Sous le sable - EOI francés A2

Drame réalisé par François OZON

Synopsis:

Marie et Jean sont un couple aisé avec derrière eux vingt-cinq ans de vie commune. Chaque été, ils partent en vacances dans les Landes et rejoignent leur maison de campagne.

Pourtant, cette année, il semble se passer quelque chose de particulier : le couple ne se parle pas et Jean s'enferme dans un mutisme inquiétant.

Un après-midi, alors que Marie s´assoupit* sur la plage, Jean s'éclipse après être parti se baigner. À son réveil, la femme ne voit pas son mari, ni au loin, ni au large**. Elle comprend. Il a disparu.

S'est-il noyé ? S'est-il enfui ? Il n'y a aucune certitude puisque les garde-côtes ne retrouveront pas le corps. Marie s'en retourne seule, avec les affaires de Jean dans son sac.

Les mois passent, la vie continue comme s'il ne s'était rien passé mais Jean est plus présent que jamais auprès de Marie qui se refuse à croire qu'il s'en est allé...

D’après le site Cinéma : www.cinema-français.fr

The story of newspapers - EOI Madrid inglés A2

Read about the ancestors of our newspapers

The oldest British national newspaper is about one hundred and eighty-five years old, but news-sheets of various kinds have been known in different parts of the world for many centuries. The Romans sent news in the form of letters to their distant soldiers. There was no paper, as we know it, in those days. Few people could read. The messages were hand-written on a material made from the skin of a sheep, and read aloud to the soldiers.

In 60 B.C., Emperor Julius Caesar started a daily bulletin in the Forum at Rome. The Forum was the meeting place of the Senators who governed the city. The bulletin was fixed at a convenient point where the senators could read the news on their way to and from their discussions.

This method of giving information is still used today. Notices and bulletins are pinned to notice boards in offices and factories; schools and colleges run wall newspapers. Typed sheets of news or articles are placed on large notice boards. The entire contents of the board are changed at fixed intervals, in the same way as a new edition of a newspaper is printed daily or weekly.

In the 16th century, the commonest form of news-sheet was a leaflet, consisting of a single sheet printed on one side only. Leaflets were sold in markets and country fairs on the Continent, and English translations appeared in this country. The leaflets were published only when there was news of wars, battles or disasters. No-one had yet thought of publishing a bulletin regularly.

The first English publication to contain domestic news appeared in 1641. It was called Diurnal Occurrences, and it was concerned mainly with the activities of Parliament. This was just before the start of the Civil War, in 1642.

In 1665, the first number of a twice-weekly paper, The Oxford Gazette, was published. A few months later the name was changed to The London Gazette. This paper was the official paper of the Government. It did not contain news, and it did not try to entertain. It circulated among people such as bankers, solicitors and Members of Parliament.

Adapted from© The Story of Newspapers, by W.D. Siddle, Wills & Hepworth Ltd.

Pubs in Derry - EOI Extremadura inglés A2

1- Café Roc 1, College Terrace

Very fashionable pub that is divided into two parts. The best of these two parts is the ground floor with good music like pop or rock. There is a dance floor and also seats and tables. Although it is not one of the cheapest places in Derry, some days it is too busy and it is difficult to move around inside.

Pint price: 2.20 pounds (except special offers)

Anecdotes: The DJ is so nice that you are allowed to choose the music if there are just a few people.

 

2- Sandino's Water Street

It is more similar to a typical Irish pub at least on the ground floor. It is a suitable place to have your drink and talk without hearing loud music. The first floor is like a disco, where the music is louder. This floor is better for dancing.

Pint price: 2.20 pounds

Anecdotes: This pub is full of photos of Che Guevara, Sandino,…

 

3- The Ice Wharf 22, Strand Road

It is not a dancing venue, but it is a comfortable place to have a drink and to talk.

During the day you can also have meals. It is cheap, and also, every night, there are different promotions. The Ice Wharf is a big place and it has comfortable seats.

Opening hours: open during all day

Anecdotes: It has the best toilets in Derry. They are better than the bar itself.

 

4- Sugar Niteclub ( Downeys Bar) 33, Shipquay Street

Opposite the River Inn, Sugar Nightclub is a nice place playing all types of music to suit all tastes. It has two floors, but there is no difference between these ones.

Like most of the places in Derry, there is a dance floor and places to sit.

Anecdotes: One night they played songs by Bob Dylan, Shakira and Barry White in this order.

 

5- The River Inn Shipquay Street

It is the oldest pub in Derry. Good place, good atmosphere, good people, good offers. It has two floors. One of them is the typical Irish pub (the ground floor), the other one is like a club (the subterranean floor).

