sábado, 1 de noviembre de 2014

HALLOWEEN



On October 31, Americans celebrate Halloween.
                      Halloween means “holy” (hallow) “evening” (een). This is the evening before the
                      Christian holy day of All Saints Day. On All Saints Day, Christians remember the
                      Saints but Halloween is even older than Christianity.

                          Before Christianity, people in Europe believed that on October 31
ghosts of dead people came back. To scare the ghosts, people dressed like devils
and were very noisy. They also made big fires to keep the ghosts away. Later,
people did not believe in ghosts, but they kept the day of Halloween for fun.

    Immigrants came from Europe to America and brought with them the custom of Halloween. Halloween has some strange symbols. One symbol is the jack-o’-lantern in the window. The jack-o’-lantern is to scare the ghosts. People cut the pumpkin, throw away all of the inside, and cut a face in it.Then they put a candle inside of it. Jack-o’-lantern usually look scary, too ! 

Today, in the United States, Halloween is very popular with the children.
 They wear masks and special costumes. They want to look like skeletons and ghosts.
                                  

    Then they go from house to house and say “ Trick or treat! “. People give them candies,
cookies or fruit. When people give nothing, the children sometimes play tricks on them.

Write T (true) or F (false) .

__ 1.  On October 31, Americans celebrate
         Christianity. 
__ 2. In the past people made fires to keep
         the ghosts away.
__ 3. Halloween came from Europe.
__ 4. The jack-o’-lantern is a kind of special
         pumpkin to eat.
__ 5. On Halloween children wear special 
        masks and costumes because they 
        want to look like skeletons and ghosts
__ 6. Children go from party to party and 
         collect masks.
__ 7. On Halloween children say:
         “Trick or fun”.


domingo, 26 de octubre de 2014

Kindergartens to receive book portraying same-sex parent family



A children’s book addressing same-sex parent families published on Tuesday and set to be distributed to kindergartens and libraries across Santiago has raised alarms among parents and right-wing politicians.
“Nicolás Has Two Dads” (“Nicolás tiene dos papás”), written by the Movement for Integration and Homosexual Freedom (Movilh), tells the story of Nicolás, a little boy who lives with his two fathers. From sleepovers and trips to the stadium to reunions with his biological mother and explaining to his classmates why he has two dads, Nicolás leads readers through his everyday life.
Movilh president Rolando Jiménez spoke of the book’s educational value in an interview with The Santiago Times.
“The book is an educational instrument that, through the medium of the family, addresses themes related to the diversity of sexual orientations,” Jiménez said.
According to the LGBT rights organization, 10 percent of same-sex couples in Chile currently have custody of children, either from previous unions or as a result of artificial insemination. Out of this minority, 86 percent of lesbian mothers live with their children, while only 33 percent of gay fathers do.
Despite being backed by the Chilean government, “Nicolás Has Two Dads” is not compulsory reading material for kindergartens throughout the country. Schools, libraries and individuals who wish to have the book may request a copy from Movilh for free.
The initiative has nonetheless drawn criticism from parents who believe they should be consulted before the book is handed out to their children’s schools.
Right-wing parties also expressed their indignation on Thursday, with deputies from the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) calling on the National Board of Kindergartens (JUNJI) vice-president Desirée López de Maturana and Education Minister Nicolás Eyzaguirre to attend a session at the Senate’s Education Commission to respond to the controversy and clarify the nature of the initiative.
In a press release, Movilh accused the UDI and two politicians from the right-wing National Renewal (RN) of homophobia and of seeking political gains.
“These parliamentarians have argued the State wants to impose this book [on kindergartens]. In other words, they are distorting the reality of the situation because no one has said the book would be compulsory reading. It’s obvious they’re trying to take political advantage of this,” the statement reads.
According to Jiménez, as of Thursday afternoon, only 10 kindergartens had requested the book. The organization nonetheless estimates that 500 kindergartens will ultimately possess a copy. Some 30 municipal libraries have also ordered the book, while 1,500 individuals expressed their interest in obtaining one.
Movilh’s initiative was financed by the Dutch government and the EU.
EU Ambassador to Chile Rafael Dochao told The Santiago Times the EU’s support for “Nicolás Has Two Dads” is part of a larger plan to advance human rights in the country — among them the right to sexual diversity.
“This is something that is part of our constant dialogue with the Chilean government and civil society, therefore we consider it to be part of our political duty in this country,” he said.
The ambassador stressed, however, that the EU does not pretend to “give anyone a lesson,” but considers the issue to be one of “social co-responsibility.”
The release of “Nicolás Has Two Dads” comes weeks after a proposal to legalize same-sex civil union passed the Senate following fierce opposition.

lunes, 20 de octubre de 2014

Postcards from Londres: A Chilean werewolf in London



Cosplay — a type of role play in which participants wear costumes to represent specific characters — is a huge phenomenon in the UK with a wide following. Devotees to the game travel miles in order to gather at conventions or film premieres and become their favorite character for the day. It is a serious business and the scene is both glamorous and competitive.
Amid the sea of superheroes and heroines, a certain grizzly face is becoming quite a celebrity on the circuit.
Meet Raul Herrera Acuña: lecturer and PhD student by day, Wolverine by night. A favorite in the capital’s Cosplay scene, he may possibly one of London’s most visible Chileans.
I managed to catch him and ask him a few questions about his colorful double life.

