Most common names in English

Hi gangs,
I want you to add the first 100 common names in English to our blog. Boys/Girls

Brisbane's Art Gallery Photos

ANZAC Day

EACH and every year we honour the Anzac spirit. For the last 94 years, young and old have come together at commemoration services around the country, to remember those brave soldiers who gave their lives so we could live ours. We've compiled a list of major services for south-east Queensland, incorporating Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, so you can honour the Anzac Spirit.The ANZAC SpiritOn the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand Army Corp troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during what we call the First World War. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed that morning while fighting for their country. From the bloodshed, pain and sorrow, the ANZAC legend was born that day.We call this day Anzac Day. It's a chance for both nations, Australia and New Zealand, to pause and remember all the soldiers that fought and died not only in WWI but in all wars. At ceremonies across the nation, The Ode is recited at dawn ANZAC Day services. It originated from a poem called For the Fallen, written by the English poet Laurence Binyon. This verse has been used to commemorate ANZAC Day at services in Australia since 1921.ANZAC Day CeremoniesWHEN the ANZAC soldiers first landed on the shores of Gallipoli the soft glow of dawn was the only light troops had. Although it made vision difficult, it was considered the best time to launch an attack. It was in those peaceful moments, before full light, that soldiers felt at most ease. In honour of these men, Australians and New Zealanders alike remember these men; for their courage, bravery and their sacrifice.After hymns are recited and the ode is read, wreaths of red poppies are usually laid beside the names of relatives who were killed in wars. Layer upon layers of wreaths are often left at the end of each Anzac Day in a show of respect for fallen diggers.


ANZAC Biscuits
There are a few theories on the origins of ANZAC biscuits (or ANZAC Cookies for Americans) but it is certain that they came about during the First World War, around 1914/15.

Some say that they started as biscuits made by the Troops in the trenches with provisions they had at hand to relieve the boredom of their battle rations. And some say they came about due to resourceful of the women on the "home front" in an endeavour to make a treat for their loved ones that would survive the long journey by post to the war front.
There is even the suggestion that they originated from Scottish Oatmeal Cakes which is entirely possible. Whatever the origin, they have won the hearts of all Aussies the globe over as the pseudo National Biscuit.
And here is how to make them, it is dead simple. If I can make them, anyone can!
Ingredients
· 1 cup plain flour
· 1 cup rolled oats (regular oatmeal) uncooked
· 1 cup desiccated coconut
· 1 cup brown sugar
· 1/2 cup butter
· 2 tbsp golden syrup (or honey)
· 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
· 2 tbsp boiling water
Method
· Combine the flour (sifted), oats, coconut and sugar in a bowl.
· Melt the butter and Golden Syrup (or honey) in a saucepan over a low heat..
· Mix the bicarbonate of soda with the water and add to the butter and Golden Syrup.
· Pour the liquids into the dry ingredients and mix well.
· Spoon dollops of mixture, about the size of a walnut shell, onto a greased tin leaving as much space again between dollops to allow for spreading.
· Bake in a moderate oven, 180C / 350F, for 15-20 minutes.
· Cool on a wire rack and seal in airtight containers.
Tips
· The American tablespoon is a little smaller than the British tablespoon, so be generous with your Golden Syrup (or Honey) and Water.
· If you have any thoughts of keeping the biscuits for any length of time I suggest you keep them in a padlocked container!
For a little variety you may wish to add 2 teaspoons of ginger spice or even Wattle Seeds, a recent addition but don't ask me where to get them.
Mmmm, ANZAC Biscuits.

Conversation 1

CONVERSATIONAL VOCABULARY

STARTING A CONVERSATION
- Anything interesting in the newspaper today? (Good but can give a yes / no answer)
- Did you have a good weekend? (Good, but is a closed question, with a yes/no answer)
- Ah, reading the stars, hey. So what do you think about astrology?
- Hi. You having lunch?
- What are you eating? It smells delicious.

KEEPING A CONVERSATION GOING Open (vs closed) questions AND
ASKING FOR YOUR PARTNER’S OPINION
- What are the headlines / top stories today? (Better question as responder must explain)
- What was your weekend like? (Good wh question: this requires an explanation and so keeps
the conversation going)
- So what movie did you see?
- What’s the book about that you’re reading?
- What did you think of … (the World Cup match last night)?
- What do you think about... (banning smoking)?
- What’s your opinion of… (the new citizenship rules)?
- How do you feel about…(exercising everyday)?

EXPRESSING AN OPINION (don’t forget to say WHY)
- I think / believe... (smoking should be banned in public places because…).
- I feel… (the new citizenship rules are unfair because...).
- I don’t think/ believe…(that ghosts exist as…).
- In my opinion…(money is important but it’s not the only important thing. For example, …).
- If you ask me… (all spectator sport is boring. It’s much better if…).

AGREEING (don’t forget to say WHY)
Yeah, I agree that/with you that…(school uniforms are a good idea, because…).
Yeah, I think so… (because movies are so violent these days).
That’s right… (people should be free to live the way they choose).

DISAGREEING (don’t forget to say WHY)
- I disagree... (that school uniforms are a good idea. Clothes are a way of expressing identity).
- I don’t agree... (with banning smoking because…).
- I totally disagree…(that you shouldn’t be fines for littering because…)
- No offence but… (it just doesn’t make sense to me).

ENDING A CONVERSATION Say you’re going and say why.
- Ok, well, I guess I’d better go, I’ve got a meeting in ten minutes.
- Better go, I have to cook dinner.
- I suppose I’d better be off. I want to get to the shops before they close.
- Look at the time! I’ve got a dental appointment at 3pm.
- I’d better run, I have to pick up the kids.

Report

A report tells us about something. It's about people, places or things. It is not about ourselves. Reports have different ports. These are called stages. Reports usually have a heading, an opening statement and then a description. Look at the following report about Sydney Opera House and then write a short report about your place of birth and share it with others. You have one week to do this assignment.

The Sydney Opera House, situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world.
Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed under some controversy, it was opened in October 1973.
The Opera House is one of Sydney's most popular icons with tourists and travellers from the world over visiting, photographing and standing in awe of the cultural centre of Sydney.
The Opera House is the home to the:
Ballet at the Opera House
The Australian Ballet
Australian Chamber Orchestra
The Bell Shakespeare Company
Ensemble Theatre
Musica Viva Australia
Musica Viva Australia
Opera Australia
Sydney Dance Company
Sydney Festival
Sydney Symphony
Sydney Theatre Company
Performances by the various companies are being conducted all the time at the Opera House. To book performances of the Opera, Ballet and/or Symphony Orchestra.
Choose from a one or two hour tour that take in the extraordinary history, breathtaking architecture and the unseen workings of the Opera House and its daily life or take you behind-the-scenes to stand on stage in the world-famous Concert Hall or Opera Theatre among other exclusive opportunities and to enjoy a light breakfast in the Green Room. For details on the tours and to book click here.
For information on upcoming performances and to book online.
To fit our relaxed and laid back lifestyle, minimum dress standards are neat casual.

Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same, but have different spelling and meanings, e.g. flower and flour. As there are no spelling rules to help you remember them, you need to learn these words. I'd like you to think of more homophones and add them to the list.
Cheers
Michael