Brexit: What happens next???

Brexit: What will change after Friday, 31 January?

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The UK formally leaves the European Union (EU) at 23:00 on Friday, 31 January. But it will immediately enter an 11-month transition period.

During the transition the UK will continue to obey EU rules and pay money to the EU. Most things will stay the same but there will be some changes:

1. UK MEPs lose their seats

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Image captionThe Brexit Party won the most UK seats in the May 2019 European elections

Familiar faces such as Nigel Farage and Ann Widdecombe are among the UK's 73 MEPs who will automatically lose their seats in the European Parliament.

That's because, at the moment of Brexit, the UK will leave all of the EU's political institutions and agencies.

However, in addition to the UK following EU rules during the transition period, the European Court of Justice will continue to have the final say over legal disputes.

2. No more EU summits

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to be specially invited if he wants to join other leaders at EU Council summits in the future.

British ministers will also no longer attend regular EU meetings that decide things such as fishing limits.

3. We will be hearing a lot about trade

The UK will be able to start talking to countries around the world about setting new rules for buying and selling goods and services.

It has not been allowed to hold formal trade negotiations with countries like the US and Australia while it remained an EU member. Brexit supporters argue that having the freedom to set its own trade policy will boost the UK's economy.

There's also a lot to be discussed with the EU. Agreeing a UK-EU trade deal is a top priority, so extra charges on goods and other trade barriers aren't needed when the transition ends.

If any trade deals are reached, they won't be able to start until the transition period ends.

• Brexit: What is a level playing field?

4. The UK's passports will change colour

Image captionBlue passports were replaced in 1988 with the burgundy design

Blue passports will be making a return, more than 30 years after they were replaced by the current burgundy design.

Announcing the change in 2017, then Immigration Minister, Brandon Lewis, praised the return to the "iconic" blue-and-gold design, first used in 1921.

The new colour will be phased in over a number of months, with all new passports issued in blue by the middle of the year.

Existing burgundy passports will continue to be valid.

5. Brexit coins

Image copyrightPA MEDIA

Image captionThe coins had to be re-made after Brexit was delayed

About three million commemorative 50p Brexit coins bearing the date "31 January" and the inscription: "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations", will enter circulation on Friday.

The coin has received a mixed reaction, with some Remain supporters saying they will refuse to accept it.

The government had planned to introduce a similar coin on 31 October, the date Brexit was previously meant to happen.

However, those coins had to be melted down and recycled after the deadline was extended.

6. The UK's Brexit department shuts down

The team that handled the UK-EU negotiations and no-deal preparations will disband on Brexit day.

The Department for Exiting the European Union was set up by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2016.

For the upcoming talks, the UK's negotiating team will be based in Downing Street.

7. Germany won't extradite its citizens to the UK

It won't be possible for some suspected criminals to be brought back to the UK if they flee to Germany.

Germany's constitution does not allow its citizens to be extradited, unless it's to another EU country.

"This exception cannot apply anymore after the UK has left EU," a spokesman from the German Federal Ministry of Justice told BBC News.

It's unclear if the same restrictions will apply to other countries. Slovenia, for example, says the situation is complicated, while the European Commission was unable to provide comment.

The UK Home Office says the European Arrest Warrant will continue to apply during the transition period. (That means Germany will be able to extradite non-German citizens.)

However, it adds that if a country's laws prevent extradition to the UK it "will be expected to take over the trial or sentence of the person concerned".

• A really simple guide to Brexit
• What is the transition period?

Seven things that will stay the same...

Because the transition period begins immediately after Brexit, the vast majority of other things remain the same - at least until 31 December 2020 including:

1. Travel

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionUK nationals will still be treated the same as EU nationals during the transition

Flights, boats and trains will operate as usual.

When it comes to passport control, during the transition period, UK nationals will still be allowed to queue in the areas reserved for EU arrivals only.

2. Driving licences and pet passports

As long as they are valid, these will continue to be accepted.

• Driving after Brexit: What you need to know

3. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Image copyrightALAMY

Image captionEHICs will still be valid during the transition

These are the cards that provide UK nationals with state-provided medical treatment in case of illness or accident.

