Miele English Course

Welcome to our Miele English Course homepage! Below you will find:

• Notes from the Teacher
• Online Training
• Our Last Lesson
• Current Homework
• Vocabulary Lists
• Links
• 2008 Course Calendar
• Lesson Archive

Notes from the Teacher

• Attendance - It is important for class planning that you let us know about any absences as soon as possible. Please arrive on time so that our session can begin promptly.
• Calendar - Please check the calendar below for absences and schedule changes.
• Homework - Please complete and check the answers to your homework before class. We will review homework during class to address questions and problems.

Online Training
March 24th - April 24th

Email Correspondence

• Write an informal email describing either what you did over Easter the Easter holidays, what you are currently involved in or any plans for your next trip or vacation. Which adjectives can you use in your description?

Business Benchmark Study

• Business Benchmark Study Book pg. 10 & 11 # 1-3
• Email your writing for the exercise on page 11 #2.

Crossword Puzzle Activity

• Crossword Puzzle #1- General Vocabulary Review
  Word List: Ado, Ambience, Atmosphere, Bonus, BrownGoods, Competitor, Corrugated, Depend, Details, Devein, Elaborate, Elderly, Epicurean, Lake, Merger, Meticulous, Ocean, Oven, Parlour, Participants, Provoke, Rival, Scary, Sea, Stream, Survey, Venue, WhiteGoods, Poll
  
• Crossword Puzzle #2 - International Express Vocabulary Review
  Word List: Advise, Attentive, Co, Collocation, Convenient, Dramatic, Easiest, Fluctuate, Gradual, Headquarters, Inclined, Indecisive, Intrusive, Irresponsible, Keen, Least, Negotiate, Perk, Postpone, Potential, Punctual, Redundant, Site, Slightly, Staff, Sth, Thorough

Our Last Lesson

Lesson Twenty- Nine/ March 13, 2008

• Telephone Call Practice
• Homework Review - International Express pg. 46 # 1 & 3
• International Express Student Book pg. 46 # 2, 3, 4 & pg. 47 #7
• Vocabulary Review - Crossword Puzzle
• US and UK Television Ads - "Mac vs PC"

Current Homework

• International Express Student Book pp. 46 - 47 # 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Business Benchmark Student Book pg. 20

Vocabulary and Language Lists

New Vocabulary/February 28, 2008

Nouns
outlet - receptacle providing a place in a wiring system where current can be taken to run electrical devices; a wall socket
access - to get the use of something (a telephone line or a computer or a local area network etc.); internet access
tile - A thin, flat or convex slab of hard material such as baked clay or plastic, laid in rows to cover walls, floors, and roofs.
intermission - The period between the acts of a theatrical or musical performance.
fate - an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future; destiny
campaign - An operation or series of operations efforts energetically pursued to accomplish a purpose; an advertising campaign
daybook - date book, appointment book, journal, calendar; A book in which daily transactions are recorded.

Verbs
inherit - To receive (property, money or a title, for example) from an ancestor by legal succession or will.

New Vocabulary/February 21, 2008

Nouns
Talk - A speech or lecture.
Continuing Education - Instructional courses designed especially for part-time adult students; Further Education.

Verbs
renovate - restore to a previous or better condition; "They renovated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel"
rely (on)/ depend (on) - to have confidence or faith in something

New Vocabulary/January 16, 2008

Language for Rejecting Advice Politely

• "Thank you, but I'm not interested"
• "I'm sorry but I'd rather not."
• "I'm afraid that's not my cup of tea."
• "I'd prefer something else."
• "My recommendation /advice is ..."
• "No, thanks."
• "Would you mind terribly if I didn't?"

New Vocabulary/January 16, 2008

Language for Giving Advice

• "Can I give you some advice?"
• "Here is a tip ..."
• "May I make a recommendation?"
• "I think you might try ..."
• "My recommendation /advice is ..."
• "What do you think about ...?"

Nouns

Stream - A flow of water in a channel or bed, as a brook, rivulet, or small river.
River - A large natural stream of water emptying into an ocean, lake, or other body of water and usually fed along its course by converging tributaries.
Lake - A large inland body of fresh water or salt water.
Ocean - The entire body of salt water that covers more than 70 percent of the earth's surface. Including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic oceans.
Sea - A relatively large body of salt water completely or partially enclosed by land.

