T.G.I.F: ESLpod's fourth anniversary

Hello everyone! This week one of my favorite educational podcast for English learners ESLpod celebrated fourth anniversary!

See funny video in honor of this event:



Read transcription

Interview with English learners №3: Brazilians are warm and happy people, in a general way:)

Hello everyone. It is time for the third interview at My English Webmarks. And our today’s guest is from sunny Brazil!

Name: Flavio Renato (I've got two first names, you can call me any)
Age: 26
Native language: Portuguese (Brazilian)
English level: Intermediate (probably)
Web: http://confabuloso.blogspot.com/

"By my side there's a quartzite rock (if I'm not mistaken), and we're in front of the Ouro Preto School Of Mines, in Minas Gerais state (where you find the best food in the country)."

Hello Flavio (this name is more usual for me:)) Could you tell us a little about yourself?

First of all, hello to Anna's readers! I always find it hard to say anything about myself. People are usually defined by what they work with. I have never worked for real, as most of people usually do. I'm on my second graduation; because of a scholarship I've received in the latter years of my first graduation, I was being paid to research (which is really good). Besides that, I'm just a regular guy who loves music and is very curious about everything - a characteristic that often leaves me a little bit confused. Recently I've succeeded to pass on a concourse to be a teacher, so I guess that's what I'm going to do, at least for a while.

Well, here are three standard questions for you:

Why are you learning English language?

At first, I began to learn it in primary school. Here in Brazil, schools must offer two foreign languages, English is a standard. When I was younger and my family could afford, I studied in a private school, which means better quality compared to the public ones. There I've learnt most of the basic words to assemble a good vocabulary (I was about 9 years old). We were thought some common verbs and their conjugations. But unfortunately I had to move to public system and they are usually stuck in verb 'to be'.

As I grew along the 90's, I was strongly influenced by north-american media, so it was easy to keep interest and search more information about English language. But I really enjoyed this, specially being able to talk to people around the globe, when internet was turning this sort of 'social globalization' a real possibility. Since then, that will to learn and improve my English is a constant matter in my life. Having English as second language is a requested issue in the region I live in (Southeast), professionally and personally speaking.

How long are you learning English?

Since I became aware of it. I can say about 8 years old. My mom is graduated to be a teacher (if she wanted to - she's formed in Portuguese and English as the adopted foreign language)... So, she always taught me something new. And of course, we have to learn it in school, as I told you.

How are you learning English?

Entertainment is the easiest and the most pleasant way to do it. Movies, tv series, music, chat... If you can, to travel abroad is probably the best experience. Unfortunately, I didn't have this opportunity yet. In college we have to read many texts in English, so those who are not familiarized might face serious problems, depending of the course they're on.

To ingress the public Universities we have to achieve a minimum knowledge or in English or Spanish or French. Some Universities demand only English. After you get in, some courses oblige students to have a few classes in their schedules (I would have had two semesters, but as I had achieved a minimum grade to skip them, I did it).

Some more questions for you:

In your twitter account you wrote you are a Geofreak. What do you mean?

That's a hard question to answer. My first graduation was in Geography, and the second, in Geology. I think that Geosciences help me to satisfy my natural curiosity about how things work... But in Brazil none of these courses have their importance properly recognized, not by the society nor by the market. Few people know what a geologist do. Most people think a geographer is formed only to be a primary school teacher. So, it's really challenging to opt a graduation in any of these.

Aside the issue presented by the lack of recognition, we face internal silly disputes and competition with other sciences. I have chosen to graduate in Geography because it tries to explain the motivations that drive human settlements and are how they are able to change the landscapes with cultural movements and technologies aggregated - the amount of knowledge that's applied to techniques, through work - and how they receive influence of the built environment, along with the nature and social variables that they interact with.

Geology is the raw matter, how Earth shows itself to us after millions of years passing through several processes that formed the natural platform over which societies spread and seek resources. It's really fascinating - but study it deeply might drive you nuts...

I saw your blog. I do not understand Portuguese language but I guessed your blog is about music:) Are you a musicfreak too? Who is the best singer in the world in your opinion? Why?

