INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (V), JORDI MORGAN

Hi, I'm Jordi Morgan. I was born in Trondheim, Trondelag and from a very young age I was fascinated by snakes.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your name?

-My name is Jordi Morgan Jacobsen.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-J-A-C-O-B-S-E-N

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my studies several years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I work as a snake charmer. I participate in educational shows and cultural events where I teach people about snakes and other reptiles.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. I find it fascinating because every animal has a different personality. I also enjoy helping people overcome their fear of snakes and learn more about nature.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Trondheim, a city in the Trøndelag region of Norway.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there for most of my life. Although I travel frequently for work, Trondheim will always feel like home to me.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I often meet tourists and participate in international events. English allows me to communicate with people from many different countries.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for two months with The Morgans. I started learning it at school when I was a child and continue to practise it with my family.

-Tell me about your city.

-Trondheim is one of the oldest cities in Norway. It is known for its rich history, beautiful waterfront, and impressive Nidaros Cathedral. It is also an important centre for education and technology.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy folk music, classical music, and some modern Scandinavian pop. Music helps me relax after a busy day.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar. I'm not a professional musician, but I enjoy playing traditional Norwegian songs.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is the area around the Trondheim Fjord. I love the peaceful scenery and the opportunity to spend time outdoors.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, reading books about wildlife, and taking care of reptiles. I also enjoy photography.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy hiking and cross-country skiing. They are very popular activities in Norway and help me stay healthy.

-How did you become interested in snakes?

-I became interested in snakes when I was a child. I enjoyed watching wildlife documentaries and learning about different animal species.

-Are snakes dangerous?

-Some snakes can be dangerous, but most are not aggressive. They usually prefer to avoid humans. Understanding their behaviour is very important.

-What is the most challenging part of your job?

-The most challenging part is ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals during public events. It requires a lot of preparation and responsibility.

-What do people usually think about your job?

-Most people are surprised when they hear what I do. Some are curious, while others are a little nervous at first. However, they usually become more comfortable after learning about the animals.

-Would you like to continue doing this job in the future?

-Yes, I would. I enjoy educating people about wildlife and helping them appreciate animals that are often misunderstood.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remembered when we played together and I was always the winner. It was very special for me because tha family has a high level of knowledge and being the first is not easy. I'm very proud of my family and of my work.

-Which is your favourite song?

I'm a Norwegian. Sissel Kyrkjebø is the greatest. She sang 'Titanic Theme' for first time before Céline Dion did it and 'Liten fuggel' by Vamp is an anthem for us, but I'm going to choose a-ha and 'Take on me' because it was something really different when it was premiered.

So needless to say
I'm odds and ends
But I'll be stumblin' away
Slowly learnin' that life is okay
Say after me
It's no better to be safe than sorry.

a-ha

THE MORGANS MEET & HELP THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

Today, The Morgans have received uncomfortable news in Hogwarts. A dangerous man has escaped from Azkaban prison, a fortress on an island in the middle of the North Sea, for convicted criminals built in the 15th century. 

Azkaban is one of the darkest places of the magic world. But they do not believe this story and have decided to meet and help this supposed criminal.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a fantasy novel written by British author J.K. Rowling and is the third in the Harry Potter series. 

The book follows Harry Potter, a young wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry investigates Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison, believed to be one of Lord Voldemort's old allies.

The book was published in the United Kingdom on 8 July 1999 by Bloomsbury and in the United States on 8 September 1999 by Scholastic, Inc. Rowling found the book easy to write, finishing it just a year after she began writing it. The book sold 68,000 copies in just three days after its release in the United Kingdom and since has sold over three million in the country. The book won the 1999 Whitbread Children's Book Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the 2000 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel and was short-listed for other awards, including the Hugo.

The film adaptation of the novel was released in 2004, grossing more than $796 million and earning critical acclaim. Video games loosely based on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were also released for several platforms, and most obtained favourable reviews.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series. The first, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the US, was published by Bloomsbury on 26 June 1997 and the second, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was published on 2 July 1998.

Rowling started to write the Prisoner of Azkaban the day after she finished The Chamber of Secrets.

Rowling's favorite aspect of this book was introducing the character Remus Lupin, Rowling additionally said in 2004 that Prisoner of Azkaban was the best writing experience I ever had... I was in a very comfortable place writing number three. Immediate financial worries were over, and press attention wasn't yet by any means excessive.

The New York Times said, So far, in terms of plot, the books do nothing new, but they do it brilliantly...so far, so good.

In a newspaper review in The New York Times, it was said that The Prisoner of Azkaban may be the best Harry Potter book yet. A reviewer for KidsReads said, This crisply-paced fantasy will leave you hungry for the four additional Harry books that J.K. Rowling is working on. Harry's third year is a charm. Don't miss it. Kirkus Reviews did not give a starred review but said, a properly pulse-pounding climax... The main characters and the continuing story both come along so smartly... that the book seems shorter than its page count: have readers clear their calendars if they are fans, or get out of the way if they are not.

