Virtual language exchange Emory University-CETT. Conversations 3 & 4

Below are the suggested topics and feedback guidelines for the next two conversations, which should have taken place by March 7. You can use the topic questions as a guide to engage in a conversation with your partner. At the end of the conversation, you should also give each other specific feedback in order to help you enhance your language skills by letting each other know what you did well and what you can do to improve in relation to the following aspects.

What suggestions would you make to improve your partner’s communication? Did he/she:

-speak fluently?

-use good pronunciation?

-use a lot of vocabulary?

-conjugate the verbs correctly?

-develop their ideas with details?

·       Conversation 3: Viajes y vacaciones

Algunos temas de los que hablar:

1. ¿Qué te gusta hacer en vacaciones? ¿Cuáles fueron tus mejores vacaciones? ¿Cómo serán tus vacaciones ideales? 

2. ¿Qué te gusta o no te gusta de viajar? ¿Por qué? 

3. ¿Qué tipo de viajes has hecho? ¿Qué tipo de turismo prefieres? 

4. ¿Qué zonas geográficas has visitado? ¿Cuál es tu favorita? ¿Por qué? 

5. ¿Has visitado o te gustaría visitar España o Hispanoamérica? ¿Cuándo? ¿Qué atractivos turísticos hay que visitar? 

6. ¿Con quién prefieres viajar? ¿Por qué? 

7. ¿Qué tipo de alojamientos/actividades/transportes turísticos prefieres? ¿Por qué? 

8. ¿Qué opinas de los turistas que visitan tu país? ¿Qué impacto tiene el turismo? 

·       Conversation 4: El campo y la ciudad

Algunos temas de los que hablar:

1. ¿Dónde te gustaría vivir en el futuro? ¿En el campo o en la ciudad? ¿Por qué? 

2. ¿Dónde vive la mayoría de personas en tu país? ¿Es necesario usar un coche? 

3. ¿Qué ventajas tiene vivir en el campo? ¿Y en la ciudad? 

4. ¿Cómo sería tu vida si vivieras en un lugar diferente? ¿En una ciudad más grande o en un pueblo muy pequeño? 

5. ¿Qué crees que debemos hacer para proteger el medio ambiente? 

6. ¿Crees que tu país hace lo suficiente para proteger el medio ambiente? 

First stage of the research project

As you know, this project is an improvement plan based on a study of an existing tourist product which is close enough for you to investigate first hand: a hotel, a theme park, a holiday package, etc. You must study the product, draw its real downsides and, using these downsides as a starting point, design an improvement plan. Continuous assessment students must carry it out in pairs, while final assessment students must do it individually.

The presentation must be 10-13 minutes long and will be followed by a few questions from the panel of examiners, adding up to a total of 15 minutes. Visual support is compulsory and it can be PowerPoint, Prezi etc.

Given the nature of this final project, you should choose a product that isn't too successful, so this way designing an improvement plan will be easier and more realistic. You can check out http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ or similar websites and pick a product which, in sight of the users' opinions, shows a need for improvement. Take into account that you'll need to look for 80-100 customer reviews. You can also choose a product based on your own experience (e.g. a hotel where you work or have stayed). However, you can't analyse Port Aventura, Hotel W, Ryanair, Horta maze, Carmel bunkers, park Güell or Tibidabo amusement park. Improvement plans for transport infrastructures aren't advisable either, since they're highly complex. Products shouldn't be repeated.

Post your product description on this blog, mentioning all the sources of information that you've used.

Job application: Elevator pitches

 Follow the instructions below to take part in this activity.

1. Use the following links to learn how to create and deliver an elevator pitch:

Tips: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976
Tips & example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb0Yz_5ZYzI

2. Record and upload your own elevator pitch on Flipgrid using this link: https://flipgrid.com/d8b0adca

3. Watch the videos recorded by your classmates and make constructive comments. Video record your comments and upload them on Flipgrid using the same link. You can follow these guidelines:

·         Comment on your classmate´s communicative skills.

Is the message clear enough?

Is the content adequate? Why/why not?

Is fluency ok? Why/why not?

What is the speaker's attitude? And what about his/her body language?

·         Comment on your classmate´s language skills.

Is the language limited or rather varied?

Identify and comment on at least 3-4 grammar/vocabulary/pronunciation inaccuracies

·         Make a general comment on a strong point and a suggestion for improvement.

What is the communication aspect you like the best?

What improvement suggestions would you make to enhance communication?

4. Watch the feedback provided by your classmates on your own videos. You can produce an enhanced version of your elevator pitch if you wish.

Job application: Selling yourself

 Read the following tips for job application.

