Carlos Mora's Posts

VACATION

Posted by Carlos Mora on June 24, 2010

What's new everyone? Todays topic on my blog is going to be vacation. Before to star I would like to say that there are many words to refer to your free time:Vacation: leisure time away from word devoted to rest or pleasure.Holiday: a day on which work is supended by law or customleisure time: freedom to choose a pasttime or enjoyable activityday off: a day when you are not required to work.Taken from the Oxford Dictionaries for Advanced learners.I know that there are some other words for talking about vacation. But, I wanna say today is what to do on vacation related to learn English. The following ideas are tips that could be useful for practiticing and learning English.First, enjoy reading. Many people don't value the act of reading as a way of growing in a cultural and spiritual way. You don't need a lot to read, just one book and the perfect spot in your house or if you can by the sea or a balcony. I would suggest some books like the clock work orange or the picture of Dorian Gray. Anyway, you can read even a magazing but the point is to read in English. You will improve your grammar skills and boost your vocabulary.Second, you can go to the movies, go and see some movies in English, this year I've seen Alicia in the wonder land, The prince of Persia, Titans, you can go with your couple or with some friends and enjoy "of course" an English speaking movie, there are lots to choose.Third, surf on the internet. It implies a lot of things from chatting to practicing your skills. Visit pages that help students to learn English, go to an English chat room, visit the pages form some news papers in english, go on webpages for watching videos, there are many things you can do, and you don't need to go outside if you feel like.Four, if you have money for traveling, why not consider a trip for learning English, there are many schools that offer special summer classes, you can visit one English speaking country, learn English and have a great experience. There is also a way of learning Englsih, travelling and earn a bit of money. You can go and be a camp counselor, you visit a country for a month, you take care of the kids while they are in a camp and you enjoy the activities of a summer camp. You learn a lot and also you earn a bit of money but it is quite an experience.The fifth piece of advice is to do something in English in this summer time. I mean, have an English coversation club, set with some friends a day to meet with them a practice your english, go back to your grammar books and practice some aspects that you maybe don't know or you haven't practiced that much and you've alredy forgotten.As you see the are many things you can do on your vacation so have some nice days and I'm looking forward to read your comments. Go to learn English.

Pay day

Posted by Carlos Mora on June 21, 2010

Hello everyone.When you listen to the words "paid day" something happens that make you feel good. That day you go out to buy something new, to eat out, or to put it on your account. And happiness is not in money but in our society we can't live without money. You need money for your food, for your education, even for you health. We cannot go around like a hermit and just live on the nature.We have to work in other to get money. Money is used everyday and people live most on it. We spend it, we make it, we earn it and we need anyways. However, you can't like spend your live on money. There are more important and vital things than money. Love, friendship, repect, family, and work. If you want to be succesful you can make a lot of money, but it you wanna be happy you just need live for it.Anyway, I'm writing this blog because yesterday was my first pay day ever and I feel really good but at the same time very sad 'cuz money comes fast and goes fast. I wanted to buy many things but when I realized I could just afford some of my spends and some clothes that I need for my job.Spend you money wisely.,,

Wanna say something

Posted by Carlos Mora on June 19, 2010

What's up world? I want to say two things today.First, One of the greates writers ever had died today. Josè Saramago wrote some of the best pieces of literature that exist. I have read his books over and over and every single time I found something special on them, his style, his criticism and his point of view make him one of my favorite writers. I would suggest you to read "Blindness" one book that reflecs how society has change and we in certain way are blind or would you read "The gospel according to Jesus Christ" It is a book that you don't have to miss it. RIP Josè.Second, I want to comment that my country is gonna choose a president next weekend and I'm the leader on the pots in a very negative person for my country, he just want to keep a nonsense war and do nothing to improve the quality of education and health systems so I don't understand why he is going to win.Any ways hope everything is all right.

Soccer

Posted by Carlos Mora on June 13, 2010

Hello everyone.Well, I'm writing because I want to express something that could be controversial but anyway I'm doing it.The world is stopped by a event that move people, money, countries and society in general. The world cup. I have to say that I hate football soccer. I mean I can't stand even hearing something about football. Some people believe that I'm fool or stupid but simply I don't like.The rare thing is that evey single time I say I hate football, everyone looks at me as if I were sick or crazy. I don't like just that. It's a matter of likes and dislikes, it's a matter of what you prefer so.If you like football, if not just don't watching it a be happy.

