The Grandma wants to pause her journey through Campania to talk about TheMorgans, her last wonderful family, from whom she has received fantastic news today: they have secured another long-sought-after treasure they worked hard to find.
Congratulations, Morgans. May your magic map never cease to guide you to any treasure hidden beneath an X -though you should never forget that the true treasure is you. Good luck in Jamaica!
All over this world Desolate
All over creation Desolate
Got cause from the wicked man Got cause from the man Got cause from the heathen man Got cause from the bad man, man, man
Gold and silver Split up the gold and silver Share up the gold and silver
After a few very intense weeks with TheMorgans, The Grandma continues with other trainings, but this time online. Online training has its pros and cons like anything, but one of the interesting things is that it allows you geographic mobility because you only need a good internet connection, so The Grandma has decided to escape the big city for a few days and recharge her batteries in one of her most beloved places, Mallorca,before it is invaded by foreigners in need of an easy party and a crazy life.
Enjoying the most wonderful places on this beautiful island in the company of good music and good reading is a pleasure that should never be given up, so TheGrandma has chosen the poetry collection of one of her most admired classical poets, Aλκμάν.
Alcman, in Ancient Greek Aλκμάν or Alkmán, (7th century BC) was an Ancient Greek choral lyric poet from Sparta.
He is the earliest representative of the Alexandrian canon of the Nine Lyric Poets. He wrote six books of choral poetry, most of which is now lost; his poetry survives in quotation from other ancient authors and on fragmentary papyri discovered in Egypt. His poetry was composed in the local Doric dialect with Homeric influences. Based on his surviving fragments, his poetry was mostly hymns, and seems to have been composed in long stanzas made up of lines in several different metres.
Some fragments of Alcman's poetry reflect early cosmological ideas, where he poetically describes the origins of the universe and natural phenomena. His works blend mythological narratives with reflections on the cosmos, a characteristic feature of early Greek thought before the emergence of formal philosophy. Alcman's hymns suggest an interest in the order of the natural world, the role of primordial forces, and the creation of the cosmos; themes later explored more systematically by Presocratic philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, and Leucippus.
Scholars argue that Alcman's poetic cosmogony represents an important step toward the philosophical inquiry that developed in ancient Greece. While he did not formulate scientific theories, his lyrical exploration of the cosmos contributed to the broader intellectual tradition of early Greek cosmology.
Dormen els cims de les muntanyes I el fons de la mar I el promontori llunyà I el precipici
Dorm tota casta de bèsties Que la terra fosca nodreix I animals salvatges del món I la família de les aus I els monstres d'estances profundes Del mar violeta
Dorm la nissaga d'aucells de les ales molt grans I els monstres d'estances profundes Del mar violeta
Aquesta nit dormiran Aquesta nit jo també dormiré
Dins els boscos i selves llunyanes On viuen les flors
Dormen petites abelles Dins el rusc amagat
Aquesta nit dormiran Aquesta nit jo també dormiré
Asleep are the mountain heights, And the deep places of the sea; Asleep the distant promontory, And the sheer cliff.
Asleep are all the tribes of living things Whom the dark earth sustains; The wild creatures that roam the world, And every brood of birds.
Asleep the creatures of the violet sea, In their profound abodes; Asleep the race of mighty-wingèd birds.
This night shall they sleep; This night shall I also sleep,
In forests and in far-off jungles, Where flowers have their dwelling.
Small bees lie sleeping Within the hidden hive.
This night shall they sleep; This night shall I also sleep.
Today, The Morgans & TheGrandma are in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.
Aftersome daysenjoying Hogwarts, the D-Day has arrived and TheMorgans have an interesting adventure to live: an A2CambridgeEnglish Exam.
Many thanks to Andrea, Elsa, Cristina, Joan, Jordi, Jose, José Luis, Kehiny, Lídia, Sandra, Valentina, Vanessa, Veronica and Xènia for trusting this project.
Thanks to MJ and Mercè for a great coordination, Yolandafor keeping the classroom always ready and to Óscar for taking care of our computers.
