*12 days of christmas!

Here comes a real tongue-twister, and the best of all - you have to learn it by heart!



Watch it here! (It is a terrible version, but it helps you learn it)



Read the lyrics here!



Extra credits: read about the symbols and story behind the song here!



8CD by Thursday I expect you to sing this song like your life depended on it!

8EF on Friday December 20th you should be ready to sing this song with all your heart - and since this is all the homework you get, it better be good!



Pic from here.

*One Way Ticket to.....Mars?

Would you apply for the adventure of a lifetime and be guaranteed fame, even if it meant never seeing your family or friends again?

Many people would! Read this fascinating article. Look up words you find difficult, and be prepared to explain them.

8 cd: this is for Wednesday 11th.
8 ef: this is for Tuesday 10th.

*Irregular verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (blir bøyd) like this:

INFINITIVE PAST SIMPLE PAST PARTICIPLE
to play                   played                         have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the next ten irregular verbs on the list: to show - to steal (see p. 207 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense (preteritum) or the past participle tense (perfektum).

Ex:                              You stole my heart.
                                   John has shown me secret recipe.

This is homework for 8EF for Monday December 9th

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday

*Irregular verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (blir bøyd) like this:

INFINITIVE PAST SIMPLE PAST PARTICIPLE
to play                       played                           have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the next ten irregular verbs on the list: to rise - to shoot (see p. 207 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense (preteritum) or the past participle tense (perfektum). AND ENJOY THE MARVELLOUS SONG "I SHOT THE SHERIFF" BY BOB MARLEY :)

Ex:     I shot the sheriff but I didn't shoot no deputy.
          Lisa saw a pink elephant in the middle of the street, she could not believe her eyes!
        

This is homework for 8EF for Monday December 2nd

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday

*Mock Exam coming up!

 

This week all your homework is to prepare for the upcoming Mock Exam (Wednesday November 27th). You have to read Perspective Magazine from cover to cover - a link to the magazine is to be found HERE. Make sure that you take useful notes and that you understand each and every text. We will of course work with the magazine at school as well.

HERE are some guidelines on how you can prepare yourself for the Mock Exam and what you have to remember during the Mock Exam.

HERE is a list of useful connecting words and phrases - try to use some of them in your texts on Wednesday!

Bring nutritous food that keeps you going throughout the day - NOT just candy :)

We wish you the best of luck on Wednesday - break a leg!

Weekend Treat 3

We know you've been waiting, so here it is: This week's fun stuff from the world wide web!

The coolest things you need to know about being in space!

Take a look at this artist's cool way of repairing his city!

Do you sometimes forget your manners? Read up on them here!

Many of you have talked about your cats and dogs. Check out these pets!

*Make it flow!

To improve your writing you need to make sure that your ideas, both in sentences and paragraphs, stick together or have coherence (sammenheng) and that the gap between ideas is bridged smoothly. One way to do this is by using transitions - connecting words or phrases that help bring two ideas together. Look at the connecting words below. Write a short story where you use some of them - you can write about anything you like!

Condition (vilkår): if, in case
Contrast (motsetning): although, but, even if, however, on the other hand
Reason (årsak): as, because of, since, so, therfore
Time (tid): as, at last, before, first, next, still, then, when, while

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday 20th
This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday November 19th

*Inspirational Teens!

This week we are presenting you 14 teens who have done fantastic things! We hope you find them inspirational. The texts contains difficult words, but are quite short, so look up the words you find difficult and remember them forever!

This week we would like you to comment on this post, and explain who you found most inspirational. You should try to use some of the transitional words (connectors) that are also homework this week in your text. 

Remember to write WHO you found most inspirational, and WHY as a comment to this post. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Read the article here.

Extra: If you are in the mood for more wisdom and inspiration, look at the Forbes Top 100 inspirational quotes! May come in handy one day.

Homework 8CD: for Thursday 21st!

Homework 8EF:  for Monday 18th!

