C1.2A Class Google Site:
https://sites.google.com/eoipalma.com/c12a/homeC1.2B Class Google Site:
Ready for C1 p 113. A People's History of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Listening
In Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Clarissa Dickson Wright explores the history of breakfast and its best-known ingredients.
What do you know about the English breakfast?
Related story:
What do you know about the English breakfast?
E.g.
hash browns: (plural) a dish of chopped potatoes and onions, fried until they are brown.
hearty: (of a meal or somebody’s appetite) large; making you feel full. E.g. a hearty breakfast. to have a hearty appetite. The men ate a hearty breakfast Sp. los hombres tomaron un copioso desayuno
Listen and fill in the gaps:
Our food traditions are what connects us most directly to the past. We take the rituals of breakfast, lunch and dinner for 1___________ as if they have always been there as we know them. But 2__________ the stories of our three main meals and you discover gastronomic revolutions, technological 3________ and sometimes, 4___________ realities. "5_________, that would cause really bad breath". Food is about more than just 6__________/ __________. The history of our meals is rich and complex and this is what I am 7_________/ ________/ __________/ explore. "Right, 8____________/ ________!
Breakfast is the meal that has the most 9_____________ history. The origins of the ingredients are 10________/ _________/ in our collective past. I have come to the kind of 11______________ where it still takes 12___________/ _________/ __________- the British 13___________. The full English breakfast is the best-known contribution to international 14_________. It is what most of the people think of as the 15_______________ morning meal. However, we can even find people having it in a biker's café on a Friday night. "You can't 16__________ a full English just after a long ride". "You can eat it during the day. Most weekends, we have a 17__________ of some kind". "I was accused by my wife of 18________/ _________/ ________ at one point.
The full English has become so 19___________, that people have it at any time. The story of having bacon and eggs for breakfast is 20___________/___________/ up with the customs of the past. Only after the morning mass could you break your 21_________. Having bacon and eggs has also a religious history although it 22________/ _________ almost by accident because for 23___________ half the days of the year, the church 24______________ people to eat meat.
When you could not eat meat, you would have to face something like for example 25________/ ________ which has been 26___________. "Do you think that 27_____________ would improve the smell?"
Father Tim Gardner is an expert on mediaeval religious 28____________.
"That is fascinating. I never actually thought of the 29_______________ on meat eating as being because meat was actually the product of obvious reproduction"
The most intensive period of 30______________ was 31_________. The traditional thing to do was to eat what you would not be allowed to, like pancakes, and bacon and eggs. "It is not just the butter, milk and eggs that we 32__________/ ___________ on 33______________ Tuesday. The day before used to be known as 34__________ Monday. Therefore everything began with a single day of 35_____________
KEY
hash browns: (plural) a dish of chopped potatoes and onions, fried until they are brown.
hearty: (of a meal or somebody’s appetite) large; making you feel full. E.g. a hearty breakfast. to have a hearty appetite. The men ate a hearty breakfast Sp. los hombres tomaron un copioso desayuno
Listen and fill in the gaps:
Our food traditions are what connects us most directly to the past. We take the rituals of breakfast, lunch and dinner for 1___________ as if they have always been there as we know them. But 2__________ the stories of our three main meals and you discover gastronomic revolutions, technological 3________ and sometimes, 4___________ realities. "5_________, that would cause really bad breath". Food is about more than just 6__________/ __________. The history of our meals is rich and complex and this is what I am 7_________/ ________/ __________/ explore. "Right, 8____________/ ________!
Breakfast is the meal that has the most 9_____________ history. The origins of the ingredients are 10________/ _________/ in our collective past. I have come to the kind of 11______________ where it still takes 12___________/ _________/ __________- the British 13___________. The full English breakfast is the best-known contribution to international 14_________. It is what most of the people think of as the 15_______________ morning meal. However, we can even find people having it in a biker's café on a Friday night. "You can't 16__________ a full English just after a long ride". "You can eat it during the day. Most weekends, we have a 17__________ of some kind". "I was accused by my wife of 18________/ _________/ ________ at one point.
The full English has become so 19___________, that people have it at any time. The story of having bacon and eggs for breakfast is 20___________/___________/ up with the customs of the past. Only after the morning mass could you break your 21_________. Having bacon and eggs has also a religious history although it 22________/ _________ almost by accident because for 23___________ half the days of the year, the church 24______________ people to eat meat.
When you could not eat meat, you would have to face something like for example 25________/ ________ which has been 26___________. "Do you think that 27_____________ would improve the smell?"
Father Tim Gardner is an expert on mediaeval religious 28____________.
