Hidden Figures

If you want to go to the cinema during the next weeks, Hidden Figures is an excellent choice. Based on the homonym book written by Margot Lee Shetterly, this film tells the story of three Afro-American women who played key roles in the NASA during the 70's. However, discrimination was at hand (not only because of their origin, but also because they were women). During the film, we are aware of the difficult and injust situations Afro-American people had to endure, that is, all the consequences that segregation brought about. It is through work, determination and intelligence that these three figures gained the respect they deserved and they started to break unacceptable social barriers. 

The great thing about this film is that it makes us think and reflect on the consequences of racism and narrow-minded consciousness. No matter who we are or where we come from, because at the end we are capable of doing something great.

Shakespeare forever!

When talking about universality, it quickly comes to our mind Shakespeare. Piles of expressions that are part of our daily speech are linked to this author and his stunning understanding of human passions. How often have you uttered all that glisters is not gold or every cloud has a silver lining? They are truly Shakespearean.

A good way of improving our knowledge regarding this author or the Elizabethan period is having a peep at the following webpage http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/shakespeare in which you can find different videos, quizzes, grammar and vocabulary in context, depending on the Shakespearean work chosen. 

You will be amazed when you discover how prevailing Shakespeare is in our daily speech!

The Chaos Poem

We all know that English pronunciation can be at times difficult and tiring, with so many exceptions to the established rules. For that reason, Gerard Nolst Trinité wrote a poem entitled "The Chaos", containing more than 800 hundred irregularities in English spelling and pronunciation.
In the following video on youtube, you can listen to the poem. Check it out and more important: DON'T PANIC!

The winners of II Microfiction Contest

The English Department has already chosen the best microfiction writers of this year's contest, whose theme seeks to pay homage to Shakespeare on the 400th anniversary of his death:

 "TO READ OR NOT READ, THAT IS THE QUESTION"

FIRST PRIZE: JULIA GRACIA GRASA, 4 C

LIFE

“Hamlet was going back from high school when he came across a worried girl who told him, “ Don’t go to that street, or you will discover your death”, and she ran away.

Hamlet ignored that and he continued his way as far as his feet came across a big book called Life. In his hands the dilemma- To read or not to read, that is the question. “

SECOND PRIZE: RUTH BELTRÁN IGLESIAS, 2 B

"When you open a book, you don't only open a book, you are opening your eyes to a world of fantasy and amazing things.You can live a police story, a fantasy story...and more stories that you can't imagine. When you decide not to open a book, the world inside these books are frozen, cold and you can't enjoy the stories. Now you choose, to read or not to read?

THIRD PRIZE:  VERA CAJAL, 2 º B


She ran across the hill, suddnly a black shadow appeared behind a tree and started a crazy race. When the girl saw him, she shouted with a terrific voice and fell to the grass. The shadow took a knife and..."if you continue reading, there will be bad consequences...to read or not to read...that's the question..."

Cervantes & Shakespeare's 400th Anniversary worksheets

We have studied Shakespeare through several worksheets on his life and literary works, very useful for searching for information and improving reading and writing skills, as well as enlarging our knowledge of one of the greatest writers of all times.

We have also checked out our knowledge of Cervantes and Shakespeare through quizzes on the computer room

Cervantes & Shakespeare Quizzes (1)

Understanding Shakespeare

Watch this interesting video made by the "Shakespeare in Love" staff who give insight into tthe reasons for Shakespeare's literary greatness, universality and his deep understanding of human nature.

If you want to know more about Shakespeare's greatest  plays click on the following link

VIDEOS OF SHAKESPEARE'S GREATEST PLAYS

II Microfiction Contest

                                                     

Write a 60-word micro-narrative (apart from the title) on following topic:

            source: http://www.ablogforyourthoughts.com/wp-rss.php/tag/to-read-or-not-to-read/

                              Deadline: Thursday 21 April 

The jury will be formed by  the English Department’s teachers who will take into account the micro-story's creativity and originality.

There will be three prizes:gold, silver and bronze. The winners will receive a purchase Fnac card  ( as long as there is enough quality in the stories presented ).

All the participants will be given a participation gift.

The best  micro-stories will be published on the department's blog.