They can be used in any EU country (as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and will continue to be valid during the transition period.

• Will the EHIC still be valid after Brexit?

4. Living and working in the EU

Freedom of movement will continue to apply during the transition, so UK nationals will still be able to live and work in the EU as they currently do.

The same applies for EU nationals wanting to live and work in the UK.

5. Pensions

UK nationals living in the EU will continue to receive their state pension and will also receive the annual increase.

• How will Brexit affect UK pensioners in Europe?

6. Budget contributions

The UK will continue to pay into the EU budget during the transition. This means existing schemes, paid for by EU grants, will continue to be funded.

7. Trade

UK-EU trade will continue without any extra charges or checks being introduced

Wrting about travellIng and modals

• http://www.focus.olsztyn.pl/en-modal-verbs-short-answers.html#.Xi_uFE9KjIU
• http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/multi/modal2.htm
• https://www.eltbase.com/quiz/078_01.htm
• http://usefulenglish.ru/grammar/modal-verbs-exercise-seven

Sample essays:

Currently, travelling has become much easier than in the past. People are travelling from one place to another place due to a variety of factors such as globalisation. Travelling makes us learn about various cultures and it helps in promoting the travel industry.

Globalisation is one of the main reasons for the increase in travelling. Nowadays, people are travelling for several reasons, such as education, business and recreation. Globalisation has opened up the boundaries of the countries and provided ample opportunities. It is through globalisation that we are now able to expand our scopes of horizon across other nations. For instance, it is seen that students are applying to international colleges for further studies, this is mainly because of globalisation and it is noticed that there are more students enrolling for international studies than in the past.

There are many benefits that we get while travelling. One of the merits is that we learn about many different cultures and this actually assists us in making our bonds with other nations stronger. We also learn to respect the culture and values of other nations. As a result, it opens up the scope for any kind of support from the international countries. Furthermore, travelling has an impact on the growth of the travel industry. The travel industry is one of the major contributors of the GDP for many countries and regions, such as Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East. Besides, it creates many employment opportunities for the people, thus improving the lifestyle of the country.

In conclusion, globalisation is one of the major reasons for the increase in travelling. From my point of view, travelling provides understanding the culture of many countries and it also increases the growth of the travel industry.

____________________________________________________________

Travelling in group with a tour guide is the best way to travel.

Nowadays, people have their own preferences about how to travel. Some people prefer to travel alone while others prefer to travel in groups with tour guide. I agree that it is the greatest way to travel as a group with a tour guide for several reasons.

First, a tour guide will let people know about the places they will visit and show the best places. Tour guides are specially trained about the local history and significance of all the places at the region. In many occasions, people travelling alone do not know the places to visit and so waste a lot of time trying to find something valuable to see. In addition, tour guides know things about a certain place that are not generally mentioned in books or brochures. Thus, guided tours are the best way in terms of sightseeing in a short time.

Second, travelling in a group can ensure safety. Many parts of the world are quite dangerous to travel alone. There are often people with evil intention waiting to do harm to tourists. For example, when one of my friends once backpacked across Europe by herself, she got in trouble because a homeless person took her passport and wallet. She had to call the embassy and deal with the situation. In the end she was not able to finish her trip, which could have been a once in a lifetime opportunity for her to spend such quality time with herself. When travelling with tour guides, they can protect their group members from this kind of dangerous situation.

In conclusion, although some people might agree that travelling as a group with a tour guide is not the best idea, I strongly agree with the idea that travelling in the group with the guide is the best decision in terms of great information and safety.

________________________________________________________________

Is it better to go on holiday with family, friends, or alone?

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There are very few people in the world who do not like going on holiday. Almost everybody likes to relax, to visit new places and see new things. Holidays are obviously great ways to do this but, before booking a trip, we all have to decide with whom to travel – is it better with family, with friends, or alone?