SHOULD i HAVE APOLOGIZED

Posted by Carlos Mora on June 11, 2010

SHOULD I HAVE APOLOGIZEDDon’t look at meOnly think of meThink about our kisses and embracesThink about every momentWe had livedDon’t look at meLook at our lifeLook at our soulsLook at our bodiesLook at our deep heartEveryone looks for happinessBut, what does happiness mean?Spending our time on our families and believesOr spending our time on someone else and live new thingsI don’t really knowI ask God for and answerI ask God for a solutionbut, what should I do?I have to look for my own life

Crying

Posted by Carlos Mora on June 6, 2010

Feeling blue is just normal. Some days you wake up and something ain't right but you cannot complain for every single thing. I know some people that complain for almos everything from the weather to how they look and that makes their lives miserable. However, there are day when you feel like crying and why not to cry. Sometimes it frees your soul and later on you will feel right.People say that a man shouldn't cry and say why not crying. If you cry it doesn't make you less man. I say well it is not normal to cry in public or a lot but at time it is quite good.Men, don't think that crying is bad, and girls do not claim when you cry.P.S. I meant to cry but I didn't.

Learning English is fun

Posted by Carlos Mora on May 21, 2010

Hello everyone, I have been laughing a lot learning English. Something that we have thought for a long time it's that learning English is boring and tiring but it is not, actually, It's the most exciting experience I've ever had.I have to confess that I have had some hard moments learning, the verbs, the grammatical structures, the pronunciation and the test. But the moments of enjoyment and fun have been more and nicer.First, I have met my friends, one of my biggest crush, good teachers, learn a lot. Second, learning a language opens your mind up to a new culture, a way to see the world and a society that want to improve and share your life.Second, I have proof myself that I can do something Challenging.Lastly, every single day, I did something funny.Bye.

Time to relax

Posted by Carlos Mora on May 18, 2010

Hello every one, I've been a bit lost cuz I have had so much homework. I also like to say that I have some time to relax, hang out and enjoy my self and at the same time I have had the chance to learn and practice my English.One of my best friends is a member of a Spanish School for English Speakers. And they decided to have fun night at a Karaoke. They invite me and I had a blast. We drank some beers, no more than three and we sing, dance and enjoy a lot. It was a good practice too. People who were native speakers of English had to sing in Spanish and the rest had to sing in English. I sang "every breath you take" and "Something good" and it was kinda funny.As you see you can do many things for improving your English without study a lot and having a hard time, just set a number of activities that you like and use them for practicing English. I mean: reading, listening to music, chatting, watching T.V. or hang out with you friends and enjoy youself.Go ahead to learn English.

Travelling.

Posted by Carlos Mora on May 6, 2010

Hello all ther. I want to write some of my experiences as a traveler. I haven't got the opportunity to travel abroad but I cannnot afford a such expensive travel. But I have had the chance to travel around my country and I have had a blast. You meet people, you enrich, your culture and you value things more vital like you life and the enviroment.Besides, my country is very touristic so there are lots of foreigns that come here to spend their hollidyas. So coy can find someone who speaks English everywhere. This is a great experience because you can practice you English with native speakers.Traveling makes you have social experiences that are gonna be important for ever. Pack out and let's go travel

Friends, Friends, Friends

Posted by Carlos Mora on May 2, 2010

Hello everyone.We, as humans, are social idividual who need interaction, communication, and social relationships. That's why every single person needs the companion or their family and someone to love or share. However, I think it is very important to have friends, because you can choose them, share with them and trust them.Furthermore, having good friends it's quite difficult this days because people prefer to have personal success instead of good values and education. Friends cheat on others, dissapointed people, and try do not care any one else.Fourtunately, I can say I have so good friends who love me, care of me and give me the best. I love them also and sometimes we argue or have a different point of view but at the end we just shake hands and say it was nothing a forget what happened.Having friends it's also good for learning English. I have college friends who learnt English with me. I also have online friends who share likes and learning goals with me and I practice my English with them as much as I can.My piece of advice for today is to have few friends but enjoy with them as much as you can. Have a beer with them, go to movies, have a coffee, go to eat out, practice your English, or simply talk to them in a park. Sharing with them makes you good.