Long live The Morgans and good luck in Caribbean lands!
Cambridge Assessment English or Cambridge English develops and produces Cambridge English Qualifications and the International EnglishLanguage Testing System (IELTS). The organisation contributed to the development of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
(CEFR), the standard used around the world to benchmark language
skills, and its qualifications and tests are aligned with CEFR levels.
Cambridge Assessment English is part of Cambridge Assessment,
a non-teaching department of the University of Cambridge which merged
with Cambridge University Press to form Cambridge University Press &
Assessment in August 2021.
Each Cambridge English Qualifications focuses on a level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
English
qualifications designed for adult learners. A2 Key, B1 Preliminary and
B2 First have the same exam format as the schools versions of these
qualifications, but use different topics and content suited to adult
learners.
In the 1980s Cambridge Assessment English, the British Council and IDP Education formed the international IELTS partnership which delivers the IELTS tests.
In 2010 Cambridge Assessment English
and the English Language Institute Testing and Certificate Division of
the University of Michigan agreed to form a not-for-profit collaboration
known as CaMLA (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments). Cambridge Assessment English owns 65% of the venture.
Since 2011 Cambridge Exams Publishing, a partnership between CambridgeAssessment English
and the English Language Teaching (ELT) business of Cambridge
University Press, develops official Cambridge preparation materials for Cambridge English and IELTS exams.
In 2013 Cambridge Assessment English formed a joint venture with the Box Hill Institute to deliver the Occupational English Test, known as OET.
In 2019 Cambridge Assessment English
acquired English Language iTutoring (ELiT), an artificial intelligence
developed off technology from the University of Cambridge, to support
new English language assessment products.
Cambridge Assessment English was involved in the early development of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and all Cambridge English qualifications and tests are aligned with the levels described by the CEFR.
Each
Cambridge English Qualification targets specific CEFR levels but the
exam also contains test material at the adjacent levels. For example B2
First is aimed at B2, but there are also test items that cover B1 and
C1. This allows for inferences to be drawn about candidates’ abilities
if they are a level below or above the one targeted. Candidates are
encouraged to take the exam most suitable to their needs and level of
ability.
The
main influence behind the design of the exam was the
grammar-translation teaching approach, which aims to establish reading
knowledge, rather than ability to communicate in the language.
In
1913, the first requirement for CPE candidates was to translate texts.
Translation remained prominent in foreign language teaching up until the
1960s. It was a core part of CPE until 1975 and an optional part until
1989.
However, CPE was also influenced by Henry Sweet and his book published in 1900: A Practical Study of Languages: A Guide for Teachers and Learners, which argued that the most natural method of teaching languages was through conversation. Due to this influence, speaking was part of Cambridge English exams from the very beginning.
-1209. University of Cambridge founded.
-1534. Cambridge University Press founded.
-1858. University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) founded.
-1913. Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) introduced. Now known as C2 Proficiency.
-1939.
Lower Certificate in English (LCE) introduced. Renamed First
Certificate in English (FCE) in 1975 and now known as B2 First.
-1941. Joint agreement with the British Council-British Council centres established.
-1943-1947. Preliminary English Test (PET) introduced. It was reintroduced in 1980 and is now known as B1 Preliminary.
-1971. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) initiated.
-1988. The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Examination Board becomes part of UCLES.
-1989. Specialist EFL research and evaluation unit established.
-1989. IELTS launched. A simplified and shortened version of ELTS launched in 1980.
-1990. Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) founded.
-1991. Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) introduced. Now known as C1 Advanced.
-1993. Business English Certificates (BEC) launched.
-1994. Key English Test (KET) introduced. Now known as A2 Key.
-1995. University of Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations (UODLE) becomes part of UCLES
-1997. Young Learner English Tests (YLE) introduced. Now known as Pre-A1 Starter, A1 Movers, and A2 Flyers.
-1997. BULATS launched.
-2001. CEFR published.
-2002. UCLES EFL renamed University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).
-2002. One million Cambridge ESOL exam candidates.
