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Ciao! Mi chiamo Michael Portuesi, abito a San Francisco. Ho lavorato come ingegnere/programmatore da trenta anni. Ho studiato la moda a scuola in città (City College of San Francisco), e oggi sono un insegante di cucito. Studio italiano a scuola da sette anni. Ho molte attività e interesse: l'astronomia, cucito e moda, lo sport (ciclismo, rugby, baseball), libri, e le penne stilografiche. Ho voglia di imparare la lingua italiana perché io sono italiano-americano. mi vorrei approfondire la mia coscienza della cultura, cucina e la politica politica italiana, e la vita quotidiana degli italiani. Vorrei anche leggere libri, siti e riviste italiani, nonche guardare i film italiani e serie in tv.
Learning
Italian
Language Skills
EnglishNative
Interests
Science
Sports & Fitness
Reading
Food
Fashion & Beauty
Lesson Feedback
Lesson history
 Last monthLast 3 monthsAll time
Completed lessons0087
Attendance rate100%100%100%
Teacher reviews
Gabriele Sedda
Italian
Apr 27, 2023
Molto bene le lezioni di conversazione con Michael, fluide, dettagliate e interessanti allo stesso tempo. Complimenti e grazie come sempre!
Gabriele Sedda
Italian
Apr 21, 2023
Sempre molto bene, Michael continua in un percorso di miglioramento costante. Complimenti! e grazie per le sempre piacevoli ed interessanti conversazioni.
Gabriele Sedda
Italian
Apr 14, 2023
Michael continua a sorprendermi con la qualità del suo italiano e con la quantità di vocaboli che conosce ed usa in modo appropriato e corretto! Complimenti e grazie come sempre.
Gabriele Sedda
Italian
Apr 5, 2023
Michael ha sempre interessanti esperienze da raccontare e lo fa sempre in modo corretto e fluente. In ogni lezione riusciamo a portare avanti dettagliate conversazioni grazie alla sua padronanza della lingua! Grazie come sempre e complimenti!
Activities
  • Corrected
    439 - A new language

    It's time to move on. I've been studying English for more than a year and a half and my level has incredibly improved. When I started I was at A2/B1 level and now I should be at C1 level. Some months ago I made a vow. As soon as I reached C1 level in English, I'd start studying a new language. Now, it's time to make a plan for this new journey. It<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">'d be one</s> will be a choice between Spanish and Portuguese, with the former leading. The goal is to reach at least A2 level by the end of the year. I'm not going to take a certification test for this new language, so it'll study it only for fun. This is why I'm not in a hurry and I can take the time I need to make the best decision.

    (instead of saying "incredibly improved", you could say "dramatically improved". But, I'm leaving it as-is).
    0 voted
    August 12, 2020
    1
  • Corrected
    437 - Running

    Running with this heat <s style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">it's</s> is just like trying to breathe inside a furnace. For the first time in months, I've finished my running session without energy. I feel like someone beat me up. Haha! This is why avoiding running in summer is highly recommended. I mean, I can't argue with that but it depends on your level of training and, of course, the temperature. Running at 05:00 am is not so energy-consuming, after all. Waiting for 07:00 or 08:00 am is a terrible mistake since the Sun is already high. At the same time, going for a run too early means getting less sleep and then being more tired. As always, the goal is to find the right balance.
    0 voted
    August 11, 2020
    1
  • Corrected
    The rental agreement.

