Lesson 1 by Igor Soares

The joys of reading Let’s face it. To the majority of pre-teens and teenagers, reading is uncool. It’s unfortunate, but ____________. As a teenager, I was too ashamed to be caught reading during lunchtime breaks while my friends 5 and classmates were out playing tag and gossiping amongst themselves. I was ____________ a strange teenager, but I tried my best to blend in nonetheless, which is, of course, what most teenagers do best. Perhaps the reason for this is because as children 10 and teenagers, we were forced to read for academic reasons. This may have sparked some kind of rebellion. We will never know. All we know is that something went wrong somewhere along the line. The fact is that reading is extremely ____________ 15 once you get past that curse of a barrier. Now I’m about to tell you a secret. Are you ready? Reading is not evil. In fact, reading is probably the best thing ever. Here’s why.

Lesson

intelligence, and general knowledge than those who don’t. The more you read, the better!

Reading expands your vocabulary and 30 makes you a better ____________!

As you read, you may come across some rather long words. Every time this happens, your vocabulary expands! If your vocabulary improves by reading, your writing will ____________ be affected. By continually exposing 35 yourself to the written word, you are better able to understand what makes good writing. Books tell us stories by describing people, places, and things in great detail. You find that you end up using more descriptive adjectives in your own writing and 40 speech. Additionally, you also learn correct grammar. Some really suffer with correct grammar, but by actively reading, you will ____________ the improvement when you write. You don’t have to be a professional writer to appreciate good writing. In this day and age, we 45 Reading makes you ____________! use the written word more often than not! Even in a 20 This may seem quite obvious at first (and I’m not going professional setting, we use e-mail, letters, faxes and text to get too scientific with you, don’t worry!) messages, and poorly ____________ correspondence is Basically, reading exercises your brain cells. Because of unprofessional. this, reading helps to form more neural pathways - thus making you smarter! Reading opens your mind to new Reading reduces stress! 50 25 ways of thinking and it exposes you to different points of That’s right. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a views, which in turn is ____________ healthy. As well fictional book. When you step into that fantasy world, as this, people that read have higher GPA’s, higher the real world evaporates into nothingness. All of

Book II - Lesson 1

your troubles, whether it be about work, relationships or anything, disappear. Most of the time your mind can’t tell the difference between reality and fiction. This is why, when you read, you feel what the characters are feeling. You actually fall in love with the prince (or main hero). You escape from everything, and immerse yourself in the other world. Reading is probably the most relaxing thing you can do, apart from sleeping.

Reading teaches you empathy 65

When you engross yourself in a character’s thoughts and feelings, you learn to empathize with them. I find that I often ask myself, “What would I feel if I were in this situation?” By reading, you teach yourself to hold back judgement. I know that I can’t actually talk to the character, I can only empathize with their situation. It also helps you to step into someone else’s shoes and walk beside them. I know what the character is thinking and ____________ and I have a better appreciation for their experience. If you can empathize with a character, you may find that you have more empathy for those who are actually around you.

Reading is fun! 80

Yes, reading is fun. Many people read for fun, which may of course come as a shock to you after all of those boring books and plays you were forced to read at school, like Romeo and... what’s her name? The majority of books aren’t like this ____________. A book is basically a movie between two covers, but instead of pictures in front of your eyes, the pictures are behind your eyes. YOU choose what the characters look like. YOU convert the words on the page of a book to images inside your mind. Beautiful images. Such images have turned me into a self-confessed escapist.

A book is the closest you will come to a world of fantasy designed by both you and the ____________. The worlds 90 out there in bookstores are beautiful. As soon as you pick up a book and start reading, you are carried to another world in your mind. The worlds and characters are right there, waiting for you.

Reading and YOU! 95

Are you fond of reading? If you’re not, I believe this is something that will get you started. Books are so ____________ that lots of movies have been based on their plot. It’s a way to reach those who still haven’t found the pleasure in the written 100 world. Let’s now share our favorite books that were ____________ into movies. Adapted from: Source: hubpages.com (texts written by Reishaaa from London, UK- Freelance Journalist, and Janelle Cruz, a former island dweller.)

ADDITIONALLY (adverb): in addition; also a) Susan was grounded because she had broken her curfew. Additionally, she had gotten a low mark in physics. b) The bank app is really helpful. You can check your balance and, additionally, you can pay your bills. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ APPRECIATE (verb): to understand how good or useful someone or something is a) I truly appreciate your hospitality throughout my stay in San Diego.