*Irregular verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (blir bøyd) like this:

INFINITIVE PAST SIMPLE PAST PARTICIPLE
to play played have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the next ten irregular verbs on the list: to lie - to ring (see p. 207 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense (preteritum) or the past participle tense (perfektum).

Ex:              I have made a cake for you.
                   Holly lost her wallet yesterday.


This is homework for 8EF for Monday November 18th

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday November 20th

Weekend treat 2

Ok, so here are some more absolutely useless but oh-so-fun things around the web:

Ever wondered how many rubber bands you can stretch around a watermelon before it breaks?

Can you spot the man in these pics? Quite fantastic! (and time consuming...)

Now this is not useless. We told you it's important to learn English!!

This poem is SO funny!

Have a great weekend!

*Let there be light!

 

In the small town of Rjukan here in Norway a smart invention has made the inhabitants' days a bit brighter.The construction was thought of a hundred years ago, but Rjukan had to wait a century to let the technology catch up with this brilliant idea. Take look at the article HERE ! Look up words you find difficult.

This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday November 12th

This is homework for 8CD for

NB! DON'T FORGET "SHOW AND TELL"!
8EF will start the presentations Monday November 11th while 8CD will start the presentations Wednesday November 13th.  

*Express yourself!

 

In order to express your opinion there are many phrases that are helpful to know. Read through THIS LIST and write down ten sentences where you use some of the phrases to state your opinion about a topic (e.g. school uniforms).

Ex: My personal view is that school uniforms may prevent bullying at schools.

This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday November 12th

This is homework for 8CD for

*Irregual verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (blir bøyd) like this:

INFINITIVE           PAST SIMPLE               PAST PARTICIPLE
to play                      played                             have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the next ten irregular verbs on the list: to hold - to let (see p. 206 - 207 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense (preteritum) or the past participle tense (perfektum).

Ex:              Gina and Gary knew that they had to be serious about their presentation.
                    Elvis has left the building. 


This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday November 12th

This is homework for 8CD for

Weekend treat!

So the weekend is coming up, and we would just like to show you some fun links around the web, hoping it makes you read a bit more English (although some of the links contains no reading at all..)

Here are some of our favorite links:

Do you wonder where we got the pics for your test from? It is an amazing series of photos titled: Where children sleep.

Into sports? Read about 10 Olympic events that are no longer a part of the Olympics - but used to be!

And, as long as we're into old stuff - here are 10 inventions that was never put into production!

And just because it is SO beautiful - look at this amazing biker from Scotland. 

Happy Halloween!

Oh, do we  have a treat for you!! It is Halloween after all, and we should introduce you to something at least a bit scary... This is a film made after the short story: The Man From the South, and it is made by Alfred Hitchcok, one of the most famous scary movie makers of all times.
Not only that, one of our other favorite short stories by Roald Dahl, "Lamb to the Slaughter" can be read here.

And the film can be seen here.

Remember, these are not films with a lot of blood and killings. These are stories with an almost unbearable tension.... They are old, but good. So, what do you think?

PS. This is  NOT homework, it is just for fun!

*From present to past!

 

Many of you need to work on how to write in the past tense (fortid). You are to read the text below, which is written in the present tense (nåtid), and rewrite it into the past tense. Remember that some of the verbs are irregular!

Frank's Busy Day
Frank's day begins at 6:30. He gets up, takes a shower and gets dressed. He always has breakfast and drinks a cup of coffee. Then he goes to the university for his classes. When he finishes his morning classes, he usually eats lunch at 12:00 in the cafeteria. At lunch, he sometimes talks with his friends. After lunch he goes to his afternoon classes. He usually goes home at about 5:00. He eats dinner and relaxes for a while. Sometimes he takes a walk or goes running. For the rest of the evening he reads and does homework. Frank goes to bed about 11:00. What a busy day!

This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday November 5th

This is homework for 8CD for Thursday November 7th.

OPTIONAL: If you want to learn more about the present tense click on THIS LINK!

