Buying time in oral exams
GCSE, A-level speaking exam tips
It is natural to be nervous in a speaking exam and therefore you often end up rushing your answer, however it is important to take your time, make sure you have understood the question correctly and give yourself time to form an answer in the best way possible. A useful tip is to use a few short phrases to give yourself a little extra time to think about how you are going to answer.
Here are a few words and expressions you can use:
Bueno, … – Well, …
Pues, … – Well, … Continue reading
Semana Santa 2015 Dates
Easter (Semana Santa – Holy Week) in Spain is the most important celebration in the Spanish calendar. It lasts for much longer than in most other countries as it is celebrated for over one week. Continue reading
Useful Spanish expression: Lo + adjective
Lo + adjective = “The … thing”
Lo + adjective in Spanish is a really useful way to say “the …. thing”. This is a very typical Spanish way of speaking, making you sound more like a native speaker. Also, if you are studying for GCSE, A2 or A-level Spanish if you can use this type of more difficult structure, you will gain higher marks.
Here are some examples of ways to use this expression:
Lo importante es que …: The important thing is that …
Lo bueno es que …: The good thing is that …
Lo malo es que …: The bad thing is that …
Lo mejor de mi ciudad es que …: The best thing about my city is that …
Lo peor del hotel era que …: The worst thing about the hotel was that … Continue reading
It’s Carnival time in Spain!
When is Carnival?
The week leading up to Lent in late February is when Spain celebrates Carnival (Carnaval) when some of the wildest parties take place.
Why is it celebrated?
There are various ideas as to the origins of the Carnival celebration. Some believe the word “Carnival” comes from the term “farewell to the flesh” referring to the excesses which led to Lent. Others believe it is related to the Roman Solstice event, the “Saturnalia” during which people drink and dance to excess.
Read more about the origins behind the Carnival celebrations here. Continue reading
Irreemplazable – Beyoncé (Spanish version with Spanish & English lyrics)
A fun way to learn a new language is by listening to songs – here is Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” in Spanish – “Irreemplazable” with the lyrics below in Spanish with the English translation.
Note: The Spanish version is slightly different to the English version.
Ya lo ves, ya lo ves
Now you see, now you see
Te olvidé, te olvidé
I forgot you, I forgot you
Ya lo ves, ya lo ves
Now you see, now you see Continue reading
Where do you put adjectives in Spanish? Before or after nouns?
When you first start learning Spanish you are normally told that adjectives, (descriptive words) should be placed after the noun. As you become more advanced you realise that this is not always the case. You do sometimes see adjectives before nouns. The truth is that there are some cases when it is better to put the adjective before the noun and how it can sometimes change the meaning. Here we will look at where to place adjectives in different contexts: Continue reading
New year, new challenge! Learn Russian!
Meet our Russian tutor, Zarema Remnant
Do you want a new challenge? Do you think life has become too boring and mundane? Cheer up! I have found you a new challenge! Start learning Russian! Are you scared? No need for that! You will find learning Russian so interesting, it will be like a big adventure, full of fun, amusement and delight! Continue reading
How to say things are “Hot” and “Cold” in Spanish
As many Spanish learners know, saying whether you are feeling hot or cold and talking about the weather in Spanish isn’t as straightforward as in English. In Spanish you tend to switch between the verbs “estar” and “hacer”. Without going too much into grammar, in this blog we will try to make it simple. Continue reading
How to prepare “Polvorones”
Traditional Spanish festive treat
Tradición navideña en casa / Christmas tradition at home
Para preparar los polvorones necesitamos:
(To prepare “polvorones” we need):
400g de harina / 400g flour
200g de manteca de cerdo / 200g lard
250g de azúcar glas / 250g icing sugar Continue reading
Why just 15-30 minutes a day is all you need to learn a language!
Most people think they just wouldn’t have the time to put into learning a foreign language. However, the truth is you don’t need to spend endless hours studying to make satisfactory progress. It cannot be denied that to learn a language you do have to put in considerable time and effort as with anything that is worthwhile doing, but this can be easily built in to your daily life. Continue reading
Follow Us
