Why Bilinguals Are Smarter

VOCABULARY. Match the following words with their definitions:

1. hinder a. to have difficult disagreements or strong arguments2. gaze b. to limit the ability of someone to do something, or the development of something3. tussle c. a signal for someone to do something4. challenging d. the moment at which something unpleasant begins5. cue e. to look at something or someone for a long time, especially in surprise, admiration

or because you are thinking about something else6. onset f. to make something perfect or completely suitable for its purpose7. hone g. difficult, in a way that tests your ability or determination

IDIOMS. How would say this idiom in Spanish?

A blessing in disguise is a good thing that you don’t recognize at first as a good thing. Example: “The hotel is full tonight; we will need to find a new place to stay” Answer: “Maybe it’s just a blessing in disguise; I’ve been wanting to try a new place anyway.” “I lost my job and was upset at first, but I found a better one and have been much happier.”

Twilight is the period just before it becomes completely dark in the evening: I could make out a dark figure in the twilight. What do you think “twilight years” means?

GRAMMAR. Complete the sentences with the correct preposition:

1. She's very adept ______ dealing with the media.

2. Compare some recent work ______ your older stuff and you'll see how much you've improved.

READING COMPREHENSION. What are the benefits of bilingualism according to the texts?

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2.

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5.

SPEAKING. What do you think?

Do you agree with the article? Do you think you will ever become bilingual? How can you become bilingual? Is being bilingual a goal to achieve, why? Is bilingualism a good goal for children to achieve since primary school, why?

Ms Bermejo NI2 2012