-2010. CaMLA established (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments).
-2011. Cambridge Exams Publishing joint venture with Cambridge University Press established.
-2013. Cambridge ESOL renamed Cambridge English Language Assessment.
-2015. Cambridge English Scale introduced.
-2016. Linguaskill reading and listening introduced.
-2016. Linguaskill writing introduced.
-2017. Cambridge English Language Assessment renamed Cambridge Assessment English.
-2020.
The University of Cambridge announces it plans to merge two of its
non-teaching departments, Cambridge Assessment and Cambridge University
Press.
-2021. Cambridge Assessment and Cambridge University Press merge to become Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Cambridge is heaven, I am convinced it is the nicest place in the world to live. As you walk round, most people look incredibly bright, as if they are probably off to win a Nobel prize.
Hi, I'm Veronica Morgan.I'm Czech. I was born in Český Krumlov, Jihočeský Kraj andI am a baker.
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 Veronica Morgan Nováková.
-How do you spell your surname?
-N-O-V-Á-K-O-V-Á
-Are you a student? What are you studying?
-No, I'm not a student. I completed my training in baking and pastry arts several years ago and now I work full-time.
-Are you working? What is your job?
-Yes, I am. I'm a baker and pastry chef. I make bread, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods for a local bakery and café.
-Do you like your job? Why?
-Yes, I love my job because it combines creativity and craftsmanship. I enjoy making delicious products and seeing customers happy when they taste them.
-Where are you from?
-I'm from Český Krumlov, a beautiful town in the Czech Republic.
-How long have you lived there?
-I lived there for most of my life. Although I sometimes travel to attend culinary workshops, I still call Český Krumlov my home.
-Why are you studying English?
-I'm studying English because I would like to learn from international chefs and read recipes from different countries. It also helps me communicate with tourists who visit our bakery.
-How long have you been studying English?
-I've been studying English for about ten years. I started at school and continue practising it through work and travel.
-Tell me about your town.
-Český Krumlov is a historic town famous for its medieval architecture and beautiful castle. It attracts visitors from all over the world because of its charm and cultural heritage.
-What music do you like?
-I enjoy listening to folk music, classical music, and modern pop music. I often listen to music while baking.
-Can you play any instrument?
-Yes, I can play the piano. I learned it when I was a child and still enjoy playing it in my free time.
-Tell me about your favourite place.
-My favourite place is Český Krumlov Castle. I love its history, beautiful gardens, and the amazing view of the town.
-What do you like doing in your free time?
-In my free time, I enjoy trying new recipes, reading cookbooks, walking around the old town, and spending time with my friends and family.
-Do you practise any sport? Which?
-Yes, I do. I enjoy cycling and hiking. They help me stay active and relax after a busy day at work.
-How did you become interested in baking?
-I became interested in baking when I was a child. My grandmother used to make traditional cakes, and I loved helping her in the kitchen.
-What is your favourite thing to bake?
-My favourite thing to bake is fruit pastries because they are colourful, delicious, and allow me to be creative with different flavours.
-What is the most difficult part of your job?
-The most difficult part is waking up very early in the morning. Bakers often start work before sunrise.
-Do you prefer making bread or cakes?
-I enjoy both, but if I had to choose, I would say cakes because decorating them is very artistic and enjoyable.
-What skills are important for a baker and pastry chef?
-Patience, attention to detail, creativity, and good time management are very important. It's also important to follow recipes carefully.
-Would you like to open your own bakery one day?
-Yes, I would. It has always been my dream to own a small bakery where I can create traditional and modern pastries.
-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 received a visit from Vlad Tepes. It was a very emotional moment for me because he is an enigmatic character who I am passionate about, just as I am passionate about other Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria or Moldova.
-Which is your favourite song?
A very important song for us is 'Die Moldau' by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, a classic among classics, but I will choose 'Dragostea Din Tei' by O-Zone, one of the most popular Moldovan songs.