Where are you from in Chile?

I’m from Arica, North Chile.

How did you get to the UK? What do you do in London?

I think both questions have the same answer. Back in Chile, I was a lecturer on computer science, but I needed to complete my PhD to become a full-time lecturer, so I came to the UK for that. I’m at Kingston University, London. I’ve now completed my course and am working on proofing my thesis.

So, why Wolverine?

Let’s start by saying that my favorite Marvel character is the Hulk and my second is Wolverine. Given that it’s impossible to look like the Hulk and my face kind of looks like Wolverine’s, I decided to take the risk and “cosplay” him. It grew from there. I guess he stole my soul.

What inspired you to become him?

Well, several reasons. He is a really complex character who has evolved over time and little by little, he has discovered what it is to be his “true self.” I must admit that in the beginning I didn’t feel any connection between him and me. Lately though, I think we’ve properly fused.

Tell us about the cosplay world you inhabit.

Well, the cosplay world is like any other “social” world. You have mainly good people that just want to have fun and show their love for their favorite characters. But there are also people who are there for fame and attention.

What does the wolf like to do in London?

Go out on full moon nights and have fun at pubs and conventions, fight crime with my fellow avengers, enjoy the good people of this amazing city and go to world premiers from time to time!

Do you have any wolfy plans?

Wait for the next full moon!

sábado, 11 de octubre de 2014

What is bullying?



Bully. What does the word make you think of? For some people, it's that girl at school who always makes fun of them. For others, it's the biggest guy in the neighborhood who's always trying to beat them up or take their things. Sometimes "bully" means a whole group of kids, ganging up on http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/images/clear.gifsomeone else. No matter what situation or form it comes in, bullying can make you feel depressed, hurt, and alone. It can keep you from enjoying the activities and places that are part of your life.
Bullying happens everywhere, whether it's your town or Paris, France. It happens all the time, and it's happened since forever. Because it's so common, many adults think bullying is just a normal part of growing up. You've probably heard parents or teachers say things like: "Don't let it get to you" or "You just have to be tougher."
But why should something that can make a person so miserable have to be part of growing up? The answer is, it doesn't! Each and every one of us has the right to feel safe in our lives and good about ourselves. So IML put together this guide to give you all the basics of dealing with bullies.
Let's start by looking at the different kinds of bullying:
Physical bullying means:
  • Hitting, kicking, or pushing someone...or even just threatening to do it
  • Stealing, hiding or ruining someone's things
  • Making someone do things he or she don't want to do
Verbal bullying means:
  • Name-calling
  • Teasing
  • Insulting
Relationship bullying means:
  • Refusing to talk to someone
  • Spreading lies or rumors about someone
  • Making someone do things he or she doesn't want to do
What do all these things have in common? They're examples of ways one person can make another person feel hurt, afraid, or uncomfortable. When these are done to someone more than once, and usually over and over again for a long period of time, that's bullying.
The reason why one kid would want to bully another kid is this: when you make someone feel bad, you gain power over him or her. Power makes people feel like they're better than another person, and then that makes them feel really good about themselves. Power also makes you stand out from the crowd. It's a way to get attention from other kids, and even from adults.

martes, 7 de octubre de 2014

Work Rights for teenagers


As a teenager, starting a part-time job can be pretty exciting. It promises a group of older friends, a sense of independence and maturity and, most importantly, your own money. But it´s no secret that work is not always a walk in the park.
Things like harassment, bullying and discrimination can make work an uncomfortable place to be. The good news is that this kind of behaviour is illegal at work, and you don´t have to suffer in silence.
Discrimination is when someone is not treated fairly because of their age, race or gender. The most common form of discrimination for young people to encounter in the workplace is age discrimination. This involves bullying or harassing someone because of your age. It can also involve being given the wrong kind of work, or not enough work, because of your age and not your ability.
Discrimination is illegal in any workplace, but it is OK for employers to treat you differently because of your age if your age would prevent you from doing the job properly.
For example, it is legal for an employer not to give a 17-year-old a job delivering pizza, because their age would prevent them being able to deliver pizzas my car.
Bullying and harassment, however, is always illegal, regardless of your age, ability or working environment. This means any behaviour by another person at work that makes you feel unsafe, needlessly embarrassed or intimidated.
A lot of employers assume that young people don´t fully understand their rights or how to use them. Sadly they are right most of the time. Very few teenagers know how they should be treated at work.
If you don´t know your rights as an employee, or what to do if you feel you´re not being treated fairly, it´s easy to be intimidated by a workplace where everyone seems to know more than you do. So the best way to avoid discrimination is to get educated!
If you are being unfairly treated at work for whatever reason, speaking up for yourself isn´t just a right, but a responsibility. Your fellow employees may feel the same. Your problems can´t be solved if you don´t bring them up!
There is no reason why every person in a workplace shouldn´t feel safe and valued. The sooner you address issues.

