1.- Trump talks with Putin

2.- Many people will be overweight in 2050

3.- Children and Social Media

Hi, blog! Today I want to share my experience with Language 2, focusing on the challenges I faced and the expectations I had when I started the course. Last year, my biggest weaknesses were listening and speaking, which, unfortunately, were also my main source of fear. I failed Language 2 last semester because of my problems with listening and speaking, and it was really discouraging. I almost decided to quit the course, but I knew I had to improve in these areas to keep moving forward.

During the summer, I had the chance to immerse myself more in the language and improve my listening and speaking skills. I managed to improve my listening in American English, which helped me feel more confident, but when I came back, I realized I hadn’t improved much in British English listening, which was crucial. My first grades were all 4s, which made me feel even more insecure. I felt like my efforts weren’t paying off, but I decided not to give up. I studied, but I didn’t get to the point of crying, just feeling nervous. Even though I still had some fears, I felt a little more prepared to face the exams.

I remember starting Language 2 with a mix of excitement and nervousness. When the exams came, I felt much more confident in speaking, although I still wasn’t completely comfortable. Thinking quickly made me skip words, but I was happy with the progress I had made. Honestly, I thought I was ready for Language 3. However, things don’t always go as expected. Even though I felt I had improved a lot, the course wasn’t exactly what I planned. There were some unexpected challenges, and the obstacles from the previous semester, like listening and phonetics, followed me into this one.

One of the new challenges I faced was the environment. I felt like I was starting over in some ways, but it was even harder because this course wasn’t made up of my generation of classmates, and they had already formed groups without me. This made me feel a bit out of place at first, because I had to adjust not only to the course content but also to new faces and classroom dynamics. I could say I still feel a bit introverted, but over time, I started to feel more comfortable in the environment. At first, I cried a lot, but what really helped was starting group work. I think it was only then that I began to interact more, which helped me stay focused on my learning goals.

As for my confidence, I have to admit it was very low at the beginning. Speaking in front of others, especially in a second language, was really intimidating. But as the semester went on, I started to speak more openly, louder, and clearer. I feel that at first, I spoke very slowly, but now I feel more confident in my ability to communicate. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made. I feel much more confident than before, and that’s a big achievement for me.

I won’t lie and say I don’t miss my friends. I think the whole university experience would be easier if I had Rocío and Monse with me, but they are still supporting me from afar, and I really appreciate that. Thank you, girls, for always being there for me. I also want to thank the 2024 generation for trying to include me. Even though it’s been a difficult journey, I’m grateful for every step I’ve taken.

https://voca.ro/1eNmFltTDFC2

Me all semester:

Khalid: What are you up to?

Helen: Oh, just looking at what’s on offer at the sports centre.

Khalid: How come?

Helen: Well I promised myself that I was going to get fit. I want to do a sport. I just don’t know which one.

Khalid: Well, have you thought about if you like team sports or individual ones?

Helen: I don’t mind really.

Khalid: Do you like swimming or diving?

Helen: Neither, I can’t swim!

Khalid: What about martial arts, boxing or weightlifting?

Helen: Can you see me doing any of them?

Khalid: No, not really. Well what sports do you like watching then?

Helen: I really enjoyed the tennis when I went to
Wimbledon last summer.

Khalid: So maybe a racquet sport then?

Helen: Perfect! But which one?

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Khalid: I think tennis would be a good option.

Helen: I like to see it, but I don’t know if I’m good at playing it

Khalid: or maybe Racquetball

Helen: It would be a great challenge for me.

Khalid: okey, fine, when do we start?

Helen: tomorrow is a good option, because today I am so tired

Khalid: in the afternoon?

Helen: I will be ready!

Episode 127: An unwanted gift
Assistant: Happy New Year madam. How can I help you?
Helen: I’d like to return this jumper please.
Assistant: I see. Is there anything wrong with it?
Helen: Nothing except the colour, the shape and the size!
Assistant: And do you have the receipt?
Helen: No, you see it was a Christmas present.
Assistant: Well if you just get the receipt from whoever gave you the gift, then come back to us, we’ll be happy to give you a refund.
Helen: But my mum gave it to me.
Assistant: Can’t you just ask her for the receipt then?
Helen: Well that’s the problem. My mum gives me a dreadful jumper every Christmas and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.
Assistant: Well, without a receipt there’s not much I can do, sorry.

helen: maybe you could make an exception
assistant: no madam, if I change this jumper without the receipt my boss can kick me out.
helen: They don’t need to know that I don’t have a receipt. we can keep like a secret
assistant: sorry, but no, I won’t help with that.
Helen: Well… I had to try. I just don’t want to break my mum’s heart but… I understand… I have no choice…
Assistant: Uhg… Okay, listen to me. You will never say a thing about this. I a little exception won’t hurt anyone, right?
Helen: Certainly! Thank you, Mr.
Assistant: Shhh… Give me that. I’ll be right back. Don’t make any suspicious movement.

https://on.soundcloud.com/WdKhxQFvmQBY9JXc8

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Alice: Thanks for agreeing to meet me.

Paul: That’s ok, what’s on your mind?

Alice: You must know. I flew off the handle the other morning and I just wanted to say how sorry I was. I wanted everything to go well with me and Ellie, but then she said she didn’t like me and I overreacted and and ..

Paul: And I was tired but that’s no excuse for my behaviour either. I don’t think I realised just how badly shaken I’ve been since Lucy left me. I knew I was being overprotective of Ellie but I just couldn’t help myself.

Alice: Oh Paul. What a mess we’re in!

Paul: I’m so sorry Alice.

Alice: Can we try again? Paul, I know it’s been hard, but I think we need to learn to communicate better.

Paul: I know, Alice. I promise I will try not to overreact.

Alice: And I will work on staying calm, even when things don’t go as I expect.

Paul: I’m glad to hear that. Let’s do better, okay?

Alice: Yes, definitely.

https://soundcloud.com/kristell-belen0313/audio-upload-11-episode-105?si=109ced5b23bd4b139a1653361b08a257&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Alice: Oh, well, it’s almost bedtime. Time for you to go upstairs!
Ellie: Don’t want to go to bed! Want to stay down here with you!
Alice: Well, you know I love to have your company
Ellie: Then let me stay down and watch TV!
Alice: Ellie, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. You have to get for school in the morning
Ellie: School? I hate school!
Alice: I’m sure you don’t
Ellie: I do. I hate school and I hate bed! You can’t let me go upstairs.
Alice: Oh, I think I can!
Ellie: You can’t! You’re not my mommy! You can’t make me do anything! I hate you!