Pint prices: 2.20 pounds. ☺ 1.00 pound on Sundays and Thursdays

Anecdotes: One of the waiters has no idea about serving drinks. In the ground floor there are only old people.

 

6- Jackie Mullans: 13, Little James Street

Club with three floors with no difference between them. You only can hear disco, dance, techno music, and it is a really expensive place. The pint price is the most expensive one in Derry. It is really strangely decorated, and it is very hot.

Pint price: 3.20 pounds

Anecdotes: There was a horrible lamp decorated with dead fish.

The seats remind one of the TV programme (with Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox, hummmmmmm…) "Friends".

One of the waiters, apart from being really ugly, is really unfriendly and unpleasant.

 

7- Becketts 26-28 Foyle Street

It is an expensive pub without any interest. We have spent lots of nights there, and we are very ashamed about this. Becketts is the place where the biggest Spanish parties took place. The music is awful. Although the DJ is a very good guy.

Anyway, it is a good place to give up drinking and start studying English!

Pint price: 2.20 pounds

Anecdotes: The bouncers are really rude and they shout a lot. It is something very unpleasant for us.

Source: adaptado de un texto que se encuentra en la siguiente dirección: Isabel Pérez

Life in Japan - EOI Extremadura inglés A2 resuelto

1. During the mid-summer, it can be really hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable. Snow falls in part of the country during the mid-winter months. From summer to autumn, there are typhoons (tropical storms) every year. The months of June and July are the "rainy season" in Japan.

2. You usually go into a Japanese home after you take off your shoes. At most offices, you don't take off your shoes to enter, but there are some traditional businesses where you take off your shoes.

3. When you visit someone's house or a public bath, wash your body before you enter the bathtub. Do not wash your body inside the bathtub. Traditionally, in Japan, the hot water in the bathtub is not changed after every person takes a bath. When you finish your bath, leave the hot water in the bathtub.

4. At most Japanese and Chinese restaurants, chopsticks are usually served. If you can't use chopsticks, ask for a knife and fork.

In most restaurants and bars in Japan, you never pay for individual drinks or snacks, one at a time. You simply pay your total bill when you leave the restaurant or bar at the cash register.

5. For most shopping, you usually pay in cash, but nowadays, a limited number of places, such as hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, accept credit cards.

6. A lot of government offices, banks and post offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays in Japan, but a lot of department stores, shops and restaurants are open on these days. In Japan, if a National Holiday falls on a Sunday, the next day (Monday) is a holiday. A lot of public offices, banks and schools close for some days in mid-August too, for "Obon" (the Buddhist event), and at the end of the calendar year and the beginning of the new year (especially January 1 to 3).

My last birthday - EOI Extremadura inglés A2

Mathew

I've spent my last few birthdays in Japan - birthdays, along with Christmas, are the times that I miss family and friends back home a little more than usual. Last birthday all my friends were working but I had the day off, so after feeling sad about it all the day before, I went snowboarding for the day.

 

Alan

Last birthday.......I was floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan....;-)!! With about 11 new friends that I met during the trip from Egypt to Jordan!! It was an amazing experience ;-)!!!! I have been living in Dubai for over a year and when you live in the centre of the world you just use every opportunity to explore other countries....;-)!!

 

Jane

I was in San Francisco for my cousin's wedding. We are a big family, so we rented a huge house and all stayed in it together. In the morning I walked from the Golden Gate Bridge to downtown Toyko and back again for a day adventure. Truly one of my favourite cities to visit. When I got home my aunts had bought a huge chocolate cake and I blushed as they all sang to me in the dining room. Good family is an amazing gift.

 

Nikki

Today is my boyfriend's birthday. We are off to the zoo here in Munich when my daughter gets home from school. Then, afterwards, a restaurant in the centre of Munich and a walk around the old town with some ice creams.

Alemán A2 EOI Baleares - 100 Jahre Jugendherbergen

Die Betten selbst beziehen, Küchendienst und um 22.00 Uhr Nachtruhe - das alles kennen viele von uns bestimmt von Klassenfahrten. Meistens haben sie dann in Jugendherbergen gewohnt. Alle Besucher von Jugendherbergen haben 2009 richtig was zu feiern. Die Jugendherbergen gibt es da nämlich genau seit 100 Jahren!