Skating Rink - building that contains a surface for ice skating or roller skating
sips - drinks (slang)

White goods - A major appliance is usually defined as a large machine which accomplishes some routine housekeeping task, which includes purposes such as cooking, food preservation, or cleaning, whether in a household, institutional, commercial or industrial setting. An appliance is differentiated from a plumbing fixture because it uses an energy input for its operation other than water, generally using electricity or natural gas/propane. An object run by a watermill would also be considered an appliance. The term white goods is also used for these items, primarily where British English is spoken, although definitions for the term "white goods" can differ. In the United States, the term white goods more commonly refers to linens rather than appliances.
air conditioner, dishwasher, clothes dryer, freezer and refrigerator, stove, also known as range, cooker, oven, cooking plate, or cooktop, water heater, washing machine

Brown goods - Brown goods are typically small household electrical entertainment appliances such as:
CD and DVD players, televisions, still cameras, camcorders, Video game consoles, HiFi and home cinema, telephones, answering machines

Adjective
epicurean - devoted to pleasure

Verb
devein - to remove the dark dorsal of a shrimp

New Vocabulary/December 6, 2007

Small Talk Language - To let the speaker know that you are listening and interested

• "OK", "Go on", "Yes", 'Interesting", "Tell me more", "I agree", "That's good", "Wonderful", "Really?", "Right", "Do you think so?", "I understand", "Me, too"

New Vocabulary/November 29, 2007

Noun
ado - delay

Verb
overestimate - an appraisal that is too high

New Vocabulary/November 22, 2007

Noun
bonus - money or an equivalent given in addition to an employee's usual compensation

Adjective
elderly - rather old, being past middle age

We take a holiday, We have a holiday, We go on a trip/vacation.
We make plans for a holiday. Make a holiday trip

New Vocabulary/October 25, 2007

Nouns
survey - A gathering of a sample of data or opinions considered to be representative of a whole.
poll - A survey of the public or of a sample of public opinion to acquire information.
rival - One who attempts to equal or surpass another, or who pursues the same object as anothe. competitor - One that competes with another, as in sports or business.

Adjective
meticulous - Extremely careful and precise or excessively concerned with details.

New Vocabulary/October 18, 2007

Nouns
merger- The union of two or more commercial interests or corporations.
oven - A chamber or enclosed compartment for heating, baking, or roasting food, as in a stove.

New Vocabulary/October 12, 2007

Nouns
atmosphere - The air or climate in a specific place. Ambience.
ambience - A particular environment or surrounding influence; "there was an atmosphere of excitement"
participants - People who join with others in some activity or endeavor.
details- Specific or particular items of information.
venue - A place or location for a large gathering or event.

Verbs
elaborate (on) - Add details, as to an account or idea; Clarify the meaning of something.
depend (on) - To rely on or place trust in something.

New Vocabulary/September 13, 2007

Nouns

parlour - a room for receiving and entertaining visitors.
necktie- A narrow fabric band of varying length worn around the neck and tied in a knot or bow close to the throat
bow tie -
equal rights -
social service agency -

Verbs
provoke - To incite to anger or to stir to action or feeling.

Adjectives
corrugated - Shaped into folds or parallel and alternating ridges and grooves.
primitive - Characterized by simplicity or crudity; unsophisticated.

New Vocabulary/September 6, 2007

Nouns
sights - Something worth seeing, laces of interest; “The sights of London”.
sightseeing - Going about to look at places of interest.

Adjectives
narrow-minded - not tolerant of the opinions or beliefs of others
broad-minded - inclined to respect views and beliefs that differ from your own
scary - causing or able to cause fear

Prepositions - Online Prepositions Tests - 1, 2, 3, 4
under
on
on top of
over
above
behind
beside
next to
in
inside of
at
in front of

Useful Links

Learn English Central
Englisch-Hilfen Grammar Exercises
Ask Oxford

Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Using Articles
Articles Test

Comparative Adjectives
Adjectives List

Pronunciation Tips (International Phonetic Alphabet Chart with Audio)

Lesson Archive

Lesson Twenty- Eight/ February 28, 2008

• Tips from "The London Paper" - Reading and Discussion
• Homework Review - Business Benchmark Study Book pg. 8 & 9
• Business Benchmark Student Book - Unit 3 pp. 18 & 19
• Telephone Call Practice

Lesson Twenty-Seven/ February 21, 2008

• Homework Review - Business Benchmark Student Book pg. 15 #4 & BB Study Book pg. 8
• Business Benchmark Student Book pg. 16 & 17

Lesson Twenty-Six/ February 7, 2008

• International Express Student Book pp. 44-45
• Click here to watch a Cooking vodcast (video podcast) and learn some new recipes!
• Click here to learn about Compulsory Cooking

Lesson Twenty-Five/ January 31, 2008

• Discussion - Review a Food Recipe
• Review Language for Making and Rejecting Suggestions
• 100 Things to Do in San Diego - Speaking Activity
• International Express pg. 44 #1 - Tapas Bars
• Video Podcast - "Is that Compliment Real?"

