English in Madrid

Spain declassifies files on 1981 attempted coup in effort to dispel conspiracy theories Spain's government has released dozens of documents related to an attempted coup that took place 45 years ago - regarded as a key moment in the country's history. A group of armed officers burst into parliament and threatened MPs, aiming to overthrow the country's fledgling democracy and return it to dictatorship. Their efforts failed when King Juan Carlos refused to support them. However, conspiracy theories have abounded since, including that the king may have had prior knowledge of the coup or even that he may have been actively involved. The release of the files also came on the same day as the death of the coup's leader, Antonio Tejero Molina, at the age of 93. Tejero's lawyer described him as a "man of honour, unwavering faith, and great love for Spain". "May God grant him the peace that men denied him," he wrote on X on behalf of his family. On 23 Febru...

UNDER-PRESSURE STARMER'S NEW U-TURN Compulsory digital IDs are on the cards U-turn Literal meaning: On the road, a U-turn is when a vehicle turns 180 degrees and goes back in the opposite direction . Figurative meaning: In everyday English, it describes a complete change of opinion, policy, or plan , often in politics, business, or personal decisions. 🌞 The government made a U-turn on tax policy after public protests. → They completely reversed their decision. To be on the cards (UK English; in US English: to be in the cards) Meaning: Something that is likely to happen, possible, or expected . Origin: Comes from the idea of fortune-telling with cards (like tarot or playing cards). If something is on the cards, it’s foretold or destined. 🌞 A promotion could be on the cards for her this year. → A promotion is likely or expected. Have you ever made a U-turn in your life — changed your mind completely about something? What happened? Can you think of a famous U-turn? What h...

Image created with Chat GPT 6️⃣ HANDY (adjective) - useful or helpful - something that makes life easier ( 🇪🇸 útil) / easy to reach or kept nearby   ( 🇪🇸 a mano) -- To have something handy means to keep it close in case you need it ( 🇪🇸 tener algo a mano) / good at fixing, making, or doing practical tasks ( 🇪🇸  ser manitas) 🌞 This app is really handy for learning new vocabulary. 🌞 It’s always handy to have a notebook in your bag. 🌞 Keep a bottle of water handy during class. 🌞 He’s pretty handy about the house . He can fix most things. 💻 What’s the handiest app or website for your studies or anything else? ✈️ What object do you always like to have handy when you travel?   👜 Do you usually keep anything handy in your bag or desk? What? 👨‍🔧 Are you a handy person? What things can you fix or make yourself? 👨‍🏫 Imagine you’re a teacher — what would you keep handy in the classroom?  #WOTD HANDY (adj) - useful or convenient (práctico, ú...

Image created with Chat GPT 1️⃣ - What's Madrid like? - It's funny . You'll have a great time.   Su: It's fun .​ 😍​ I make this mistake hehe Helena: me too😂😂 Graham: It wo n't do any harm to have a look at this: Fun v Funny Common Mistakes with Enjoy and Fun Have a go at this Quizlet: 2️⃣ You'd better take an umbrella because is going to rain later. Su: is going --> it's going (maybe?) 😍​ If it's not that one, I can't spot the mistake Graham: You'd better take an umbrella because it is going to rain later. Who is it? It's me. 3️⃣ I've still got a few things to do. I need about other twenty minutes to finish everything. José:  Could be: I've still got some things to do. I need about another twenty minutes to finish everything. Graham: Only one mistake. Which one is it? José: Other. 😍 Graham: Right . The mistake is other. Another is used with one thing (or if you specify the number of things) e.g. I made anoth...

Image created with Chat GPT Do the Quizlet to see how many of the twenty random e-words you know: Now look at some of the following e-words within a tweet. Click on some links (you don't have to explore every single one). You can respond to the tweets in X/Twitter if you like. After each tweet, you'll find a question - again, it is not necessary to answer them all. ELDERLY Old age is nice but to reach 106 years like Sister Cecilia is too much, as I said in your blog in 2017. People are stupid when they think that the elderly are useless. — joe elm (@joeelm2015) January 21, 2022   How can communities better support elderly residents? EXPLANATION #idioms Listen to the explanation of IN DONKEY'S YEARS 👇🏼 and write some example sentences of your own. Also see: https://t.co/karjl6OfI8 https://t.co/QgwJX9UNdM https://t.co/qrZHlfEj8s pic.twitter.com/TliEJhhJlQ — English in Madrid (@madteacher72) October 8, 2022 When someone makes a mistake, do they always owe an explanation? ...