Te sun sa-ti spun ce simt acum Alo, iubirea mea sunt eu fericirea Alo, alo, sunt iarasi eu, Picasso Ti-am dat beep si sunt voinic Dar sa stii nu-ti cer nimic.
I'm calling you to tell you how I feel right now Hello, my love, I'm happiness Hello, hello, it's me again, Picasso I beeped you and I'm strong But you know, I'm not asking you for anything.
Today, The Morgans have continued visiting Hogwarts guided by Professor Albus Dumbledore,its Headmaster and ProfessorRubeus 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 GodricGryffindor; Hufflepuff, founded by HelgaHufflepuff; Ravenclaw, founded by RowenaRavenclaw; and Slytherin, founded by Salazar Slytherin.
Before the visit, the family has been practising some A2Cambridge Tests.
Hufflepuff
corresponds roughly to the element of earth, and it is for that reason
that the House colours were chosen: yellow represented wheat, while
black was emblematic of soil. The Hufflepuff point hourglass contains yellow diamonds. Students sorted into Hufflepuff often demonstrate exceptional abilities in Herbology, owing to their correspondence to earth.
The emblematic animal is a badger, and yellow and black are its colours.
Hufflepuff
appears to have the least rivalry with the other houses, except in
Quidditch, although the Triwizard Tournament did temporarily put a great
deal of strain on the relationship between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, due to unusual circumstances of the selection of both Gryffindor student Harry Potter and Hufflepuff student Cedric Diggory as Champions. This was mended by 1998, where a majority of Hufflepuffs rose to defend Harry from Pansy Parkinson and later helped to defend Hogwarts.
Hufflepuff
is the house that produced the fewest dark wizards through out its
history. Their cheerful and friendly demeanor can probably account for
this property of the House. Hufflepuff firmly demonstrated its
loyalty during the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998, when they were second
only to Harry Potter's own house of Gryffindor in the number of students willing to stay and fight against Voldemort and his forces in the defence of their school. The Hufflepuff dormitories
and common room have never been seen by outsiders and is the only house
with repelling devices in case of intruders. They are accessed through a
pile of large barrels, found stacked in a shadowy stone recess on a
right-hand side corridor near the kitchens. The barrel two from the
bottom, middle of the second row, will open if tapped in the rhythm of HelgaHufflepuff.
The Hufflepuff's head of house before and during Harry Potter's timewas Pomona Sprout. She was the Herbology professor at Hogwarts Schoolof Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Hi, I'm Vanessa Morgan.I'm Chinese. I was born in Suzhou, JiangsuandI am a vampire.
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 full name?
-My name is Vanessa Morgan Lin.
-How do you spell your second surname?
-L-I-N
-Are you a student? What are you studying?
-No, I'm not a student. I've spent many years learning about history, literature, and different cultures.
-Are you working? What is your job?
-Yes, I am. I'm a vampire. I spend my nights travelling, meeting people, and learning about the world.
-Do you like your job? Why?
-Yes, I do. It allows me to experience different cultures and historical periods. Every night brings a new adventure.
-Where are you from?
-I'm from Suzhou, in Jiangsu Province, China.
-How long have you lived there?
-I lived there for many years before travelling to other places. Suzhou will always be special to me because it is my birthplace.
-Why are you studying English?
-I'm studying English because I meet people from many different countries. It helps me communicate and learn about their cultures.
-How long have you been studying English?
-I've been studying English for a very long time. Over the years, I've had plenty of opportunities to practise it while travelling.
-Tell me about your city.
-Suzhou is famous for its beautiful classical gardens, canals, and traditional architecture. It is often called one of the most beautiful cities in China.
-What music do you like?
-I enjoy classical music, traditional Chinese music, and modern instrumental music. I find them relaxing and inspiring.
-Can you play any instrument?
-Yes, I can play the guzheng. I learned it many years ago and still enjoy playing it on quiet evenings.
-Tell me about your favourite place.
-My favourite place is Humble Administrator's Garden. I love its peaceful atmosphere, elegant design, and beautiful scenery.
-What do you like doing in your free time?
