Vocabulary games

Pasapalabra

Informative essay: Tips

-In an informative essay, it is not enough to describe a specific topic (act as an expert in the given problem. The essay should be informative and encourage at the same time. The audience (reader) should not remain indifferent.

-Choose a topic that is relevant for the modern society.

You can use an informative essay in a newspaper magazine, for example. It can also be a school project. The purpose of this essay may be to inform of a new trend in our society (freeganism, slow lyfe movement, …) or to make your readers aware of a reality that may, otherwise, be invisible (blood diamonds, sweatshops, where do our (donated) clothes go?)

Introduction
The introduction should start with a hook sentence to make the reader interested. Think about what you wish to share with the reader, reasons why the specific problem is important, and how to persuade the audience of the issue’s significance.

-Address directly to the reader. Start the introduction by using a striking sentence, or a question that makes the reader stop and think about this issue.

Example introductions:

Blood Diamonds

When you hear “diamonds”, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Most people think of a wedding ring and how expensive they are. But when people who live in countries such as Sierra Leona and work in a diamond mine will think of nothing but death or abuse.

Freeganism

We live in a consumerist world; everybody would agree on that. But, how far would you be willing to go to keep away from the “evils” of modern society, greed, waste and lack of concern? Certain people, known as freegans, have decided to make a stand. In order to respect the Earth as much as possible, these people live entirely outside the economic system, buying nothing and selling nothing. Instead, they get what they need by a combination of borrowing, sharing, and scavenging.

Body

-Apply the body part to inform the target audience about the peculiarities of the topic. It is important to choose credible, relevant, and up-to-date sources.

Conclusion
-End up the paper by providing a summary of the main points listed in the body of your essay. Avoid adding any new information and questions. It is also important to keep the reader's interest. For example, you could wonder what action needs to be taken or how much longer the situation can be withstood (blood diamonds, sweatshops, exploitation of resources, lack of human rights…) or how long the trend will last, if this might be a feasable alternative to consumerism in the XXI century ... (slow life movement, freeganism...)

Informative essay: Topics

Fash fashion: The true cost.

Where do all our donated clothes go?

Mobiles: The true cost

Blood diamonds

Slow life movement

Freegan movement

Carbon footprint: Do you care? (carbon offsetting)

International volunteering: Camps

Would you like to volunteer but you don't know how? Here is an official site (INJUVE, Ministerio de Sanidad Consumo y Bienestar Social) where you can find a wide offer of camps all over the world. Unluckily, you need to be 18 to apply but, who knows, maybe next year!!

Storybird

I would like you to create a picture book with the short stories you wrote, which are, by the way, really nice.
We will use an app called storybird (computer).
-Go to storybird and create an account. (free trial)
-Once you have created your account, click on "Your stuff" - "Classes" - "Join a class" (I´ll send some of you by email the code to enter the class; please, share it on whatsapp)
-Go to "Write" - "Picture Book".
-Click on "All". You will see lots of drawings. Select any of them.
-Start writing your story:
   -You will need a title and a picture for your cover. Also write your name.
   -Add new pages (miniatures, bottom of the page)
   -Write your short story in different pages, as many as you consider necessary. Add a picture to             each page. You just need to drag the pictures on both sides to see other pictures underneath.               Choose those that are suitable for your story.
     If you need to erase any page, place the cursor on the top left corner of the miniature (you will           see  an "x")
-When you finish your story, save and exit.
-Submit to teachers (1 Bach A 2019). You must submit your story by May 3rd.
-Publish.

Passive Voice (Solutions to WB, p. 46-47)

Please, do exercises 1-5, instead of 3-5
Exercise 1
1.were given 2. will have been paid  3. has been closed  4.has not been confirmed yet  5.must be done
6. was being painted   7. had been cancelled    8. can be collected   9. mustn´t be eaten

Exercise 2
1. Finance management lessons should be provided for students.../ Students should be provided finance management lessons.   2. That information will be told to you by..../ You will be told that information by....   3. Is a discount going to be given to all customers? /Are all customers going to be given a discount?   4. Soem ancient gold coins were shown to us. / We were shown some ancient gold coins.  5. Is free parking offered to customers by the .....? / Are customers offered free parking by....

Exercise 3
 1. When is the lease for the flat going to be signed?   2. Letters of  references must be included in ....
3. I wasn't remimded to get off at my stop by the bus driver.   4. A cure for this disease has not been found yet.    5. Last year, no new workers were being hired.    6. The door must be locked before....

Exercise 5
1. promised / had borrowed /will do
2. were not answered / was having my computer repaired
3. will have your order processed / will be sent
4. should have it examined / is known
5. have just fallen off / is injured (has been injured) / have my arm checked

Have something done

Rewrite the following sentences using "HAVE SOMETHING DONE" (CAUSATIVE HAVE)
(Write them in affirmative, negative and interrogative)
1. Someone is painting my house. 
I …
2. Someone cleans his house every day. 
He …
3. Someone stole her wallet yesterday. 
She…
4. Someone has broken into their house. 
They…
5. Someone was repairing our fence. 
We...
6. Someone had serviced my car. 
I…
7. Someone should test your eyes. 
You…
8. Someone should have tested your eyes. 
You…
9. Someone is going to paint our house. 
We…

Try the following exercises
Exercise 1
Exercise 2