miércoles, 3 de diciembre de 2025

C1 Reading — Multiple Choice: Michelle Smith/Walsh — From Luxury Obsession to Cyber-Gig Survival

C1 Reading — Multiple Choice: Michelle Smith/Walsh — From Luxury Obsession to Cyber-Gig Survival

Instructions: Read the following text carefully. For questions 25–30, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.

Reading Text: Michelle Smith/Walsh — From Luxury Obsession to Cyber-Gig Survival

Michelle Smith—known professionally as Michelle Walsh—built a reputation as a promising young producer in the independent film industry. Her early success brought her invitations to exclusive events, networking dinners, and creative collaborations that made her believe she had finally “made it.” However, the glamour surrounding her career soon became both a temptation and a trap. Determined to maintain the image of a high-profile industry figure, Michelle began spending excessively on luxury handbags, designer clothing, imported cosmetics, and first-class travel. At first, she justified each purchase as an “investment in her professional brand,” but her expenses quickly outpaced her actual income.

By the time she noticed the warning signs—late payment alerts, rising interest charges, and a steadily decreasing credit score—she had already accumulated an overwhelming amount of debt on multiple credit cards. Unable to cover even the minimum payments, Michelle found herself cornered. She briefly considered asking friends for help but feared damaging her carefully crafted image. What she needed was income that was immediate, flexible, and discreet.

That was when she discovered cyber-gig platforms. These websites offered everything from video editing and transcription to micro-tasks, digital marketing, and AI-training assignments. Michelle threw herself into the cyber-gig economy, taking as many jobs as she could. The work was unstable, the pay inconsistent, and the deadlines relentless, but the anonymity suited her: no one on the platforms knew she was a producer drowning in debt. For the first time in months, she felt a sense of control.

Yet the cyber-gig world came with its own complications. The constant competition pushed her to accept lower fees than she deserved, and the irregular hours left her mentally drained. Despite this, the income allowed her to slowly reduce her credit-card balance. Still, the experience forced her to confront an uncomfortable truth: the image she had spent so much money preserving had nearly destroyed her financial stability. In the end, Michelle learned that authenticity—not luxury—was her most valuable asset.

Multiple-Choice Questions:

25. Michelle initially justified her luxury purchases because she believed they were…

A. required by her employers

B. necessary to maintain her professional reputation

C. a temporary reward for recent achievements

D. part of a long-term investment strategy unrelated to her career

26. What prevented Michelle from asking her friends for financial assistance?

A. She feared damaging her public image

B. She believed they were facing similar financial difficulties

C. She no longer trusted them due to past conflicts

D. She didn’t want to involve her family in her spending habits

27. One advantage of cyber-gig work for Michelle was that it allowed her to…

A. earn large amounts of money quickly

B. build long-term relationships with clients

C. keep her financial struggles hidden

D. avoid working irregular hours

28. According to the text, one major challenge of the cyber-gig platforms was that…

A. clients often demanded in-person meetings

B. competition pushed workers to lower their prices

C. users needed advanced technical certifications

D. platforms restricted the number of jobs one could accept

29. Michelle’s experience ultimately helped her realise that…

A. luxury goods rarely hold their value

B. online reputation is crucial to financial growth

C. financial stability requires high income

D. authenticity is more important than maintaining an image

30. The overall tone of the passage portrays Michelle’s story as…

A. a cautionary tale about the dangers of image-driven spending

B. a criticism of the film industry’s working conditions

C. an argument in favour of cyber-gig platforms

D. a warning against using credit cards in creative professions

C1 Open Cloze: Dunkin’ Donuts as a Start-Up

C1 Open Cloze: Dunkin’ Donuts as a Start-Up

For Questions 1–8, read the text below and think of the word which best completes each gap.
Use only one word in each gap.
Each gap completes one of the fixed expressions or phrases required by the context of the text.

Write your answers clearly.

