PRONUNCIATION of -ed

I hope this explanation helps you clarify this point:

• when the verb ends in a VOICELESS sound (/p/, /k/, /s/...) we pronounce it /t/ (also voiceless)
• when the verb ends in a VOICED sound (/b/, /d/, /g/, /n/, /i/...) we pronounce it /d/ (also voiced)
• when the verb ends in  /t/ or  /d/ we pronounce it  /id/ 

To see which consonants are voiced or voiceless (unvoiced) go here and here. Click and listen. Then watch this video.

Listen to some examples here. You can also have a look at this explanation in our NB2 blog here.
For a good laugh, watch the video in this post (as promised... The Italian who went to Malta). Don't miss it! It's really worth it!

THE NEWS TODAY

If you want to watch the news to know what the world thinks of today's general strike... watch these two videos. Then you can do the comprehension questions below. The answers... you'll get them by e-mail. Good luck!

The BBC talks of austerity measures.
1) How many unemployed are there, according to the video?
2) How long was Jose working for the same company?
3) Why have many ambitious projects stopped?
4) Which 3 consequences of austerity do they mention?
5) Does José agree with the timing of this strike?

In Youtube you can find this headline: "Spain austeriry package fuels anger"

6) How much will the government save with these measures?
7) How much more unemployment is there in Spain, if we compare it with the rest of Europe?
8) How much less will the Spanish Prime Minister get at the end of the month?

REVISION

Hello again!

As you know, we're revising some grammar points from last year, I hope this post helps you with them.

1- UNREAL CONDITIONALS IN THE PAST (3rd conditional)
This video explains them and can help you understand them "in context".

For some exercises, click here and here.
2- PHRASAL VERBS: here and here. You can also do this crossword.
3- QUESTION TAGS: exercises here and here.

4- INDIRECT QUESTIONS: an explanation can be found here. For exercises go here and here.
In case you need further practice for WHICH/WHAT, go here. And if you would like to do some reading on TV, click here.

Welcome!

Hello everybody and welcome to a new year!
During the first days (and while I give you some time to get your new books) we'll revise a little and do some stuff you couldn't finish last year. One of the things we'll work with is this video; although in class we'll just deal with the first part, you're welcome to watch it all.

Do you know of any other names whose meaning is unfortunate? Please leave a comment, it'll be more fun!
See you in class!