LearningEnglishEOI

Friday, 31 May 2019

Mediation exam

Dear Jane,

how are things? I heard that you're moving to Alicante to set up your own business! Wow! I always knew you would become an entrepreneur. I'm really glad I'll see in Spain and I'm sure I'll pay you a visit one day.

Well, I've been checking out the info you sent me and I'll try to summarize it for you. Let me begin by telling you that setting up your own business is incredibly difficult, but don't worry, I'll help you with that. The first thing to take into account is to start the procedures as soon as possible, as this might delay the opening of your business. You know, the sooner, the better. There are other important tips you need to bear in mind, for example, make copies of all the documents you must hand in and keep yourself updated. Unlike in your country, here in Spain, laws change quickly and, on top of that, there are different rules depending on each community and even on each town or village, so pay attention to the laws in Alicante! Public institutions here will offer information for entrepreneurs and...totally free!

Regarding the funds for your business, there are different entities that can provide you with the money you need. You have ICO (Nation Institute of Official Credit), which works like a public bank. The European Union also sponsors young entrepreneurs. However, being a young woman, you might be interested in checking out the aids of the Woman's Institute or the Ministry of Equality. Besides, there are important advantages for self-employed people like you: they can deduce the expenses of water, gas, electricity and telephone if they work from home, so you can even set up your own business in your house!

As far as franchises are concerned, there are two safe bets for you. The first one is Naturhouse, a nutrition franchise. It requires an investment of 8.500€, which you'll recover after two years, but the won't give you any kind of financial aid. The other one is IceCobar, an ice-cream franchise. Your initial investment will be 12.000€, but you'll recover them in 16 months and they can give you financial aid. Both franchises are good, but, if I were you, I'd choose the ice-cream one, since in Alicante it's always hot and I'm sure you'll be selling lots of ice-creams.

I hope I have helped you! Keep me informed! If you need anything else, let me know.

Fond regards,

Miguel

Sunday, 17 March 2019

Greta Thunberg's speech

Saturday, 16 March 2019

St. Patrick's history

The Simpsons St. Patrick's Day

Watch the video and answer the questions :
- Why does everybody pinch Bart ?

- What time is it when Homer is waiting at Moe's Tavern ?

- Today, everyone is a bit Irish except of course the ___________ and the ____________.

- Why do they stop the celebration ?

- What does Bart say in front of the camera ?

- What does Homer say in Moe's Tavern?

- Marge doesn't want to look ___________________________

St. Patrick's Day and Ireland

17th March is a very important day in the United Kingdom and especially in Ireland. It is Saint Patrick's Day. Here I share with you the video that we watched in class.

And now I'll share with you some of the interesting facts and vocabulary that we have seen today :

- Ireland is divided into two parts : Northern Ireland (whose capital is Belfast) and southern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or Eire (whose capital is Dublin).

- Saint Patrick (Maewyn Succat) is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in England and then he Christianized Ireland. He explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) with the well-known shamrock.

From : http://www.markmillerhumorist.com/least-known-facts-st-patrick.html

- There will be a big parade in Dublin, but not only there, New York's parade is also famous and Saint Patrick is celebrated all over the globe. In Chicago, for example, you can see the river completely coloured in green !

- Remember to wear something green if you don't want to get pinched by others !

- The national symbol of Ireland is the harp.

- Leprechauns are very popular. They are goblin-like figures who love gold and always carry a pot of gold around. If captured by men, they can grant them three wishes.

From : http://www.123rf.com/photo_10711921_lucky-leprechaun-with-shamrock-and-treasure.html

- The typical beer in Ireland is Guinness. It is delicious black beer brewed in the Guinness Warehouse in Dublin. You can drink a pint with a shamrock designed in its foam... Delicious ! Remember, Arthur Guinness only pays 49 pounds as a yearly rent.

From : https://diydilettante.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/the-genius-of-guinness/

- If you want the gift of gab (eloquence), you must kiss Blarney Stone located in Blarney's castle in Cork ! It's a bit disgusting, though.

- Ireland is nicknamed as the emerald island because of its green colour due to abundant rainfall (that will later result in lush greenery).