When Dunkin’ Donuts began as a small shop in the 1950s, William Rosenberg aimed to design a business model (9) ____ a view to scaling it nationwide. At the time, few entrepreneurs believed that a bakery could succeed anywhere (10) ____ its local neighborhood, (11) ____ become a global franchise.

Rosenberg’s philosophy was simple: for (12) ____ start, focus on speed and consistency. He limited the menu to doughnuts and coffee, a decision that proved effective because, (13) ____ and large, customers valued quick service more than product variety.

His priorities were clear. First and (14) ____, he wanted every store to deliver the same quality experience. When he introduced franchising, many feared that expanding too quickly might damage the brand, but Rosenberg insisted the system could work — and eventually, it did (15) ____ good.

Today, although the company continues evolving, it remains committed to the principles that shaped it in its early years. For the time (16) ____, those values still define the core of the Dunkin’ Donuts identity.

C1 Multiple Cloze: The Apple Watch and Everyday Life

C1 Multiple Cloze: The Apple Watch and Everyday Life

Complete the text below by choosing the correct option (A, B, C, or D) for each gap.

In less than a decade, the Apple Watch has gone from a curious accessory to an essential device for millions of users. When the product was first introduced, many questioned whether consumers really needed another screen (1) ____ their daily routines. Today, however, the watch is viewed as a tool that seamlessly integrates with people’s lifestyles, offering features that go far (2) ____ simply telling the time.

One of the main reasons for its success lies in its ability to monitor health data. The device can track everything from heart rate to sleep quality, which allows users to stay (3) ____ control of their well-being. Fitness enthusiasts, in particular, rely on the watch to set goals and receive reminders, ensuring they remain committed even on days when motivation is (4) ____ short supply.

Another key factor is convenience. Many users appreciate the freedom of receiving notifications (5) ____ their wrist instead of constantly checking their phones. This helps them stay focused while still being reachable. In addition, the watch’s ability to make payments, unlock devices, and respond to messages has made short, everyday tasks considerably more (6) ____.

Despite these advantages, the Apple Watch is not without critics. Some argue that constant connectivity can be overwhelming, especially for those who already feel pressured to respond immediately to every message. Yet (7) ____ these concerns, the device continues to evolve, integrating more sophisticated sensors and apps every year.

It remains to be seen how future versions will shape consumer habits, but one thing is certain: the Apple Watch has already changed the way we interact with technology, and its impact is (8) ____ to grow.

OPTIONS

A. within

B. into

C. onto

D. through

A. beyond

B. over

C. beneath

D. across

A. in

B. at

C. under

D. on

A. from

B. in

C. on

D. at

A. with

B. under

C. from

D. at

A. achievable

B. manageable

C. convenient

D. effective

A. although

B. nevertheless

C. despite

D. in spite

A. bound

B. aimed

C. destined

D. expected

martes, 2 de diciembre de 2025

Academic Exchange at Manhattan College

Academic Exchange at Manhattan College

Every semester, Manhattan College in New York hosts international students through its Academic Exchange Programme, which allows them to study temporarily while remaining enrolled at their home university. Since exchange students are not permitted to work during their stay, the programme focuses exclusively on academic and cultural enrichment.

During orientation, students receive detailed instruction about academic policies, assessment criteria, and campus support services. They also attend an introductory lecture on the U.S. higher-education system, followed by a small-group tutorial that helps them adapt to academic expectations in the American classroom.

Most exchange modules are taught by an experienced lecturer, while a visiting professor delivers a keynote academic talk each semester. Manhattan College also offers a competitive scholarship that assists a limited number of highly qualified exchange students with housing or campus fees.

Throughout the semester, participants join seminars focused on subject-specific topics and workshops designed to strengthen research, collaboration, and presentation skills. To join the programme, students must first enrol in their home university and demonstrate they qualify for academic mobility.