Thanks for passing by! Actually, it's not only about music. 'Confabuloso' is a word that could be translated like 'Thinker'; as I'm almost 24/7 listening and/or thinking about music, your guess wasn't wrong at all. But my blog it's what I think a blog should be: a virtual space to deliver thoughts, to exercise the freedom of expression, to give tips, to find people who might be facing the same issues I am, and shout out some random nonsense...

Answering your question, I am a music freak as well. I regret I can't play any instrument (shouldn't have quit the piano classes when I was 9)... Wow, the best singer in the world? That's even harder to answer! I can say that right now I have two passions: Tina Dico and Jay Brannan, both have amazing voices and are really kind with their fans. But my favorite singers change according to my mood.

Brazil is known in Russia as a country of carnivals and soap operas. What could you tell about your country?

Regarding to natural landscapes and cultural background I love being a brazilian. Our nation is a mixture resultant of a wide range of other cultures, in a way that there is a common root and a singularity to each region. We're a warm and happy people, in a general way. A nation that finds a little relief of the hard everyday life on leisure events such as carnivals and soap operas broadcasted.

Unfortunately, our celebrations have been deviated from their original meanings, specially those which had a deep religious significance, due to market influence and the alienation of the people. Amazingly, if tradition seems to be losing its space in big cities, in some regions, in smaller communities, it gains strength of movements of cultural recovery, although as a way to attract tourists...
I wish people here weren't so numb by this forms of leisure that is intentionally forged to disconnect them from the arduous reality they live, a situation that could be different if they were aware of their rights.

By the way, my congratulations with your driving license! Is it hard to get driver’s license in Brazil? Did you nervous about your exam?

Thanks, Anna! The exam itself is not that hard. There are cultural issues about it. Most of my friends had learnt how to drive with theirs fathers when they were teenagers, but my dad was never against rules. I mean, legally you can only drive after you've completed eighteen years old, so I had never touched on a steering wheel... Later on, we had hard times when we had to sell almost everything to keep ourselves alive... So, when I had the age to drive, I didn't have the means. It is such a standard situation, that my driving instructors laughed at me when I told them I had never driven.

But the test was easy, despite the nervousness that I was feeling, the rain and the cold... We have to park the car and complete a course without making serious failures or light faults that exceed a minimum of 4 points summed.

Oh, my God! I probably said too much! Sorry! And sorry about any English mistakes, feel free to correct them or edit my answers! Hugs! =)

Wow! Flavio, thank you for the great interview! I think your English is better than mine, so original spelling and punctuation is preserved:) And I wish you good luck in your teacher’s career!
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Of course, comments are welcome:)

T.G.I.F.: A brief history of the United States of America

Hello everyone! It is Friday again and today I am going to show you another really funny video! See the shortest and the funniest version of USA history at My English Webmarks:



Read transcription:

Now it's time for a brief history of the United States of America.

Hi, boys and girls, ready to get started?

Once upon a time there were these people in Europe called pilgrims. And they were afraid of being persecuted.

So they all got in a boat and sailed to New World where they would not have to be scared ever again.

"Oh, I'm so relaxed. I feel so much safer." But as soon as they arrived they were greeted by savages. And they got scared all over again.

"Indians!" So they killed them off.

Now you'd think wipin' out a race of people would calm them down but no, instead they started getting frightened of each other

Witch! Witch! So they burned witches.In 1775 they started killing the British so they could be free.

And it worked, but they still didn't feel free. So they passed the Second Amendment which said that every white man could keep his gun.

"I love my gun! Love my gun." which brings us to the ingenious idea of slavery

You see, boys and girls, the white people back then were also afraid of doing any work. So they went to Africa, kidnapped thousands of black people,brought them back to America and forced them to work very hard for no money.

And I don't mean no money like "I work at Wall-Mart and make no money» I mean a zero dollars, nothing. Nada, zip. Doin' it that way made the USA the richest country in the world.

So, did havin' all that money and free help calm the white people down? No way. They got even more afraid. That's because after two hundred years of slavery the black people now outnumbered white people in many parts of the South.

Well, you can pretty much guess what came next. The slaves started rebellin'. They finally rised and lead to old master's head got chopped off. When white people heard of this they were freakin' out and going "I wanna live, Don't kill me, big black man"

Well, just in the nick of time went came Samuel Colt who in the 1836 invented the first weapon ever that could be fired over and over without havin' to reload. And all the Southern Whites were like Yee-haw! but it was too late. The North soon won civil war and the slaves were freed.

