Who are you? / Presentation for Learn and Lead at the Bridge 2016

Here's a presentation I've done for the very interesting and intensive teacher training course Learn and Lead 2016 at the Bridge School in Bratislava, led by trainers from Harmony School in Trnava.

Reporting verbs

http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/grammar-vocabulary/grammar-videos/reported-speech
question tag reporting verb subject verb

How old are you?
She asked me how old I was(am).
Where have you worked before?
They asked me where I'd worked before.
Do you like working in a team?
They wanted to know if I liked working in a team
What are your positive and negative qualities?
They asked what my positive and negative qualities were.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
She asked me where I saw myself in 5yrs.
What did you do before?
He wanted to know what I had done before.
What were your previous responsibilities?
They asked what my previous responsibilities had been?
Can you work under pressure?
She asked me if I could work under pressure?ň
"Why do you want the job?"
They asked me why I wanted the job
"Do you have any experience?"
They asked me if I had any experience
"Can you do word processing?"
They wanted to know if I could do word processing.
"What are you doing at the moment?"
They asked me what I was doing at the moment.
"How much are you earning?"
They asked me how much I was earning
"Where have you worked/did you work before?"
They asked where I'd worked before.
"Do you like working in a team?"
They asked me if I liked working in a team
"When can you start?
They wanted to know when I could start.

reporting verbs
"Can you help me?" 
 She asked me to help her.
"Don't forget to post the letter"
He reminded her to post the letter.
"I really will work hard for my exams"
She promised to work hard for her exams.
"Come to my party"
He invited me to his party
"You really must go traveling - you'd love it"
She encouraged me to go traveling.
"I will give you a lift"
He offered me a lift. He offered to give me a lift.
"Apply for it! You'd be good at it!"
He persuaded me to apply for the job.
"I've been very busy"
She explained she had been very busy.

Reported speech

She says: "I am a student."

She says she is a student. {práve hovorí, že je študentka}

v

She said: "I am a student"

She said she was a student. {povedala, že je študentka}

v.

She said: "I was a student"

She said she had been a student. {povedala, že bola študentkou}

She asked me "What are you doing in London?"

She asked me what I was doing in London.

v.

She asks me "What are you doing in London?"

She asks me what I am doing in London.

She told me: "I have arrived on Monday."

She told me she'd (had) arrived on Monday.

v

She tells me  "I have arrived on Monday."

She tells me she has arrived on Monday.

"We can't understand it!"

Mrs Neal, 36, said that they couldn't understand it.

"I have been on the net,but I didn't buy anything!"

She explained that she had been on the net the day before, but she hadn't bought anything.

"I'm so happy! You will soon get a big surprise!"

Jack kept telling us that he was so happy and we would soon get a big surprise.

"He's joking!"

Mrs Neal, from Sleaford thought Jack was joking. 

"I'm pretty sure he knows the password!"

He often used the computer and she was pretty sure that he knew her password. 

"There has been a mistake!"

Her husband, John, 37, phoned the seller of the car, and explained that there had been a mistake.

"I'll advertise the car again!"

Fortunately he saw the funny side and said he would advertise again.

"You've got more careful, son"

"Do you think you could change your password, dear?"

Mr Neal has told  Jack to be more careful and he has asked his wife to change her password.

"He usually plays computer games."

She told me he usually played computer games.

"I (have) bought the computer for my work."

His father explains he (has) bought the computer.

His father explained he had bought the computer .

"I won't use eBay any more" Mrs Neal decided. 

Mrs Neal decided (that) she wouldn't use eBay any more.

"I don't know how it happened" Said Jack.

Jack said he didn't know how it had happened.

"I've always liked computers"

He told reporters (that) he had always liked computers.

"Please tidy your room." 

His mother asked Jack to tidy his room.

"Go and play football" 

His father told him to go and play football.

Restaurant tips in Bratislava

There’s a really nice place...

...just around the corner/five minutes from here/down the road

Steak house, Bratislava reviews

Casa Inka, Peruvian restaurant

There’s a pretty good place..

...which specializes in:

Steaks - El Goucho

...which does an excellent:

kosher food -  Zámocká

Vietnamese - papaya street food Bratislava

Ethiopian food -

Indian food - , Krishna, Bratislava  

...which you might like:

Fenix Music bar

There’s  a great place where...

