C1.2A Class Google Site:
https://sites.google.com/eoipalma.com/c12a/homeC1.2B Class Google Site:
Ready for C1 p 86. How Education Is Changing in the Modern World. Speaking Interaction
Alex:
Hi Maya, did you see that article about how education needs to change in the 21st century?
Maya:
Yes, I did! It really got me thinking. Honestly, I completely agree with the point about critical thinking. Learning by heart just isn’t enough anymore.
Alex:
Absolutely. It’s shocking how many schools still rely on rote learning. I mean, when was the last time knowing a list of dates really helped in real life?
Maya:
Exactly! It’s far more useful to teach students how to evaluate information and think independently. Especially with all the fake news and misinformation online.
Alex:
Totally. And speaking of that, I also think digital literacy should be a core part of the curriculum. It's quite surprising that it isn’t already in most schools.
Maya:
Isn’t it just? You’d think it would be standard by now. But I suppose some schools still lack the funding. Still, we can’t afford to ignore technology in education any longer.
Alex:
True. On the other hand, I do wonder if we’re relying too heavily on technology. I mean, don’t you think there’s still something valuable about face-to-face learning?
Maya:
That’s a fair point. Online learning has its benefits, but it can’t replace the human interaction you get in a classroom. There needs to be a balance.
Alex:
Exactly. And what’s your take on the idea of lifelong learning?
Maya:
I’m totally in favour of it. In fact, I’d say it’s essential. With everything changing so quickly, we really have to keep picking up new skills throughout our lives.
Alex:
I couldn’t agree more. Honestly, the idea that you stop learning when you graduate just doesn’t hold water anymore.
Maya:
Yeah, and it takes a lot of pressure off young people if they realise they don’t have to have everything sorted out by 18 or 21.
Alex:
That’s so true. It’s actually quite reassuring.
Maya:
Definitely. And it also encourages people to take ownership of their own development, which I think is really empowering.
Alex:
Totally agree. So, overall, do you reckon the education system is heading in the right direction?
Maya:
Well, there’s progress in some areas, but I think there’s still a long way to go. What do you think?
Alex:
Yeah, I’d say the same. Some schools are moving forward, but others are stuck in the past. Hopefully, more systems will start to adapt soon.
Maya:
Fingers crossed. If we want to prepare students for the future, the education system has to evolve, no doubt about it.
Ready for C1 p 86. The Evolving Role of Education in the 21st Century. Essay
Education plays a vital role in both personal growth and society as a whole. However, as the world continues to evolve rapidly, education systems must adapt to meet new demands. In this essay, I will explore how education should promote critical thinking, encourage lifelong learning, and embrace technological advances to remain relevant in the 21st century.
Traditionally, schools focused on memorising facts and repeating information. Although this approach had some benefits, it is no longer suitable in today’s fast-changing world. Students now need to develop the ability to think independently, solve real-life problems, and assess information from different sources. Rather than simply taking in knowledge, learners must be taught how to question and apply it. If schools fail to nurture these skills, young people may struggle to succeed in modern society.
Another key development is the growing importance of lifelong learning. These days, people rarely stay in the same job for life, and new skills are needed more often than ever. For this reason, education should encourage students to become independent learners who are keen to continue learning outside of school. Furthermore, employers now seek workers who are adaptable, open-minded, and committed to personal growth. Therefore, education must go beyond academic knowledge and foster curiosity and a love of learning.
In addition, modern education should take full advantage of digital tools. Thanks to technological progress, learning is more accessible and engaging than ever before. For example, online learning platforms, interactive software, and virtual classrooms allow students to learn at their own pace, from almost anywhere. Not only does this improve access, but it also caters to a range of learning styles. That said, it is essential that both teachers and students receive proper training in order to use these tools effectively and responsibly.
To conclude, the education system must continue to move with the times to prepare students for life in a constantly changing world. By focusing on critical thinking, supporting lifelong learning, and making the most of digital technology, we can equip young people not only for exams but also for the future. Ultimately, a modern education system should empower the next generation to thrive
Ready for C1 p 159. Rats Live Among Us. Mediation. Word Formation
Your local area has recently been affected by a sharp increase in rat activity. While researching the issue, you came across an infographic presenting key facts and insights about urban rat populations. You decide to write a blog post expanding on the information provided.