Yep, they were free now to chop all the old masters' heads off. And everybody was like "Oh, no, we're gonna die" But the freed slaves took no revenge. They just wanted to live in peace. But ya couldn't convince the white people of this.

So they formed the Ku Klux Klan and in 1871 the same year that the clan became illegal terrorist organization another group was founded. The national rifle association.

Soon politicians passed one of the first gun laws, making it illegal for any black person to own one. It was a great year for America that the KKK and the NRA.

Of course they had nothing to do with each other and it was just a coincidence. One group legally promoted responsible gun-ownership and the other group shot and lynched Black people. And way it was all the way till 1955 when the Black woman broke the law by refusing to move to the back of a bus. White people just could not believe it.

"Why wouldn't she move? What's going on?" Man, all hell broke loose. Black people everywhere started demandin' their rights. And White people were had a major freakin' field meltdown. And they were all like "Run away, run away!"

And they did. They all ran clean into the suburbs where it was white and safe and clean. As they went out and bought a quarter of a billion guns and put locks on their doors, alarms on their houses gates around their neighborhoods and finally they were all safe and secure and snug as a bug.

And everyone lived happily ever after.

Interview with English learners №2: Japanese people don't eat sushi everyday

Hello everyone! Today is Monday and it is time for “Interview with English learners”. Our today’s guest is Toshiharu from Japan!

Name: Toshiharu
Age: 38 (getting to be 39 in Aug.)
Native language: Japanese
English level: Intermediate (maybe)
Web: http://taoofenglish.blogspot.com/

Hello, Toshiharu! Could you please introduce yourself to My English Webmarks’ readers?

I'm a Japanese businessman living in a district surrounded by mountains in Shizuoka city, Japan. My district is about 25 km far from city’s central. It takes about 40 minutes to drive. And I have to drive to my office about 1 hour 20 minutes. It's a little bit trip everyday. :) (Of course no rail way) I'm working for an IT company as a manager of a department. I like fishing, reading. And I started Sunday carpenter recently. I'm making a stone oven.

Well, Toshiharu, why are you learning English language?

My first motivation was that I wanted to watch Hollywood movies without subscript. When I was 31, I decided to join an English conversation school. Before joining, I'd known many words but I couldn't make long sentences with them. Several months later, I got to be able to speak a little bit, but yet a little bit. Although, it was a revolution for me. I thought that I want to get to talk more with foreign people from all over the world in English.

How long are you learning English?

Of course, I'd learned English when I was a student. But Teachers taught students mainly English grammar in Japan. And many teachers couldn't pronounce correctly. (Can you believe?) So, most of students couldn’t pronounce correctly. English class was for entrance examinations of university. It couldn’t help me in speaking English. It's difficult to say easily.

Now I'm 38. It's come to 25 years since I started to learn English in junior high school. And it's come to 8 years since I joined English conversation school. But I have many blanks. In fact, I'm taking long rest after bankruptcy of my English conversation school two yeas go. But now I try to keep studying English by myself after the bankruptcy.

How are you learning English? Do you have some favorite methods that you use?

My recent methods are a lot of reading and a lot of writing. So I keep trying to read web pages in English, to write blog and tweet in English. I recommend a method for beginners. "Phonics" helps you to pronounce correctly. It leads to correct listening. And you have to know that many sounds drop off from conversations like "a" and "d" in "rock'n'roll". It helped me very much.

But you can face barriers against your progress. Maybe, you are facing now. In such a situation, I recommend to go abroad. It's OK to go other country where people don't speak English. 5 years ago, I went to Germany. I tried to speak in rudimentary English. Also most of Germany people were like me. But after that experience, I broke a barrier. I could hear English clearer than before going Germany. It was wonderful experience.

And, of course, a few additional questions:

Let’s talk about fishing. As I understood, you are a fisherman. What is fishing for you: a passion of life or just a hobby? Is fishing a popular outdoor sport in Japan?