    When I had to <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">do </s>take the private law<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">'s</s> exam, there was a paragraph <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">of </s>on the rental agreement<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">,</s>. I remember that I<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">'ve</s> studied it really thoroughly. Despite the very complex legal language, this exam was fascinating, because the topics that you study are applied in everyday life<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">,</s>. I mean, this is not public law, (really boring!) where the topics are simple but there are so many abstract concepts. <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Well, </s>Whereas in the rental agreement, we <s style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">have</s> had to distinguish "the lessor" and "the lessee".
    Both have different functions: the first undertakes to ensure the enjoyment of property in favor of the lessee and <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">this last one</s> the latter must pay periodically a fee and <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">must </s>return the rented <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">thing </s>item in due time in <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">the same</s> its original condition<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">s in which it was</s>.
    For <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">the </s>people who have to rent a house in Italy, it's better to know something about <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">it </s>the process: After renting an apartment the lessor has to make sure that the house is clean and that all gas, light, and water systems are in compliance. Also, the lessor must be in possession of the APE (energy performance certificate) of the house. If the lessor isn't in possession of this certificate he may incur a financial penalty.
    Better watch out.
    But now let's talk about the rights of an apartment owner. He can demand the tenant to show his last paycheck<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">s</s>, and he can ask for references to make sure that the tenant has <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">been</s>kept his payments in order<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"> with the payments</s>. Also, it's opportune for the owner to make a list of the furniture present at the time of delivery of the keys.
    After the agreement between the two parties to the contract is signed, the second step is the conclusion of the contract. After the conclusion of the contract, the owner of the apartment must register with the Revenue Agency within the next 30 days<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">,</s>. <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">tThe</s> failure to comply with the deadline will result in <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">the nullity</s> nullification of the contract. But keep in mind: the registration must be done for <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">the </s>people <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">that </s>who want to reside for a term of one month or more in a city. <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">The </s>failure to register the rental agreement implies the application of salty penalties.
    There are <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">2 </s>two ways to register a lease agreement: paper and telematics procedures. <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">In </s>One may carry out a paper procedure<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">, may carry out </s>by visiting any office of the Revenue Agency and presenting at least 2 original copies of the rental agreement. It is also necessary to present the model RLI (Real Estate Rental Registration). <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">In t</s>The telematics procedure occurs through the online channels of the Revenue Agency. Hope this text helps all <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">the </s>people <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">that </s>who want to live in Italy or take a break from the routine for a while.
    0 voted
    August 11, 2020
    3
  • Posted
    Il scudetto di nuotare Giulio è un nuotatore molto bravo. Si aveva sforzato duro da tanti anni in anticipo della gara di scudetto sabato. Voleva veramente un titolo nello scudetto di serie "A". Sabato in piscina, Giulio incontrò un nuovo rivale che non mai vedeva prima. Lui si chiamava Massimo, e era un rivale potentissimo. Aveva vinto tanti premi nel suo paese. Tutti i nuotatori si misero in coda in piscina. Giulio e Massimo erano accanto all'altro in corsia. Massimo si volse a Giulio e disse: "Non hai niente speranza a sconfiggermi." L'arbitro gridò sul megafono: "Fate pronti!...Tre, due, uno...andate!" Giulio nuotava con tutta la sforza che aveva. Attraversò la piscina come un cavallo correndo velocemente. Guardò nella corsia accanto. Massimo era avanti a lui! Giulio sentiva che era in un buca molto profonda. Nuotò addirittura più veloce, per inseguirlo. Piano a piano, Giulio aveva ricuperato un pareggio con Massimo. Il fine della gara avvinse più vicino. Alla fine, l'arbitro abbassò la bandiera. Giulio guardò alla tabellone per vedere i tempi. Chi vinse? Un attimo passò in silenzio. Poi, i tempi apparvi nel tabellone. Era Giulio! Giulio vinse la gara e ricevè il titolo della serie "A". Festeggiò con tutti i suoi amici quella serata. FINE
    August 10, 2020
    11
    0
  • Corrected
    get ready for that

    Only yesterday it was Christmas, but yesterday is already long gone. From one day to the next, you are expected to get rid of your Christmassy feeling and to get ready to appear in your romantic capacity, instead. For some<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">one</s>, it'll be like slipping out of an evening dress; for others, it'll be more like shaking off some dirt.
    0 voted
    January 20, 2020
    1
  • Corrected
    233 - Happiness

    We usually tend to reach happiness by trying to achieve our ideal life. "I'll be happy only when I have that job". "I'll be happy only when I'm married", "I'll be happy when I live there", and so on... You can replace the second part of those sentences with whatever you want. To be honest, I've heard these kinds of sentences many times during my life and I feel the same way sometimes. What if we all already have what it takes to be happy? Think about it. When you get what you wanted, <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">then</s> you're satisfied for a while, but that's not happiness. Perhaps happiness is accepting what we have and, especially, what we are.
    0 voted
    January 20, 2020
    1
  • Corrected
    231 - What is love?