Infographic:
Living Side by Side with Rats
Rats have long settled near humans
City growth fuels rat rise
Cities offer food and warmth — Rats are drawn to the same rich foods humans enjoy.
Explosive reproduction — one pair can produce up to 15,000 offspring in a year.
Hard to control — Resistance to poison hinders efforts.
Sample answer:
Rats share our streets
For thousands of years, rats have chosen to live (0) ALONGSIDE humans. These opportunistic (1)____________(SURVIVE) have established their own colonies wherever people have camped, built villages or founded towns. And now that more and more people are shifting to cities, rat numbers have risen (2)______________ (ACCORD).
City life suits rats for a number of reasons. A key factor is the (3)______________(ACCESS) of fast food. Rats share human taste (4)______________(PREFER) for fat and sugar, so whenever city dwellers (5)______________(PROPER) dispose of food scraps such as an unwanted pizza slice or melting ice cream, rats will make the most of this free meal. Another factor is that cities generate considerable heat. Although the average life (6)___________(EXPECT) of a rat is only around twelve months, during that time, there can be up to 15,000 (7)______________(DESCEND) stemming from a single pair when ample food and warmth create ideal breeding conditions.
With rats becoming increasingly (8)_____________(RESIST) to poisons, many cities are struggling to combat rodent population explosions. So far, no-one has come up with a viable solution.
KEY
1. survivors
2. accordingly
3. accessibility
4. preferences
5. improperly
6. expectancy
7. descendants
8. resistant
Ready for C1 p 151. Participle Clauses. Different Subjects
When we have participle clauses with a different subject, the correct structures are:
SUBJ + -ing...., Different SUBJ + verb
Her bicycle having been damaged by vandals, Helen had to walk.
With + SUBJ + -ing...., Different SUBJ + verb
With both my parents working all day, I have to cook my own lunch
These sentences are NOT correct:
X Having been damaged by vandals, Helen had to walk rather than go on her bicycle.
X Having her bicycle been damaged by vandals, Helen had to walk.
Ready for C1 p 151. Participle Clauses. Complete
Complete the story with a suitable present or past participle form of the verbs in brackets (plus a form of have if necessary).
A Gift from the Past
I live in a big old house, (1) ________________ (build) over 200 years ago. (2) ________________ (live) there for decades, I thought we knew it inside out. However, (3) ________________ (eat) dinner one day, I heard the unmistakable sound of a pigeon (4) ________________ (coo) inside the living room wall. Not (5) ________________ (want) to allow the poor creature to suffer, I ripped the wallpaper off the wall, behind which I found an old fireplace, (6) ________________ (brick up) decades earlier, by the look of it. Not (7) ________________ (have) any heavy tools in the house, I used a kitchen mallet and a broom handle to knock the bricks out, eventually (8) ________________ (reveal) the soot-covered pigeon inside. (9) ________________ (fall) a considerable distance from the rooftop chimney pot, the pigeon was in a sorry state, but was otherwise uninjured – and delighted to be free. (10) ________________ (remove) the pigeon from the fireplace, I noticed a parcel (11) ________________ (wrap) in brown paper, with a note (12) ________________ (write) in old-fashioned handwriting: ‘A present for the future owners of this house, from the family (13) ________________ (live) here in 1874.’
KEY
1. built
2. Having lived (Also possible: Having been living)
3. eating (Also possible: Having eaten)
4. cooing
5. wanting
6. bricked up
7. having
8. revealing
9. Having fallen
10. Removing / Having removed
11. wrapped
12. written
13. living
Ready for C1 p 151. Participle Clauses. Rewrite the sentences
Rewrite the sentences using participle clauses. There is an example at the beginning (0).
0 She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so she avoided the question.
Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she avoided the question.
1 They bought the house for £200,000 and sold it five years later for £1,000,000.
They bought the house for £200,000, ____________________________________________.
2 I came home last night and found someone who was trying to break into my house.
I came home last night and found ____________________________________________.
3 Because I’m quite a lazy person, I pay somebody to clean my flat.
______________________________________, I pay somebody to clean my flat.
4 The bank has agreed to lend us the money, so we can go ahead with our purchase.
______________________________________, we can go ahead with our purchase.
5 If you treat this garden furniture regularly with wood preserver, it should last a lifetime.
______________________________________, this garden furniture should last a lifetime.
6 Because most of my income is going on my flat, I have very little to live on.
With ______________________________________, I have very little to live on.
