C1a - weekly update

Hi folks, here's your weekly update with work to be done, and information about the extra lesson we have next week.

This week we did some speaking and writing focusing on the Erasmus experience and writing a first draft of an advice letter. We also spoke about metaphors (metaphors, extended metaphors, dead metaphors), similes and personification. Tuesday's lesson was dedicated to group conversation – discussing leadership (necessary qualities, men and women as leaders, memorable leaders from the past and present).

We were meant to work on the short stories that you should have read for last week, but as most students hadn't prepared them, we were unable to do that. No excuses next week – we WILL be working on those short stories, so please prepare them in time for Monday's lesson.

At the start of this semester I mentioned that in semester 2 we will be focusing less on grammar (in class) in order to focus more on other aspects of our course (including conversation, short stories, written work, writing styles etc. which are equally important for the final exam) - the efficiency of this does, however, depend on various factors (as I mentioned at the start of the semester) – you must continue reviewing and studying your course grammar syllabus (given last semester ) independently - you're at a good level, so this shouldn't be a problem – but if there are problems – you MUST let me know immediately (no problem at all); it's important that you prepare work on time (for example, working on the short stories only works if everyone has read them in advance); you really should do the written assignments regularly (working on the quality of your written work is essential preparation both for the end of year exam, and for your English in general). As regards general conversation, I have ideas, but if you have suggestions for other topics, by all means let me know – I welcome all comments and feedback!

The work to be done for next week includes:

• finish reading the short stories that should have been prepared for last week;

• think about your qualities and weaknesses (next week in the conversation section of class we're going to be speaking about job interviews and your CV);

• continue to review the grammar programme;

• do the first past exam that is included in your 'dispensa'

Please remember that next Friday 14.00 – 15.00 we will have an extra lesson (to make up the lesson we missed a couple of weeks ago when there was bad snow). As soon as I know the room, I'll let you know.