...you can get fresh..

...they know me: U deda Bratislava, School cantene

...I go a lot: Café Verne restaurant Bratislava,

There’s a brand new place with..

...an excellent view of the city: UFO restaurant, Sky bar bratislava

...a superb menu:

...very pleasant atmosphere: U twaina, Karloveské rameno

0-1-2-3 Conditionals

ITTT (If this then that)

0(Zero) Conditional - general statements
When/If (pres simple) you're a teenager, you (pres simple) don't have enough money.
When/If you need information, you ask for it.
If you're ill, you go to the doctor.

1st (First) Conditional - possibility in present / near future
When/If (pres simple) I'm a teenager, I (simple fuuture-will) won't have enough money.
When/If you need information, you will ask for it.
If I you're ill, you'll go to the doctor. 

2nd (Second) - improbable present/future
If I (past simple)was a teenager, I (modal: would/could/might+verb) wouldn't have enough money.
If you needed information, you'd (would/could) ask for it.
If you were ill, you'd go to the doctor.

3rd (Third) Impossible condition for the past
If I (past perf) had been a teenager, I (would+pres perf ) wouldn't have had enough money.
If I had needed information, I would have asked.
If you had been ill, you'd have gone to the doctor.

WHAT WOULD  YOU DO? /practice/
If I needed help with my studies...
...I would ask for it.
Things in my country would have been different if I would have become the president.
1stIf a friend finds a diamond ring and keeps it, I'll report him/it to the police.
2nd If a friend found a diamond ring and kept it,
I would report it to the police.
3rd If a friend had found a diamond ring and had kept it, I would have reported it to the police.
(3rd)I would have travelled more in my past if I had been richer.
(2nd) If I could invent/invented something new, I would win a Nobel prize. 
(1st) If my manager gives me a promotion, I'll be happy.
(2nd) If my manager gave me a  promotion, I would be happy.
(3rd) If my manager had given me a promotion,
I would have been happy.
(3rd) If I hadn't come to class today, I wouldn't have learned this.
(2nd) If I didn't come to class tomorrow, I wouldn't know the 2nd conditional.
(2nd)If I spoke perfect English, I would work in an English speaking country.
(1st) If I speak perfect English, I'll work in an English speaking country.
(2nd) If my neighbour dented another person's car, I wouldn't tell that person.
(3rd) If my neighbour had dented another another person's car, I wouldn't have told that person.
(1st) I might move to another country if I want to start a family.
(2nd) I might move to another country if I wanted to start a family. 
(2nd) I think I'd be very happy if I got married./ If I got married, I'd be very happy.

Informal v. formal letters

Dear Georgie and Colum,
(First of all, let me say) thanks for your invitation/got your invite today,
I'd love to come and celebrate the big day with you / It'll be nice to be with you at/on this special occasion.
I have some questions for you, if you don't mind /  But my question is:
Can I bring Richard with me? / Will it be a problem, if Richard comes with me? / Is it okay to bring Richard with me?
Also, I don't understand if we're invited to the official wedding ceremony or just the reception / Also it is not clear, id we're invited.. 
At last, I'd like to know if it's possible to park at the restaurant../We're going by car, which reminds me - Is there any parking at the restaurant?
Thank you for your invitation
If you need some help, feel free to call us
I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon
Thanks in advance for your response
Lots of love, / Good luck!

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to your advertisement which I have seen in a magazine../to your brochure.
I would like to ask some questions regarding/about the language school:
Could you clarify what kind of trips are included / what is the destination of the trips?
I would also like to know how many students there are in one group, as I prefer smaller groups..I would like to know exactly how small the groups are.
Is there also a chance to stay with a host family?
Lastly,  I would like to know the exact number of school hours a day.
I would appreciate if you would let me know/reply me as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for helping me to decide for your school.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
All the  best,/With kind regards/Best regards,
XXXX

Environment ideas

Martina: Vote green!

Dunajská Lužná-such a beautiful little village with a big heart and full of helpful people. Dunajská Lužná is a village located in the suburb of Bratislava. This village was established on January 1, 1974. Now, the area of this little village is 26,95 km² with 6000 residents. 

