Books in the Gym

I get bored very easily when I exercise. I find exercise boring. I have some very good friends who seem to love lifting those weights at the gym, doing those martial arts or pounding the pavements and get the rush off the second wind as the blood pumps etc etc.
Not me. But I have to work out otherwise I would turn into a big ball of lard. Not surprising considering my love for cheese, beer and pizza. Hmmmmmm, perhaps my diet doesn't help. Anyway, I DO go to the gym, a lot. How do I stave off the boredom?
Audiobooks. Talking Books. Books on Tape. Three of the most common names for those story tapes/CDs what have you that you can get for all the best novels written. And not only novels. There's nonfiction too. And podcasts. You name it and you can get it.
All of which are a marvelous resource for listening practice! They are all out there. Some available as torrents, often legally, so be good and watch people's copyrights etc. But remember to choose something you are interested in rather than something worthy, as you're more likely to listen to it all, and enjoy it more too.

Thoughts on the writing part of the Cambridge exams

Exam technique is something a lot of teachers and students overlook. Yet by becoming familiar with the exams, their foibles and their authors' ways and habits you can really boost your marks. Do as many practice tests as you can get hold of, under timed conditions if possible and use that time well. Don't write too much or too little - stick to around the number of words given (different in each exam I know) and use any extra time to plan your writing. Planning or drafting writing is key. It'll give shape to your work and make sure that it's a complete article rather than just a jumble of paragraphs. Practice writing longhand, with a pen! I know that we all use computers these days, but in the exam hall you can't, so practice the old skill with a trusty biro. And be legible!
I mark my students down if I can't read their writing... and it drives me nuts!