Listening: the origin of English (PIE)
Lower intermediate to advanced level (B1-C1)
Studies suggest that the origin or roots of English, German, Spanish, Hindi, Russian and about 400 other languages come from what is called ‘Proto-Indo-European’ or ‘PIE’. Listen to what it might have sounded like here:
Reading: the EU referendum
Intermediate to lower advanced level (B1-C1)
On 23 June this year, a referendum will take place in the UK. The question to be voted on is: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?” Continue reading
Reading: the General Election
Intermediate Level (B1/B2)
On Thursday May 7th there will be a General (national) Election in the UK. Nowadays this takes place every five years. The electorate can vote for one candidate in their constituency (local parliamentary area). The winner in each constituency will become the local MP (Member of Parliament). Continue reading
Reading: the British pub
Intermediate to advanced level (B1-C1)
Going to the pub should be on your list of things to experience. The tradition probably goes back to pre-Roman times. Continue reading
Reading: Today is the Scottish referendum
Intermediate level (B1-B2)
People normally living in Scotland (including people from EU countries!) are voting whether or not to be completely independent of the Westminster parliament. Continue reading
Reading: the UK and the EU
Intermediate to lower advanced level (B1-C1)
Before we look at the situation now, here is some history. Britain joined the European Economic Community (now the EU) in 1973. Continue reading
Facts about English
Intermediate to higher level English (B1-C2)
To mark the start of 2014, here are some facts to know about English. Continue reading
Reading
Very advanced level (C2)
Yesterday Margaret Thatcher died. Some people were sad but others celebrated her death by opening bottles of Champagne and dancing in the street. However most would probably agree that she was one of the most formidable politicians of the 20th century who changed the economic and political face of Britain. Continue reading
Outside the Sheldonian theatre
Reading: Oxford
Intermediate level (B1-B2)
Visitors to the city often ask, ‘Where is Oxford University?’ The answer is: ‘It’s all around you!’
The University is actually made up of 38 independent colleges.
Continue reading
Reading: Politics
Upper intermediate to advanced (B2-C2)
She is certainly well-known, or at least her image is. Her face is on stamps and the UK currency but most of the time she is only seen at royal visits or ceremonies. At the opening of Parliament the Queen reads a speech but this is written by the government. At Christmas she reads a message to the country but this is very formal and usually just a summary of some of the things that have happened in the year. Continue reading
To be honest I can’t be sure because I’ve never met him but I have an idea why. Old English was a Germanic language that was influenced by the Old Norse language of the Vikings and then by the Norman French that came with William the Conqueror’s invasion of 1066. Continue reading
April 23rd is St George’s Day. It is thought to be Shakespeare’s birthday too, as well as the date of his death. St George is believed to have been born in what is now Turkey. Continue reading