Mujer sin nombre (B1-B2)
España, principios de la década de los sesenta (Presente, Imperfecto e Indefinido).
"Mujer sin nombre" es una historia sobre el desarrollo turístico en la costa del levante español y las consecuencias que tuvo en su población y paisaje. A la par, se nos presenta una mujer cualquiera que se queda sin su medio de subsistencia, sin que se le ofrezca ninguna otra alternativa que la de ir a servir a la ciudad. Esta historia, aunque inventada, podría ser la vida de muchas mujeres que tuvieron que abandonar sus pueblos para ir a trabajar de sirvientas a las grandes urbes.
La alcahueta (B2-C1)
La alcahueta es un homenaje a la obra de "La Celestina. Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea" de Fernando de Rojas (siglo XV), figura que tiene su precedente en el "Libro de buen amor" del Arcipreste de Hita (s. XIV). El cuento también pretende ser una crítica a un tema muy de actualidad: los vientres de alquiler. *esta imagen es un retrato de la Celestina de Pablo Picasso
Puntos de vista (B1-C1)
La semana pasada, algunos vecinos del barrio de Malasaña presenciaron un curioso incidente en el supermercado "Compramás". La persona implicada en el caso ha puesto una denuncia demandando al supermercado una gran suma de dinero por daños y perjuicios. Los testigos son llamados a declarar a la comisaría, estos dan versiones tan diferentes del suceso que casi podría tratarse de casos diferentes. Toma nota de los diversos registros lingüísticos.
Little Lon (B2, C1)
Ana's story for advanced students explores the history of Little Lonsdale Street (or Little Lon as it was once called), where El Patio's CBD centre is located today. After leaving class one day, Andrea Rumbold unsuspectingly opens a door to the past and stumbles out onto the street - as it was in the 19th century. A time-traveller story based on early Little Lonsdale - if the SPANISH is too difficult, it's a GOOD READ IN ENGLISH!
Isidro's Book: The Journey of Dreams Pursued
Those who've ever had the pleasure of being in one of Isidro's classes know just what a true master of language he is. Yet they may be unaware that he is also a total literature fiend, and a published author himself!
In this article read 9 of Isidro's mini-tales from his short story collection: La travesía de los sueños perseguidos (The Journey of Dreams Pursued); with wonderful side-by-side translation.
Read to the end to enter the draw to win a copy of Isidro's book!
La maestra - a story for beginners! A1
Ana's latest story describes the daily grind of a high school History teacher. Pushed to the limit by the boredom of the curriculum and rebellious students, she decides to turn the tables, and invites the students to enact their versions of the past. Using Spanish idioms that involve the body, such as "cuesta un ojo de la cara" and "no tiene pelos en la lengua", and written entirely in the present tense, this story is perfect for students in the Elementary levels.
Discover the imperfect tense and the marvels of Tenochtitlán, city of the Mexicas (Aztecs) (A2-B2)
Tenochtitlán - a city of water and temples - lies buried under the immensity of modern day Mexico City. What was this incredible city like when the Spanish first set eyes on it in the 16th Century?
This article offers a glimpse of the wonders of this metropolis and is an excellent opportunity to brush up on your past tenses - particularly the imperfect (el imperfecto). So get your grammar-hat on and delve into a lost world!
El maremoto (The Seaquake) Using Pretérito Perfecto! (A2)
Have you ever had a doomsday scenario play out in your head? Perhaps you've been daydreaming about what to do in a zombie apocalypse, or a nuclear fallout? How prepared would you be? Where would you go?
It's something that has fascinated many people over the years, inspiring countless films, books ... and nightmares.
Here Ana paints her version of Armageddon - a wall of water created by un maremoto (a seaquake). This story is not only designed to get your heart racing, it will also help you learn the uses and conjugations of the Present Perfect past tense (Haber + Past Participle).
El adiós de Anisa (B2-C2)
Ana's latest story takes place during the final moments of Moorish Spain - in 1492 - a time when the world was changing fast. Written for students at advanced levels, it follows the exile of a young woman named Anisa, her hopes for her family of birth, but also the love she has found with her new kin.
Ana has crafted the story to reflect the time in which it is set, using words and expressions that trace the origins of Spanish we use today (if you look closely you'll see where of the terms ustedes and ojalá come from).
A beautiful story for anyone with an interest in the history of the Spanish language and in this pivotal point in the history of Spain.
La máquina de escribir (B2/C1)
Read a story about a spooky Spanish typewriter, forgotten for decades and passed down through generations. What mysteries does it keep leaving? And what secrets has it kept throughout its life? Ana Ruiz has created another gothic tale, this one for the B2/C1 level. It's great for vocabulary, verb tenses, adjectives you've never seen before, history, and of course, a bit of suspense.
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