To Find a Dragon

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 18 June 2018 > What's On

Dragons loom large in a lot of children’s literature, from Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, as well as How To Train Your Dragon and Eragon. The theme of dragons sparked the imagination of thousands of British children, who created designs for giant dragon sculptures on view in London’s Kew Gardens this summer. There … Continue reading “To Find a Dragon”

Prince Harry to Wed

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 28 November 2017 > In the News

Britain will have something to distract it from Brexit negotiations in 2018 — a royal wedding always improves national morale. Prince Harry has announced his engagement to American actress Meghan Markle, with a wedding planned on 19 May. The couple has been dating since July 2016 and initially managed to keep the relationship surprisingly secret … Continue reading “Prince Harry to Wed”

Big Ben

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > Ready to Use

Big Ben is a must-see on any trip to London. The iconic London landmark is undergoing major renovation work for the next three years. We take the opportunity to show pupils what makes Big Ben tick with an A2-level article.  Language and Structures: Descriptive narration: simple present and preterite tenses Numbers: saying dates Modals and … Continue reading “Big Ben”

Big Ben Under Repair

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > In the News

Big Ben symbolises London and is an iconic part of the British capital’s skyline. But from 2017 to 2020, Big Ben will look and sound very different, because it needs major repairs. The tower, clock and Big Ben bell have given more than 150 years faithful service, including continuing to ring the quarter hours and … Continue reading “Big Ben Under Repair”

Guardians of the Tower

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > In the News

For many centuries, the Tower of London has been guarded by ravens. They are never allowed to leave the grounds of the Tower. According to legend: if the ravens leave, the Crown and the Tower will fall. But things are changing… Ravens have been in the Tower since it was built by William the Conqueror … Continue reading “Guardians of the Tower”

What is the Queen’s Speech?

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 21 June 2017 > In the News

The Queen’s Speech is shorthand for the UK’s State Opening of Parliament, which takes place annually at the beginning of each parliamentary session. The monarch reads out a speech to the assembled Houses of Lords and Commons detailing the government’s programme of legislation for the upcoming year. The State Opening is one of those occasions … Continue reading “What is the Queen’s Speech?”

Happy Birthday, Harry Potter!

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 20 June 2017 > Celebrate

As every Harry Potter fan knows, Harry’s birthday is 31 July, like his creator JK Rowling. But 26 June, 1997, was also an important date in the Potter canon: it saw the publication of the first volume of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The 20th anniversary of a cultural phenomenon is being … Continue reading “Happy Birthday, Harry Potter!”

Harry Potter at 20

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 20 June 2017 > Ready to Use

For the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book, this A1+-level article aims at allowing pupils to rediscover well-known fictional characters, perhaps for the first time with the English names. It’s a good opportunity to help them develop reading strategies, using what they know to help them understand new words and … Continue reading “Harry Potter at 20”

Pirates of the Caribbean

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 19 May 2017 > Ready to Use

In this A1+ article your students will use their speaking and reading skills to travel in the world of Disney’s latest Pirates of the Caribbean film whose UK title Salazar’s Revenge is more explicit than the U.S. Dead Men Don’t Tell Lies. While exploring the theme of heroes and anti-heroes would obviously be above A1+ … Continue reading “Pirates of the Caribbean”