Yes. Fishing is very popular. Many people go fishing on weekend. It might be one of the major sports, I think. Fishing is my eternal hobby. I won't quit it for life. I'll teach it my son when he gets a little bit older than now. My main targets are trout and bass. I used to go lake or fishing field. But these days, it’s hard to go fishing for me. Because I've been busy on weekend too since I started a family. I miss fishing. ;(

Could you please tell us the story about the biggest fish you have ever caught?

My biggest fish was Hucho perryi (Japanese name is Itoh) that I caught at fishing field near by my home. I was reeling as usual. Suddenly, I felt that reeling got heavy. I didn't realize I caught it at first. Because I didn’t feel any sign. Usually when I catch fish, I feel a sign that fish bite. I continued reeling, and then it appeared. I was very surprised. Because Hucho perryi is rarely caught. I was too surprise to take a photo of it.

I know fish is a main ingredient in a majority of Japanese dishes. There are many Japanese restaurants in Russia in this day and age. Of course, sushi predominate in their menus. Don’t get me wrong, I love sushi, especially rolled sushi with eel or salmon, but I have a question: do Japanese people really eat sushi every day?

Certainly, Japanese people might eat more than others. Sushi is the most popular Japanese food. Of course I like sushi too. But it's stereotype. Japanese people don't eat sushi everyday. At least I and my relatives don't as possible as I know. :) Sushi is expensive food rather than folksy food. There are many sushi restaurants what serve all pair of sushi at 100 yen per plate, though. I recommend you to try sardine with soy sauce and a bit of grated ginger. ;)

Thank you, Toshiharu for the interview. My curiosity about sushi is totally bated :)
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Comments are welcome:)

T.G.I.F.: “Typical” drinking song in Russia :)

Hello again! Isn’t it a lovely day? Today is another Friday and I just found another reason for you to smile! Here is absolutely hilarious video:) Actually it is a commercial for one of English learning school in Russia. But as for me, it is really unusual commercial!



So...what is typical drinking song for your country?

Download English e-books for free!

As for me, reading is the best way to increase English vocabulary naturally, without cramming.

Last month Newsweek (an American weekly newsmagazine published in New York City) announced The Top 100 Books of All Time . I really love reading so I can’t ignore that fact.

It was nice to see that the first book in the list is a great novel called “War and Peace” by Russian classical author Lev Tolstoy. Of course I, like every other Russian, read this book at school. Frankly speaking, I passed almost every episode with war :) I read “War and Peace” in Russian language, but you can read this one in English!

“War and Peace” by Lev Tolstoy and some more great e-books available to download for free at Project Gutenberg! I guess Project Gutenberg has the largest collection of free electronic books.

I just downloaded another book from The Top 100: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain. I liked to read this book in my childhood. Nowadays I plan to reread Mark Twain’s book in English

So… what is your favorite book from The Top 100 Books of All Time?

New rubric: Interview with English learners!

Hello everyone! I guess we, English learners, have to communicate and help each other in our studying process, share interesting links, useful tips and other things.

It was one of the reasons why I started “My English Webmarks” almost two month ago. And because of the same reason today I begin one more rubric: Interview with English learners!

I think it will be interesting for you to know how other people learn English. And of course, you also can tell us about your own way of learning.

And our first guest is Artem from Russia!

Name: Artem
Age: 24
Native language: russian
English level: intermediate
Web: http://animal-life.ru/

Hello, Artem! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hello, Anna. I'm 24 and I'm living mostly in Moscow since the birth. I have the mathematics education and during last 4 years I have been working in various software development companies. Now I'm feeling the need of big changes :) So I'm going to start working as a freelance and combine it with travelling. A adore travelling.

So, Artem, here is a three standard questions:

Why are you learning English language?

Because it's interesting (standard answer :) In fact, I think it is very good way to:
- get wider mental outlook
- achieve possibility of communicating with people all over the world
- get an access to a huge information resources of the internet
- of course for my future job that require it
- and many more reasons that are not so important

How long are you learning English?

Since the primary school. I was studying in english-oriented class. But it wasn't very effective because it was still school :) and my practice was not regular. Then (when I was 22), I was travelling in India and Nepal for one year and it was the real practice.

How are you learning English? Do you have some favorite methods that you use?

Yes, I have the one fundamental method. Always do only those things and lessons that you really enjoy. Ask yourself which book you want to read in russian and try to read it in english. Which computer game you want to play and play it in english. Films, newspapers, chats themes and so on. And do it regular.

