My favorite writers: Sir Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett was an English novelist and creator of, among other works, the famous Discworld series. 

Magic and imagination, together with satire, sharp humour and an intelligent understanding of the human mind, are some of the ingredients of his highly successful legacy for us, in my personal opinion.

He started out as a journalist when he left school at the age of 17, and published his first novel in 1971, entitled The Carpet People. He went on to write comic fantasy, satire and science fiction, gaining increasing fame and critical and public acclaim.

His first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. His last Discworld novel was The Shepherd's Crown, published in August 2015, five months after his death.

He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1998 and knighted for services to literature at the 2009 New Year's Day ceremony. Pratcheet died in 2015, after a long illness, I think of Alzheimer's, but he gave us one of the most comic, satirical and intelligent visions of our world and our society, reflected in a fictional world called Discworld. 

I really can't stop reading and re-reading his novels, especially the Discworld series. I think we have lost one of the best English writers of this century. But I wish that he lives on in our minds and in his personal and fantastic Discworld...

Some useful links related to Terry Pratchett:

• Terry Pratchett's web
• His books
• Terry Pratchett: King of Satire-Fantasy
• ‘A butt of my own jokes’: Terry Pratchett on the disease that finally claimed him 

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Writing and vocabulary on Food processing

English with Rachel

Hi,

For the next class we are going to talk about Agriculture in Spain, and what Spain it famous for producing food wise. Please can you write a 150 word essay on this topic, here is some vocabulary to help you:

Food Processing Words - 337 Words Related to Food Processing

The writing:

Food habits and culture in Spain

Spain is (perhaps "was") known for its healthy eating habits and rich gastronomy. The so-called Mediterranean diet is one of the most appreciated worldwide, as experts in the field have so far affirmed. Although the Mediterranean diet is not exclusively Spanish (Italians, Greeks and some other countries of the Mediterranean "belt"), our eating habits are well regarded among nutritionists and health professionals.

But (there is always a "but"...), things are changing and the so-called healthy habits are drifting towards a more global and unhealthy culinary culture; I am referring to the rise of processed food, junk food, so to speak. Globalisation, the food industry's constant "effort" to cut costs, which is in the hands of a few multinational companies (four or five at most), is rapidly changing the old "wise" concept of working for a living and the eating habits of most countries, including our own. 

Unfortunately, nowadays food processing is rapidly gaining ground among the Spanish population, probably due to changing work habits and a failure to consider food as a very important part of our lives.

The solution? I think we should try to maintain our food traditions, taking into account the advantages and discoveries of Food Science. Because, after all, we are what we eat.

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Personal values, a writing exercise

English with Rachel

In the next class we will be talking about personal values, where they come from and they are integrated into our every day life's. 

I would like you to write a 150 word essay on your personal values and attitude to values. Here is some vocabulary and a video to help you:

- Social Value synonyms - 105 Words and Phrases for Social Value

The writing exercise

A personal approach to social values

Today, although social values are present in almost every speech of our political and social leaders, their real meaning, their real outcome, is up in the air in our western societies, perhaps in all societies of the world...

Morality, honesty, truthfulness, trustworthiness, trust and any other abstract concept related to goodness in personal values are really in decline, as I see it. Why? Because the human race is selfish, capable of destroying everything in order to achieve an "ephemeral" goal, aimed at one's own benefit.

Have we changed over time, over the ages, in terms of our moral concept and our approach to justice in this world we share? Sadly, I think not, at least not at the higher levels of our societies, which, in theory, seek to correct our mistakes, errors and failures inherited from our survival instincts.

Anyway, one must try to be optimistic in these strange (always strange...) days and put one's little effort just to reverse our natural inclination to complete selfishness and love for destruction...

I really hope we keep trying to redefine our status, our attitude in this small and unique world in which we are trying to live and let live, at least...

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A writing exercise about religion

English with Rachel

Hi,
The topic for the next class is religion, so please can you write a 150 word essay on the positives and negatives of religion in your opinion.

• 30 Religious Terms You Should Know - DAILY WRITING TIPS
• Religion Terms - Vocabulary List | Vocabulary.com

The writing exercise:

 

What about religion?