 

Wie alles begann

Die Idee hatte ein Lehrer aus dem heutigen Bundesland Nordrhein-Westfalen. Als er mit seiner Klasse eine Wanderung machte, wurde er von einem Gewitter überrascht. Doch sie hatten Glück: In einer Dorfschule fanden sie einen trockenen Unterschlupf. Eigentlich wäre es gut, wenn es solche Unterkünfte an mehreren Orte gäbe, dachte sich der Lehrer. Sie sollten preiswert sein und speziell für junge Wanderer. Gedacht, getan!

Kurz darauf eröffnete die erste Herberge für die Jugend. Mit der Zeit wurden es immer mehr, auch außerhalb von Deutschland in vielen anderen Ländern. In Deutschland gibt es mittlerweile mehr als 550 Jugendherbergen.

 

Nicht nur Schulklassen

Aber nicht nur Wanderer oder Schulklassen übernachten in diesen Herbergen. Auch viele Familien verbringen dort ihre Ferien. Schließlich hat sich in den 100 Jahren so einiges getan: Inzwischen gibt es richtige Luxusherbergen, zum Beispiel mit Swimmigpool. In dem Land Schweden wurde sogar ein Flugzeug entsprechend umgebaut. Jugendherbergen sind also alles andere als muffig und veraltet.

The life of a record shop owner - EOI Asturias inglés A2

David Griffin left school at seventeen, went to college and then worked as an assistant in hisparents’ newsagent’s. After two years, he went to work for a big national chain record store as an assistant manager although very soon he got a job as a store manager. In May 2005, tired of working for others, he opened a shop called Elvis Shakespeare.

This is what he tells us about his job.

“As its name suggests, in my shop literature goes hand in hand with music -my main interests-. Prices go from £2 for second-hand books to £200 for rare collector’s items and I expect that, very soon, you can benefit from our excellent online payment facilities.

My shop is in Leith Walk and I spend most of my time buying small and large collections, which I get in the Edinburgh area. I hardly ever travel abroad.

Last week, I was alone in the shop and I had to work from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and with Christmas coming, next month I am going to work from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day but my working hours are normally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.”

Adapted from different Internet sources

The Houses of Parliament - EOI Islas Baleares inglés A2

To know something about the world of Britain’s politicians, you should explore the Houses of Parliament. They are part of the Palace of Westminster, which stands on the banks of the Thames across the river from the London Eye. At the Northern end of the Palace there’s a clock tower. As soon as they see it, tourists shout “That’s Big Ben!” Actually, Big Ben is only the name of the impressive 13-tonne bell. You should visit the House of Commons’ public gallery, where you can observe debates on weekday afternoons and evenings. Once inside, visitors pass through the octagonal Central Lobby (where the public can meet members of parliament- MPs), and then enter the House itself. The Government and the Opposition sit on green benches divided by a long table and two parallel red lines. MPs mustn’t cross these lines. The debates are often noisy affairs where The Speaker has to control the proceedings: MPs must attract his attention if they want to speak. Sessions begin with open questions and then new laws are considered. The rest of the Palace of Westminster is only open to public tours during the summer, when you can see the Victoria Tower, the Royal Apartments and the spectacular Westminster Hall. This used to hold the law court where famous people like Guy Fawkes were condemned to death: he failed to blow up the House of Commons in 1605, but a German bomb destroyed the chamber in 1941. It was rebuilt to the original design in 1950.

Source: Speak Up

La piuma dell'angelo

Nell’orfanotrofio di San Germano d’Auxerre erano accuditi tanti trovatelli e tra questi c’era Luc un bambino davvero speciale, perché era molto buono, ma buono davvero. Se aveva qualcosa, si apprestava a dividerlo con gli altri e se poteva aiutare, non se lo faceva chiedere. Era generoso e d’animo semplice. Il piccolo, era stato lasciato sui gradini della struttura che aveva solo pochi mesi e da allora, erano già trascorsi otto anni. Stranamente, non aveva trovato nessuno che lo adottasse, sebbene fosse molto grazioso e educato. Per la sua giovane età, il bambino aveva una saggezza che lasciava tutti sempre a bocca aperta ed era per questo però, lasciato in disparte dagli altri. Troppo diverso dai suoi simili, tanto che trascorreva gran parte del suo tempo da solo. Un giorno nell’approssimarsi del Natale, Suor Josephine ha detto: “Bambini, prendete carta e penna e scrivete la letterina, mettendo che cosa volete ricevere come regalo”. Molti hanno cominciato a elencare giocattoli bellissimi, altri invece hanno chiesto di poter finalmente avere una famiglia. Invece il piccolo Luc nella sua ha scritto: “Fammi diventare un angelo, così posso aiutare tutti questi bambini, ed esaudire i loro desideri”. Le suore leggendola, sono rimaste sconcertate, ma pensando che ciò dipendesse dalla bontà d’animo del piccolo, non hanno dato peso alla cosa. Gli anni sono passati e ad ogni Natale, Luc scriveva sempre la stessa frase.