Book II - Lesson 1

b) Living away from her sister has finally made Linda appreciate her a bit more. She had always taken her for granted. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ BARRIER (noun): an obstacle a) Not knowing English is a barrier to those who would like to travel abroad. b) Natalie’s shyness is a barrier to making new friends. c) ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ BLEND IN (phrasal verb): if someone blends in with other people, they match or are very similar and seem to belong to that group a) Though Patrick had just moved to town, he blended in really fast. b) As Lucy is too shy, it’s quite hard for her to blend in when she takes up a new activity. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ COME ACROSS / CAME / COME: to find by chance a) We often come across things we have forgotten we even have when looking for something. b) Abby came across the book she wanted to read while shopping at the mall. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ CURSE (noun + verb): 1) to swear, to use rude or offensive language a) My dad couldn’t help cursing the heavy traffic. b) Derek cursed loudly when he hit his head on the kitchen cabinet. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 2) to ask God or a magical power to harm someone a) So many things have been going wrong that it seems Jenny’s family has been cursed. b) Mr Grey believed that someone had put a curse on his business. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ EMPATHIZE (verb): to be able to understand someone else’s feelings, problems etc, especially because you have had similar experiences a) One of Laurie’s classmates could really empathize with what she was going through because she had also lost her parents. b) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ENGROSS (verb): immerse; if something engrosses you, it interests you so much that you do not notice anything else a) Phil should take a weekend off and engross himself in a really good book. b) The new-born engrossed all the family’s attention. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ AN ESCAPIST (noun): a person who tends to think of entertainment or other forms to forget about unpleasant or boring things a) Patrick is an escapist who often engrosses himself in books in an attempt to forget about his self-confessed drunk parents.

Book II - Lesson 1

b) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ FOND OF : having a liking or affection for somebody or something a) Melanie decided to become a vet because she is really fond of animals. b) Kevin is so fond of one of his professors that he often speaks highly of her to his parents. c) _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ GPA: grade point average - the average of a student’s marks over a period of time in the US education system HOLD BACK / HELD / HELD (phrasal verb): to stop yourself from feeling or showing a particular emotion a) Dylan couldn’t hold his anger back and cursed loudly! b) Penny’s effort to hold her tears back when she heard the news was in vain. c) Though I wanted to laugh when my classmate slipped, I managed to hold it back. d) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ IMMERSE (verb): to become completely involved in an activity a) When people are running for political positions, they immerse in their campaigns for months. b) An exchange program is more profitable if you are willing to fully immerse in a new culture. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ IN TURN (expression): as a result of something a) Laura hit her sister, who in turn, told their mom about the low grades Laura had been hiding. b) The students participated actively in all class activities that week and the teacher, in turn, rewarded them with a day free from homework. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ JUDGEMENT BrE / JUDGMENT AmE (NOUN): an opinion that you form, especially after thinking carefully about something VERB: to judge a) We shouldn’t make any judgments before getting to know people better. b) The parents showed a lack of judgment when they allowed their daughter to travel with a friend who had recently been expelled from school. c) Judging by the pictures Dylan has been posting, they are having a great time in Europe. d) We should not judge people by their outward appearance. e) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ NONETHELESS (conjunction): nevertheless; in spite of the fact that a) We all know the benefits of reading. Nonetheless, some just don’t spare the time to read. b) Derek took a German course before going to Germany. Nonetheless, he had trouble communicating with the locals. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ PERHAPS (adverb): maybe a) No one in class complained about the novel the literature teacher suggested. Perhaps its plot pleased all students. b) Perhaps Luke will blend in more easily if he gets to school a bit earlier and has the chance to see his classmates before class.