-In my free time, I enjoy reading historical novels, visiting museums, walking through gardens, and learning new languages.
-Do you practise any sport? Which?
-Yes, I do. I enjoy tai chi and swimming. They help me stay active and focused.
-How long have you been a vampire?
-I've been a vampire for many centuries. During that time, I've seen many changes in the world and learned a great deal about different cultures.
-What is the best thing about being a vampire?
-The best thing is having the opportunity to learn continuously and travel to many different places.
-What is the most difficult part of your life?
-The most difficult part is moving frequently and saying goodbye to people I care about.
-Are people afraid of you?
-Sometimes they are at first because of the stories they have heard. However, once they get to know me, they usually realise that I'm friendly and respectful.
-What has changed the most in the world during your lifetime?
-Technology has changed the most. Communication and travel are much faster than they were in the past.
-Would you like to live in another country?
-Yes, I would. I enjoy discovering new cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds.
-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 were invited to visit the British Museum and we created a great performance in the Egyptian room. I had a special performance and my role was of particular importance in achieving the final success.
-Which is your favourite song?
-As everyone knows, China is not a democratic country at all and we do not have the freedom that other people in other countries enjoy. Artists are always among the first victims in repressive states and, for this reason, we do not have a powerful and modern cultural industry, so I will choose a classic.
The most famous Chinese song in the world is 茉莉花 ('Mo Li Hua'), which translates as 'Jasmine Flower'. This traditional melody originates from Jiangsu Province, where I was born, and dates back to the 18th century.
Beautiful jasmine flower Beautiful jasmine flower Sweet-smelling, beautiful, stems full of buds Fragrant and white, everyone praises Let me pluck you down to give to someone Jasmine flower, jasmine flower.
Today, The Morgans have listened to TheTaleof the Three Brothers, a wonderful story explained by XenophiliusLovegood.
This tale is included in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, an amazing book that the family recommends. The Tale of the Three Brothers talks about three brothers and The Deathly Hallows, the magical objects searched by Harry Potter and his friends.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of stories written for young wizards and witches by Beedle the Bard. It was published by Chelf Press and had original illustrations by Luxo Karuzos.
They were popular
bedtime stories for centuries, with the result being that TheWizard and
the Hopping Pot and The Fountain of Fair Fortune were as familiar to
many of the students at Hogwarts, as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are
to various Muggle children.
Death, a cunning liar,
then pretended to congratulate them on being clever enough to evade him,
and offered each of them a powerful magical item.
The first brother, AntiochPeverell,wished
to have the most powerful wand out of his combative personality; Death
broke a branch off a nearby elder tree and created for him the Elder Wand, a wand more powerful than any other in existence.
The second brother, CadmusPeverell,
out of arrogance, wanted to humiliate Death even further, and wished to
have the power to bring loved ones from the grave; Death then took a
stone from the riverbed and created for him the Resurrection Stone, a stone capable of bringing the dead back to the living world.
The third brother, Ignotus Peverell,
who was a humble man, did not trust Death and asked to go on from the
river without being followed by Death; Death then gave him his own Cloak of Invisibility, an invisibility cloak that never lost its power through curses or age. In time, the brothers went their separate ways.
The three legendary objects, (the cloak, the wand and the stone) together make up the Deathly Hallows.
asked for a wand more powerful than any in existence:
a wand that must always win duels for its owner,
a wand worthy of a wizard who had conquered Death!"
Antioch Peverell receiving the Elder Wand
Antioch Peverell travelled to a wizarding village where he killed the man he once duelled with, he then boasted of the power of the Elder Wand,
that it was unbeatable and in his possession, invoking envy amongst the
many wanting to possess it for themselves. His throat was slit in his
sleep by another wizard who stole the Elder Wand.
Then the second brother, who was an arrogant man,
decided that he wanted to humiliate Death still further,
and asked for the power to recall others from Death.
Cadmus Peverell receiving the Resurrection Stone
CadmusPeverell travelled back home and used the Resurrection Stone
to bring back the woman he loved, but was dismayed to find that it was
only a pale imitation of her: the dead did not belong in the living
world and could not truly be brought back.
