Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for French

Considering the specializations within a tourism degree, specifically the degree in tourism, there are three primary branches: planning of tourist sites, management of tourism enterprises, and cultural heritage. Two students share their perspectives on choosing a specialization.

Student 1: Focus on Tourism Planning

As a fourth-year tourism student, the choice between managing tourism businesses and planning tourist spaces was a significant decision. Ultimately, the tourism planning branch was selected. The future goal is to establish a sustainable tourist company, such as a hotel or a rural house, integrated within the natural environment.

Sustainability is a core value, aiming to minimize environmental impact through practices like using natural... Continue reading "Tourism Degree: Planning vs. Management Career Paths" »

Phrasal Verbs

Come Across: Find something by chance
Find a Way Round: Solve a problem
Come Up With: Have an idea
Run: Manage a business
Get Rid Of: Dispose of something
Turn To: Change to something else
Cut Down On: Reduce consumption
Put On: Gain weight

Clothing Vocabulary

Flip-flops: Chanclas
Fur Coat: Abric de pell
High Heels: Tacons
Jumper: Jersei
Slippers: Sabatilles
Tracksuit: Xandall
Costume: Disfresa

Fashion and Style

Trend: Tendència
Bright: Color brillant
Dull: Color apagat
Spotted: Topos
Scruffy: Cutre
Loose: Ample
Dress Down: Vestir informal
Dress Up: Vestir formal
Get Changed: Canviar-se
Try On: Emprovar-se
Tuck In: Arreglar la peça
Hang Up: Penjar la roba
Get a Bigger Size: Agafar talla gran
Get Taken In: Arreglar algo
Match: Decoracions
Suit: No et queda bé
Fit:

The Internet: Advantages and Disadvantages

We cannot deny that the internet has profoundly changed our lives. It is a tool that significantly simplifies our daily routines. We can buy what we need, communicate with friends, book hotel rooms, holiday flats, travel tickets, and concert passes. All this can be done while sitting comfortably at home, without needing to leave our houses. The internet also allows us to watch films, listen to music, play games, and read newspapers or books. We can spend our leisure time without spending money. I love the internet. In my opinion, it has only one significant disadvantage: the potential for isolation.

Before the internet, we more often went out and spent time with friends, as staying at home was often... Continue reading "Modern Life: Digital Connections, Travel Dreams, and Cherished Friendships" »

Sam's Unexpected Visit to France

July 14th in France

Sasha and Annie, roommates in France, were eagerly anticipating a visit from Sasha's old friend from America, Sam. Sasha, a fitness enthusiast, and Annie were particularly excited about this American visitor.

A Letter and a Knock at the Door

Annie received a letter from Sam, stating his intention to visit that day. A knock came, but it wasn't Sam. It was Nico, the boy next door who had a crush on Sasha.

Sam's Strange Arrival

When Sam finally arrived, he didn't make a good first impression. His clothes were odd, and his behavior was peculiar.

Cars, Houses, and Misunderstandings

Sam talked about his cars and his 22-room house. The girls mistook the cars for toys and the house for a museum.

Nico's Mischief

Annie... Continue reading "A Misunderstood Friend: Sam's French Adventure" »

Differences Between Spoken and Written Language

Teaching and Learning Listening

Listening is a source of input. Children need this type of teaching to learn the... Continue reading "Spoken vs. Written Language: Teaching and Learning English" »

Proposed Answers:

1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

a) Leonardo's relationship with his father was not easy as a child.

TRUE: His father was stern and distant with him...

b) Leonardo's father had clear ideas about his son's future.

FALSE: Piero da Vinci didn't know what to do about his son, Leonardo.

(Maximum score: 2 points)

2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text.

a) Explain why Leonardo couldn't attend the university.

Leonardo couldn't study at university because his parents were not married when he was born.

NOTE: This answer is simply a suggestion among other possible ones.

The... Continue reading "Leonardo da Vinci: A Man Ahead of His Time" »

Oral Communication

Definition

In oral communication, the spoken word is the primary channel. It involves interlocutors: a sender and a receiver.

Types of Oral Communication

Oral communication can be:

• Face-to-face
• Distance communication

Requirements for Effective Oral Communication

• Analyze the situation
• Prevent communication barriers

Features of Oral Communication

1. Sender

The sender transmits credibility and capability, using a rich vocabulary and resources.

2. Receiver

The receiver listens attentively and provides feedback.

3. Message

The message should be clear, concise, accurate, objective, and relevant.

4. Context

The message must be adapted to the receiver and the context.

Advantages of Oral Communication

• Speed
• Supported by non-verbal elements
• Provides immediate

Hotel Vocabulary

• Double room: habitación cama matrimonio
• Twin room: habitación 2 camas
• Single room: habitación individual
• Bath: bañera
• Shower: ducha
• Suitcase: maleta
• Luggage: equipaje
• Half board: media pensión
• Full board: pensión completa
• Key: llave
• Keycard: tarjeta llave
• Bill: factura
• Receipt: recibo
• Lift: ascensor (British)
• Elevator: ascensor (American)
• Car park: aparcamiento
• Restaurant: restaurante
• Lounge: salón recibidor
• Cocktail bar: bar de copas
• Fitness room: gimnasio
• Hairdryer: secador de pelo
• Air conditioning: aire acondicionado
• Safe: caja fuerte
• Conference facilities: sala de conferencias
• Swimming pool: piscina
• Night club: club de noche
• Sauna: sauna
• Business centre: centro de negocios
• Satellite TV: TV por satélite
• Multi-line phone: teléfono multilinea
• Computer

In today's science-obsessed world, thanks to technological development, social media has become an intricate part of daily life. Almost everyone around the world uses at least one social network, such as Facebook or Twitter, where they usually download music and videos, and share information. However, many people are against this practice because they think that social networking sites are a kind of drug, and once you have entered into it, it's very hard to escape. Will you gain some advantages from these platforms, or will they ruin your life? Are they simply a place to waste a considerable amount of time? This is obviously not a black and white issue, and there are powerful arguments on both sides.

Advantages of Social Media

A big advantage... Continue reading "The Pros and Cons of Social Media" »

Introduction

Political Action Committees (PACs) have become increasingly influential in modern politics. These organizations raise and spend money to support or oppose candidates for public office. While PACs have been around for decades, their role in elections has grown significantly in recent years.

The Role of PACs in Elections

PACs play a major role in funding political campaigns. They can contribute unlimited amounts of money to candidates, and they often spend millions of dollars on advertising and other campaign activities. This money can give PACs a significant advantage in elections, especially in close races.

PACs also play a role in shaping public opinion. They can use their resources to promote their preferred candidates and policies,... Continue reading "The Importance of PACs in Modern Politics" »