Book II - Lesson 1

c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ PLOT (noun): the story of a book, film or play a) At first, Lindsay was my favorite character in the book, but as the plot unfolds, we can tell she isn’t that nice. b) The plot itself was a bit boring, but the special effects made the play worth it. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ RATHER (adverb): quite, fairly, usually used with negative adjectives a) Some of the students complained about the book the teacher assigned. They said it was a rather dull story. b) A few neighbors called the building manager because the noise coming from one of the apartments was rather loud. c) Sam was rather upset/disappointed when he got his test back. He expected a higher mark since he had studied hard. d) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ SELF-CONFESSED (adjective): admitting that you have a particular characteristic that is bad • A self-confessed thief/drug addict/liar/alcoholic/workaholic a) Mike never got to meet his grandfather, who was a self-confessed alcoholic. Unfortunately, he didn’t look for help and ended up dying young. b) My dad is a self-confessed workaholic. We keep trying to make him spend more time with the family, but he manages to slip into his office even on weekends. c) ___________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ SPARK (verb): to start something, to make someone feel interested, hopeful etc • To spark somebody’s interest/hope/curiosity/a fire a) A dropped cigarette might have sparked the fire in the field. b) Creative writing teachers have been looking for ideas that will spark their students’ interest. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ THUS (conjunction): as a result of something that you have just mentioned; the same as “so”, but formal a) Some college students need to work to pay their bills and thus have less time to study. b) Brooke decided to keep taking her French course, thus making her parents proud. c) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHETHER (conjunction): used to talk about a choice you have to make a) I was rather surprised when dad asked me whether I’d like to join them on the trip or spend the weekend at my friend’s place. b) Mom has said I’ll finish my course whether I like it or not. c) My dad has two weeks to decide whether to take the job in New York or not. d) The teacher didn’t know whether to believe the student or not when he said he wasn’t cheating when he looked at his cellphone. e) _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Book II - Lesson 1

1 Are you fond of reading or do you only read books assigned by your literature teacher? 2 Would you recommend the last book you read? 3 Do you wish you were allowed to choose the books you were going to read for school? 4 Have you ever felt disappointed after watching a movie that had been based on a book you had read? 5 Would you rather read a book or an e-book? 6 When the plot doesn’t pull you in, do you force yourself to read the book if it has been assigned by

your literature teacher or do you only read a summary?

7 Do your parents tell you that reading is important despite the fact that they themselves do not read much? 8 Do you believe that kids whose parents spare time to read to them since they are little acquire a taste

for reading at an earlier age?

9 Did you use to read more books from the library when you were in PRE I and PRE II? 10 Would you say that your writing could benefit from reading more? 11 Do you prefer reading magazines and the newspaper to reading books? 12 Have you ever found a novel unsatisfying because you strongly empathized with a character and

hoped for a better ending?

13 Have you ever been surprised by a book despite the fact that you didn’t really feel like reading it? 14 Have you ever read a book that engrossed you so deeply that you lost track of time? 15 Who is a character in a book/movie with whom you could really empathize? 16 What was a book you read during which you couldn’t hold back your tears? 17 Do you read movie reviews written by professional critics or do you prefer to trust your friends’ judgment? 18

Do you think that, deep down, teenagers usually regard those who read as cultured though they make fun of such taste?

Book II - Lesson 1

BOX 1 - PASSIVE VOICE 1. In English, when we describe an action, there are usually two people or things involved: the one that performs the action (sometimes referred to as the agent), and the one that is affected or produced by the action of the verb. The agent is often put at the beginning of a sentence or clause, in the position of the subject. The person or thing affected or produced then forms the object of the verb. This is what we refer to as an active sentence. The focus is on the agent, placed at the beginning of the sentence as shown below: “Steven Spielberg directed Jurassic Park.” However, if we want to change the emphasis to focus on the person or thing affected or produced by the action (the object in the sentence above), we use a passive form and bring that element of the sentence to the beginning: “Jurassic Park was directed by Steven Spielberg.” In this passive version, the focus is on the object, which is now at the beginning of the sentence in position of the subject. The agent, the person or thing that performs the action, is now later introduced by the preposition BY if it is known and important. Look at this other example: “As soon as you pick up a book and start reading, you are carried to another world in your mind.” We can notice that who/what carries you away is not important or known, so it is not mentioned. 2. How can we change a sentence from active voice into passive? Verb Subject Steven Spielberg

directed

Object Jurassic Park

The subject and the object switch places, and we add by. The verb is always formed by to be + Past Participle of the verb in the sentence. The verb to be is used in the tense of the original sentence. In our example, it is the past simple, and the verb in the sentence is to direct. So, Jurassic Park

Book II - Lesson 1

was directed

Steven Spielberg

3. See how to change the other tenses:

TENSE / MODAL VERB

ACTIVE VOICE

PASSIVE VOICE

Present Simple

John Green writes the story.

The story is written by John Green.

Present Continuous

John Green is writing the story.

The story is being written by John Green.

Present Perfect

John Green has written the story.