He found that she was cold, lifeless, and miserable in the land of the living, nothing like she used to be. In the end CadmusPeverell committed suicide by hanging himself so he could truly join her.
It was only when he had attained great age
that the youngest brother finally
took off the Cloak of Invisibility and gave it to his son.
Ignotus Peverell passing on the cloak
Ignotus Peverell
used the cloak to remain hidden from Death for a long time. When he was
an old man, he passed the cloak onto his son, greeted Death as an old
friend, and went with him to the next world.
The cloak continued
to be passed down through the descendants of the Peverells, although the
name became extinct in the male line. The wand passed from wizard to
wizard, nearly always by the murder of its previous owner. The wand,
during its passing from wizard to wizard, has been called The Death Stick and the Wand of Destiny.
On an
interesting note, no witch is ever stated to have held possession of the
wand. The stone was also passed down through the Peverells'
descendants.
It eventually ended up in the possession of the House of Gaunt, and was later stolen by Tom Riddle, neither Tom nor Marvolo Gaunt were aware of the powers of the stone, nor that it was a Hallow.
Marvolo was solely concerned with the noble origins of the stone, made into a ring, and thought that the Hallows symbol on it was the family coat of arms.
Lord Voldemort could not have been aware of the stone's true origin either, as he transformed the stone into a Horcrux.
Overtime, the legend of the DeathlyHallows was dismissed by most as a mere fairy tale, and the few who desired to reunite all three misunderstood the title Master of Death
is a form of immortality. The quest for these fabled items were
considered a lure for fools, and many have died in their quest for them.
The Hallows played a particularly important role in the lives of AlbusDumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald, and Harry Potter.
Harry Potter is the only known Master of Death,
having gathered and mastered all three Hallows and most importantly,
accepted death, as the true master understands that death is inevitable
and that there are worse things in life than dying. He did not unite all
three of them physically at the same moment, as he possessed no more
than two at the same time.
Albus Dumbledore had also gathered all three, though physically owning no more than two at the same time, and did not master the usage of the Cloak, but he could qualify for the title of the Master of Death as he fulfilled the most important criteria needed by accepting death. With the Stone lost, it is unlikely there will ever be another to hold the title.
Today, The Morgans have started an amazing adventure. They are
going to help HarryPotter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and the
members of the Order of the Phoenix to find the seven horcruxes of Lord
Voldemort to destroy them and help Hogwarts to live in peace forever.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling and the seventh and final novel of the Harry Potter series.
It was
released on 21 July 2007 in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury Publishing,
in the United States by Scholastic, and in Canada by Raincoast Books. The novel chronicles the events directly following Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005) and the final confrontation between the wizards HarryPotterand Lord Voldemort.
Deathly Hallows shattered sales records upon release, surpassing marks set by previous titles of the Harry Potter series. It holds the Guinness World Record for most novels sold within 24 hours of release, with 8.3 million sold in the US and 2.65 million in the UK.
Generally
well received by critics, the book won the 2008 Colorado Blue Spruce
Book Award, and the American Library Association named it the Best Book
for Young Adults. A film adaptation of the novel was released in two
parts: Harry Potterand the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 in November 2010
and Part 2 in July 2011. The
title of the book refers to three mythical objects featured in the
story, collectively known as the Deathly Hallows -an unbeatable wand
(the Elder Wand), a stone to bring the dead to life (the Resurrection
Stone), and a cloak of invisibility. When
asked during a live chat about the other titles she had been
considering, Rowling mentioned Harry Potter and the Elder Wand and Harry
Potter and the Peverell Quest.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published by Bloomsbury, the publisher of all Harry Potter books in the United Kingdom, on 30 June 1997.
It was released in the United States on 1 September 1998 by Scholastic -the American publisher of the books- as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,
after Rowling had received US$105,000 for the American rights—an
unprecedented amount for a children's book by a then-unknown author.