More information: Wizarding World

The Horn Book Magazine said that it is quite a good book. In addition, a Publishers Weekly review said, Rowling's wit never flags, whether constructing the workings of the wizard world... or tossing off quick jokes... The Potter spell is holding strong.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in hardcover in the UK on 8 July 1999 and in the US on 8 September. The British paperback edition was released on 1 April 2000, while the US paperback was released 2 October 2001.
 

The film version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in 2004 and was directed by Alfonso Cuarón from a screenplay by Steve Kloves. The film débuted at number one at the box office and held that position for two weeks. It made a total of $796.7 million worldwide, which made it the second highest-grossing film of 2004 behind Shrek 2.

However, among all eight entries in the Harry Potter franchise, Prisoner of Azkaban grossed the lowest, yet among critics and fans, the film is said to be one of the best in the franchise. The film ranks at number 471 in Empire magazine's 2008 list of the 500 greatest movies of all time.

More information: Collider

Download Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K.Rowling

 

Download Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw & Slytherin (Exercise) 

Happiness can be found,

even in the darkest of times,

if one only remembers to turn on the light.

Albus Dumbledore 

INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (IV), JOAN MORGAN

Hi, I'm Joan Morgan. I was born in Paraty, Ilha Grande and I am a forger.

 

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your name?

-My name is Joan Morgan Carvalho-Silva. My parents call me João and The Morgans call me John.

-How do you spell your surname?

-C-A-R-V-A-L-H-O    S-I-L-V-A

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I finished my vocational training a few years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a forger. I create and repair metal objects such as gates, tools, decorative pieces, and custom-made ironwork.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy working with my hands and creating strong and beautiful objects from metal. Every project is different, so my work is always interesting.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Paraty, a historic coastal town in Brazil, near Ilha Grande.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there all through my childhood and most of my adult life. It's a wonderful place, and I still spend a lot of time there whenever I can.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I would like to communicate with international customers and learn more about traditional metalworking techniques from other countries.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I have been studying English for two months with The Morgans. I didn't study it at school and now I practise it through books, videos, and conversations.

-Tell me about your town.

-Paraty is a beautiful colonial town on the Brazilian coast. It is famous for its historic centre, colourful buildings, beaches, and nearby islands. Many tourists visit it throughout the year.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy Brazilian music, especially samba and bossa nova. I also like folk music because it reminds me of local traditions.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar a little. I often play with friends during local festivals and family gatherings.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Ilha Grande. I love its beaches, forests, and peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, spending time outdoors, and working on small metalcraft projects. I also like meeting friends and listening to live music.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy swimming and kayaking because I live near the coast. They help me stay fit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

-What skills are important for a blacksmith?

-A forger needs patience, strength, and attention to detail. It's also important to be creative and understand how different metals behave when they are heated.

-What is the most challenging part of your job?

-The most challenging part is making complex designs by hand. It takes a lot of concentration and precision to achieve the desired result.

-What do you enjoy most about your work?

-I enjoy transforming a simple piece of metal into something useful or artistic. It's very satisfying to see the finished product.

-Would you like to teach your craft to younger people?

-Yes, definitely. Traditional forging is an important craft, and I would like to help preserve it for future generations.

-Do you think traditional crafts are still important today?

-Yes, I do. Traditional crafts connect us with our history and culture. They also produce unique, handmade products that many people appreciate.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we played Scattergories, a game in which I used to be the most original. I am a very creative person.

-Which is your favourite song?

Maria Bethânia is one of the greatest of all time and Adriana Calcanhotto one of the best nowadays, then 'Depois de ter você' with this duo.

Depois de ter você
Poetas para quê?
Os deuses, as dúvidas
Pra que amendoeiras pelas ruas?
Para que servem as ruas?

After having you
What are poets for?
The gods, the doubts
What are almond trees for in the streets?
What are streets for?

Adriana Calcanhotto

THE MORGANS & GRYFFINDOR, 'FORTI ANIMO ESTOTE'

Today, The Morgans have continued visiting Hogwarts guided by Professor Albus Dumbledore, its Headmaster and Professor Rubeus Hagrid, its Guard. 

They have been talking about its four Houses, their history, members, values and rooms. It has been an amazing interesting day.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is divided into four houses: Gryffindor, founded by Godric Gryffindor; Hufflepuff, founded by Helga Hufflepuff; Ravenclaw, founded by Rowena Ravenclaw; and Slytherin, founded by Salazar Slytherin.

Before the visit, the family has been practising some A2 Cambridge Tests.