Dora Ti racconto una fiaba.it

Non ho paura del mare perché amo la sua forza e il suo mistero

È stata la prima velista-record alla regata in solitario intorno al mondo, senza scalo. Ora Isabelle Autissier racconta le sue sfide.

Io un’eroina? Ma no, sono normalissima: vado a fare la spesa, cucino… Ho soltando avuto una grande fortuna: sapere fin da bambina cosa avrei fatto nella vita ed essere riuscita a realizzare il mio sogno. Non so spiegare dove è nata la mia passione per il mare e la vela. Ricordo soltanto che quando andavo in barca con i miei genitori in Bretagna, mi piacevano i profumi, i colori, non avere terra intorno, il contatto diretto con la natura e il profondo senso di libertà. Così a 31 anni ho costruito la prima barca a vela per vivere navigando. Ma non potevo certo immaginare che avrei vissuto quello che mi è successo: il giro del mondo in solitario, le regate vinte, i naufragi, la morte a un passo. Ho deciso di regatare soltanto dopo la vittoria alla Minitransat (1987). Mi è piaciuto. E nel 1991, sono stata la prima donna velista a portare a termine un giro al mondo in 139 giorni e 4 ore nel corso della Boc Challenge, la regata intorno al mondo senza scalo.

Certo quando si è in gara le emozioni sono diverse da quando vai per mare per diletto. In competizione devi reggere la sfida con il tempo e con te stessa. E tenere testa agli altri. Tutto è finalizzato alla vittoria: la concentrazione è massima, studi la tattica ogni istante tenendo d’occhio il vento e il mare. C’è molta tensione ed eccitazione. Oggi non è più il mio “lavoro”, partecipo solo a regate minori. So che la mia vita non è comune, ma per me è normale alzarmi, guardare il mare, controllare la barca, capire il vento, salutare un delfino. Certo, talvolta è pericolosa. Ma io il mare lo conosco e non lo combatto. Rispetto sempre la sua forza e il suo potere. Immenso. Sempre. Questo rende interessante tutta la mia esistenza. Anche quando sono in mezzo all’oceano, e tutto è più difficile.

Qui ho scoperto che so fare più cose di quante immaginassi. Perché? Perché devo. Sto male? Ho il ciclo mestruale? Navigo fino a quando resisto e poi uso tutta la strumentazione elettronica che ho per stare in sicurezza. Ho messo a punto “il mio sonno” con un medico: dormo 20 minuti ogni mezz’ora. La solitudine? È la mia vita. Non mi sento sola, parlo con le onde, la mia barca, le nuvole. Certo via e-mail “parlo” con gli amici. Ma loro che possono fare se io sono giù? È raro comunque che io sveli quello che provo... Le mie emozioni le conosco, non mi spaventano. La più forte? L’angoscia e la calma insieme quando ho disalberato nell’Oceano Indiano durante la Around Alone del 1999. Ho lanciato l’Sos e ho aspettato. Perché si è vivi fino a quando non si è morti. Poi mi ha salvato Giovanni Soldini. E abbiamo brindato!

©Testo adattato da Geo, settembre 2007

Une bourse aux permis! EOI francés A2

Les jeunes, qui n’ont pas les moyens de passer leur permis de conduire, pourront désormais avoir une aide financière de leur ville.

Une bourse pour t’aider à payer ton permis de conduire! L’idée est simple: la ville aide un jeune, qui n’en a pas les moyens, à financer la moitié ou les trois quarts du prix de son permis de conduire. En échange, le boursier s’engage dans un projet humanitaire ou social.

Le secrétaire d’Etat chargé des Transports va généraliser à toutes les villes françaises l’expérience des bourses au permis de conduire menée à Carcassonne. « Le permis est un sésame indispensable de la vie, a-t-il expliqué. Il n’est pas normal qu’il y ait des barrières financières et sociales. »

Ces nouvelles bourses au permis de conduire pourraient donc aider de nombreux jeunes à obtenir leur fameux papier rose. Mais elles pourraient aussi permettre de résoudre l’un des grands problèmes de sécurité routière en France: 35 000 jeunes circulent aujourd’hui sans permis.

