12D Golden moments

Ice-breaker

• Imagine: you're 65/70/75 and it's your last day at work. The company and your colleagues have all put moeny together to buy you a present to say goodbye and thank you for all your hard work. What present do you think you should get?
• When people retire in Spain is there a typical present?
• Do you know anyone that has ever received an award or honour from the government or any national or international organization?
• The United Nations has decided to present you with a gold medal to recognize your achievement in ... what? What do you deserve a medal for?

Cultural corner: (1)Anniversaries

What are the anniversary gifts for each year?
1st-10th anniversary?
25th anniversary?
50th anniversary?
55th anniversary?
60th anniversary?
65th anniversary?
70th anniversary?
Check it out in the following link: Anniversary gifts for each year



Gold, precious gold!

What things can you think of that are typically made of gold?

eg.:
rings (wedding ring, engagement ring)
jewellery: bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, etc.
watches&clocks
coins
buttons
cufflinks
Olympic medals
photography (part of the chemical processing)
teeth repairs
glasses (the frame)
computer chips
protective or decorative covering (electroplating)
medicine (cancer, arthritis)
ingredient in drinks (liqueurs, champagne)
art (sculptures, paintings,etc.)
gold bars


Language notes: social expressions

• Not at all is a way of replying when someone says thank you. 
• My pleasure is also a way of responding to thank you.
• Say 'cheese' is the expression many photographers say just before they take your photograph. Why do they make you say this? Well the word cheese has the vowel that makes your mouth widen in a way similar to smiling.
• When you say Never mind to someone who is disappointed or upset, you are telling them not to worry because things aren't as serious as they think.
• When you say Another day, maybe to a disapppointed or upset person, you are suggesting that they can try again at another time. You are reminding the person that this isn't the end of all their hopes.
• Oh, what a shame is a way of showing that you sympathize with and understand someone who is upset or who has had a problem. ( = 'That's a pity').
• All the best means 'I wish you all the best luck'. The expression is usually said when you say goodbye to someone, especially a person you may not see for a long time. 
• (The) same to you is a response when someone wishes you well. It means 'And I wish the same for you'.
• I'll keep my fingers crossed means 'I 'm hoping that you will be sucessful'.
• Keep in touch means 'Don't forget to write, phone, email, etc.'
•  A little something means 'a small present' (the word little is used even if the present is big).

Cultural corner: (2) US Congressional Gold Medal winners

- Nelson Mandela
- Mother Teresa of Calcuta
- Walt Disney
- Frank Sinatra
- John Wayne
- Jesse Owens
- Joe Louis
- Thomas Edison