*Show and tell!

 

Remember that you are to give a small presentation about something that is important to you. You should use this week to plan the presentation and then next week to rehearse! The duration of the presentation is to be 3 - 5 minutes per person.

Check this link out to get advice on how to give a good presentation.

The presentations for 8EF will start Monday November 11th - come prepared!
The presentations for 8CD will start Wednesday November 13th - you should also come prepared!

*Irregular verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (blir bøyd) like this:

INFINITIVE PAST SIMPLE PAST PARTICIPLE
to play played have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the next ten irregular verbs on the list: to freeze - to hit (see p. 206 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense (preteritum) or the past participle tense (perfektum).

Ex:            Karen went to the zoo last Tuesday.
                 George and Hannah have given 20 dollars each to the Salvation Army.


This is homework for 8EF for Monday November 4th

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday November 6th.

*Show and tell!

 

Each and every one of you are to give a small presentation of something that is important to you. It might be a book, a hobby (if you play football, put on your football outfit), a pet (bring a picture) etc.

We will start presentations in week 46. You will get more information in class!

*Irregular verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (blir bøyd) like this:

INFINITIVE PAST SIMPLE PAST PARTICIPLE
to play                played                  have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the next ten irregular verbs on the list: to drink - to forget (see p. 206 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense (preteritum) or the past participle tense (perfektum).

Ex:        John fell down the stairs yesterday.
             Lisa has eaten two candy bars today.


This is homework for 8EF for Monday October 28th

This is homework for 8CD for Thursday October 31st

*The Upsidedown Mice!

This week we'll have you read a story invented by the great Roald Dahl. Many of you probably know him from before, he has written great children's books like Matilda and The Witches. We hope you enjoy it!

Read the story here!

If you like to know more about Roald Dahl, you can read about him here!

Homework for Wednesday 8CD: read the story and look up difficult words. You should be able to re-tell the story!

Homework for Tuesday 8EF: read the story and look up difficult words. You should be able to re-tell the story!

*More arguments!

To be able to make a balanced and informed article on an issue, you have to have plenty of arguments both for and against. Here are some more arguments for and against school uniforms, to prepare you for the article we are about to write. Find the article here.

Homework 8cd for Wednesday 23rd of October: Read both sides and look up words you find difficult.  

Homework 8ef for Tuesday 22nd of October: Read both sides and look up words you find difficult. 

*Irregular verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (blir bøyd) like this:

INFINITIVE       PAST SIMPLE                PAST PARTICIPLE
to play                 played                              have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the next ten irregular verbs on the list: to buy - to draw (see p. 206 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense (preteritum) or the past participle tense (perfektum).

Ex:         I caught the flu last week.
              I have chosen the colour pink as my favourite colour.


This is homework for 8EF for Monday October 21st

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday October 23rd

*Smart Ice Cream

We can not stress enough how important reading is for the development of your English skills. Once again Paul Jennings will give you the short story of the week - SMART ICE CREAM.

NB! IF THE LINK DOESN'T WORK CHECK OUT "DOWNLADS" (NEDLASTINGER) ON YOUR COMPUTER.

Write down words you find difficult and translate them into Norwegian.

This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday 14th of October.

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday 15th of October.

*Irregular verbs

Most verbs are conjugated (bøyes) like this:

INFINITIV                     PAST SIMPLE                   PAST PARTICIPLE
to play                             played                                 have/has played

However, there are some verbs that are different. These verbs are called irregular verbs. In Key English there is a list of all the most important irregular verbs. This week you are to learn how to conjugate the firts ten irregular verbs on the list: to be - to build (see p. 206 in Key English). Learn them by heart (you might be tested) and write ten sentences where you use each verb in either the past simple tense or the past participle tense.

Ex:         My dog Fonzo bit my sister's hand yesterday.
               I have been to the movies two times this month.


This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday October 15th

This is homework for 8CD for Thursday October 17th

*School Uniforms - should your school be telling you what to wear?