Source: http://www.lesclesjunior.com - 02 août 2007

Texte adapté pour cette épreuve

La dieta mediterranea è come Venezia

Come la Laguna di Venezia, i Trulli di Alberobello, il Machu Picchu, Notre-Dame di Parigi, la Statua della Libertà o la Grande Barriera Corallina, anche la dieta mediterranea è entrata a far parte del patrimonio dell’umanità dell’Unesco. La proposta è stata della Spagna e L’Unione Europea l’ha sostenuta in pieno. La decisione ha grande valore per l’Italia, nella cui cucina tradizionale si trovano ingredienti capaci di contrastare l’invecchiamento delle cellule e le malattie cardiovascolari e conseguentemente, di farci conquistare il primato europeo della longevità (con una media di 77,2 anni per gli uomini e 82,8 per le donne) e quello dei cittadini europei meno grassi. L’uomo italiano, con i suoi 168 centimetri, è più basso di due centimetri rispetto alla media europea, ma ha un peso di 68,70 chili, di molto inferiore allo standard comunitario (72,2).

Il 36% dei nostri ragazzi intorno ai 13 anni sono però obesi o in sovrappeso, contro il 20% di quelli europei: di qui l’importanza di riscoprire il sano modello alimentare mediterraneo.

È poi recente la notizia che alcuni scienziati di New York hanno scoperto un altro beneficio della dieta mediterranea che, in base ai loro studi, combatterebbe anche il morbo di Alzheimer.

Frutta, verdura, legumi, cereali, acidi grassi insaturi (olio d’oliva) e pesce riducono il rischio di ammalarsi e, una volta contratta la malattia, ne rallentano l’evoluzione.

Travelling to the USA - EOI Galicia inglés A2

As part of your English course you are planning to go to The United States of America this year. You are looking for some information about travelling to the USA in the edupass web site.

Tipping

Restaurants do not include a service charge in the bill, so you should tip the waiter 15% of the total bill. If service was slow or particularly bad, some Americans will tip only 10%. Likewise, if service was particularly good, it is appropriate to tip 20%. If service was so bad that you would never eat in the restaurant again, leave two cents. This is a deliberate insult, because it tells the waiter that you didn't forget to leave a tip. Tipping is only appropriate in restaurants which offer table service. You do not tip the cashier in a fast food restaurant.

Taxi drivers expect to get a tip equal to 15% of the total fare. If the driver was especially helpful or got you to your destination more quickly than you expected, give a 20% tip. Hotel bellhops expect a $1 tip for helping you with your bags. If you order room service, the gratuity is included in the bill. Coat checkroom attendants expect $1 per coat. Hairdressers and barbers expect a tip of 15% of the bill. Valet parking attendants expect a $1 tip.

Gift Giving

If you are invited to a wedding, baby shower, or other celebration, it is expected that you will bring a gift. Unless you know the host very well, the gift should be modest in value, about $25.

For a wedding, the bride will have "registered" at one or two local department stores, indicating the items and styling she prefers. You can buy the couple a gift that isn't listed, but most people buy something listed on the registry. If you buy an item listed on the registry, be sure to tell the store that you are doing this, so that the couple doesn't receive duplicate gifts.

If you wish to give a gift when you leave to return to your home country, the best gift is something that is unique to your country. It does not need to be especially valuable or rare, just reminiscent of your home. Possibilities include a book about your country, an inexpensive handicraft or piece of art, or something else that reflects your culture. If the children collect coins and stamps, they would be very pleased with a set of your country's coins or a selection of mint stamps from your country. Items that are common in your country but difficult to find in the United States are also good.

When giving gifts to a business acquaintance, do not give anything of a personal nature, especially to a woman. Do not give cosmetics. A scarf is ok, but other types of clothing are not. Something appropriate for the office is best. But gift giving is not as important in America as it is in other countries, so there is nothing wrong with not giving a gift.

From: http://www.edupass.org/culture/

La carte des points noirs - EOI francés A2

La carte des zones dangereuses pour les autocars et les poids lourds a été rendue publique. Attention, danger !

La carte des zones les plus dangereuses pour les poids lourds et les autocars fait apparaître 50 points noirs sur les routes nationales et les autoroutes françaises. La plupart sont logiquement situés dans les régions montagneuses, en Rhône-Alpes pour la moitié d’entre eux. Cette carte des zones dangereuses est rendue publique une semaine après l’accident de car qui a coûté la vie à 26 personnes en Isère.

Le ministre de l’Écologie, en charge de la Sécurité routière, Jean-Louis Borloo, a indiqué que « la présence de panneaux d’interdiction ne suffisait pas » ! Le ministre souhaite aussi mettre en place des feux de signalisation plus visibles, des portiques (qui empêcheraient les véhicules les plus hauts, comme les bus et les camions, de passer), ou des voies d’arrêt d’urgence.