As we all know, this location has become very famous for its short distance from Bratislava and very calm countryside. And that is what we can say is a stumbling block. Because of many people are moving here, the infrastructure is collapsing and the pollution is growing dramatically. Traffic jams are everyday routines. The nature is being destroyed by new construction works because of building. Green areas are shrinking, many streets are covered by rubbish and nobody cares because the only thing what people want is living a calm life. 

My question is: what now? How long are we supposed to live this way? We need to save some green areas for our children and grandchildren. We are an organisation called: GREEN HELPERS and our motto is: VOTE GREEN!

Our campaign includes:

1.) Every Saturday we are doing voluntary works such as picking up the rubbish.
2.) Tree planting
3.) Lecturing in the schools about how important saving our earth is.
4.) We are organising markets with organic food.
5.) We collect old clothes and shoes every second Saturday in the month for free.

Feel free to join us and make our lives better! And try to use public transport more often to decrease exhaust gases! 

VOTE GREEN!

Danka: DEAR NEIGHBOURS,

In the last few years, our neighborhood has dramatically changed due to a big redevelopment in our town. All green spaces have disappeared and they were replaced with a grey infrastructure such as the roads, power lines and so on other things. Also, the factory fabric in our town produces a lot of waste which pollutes our air, soil and underground water.

THIS MUST CHANGE 
NOW IT IS TIME TO ACCELERATE THE EFFORT TO IMPROVE OUR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 

Everyone can lend a helping hand. Here are some small, easy and green choices we can make in our homes:

- just plant out over dull grey walls, designing your garden or your balcony
- recycle bottles, cans, glass and paper
- collect rainwater and use it to water your houseplants and garden
- create a monthly swap – arrange a once a month swap event with your friends and neighbors to exchange anything you are ready to part with, it can help to divert countless amount of waste from landfills
- plant more flowers around your house
- remove weeds – leaving weeds to grow will negatively affect our town
- pick up items lying on the ground outdoors

These are just some of the simple things that can make our neighborhood more green and healthy

LETS GO TO CREATE A PLACE WHERE ALL OF US WOULD WANT TO LIVE AND WORK

Danka: DEAR NEIGHBOURS, 

 In the last few years, our neighbourhood has dramatically changed due to a big redevelopment in our town. All green spaces have disappeared and they were replaced with a grey infrastructure such as the roads, power lines and so on other things. Also, the factory fabric in our town produces a lot of waste which pollutes our air, soil and underground water. 

 THIS MUST CHANGE  

NOW IT IS TIME TO ACCELERATE THE EFFORT TO IMPROVE OUR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE  

 Everyone can lend a helping hand. Here are some small, easy and green choices we can make in our homes: 

 - just plant out over dull grey walls, designing your garden or your balcony 

- recycle bottles, cans, glass and paper 

- collect rainwater and use it to water your houseplants and garden 

- create a monthly swap – arrange a once a month swap event with your friends and neighbors to exchange anything you are ready to part with, it can help to divert countless amount of waste from landfills 

- plant more flowers around your house 

- remove weeds – leaving weeds to grow will negatively affect our town 

- pick up items lying on the ground outdoors 

 These are just some of the simple things that can make our neighborhood more green and healthy 

 LETS GO TO CREATE A PLACE WHERE ALL OF US WOULD WANT TO LIVE AND WORK 

Monika's Environment Info Sheet

Dear neighbours, 

We are living in this environment together and is really important and needful to take care of it. It will be difficult and probably it will take a long time, but it is our obligation, because everybody wants a healthy and ecological living. I have decided to find some  for all of us.  

So, I made a list of some tips how to create a green neighbourhood: 

1. Use adapted and native plants 

The first and one of the best things you can do for your environment is using native trees or plants to landscape your surroundings. These enchanting „things“ are making a life, every day. Without them,  living is impossible. So, plant more and more trees and other plants, and take care of them.  

2. Take the Wheel 

Most of us are using the car every day. So, car „sharing“ with neighbours makes ecological and economical sense. It is really convenient, and also useful for our planet, because you reduce car pollution.  

3. Other variants of traveling 

Instead of cars, many people use their motorbikes a lot, so the best way how to save some money and how to help our planet is using bicycles or walking. Both are perfect for your health and body condition.  