Lesson Twenty-Four/ January 24, 2008

• Discussion - Corporate Culture
• Business Benchmark Student Book pp. # 14 & 15
• Homework Review - Describe a food recipe from a magazine

Lesson Twenty-Three/ January 16, 2008

• Homework Review - IE Student book pg. 43 # 6 & 7
• Giving Advice and Making Suggestions - Things to Do In Bielefeld: Speaking Practice
• International Express Pocket Book pg 17 - Advice and Suggestions
• Discussion - Ethical Consumerism: Speaking Practice
• International Express Student Book pg. 42 #3 & 4 - Listening Activity
• Food and Recipes - Reading and Speaking Practice

Lesson Twenty-Two/ December 6, 2007

• Year-End Reflection and This Year's Wishes - Discussion
• Taboo - Last Year's Vocabulary
• International Express Workbook Unit 4 pg. 27
• International Express Student Book pg. 42 #2

Lesson Twenty-One/ December 13, 2007

• Games and Films

Lesson Twenty/ December 6, 2007

• Homework Review - IE Workbook Unit 4 pg. 26 #4
• Review Language for Present and Past Trends; IE Pocket Book pg. 28 & IE pg. 38 Blue Box
• Presentations - IE Student Book pg. 40
• Reading a Graph - Test
• Food - International Express Student Book pg. 41
• Speaking Practice - Small Talk: Keeping a Conversation Going

Lesson Nineteen/ November 29, 2007

• Homework Review - IE Workbook Unit 4 pp. 24-25
• Present and Past Trends; IE Pocket Book pg. 28 & IE pg. 38 Blue Box
• International Express Student Book pg. 39 & 40
• Presentation Study; "The Office (US)" Listening Activity

Lesson Eighteen/ November 22, 2007

• Homework Review - Business Benchmark pg. 13 #3
• International Express Unit 4 pgs. 36-38

Lesson Seventeen/ November 8, 2007

• Homework Review - BB Student Book pg. 12 Reading #1-4
• Business Benchmark Grammar Workshop pg. 13
• Presentation Practice - Miele Products: Health and Safety Issues
• The Office UK- Video Presentation Language Study and Reading
• The Office UK - "Health and Safety Training" Listening Activity
• Check below for current homework!
  
• Click here for a link to "The Office UK" Homepage!
  Click here for a link to "The Office US" Homepage!

Lesson Sixteen/ October 25, 2007

• Homework Review - BB Workbook pg. 7 Grammar
• Business Benchmark pg. 11 Listening Activity "What does a PA do?"
• Presentation Practice - Miele Products: Dishwashers and Vacuum Cleaners
• The Office UK- Video Presentation Language Study and Reading
• The Office UK - "Health and Safety Training" Listening Activity
• Check below for current homework!

Lesson Fifteen/ October 18, 2007

• Homework Review - BB Workbook pp. 6 & 7 # 1-4
• IE Express Listening Activity pg. 35
• Presentation Practice - Mario and Herbert
• Language Practice for Asking Questions after Presentations
• Presentation Group Activity

Lesson Fourteen/ October 12, 2007

•  "Pronunciation Pyramid" - Vocabulary and Language Review
• Homework Review - BB Workbook pp. 6 & 7 # 1-4
• Study IE Express Workbook pp. 21 & 22 and Agreeing and Disagreeing Language Handout
• "The Best Offer" Activity - Choose a restaurant for your group
• International Express Student Book pp. 34 & 35 - Meetings Speaking and Listening Activities

Lesson Thirteen/ September 20, 2007

•  "Pronunciation Pyramid" - Vocabulary and Language Review
• Homework Review - BB Workbook pp. 6 & 7 # 1-4
• Study IE Express Workbook pp. 21 & 22 and Agreeing and Disagreeing Language Handout
• "The Best Offer" Activity - Choose a restaurant for your group
• International Express Student Book pp. 34 & 35 - Meetings Speaking and Listening Activities

Lesson Twelve/ September 13, 2007

•  Vocabulary and Language Review
• “Teach Me Something in 60 seconds” activity
• Making Arrangements Language Review - IE pocketbook pp. 21 & 22
• "The Best Offer" Activity - Choose a holiday for your group