Au-delà de ces mesures, le ministre en charge de la Sécurité routière propose un « pacte en trois points » aux automobilistes français, consistant à: faire des pauses, attacher les ceintures de sécurité et vérifier l’état des pneus avant de prendre la route.

Source: http://www.lesclesjunior.com - 31 juillet 2007

Texte adapté pour cette épreuve

Mince à tout prix - EOI francés A2

Dire adieu aux kilos ? Oui, mais à condition d’être sûr(e) qu’ils soient de trop. (...)

Elle s'appelait Ana Carolina Reston. Elle avait 18 ans. Elle était mannequin, brésilienne, et pesait 40 kg pour 1,74 m. Elle ne mangeait plus que des pommes et des tomates. Le 14 novembre 2006, elle est morte. D'anorexie. Une véritable maladie dont tu as sûrement entendu parler. Elle touche surtout les filles. Les symptômes ? On se trouve grosse, on mange de moins en moins. On perd des kilos et des kilos. Parfois, jusqu'à en mourir. Heureusement, un séjour à l'hôpital et un traitement avec un psychologue peuvent aider à en guérir.

Ce complexe ne concerne pas uniquement les filles. Les garçons, eux, veulent surtout améliorer leurs résultats sportifs. «Pour maigrir et grandir en même temps, que dois-je faire? Un régime?» demande un garçon de 13 ans. Attention: s'il y a un mot dangereux, c'est bien "régime"! Quand on commence à sauter des repas, à tout calculer, cela peut être le droit chemin vers l’anorexie.

Seul un médecin peut te guider. «Les ados cherchent à manger moins de calories, mais ils ne satisfont pas leurs besoins en substances indispensables, comme les oméga 3, le fer, ou les vitamines», explique le docteur Coudron, médecin micronutritionniste.

Alors, tu es moins concentré(e) en cours et les notes s'en ressentent! Astrid Renaudin, infirmière scolaire, l'a constaté: «Beaucoup d'élèves sautent le petit-déjeuner. En fin de matinée, ils sont trop fatigués. Beaucoup de maux de tête ou de ventre viennent de là». Si tu te prives, après, tu as envie de manger davantage.

Comment faire alors? «Équilibrer son alimentation et faire du sport, insiste le docteur Coudron. En grandissant, la silhouette s'affine». En attendant, n'oublie pas de te faire plaisir. Et cherche des astuces cuisine. Évite de trop ouvrir le frigo et prépare des plateaux-repas équilibrés.

D´après le texte de Noélie Viallet, © Okapi nº 823, 01/04/07

Black Friday - EOI Asturias inglés A2

The day after Thanksgiving has become America's biggest shopping day. Closed all day on Thursday, shopping centres all across the nation open early on Friday. Some of them open at 12:01 Friday morning, while others open at 4 a.m. Some "sleepyhead" shopping centres, like Target this year, don't open their doors on Friday until 6 a.m. From Friday to the day before Christmas, this is the season when businesses make nearly 25 per cent of what they earn in a year. This season puts many businesses "in the black", that is, they make the money they need for the year. Reporters from local TV stations interview people who sleep in tents in front of the shops a day or two before the doors open on Friday. These people patiently wait in queue to get products that are 50 per cent cheaper or more.

"Oh, we have fun," said one of the persons queuing. "We sometimes bring games to play, we watch TV and order lots of pizza, and we often meet interesting people. And, most important of all, we save a lot!" The problem, of course, is that only a very small number of products have big reductions in their prices. Apart from a few big discounts, each shop has other things that are reduced from 10 to 50 per cent, saving shoppers from $10 to $400 per item, and so Americans want to go shopping.

Not all Americans enjoy shopping. Reverend William Graham wants to change Black Friday’s name. "We want to call it Remember Jesus Friday. People should start the season with the right attitude. Christmas has become a Season of Shopping. We want to make it a Season of Giving. And we don't mean giving material things. We mean giving your back, your mind, and your hands. Help an old lady clean up her house. Teach a kid how to read. Visit sick people in the hospital or in nursing homes. Give food to the Red Cross. Celebrate Christmas by remembering Jesus and forgetting Santa Claus."

Adapted from http://www.eslyes.com

Jamie Oliver - EOI Islas Canarias inglés A2

I was born in 1975 and straight into the business. My dad ran a lovely pub-restaurant, in Clavering, Essex. I remember it was a cool place, everyone worked together to make that lovely food and laughed while doing it.