The story has been written by John Green.

Past Simple

John Green wrote the story.

The story was written by John Green.

Past Continuous

John Green was writing the story.

The story was being written by John Green.

Past Perfect

John Green had written the story.

The story had been written by John Green.

Future Simple

John Green will write the story.

The story will be written by John Green.

Future Perfect

John Green will have written the story.

The story will have been written by John Green.

Future with Going to

John Green is going to write the story.

The story is going to be written by John Green.

would

John Green would write the story.

The story would be written by John Green.

may/might

John Green may/might write the story.

The story may/might be written by John Green.

can/could

John Green can/could write the story.

The story can/could be written by John Green.

would/may/might/ could have

John Green would/may/might/ could have written the story.

The story would/may/might/ could have been written by John Green.

Note: The passive voice is NOT used in Perfect Continuous tenses or Future Continuous. 4. Some verbs have two objects. In this case, there are two possible sentences in passive voice. Each starts with one of the objects. • They awarded 15 medals to the Brazilian athletes in the Olympic Games. Object 1 Object 2 a) Fifteen medals were awarded to the Brazilian athletes in the Olympic Games. OR b) The Brazilian athletes were awarded 15 medals in the Olympic Games. • Someone has offered me a new job. a) A new job has been offered to me. OR b) I have been offered a new job.

Common verbs with two objects: buy - bring - make - give - lend - offer sell - send - show - promise - teach - tell

5. Verbs of perception (say, think, believe, know, claim, and others) also have two passive forms. • People claim that the Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world. a) It is claimed that the Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world. OR b) The Mona Lisa is claimed to be the most famous painting in the world. • They say that Juan learned English on his own. a) It is said that Juan learned English on his own. OR b) Juan is said to have learned English on his own.

Book II - Lesson 1 6. If the verb is followed by a preposition, it also comes in the passive

6. If the verb is followed by a preposition, it also comes in the passive form. • Someone broke into the bank last night.

The bank was broken into last night.

• Sarah was afraid people would laugh at her. Sarah was afraid to be laughed at.

7. Active voice is clearer and more direct, because it puts the agent of the action first and follows a logical order: doer of action + action + receiver of action (if any) Sentences in passive voice can be confusing and awkward. Also, an active voice sentence is always shorter than the same sentence in passive. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the passive voice, but if you can say the same thing in active, do so. The following situations are exceptions where passive voice is more suitable: • when the agent is unknown:

The lights were left on.

[You don’t know who left them on.] • when the agent is less important than the receiver:

The package was delivered this morning. [It doesn’t matter who brought it.]

• when you don’t want to mention the agent:

I was given the wrong directions.

[You don’t want to blame anyone in particular.]

Notes:

_________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Book II - Lesson 1

Exercises

1. Change the following sentences into passive voice.

a) The management will discuss the problem next week. The problem __________________________________________________________________________. b) The maid should have ironed the clothes this week. The clothes ___________________________________________________________________________. c) My assistant sent you the invoice last Monday. The invoice ___________________________________________________________________________. You _________________________________________________________________________________. d) The director is going to offer Herbert an important post in the company. Herbert ______________________________________________________________________________. An important post ______________________________________________________________________. e) You can find the order form on the last page of the catalogue. The order form ________________________________________________________________________. f) When will the IT guy install the software? When _______________________________________________________________________________? g) People will not listen to the President's argument. The President's argument ________________________________________________________________. h) My colleague hasn't introduced me to Dr Young yet. I____________________________________________________________________________________. Dr. Young ____________________________________________________________________________. i) They expect better results soon. Better results _________________________________________________________________________. j) You can use this paper for any kind of printer. This paper ____________________________________________________________________________. k) The teachers had shown the students a new experiment before they took a test. _____________________________________________________________________________________. l) By the end of the week, the inhabitants of the town will have supplied the poor family with food and clothes. _____________________________________________________________________________________. m) They should never offer alcohol to teenagers at parties. _____________________________________________________________________________________. n) The kids would have tidied up their bedrooms if their grandmother had told them to. _____________________________________________________________________________________. o) You must write down everything the teacher says. _____________________________________________________________________________________. p) Jan and Bill have put off their wedding for six months. _____________________________________________________________________________________.

