, when I tried it, nothing happened. I spent $5 and ended up with a piece of junk.

Have you ever been to a sale like this ? What do you have in your country ?

Pretend you have to tell a blind person about this photo – how would you describe it. Remember, also try to describe the atmosphere … it is quiet or lively, boring or exciting ? How do you think the people feel ?

Describe these scenes

The phrasal verb was ‘pull over’ – this is when a traffic cop (police officer) stops a vehicle in order to ask questions, or tell them they are doing something wrong.

In Vietnam, helmets are compulsory, furthermore, only two adults are allowed on a motorbike. Additionally, the driver will have to produce paperwork to show that she is allowed to ride a motorbike in Viet Nam … or she will be in deep water (a lot of trouble).

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: London – an architectural history

18th April 2020

This blog was suggested by a special student, Ms Ngoc – thank you for the idea.

Courses for Fall 2019: Topics in Architecture, Urban Screen ...

London is nearly 2 000 years old. It was founded by the Romans in about the year 50 (We say 50 AD or 50 CE), and the Romans built the first bridge across the River Thames.

The Romans built walls to protect the city, and parts of them can still be seen today:

A very important date in the history of the UK is 1066 – the Battle of Hastings, when the Normans, from France, beat the English and became the rulers.

Very near the Roman wall in the first picture is the Tower of London, built by the Normans:

Tower of London, London - Book Tickets & Tours | GetYourGuide.com

The oldest part of the Tower was built in 1078, but it was continually expanded for the next three hundred years. The Crown Jewels are kept here:

Moving onto the Medieval period, we have St Bartholomew the Great Church, from 1123:

This church was used in the famous British film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’

Movie detail: four-weddings-and-a-funeral

One of the most famous kings was Henry VIII (married six times). His father, Henry VII started the Tudor dynasty (1485 – 1603). The last Tudor was Queen Elizabeth I and under her rule, England started to become a world power. Explorers went to the USA, while at home Shakespeare was writing and acting.

Rare survivors of The Great Fire of London: Tudor buildings in ...

This building, in the centre of London, is from the Tudor period.

The church of St Andrew Undershaft, built 1520 – 1535 with modern Gherkin building in the background.

The Stuarts were the next dynasty, from 1603 – 1714. England had a civil war, and in 1649 King Charles 1 was executed. This took place at the Banqueting House.

SG3087-3093 2010 Kings & Queens House of Stuart Stamp Set

Banqueting House | Historic Royal Palaces — Banqueting House interior

The Kings and Queens lived here from 1530 – 1698. The famous ceiling is by the painter Peter Paul Rubens.

A very well-known pub, The Olde Cheshire Cheese, is also from the Stuart period.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - Pub - visitlondon.com

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, London | Cheshire cheese, London, Travel spot

How would you like to have a drink here ? Many important writers such as Dr Johnson and Charles Dickens drank here.

Following the Stuarts, who came from Scotland, the Georgians from Germany became the monarch (king or queen). There is a lot of Georgian architecture surviving in London. Here are some examples:

London Architecture United Kingdom Bedford Square Georgian ...

Regent Street - Wikipedia — Regents Street, with many fine and expensive shops

One of the most famous, iconic London buildings is where the monarch now lives – Buckingham Palace

50 Fascinating Facts About Buckingham Palace | The Original Tour

Britain was the first industrial nation, and under Queen Victoria, expanded her empire, including Australia, Canada, parts of Africa and India. The British love tea, so this was an important import. This ship, the Cutty Sark, was built in 1869 and was one of the fastest ships in the world. It is now a museum.

Warehouses had to be built next to the river to store all the goods from overseas. Some of these have been converted into modern offices or restaurants.

Shad Thames • This Victorian Warehouse District Is A Photogenic Street — Victorian warehouses. See the bridges connecting the buildings on the first and second floors

Leadenhall Market - Primera — Leadenhall Market as it looks today

However, life was extremely hard for many people at this time. Low wages, hard work and unhealthy living conditions made life in London a constant struggle for survival. This has been captured by the art of Gustav Dore, the social writing of Henry Mayhew and the novels of Charles Dickens

What was life like in Victorian London? How safe was it? Was it ...

CHARLES DICKENS LONDON Homeless And Hungry - Mini Poster - Stick ... — Homeless and hungry

By 1825, London had reached over one million people, and became the world’s most populated city for the next hundred years.

Now we start to get into the modern age. We see the arrival of motor vehicles, cars and buses.

Piccadilly Circus. London, England 1900-1920. Today, Picca… | Flickr

Selfridges, Oxford Street - Wikipedia — Selfridges department store

From 1939 – 1945, Britain was at war with Germany. London suffered heavy bombing. This famous picture shows St Paul’s Cathedral, covered in smoke, but undamaged.

Society changed in the 1960s with new films, clothes, and of course, music. Carnaby Street became the place to go for clothes and to hang out and be seen.

A musical celebrates the Sixties heyday of swinging Carnaby Street ...

1960s carnaby street, london discovered by the 70s + 80s. 🏄🏼‍♀️

London Today

london, building and construction, architecture, city, modern ...

London is a mixture of architectural styles, reflecting the different historical periods. As you walk around, you can sense the spirit of the millions of people who went about their lives, just as we do.

What buildings do you like most and can you tell me why

What time period appeals to you the most ?

Do you think you could live in London ?

Perfect buildings: the maths of modern architecture | plus.maths.org

Shakespeare's Globe Plans Simultaneous Outdoor Screenings on ... — The reconstructed Globe Theatre

London Flea Markets: Your Complete Guide to Brick Lane Flea Market — Brick Lane market, open Sundays

atelier 6 (week 13.11.2017): Multicultural society | Kirsten's ...

Exploring London's Neighbourhoods: The Multicultural | Strawberry ...

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Giving opinions – architecture

9th April 2020

Architecture

What do you think of these styles ? Which do you like and why ?

Use adjectives and opinion expressions

I think / I feel / It seems to me / In my opinion /

I especially like / I especially dislike / This appeals to me

Some adjectives:

imposing / impressive / incredible / magnificent / symmetrical / dazzling / unique / minimal / functional / decorative /

Expressions:

A sense of space / playful decor / somber facade / elegant lines / spiritually enhancing / an icon of national identity

Some contemporary architects and styles

Would you like to or visit any of these buildings ?

How do you react to them ?

What are they trying to say ?

Kazuyo Sejima (Japan b. 1956)

Daniel Libeskind (Poland / USA b. 1946)

Dubai (UAE)

Which one expresses optimism, growth and confidence ?

Which one challenges conventional structures ?

Which one uses architecture to reflect a destruction or shattering of society ?

Finally:

Here’s a great video charting the advances made in architecture over the last century: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuTqWxuAazI

EVOLUTION of WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING: Size Comparison (1901-2022 ...

Are we getting close to the Biblical Tower of Babel ?

Bruegel, Tower of Babel (video) | Khan Academy — Tower of Babel by Peter Breughal 1563

For those who are interested in the story, here is the extract from The Bible, Genesis 11

Genesis 11 New International Version (NIV)

The Tower of Babel

11 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. ²As people moved eastward,^[a] they found a plain in Shinar^[b] and settled there.

³They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. ⁴Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

⁵But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. ⁶The Lordsaid, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. ⁷Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

⁸So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.⁹That is why it was called Babel^[c]—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.