By the time I was 11, I wasn't bad at preparing the meals. Many boys at school thought that cooking was a girl's thing. I didn't really care, as I could buy the coolest trainers with the money I earned from working at the weekend.

When I was 16, I didn't really have the results to continue at school and I knew by then that I wanted to be a chef. So I went to Westminster Catering College and then spent some time in France, learning as much as I could, before coming back to London to work as Head Pastry Chef for Antonio Carluccio at The Neal Street Restaurant where I worked for five years.

It was there that I first got in front of a TV camera. A documentary about the restaurant was being filmed and the editors decided to show a friendly man who really liked cooking. The day after the programme was shown; I got calls from five different production companies to talk about a possible show.

The result was “The Naked Chef” programme and that's where it all started. Right now I've never been busier in my life! The only thing is that I would like to have more time for my family - my three lovely girls.

Alemán A2 EOI País Vasco. Boris’ Söhne lernten ihre Schwester kennen

Zum 1. Mal spricht unser Tennisheld über seine Groß-Familie

Wir sehen einen Bilderbogen voller Liebe, Glück und Zärtlichkeit. Der Mann im Mittelpunkt ist Boris Becker (38). In seinem früheren Leben als Nummer eins der Tennis-Welt ein Einzel-Spieler. In seinem heutigen Leben als Familien-Vorstand ein Team-Player.

Boris, der Super-Daddy. Er hat immer gesagt: „Ich habe viele Schwächen, aber auch ein paar Stärken. Und dazu gehört ganz klar die Vater-Rolle.“
Zum ersten Mal hat sich jetzt die kunterbunte Becker-Familie unter einem Dach getroffen. „Weil es mir wichtig war, daß meine Söhne endlich ihre Schwester kennenlernen.“

Die Söhne sind Noah (11) und Elias (6) aus Boris‘ Ehe mit Barbara (38). Sie leben seit fünf Jahren in Miami (Florida). Die Tochter ist Anna (5), die mit ihrer Mutter Angela Ermakova (37) in London zuhause ist.

Und dann gibt es da ja seit ein paar Wochen auch noch Lilly (29). Boris‘ neue Freundin. Auch sie gehört jetzt sozusagen mit zur Familie. Schmust zärtlich in der Öffentlichkeit mit Boris. Nimmt die süße Anna an die Hand. Obwohl sie die Kleine auch erst jetzt in Miami gerade kennen gelernt hat. Boris aber hat seinen Freunden verraten: „Kinder lassen sich nichts vormachen. Sie spüren schnell, ob ein Mensch ihnen nur etwas vorspielt oder wirklich liebevoll ist.“

Und so kam es, nach über einem Jahr Planung und Gesprächen mit allen Beteiligten, jetzt in Miami zum freundlichen Showdown.

„Natürlich haben sich die drei Kinder zunächst nur erstaunt angeguckt“, erzählte Boris später. „Aber dann ist Noah gleich in seiner Rolle als großer Bruder aufgegangen und hat Anna und Elias eingefangen.“

Was dann folgte, war, so berichtete Boris, „wie in jeder anderen Familie auch.“ Es wurde zusammen gegessen, gespielt, getobt, gelacht. Eine ganze Woche lang.

Gestern abend flog Anna heim nach London. Zurück blieb die Hoffnung, daß die Patchwork-Familie noch enger zusammenwächst.

Von ROLF HAUSCHILD

Bild.T-Online.de 20.01.06

Visite Évora

Como chegar

A Região de Évora é atravessada no sentido transversal pela auto-estrada Lisboa-Madrid (A6).

Longitudinalmente, o IP2 une as capitais de distrito do Alentejo interior (Beja, Évora e Portalegre) ao Algarve e à Beira Baixa.

Vindo do Norte pela A1 Porto-Lisboa, entra-se na Região tomando a saída para Santarém e seguindo a direcção A13. Esta auto-estrada entronca na A6 entre Marateca e Vendas Novas.

Vindo do Algarve, quem optar pela A2 (Faro-Lisboa) encontra a mesma A6 na Marateca.

Vindo de Espanha, pode entrar-se na Região por Elvas (A6) e por S. Leonardo (junto a Mourão / Alqueva).

Quem não se desloca em transporte próprio, tem à disposição a Rede Nacional de Expressos, com carreiras regulares para Évora a partir de qualquer ponto do país (www.rede-expressos.pt) e as vias férreas que ligam Faro e Lisboa à cidade de Évora (www.cp.pt).

A circulação na Região é simples. As estradas secundárias e municipais constituem, por si só, percursos de descoberta com trânsito relativamente reduzido e excelentes vistas panorâmicas.