Lesson Eleven/ September 6, 2007

•  Prepositions Game
•  Adjectives Card Game
•  "Everyday Requests Board" Game
• “Teach Me Something in 60 seconds” activity

Lesson Ten/ August 30, 2007

• Pronunciation Review - life and live, relive and revive
• “Teach Me Something in 60 seconds” activity
• Review Compound Adjectives
• European Languages Handout and Pairwork
• Homework Review – IE Workbook pg. 23
• Arranging a Meeting activity
• IE Student Book Listening Activity 3.3 pg 34
• Introduce “Cambridge Business Benchmark” book
• Language Review and Corrections - Remember that we don't say "all the day". Instead, we say "the whole day" or "all day long"

Lesson Nine/ August 23, 2007

• Vocabulary Review
• Teach Me Something in 60 Seconds Activity
• Checking the Details Activity
• Language Corrections and Review

Lesson Eight/ August 16, 2007

• Vocabulary Review
• Homework Review- "In the Office" handout
• International Express pp. 32 & 33 Listening Activity
• Partner and Group Discussion about Languages
• Check below for current homework!

Lesson Seven/ August 9, 2007

• Hangman Activity - Vocabulary Review
• Homework Review- Workbook pg. 21 (Relative Clauses Type B)
• Conversation Practice - "Describe your Home or Work Office"
• "In the Office" Handout
• Check below for current homework!

• About the Rosetta Stone
  Click here to learn more about the Rosetta Stone
  Click here to learn more about the Rosetta Disk

Lesson Six/ August 2, 2007

• Welcome back Wolfgang!
• Review Homework - Workbook pg. 20 - Relative Clause Review
• Rules for Relative Clauses A and B-International Express Pocketbook pp. 13 & 14
• Pronunciation Practice - Minimal Pairs "V" & "W"/ "TH" & "S"/ "NG" and "K" endings
• Pronunciation Practice- cash/cache/catch/ cage
• IE Express Workbook Syllable and Pronunciation Practice pg. 21
• Discussion: Learning Languages
• The Rosetta Stone: International Express Student Book pg. 32 Reading Activity and Vocabulary Review
• Check below for current homework!

Lesson Five/ July 26, 2007

• Review Homework - Workbook pg. 19 #4
• Pronunciation Practice - Minimal Pairs "V" & "W"/ "TH" & "S"
• Rules for Comparative and Superlative Adjectives -International Express Pocketbook pp. 2 &3
• Comparative Adjective Handout and Practice
• Introduction to Relative Clauses
• Restaurant Roleplay - Ordering Drinks Food and Paying the Bill
• The Rosetta Stone: International Express Student Book pg. 32 Reading Activity and Vocabulary Review
• Check below for current homework!

Review
Adjective "-ing" and "-ed" endings - Quiz 1, Quiz 2

Lesson Four/ July 19, 2007

• Welcome back Mario and Volker!
• Review and Discuss the Past Three Lessons
• Adjective Endings, Comparative and Superlative Adjectives and Body Language Review
• International Express Workbook pg. 18 #9-13, pg. 19 #2 & 3
• Pronunciation Activity - "V" and "W" Minimal Pairs Handout
• Vocabulary Guessing Game
• Check below for current homework!

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
• Use the comparative form of an adjective to compare two things.
• Use the superlative form of an adjective to compare more than two things.

Links
Lists - 1
Rules - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tests - 1, 2, 3

Lesson Three/ July 12, 2007

• Welcome Back from Holiday!
• Review and Discuss the Past Two Lessons
• Adjective Endings and Body Language Review
• Holiday Stories: Use descriptive adjectives to talk about your vacation with a partner
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives Review
• International Express Workbook pg. 18 - Comparative Adjectives Study
• Group Corrections -
  • When to use "stand up" and when to use "wake up" or "get up"? Click here
  • What does "making sports" mean?
  • How do you pronounce the "V" and "W" sounds?
  • When do we use the 3rd person singular?
  • When do we use "lay" and "lie"?
  • Remember to use articles with nouns!
• Check below for current homework!

Lesson Two/ June 21, 2007

• Adjectives Review - using -ing and -ed endings
• Adjectives Activity with a Partner
• Body Language Handout and Discussion- Business Spotlight Magazine
• International Express pg. 31 #3-6
• Listening Activity - Business Spotlight Podcast/Translating Exercise
• Homework: International Express Workbook pg. 18

Lesson One/ June 14, 2007

• Greetings and Introductions
• Discussion - Holiday Plans
• Adjectives Study and Practice
• International Express pg. 30 and pg. 31 #3: Body Language
• Homework: Adjectives Handout