"That is fascinating. I never actually thought of the 29_______________ on meat eating as being because meat was actually the product of obvious reproduction"
The most intensive period of 30______________ was 31_________. The traditional thing to do was to eat what you would not be allowed to, like pancakes, and bacon and eggs. "It is not just the butter, milk and eggs that we 32__________/ ___________ on 33______________ Tuesday. The day before used to be known as 34__________ Monday. Therefore everything began with a single day of 35_____________
KEY
1. granted
Take something for granted: to expect something always to happen or exist in a particular way, and to not think about any possible problems or difficulties. E.g. Losing my job taught me never to take anything for granted. Take it for granted (that): You can't take it for granted that they'll behave themselves.
2. unpick:
1. undo the sewing of. E.g. I unpicked the seams of his trousers. 2. Carefully analyse the different elements of (something). E.g. Elisabeth did not want to unpick the past.
3. leaps
(leap: a long or high jump. E.g. a leap of six metres. (Figurative) Few people successfully make the leap from television to the movies.
4. gruesome:
/ˈɡruːsəm/ very unpleasant and filling you with horror, usually because it is connected with death or injury. Sp. repelente, horripilante, espantoso. E.g. a gruesome murder. Gruesome pictures of dead bodies (humorous) We spent a week in a gruesome apartment in Miami.
dingy:
/ˈdɪndʒi/ dark and dirty. E.g. a dingy room/hotel. dingy curtains/clothes.
seedy:
dirty and unpleasant, possibly connected with immoral or illegal activities. E.g. a seedy bar. the seedy world of prostitution. A seedy dive.
dive:
a bar, music club, etc. that is cheap, and perhaps dark or dirty. E.g. The band played in every smoky dive in town.
5. Decay:
/dɪˈkeɪ/ the process or result of being destroyed by natural causes or by not being cared for. Sp. descomposición. E.g. tooth decay (Sp. caries). The landlord had let the building fall into decay. The smell of death and decay hung over the town. The decay of the wood will spread if it is not removed.
6. filling up
(fill up (with something)/ fill something up (with something) to become completely full; to make something completely full. E.g. The ditches (channel at the side of a road) had filled up with mud. To fill up the tank with oil.
7. setting out to
(set out: to begin a job, task, etc. with a particular aim or goal. E.g. She set out to break the world record. They succeeded in what they set out to do.)
8. Dig in
(dig in (informal) used to tell somebody to start to eat. Sp. al ataque. E.g. Help yourselves, everybody! Dig in!)
tuck in / tuck into something
(British English, informal) to eat a lot of food, especially when it is done quickly and with enthusiasm. E.g. Come on, tuck in everyone! He was tucking into a huge plateful of pasta.
9. mysterious
10. buried deep
bury: /ˈberi/
11. establishment
(/ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/ an organization, a large institution, a business or a hotel. E.g. an educational establishment. A research establishment. The hotel is a comfortable and well-run establishment. There are many eating establishments nearby.)
12. pride of place
(take/have/give pride of place: in the place that is most central or important. Sp. en el puesto de honor. E.g. The photo was given pride of place on the mantelpiece. The certificate has pride of place on my wall. Pride of place in her collection goes to the gold medal she won at the 1996 Olympics)
13. caff
(/kæf/ a café serving simple, basic food. E.g. a transport caff)
14. cuisine (/kwɪˈziːn/ a style or method of cooking. E.g. we spent the evening sampling the local cuisine)
15. quintessential
(/ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/ representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. Sp. por excelencia, por antonomasia. E.g. he was the quintessential tough guy—strong, silent, and self-contained)
16. beat
17. fry-up
(a meal of fried food, such as bacon and eggs. E.g. It's not good for your heart to eat too many fry-ups.)
18. living on them
(live on something (often disapproving) to eat only or a lot of a particular type of food. E.g. She lives on burgers.
19. iconic
/aɪˈkɒnɪk/ acting as a sign or symbol of something. E.g. His photographs have become iconic images of war.
20. intricately bound
Intricately: /ˈɪntrɪkətli/ very complicated or detailed.
Bound up with something closely connected with something. E.g. From that moment my life became inextricably (impossible to separate) bound up with hers.
21. fast
(a period during which you do not eat food, especially for religious or health reasons. E.g. to go on a fast. To break (= end) your fast.
22. came about
(come about to happen. E.g. Can you tell me how the accident came about?)
23. roughly
(/ˈrʌfli/ approximately but not exactly)
24. forbade
/fə ˈbæd / /fəˈbeɪd/ (forbid, forbade, forbidden)
25. salt fish
(fish that has been preserved in salt)
26. soaked
/səʊkt/ (soak to put something in liquid for a time so that it becomes completely wet. E.g. I usually soak the beans overnight.)