In many countries school uniforms are mandatory. We want to know your opinions about the subject. Read THIS ARTICLE and THIS ARTICLE. Study both sides of the arguement. Write down (in your notebook) three arguments that support the idea of having a school uniform and three arguements that do not support the idea of having a school uniform. Then write down your opinion where you state whether you are for or against school uniforms and why.

We also want you to state your opinion as a comment to this blogpost - remember to post the comment with your full name and class.

This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday 8th of October

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday 9th of October

*The Strap Box Flyer

READ PEOPLE, READ! Enjoy yet another marvellous short story by Paul Jennings - THE STRAP BOX FLYER :)

Write down words you find difficult and translate them into Norwegian.

This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday 8th of October.

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday 9th of October.

*ATTENTION 8CDEF!

On Monday the 7th of October (8EF - the first day after fall break) and Thursday the 10th of October (8CD) you are to have a two-hour writing session at computer room 119A and 119B. You are to write a short story (it could be wise to refresh your memory and check out the tips from Morris Gleitzman on how to write a good short story).

Your work will be graded - make sure to do your best!

*Pink Bow Tie!

This week we would like you to read a new story. We are bombarding you with stories, we know, but believe us - it is good for you!

This one is quite funny, we hope you will enjoy it! Read the story here!

Homework for 8CD for Wednesday 25th of September: Read the story, look up difficult words!

Homework 8EF for Monday 23rd of September: Read the story, look up difficult words!

*They're, their, there! - getting it right.

We´ll start irregular verbs after fall break, but for now: you need to get this right.

This is how you use it right.

Practice here.

Write 3 sentences with each of the three words to show that you understand the difference between them!

This is HOMEWORK 8EF for Tuesday the 24th of September.

This is HOMEWORK 8CD for Thursday the 26th of September.

*Irregular Nouns - Spotlight on Language!

 

 

 

Not every noun (substantiv) is changed from the singular to the plural just by adding an -s. Some nouns are different and are called irregular nouns.

 

 

Check out the video and read about irregular nouns in Key English at page 188. Write down the irregular nouns you have to memorize and learn them by heart!

 

 

This is HOMEWORK 8EF for Monday the 23rd of September.

 

This is HOMEWORK 8CD for Thursday the 26th of September.

Greetings from Bratislava

Hopefully you guys are enjoying your day off and that the job shadowing yesterday went well.

We are enjoying Bratislava for sure :)

Happy weekend, see you all on Monday!

*Writing a story!

In today's post we would like to introduce you to Morriz Gleitzman. He has written many books for children and young adults, we know some of you are reading his books now! But Morriz is not only a great writer, he is also great at giving advice on how to write. We would love you to be experts on writing good stories.

First, read this article.
Make sure you understand and look up the difficult words.

Secondly, read this story!

And last, but not least, you are going to write your own story, based on the principles Morriz introduces in his article. Minimun 1 page on computer. This is to be uploaded into Fronter in the folder STORY. We will show you at school how to do it.

Today's post may seem big, but remember; you do not have to finish this until week 38!

This is due:

8CD: Wednesday 18th of September. (Bring a print to class)

8EF: Tuesday 17th of September. (Bring a print to class)

*You are about to be PEP TALKED!

The Kid President is one of our favorite kids out there on the World Wide Web. Take a look at his brilliant video - and be prepared to be pep talked!

What will you do to make the world awesome?

HW 8CD for Thursday 5th of September: Watch the youtube-clip. Find out what a pep talk is. Then try to answer the question "What will you do to make the world awesome?". Write at least 100 - 150 words. 

HOMEWORK 8EF for Monday the 2nd of September: Watch the youtube-clip. Find out what a pep talk is. Then try to answer the question "What will you do to make the world awesome?". Write at least 100 - 150 words. 

*Falling out with friends - what to do?

Have you ever argued with a friend? Do you find it difficult to say: "I`m sorry"? Read the advice the guys at BBC give on the topic here. 