Download Cambridge KET Exam Model & Key

Gryffindor is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was founded by Godric Gryffindor.

Gryffindor instructed the Sorting Hat to choose students possessing characteristics he most valued, such as courage, chivalry, and determination, to be sorted into his house. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, also known as Nearly Headless Nick is the House ghost.

Gryffindor corresponds roughly to the element of fire, and it is for this reason that the colours scarlet and gold were chosen to represent the house. The colour of fire corresponds to that of a lion as well, with scarlet representing the mane and tail and gold representing the coat.

The emblematic animal is a lion, and its colours are scarlet and gold.

 

More information: Wizarding World

Gryffindors and Slytherins have shared a fierce house rivalry since their founders, Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, respectively, had a severe falling out over Slytherin's emphasis on blood purity. There might also be an element of feeling wronged, as Harry and his fellow Gryffindors tend to win in a lot of circumstances which, when viewed from a neutral point of view, may be considered unfair.

The Gryffindor Common Room is located in one of the castle's towers (Gryffindor Tower), the entrance to which is located on the seventh floor and is guarded by an oil painting of the Fat Lady, who is garbed in a pink silk dress. She permits entry only after being given the correct (regularly changing) password. Behind her painting is a large common room, with a fireplace, and two staircases leading up to the girls' and boys' dormitories. There is a spell on the girls' staircase that prevents boys from using it; however, there is no such enchantment on the staircase to the boys' dormitory, allowing girls to use it whenever they wish, due to the founders' belief that girls were more trustworthy. The common room is very comfortable, and members of the Gryffindor house meet there for study groups, celebrations, or relaxation. The walls are lined with portraits, each one depicting a previous or current Head of Gryffindor.

The head of house before and during Harry Potter's time was Minerva McGonagall. Minerva became the head of house possibly in 1956, when she was appointed Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, taking over Albus Dumbledore's previous teaching position when he became Headmaster. It is unknown who later became the head of house when she was made Headmistress in 1998 following the end of the Second Wizarding War.

More information: Wizarding World

 

 

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart...

INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (III), ELSA MORGAN

Hi, I'm Elsa Morgan. I was born in Sintra, Portugal and I am a clockmaker.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-Good morning and thanks to attend us.

 

-Good morning. It's an honour.

-What's your full name?

-My name is Elsa Morgan Alfonso de Aguiar.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-A-L-F-O-N-S-O   D-E   A-G-U-I-A-R

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my training in clockmaking several years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a clockmaker. I design, assemble, repair, and maintain clocks.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I love my job because it requires precision, patience, and creativity. I enjoy working with small mechanical parts and bringing clocks back to life.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Sintra, Portugal.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived in Sintra for most of my childhood and early adult life. Although I travel occasionally for work, I still consider Sintra my home.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because many clockmaking companies and customers come from different countries. English helps me communicate with clients and learn about new developments in the industry.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for two months. I started with The Morgans and I continue to improve it through work and travel.

-Tell me about your town.

-Sintra is a beautiful town near Lisbon. It is famous for its castles, palaces, and green hills. Many tourists visit it because it looks like something from a fairy tale.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy listening to classical music and jazz while I work because they help me concentrate. In my free time, I also like Portuguese folk music.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar a little. I'm not a professional musician, but I enjoy playing for friends and family.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is the Pena Palace in Sintra. I love its colourful architecture and the incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading historical novels, visiting museums, and learning about traditional crafts. I also like spending time with my family.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy hiking and swimming. They help me stay active and relax after long hours of detailed work.

-What skills are important for a clockmaker?

-I think patience, attention to detail, and good hand-eye coordination are essential. A clockmaker must be very careful because even a tiny mistake can affect the movement of a clock.

-What is the most interesting part of your job?

-The most interesting part is repairing old mechanical clock. Each clock has its own history, and it's very satisfying when it starts working perfectly again.

-Would you like to create your own clock brand one day?

-Yes, I would. It has always been my dream to design clocks that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

-Why do people still buy mechanical clocks today?

-I think people appreciate the craftsmanship and the history behind them. A mechanical clock is not only a tool but also a piece of art.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we travelled back in time with my TARDIS to meet Claire Randall, an English former World War II military nurse in Scotland who, in 1945, finds herself transported back in time to 1743. It was an incredible experience.

-Which is your favourite song?

-I have a lot of songs, but I'm Portuguese. I love fados. All of them talk about life, saudade (longing). I would say any song from Mísia, but I will say 'Memória' by Rosalía and Carminho, because it talks about the passage of time and memories, something related to my job.

Será que tu me conheces
Que o tempo passa e não esqueces
Quem eu fui e sou em fim
Oh meu doce Coração
Diz-me se sabes ou não
Ainda te lembras de mim?

