C1 English with Andriana · Flexible (Zoom), usually 13:00 · updated 08 Oct 2026
Next lesson
Not set yet — A debate built around Shrek — no need to rewatch it.
Do next
DueLearn the new homework wordsmanifesto · constitution · cast a vote · perky. Set on 8 Oct — be ready to use them next lesson.
LaterAutumn list videos — deadline 30 NovTelegram circles of the "do" activities: picnic in the park first, then the rest.
DuePractice the formal sentence-openersgiven that / granted that / taking into consideration / taking into account / having said that. Set as homework on 21 Sep, her words: "an easy one."
DueBuild your own examples for this lesson's wordsWater metaphors + strengthen/exacerbate/engender/aggravate/alleviate/mitigate/ease/elevate/boost. Her instruction on 17 Sep: your own example sentences, not GPT's.
SmallPassive-voice refresher linkOptional — she's sending it in the Telegram chat.
LaterCover email, one page, semi-formalGoes in the shared Google Doc "Max's writings" — every writing task for the rest of the course in one running file, marked with a colour system. Job of your choice.
LaterVideo resume, 5 minutes minimumSemi-formal, good vocabulary, be yourself. Private, for her only.
SmallStress-syllable pronunciation clipsOptional — short audio she's sharing, listen and repeat.
SmallFive synonyms for "important" — with the register each fitsAccepted so far: significant · vital · crucial · essential · critical · prominent. The register note is still owed.
SmallRead the weird-professions article
SmallInvent revision tasksStanding ask from before the break — "Max, you're pretty excellent at coming up with some tasks."
SmallScroll the chat and quiz each otherStanding instruction — keeps both of you in shape between lessons.
Two phrases to force into small talk: keep your head above water · an aptitude for
Recap of the last lesson
Recap — 08 Oct 2026
Checking understanding in a debate — politics & the gender pay gap; sell-the-word revision
Small talk · Autumn try / do / skip list · Sell-the-word alias · Listening
Missed in the quiz: aptitude · reel off · cast a vote · a synonym for "good at"
pick and chooseshort and sweeta complete fallacya fertile imaginationto ponder (sth)frowned uponI beg to differsluggishan aptitude for sthdauntingthe odds are that…extensive experiencethe odd (comment)be down to sthkeep your head above watera wet blanketa party pooperelevate (≠ alleviate)to exacerbate sth (≠ exaggerate)anti-theft measuresreel offcast a votebe cut out for sth (≠ cut and dried)have a flair for sth
Suggestions
The four-day test is the real test — produce yesterday's new words out loud, in a sentence you invent, the next day.
Ask for the collocation, not the word — "do we say X with Y?" is the highest-value question in the lesson.
Quiz each other from the chat — scroll up, pick ten, take turns.
Binomials get rote — understanding doesn't help, repetition does.
Two phrases per lesson, forced — said out loud in the first five minutes of small talk, or it doesn't count.