1. Each CV should be adapted to the personality and style of the candidate, and always in line with the sector/post to which it is addressed. It is recommended that it is only one page long and that you include an introductory paragraph (see examples and templates at https://www.canva.com/es_en/). Following a chronological order isn’t a must and you can highlight the most relevant information in bold.

2. It is advisable for the CV to include a Skype user, link or icon of the professional social networks in which the candidate is. In this sense, both the content of the CV and the information included in these social networks (e.g. Linkedin, Hosco or Instagram) should be detailed, relevant and carefully elaborated.

3. The covering e-mail with which you will contact the company or accompany your CV must be accurate (see tips at https://jobs.theguardian.com/article/how-to-write-the-perfect-email-covering-letter/). It’s advisable to use a gmail address with your name and surname.

4. You must attach your CV in pdf, which you should also revise in depth, and provide clear contact details without being too personal (e.g. avoid your date of birth, address, age or marital status). In Spain it’s customary to include a picture of yourself, but not when applying abroad. You can also produce a video CV (see tips at https://www.thebalancecareers.com/tips-for-creating-a-video-resume-2064219).

5. Moreover, you can practice for job interviews by means of recorded video interviews (available at https://www.hirevue.com/, for example). You can record yourself answering to questions.

6. Bearing the interview in mind, you can also work on your elevator pitch, which allows you to introduce yourself and summarise for up to 1.5 minutes some key aspects, such as who I am? what do I look for? and why am I applying? (see tips at https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976).

7. Most formal interviews nowadays take place in a relaxed atmosphere. Some interviews include unexpected code switching into English to check oral skills. During the interview you shouldn’t be vague and rather provide specific examples. Some questions you might have to reply to are what do you expect to find here? or why should we choose you instead of another candidate? You can also ask questions.

8. You should have a register of your applications. Be coherent and apply sensibly, for the right post/company. It’s important to have searched for information about the company well in advance, and to be aware of the pros and cons.

Good luck with your job hunt!

Virtual language exchange Emory University-CETT. Conversations 1 & 2

In order to continue developing your English oral skills and learn more about the American culture in a meaningful way, you will participate in a virtual language exchange with a student from Emory University (US) who is learning Spanish. You will meet your partner once a week via Zoom and you can include a recording of your conversations in your portfolios. Each weekly session will last 40 minutes, from which 20 minutes will be dedicated to Spanish conversation and 20 minutes to English. You are asked to meet your language partner at least 8 times during the semester at a time that is convenient for both of you.

Below are the suggested topics and feedback guidelines they have received for the first two conversations, which should have taken place by February 21. You can use the topic questions as a guide to engage in a conversation with your partner. At the end of the conversation, you should also give each other specific feedback in order to help you enhance your language skills by letting each other know what you did well and what you can do to improve in relation to the following aspects.

What suggestions would you make to improve your partner’s communication? Did he/she:

-speak fluently?

-use good pronunciation?

-use a lot of vocabulary?

-conjugate the verbs correctly?

-develop their ideas with details?

·       Conversation 1: Entretenimiento

Algunos temas de los que hablar:

1. ¿Qué tipo de entretenimiento es tu favorito? ¿Por qué?

2. ¿Qué te gusta o no te gusta de ir al teatro?

3. ¿Has visto películas de España o Hispanoamérica? ¿Cuáles?

4. ¿Conoces actores o actrices de España o Hispanoamérica? ¿Quiénes? ¿Qué opinas de ellos?

5. ¿Qué tipo de películas prefieres y por qué? ¿Puedes recomendar una?

6. ¿Cuál fue la última película que viste? ¿Dónde la viste? ¿Te gustó? ¿Por qué?

7. ¿Quiénes son tus cantantes favoritos? ¿Has asistido a algún concierto? ¿Cuál?

8. ¿Te gustan los circos? ¿Por qué?

·       Conversation 2: Ganarse la vida

Algunos temas de los que hablar:

1. ¿En tu país la gente paga en efectivo o con tarjeta? ¿Cómo pagas tú normalmente?

2. ¿Crees que el dinero en efectivo va a desaparecer en el futuro? ¿Por qué?

3. ¿Cuántas horas trabaja la gente a la semana en tu país? ¿Cuántas horas crees que debería trabajar la gente a la semana? ¿40 horas?

4. ¿Cómo será el mundo laboral en el futuro? ¿La gente tendrá los mismos tipos de trabajo? ¿Qué cambios habrá en la sociedad?

5. ¿Te gustaría trabajar en la misma empresa toda la vida? ¿Por qué?

6. ¿Cómo sería tu trabajo ideal? ¿Qué harías en este trabajo?