Although exchange students do not participate in a full graduation ceremony—since their degree is awarded by their home institution—the college organises an academic reception to celebrate their progress. The programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students alike, and aims to provide a highly educational international experience. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the college’s official prospectus, which includes information on accommodation, student life, and the academic syllabus for each course offered.

lunes, 10 de noviembre de 2025

🌍 The Tipping Point of Our Planet

Multiple Choice Cloze – Green Issues & Inversion

Instructions: Complete the text by choosing the correct word (A, B, C, or D) for each blank. There is one example (0).

🌍 The Tipping Point of Our Planet

(0)

A) so B) that C) as D) like

Rarely have global warming and climate change reached such alarming levels (0) _C_ they have today. Each year, temperatures rise and hardly had one environmental summit ended (1) ___ another crisis report appeared—proof that our planet’s health is hanging by a thread.

Under (2) ___ circumstances should we underestimate the impact of melting ice caps. These frozen giants are not just distant scenery; they are the planet’s regulators. Their disappearance fuels rising sea levels (3) ___ threaten coastal cities and millions of lives. On no (4) ___ must we consider these events isolated. They are connected in a fragile web where one imbalance triggers another.

Only (5) ___ governments and citizens act collectively can we hope to turn the tide. Reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and protecting forests are not optional gestures—they are moral imperatives. No sooner had scientists warned of the dangers (6) ___ floods, droughts, and heatwaves began striking like never before.

Yet there is still hope. Each new green innovation is a breath (7) ___ fresh air, and every reforestation project shows that humanity can adapt. But we are playing with fire if we continue to delay decisive action. The survival of future generations depends on what we do today.

If we act wisely, perhaps we will look back and say that this was the moment when the world finally woke up to the truth hidden beneath the (8) ___ of the iceberg.

Options

(1)

A) before B) until C) when D) than

(2)

A) any B) some C) no D) all

(3)

A) what B) who C) when D) that

(4)

A) account B) condition C) doubt D) reason

(5)

A) when B) since C) if D) because

(6)

A) when B) than C) before D) since

(7)

A) of B) with C) for D) from

(8)

A) base B) edge C) point D) tip

viernes, 7 de noviembre de 2025

The DINK Generation: A Redefinition of Adulthood

Part 7: Gapped Text

Instructions: You are going to read a text about DINKs — couples with double income and no kids.

Six paragraphs have been removed from the text.

Choose from paragraphs A–G the one which fits each gap.

There is one extra paragraph you do not need to use.

The DINK Generation: A Redefinition of Adulthood

In many societies, the idea of success has long been linked to marriage, parenthood, and stability. However, a growing number of couples are questioning that model. Known as DINKs — Double Income, No Kids — they are reshaping expectations about adulthood and fulfillment in the twenty-first century. (1)___________.Rather than viewing parenthood as a mandatory stage in life, these couples see it as one of many possible choices. Their decision is often driven by a mix of practical, personal, and ethical reasons — from economic uncertainty to environmental awareness.

In many cases, DINKs argue that not having children allows them to focus on other priorities. They may dedicate more time to their careers, their relationship, or their personal well-being. For some, the motivation is simply freedom — the ability to travel, move cities, or change jobs without the restrictions of parenthood. (2) ___________. This independence comes with a sense of control that previous generations rarely enjoyed. It reflects the modern emphasis on self-realization and flexibility, values deeply rooted in contemporary urban life.

From an economic perspective, DINK households often have greater disposable income and higher purchasing power. They invest in property, technology, or leisure, which stimulates several industries. Many global brands now design campaigns specifically targeting this demographic, emphasizing lifestyle quality and comfort over family-oriented themes. (3)___________. However, this financial comfort sometimes attracts criticism. Some accuse DINK couples of being materialistic or unwilling to make sacrifices for society’s future. Others, however, argue that their decision may actually be a responsible response to overpopulation and climate change.