Holidays with family can be hard work and there can be many arguments. One friend told me that both she and her sister were in tears after arguing on holiday … before their flight had even taken off. Not everybody in the family wants to do the same things. In my own family, Dad always wants to go to a museum, Mum and sister want to shop, and I want to go to a coffee shop. Alone. The majority rules and we end up shopping. Travelling with family can be very cheap or even free, though, if parents pay.

Holidays with friends are not usually as cheap but money always plays an important role. It is normal for everyone to have different budgets and there needs to be a lot of compromise, from where you stay to where you eat. This inevitably causes problems. Nonetheless, travelling with friends can be incredible fun. When on holiday with friends you do different things than you do with family. It is also good for learning more about your friends, and sharing experiences together. Even though we spend a lot of time with our friends, travelling with them is different and a way to strengthen a friendship.

When choosing with whom to travel, there is another option: alone. Travelling alone has advantages over travelling with other people. For example, you do not have to compromise on money issues. You can choose what you want to do and it can also be a good opportunity to meet new people, especially when staying in hostels. Of course, travelling alone is not always good. It can be lonely and, sometimes, dull with no one to talk to. And, when at the bus station or airport, there is nobody to look after your suitcase when you want to go to the bathroom.

Personally, I prefer travelling alone because there are fewer arguments. Of course, sometimes I like holidays with other people. That way, there is always someone to talk to.

In the news... Coronavirus spread all around the world

China coronavirus heightens global alarm

Download this mini-lesson

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2001/200124-coronavirus-a.html

Writing. Opinion Essay. Space exploration

https://debatewise.org/debates/137-space-exploration-is-a-waste-of-money/

According to some people, the government should not spend money on space exploration. I agree with this view. In my opinion, there are other areas that need public spending. Also, space exploration is not crucial for the development of a country.

Of course, there are some benefits to investing in space research. It helps us to learn more about the universe we are a part of. Besides, there is a possibility that some space missions may find life on other planets. We may also be able to find other inhabitable planets. Since, population growth is leading to a resource crunch on planet earth, finding another planet that can sustain life is in the larger interest of the whole humanity.

On the other hand, there is no guarantee that we will find another planet that we can colonize. It is a mere possibility and it may take hundreds or thousands of years before we actually manage to achieve it. Hence, spending public money on such projects is unlikely to offer much in return at the moment. What’s more, there are several other pressing needs on earth that need immediate resolution. For example, millions of people still do not have access to potable water or education. Even today, thousands of people die in war and conflicts almost every day. It is foolish to spend money on space programmes before addressing these issues. Actually, making our planet more livable is much better than finding another planet to live in.

In conclusion, although outer space exploration projects help us to learn more about the universe, these projects are not crucial for the development of a country. Moreover, public money should be spent on more pressing issues like healthcare and education because they directly impact the public.

Indefinite pronouns

Download this lesson in PDF here.

Words like 'something', 'everywhere', 'anybody' and 'no-one' are indefinite pronouns. We use them for people, things and places.

People: somebody* / anybody* / nobody* / everybody*
Things: something / anything / nothing / everything
Places: somewhere / anywhere / nowhere / everywhere

*We can use anybody or anyone - the meaning is the same. It's also true for someone, no-one and everyone.

These are singular words, so we use a singular verb with them.

• Does anybody want cake?
• Everybody loves the new puppy.

However, we can use 'they / them / their'.

• Anybody who wants cake should pass their plate.
• Nobody brought their bag.

We can use these words on their own for a short answer.

• A: What do you want to eat? B: Nothing!

We can use them at the beginning of a sentence as the subject or as the object of a sentence.

• Nothing was done.
• She did nothing.

Some- and any- We have already talked about how to use some and any. (See here if you need to review.)

We use someone / somebody / something / somewhere in the same way as some and we use anyone / anybody / anything / anywhere in the same way as any.

We use somebody / something / somewhere mainly in positive sentences.

• We can find somebody who can help.
• There's something in the bag.
• Let's go somewhere this weekend.

We use anybody / anything / anywhere in the same way, but for questions and negative sentences.

• I can't find anybody who can help.
• Is there anything in the bag?
• We didn't go anywhere this weekend.