Do you know me?
Time passes and you don't forget
Who I was and am in the end
Oh my sweet heart
Tell me if you know or not
Do you still remember me?

 

Rosalía & Carminho 

THE MORGANS, DISCOVERING THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS

Today, The Morgans have started to search The Chamber of Secrets, a hidden place in Hogwarts. Searching The Chamber of Secrets is a difficult work full of dangers, magic and riddles but the family has accepted this challenge and they are ready to start this adventure.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling and the second novel in the Harry Potter series.

The plot follows Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during which a series of messages on the walls of the school's corridors warn that The Chamber of Secrets has been opened and that the heir of Slytherin would kill all pupils who do not come from all-magical families. These threats are found after attacks that leave residents of the school petrified. Throughout the year, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione investigate the attacks.

The book was published in the United Kingdom on 2 July 1998 by Bloomsbury and later in the United States on 2 June 1999 by Scholastic Inc. Although Rowling says she found it difficult to finish the book, it won high praise and awards from critics, young readers, and the book industry, although some critics thought the story was perhaps too frightening for younger children.

Much like with other novels in the series, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets triggered religious debates; some religious authorities have condemned its use of magical themes, whereas others have praised its emphasis on self-sacrifice and the way one's character is the result of one's choices.

Several commentators have noted that personal identity is a strong theme in the book and that it addresses issues of racism through the treatment of non-human, non-magical, and non-living people. Some commentators regard the diary as a warning against uncritical acceptance of information from sources whose motives and reliability cannot be checked. Institutional authority is portrayed as self-serving and incompetent.

The film adaptation of the novel, released in 2002, became at that time the fifth highest-grossing film ever and received generally favourable reviews. Video games loosely based on Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets were also released for several platforms, and most obtained favourable reviews.

Rowling found it difficult to finish Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets because she was afraid it would not live up to the expectations raised by Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. After delivering the manuscript to Bloomsbury on schedule, she took it back for six weeks of revision.

More information: Wizarding World

In early drafts of the book, the ghost Nearly Headless Nick sang a self-composed song explaining his condition and the circumstances of his unknown death. This was cut because the book's editor did not care for the poem, which has been subsequently published as an extra on J. K. Rowling's official website. 

The family background of Dean Thomas was removed because Rowling and her publishers considered it an unnecessary digression, and she considered Neville Longbottom's own journey of discovery more important to the central plot.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets was published in the UK on 2 July 1998 and in the US on 2 June 1999. It immediately took first place in UK bestseller lists, displacing popular authors such as John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Terry Pratchett and making Rowling the first author to win the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year for two years in succession. In June 1999, it went straight to the top of three US bestseller lists, including inThe New York Times.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets continues to examine what makes a person who he or she is, which began in the first book. As well as maintaining that Harry's identity is shaped by his decisions rather than any aspect of his birth, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets provides contrasting characters who try to conceal their true personalities.

Gilderoy Lockhart lacks any real identity because he is nothing more than a charming liar. Tom Riddle also complicates Harry's struggle to understand himself by pointing out the similarities between the two both half-bloods, orphans raised by Muggles, probably the only two Parselmouths to come to Hogwarts since the great Slytherin.

Opposition to class, death and its impacts, experiencing adolescence, sacrifice, love, friendship, loyalty, prejudice, and racism are constant themes of the series. In Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets Harry's consideration and respect for others extends to the lowly, non-human Dobby and the ghost Nearly Headless Nick.

More information: Wizarding World

Immorality and the portrayal of authority as negative are significant themes in the novel. There are few absolute moral rules in Harry Potter's world, for example Harry prefers to tell the truth, but lies whenever he considers it necessary -very like his enemy Draco Malfoy.

At the end of Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, Dumbledore retracts his promise to punish Harry, Ron, and Hermione if they break any more school rules -after Professor Minerva McGonagall estimates they have broken over 100- and lavishly rewards them for ending the threat from The Chamber of Secrets. Krause further states that authority figures and political institutions receive little respect from Rowling. 

William MacNeil of Griffith University, Queensland, Australia states that the Minister for Magic is presented as a mediocrity. In his article Harry Potter and the Secular City, Ken Jacobson suggests the Ministry as a whole is portrayed as a tangle of bureaucratic empires, saying that Ministry officials busy themselves with minutiaeand coin politically correct euphemisms like 'non-magical community' for Muggles and 'memory modification' for magical brainwashing.

This novel implies it begins in 1992. The cake for Nearly-Headless Nick's 500th death day party bears the words Sir Nicholas De Mimsy Porpington died 31 October 1492.

More information: Screen Rant

Download Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets by J.K.Rowling

Download Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets (Exercise) 

 You will also find that help will always be given
at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.

Albus Dumbledore