Religion is an important and, at the same time, quite a controversial subject. If you don't want to quarrel with your friends, colleagues or acquaintances, you should talk about this topic as little as possible, at least in public. Perhaps, as the song says, we are losing our religion, nowadays...

Since the dawn of time, when human beings became sentient, religion has had an enormous weight in our societies, behaviours and minds. Some organisations or ruling groups have adopted religion as a way to control our lives, dreams, minds and hopes. And why? Because of the fear of death and suffering are actually present in our "mental schemas", as human beings. 

The idea of the permanence of life, beyond the physical world, is one of the most important human hopes and dreams. However, religion also has benefits for us and our societies: it is a form of morality and an attempt to achieve good in our lives. But everything has a dark side, as we have mentioned before; the use of religion as a means of control is this dark, obscure, side of the coin.

In short, I believe that religion should be treated with respect, consideration and relativity. But be aware: this is just my point of view!

And which religion should I choose? The one that I believe is not a religion 'per se', but a good way of living: Zen...

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Topic for the next class: artificial intelligence (AI)

English with Rachel

Hi,

The topic for the next class will be artificial intelligence, so I would like you to write a 100 word essay on what you think the future holds for AI and how that might/might not effect you. Here is some vocabulary to help you:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Terms: A to Z Glossary 
• Top 10 Questions About Artificial Intelligence 

Image created by Copilot using the following promt: "Please, act as a graphic designer with vast knowledge of Data Science and build me an image which resumes the artificial intelligence. Thank you very much in advance!" 

The writing exercise:

Some thoughts on artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence, or A.I., is a hot and trending topic these days. Well, more than a topic: an imminent reality! While it has good, practical, wonderful and beneficial uses, applied to health, science, learning and improving our societies, it also has a dark side, in my opinion.

Most of us do not know exactly what Artificial Intelligence really means and how it will change our lives. We use it for simplistic purposes, but big companies are using AI for more complicated, perhaps "dark" purposes. In fact, I believe that we humans are not prepared for the outcome of AI's success in the natural path of evolution. We have not yet been able to end hunger, violence, injustice, war, the destruction of our own home - the Earth - disease, etc. So how can we move forward into the unknown with our eyes closed?

And why this point of view, why these dystopian thoughts? Because, as a race, we have more than proved that we are not capable of living a sustainable life with our environment, our fellow human beings and the living beings on our little blue planet, the only one we have.

When artificial intelligence becomes sentient, aware of its own reality, we will probably regret having played at being superficial, adolescent little gods. I wish I was wrong, completely wrong....

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A writing about 'Las Fallas'

English with Rachel

 Hi,

The topic for the next class will be ``Las Fallas¨´

I would like you to write a 150 word essay on the festival, what you like/dislike about it, and what changes you have seen within it over the years.

Here is some vocabulary to help you:

Festivals and Celebrations Vocabulary in English

The exercise...

To visit the Fallas in Valencia, yes or no?

Las Fallas in Valencia is probably the most popular festival in the Valencian Community. This famous festivity takes place from the 14th to the 19th of March, coinciding with the beginning of spring. They are held "in honour" of Saint Joseph, patron saint of carpenters.

The Fallas festivities began in the 18th century; the carpenters used to burn their old wood waste on Saint Joseph's day. For the same reason, the famous "cremà", the burning of the Fallas monuments, is celebrated on the same day.

From then until today, the Fallas has been gaining in popularity and intensity, creating a festival known all over the world. But this situation, together with the growing 'notoriety' of Valencia as a must-visit place, has led to a " touristification", which is clearly in detriment to the origins of this popular, original and colourful festival. 

Nowadays it is almost impossible to come and stay in Valencia during the Fallas, due to the large number of tourists who want to enjoy the fireworks, the parades, the Fallas monuments, the street lights, enjoy the traditional costumes, the gastronomy, the weather and the almost-crazy party atmosphere during these notorius spring days. There really is art in the air...

In my opinion, and because I've spent a lot of Fallas in Valencia, I would say that I prefer not to be in Valencia during the Fallas. And why? Because of the crowded streets, the traffic chaos and the 'infernal' noise during these celebrations. But if you haven't seen Valencia during the Fallas festivities, I recommend a visit, at least once in your lifetime. It's really worthwhile!