We also use anybody / anything / anywhere with sentences that have a negative feeling.

• There is hardly anybody here.
• She ate hardly anything.
• We spent the weekend at home without going anywhere.

We can use somebody / something / somewhere in questions when they are offers or requests or when we think the answer is yes.

• Are you looking for something? (= I think you're looking for something.)
• Would you like something to eat?

We often use anybody / anything / anywhere after 'if'.

• If anybody would like a coffee, tell me now!
• If anything is wrong, you need to phone the reception.
• If there's anywhere that you don't want to go, please send me an email.

We also use anybody / anything / anywhere with the meaning 'it doesn't matter who / which / where'.

• Anybody can do this.
• I'd like to go anywhere! I just don't want to be here!
• She was so hungry that she ate anything.

No- Nobody = not anybody. Nothing = not anything. Nowhere = not anywhere.

• I don't know anyone who's coming = I know nobody who's coming.
• There isn't anything here = there's nothing here.
• She doesn't want to go anywhere = she wants to go nowhere.

Usually the sentence with 'no' is stronger and more emphatic.

We don't usually use a negative verb with nobody / nothing / nowhere. Sometimes you hear this but it's not standard English.

• NOT: I don't know nobody.

Every- Everybody = all the people. Everything = all the things. Everywhere = all the places. These can be used in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions.

• I think that she has been everywhere in Europe.
• He doesn't know everything.
• Do you know everybody here?

Try an exercise about the indefinite pronouns here.

• https://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/gramatica/gramatica-britanica/no-one-nobody-nothing-nowhere
• https://www.ef.com/ca/english-resources/english-grammar/indefinite-pronouns/

Writing- Opinion. Languages

https://prezi.com/aioumohicjam/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-learning-a-second-language/

It is clear that learning a foreign language brings children several advantages. However, learning a foreign language requires attention, perseverance, time and work. Besides, some scientists say it may also have some drawbacks.

Firstly, most of experts agree on the fact that young children learn a language faster as they are enthusiastic to explore and learn new things. In addition, they pick up the pronuciation better and enjoy copying and learning through games. Secondly, nowadays, foreign languages are just as impotant as maths. What is more, learning a foreign helps students have better education and job opportunities.

On the other hand, it is said that learning languages increases work for parents and this effort adds extra academic load. We should also consider the fact that children need to concentrate on learning their mother tongue rather than learning a foreign language, sometimes missing their own cultural identity. Furthermore, learning a new language at an early age may be confusing and a waste of time. As a result, this learning could even delay the development of the child’s first language.

In conclusion, studies show that there are many advantages to learn a foreign language. Nevertheless, in my opinion, we have to consider pros and cons of learning at a very young age. I  strongly feel languages always open doors, but, from my point of view, they should be learned once the first language has been developed.

Opinion essay (B2 level)

Opinion essays 

Euroepan countries. Project.

Member countries of the EU

ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Countries
Austria	Italy
Belgium	Latvia
Bulgaria	Lithuania
Croatia	Luxembourg
Cyprus	Malta
Czechia	Netherlands
Denmark	Poland
Estonia	Portugal
Finland	Romania
France	Slovakia
Germany	Slovenia
Greece	Spain
Hungary	Sweden
Ireland	United Kingdom

All EU member countries in brief

Your ideas for next photovoice...

https://www.tricider.com/brainstorming/2h4lUJjgrC7

Info Meeting IGCSE- Cantabria

TUESDAY, 14th January, at 18,30h at the school meeting hall.

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/curriculum/

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• 2019 Syllabus (PDF, 341KB)
  • 2019 Syllabus update (PDF, 110KB)
• 2020-2021 Syllabus (PDF, 269KB)
  • 2020 - 2022 Syllabus update (PDF, 107KB)
• 2022 - 2023 Syllabus (PDF, 272KB)

• Learner guides

  • Learner Guide for Cambridge IGCSE English Second Language (0510/11) for examination from 2019 (PDF, 784KB)
  • LearnerGuide - for examination in 2019 (PDF, 4MB)