Some more questions:

You told me, you are traveling now. Where are you at this time? Is traveling your permanent style of life? Or maybe you just have a little trip?

Now I'm travelling in Moscow :) But this august I'm going to start a long trip to India and Southeastern Asia. I hope travelling would be my lifestyle in future.

I know you have a blog about animals. Why animals?

I think animals is an amazing part of our planet. And we must remember about it. That’s why my first blog is about animals.

Have you ever seen wild animals in the nature?

Yes. I've seen wild animals when I've had a trip around Nepal Himalaya and when I've visited Indian sanctuaries. It was deer, yaks, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, various birds and others.

Thank you, Artem :)

Thank you too :)
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It’s all for today, but I need your comments. What do you think about new rubric? Thanks in advance!

T.G.I.F.

Hello everyone! It is nice to write for you again:)

Do you know what does T.G.I.F. mean? It means: Thank God It’s Friday! Actually it is very common phrase in the USA, especially at Friday:) With this phrase people express their relief at the end of the work week.

Friday is a great day for and thinking about relaxation at the weekend. This day is not intending for serious information. So, I decided to begin a new rubric called “T.G.I.F” at My English Webmarks!

Since today every Friday I am going to publish different funny stuff about the English language, and learning English language, and English people and so on, and so forth :)

I hopу you will enjoy it!

Today’s video: “Do You Speak English?” by BBC comedy

American holidays: 4th of July!

I think you know that 4th of July, is national holiday in America. Today American people celebrate the birthday of the United States. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declared the United States’ independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

I found interesting article about celebrating Independence Day. May be it will be useful for you to know about American’s traditions :)

3 Ways To Celebrate Independence Day
Author: NS Kennedy

No matter what your traditions are, it is important to celebrate Independence Day. If you live in the US, or are living outside the country and yearning for a bit of home, there is never a better time to celebrate this historic day. Yet, what are some of the best ways to do it? Is this your first 4th of July here? Are you looking for a new way to celebrate? Or, are you heading out on your own firs the first time, looking to start a new tradition?

There are some things that just go hand in hand with Independence Day. You just have to have a picnic, outdoors, under the blazing July sun. But, there is more to it than just that. How about the people you are with? What about where you are at? Don't forget the food. Let's break it down.

Traditionally, your 4th of July celebration will happen out of doors. But, this is not necessary if the weather is not right for it. The most traditional of examples of a celebration is a BBQ in which people come to share in good foods and the beautiful weather. It can happen at your home, at a local park, down by the beach or virtually any place that is suitable. Here is a list of things to think about when planning a get together.

Location. Find the right location; make arrangements with park officials if necessary. Make sure there is enough seating, a place to get out of the sun and activities to keep everyone busy.

Food. Plan for easy to make and eat foods. Finger foods work best as people usually are not looking to sit down with a knife and china at this type of a celebration. Look for a few options for everyone, including some that may not enjoy meats, something for those that are looking for alcoholic beverages and a variety of foods. Make it a potluck for an even easier celebration.

Something to do. When it comes to the 4th of July, you do have to give everyone something to do. Whether that is a sport like volleyball or baseball, swimming, or just some fun crafts for kids, get them all busy and having a good time.

Celebrating the 4th of July should be fun and easy to do. Do not over think it and keep it a light atmosphere and you all will have a great time.

Nicola always enjoys celebrating Independence Day. She can help you salute Old Glory in style with 4th of July tips and news, information and views at Your-holiday.info

Article Source:
http://www.articlealley.com/article_65079_32.html

TOEFL TV: tips for improving your English!

As you learn English I think you’ve heard about the TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign language), especially if you are going to studying in America, Canada or another foreign country.

The TOEFL test is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world. More than 6,000 universities in 130 countries accept TOEFL.

As for me I am not going to take the TOEFL test in near future, but I like watching TOEFL® TV - The Official TOEFL Channel. There are a lot of tips from real teachers and real students on TOEFL TV. These tips can really help you in improving your English skills no matter for what are you learning English: for TOEFL or for yourself.

Watch video where Leslie, teacher from the Canary Islands, encourages English-language learners to practice their skills regularly.



Comments are welcome!

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