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English idioms: "The ball is in your court"

This idiom, "The ball is in your court",  is used to indicate that it's now someone else's move or turn to take action or make a decision. It's often used in situations where one person has done all they can, and now it's time for the other person to do something.

Examples: 

- After I submitted my job application, the recruiter said, "The ball is in our court now. We will review your application and get back to you."

- During a negotiation, one party might say to the other, "We've made our offer, so the ball is in your court."

- After sending my friend a text message, I thought to myself, "The ball is in her court now. I'll wait for her to reply."

- During a tennis match, after a good serve, the player might think, "The ball is in his court now. Let's see how he returns it."

- After proposing a business idea to my boss, I said, "The ball is in your court now. It's up to you whether we proceed with this project or not."

- In a legal dispute, a lawyer might say to the opposing counsel, "We've presented our case. The ball is in your court now."

- After asking someone on a date, you might think, "The ball is in their court now. I'll wait for them to respond."

- During a political debate, a candidate might say to their opponent, "I've stated my position on the issue. The ball is in your court now."

- After submitting a college application, a student might say, "The ball is in the college's court now. I'll wait for their decision."

- In a negotiation, after making an offer, a seller might say to the buyer, "The ball is in your court now. It's your turn to make a counteroffer."

- After sending a manuscript to a publisher, an author might say, "The ball is in the publisher's court now. I'll wait for their feedback."

- During a game of chess, after making a move, a player might say to their opponent, "The ball is in your court now. It's your turn to move."

The Tennis Origins of "The Ball is in Your Court"

The familiar phrase "The ball is in your court" actually started on the tennis court! Back in the 1800s, it was clear whose turn it was: whoever had the ball on their side needed to hit it back. This simple idea became a handy metaphor for responsibility and action.

By the 1960s, the phrase wasn't just for sports anymore. People started using it in everyday life to say: "It's up to you now! Your turn to make a move!" The original image of the ball being hit back and forth stayed with the phrase, even though it wasn't always about a literal ball and court.

Here's a more concise version:
"The ball is in your court" originated in tennis, symbolizing the shift in responsibility when the ball lands on someone's side. By the 1960s, it became a common phrase for indicating whose turn it is to act.

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Cooking idioms

English with Rachel

Well, I have to write to write a 150 word essay regarding your current approach to cooking, and Rachel has asked me what recipes and ingredients I am using and why.

Here is some vocabulary to help me:

• English Words for "Cooking" | C1 Vocabulary | LanGeek
• 45 Cooking Idioms: Culinary Phrases You Should Know • 7ESL

Shall I do it? Well, I should...

Some more examples:

• “A watched pot never boils”: This means that time seems to go slower when you are anxiously waiting for something to happen.
  I was so anxious for the mail to arrive that I kept checking the mailbox every five minutes. I had to remind myself that a watched pot never boils.
• “Too many cooks spoil the broth”: This means that if too many people are involved in a task or project, they may spoil it with lack of coordination.
  We had too many managers and not enough workers on this project. It’s like they say, too many cooks spoil the broth.
• “Out of the frying pan and into the fire”: This means going from a difficult situation to one that is even worse.
  After escaping the stress of her corporate job, she started her own business, only to find herself working even longer hours. It was like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
• “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”: This means that you can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced it.
  I know you think that new car won’t be reliable because it’s an unknown brand, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
• “Cook up a storm”: This means to do something with great enthusiasm and energy, often resulting in a lot of success or attention.
  My grandmother loves to cook up a storm for family gatherings. There’s always more food than we can eat!
• “Bite off more than you can chew”: This means to take on a task that is way too big or beyond one’s ability.
  I bit off more than I could chew when I volunteered to manage three projects at the same time at work.
• “Half-baked”: This means an idea or plan has not been thought through or planned very well.
  His plan to build a new deck by himself without any carpentry experience seemed half-baked.
• “Stir the pot”: This means to cause unrest or dissent; to agitate a situation.
  She knew her colleagues were having a peaceful discussion about the project, but she just had to stir the pot by bringing up their past disagreements.
• “Spill the beans”: This means to reveal a secret or confess to something.
  When my sister found out about the surprise party, she accidentally spilled the beans to our mom.
• “Butter someone up”: This means to flatter or praise someone, usually to gain a favor.
  Before asking for a day off, Jim decided to butter his boss up by complimenting his tie.
• “Cut the mustard”: This means to meet a required standard, or to succeed.
  Despite all the training, John just couldn’t cut the mustard as a salesperson.
• “Egg on your face”: This means to be embarrassed or feel foolish because of something you have done.
  After bragging about his skills, he ended up with egg on his face when he lost the game.
• “Full of beans”: This means to be lively, energetic, or enthusiastic.
  After a good night’s sleep, I woke up feeling full of beans.
• “Gravy train”: This means a situation where one can make a lot of money for very little effort.
  With his new business deal, he’s definitely on the gravy train now.
• “In a pickle”: This means to be in a difficult or troublesome situation.
  After losing his passport, he found himself in a pickle in a foreign country.