    What is love? For me, the answer is very simple: finding the right person. But this leads to another question: how can you recognize the right one?

    There are three aspects:
    1) you must feel attracted to that person. I know, everyone always tells you that what really matters is a person's character, not his/her physical appearance. They lie;

    2) you don't feel the social pressure that makes you speak to him/her. If you find someone you don't feel uncomfortable with, even when you are both quiet, then he/she is a special one;

    3) you feel like you can face whatever topic with him/her. You need his/her opinion and you are sure that, regardless of the subject, he/she will treat you with respect.

    These are the three elements which make a person the right one.
    What are yours?
    0 voted
    January 19, 2020
    3
  • Corrected
    232 - What is the importance of learning a new language?

    What I have learned from my English journey is that learning a new language means learning a new way to express <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">themselves </s>oneself. When I write a notebook entry I no longer think in Italian and then translate it. I try to think in English as much as I can, and these two ways of thinking are very different. When I write in English I tend to express a concept in a few words. I use a lot of periods, and a few commas. In Italian, since the latter is designed to build very long and complex sentences, the situation is the opposite. Indeed, Italian is a less efficient language compared to English. It needs more words to express a concept, regardless of the topic. This epiphany also made me realize how important a language is in <s>the process of construction</s> constructing a person's forma mentis.
    0 voted
    January 19, 2020
    2
  • Corrected
    IELTS writing part 1

    “It is generally believed that the Internet is an excellent means of communication but some people suggest that it may not be the best place to find information. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion”.

    Some people argue that the Internet is a highly valuable means of communication, and the best place to find information, while some others believe that it is not so. In order to assess these statements, I will quickly expound upon them, eventually giving my opinion.
    Usually stressed In the Internet’s favour<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">, it is usually stressed</s> is its instantaneity, namely that it is possible to communicate very easily in real time, no matter how distant the two speakers are, provided they have an Internet connection. Similarly, thanks to extremely powerful yet functional research engines, we can look for data, statistics and even academic papers, wherever we are and whenever we desire, without needing to go to a local library during opening hours. The digitalised data hosted on servers is always at our disposal, just a click away.
    In opposition to this view, it is usually pointed out that Internet usage comes with shortcomings, and the digital grass is not always as green as it initially <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">seemed </s>seems. For instance, it is true that through a research engine we can find information very easily, but we also run the risk <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">to </s>of drowning in the huge information flow. Moreover, what we find is not necessarily reliable, thus forcing us to be careful. Regarding the Internet as a tool of communication, it should be noted that the time saved is usually wasted by sharing and looking at mostly useless things on social media.
    As far as I am concerned, I regard the Internet as a positive tool only if used with strong reservations. That is to say, we should use it by keeping in mind that we are the one controlling it, not the other way around. The gap between enjoying its benefits and becoming addicted to it is, unfortunately, a <s>little </s>small one.
    0 voted
    January 17, 2020
    2
  • Corrected
    Writing IELTS 1

    “The graph below gives information about how much people in the United States and the United Kingdom spend on petrol. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.”

    In the graph below it is possible to see <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">which </s>the percentage of <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">their </s>income three income-divided groups spend on petrol in the USA and UK.
    The most remarkable difference between the two countries is that the <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">two </s>percentages follow <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">two </s>almost completely different patterns, as the percentage of income spent on fuel is generally <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">gets higher</s> rises in the UK<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">,</s> the more <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">you </s>one earns, whereas it decreases in the US. Indeed, in the UK the poorest <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">are those who</s> spend the <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">less </s>least (0,5%), whereas in the USA the percentage spent is higher<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);"> in the USA</s> amongst those who earn less (4-5%).
    However, the percentage rises steeply for the poorer members of the population, <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">but </s>then<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);"> it </s>remains mostly constant around 3-4% with only minor fluctuations, for middle income and <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">richer </s>higher.
    In the USA, the poor<s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">er</s> spend 4-5% of their income on fuel. The percentage slowly decreases as <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">the </s>income goes up, eventually falling down to less than 3% for the richest: half of the amount used by the <s style="background-color: rgb(255, 194, 102);">poorer</s> poorest. In conclusion, the amount of money spent on fuel between the two countries is almost equivalent for the well-off classes.
    0 voted
    January 17, 2020
    1