Friends, Friends, Friends

Posted by Carlos Mora on May 2, 2010

Hello everyone.We, as humans, are social idividual who need interaction, communication, and social relationships. That's why every single person needs the companion or their family and someone to love or share. However, I think it is very important to have friends, because you can choose them, share with them and trust them.Furthermore, having good friends it's quite difficult this days because people prefer to have personal success instead of good values and education. Friends cheat on others, dissapointed people, and try do not care any one else.Fourtunately, I can say I have so good friends who love me, care of me and give me the best. I love them also and sometimes we argue or have a different point of view but at the end we just shake hands and say it was nothing a forget what happened.Having friends it's also good for learning English. I have college friends who learnt English with me. I also have online friends who share likes and learning goals with me and I practice my English with them as much as I can.My piece of advice for today is to have few friends but enjoy with them as much as you can. Have a beer with them, go to movies, have a coffee, go to eat out, practice your English, or simply talk to them in a park. Sharing with them makes you good.

The teacher's labor

Posted by Carlos Mora on April 27, 2010

Hello everyonheas you know I am a teacher of English and i love teaching English eventhough it is a non well recognized activity and people don¿t see like the value of being a educator and a guide for their children.It is a hard activity taking into account the issue that our students don't seem to like learning and they do not want to do the best in their activities.Thy just want to have fun and enjoy and they say taht learning it is not funny.If our students knew how much we spend preparing classes and creating activities they would be nicer. Besides, they should understand that we sometimes have 40 or more students in the same classroom and we don't have many resources and materials for making the class enjoyable, but as teachers, we do the best.This weeka had a hard time with my students but I cannot stake a claim I just take a breath and do my best.Thanks

Let's sing

Posted by Carlos Mora on April 23, 2010

Today, it was a great day because I did one of the things that I like the best; singing. I like to sing, due to the fact that I do not have a beautiful voice, but I really like to sing. However, for my job I haven't had the chance to do it. I mean, I was busy and I couldn't sing.But today, I did it and I enjoyed it and I promised myself to do it at least once in a while. It is my pleasure and I love it. And the good point here is that you really improve your English. I mean, you learn vocabulary, you improve your pronunciation and boost your self esteem and build up you confidence.Let's sing and use songs for learn English.For José, you give the chance of singing again.

helping others helping yourself

Posted by Carlos Mora on April 20, 2010

Hi, agian, I want to start this blog by saying today that we really need practice English. A bit of good do good. I we practice listening to music, talking to friends, wrting something or just reading the newpapaer or a magazine.So, why not helping others practicing English. I would like to give some tips and some advice for doing this.Let's create a group of people who can speak English. I mean, gather with some friends and practice your English or maybe you can help someone to learn a grammatical structure by teching it to him or her. You are going to rewiew what you alredy know. So please, go ahead and do something to help other to preactice your English.So, go ahead an practice English.Ta-ta for now.

Listening to oldies and new ones

Posted by Carlos Mora on April 18, 2010

Hello every one is me again.

I would like to say that this week was a complete chaos but everything is alright now. At this moment, I'm listening to some music and I just remember the fist song I learnt in English. I t was "you're still the one" by Shania Twin. For me it is kind of amazing to see that I haven't forgot the song. Actually, it was like seven years when I learn it and today I could sing it along with out seing the lyrics. And I gotta say that my musical likes are not different from many people's I like oldies like Twist and shout or help, I like ballads like because you love me and I like the new ones like I got a feeling by the Black eyed peas. So, if I need to relax and get comfortable I put on my earphones and I listen to some music. However, and I have to say sorry for the ones who do, I don't like heavy metal or heavy rock cuz I don't understand what they say. Nevertheless, I have to say that regarding to music and learning English you can use any music you like. So, cheer up and listen to music.

Here are my top five.

