On December 21, 2012 the Mayan civilization predicted the end of their "Long Count" calendar of 5, 126 years.

The Mayan civilization lived during the years of 300-900 A.D., and were known for their mathematical, astrological,

architectural and engineering abilities.

But, what does this mean to us? Well, it could mean many things. For some it might mean the end of the world as we know it...an "Apocalypse," if you will. For others, it could mean a new beginning to the way we view and treat the earth. According to an article in USA Today, titled "Does Mayan Calendar Predict 2012 Apocalypse?" many people became intrigued with the Mayan calendar's prediction. This came to be primarily from a film about the Mayan civilization released in 2006 by Mel Gibson titled "Apocalypto," (which I saw and loved), and also by several books that went on sale the consecutive year,one of which was; "The Return of Quetzalcoatl" by Daniel Pinchbeck (which I also began reading some time ago). Another reason, that G. Jeffrey MacDonald, author of the USA article, suggests to the sudden trend of this phenomena is also due to society's concern for the global environment. Yet, regardless or your opinion, the fact is that a prediction was definitely made, and we are fast approaching December 21, 2012. I guess everyone is just going to have to wait and see what comes...if anything.

Read more at http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-03-27-maya-2012_n.htm http://www.mayafifthsun.com/

Vocabulary

civilization: an advanced state of human society, in which a high level of culture, science, industry, and government has been reached.

predicted: an instance of this; prophecy.

astrological: the study that assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on human affairs.

architectural: the act of having a profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect

engineering: the act of having art or science of making practical application of the knowledge

of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the construction of engines, bridges, buildings,

mines, ships,and chemical plants.

Apocalypse: a prophetic revelation, especially concerning a cataclysm in which the forces of good permanently triumph over theforces of evil.

intrigued: to arouse the curiosity or interest of by unusual, new, or otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities.

Vocabulary Exercise

Writing Activity:

What do you predict?

After having read the above article use the vocabulary words to help you write your own prediction for the coming month of December. Write down four predictions for 2012. Feel free to include any predictions, no matter how crazy they might seem!

Predictions

We often use the Future Simple when making a prediction based on experience or intuition.

Examples:

It will rain in a moment. Positive Statement: subject + will + verb

It won’t get more difficult. Negative statement: subject + will not/won’t + verb

Use the following words to help you write:

probably… most likely… we’re sure …

we think… we expect… It is certain…

Grammar Point

Future Tense
Simple Future has two different forms in English: "will" and "be going to." Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two very different meanings. These different meanings might seem too abstract at first, but with time and practice, the differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.

FORM Will

[will + verb]

Examples:

• You will help him later.
• Will you help him later?
• You will not help him later.

FORM Be Going To

[am/is/are + going to + verb]

Examples:

• You are going to meet Jane tonight.
• Are you going to meet Jane tonight?
• You are not going to meet Jane tonight.

Read more at: http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplefuture.html

Grammar Exercise

Predictions

We often use the Future Simple when making a prediction based on experience or intuition.

Examples:

It will rain in a moment. Positive Statement: subject + will + verb

It won’t get more difficult. Negative statement: subject + will not/won’t + verb

Complete five of the six questions listed below in the future tense.

1. What do you think will happen to the governments of the world when resolving the issues facing the global economy?

________________________________________________________________________.

2. What new developments will companies have for the iPhone, iPad and Android platforms during the first two quarters of 2012?

________________________________________________________________________.

3. After you have had so many classes scheduled in the first semester of 2012 will you do to recover from so many tests?

________________________________________________________________________.

4. Do you might think the world is going to end on December 21^st 2012?

________________________________________________________________________.

5. Do you think that the world will be a more peaceful place in 2012?

________________________________________________________________________.

6. Ask someone at home what they might predict for this New Year and write it down. Also write down if you agree or disagree with their predication.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________.