The second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was originally published in the UK on 2 July 1998, and in the US on 2 June 1999.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was then published a year later in the UK on 8 July 1999, and in the US on 8 September 1999.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was published on 8 July 2000 at the same time by Bloomsbury and Scholastic.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
is the longest book in the series at 766 pages in the UK version and
870 pages in the US version. It was published worldwide in English on 21
June 2003.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was published on 16 July 2005, and it sold 9 million copies in the first 24 hours of its worldwide release. Shortly before releasing the title, J. K. Rowling announced that she had considered three titles for the book. The final title was released to the public on 21 December 2006, via a special Christmas-themed hangman puzzle on Rowling's website, confirmed shortly afterwards by the book's publishers.
Rowling
completed the book while staying at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh in
January 2007, and left a signed statement on a marble bust of Hermes in
her room which read: J. K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11 January 2007. In a statement on her website, she said, I've never felt such a mixture of extreme emotions in my life, never dreamed I could feel simultaneously heartbroken and euphoric.
Academics and journalists have developed many other interpretations of themes in the books, some more complex than others, and some including political subtexts. Themes such as normality, oppression, survival, and overcomingimposing odds have all been considered as prevalent throughout the series. Similarly, the theme of making one's way through adolescence and going over one's most harrowing ordeals -and thus coming to terms with them has also been considered.
J. K. Rowling has stated that the books comprise a prolonged argument for tolerance, a prolonged plea for an end to bigotry
and that also pass on a message to "question authority and ... not
assume that the establishment or the press tells you all of the truth".
Some political commentators have seen J. K. Rowling's
portrayal of the bureaucratised Ministry of Magic and the oppressive
measures taken by the Ministry in the later books, like making
attendance at Hogwarts School compulsory and the registration of Mudbloods with the Ministry, as an allegory of criticising the state.
Sales for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows were record-setting.
A two-part film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is directed by David Yates, written by Steve Kloves and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J. K. Rowling. Part 1 was released on 19 November 2010, and Part 2 on 15 July 2011.
Filming
began in February 2009, and ended on 12 June 2010. However, the cast
confirmed they would reshoot the epilogue scene as they only had two
days to shoot the original. Reshoots officially ended around December
2010. Part 1 ended at Chapter 24 of the book, when Lord Voldemort regained the Elder Wand.
On 4 December 2008, J.K. Rowling released The Tales of Beedle the Bard both in the UK and US. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a spin-off of DeathlyHallows and contains fairy tales that are told to children in the Wizarding World. The book includes five short stories, including The Tale of the Three Brothers which is the story of the Deathly Hallows.
Hi, I'm Sandra Morgan. I was born in Udaipur, Rajasthan and from a veryyoung age I was fascinated by future.
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 full name?
-My name is Sandra Morgan Sharma.
-How do you spell your second surname?
-S-H-A-R-M-A
-Are you a student? What are you studying?
-No, I'm not a student. I completed my education a few years ago and now I work full-time.
-Are you working? What is your job?
-Yes, I am. I work as a fortune teller and spiritual advisor. I meet people and offer guidance through different traditional practices.
-Do you like your job? Why?
-Yes, I do. I enjoy helping people reflect on their lives and think about their future. Every client has a different story, which makes my work very interesting.
-Where are you from?
-I'm from Udaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, India.
-How long have you lived there?
-I lived there for most of my life. Although I sometimes travel for work, Udaipur is still the place I call home.
-Why are you studying English?
-I'm studying English because I meet visitors from many countries. English helps me communicate with international clients and learn about different cultures.
-How long have you been studying English?
-I've been studying English for two months. I started learning with my family and I would like to continue practising it every day.
-Tell me about your city.
-Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in India. It is famous for its lakes, palaces, and rich cultural heritage. Many tourists visit it because of its stunning architecture and history.
-What music do you like?
-I enjoy traditional Indian music, classical music, and relaxing instrumental music. I often listen to it while working or meditating.
-Can you play any instrument?
-Yes, I can play the harmonium a little. I learned it from my grandfather when I was younger.
-Tell me about your favourite place.