7 I don’t know the first thing about gardening because I’ve never lived in a house with a garden.
Never ______________________________________, I don’t know the first thing about gardening.
KEY
1. selling it five years later for £1,000,000
2. someone trying to break into my house
3. Being quite a lazy person
4. The bank having agreed to lend us the money
5. Treated regularly with wood preserver
6. most of my income going on my flat
7. having lived in a house with a garden
Ready for C1 p 175. Shopping and Consumerism. Speaking Interview. Cloze
Sample dialogue on online shopping:
Student A: I think online shopping has completely transformed my buying habits. The convenience is hard -1- resist - I can browse dozens -2- stores without leaving my couch! But I've noticed I definitely spend more money this way. Those personalized recommendations keep tempting me -3- things I didn't even know I wanted.
Student B: I agree -4- the convenience, but I've become more cautious about my online spending. Those flash sales and limited-time offers create this false sense of urgency -5- makes you buy things impulsively. I've started to resist those marketing tactics by keeping a wishlist instead -6- purchasing immediately.
Student A: That's smart. I'm terrible with impulse purchases, especially -7- I see free shipping offers. And those one-click ordering systems make it dangerously easy to spend money! I've actually had to unsubscribe from store emails -8- the constant promotional messages were too tempting.
Student B: Exactly! -9- have you noticed how physical stores are struggling to compete with online retailers? There's been a real decline in traditional shopping, which is sad in some ways. I miss the social aspect of going shopping -10- friends.
Answers:
1. to2. of
3. with
4. about
5. that
6. of
7. when
8. because
9. And
10. with
____________________________________________________________
1. How has online shopping changed the way we buy things? Do you think it makes us spend more money than shopping in physical stores?
2. What influences your decision when buying clothes - brand names, price, quality, or current trends? How do advertisers try to persuade you to buy their products?
3. Have you noticed how some products don't seem to last as long as they used to? Why do you think companies might design things to break or become outdated quickly?
Alex: So, shall we start with how online shopping has changed the way we buy things?
Sam: Absolutely. To be honest, it’s revolutionised shopping for me. Not only is it more convenient, but it also gives you access to a wider variety of products. Never before have I been able to compare so many options so quickly.
Alex: I couldn’t agree more. Had it not been for online shopping, I would have spent countless hours in crowded shopping centres. But don’t you think it’s made us spend more, almost without realising it?
Sam: That’s a good point. Because everything is just a click away, it’s easy to lose track. Plus, when you’re not physically handing over money, it feels less like you’re actually spending.
Alex: Exactly! If we were forced to use cash, we’d probably think twice before buying things we don’t really need. Also, have you noticed how websites use flash sales and countdown timers?
Sam: Yes! That creates this sense of urgency. It’s clever, though somewhat manipulative. Were they not using these tactics, I doubt people would buy as impulsively.
Alex: True. Moving on, what usually influences your decisions when buying clothes?
Sam: For me, it’s mainly quality and comfort. I mean, what’s the point in buying something trendy if it feels like sandpaper?
Alex: Ha! I totally get that. Although I have to admit, I do sometimes get drawn in by brand names—probably more than I’d like to admit.
Sam: Same here. To be influenced by branding is something I try to avoid, but it’s everywhere. And the way advertisers work—honestly, it's fascinating. They don’t just sell a product; they sell a lifestyle.
Alex: Right? They use celebrities, catchy slogans, emotional appeals… Sometimes it feels like they know us better than we know ourselves.
Sam: Speaking of which, have you noticed how certain products just don’t last like they used to?
Alex: Definitely. My phone started acting up just after the warranty expired. Coincidence? I doubt it.
Sam: I think companies deliberately design products to become obsolete. It’s called planned obsolescence, isn’t it?
Alex: Yes! If things lasted forever, people wouldn’t need to replace them. However, it’s incredibly wasteful. Not only does it affect our wallets, but it also harms the environment.
Sam: Couldn’t agree more. If companies prioritised sustainability over profit, we’d all be better off.
Alex: Well said. Let’s hope more people start demanding change—otherwise, this cycle will never end.