Beyond economics, this trend also has a psychological dimension. Studies have shown that DINK couples often report stronger communication, emotional stability, and mutual understanding. Without the pressure of childcare, they tend to have more balanced relationships and higher life satisfaction. (4)___________. Yet psychologists warn that some may experience loneliness or regret later in life, especially if social networks shrink with age. As a result, many choose to build “alternative families” based on friendship, mentoring, or community engagement.

Cultural expectations still play a strong role in how DINKs are perceived. In more traditional societies, choosing not to have children can lead to judgment or misunderstanding. Family gatherings, for example, may include uncomfortable questions or remarks suggesting that adulthood without parenthood is incomplete. (5) ___________. Nevertheless, attitudes are gradually changing. Younger generations tend to see the DINK lifestyle not as rebellion, but as an evolution — a conscious adaptation to modern realities.

Ultimately, the rise of DINKs reflects a larger redefinition of what it means to live a meaningful life. Adulthood is no longer tied to a single script; it is a landscape of choices shaped by personal values and global challenges. (6)___________. Whether or not this model becomes the norm, it reminds us that fulfillment can take many forms — and that family, in its essence, may be more about connection than reproduction.

Paragraphs to Insert:

A. Their financial freedom, however, doesn’t necessarily translate into social acceptance.

B. At the heart of the DINK philosophy lies autonomy — the right to define success on one’s own terms.

C. Despite its growing popularity, the DINK lifestyle remains controversial.

D. In the past, the absence of children was often viewed as a personal failure or misfortune.

E. Still, critics insist that child-free couples underestimate the emotional rewards of raising children.

F. For many sociologists, this cultural phenomenon illustrates the decline of traditional norms and the rise of individualism.

G. Ironically, the very independence that defines this lifestyle may, in the long term, create new emotional challenges.

lunes, 27 de octubre de 2025

Passive Voice

1.- Passive voice chart for passive voice statements.

Saying a sentence in Passive Voice in different tenses

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/59147130

Passive voice online exercise
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/passive-exercise-5.html

Have you ever suffered a similar situation to the one shown in the video?

2.- Reporting Passive Constructions or Structures

Personal (option 1) and impersonal passive (option 2) introductory chart

Oral Practice about the Impersonal Passive Voice

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/59147320

Alternative Passive Forms

Do you buy online? If so, what?

Listening Exercise:

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/rPgyKCze-7E

Recording:

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/EfGcak-_hb9Lj0DdkSGC_NQBKyAxONQmFzvttWhWW5gjzA?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJPbmVEcml2ZUZvckJ1c2luZXNzIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXciLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJNeUZpbGVzTGlua0NvcHkifX0&e=6h5Lvn

Grammar Focus on Alternative Passive Forms

Passive Voice Statement: Focuses on the person affected by the action.

Many products have been sold online.

Impersonal Passive: Used when the subject is not a specific person or thing.

It is believed that online marketplaces offer greater convenience.

Causative: Indicates that someone causes another person to do something.

Sellers have their websites designed by professionals.

Impersonal passive voice online exercise

https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-119333.php

2.2.- Impersonal vs personal passive

2.2.2.- Personal Passive

The Rise of Online Shopping: A Convenient Revolution

Online shopping has transformed the way we buy goods. With just a few clicks, people can have their groceries delivered, their clothes altered, or even their furniture assembled. What once required hours in shopping malls can now be arranged from the comfort of one’s home.

Those who frequently shop online are believed to be highly organized and tech-savvy. In fact, many consumers are thought to plan their purchases in advance to take advantage of flash sales and discount codes. Some buyers are even said to track prices for weeks before finally making a decision.

In many cases, online shoppers have their parcels delivered to their workplace to avoid missing the courier. Others get their gifts wrapped and sent directly to friends or family, saving both time and effort. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people who have had entire parties catered thanks to online services.