-My favourite place is Lake Pichola. I love its peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful views of the city and surrounding hills.
-What do you like doing in your free time?
-In my free time, I enjoy reading, practising meditation, spending time near the lakes, and learning about different spiritual traditions.
-Do you practise any sport? Which?
-Yes, I do. I enjoy yoga and swimming. They help me stay healthy and relaxed.
-How did you become interested in fortune telling?
-I became interested when I was a teenager. Several members of my family were interested in traditional spiritual practices, and I wanted to learn more about them.
-What is the most interesting part of your job?
-The most interesting part is meeting people from different backgrounds and hearing their stories and experiences.
-Do people always believe your predictions?
-Not always. I encourage people to think of my advice as guidance rather than certainty. Everyone makes their own decisions in life.
-What qualities are important in your profession?
-I think patience, good communication skills, empathy, and honesty are very important. People need to feel comfortable and respected.
-What is the most challenging part of your work?
-The most challenging part is helping people who are worried or uncertain about the future. It's important to listen carefully and be supportive.
-Would you like to continue doing this job in the future?
-Yes, I would. I enjoy helping people reflect on their lives, and I hope to continue learning and improving my skills.
-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 travelled to Camelot to meet King Arthur kingdom. It was an unforgettable experience to meet the magician Merlin, a figure who is an indispensable reference for me.
-Which is your favourite song?
I'm Indian. 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' by Sukhwinder Singh is a hit for us.
Jinke sar ho ishq ki chaaon Paaon ke neeche jannat hogi Jinke sar ho ishq ki chaaon Chal chaiyya chaiyya chaiyya chaiyya Chal chaiyya chaiyya chaiyya chaiyya The heads that have the shade of love Heaven will be under their feet The heads that have the shade of love Come let's walk in the shade Come let's walk in the shade
Today, The Morgans have continued visiting Hogwarts guided by Professor Albus Dumbledore,its Headmaster and ProfessorRubeus 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 GodricGryffindor; Hufflepuff, founded by HelgaHufflepuff; Ravenclaw, founded by RowenaRavenclaw; and Slytherin, founded by Salazar Slytherin.
Before the visit, the family has been practising some A2Cambridge Tests.
Ravenclaw is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Its founder was the medieval witch Rowena Ravenclaw.
Members of this house are characterised by their wit, learning, and wisdom. Ravenclaw
House prizes learning, wisdom, wit, and intellect in its members. Thus,
many Ravenclaws tend to be academically motivated and talented
students. They also pride themselves on being original in their ideas,
and methods. It's not unusual to find Ravenclaw students practising especially different types of magic that other houses might shun. Ravenclaws tend to be curious about the world and pay attention to the world around them. Ravenclaws are known to be logical and rational.
Ravenclaw
corresponds roughly to the element of air, and it is for that reason
that the House colours were chosen; blue and bronze represent the sky
and eagle feathers respectively, both having much to do with air. The Ravenclaw points hourglass contains blue sapphires.
The emblematic animal symbol is an eagle, andblue and bronze are its colours.
Ravenclaw
House appears to have little rivalry with the other houses, except in
Quidditch. Harry Potter believed that they tended to side with
Gryffindor in its rivalry with Slytherin, as did Hufflepuff house.
The Ravenclaw
common room is in one of the castle's towers and is wide and circular.
You have to climb a tight spiral staircase to get there. It has graceful
arched windows, and the walls are hung with blue and bronze silks. The
domed ceiling is painted with stars, which are echoed in the
midnight-blue carpet. Tables, chairs, and bookcases cover the expanse of
the floor, and a white marble statue of Rowena Ravenclaw sits
next to the door that leads to the dormitories above. Harry Potter
entered the common room in 1998 while searching for clues to the
location of one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Unlike the other common rooms
in the school, a logical riddle given by a bronze eagle-shaped knocker
must be answered to enter.
The Head of Ravenclaw is Filius Flitwick and the house ghost is the Grey Lady, otherwise known as the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, HelenaRavenclaw.