The world´s most valuable book

Read this article from CNN and watch the video report, about the most valuable book auctioned at Sotherby´s.

After watching and reading:
- Which is the value of the book?
- Why is it so special?
- How many books are there like this one?
- Who is the buyer and what is he planning to do with the book?

Presentation lessons from Hollywood

Read this article with three tips on how to make a successful presentation, based on Hollywood techniques.

After reading:
- What techniques does the article mention?
- Why are they effective to catch the attention of the audience?
- How do you prepare your slides presentations?

How to give a speech or presentation

Watch this interesting video presentation about how to give a speech (or presentation) to an audience.

After watching, discuss in class:
- Have you even given a speech or presentation?
- How did you prepare your speech?
- How did you feel before, during, and after your presentation?

Moving up the ladder: Reading and Listening

This is a great activity by BBC which includes reading and audio. You will find many idioms to practice and see in context.

After reading and watching, discuss in class:
-Do you agree with the ideas expressed in the article? Why?
-Can you explain in other words the idioms which appear in bold in the text? Think of examples relevant to you in order to practice them.

Art stolen by Nazis, CNN report

Watch this short report by CNN about works of art stolen by Nazis.

 

After watching, try to report on what you´ve just listened to giving as much detail as possible.

Ten top creations from Scotland

Watch this fun video presention with 10 top creations from Scotland that we use all over the world.
 

Discuss in class:
- What do you know about Scotland as a country? And about their culture?
- Which creations come from your country? What are they used for?

Vocabulary when applying for a job

Do this online activity with useful words when you are applying for a job.

Toxic bosses

Watch this video presentation by Annie McKee on Toxic Bosses.

  
After watching the video, detect phrasal verbs and discuss their meaning. Debate her ideas in class: what makes a good person a bad boss? Is that combination possible? Why?

American versus British politeness

Watch this TED video presentation where lecturer Lynne Murphy talks about what politeness means for British and Americans, and why this can create miscommunication across those cultures.

After watching the video discuss this in class:
- Try to recall idiomatic expressions Lynne Murphy uses which include the word "face". Think of other expressions with the same word.
- Which is Lynne Murphy´s conclusion about who is more polite, Americans or British? Why?
- What´s the implicit difference in meaning for "I love..." and "Thank you" for British and American people?

A job Interview

Listen, read, and do a comprehension exercise with this activity by BBC: At a job interview.

After reading and listening answer these questions:
- Which are good ways of giving a positive image in a job interview?
- Which expressions are useful in this context?