27. grace
( a short prayer that is usually said before a meal to thank God for the food. Let's say grace.)
28. strictures
(stricture /ˈstrɪktʃə(r)/ a rule or situation that restricts your behaviour. Restriction. E.g. strictures against civil servants expressing political opinions. The strictures imposed by the British Board of Film Censors)
29. constrictions
/kənˈstrɪkʃn/ (limitations, restrictions)
30. abstinence
31. Lent
32. use up
(use something up: to use all of something so that there is none left. E.g. Making soup is a good way of using up leftover vegetables.)
33. Shrove
/ˌʃrəʊv/ (Shrove Tuesday the day before the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras /ˌmɑːdi ˈɡrɑː/. Pancake Day)
Shrove Tuesday
Origin: (c. 1500) is from practice of celebration and merrymaking before going to confession at the beginning of Lent. Related to shrive:
shrive: (shrive, shrove/shrived, shriven/shrived)(of a priest) hear the confession of, assign penance to, and absolve.E.g. ‘none of the priests knew English or French enough to shrive the king’
34. Collop
/ˈkɒləp/ a slice of meat E.g. three collops of bacon.
rasher:
a thin slice of bacon (= meat from the back or sides of a pig). E.g. a fried egg and two rashers of bacon. a thick rasher of bacon.
35. indulgence
/ɪnˈdʌldʒəns/ the state or act of having or doing whatever you want; the state of allowing somebody to have or do whatever they want. E.g. to lead a life of indulgence. Avoid excessive indulgence in sweets and canned drinks. The menu offers a temptation to over-indulgence. There is no limit to the indulgence he shows to his grandchildren.
Ready for C1 p 34. Fancy a Down-to-Earth Holiday? Writing an Article. Verb Form Gap Fill
Read the following text and fill in the gaps with the verb that best fits each space using the correct verb form of the verbs below. There are TWO extra verbs you will not need. The activity begins with an example (0).
Verbs: picture, stumble across, work, always/fascinate, kowtow, give, curb, find, nod, tell, swap, finally/allow, clearly/wait, dig.
Task instructions: You have been asked to write an article describing your experience of an unusual type of holiday for a students’ magazine.
Fancy a Down-to-Earth Holiday?
Are you tired of doing the same thing every summer? (0) Picture this: you're sprawled on a beach towel, bored out of your mind, watching other tourists do exactly what you're doing – absolutely nothing. Sound familiar? If you (1) your head right now, it might be time to trade that sun lounger for something more memorable.
I (2) by history, but let's be honest – reading about ancient civilisations in dusty textbooks isn't exactly thrilling. So when I (3) an advertisement for an archaeology training holiday, I was intrigued. A week of hands-on historical detective work? Sign me up! My friends thought I'd lost my mind. "You're paying to dig holes in the dirt?" one asked. "You could do that in your garden for free!"
Our group was wonderfully eclectic. Eight of us gathered that first morning: a retired school teacher who (4) for years for this adventure, two enthusiastic American college students armed with expensive cameras (naturally), an out-of-work actor who (5) us dramatic readings of historical texts at every opportunity – including at breakfast – and a few others who, like me, were simply curious. We stayed in a converted farmhouse where the accommodation was refreshingly simple but comfortable, and the home-cooked meals were absolutely delicious. Proper food, not the usual holiday fare that makes you wonder which century it's from (though given our location, that might have been appropriate).
After some basic training in archaeological techniques – learning the difference between a significant find and a rock was harder than you'd think, and I'm still not entirely convinced about some of my "discoveries" – we (6) to join a real dig at a nearby archaeological site. Imagine carefully brushing away centuries of soil with what looks like a toothbrush, never quite knowing what might emerge. The tension, the concentration, the sheer excitement of it all! Also, the backache. Nobody mentions the backache.
Then it happened. As I (7) methodically through my assigned section, convinced I (8) nothing but more dirt, my trowel struck something hard. My heart raced as I gently uncovered a tiny fragment of pottery, its surface surprisingly smooth despite the passage of time. When our instructor examined it later that day, she confirmed it was Roman. "Beginner's luck!" she announced with a grin. Meanwhile, the retired teacher who (9) for three days had found precisely one modern bottle cap. I tried not to look too smug.
Would I recommend an educational holiday? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already planning my next one – mediaeval castle restoration, anyone? Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with traditional beach holidays if that's your thing. But personally, I can't think of anything more rewarding than learning a new skill, meeting fascinating people, and coming home with stories that are actually worth (10) at dinner parties.
Oh, and I still got a sun tan – just with considerably more dirt under my fingernails and a newfound appreciation for professional archaeologists who do this every day without complaining. So, what would your life be like if you (11) predictable for unforgettable this summer?