The writing: (to be corrected)

My favourite recipes (my favourite foods)

Well, I'm not much of a cook, but I like food, like everyone else, so I guess. So I've been told to write about my favourite recipes, or the kind of food I like the most.

To begin with, I have to say that I'm pretty "elementary", basic, when it comes to food tastes. I love simple food, with not too many ingredients and, preferably, that with is easy to cook. I also love fresh food, such as vegetables and fruits. I live in a perfect place for getting that kind of food, I think!

What I really like the most is the  Italian and Spanish cuisine, specially the kind of cuisine known as "home cooking": all kind of pasta, rice, salads, soups, roasted or slow-cooked vegetables, eggs in all their cooked varieties (omelettes, mainly), all kinds of cheeses and fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines, etc., ...

And what about meat? Well, I like it, but I prefer to avoid it as much as possible.

And the perfect "accompaniment" to my food? Wine, of course...

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Some idioms related to health

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.

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How do yo deal with problems? A writing exercise

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!

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Dreams and ambitions of youth, a short writing

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.

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Expressions to remember (I) - Idioms

There’s an exciting new series in Focus on Learning English that’s all about idioms. What makes this series particularly interesting is that it draws its content from the beloved ‘Asterix and Obelix’ comics.

As a fan of these comics myself, I find this approach to learning both engaging and enjoyable. The series cleverly uses the humorous and adventurous tales of Asterix and Obelix to introduce and explain various idioms, making the learning process much more fun and memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their understanding of idioms in a unique and entertaining way.

Here come the first idiomatic expressions, corresponding to the comic ‘The Mansions of the Gods’:

To go about one's business.
Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
To meet one's match.
To bring to heel.
Not to see the wood for the trees.
One ship has come home.
To lay it on a bit thick.

Listen to this part

To go about one’s business: “Seguir con lo suyo”

Despite the rain, people kept going about their business.
A pesar de la lluvia, la gente seguía con lo suyo.

Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched: “No vendas la piel del oso antes de cazarlo”

You shouldn't spend the lottery prize money yet. Remember, don't sell the bear's skin before hunting it.
No deberías gastar el dinero del premio de la lotería todavía. Recuerda, no vendas la piel del oso antes de cazarlo.

To meet one’s match: “Encontrar a su igual”

Juan always won at chess, but when he played against Maria, he met his match.
Juan siempre ganaba en el ajedrez, pero cuando jugó contra María, encontró a su igual.

To bring to heel: “Poner en su sitio”

The teacher put the disobedient student in his place.
El profesor puso en su sitio al estudiante desobediente.

Not to see the wood for the trees: “No ver el bosque por los árboles”

You're so focused on the details that you can't see the forest for the trees.
Estás tan concentrado en los detalles que no ves el bosque por los árboles.

One ship has come home: “Llegó el barco”

After months of waiting, the ship finally arrived when I received the job offer.
Después de meses de espera, finalmente llegó el barco cuando recibí la oferta de trabajo.

To lay it on a bit thick: “Exagerar”

I think you're laying it on a bit thick with your compliments towards her.
Creo que exageras un poco con tus elogios hacia ella.

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