4. Create a recycling and composting station  Most cities will now pick up and process recyclable material, and several will also pick up compostable food material and yard waste. Make sure to have bins for trash and recycling in every room, not just the kitchen! A lot of recyclable material is thrown away in home offices and bathrooms because the recycling bin is too far away. So, make some “ compost station“  which is also beneficial for your garden. Also nd instead of this, your own products from garden will be healthier. 

5. Collect rainwater to water your plants 

Rainwater collection barrels can be part of the solution, especially in drier, drought-prone climates. But, on the other hand, it is great for your gardens, and most homeowners use this rainwater in their households, especially for splashing the toilets. So, it also the way, how to save some money.  

6. Install solar panels 

Solar panels are an excellent way to make your home more greener, and also it is the way, reducing the electricity bill. In this way, you are producing your own energy, it is excellent

 

Daniela's Information sheet for neighbours 

Let´s face it – our environmental situation isn´t very good because of many reasons.  We are experiencing air pollution, we don´t have that many recycling bins and also there´s less green areas because of increasing numbers of newly built buildings. Maybe we cannot do anything with some of them, but we should really try to do what we can and maybe my advices would help you with it. Together, we can make our small city cleaner place to live in.  

• Paper and another kinds of waste(empty bottles,...) 

Nowadays, we can see many advertisement leaflets just floating by streets, or lying on the ground all around the city. This is despite the fact that we have paper containers. And it´s not just leaflets, but also many other kinds of used paper or just thrown - away paper together with other wastes. 

My advice on this matter: the most important thing is to recycle. We shouldn´t be lazy about it! Don´t just casually throw away an empty bottle somewhere in the park when you actually can throw it to the recycle bin. Don´t tell me they´re not there, when they are! Also try to reduce and reuse, if possible. 

• Electricity 

Now we have another problem here. The main issues I spotted and are repeatedly happening in families are: forgetting to turn off the lights in some rooms when leaving home, leaving their computers switched on, televisions and other equipments are left on stand-by, leaving their windows open when the heating is on while no one is home. 

My advice: always close the windows when you´re leaving home and your heating is on, turn off all the lights when leaving home. Turn off your computer after you´re done using it and you´re going to sleep. Also, turn off your TV and all the other equipment, because they´re just uselessly eating up the electric energy while you´re sleeping. 

• Travelling 

The air pollution also isn´t a small issue to be overlooked. In these days, everyone is using cars to transport to places. But the problem is that they´re using cars even here in our small city so often, where everything is just around the corner!  

My advice:  Why do you need a car to go  visit your friend who´s living just a few streets away? Why don´t you go by bicycle? Or even better, why don´t you walk there? Not just you won´t pollute the air, but you would also take a healthy nice walk! Why make the unnecessary journeys? And why don´t you take your mum with you if she´s going the same direction?  

Jarmila's  Info Sheet Environment 

Dear fellow citizens! 

We live together in our nice Petržalka - the biggest settlement in middle Europe. Here we are raising our children, keeping our pets, shopping and also working. However, having more people means more problems. How can we deal with some everyday issues? What can we do for „greener“ and better living? Here are some solutions for issues.  

1. A lot of waste on ground 

We have a lack of bins and this is the reason, why trash and rubbish dumps are everywhere. Every bus stop, park, outdoor furniture or paper shop needs a rubbish bin, because people are throwing away bills, covers from food, bottles...everything on the ground. And then, wind blows it everywhere. 

2. Too many cars - less place for everything else 

Around every prefab, there is a place for cars. Imagine that block of flats are side by side. You need really a lot of much spaces. Because of cars we have less playgrounds, trees and grass. To help with this there Very helpful should be underground car parks with several floors. And suddenly, you would have much more place! 

3. Air pollution 

This is not only a local problem, but also of the whole country. Of course, in cities this problem is bigger. We can talk about cars again. A lot of cars are producing smog which causes diseases. The solution is using less cars and travel by public transport or sharing car with more people. 

4. Lack of places for sporting and relaxing 

Because of many buildings there are not much areas. For example - cycling paths, running paths or parks, where you can only sit and relax. It would be better when more trees were will be planted throughout the prefabs and will make from in this area making little parks. 

5. Ignorance of the importance of plants and trees 

It is very important is to educate children from childhood how necessary nature is. Why are trees, plants and grass so needful and why is important the peaceful feeling, when you look out from window and see green places. And also, plants absorbing fumes and harmful substances and making air much cleaner for us.