Ready for C1 p 111. Time Expressions in Reported Speech
Direct Speech > Reported Speech
today
that day
tonight
that night
yesterday
the day before /
the previous day
tomorrow
the next day /
the following day
now
then
ago
before/earlier
the day before yesterday/ two days ago
two days before/earlier
this (morning/week, etc.)
that (morning/week, etc.)
last night/week/month/year
the night/week/month/year before /
the previous night/week/etc.
next week/month/year/weekend
the following week/month/year/weekend /
the week/month/year/weekend after
here
there
in two days
two days later
Ready for C1 p 111. Reporting verbs: Verb Patterns. Extra Key Word Transformations
1. “Please wear a suit to the wedding,” said Sarah.
insisted
Sarah ___________________________________suit to the wedding.
2. “Why doesn't he change the name of the company?” she said.
proposed
She ________________________________of the company.
3. “I’ll definitely call you when I arrive,” she told me.
promised
She __________________________________________arrival.
4. “You really should speak to a doctor,” my friend told me.
urged
My friend ________________________________ to a doctor.
5. “Don’t forget to bring your ID,” the security guard told us.
reminded
The security guard _____________________________________our ID.
6. “You broke the window on purpose,” she said.
accused
She _____________________________________deliberately.
7. “I’m sorry I shouted at you yesterday,” he said.
apologised
He ________________________________________day.
8. “Yes, I took the book without asking,” she admitted.
confessed
She _______________________________________without asking.
9. “You should really apply for the job,” she said to him.
advised
She _____________________________ the job.10. It was me who broke the vase,” he said.
admitted
He ______________________________ vase.
11. I’ll help you move next weekend,” Tom said.
offered
Tom ______________________________after.
12. “No, I didn’t take his phone the day before yesterday,” she said.
denied
She _______________________________ before.
13. “Let’s go for a walk tomorrow,” he said.
suggested
He _________________________________________ day.
WITH KEY
1. “Please wear a suit to the wedding,” said Sarah.
insisted
Sarah ___________________________________ a suit to the wedding.
KEY
Sarah insisted (that) I (should) wear a suit to the wedding.
Sarah insisted on me/my/ him/his wearing a suit to the wedding.
2. “Why doesn't he change the name of the company?” she said.
proposed
She ________________________________of the company.
KEY
She proposed (that) he (should) change the name of the company.
She proposed changing the name of the company
3. “I’ll definitely call you when I arrive,” she told me.
promised
She __________________________________________arrival.
KEY
She promised to call me on arrival.
She promised (that) she would call me on arrival.
4. “You really should speak to a doctor,” my friend told me.
urged
My friend ________________________________to a doctor.
KEY
My friend urged me to speak to a doctor.
My friend urged that I (should) speak to a doctor.
5. “Don’t forget to bring your ID,” the security guard told us.
reminded
The security guard _____________________________________our ID.
KEY
The security guard reminded us to bring our ID.
The security guard reminded us that we needed to bring our ID.
6. “You broke the window on purpose,” she said.
accused
She _____________________________________deliberately.
KEY
She accused me of breaking the window deliberately.
7. “I’m sorry I shouted at you yesterday,” he said.
apologised
He ________________________________________day.
KEY
He apologised for shouting/ having shouted at me the previous day.
He apologised to me for shouting the previous day.
8. “Yes, I took the book without asking,” she admitted.
confessed
She _______________________________________without asking.
KEY
She confessed to taking the book without asking.
She confessed that she took the book without asking.9. “You should really apply for the job,” she said to him.
advised
She _____________________________ the job.KEY
She advised him to apply for the job.
She advised applying for the job.
She advised that he (should) apply for the job.
10. "It was me who broke the vase,” he said.
admitted
He ____________________________________ vase.
KEY
He admitted (to) breaking the vase.
He admitted that he had broken the vase.
11. I’ll help you move next weekend,” Tom said.
offered
Tom ______________________________after.
KEY
Tom offered to help me move the weekend after.
12. “No, I didn’t take his phone the day before yesterday,” she said.
denied
She _______________________________ before.
KEY
She denied taking my phone two days before.
She denied having taken my phone two days before.
She denied that she had taken my phone
13. “Let’s go for a walk tomorrow,” he said.
suggested
He _________________________________________ day.
KEY
He suggested going for a walk the next/ following day.
He suggested that they/we go for a walk the next/ following day.
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