KEY
1. 're nodding
2. 've always been fascinated
3. stumbled across
4. 'd clearly been waiting
5. gave
6. were finally allowed
7. was working
8. 'd find
9. 'd been digging
10. telling
11. swapped
Extra verbs:
To Curb: To check or keep in check; to restrain. Sp. frenar, restringir.
"The government introduced new laws to curb inflation."
To Kowtow: To act in an excessively subservient manner.
“I refuse to kowtow to the demands of a bully.”
Ready for C1 p 34. How to Write an Article
What Is an Article?
An article is a piece of writing designed to inform, entertain, or persuade readers. It typically uses one or more of the following approaches:
- Discussion – exploring different viewpoints on a topic
- Description – painting a vivid picture of a subject
- Narrative – telling a story or recounting events
The most successful articles combine accurate information with engaging content that captures and holds the reader's attention.
Key Principles
Know Your Audience
Consider who you're writing for. Think about:
- Their age group and likely knowledge level
- What would interest them about this topic
- How to make the subject accessible and engaging
Create a Strong Title
Your headline should accomplish two goals:
- Clearly indicate the article's focus
- Spark curiosity and interest
Effective headline techniques:
- Dramatic words or phrases: "Freezing!"
- Story summaries: "My Lone Walk to the North Pole" or "Rescue from the Rapids"
- Questions: "What's the Big Idea?" or "Just a Normal Day?"
- Surprising facts: "Seven Banks a Day Are Robbed in LA"
Structure Your Article
Opening Paragraph
Hook your reader immediately by:
- Posing a rhetorical question they'll want answered
- Sharing a compelling example
- Presenting an intriguing statement
Body Paragraphs
- Divide content into clear, focused paragraphs
- Each paragraph should develop one main idea
- Use transitions to guide readers through your argument
Conclusion
End with impact:
- An overall comment that ties everything together
- A thought-provoking concluding remark
- A call to action or reflection
Engaging Your Reader
Direct Address
Connect with readers by speaking to them directly:
- "Did you know…?"
- "What would you do if…?"
- "Have you ever…?"
- "Are you one of those people who…?"
- "Isn't it amazing/extraordinary/incredible how/that…?"
Use Imperatives
Create immediacy and involvement:
- "Let me tell you about…"
- "Make an effort to…"
- "Imagine if/what…"
- "Reach out to…"
Personal Touch
Share your perspective to build connection:
- "Personally, I can't imagine anything worse!"
- Use first-person anecdotes when appropriate
Specific Examples and Quotations
Add credibility and interest:
- "As Mrs. X explained…"
- "According to recent research…"
Appropriate Tone
For light-hearted topics, don't be afraid to use humour. Match your tone to both your subject matter and your audience.
When are contractions appropriate?
The "Article" task in C1 exams usually asks you to write for a specific publication, such as a student magazine, a local newsletter, or an online blog.
1. Informal or Neutral Articles
If the prompt implies a personal, engaging, or conversational tone (e.g., "Write an article for a travel blog about your favorite city"), contractions are perfectly appropriate.
Why: They make your writing sound natural and help you "connect" with the reader.
Example: "You'll find that the locals are incredibly welcoming, even if you don't speak the language."
2. Formal or Academic Articles
If the article is for a serious publication, like a professional journal or a high-end newspaper (e.g., "Write an article for a national newspaper discussing the impacts of urban sprawl"), you should avoid contractions.
Why: Formal English requires full verb forms to maintain an objective, authoritative tone.
Example: "It is often argued that city planners do not take environmental factors into account."
Useful Language for Articles
Sequencing Events
- Beginning: At first / To start with / In the beginning
- Continuing: Then / Next / After that / The next thing that happened was
- Time passing: Seconds/Minutes later / Later on / Some time later / After some time
- Concluding: Finally / In the end / At last
Describing Simultaneous Events
- Meanwhile / In the meantime
- While all this was going on
- During all this time
Sudden or Unexpected Events
- Suddenly / All of a sudden / All at once
- Out of the blue / Without any warning
- Just when I was least expecting it
- The next thing I knew was
Rapid Events
- As quick as a flash
- In the wink of an eye
- In a matter of seconds/minutes
- In no time at all
Reflection
- In retrospect
- When I think back to what happened then
- It wasn't until much later that
Final Checklist
Before submitting your article, ensure you have:
- ✓ An attention-grabbing title
- ✓ A compelling opening paragraph
- ✓ Clear paragraph divisions
- ✓ Engaged your reader directly
- ✓ Used specific examples where appropriate
- ✓ Maintained an appropriate tone for your audience
- ✓ Ended with a memorable conclusion
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