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lunes, 29 de enero de 2024

English with Rachel

Another writing exercise (to be done...)


This is the article about idioms related to health: https://www.scmp.com/yp/learn/learning-resources/article/3169992/15-health-idioms-keep-you-fit-fiddle

The topic of the next class will be about exercise and its benefits. So i would like you to write a 150 word essay on this topic, `please use the following vocabulary and idioms to help you: Sport verbs vocabulary

List of the phrasal verbs mentioned on the article:

  • Fit as a fiddle: In excellent physical condition.
    My grandmother, at the age of 85, is still as fit as a fiddle, regularly hiking and swimming.
  • Alive and kicking: Full of energy and vitality.
    Even after a long illness, the old man was alive and kicking, eager to get back to his hobbies.
  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away: Consuming apples regularly can promote good health.
    My grandpa swears by his daily apple, insisting it's the secret to his longevity.
  • A bitter pill to swallow: A difficult or unpleasant truth to accept.
    The breakup was a bitter pill to swallow, but I'm slowly moving on.
  • A picture of health: Looking remarkably healthy and well-maintained.
    The athlete was the picture of health, with a glowing complexion and a spring in her step.
  • A clean bill of health: A favorable assessment of someone or something's condition.
     The doctor gave me a clean bill of health, saying I'm in excellent shape.
  • Just what the doctor ordered: Exactly what is needed or desired in a given situation.
    A hot cup of tea and a cozy blanket were just what the doctor ordered after a long day.
  • Out of shape: Physically unfit or lacking fitness.
    After years of sitting at a desk, I'm finally getting back in shape with regular exercise.
  • On the mend: Improving or recovering from an illness or injury.
    The patient is on the mend, showing significant improvement after the surgery.
  • Snake oil: A worthless or fraudulent product or remedy.
    The salesperson's claims about his miracle cure sounded like snake oil to me.
  • Skin and bone: Extremely thin and malnourished.
    The malnourished child was skin and bone, a heartbreaking sight to behold.
  • A spring in one's step: Moving with energy and enthusiasm.
    The young woman walked with a spring in her step, her eyes sparkling with joy.
  • A new lease on life: A renewed sense of hope, vigor, and vitality.
    After the divorce, she found a new lease on life, traveling the world and pursuing her passions.
  • To have a frog in one's throat: To have a temporary hoarseness caused by excess mucus in the throat.
    The singer's hoarse voice was caused by a frog in his throat, forcing him to postpone the concert.
  • Under the weather: Feeling unwell or sick.
    My friend is under the weather, so I'll bring her some soup and a good book.

Posted on lunes, enero 29, 2024 by Guillermo Beltrán

domingo, 14 de enero de 2024

English with Rachel


For the next class the topic will be ´problems´, so I would like you to write a 150 word essay answering the following questions:

  • How do you deal with your problems?
  • What problems do you come across in your work or life?
  • Do you feel that problems are opportunities? Why or why not?
  • What was the last problem you solved and how did you do it?
  • “Problems don’t matter. Solutions do.” Do you agree or disagree?

PROBLEM Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

For the next lesson the topic will be "problems", so I would like you to write a 150-word essay answering the following questions:

How do you deal with your problems?

What problems do you encounter in your work or in your life?

Do you think problems are opportunities? Why or why not?

What was the last problem you solved and how did you solve it?

"Problems don't matter. Solutions do. Do you agree or disagree?

PROBLEM Synonyms: 105 similar and opposite words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus.


Writing:

How to cope or deal with problems (to be corrected...).

I have to write about how to deal with problems, and it's not an easy task! I think there are different kinds of problems. I will try to classify them:

1.- Personal problems

2.- Work problems

3.- Social problems

Personal problems

Try to know who you are and where you are at this very moment. Don't try to compare yourself (at least not all the time) with other people, because our mind tries 'hard' to let us down. If you are strong enough, you will be able to 'overlook' certain social 'views' on how to react to a whole range of 'social situations'. Be yourself, whatever they say.... Also, be aware of the opinions and views of others. None of us is 'absolutely' right and true, remember that. Put yourself in the other person's shoes to understand the problem, the conflict.

Problems at work

Perhaps this is a bigger problem (it shouldn't be!), because our lives are so closely linked to what we do for a living and what people think of us, who we are and how we should act. My personal opinion is that we should try to avoid this feeling, this situation of harassment. Can we really? I hope so. We just have to try to understand each other's points of view and look for the most appropriate and balanced "solution". Patience and understanding are essential in this type of situation.

Social problems

This is a very difficult subject, as we live in a society. What can we do to free ourselves from the constrictions of "social life"? I would love to have the solution! The only thing I can tell you is "live and let live". Be patient, understand other people's problems and points of view (above all be understanding) and be as "happy" as you can, taking into account your own life situation. But don't let yourself be influenced by other people, other opinions that may be quite "alien" to yours.

Please note that all this is a personal opinion!

See you soon!

Posted on domingo, enero 14, 2024 by Guillermo Beltrán

domingo, 7 de enero de 2024

English with Rachel


The topic for the next lesson will be "Dreams and ambitions". I would like you to write a 150-word paper about the dreams and ambitions you had when you were younger and whether or not they came true.

Here are some documents to help you:

37 Idioms about Dreams and Ambitions | Smart English Learning (stordar.com): https://www.stordar.com/figure-out-english-idioms-about-dreams-and-ambitions/

In episode 37 of the 'Figure Out English' podcast, learn idioms about dreams and ambitions to talk about what you want to...

IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Dreams and ambitions (Answers and Vocabulary) (successwithielts.com): https://successwithielts.com/s09e06


To do... (and to be corrected)

Eager beaver of music as a youngster

When I was younger, much younger than I am now, I dreamt of being a professional musician and composer. It was a crazy dream, I know, but it was still my dream. And what happened?

Well, as a teenager I started studying music, first with my grandmother and then at a music school. But I also tried to learn on my own, playing the flute, piano, guitar, singing... I even tried to record myself with two cassette recorders, trying to imitate a home (really 'home') recording studio using two tracks.

In those days I thought the sky was the limit for my musical hopes and ambitions. In time, I could buy a real studio recorder and explore music in more interesting and enriching ways.

Time passed (inevitable for everyone, I know) and I had to grow up, study and work. But at the same time, I met friends who had the same dreams and ambitions as me. What was the result? I started playing in bands and having fun, even composing and recording my own music. I had a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of desire to make music: I was an eager beaver of music. It was a wonderful time, I must say.

Now, with the passing of time, in my almost old age, I've reunited with one of my old bands, to have a great time again with my mates, playing, singing and making music again. I know it's just a parenthesis in the 'rat race' of the king of life we are living, but it's enough for me, I think for all of us.

Conclusions? There is still a spark, a something that makes me smile and makes me want to go on, not to give up on my young dreams, at least not completely.


Posted on domingo, enero 07, 2024 by Guillermo Beltrán