Hello and welcome to my personal page of our shared KGUCambridge 2020 Word Press Blog. I’ll be using this to introduce you to some interesting, engaging and fun content! I’d also like to share some aspects of life in the North of England that I think you will enjoy.
My Daily Journal.
26/04/2021
Today brings the academic week to an end and I’m feeling inspired by some thoughtful discussion in our Friday Forum sessions about the soul, life, and lying! I’m looking forward to beginning next week feeling fresh after some time in nature, with some new ideas lessons to present to our wonderful students.
What has been making me laugh recently?
I have found a brilliant Instagram account called ‘Very British problems:
https://www.instagram.com/verybritishproblemsofficial/
The creator of this ingenious account, Rob Temple, highlights the slightly awkward and indirect aspects of English culture and conversation, as well as our habits of talking about the weather constantly, British pessimism and our famous love for tea!
I find it very funny.
Have a look! You’ll pick up some brilliant British colloquial phrases.
Where have I visited in my free time?
The UK is full of beautiful scenery, I live in a county called Derbyshire and I am always out in the hills hiking, cycling or climbing.
Last weekend I decided to visit the Yorkshire Dales – which is a little further north, the geology in the UK is very diverse (Geology rocks!) so you can travel across the country and experience lots of different scenery.
Here are some pictures from Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.
03/05/2021
What would I recommend to you to help you improve your English?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/persian/features/6-minute-english
If you’re not already listening to a BBC 6 minute English episode every day it’s time to start! They are short and sweet.
There are loads to choose from about many different topics. You can also read some of the transcript while you listen.
What have I been watching?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_XVt5rdpFY&t=317s
Ted Talks are a brilliant way of finding information from experts and great communicators. I watch them regularly.
Here, Lýdia Machová tells us how people learn not just one, but many additional languages!
(I’ll let you in on the secret – do things the things you enjoy!)
Watch this at a slower speed with subtitles to help you. It’s really very good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biIRlcQqmOc
I find Ruth Bader Ginsburg incredibly inspiring. I think it’s sad we do not always appreciate people’s contribution to the world until after their death – but never the less, I’ve really enjoyed learning more about her life and the legacy she has left, especially for women. I’d recommend ANYONE watch this, it’s interesting, inspiring and funny.
07/05/2021
What am I reading?
I subscribe to the national geographic magazine, the articles and photography are fantastic!
I’m currently catching up with the August 2020 issue.
I’m also in the middle of reading ‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote. A very interesting Non Fiction book written in a Fiction style!
I love to read, I’d encourage you to read every day – novels, the news, magazines, blogs – everything! It really will improve so many aspects of your English language skills.
What am I listening to?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbj1eKQHfvQ
Today I’m listening to Flyte, an Alternative band from London while I work from home in my garden.
07/05/2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3wrJRlI8m4
One of my favourite bands, Zero7 have released a new record called ‘outlines’ – a perfect Friday night listen.
Enjoy!
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/podcasts/overheard/season-1/episode-7-the-mercury-13-women-astronauts/1
This podcast was a frustrating but inspiring listen. It highlights the plight and struggle of women who wanted to become astronauts at NASA. It’s incredible how hard they had to work and fight to be allowed to take up space in this arena. Have a listen! I’d love to know what British music or podcasts you are enjoying at the moment!
Leave a comment below. 🙂
KGU Cambridge 2023 