What were 2012's top ten films?

Find out here.
What are your own top ten films?

Gun control and the American constitution

So you think you know the second amendment?

Should teachers carry guns?

The simple truth about gun control

This sacred text explains why the US can't kick the gun habit

The National Rifle Association wants an armed security guard in each school. Video

The great Spanish crash

This is the BBC's documentary some politicians don't like: The great Spanish crash

How to hide Christmas disappointment

Last minute buying can sometimes mean a less than ideal present, but how do you hide your disappointment with a less than perfect gift?

From that dodgy jumper from your nan, or the santa socks from the in-laws, we have some tips to help you avoid hurting your relatives' or friends' feelings on the big day.

Sophie van Brugen joins the Breakfast team for some practice. Watch the video

What is the most disappointing present you've ever received? What did you do?
When you get a gift you don't like, should you
a) say you'd rather have something else?
b) say you love it and keep it?
c) say you love it, wrap it again and give it to your least favourite relative on their birthday?
d) ...?

Santa Claus is too unhealthy

An Australian scientist writing in the British Medical Journal thinks Father Christmas is a bad role model for children because he is very fat and drinks too much alcohol.

Listen to the report
And then read the article here

Ways of speaking

Speak, say, tell, ask, answer, suggest... How many words do you know which refer to ways of speaking?
Here are a few: Ways of speaking

Speaking. Idioms

Try this exercise and learn some idioms and phrases connected with speaking.

Review D pp. 126 & 127. Key

Review D pp. 126 & 127. Key

How you say something. Key

A
1 beg / 2 confess / 3 confirm / 4 demand / 5 insist / 6 instruct / 7 report / 8 request / 9 swear / 10 urge
B
1 insisted / 2 confirmed / 3 demanded / 4 begged / 5 confessed
C
1 Gary instructed Mrs Harris to go straight back to the office.
2 He swore it wasn't him.
3 She requested that Paul send her an email.
4 He urged Steve not to drink and drive.
5 The police reported that there had been an increase in drug-related crime.

Missing words - 'He said' etc. Key

1 suggested / 2 insisted / 3 inquired / 4 demanded / 5 snapped / 6 whispered / 7 boasted / 8 shouted / 9 explained / 10 pleaded / 11 complained / 12 stammered

Ways of speaking. Key

Here's the key