domingo, 28 de septiembre de 2014

TELLING THE TIME


1) – Complete the clock. Write the times in two different ways:

1:00 __________________________________
1:05 __________________________________
1:10 __________________________________
1:15 __________________________________
1:20 __________________________________
1:25 __________________________________
1:30 __________________________________
1:35 __________________________________
1:40 __________________________________
1:45 __________________________________
1:50 __________________________________
1:55 __________________________________ 





martes, 9 de septiembre de 2014

Homework III



Names : ______ ___________

I.                    Write 10 sentences in past tense using regular verbs.
1.
2.
3.
4…..
       10. 
 
II.                  Write 10 sentences in past tense using irregular verbs.
1.
2.
3.
4…..
 10.

domingo, 31 de agosto de 2014

HOMEWORK N2


Names:

I.               Create the corresponding question using the following structure:
  WH       +  DO/DOES +      Subject +     Verb + Complement ?
Example:  Where         does              your sister          study?
1.     _____________________________________________
My father works at Cencosud.
2.     _____________________________________________
I go to play football with my brother.
3.     _____________________________________________
On weekends I sleep and eat.
4.     _____________________________________________
I practice sports twice a month.
5.     _____________________________________________
She goes to the beach on summer.
6.     _____________________________________________
My mother works on Saturdays.
7.     _____________________________________________
She lives with her parents.

II.              Answer each question:

1.     Who do you go to the park with?
______________________________________________
2.     What do you cook on weekends?
______________________________________________
3.     How often does she go to Aiep?
______________________________________________
4.     When does he study?
______________________________________________
5.     What time does she go to the Institute?
______________________________________________
6.     When do you start summer vacations?
______________________________________________
7.     What does she do in her free time?
______________________________________________

sábado, 23 de agosto de 2014

WH Questions con Presente Simple



Utilizamos preguntas de este tipo cuando necesitamos saber información detallada, o lo que denominamos Respuesta larga. En la respuesta a estas preguntas, jamás nos encontraremos con un Yes o No, sino que , dependiendo de la WH question que utilizemos, la respuesta variará.
Por lo tanto,
I. What, tendrá como respuesta una cosa, objeto o actividad :
 What do you do every day?
I work and go to the gym

II. Where, tendrá como respuesta un lugar:
                  Where do you work?                                    Where do you play basketball?
                                    I work at the mall.                  I play basketball at the park.

III. Who…with? , tendrá como respuesta una persona, porque responde a Con quién…? Por lo tanto siempre deberá llevar WITH (con) en la respuesta:
                  Who do you study English with?
                                    I study English with my brother.

IV. When, tendrá como respuesta un día, mes, estación del año, etc. En general, un TIEMPO determinado
                  When does he practice soccer?
                  He practices on Mondays.

V. How often, tendrá como respuesta una FRECUENCIA, es decir cada cuánto tiempo ocurre o no algo.
                  How often do you read?
                  I read three times a week / I read once a month.

VI. Why, tendrá como respuesta una razón. Responde al Por qué. En la respuesta, para dar la razón, utilizaremos la palabra BECAUSE (porque de razón). Jamás utilizaremos el WHY en respuesta.
                  Why does she go so early?
                  Because she has to work.

VII. What time, tendrá como respuesta una hora:
                   What time does she get up?
                                    She gets up at 7:00 in the morning.

viernes, 15 de agosto de 2014

HOMEWORK


NAMES:____________________

I.               Answer these questions using complete information:

1.             What is your name?
2.             Where are you from?
3.             How old are you?
4.             What do you do in your free time?
5.             Who do you live with?
6.             How often do you study English?
7.             When do you study English?
8.             Who do you study English with?
9.             When is your birthday?
10.          How do you celebrate your birthday?
11.          Where do you go on weekends?
12.          What can you do very well?
13.          What sports do you like?
14.          What time do you start English classes?
15.          What are you going to do this weekend?