Quem pretender visitar a Região em autonomia mas não tem transporte próprio, pode recorrer aos Carros de Aluguer (identificados com a letra A nas portas laterais), aos Táxis e aos Rent-a-Car. Na cidade de Évora existe uma “Linha Azul”, serviço de autocarro que circula pelos principais locais da cidade.

Existem carreiras regulares de autocarro que ligam diariamente as várias localidades da Região. Os seus horários estão adaptados às necessidades laborais e escolares dos residentes, pelo que a sua utilização com objectivos turísticos nem sempre é fácil, sobretudo quando se pretende uma pequena viagem de ida e volta no mesmo dia.

 

Onde ficar

A diversidade da oferta é uma das características do alojamento na Região mas, ao contrário do que sucedia há uns anos atrás, a informação é abundante e bastante detalhada.

Hoje, pode visitar através da net as Pousadas Históricas, belos hotéis conventuais de 4 e 5 estrelas ou requintados hotéis rurais; apreciar a qualidade de outras unidades de hotelaria tradicional, de pequena e média dimensão; sentir o acolhimento familiar e a tranquilidade das casas de Turismo em Espaço Rural; ou ver por dentro o ambiente dos Parques de Campismo.

Todas as unidades de alojamento servem pequenos almoços. Quando não dispõem de serviço de restaurante, nomeadamente no caso do Turismo em Espaço Rural, por vezes servem as refeições principais mediante solicitação prévia.

 

Onde comer

Se utilizar critérios como a importância atribuída à decoração e ao conforto, o profissionalismo do atendimento, a variedade da ementa, a qualidade da confecção, o apuro das chamadas “especialidades da casa” ou a generosidade da carta de vinhos, verificará que existem na Região restaurantes de todas as categorias, para todos os gostos e, também, para todas as bolsas.

Ainda há “tascas” genuínas onde se come muito bem.

Há restaurantes médios, bons e muito bons, uns com a chamada “cozinha honesta”, outros com rasgos de génio em alguns pratos.

E há restaurantes de topo de gama: de abertura relativamente recente ou já muito testados pelo tempo; de uma extrema fidelidade à gastronomia regional ou com propostas de recriação “gourmet” da tradição, sempre com base nos melhores produtos locais.

Se não puder ou não quiser deleitar-se todos os dias com a boa gastronomia alentejana, saiba que tem outras opções: cafetarias com serviço de refeições ligeiras, casas especializadas em sanduíches e saladas e boas pastelarias para lanchar.

Só tem que ter cuidado com as horas: quase todas as cozinhas dos restaurantes fecham às 22h e são poucas as excepções que confirmam a regra.

Fora de horas, pode contar com serviço de snack em algumas cafetarias, bares e discotecas.

 

É útil saber

Se tiver algum problema de saúde durante a sua estadia na Região de Évora, recorra aos Centros de Saúde, existentes em todas as sedes de concelho, ou ao Hospital de Évora, com serviços de urgência 24 horas por dia.

Se é cidadão da União Europeia, da Islândia, Liechtenstein, Noruega ou Suíça, e é beneficiário de um sistema de segurança social no seu país, faça-se acompanhar do Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença. Este cartão assegura-lhe a prestação de cuidados de saúde nos serviços oficiais e/ou convencionados, sendo-lhe cobradas apenas as taxas e/ou comparticipações em vigor para os cidadãos nacionais.

Adaptado de:

http://www.visitevora.pt/pt/conteudos/e_util_saber/como_chegar/

The Jane Austen Centre - EOI País Vasco inglés A2

Welcome to Jane Austen Centre. The focus of this exhibition is Jane Austen’s five years living and socialising in Bath – the places she lived in and visited. We hope you enjoy your visit.

The Jane Austen Centre in Bath at No. 40 Gay Street is a house very similar to No. 25, where Jane Austen lived for a few months following her father’s death. These Georgian town houses in Gay Street were built between 1735 and 1760.

The houses are alike in design, although this house had a large extension added, during the 20th century, which covers the whole of the garden. It is in this space that the permanent exhibition is placed.

Within the exhibition are displayed a number of hand-made reproduction period costumes, which have been created using authentic fabrics, in colours contemporary with the period.

Refresh yourself during and after your visit at our Tea Rooms and enjoy a pot of real leaf tea, some home-made cakes or a delicious light snack.

The Centre Giftshop is a treasure of Jane Austen – related gifts, some specially designed for, exclusive to, the Centre. There is a range of writing paper, pens, post cards and high-quality reproduction cards. We have a comprehensive stock of books about Jane Austen, her life, her family and times.