Remember that there is a reason for why you are friends, do not let a small insignificant argument ruin the friendship!

HOMEWORK 8EF for Tuesday the 3rd of September: 
- Read the article and write down words you find difficult. Translate them into Norwegian. 

HW 8CD for Wednesday 4th of September:

- Read the article and write down words you find difficult. Translate them into Norwegian. 

*My Favorite Things - Spotlight on language

In the musical "Sound of Music" the actress Julie Andrews sings about her favorite things. Read the lyrics in Key English at p. 13. Check out the scene from the movie here.

HOMEWORK 8EF for Tuesday the 3rd of September: 
- Read about Regular Nouns at page 187 in Key English. Do task 5 at page 13 in Key English. BRING KEY ENGLISH TO CLASS.

HW 8CD for Wednesday 4th of September: 
- Read about Regular Nouns at page 187 in Key English. Do task 5 at page 13 in Key English. BRING KEY ENGLISH TO CLASS.

*Who are you all?

Hello 8EF!

As you all now know my name is Pia and will be your English teacher this year. I am 30 years old and I live here in Oslo at Torshov. This is my second year as a teacher at Nordseter (before Nordseter I worked at Apalløkka). I worked here in 2011/12, then took a year off to go travel the world.  I sailed from the small island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal and all the way across the Pacific to Australia - stopping at several small beautiful islands on the way. It truly was an amazing journey. 

In my spare time I try to spend as much time possible with my friends and family. A perfect day for me would be a day in park with beautiful weather, lots of friends and lots of delicious food.  

I spend a lot of time thinking that I should work out (I do love Yoga and Pilates), but when I come home from work the couch is often calling my name… I am walker though, so you will often find me walking the streets of Oslo with my favorite music blasting through my earphones. 

This was a little something about me, I can´t wait to learn more about you guys!

Pia

Hello 8CD!

I am Siri and I will be your English and Religions-teacher. I am 32 years old, and I am born and raised right here at Nordstrand. I was even a student at Nordseter! I have worked at Nordseter since 2008, before that I was a teacher for adults at Sinsen, and at Oslo prison.

When I was younger I wanted to work in Fashion, so I went to London to study at London College of Fashion. However, I soon realized that my heart belongs to literature, so I went back home and studied books and stories for five years. I loved it!

When I do not work, I love to hang out with my three boys (husband and two sons), and when I am tired of all the boy`s stuff, I hang out with my friends. I run (you may see me in the streets, as I live at Nordstrand) and I do something called cross-fit. And I read. As much as I can.

I am really looking forward to getting to know you all!

Siri
 

HW: Write a text about yourselves, and bring Monday 26th (Pia) or Wednesday 28th (Siri). Also bring a photo of yourself, new or old!

*Seeking new friends?

We hope that you are settling in well, and most importantly, that you have made some new friends! There are many ways to get to know more people. Read this amazing story about a message in a bottle!

HW: Write the letter you would have put into the bottle! (150-200 words, by hand or in print.)
(Pia: Tuesday 26th, Siri Thursday 29th)

pic found here

*With a little help from our friends..

We are continuing the theme of friendship, and to finish off our three obligatory posts this week, we have this beautiful story about two best friends. We just want you to read this one - and be inspired!! Sometimes, we all need a helping hand.

Read the story here.

(Pia: by Tuesday 27th, Siri: by Thursday 29th)

*WELCOME

Hello 8CDEF, welcome to our blog!

We will be using this blog instead of the book Key English - but if you ever need to bring Key English to class we will let you know here. We will be posting three obligatory posts every Wednesday at 3 PM. The posts you HAVE to read will be marked with a *star. Your homework for the week will be in these posts. Make sure that you stop by often, we may post other fun stuff as well.

Our blog journey will take shape as we go along, and we would love feedback from you. This will be a trial project up until our fall break, but if you like it we may continue.

We are looking forward to get to know you all!

Best regards, Siri & Pia