It's Hallowe'en!

The night of October 31st is a very special time for witches and ghosts - it's Hallowe'en. On that night, ghosts and witches are free to be on Earth. Well, that's the traditional story. These days, Hallowe'en isn't really a frightening festival - it's fun!

At Hallowe'en we have jack-0'-lanterns (a pumpkin with a light in it) that frighten witches and ghosts.

In America, boys and girls wear costumes, visit houses and say "Trick or treat?". People give children a "treat" (sweets) and if they refuse the "Trick-or-Treaters" play a trick on them. As children ask for treats, they recite Hallowe'en rhymes:

Trick or treat

Smell my feet

Give me something

good to eat!

Have a great Hallowe'en and sing this song along!

Is this the next President of the U.S.A?

It’s time for change in America – and time for a new president. Who will it be?

In America, the president is George W. Bush. He lives at 1600, Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. – The White House.
This November, George Bush will leave The White House and the American people will choose a new President – there will be an election.

Two people want to be the new President:

John McCain is 71 years old. He’s from Arizona. He was a pilot in the American Army. He is married and has got seven children. He also has four grandchildren.

Barack Obama (see photo) is 47 years old. He’s from Hawaii, but lives in Illinois. He was a lawyer. He’s married and has got two daughters.

Who will win? Find out on November 4th!

In the meanwhile watch Homer Simpson trying to vote for Obama! Have a good time!!

Source: Mary Glasgow Magazines

"The Big Apple"

New York city is the biggest city in America with lots to see and do. Frank Sinatra sang it in the famous song "New York New York". Watch the video, listen to the song and have a look at some of New York sights. Have fun!

British versus American English

Cab or taxi? Subway or underground? Color or colour? What are the differences between British English and American English? Discover all at the following webpage and test yourself by doing the quiz. Have fun!http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/americanbritish.html

Tips - Answering questions

Hello again! This school year you have Estudo Acompanhado with your English teacher to practice your speaking skills. Here are some tips to help you with your work.

In a friendly conversation don't always answer a question with just yes or no. An answer like Yes, it is sounds a bit better. Best of all, add another sentence: Did you enjoy the film? - Yes, I did. It was great. I like Brad Pitt. This helps to keep the conversation going.

See you next time!

Celebrate the European Day of Languages, 26 September

What is the European Day of Languages?
The European Day of Languages is held annually on the 26 September to celebrate language and cultural diversity. The Day was first celebrated in 2001 and aims:

• To alert the public to the importance of language learning



• To increase awareness and appreciation of all languages



• To encourage lifelong language learning

Don't forget... English is the language that opens doors. So, learn English - listen in class!

Get ready for 2012!

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games are over and the next host city will be London in 2012!! This will be the third time London has hosted the games having also done so in 1908 and 1984. Discover more about the 2012 Olympics at the official website http://www.london2012.com/. In the run up to 2012 you'll have plenty of opportunities to learn more about the city of London and the British here at the blog. In the meanwhile have a look at the London 2012- candidate city promotional video.

Quizzes

Watch the video and answer the questions below. Read the Transcript and check your listening comprehension. Repeat the difficult words or sentences out loud. Have fun!!

Fun time