Online reviews also play a crucial role. Influencers and product testers are often assumed to influence public opinion, and their recommendations are said to drive up sales dramatically. Consumers are encouraged to leave feedback, and their opinions are believed to shape the success or failure of products.

Of course, the convenience doesn’t come without complications. Some customers have been known to return dozens of items, leading to logistical issues. Still, most shoppers are understood to be satisfied with the flexibility and speed of online transactions. When something goes wrong, they can have their orders replaced or their money refunded with little resistance.

Despite environmental concerns and criticisms of overconsumption, online shopping is expected to grow even further. Shoppers are predicted to demand faster delivery and more sustainable packaging. Retailers, in response, are having their systems upgraded to handle increasing demand and are believed to be exploring drone delivery as a future solution.

The personal passive is used when the subject is a person and we report what people think, say, believe, etc., about them. For example:

"People say he is rich" → "He is said to be rich."
"They believe she bought a new phone" → "She is believed to have bought a new phone."

Collaborative Online Exercise of the Personal Passive:

https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-120780.php

Individual Exercise of impersonal and personal passive:

https://www.liveworksheets.com/w/en/english-second-language-esl/85304

Debate & Discussion Questions Using Personal and Impersonal Passive in the context of Shopping

🛒 Consumer Habits

What are teenagers expected to buy most often these days?
What is commonly believed about how men and women shop differently?
What are online shoppers generally thought to value the most: price, speed, or convenience?
What is said about how older generations shop compared to younger ones?

💸 Advertising & Consumer Psychology

What are social media influencers thought to do to encourage spending?
What is it said that advertisements often make consumers believe?
What kinds of products are believed to be influenced most by online reviews?
What are consumers believed to feel after making impulsive purchases?

🌱 Ethical and Sustainable Shopping

What is said about people’s willingness to pay more for eco-friendly products?
Who is believed to be more interested in sustainable fashion: young people or older people?
What is often assumed about shoppers who avoid fast fashion brands?
What is expected from big brands in terms of sustainability nowadays?

🛍️ Spending Habits & Trends

What are people said to spend the most money on during the holiday season?
What are students believed to prioritize when shopping on a budget?
What is commonly believed about luxury shopping and self-image?
What are consumers expected to demand more of in the near future?

Collaborative exercise 1 on page 34

Collaborative oral exercise 2 on page 34 on wordwall

https://wordwall.net/resource/31906071

The Causative

👗 Online vs. In-store Shopping

What is often said about buying clothes online versus in-store?
What are customers frequently reported to complain about in online shopping?
What are physical stores believed to offer that online shops can’t?
What is expected to happen to shopping malls in the next decade?

Getting Things Done: A Smart Seller’s Strategy

In the world of modern commerce, knowing how to get things done efficiently and professionally is just as important as having a great product. More and more entrepreneurs are getting their products promoted on social media by influencers instead of relying on traditional advertising. It's a trend that has been growing steadily over the past few years.

Take Emma, for example. She's currently having her online store redesigned to improve user experience. While some people might choose to save money by doing it themselves, Emma understands that in order to increase customer engagement, you need to have your platform optimized by experts. “I should have done it earlier,” she admits, “but I was trying to cut costs.”

Meanwhile, other business owners are getting their branding updated as we speak. It’s not unusual to hear that someone has had their logo redesigned or got their tagline rewritten by a professional copywriter. These days, customers are expecting authenticity—and you must be willing to invest in quality if you want to stand out.

And the efforts don’t stop there. Marcus, a digital marketing coach, is going to have his content localized for Latin American markets next month. He knows that by doing this, he will be reaching thousands of new clients who previously ignored his ads. He also mentioned he might get his social media strategy revised if engagement doesn’t improve.

Even now, many startups are having their customer reviews filtered to highlight the most relevant feedback. In fact, one major cosmetics brand I follow had its entire review system revamped last year. The company said it was essential to build trust with potential clients, especially in a saturated market.

Someone + have or get + Something + Verb in Past Participle + Complement.