1. Losing my religion, REM

2. Fast Car, Tracy Chapman

3. You got a friend. Carol King

4. Help. The Beatles. (You must like a song of theirs)

5. Music. Madonna. (She is the queen of pop music.)

"Close your eyes and think of me"

Posted by Carlos Mora on April 11, 2010

Hello everyone. There are some days when you feel like frustated and wanna give up. And this situation is quite normal. Some days are happy some others sad. However, you cannot focus on the problems and wait someone or something to figure them out.

This week has been terrible for me cuz I have a lot of things to do. I'm a teacher of English and I had to check exams, prepare classes and go to courses for improving my English and my methodology. I'm happy but at the same time I'm fed up for all the things I gotta do and the litlle time I got.

So what I do when I'm streessed and tired. Relax. I pray and do a bit of maditaion. I mean I close my eyes and think of God, he gives me everything I need. Then, have a break, take a breath and afterwards I carry on the activities that I have to do. I try to go for a walk, go for a coffee with my friends or go for glass of wine, sometimes it help. Relax it's the clue.

This is all for this week. See you and thank you.

A new job

Posted by Carlos Mora on April 6, 2010

Hey everybody. How are you doing? I have some good news. I found another job. As you already know I'm a teacher of English and teachers don't make a lot of money. If you want to have a decent life as teacher; you must find another job, and I've already done it. I'm giving extra classes and I feel this kinda job is more enjoyable and nice cuz it is not at school so you don't have the presure of being with a lotta students and other teachers telling you what to do.so, it is kinda challenging because being a teacher demands a lot of efford from you. you really need to read a lot, be update with new methodology and ways of learning. A teacher should evaluate what he does every single day. you cannot teach the same rules or do the same exercises forever. Be creative. learn by songs, games, puzzles and all the matheral that you can find.My piece of advice for today. If you are a teacher love teaching.

Just for talking

Posted by Carlos Mora on March 31, 2010

Hello everyone.Today I would like to say to things.First, I so happy because a family is together again. In my country, Colombia, there is a stupid war that seems endless. Most of people want peace but they have found in war a way to earn money and also power, so we are any closer to be in peace. However, it does not matter because today a soldier has been release from being kinapped for about twelve years. And his father is a teacher who walk across the country asking for his kid freedom. It is kinda sad that in our contry there is war because we have a lot to offered.Second, and it is a piece of advice for learning English. Turn all your goods, machines and devices in to English. I mean, all of us have a mobile phone or a computer or a MP3 player, why no use it in English. Most of this devices have a language option and we can turn them into English display so let's do it.Why I advise this, because if you do it you are going to create an enviroment or context for learning English and you are going to learn a lot of vocabulary so go ahead.I'm travelling tomorrow so I hope you have a great week. And remember I'm on reflexion week, not in vacation week.

Reflexion week

Posted by Carlos Mora on March 29, 2010

Today in my country and in many catholic countries stars the holyweek. Oh my Gosh, it is a very important week of the year, cuz we're called to reflect and make and stop in our spiritual life. However, many young people think that the week is just for having fun, going to the beach, resting and those things. So, where is the point of having this week. I know that in our life we have a lot of things to do because we need money to live on, but, what happen with our faith. I'm not a very religious person, actually, I'm not the kind of one who goes to mass and services. I'm more the one who thinks that the relationship with God should be personal and spiritual.

Nevertheless, it is a matter of tradiction and it is very important to keep them. Religion has caracterized my life and others as well, so we have to take into account them.

I know that this is not a topic related with English learning but talking about diverse topics make us practice the language. Use it in context.

Have a nice holywee

PRACTICE PLEASE

Posted by Carlos Mora on March 22, 2010

Hey everyone. Today I'm not talking as a teacher. Today I'd like to talk like another student. Learning a language should be nice and enjoyable process. However, people want to learn it with out any effort, and that is kinda difficult.

When you're learnign a language you must dedicate to it at least fifteen minutes per day. and for me that is not that much. Before you go to sleep, read something in English, before having breakfast, learn a grammar rule. In your break at the school go a listen to a song or do anything, speak to your friends, write a poem or chat in English. you will see that you will improve.

One thing that I have to learn a practice are Idioms and phrasal verbs. They're like a pain on my back. So I pick up one a day and I try to use it in a real situation or I learn it by heart.

Please, share with me what do you do for practicing your English.

Thx.

Carlos.