50% of British six-year-olds think they're too fat.

Do you have daughters? Are they worried about their weight?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/children_shealth/7291699/Half-of-Britains-six-year-old-girls-want-to-be-thinner.html

Psychatristist also express their concern:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7291425/Psychiatrists-call-for-end-to-glamorising-of-eating-disorders.html

It's sad. I remember some years ago when I was teaching in a (posh) primary school, many of the girls in the class (9-10 year-olds) were already obsessed with slimming. The problem was that they were already thin, but they couldn't see it themselves. There was one boy too, who stopped eating because they used to call him "culo gordo" in the gym class, but in general it was the girls.

It's an interesting subject for debate: on one hand the modern sedentary lifestyle that causes a lot of children and teenages to be overweight and unfit, but on the other hand, younger and younger girls are expected to be thinner and thinner.

This Dove video addresses the problem, but I don't know how much good one solitary campaign can do against the constant bombardment of the "SLIM! SLIM! SLIM!" message coming from everywhere. Sport maybe? But, for some reason, although male athletes are seen as role-models, female athletes are mainly ignored in society. What do you think?

50% of British six-year-olds think they're too fat.

Listening practice - Using Elllo.org

I've recommended this page before, but today I'll be more specific.

These listenings are short and not very difficult, but they're good practice if you normally have trouble understanding spoken English.

If you find them easy, and get all the answers right, good for you!

Open the www.elllo.org page, and in the left column, click on "videos". Alternatively, just click on this direct link: http://www.elllo.org/video/index.htm

Choose a video from the main list or from the numbered ones in the left column.

DON'T read the transcript before listening.

Click on "video quiz" and read the questions. Careful, sometimes there is more than one correct answer, so you won't be able to guess by elimination. :)

Listen twice and try to answer the questions. Then check your answers. Lastly, you can read the transcript, and listen again as many times as you want.

If you can, then try to read the transcript aloud yourself, copying the pronunciation and intonation of the speakers as much as possible. It would be a good idea to RECORD yourself doing that, and then listen to yourself and compare with the original. Then, when you listen, I'm sure you'll feel that you can do it better, so you can try it again, and again....

Have a nice weekend everybody!

Spot the fake smile

Do you think you can tell the difference between a genuine smile and a fake (=false) one?

Try this 10-minute test and find out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/smiles/index.shtml

I got 12 out of 20, which is 60% = a FAIL by EOI standards...

Feedback on exams

Hi!

In your next class (Monday/Wednesday groups: 17th Feb), and Tuesday/Thursday groups: 23rd Feb), you'll see how well (or not) you did in the February exam.

In general the results are similar to other years: good marks in the reading, less good but ok in grammar and writing, and then not so good in listening/speaking. Remember you don't need to pass all the different parts, but adding up the 5 parts you do need to get a minimum of 65 to pass.

Basically:

If you got a 70 or more, you can consider that your level is adequate and you should keep up the good work and not relax too much. You have it within reach, but don't get too comfortable!

If you got between 60 and 70, obviously you're close, and working a bit harder from now until May will probably give you a good chance of passing the final exam, although maybe not getting a fantastic mark.

If you got less than 60, maybe you had a particularly bad day, or maybe you need to revise basic structures, spelling, vocabulary or pronunciation. All is not lost, but you need to concentrate on your English and work hard for a few months. In some cases, repeating the year might be a positive option, but I imagine you all want to pass. If that's your case, it's time to work really hard.

Well, in your next class, when you see your results, you'll be able to comment and/or ask me questions.

See you then, and hope you're enjoying the Carnival!

Exam: a teacher's impressions

Well, here I am, typing away at the computer while I watch you doing your exam.

I must say I am really enjoying the relaxation of not having to talk/shout over your voices. There's something a bit special about silence in a classroom, isn't there?

Not to mention your facial expressions: the worried eyes, the frowning and the staring up at the ceiling for inspiration, but also the look of intense concentration. It's great to see you so interested!

I'd take a photo, but the flash on my camera doesn't work, and it'd be a shame to disturb you.

Well, I know from experience that your next "session" will not be so quiet, as the listening part is usually characterized by constant sighs, snorts and incredulous giggling.

Well, I have to carry on working: have to get everything corrected as soon as poss!

See ya!