On Sunday 7th July 2013, Andy Murray made history by becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years, Britain´s most famous tennis tournament. Murray, ranked number 2 in the world, beat Djokovic, ranked number 1 in the world, in straight sets and both gave truly great performance. Every year, the British public and media puts great pressure on its home players to win the championship. After Fred Perry´s win in 1977, many British men have attempted, but failed to emulate...
EASY (Levels A2/B1) When we think of Easter, we think of painted eggs, the Easter bunny, and chocolate. But what are the origins of Easter? The festival of Easter is a Christian adaptation of a pagan ritual. Pagans believed that eggs represented fertility and rebirth and the Christian Church also made the eggs a symbol of religion. At Easter they painted eggs, and gave these as presents – a ritual that still exists today. The Easter Bunny, like Santa Claus at Christmas, is a...
EASY (Levels A1/A2) Learning a new language can be difficult but it is important to be patient and have fun. To learn a language you must study but it is also necessary to understand why you really want to learn. Is learning English your hobby? Do you need English for work? Do you need English for your Master´s program at University? There are many reasons for everyone but if you understand your reasons, you can make a good plan to achieve your goals. The best way to plan is to take one...
I’m Jose. I’m 47 and I’m learning English. Why? I have hundreds of reasons but the main reason is that I am unemployed. I think that knowing another language is necessary because my opportunity to find a new job increases if I learn languages. I have no doubt that English is the official language of the working world of business, so to learn it is essential. I can’t waste any more time! I’m studying my first intensive language course in Babylon Idiomas. I think I chose...
When it comes to learning a new language, English is probably the easiest one to get access to: Over 400 million native speakers worldwide and you will find millions of popular English language movies and songs being played on every continent. English has grown massively in the past two centuries and today, everyone has to have at least a basic understanding of English in order to survive in the competitive job market. But how can you learn English in a fun way without getting bored by...
A Cultural Guide to England Everything you need to know when you visit England by Babylon Idiomas Barcelona teacher Patrick Butterworth This summer I returned home to a cold, wet English summer. While I was trapped in my parents house due to heavy rainfall I thought about the strange rules and cultures of my home country. If you’re thinking of visiting, studying or even working in England one day there may be a few surprises for you. English culture can be a maze of rules and social...
As England´s EURO 2012 football campaign kicks off, many Brits, at home and abroad will be spending their afternoons and evenings glued to their television sets, or following the competition at the pub over a pint or two with friends. An outlet for emotions, the most dedicated of supporters will undoubtedly experience a range of emotions whilst watching the matches – joy, disappointment, nerves, excitement - on the whole in good sport. However, there is a darker side to the game,...
2012 marks the diamond anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. She has reined over the 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms for the past 60 years. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary came to the throne in 1952 after the death of her father King George VI. When she was born Elizabeth was third in line to the throne and was never expected to become Queen. However, when her Uncle Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry his divorced American girlfriend, her father became King and...
One of the best ways to improve your English language skills is by reading English language books. In honour of that… I’m giving you some information on the best selling English language books ever! Many of you will find these books are at a level that’s too difficult for you or find the English language used archaic* but it’s good to know information about some of the best stories ever told and who knows….if you keep practising and studying English, you could be enjoying these...
10 Tips to learn English: 1. Reading! that’s the part that helps you the most, it pays dividends at any level. Find something you really fancy and read about it. 2. Get confident and expand your comfort zone step by step 3. Get speaking partners to chat with, mainly natives. 4. Forget about your mother tongue and focus on English. Produce sentences while doing your usual routine. 5. Speak and read outloud. The more you get involved, the more you learn. 6. Watch movies and series with...
