Spanish NewsBites brings you up-to-date news stories from Spain and Latin America which have been prepared for you, the language learner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why are some of the words in bold?
If you roll your mouse over these words, a translation of the word (done by a human, not a machine) will pop up on your screen. You may wish to try and predict the translation before you hover over the word, or you may wish simply to use this function to understand the sentence better.
- Where do the links in the text lead?
They lead to sites, often in English, where you will find further information about the linked text. This will help you to put the story you're reading into better context.
- How does the audio player work?
Just like any other - except that the "play" button is also the "pause" button. This is the option to use if you wish to listen to the text as you read it. If you want to fast-forward or rewind to listen again to that tricky phrase, then position your cursor over the centre of the player. The icon will become a hand and, keeping your finger on the left mouse button pressed down, it can be dragged to left (rewind) or right (fast forward). (After pressing "play", you may have to wait a second as the audio loads up. This is normal: do not adjust your set.)
- What about "Download mp3"?
This has two functions.
1. It's for people who want to take the audio away with them on their MP3 player. If you click the right button of your mouse, a series of options pop up. One of these says "Save Link As". If you click on that, then the audio will be downloaded to your computer, from where you can load it into your MP3 player and listen to it on the move - perhaps together with the PDF you've printed out!
2. It's for people who wish to do the exercise as they listen to the tape. If you click on the left button of your mouse, an audio version of the printed text will open in your computer's audio programme - for example, in the Windows Media Player or in Apple's Quicktime programme. This can then be minimized, allowing you to return to the exercise screen.
- What does "PDF " mean at the end of the text?
Clicking on "PDF" takes you to a printable version of the text and the vocabulary. This is a takeaway version of the text, and it often includes additional grammar points.
- What about "Do the Exercise?"
Clicking here will take you to an online comprension exercise based on the text. This may be a gap-fill, a matching exercise etc. It will open in a new tab, so that if necessary you can shuttle back and forth between the Newsbite and the exercise.
- Explain the "Categories" section in the sidebar.
Entries are categorized in two ways: according to Spanish level and according to theme. If you're seeking intermediate level readings, click on that category (Spanish level categories are in UPPER CASE), and you'll see all the intermediate level entries together. If you're particularly interested in science, click on that category and you will see all the science-based entries together.
- How often is SNB updated?
Spanish NewsBites is usually updated three or four times a week, and sometimes at weekends too.
Any other questions? Please mail us at spanishnewsbites *at* gmail.com.
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