Book II - Lesson 1

2. Fill in the gaps after deciding whether the sentence is in active or passive voice and which verb tense should be used. a) A body temperature of 37 degrees centigrade __________________________ (consider) normal. b) She waited quietly while the doctor __________________________ (examine) her baby. c) Don't go into the treatment room now. Another patient __________________________. (examine) d) Acupuncture __________________________ (become) more and more popular over the last few years. e) In aromatherapy, fragrant oils __________________________ (massage) into the skin. 3. Seven clauses in this press report seem awkward. The reason is that the main subjects are the actress and her new movie and they should be the subject in all the sentences. Which sentences should be changed and how? NEW JULIA WILLIAMS MOVIE SOON TO BE RELEASED Fans can't wait for the new Julia Williams movie, entitled A Night in Paris. It is the story of an American girl who moves from the U.S. to France to pursue a career as a model. They shot the movie in Abbott, Texas, and Paris. Jeff Bloomberg directed it and James Lucas produced it. Nick Holly composed the soundtrack. It features ten original songs, and they expect "It Girl" to be a hit. People say Ms Williams's costumes are absolutely amazing. Giorgio Altara designed her dresses for the movie. They have already nominated the movie for several awards. It is due to open worldwide on November 5th. Rewrite them following the example: a) The movie was shot in Abbot, Texas, and Paris. b)____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Book II - Lesson 1

BOX 2 - ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS • an adjective + ly = an adverb • the adjective modifies a noun. • the adverb modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb. 1. additional – additionally 2. angry – angrily 3. bad – badly 4. bitter – bitterly 5. calm – calmly 6. careful – carefully 7. careless – carelessly 8. certain – certainly 9. definite – definitely 10. eager – eagerly 11. easy – easily 12. extreme – extremely

13. fair – fairly 14. fluent – fluently 15. healthy – healthily 16. heavy – heavily 17. incredible – incredibly 18. kind – kindly 19. odd – oddly 20. poor – poorly (badly) 21. reckless – recklessly 22. strong – strongly 23. thorough – thoroughly

Some exceptions to that rule: Hard / Hard a) It was hard to understand the Chinese lady when she spoke English because of her strong accent. (adj) b) It’s hard for old people to understand new technologies. (adj) c) The businessman worked hard to amass such a fortune.(adv) d) Although Billie didn’t enjoy the trip, he tried hard not to show his disappointment. (adv) Hardly is indeed an adverb, but it means “scarcely”, “with great difficulty.” a) The lady was so frightened that she could hardly explain what had happened to her. b) We had hardly begun our stroll when it started to rain. c) The furniture hardly fits in the new apartment. Late / Late a) We rushed to catch the 9 o’clock bus, but we were too late. (adj) b) Everything about the trip was superb, apart from our flight, which was two hours late. (adj) c) Derek has to figure out a way to accomplish his tasks before 6 o’clock. He has been working late for the past three weeks. (adv) d) Mrs. Walker married late because she had always led a sheltered life and didn’t get to meet many people. (adv) Lately a) There have been nice concerts in town lately. (adv) b) It had never crossed my mind that Don could be doing something illegal, but he has been behaving so oddly lately. (adv) High / High a) Most houses downtown are surrounded by high walls because there has been lots of violence in the city lately. (adj) b) Do you know how high the Eiffel Tower is? (adj) c) The beach was crowded because of the high temperature. (adj) d) Karen is quite competitive and aims high. (adv) e) The player kicked the ball too high and didn’t score the goal. (adv)

Book II - Lesson 1

Highly a) The company is looking for highly skilled professionals. b) Paulo Coelho is a highly regarded writer worldwide. c) Debora’s professors think very highly of her. Fast / Fast a) Taking the subway is a fast way to get downtown. (adj) b) You can get downtown fast if you take the subway. (adv) c) Derek is a fast runner. I can’t keep pace with him. (adj) d) Derek runs quite fast. I can’t keep pace with him. (adv) Particular (adj) a) I’d like to get Mandy a nice book. Do you know if there is any particular type she enjoys? b) One of the best employees has quit his job for no particular reason. We wonder if he has been offered a highly paid job somewhere else. Particularly (adv) a) Katie’s classmates are always sneering at her, particularly when she wears clothes that are out of fashion. b) New York is particularly beautiful in the winter because of the snow. Good (adj) / Well (adv) a) A visit to the slums can give us good insight into the poverty in the country. (adj) b) A visit to the slums can make us understand the situation in the country well. (adv) Verbs that denote feeling like: • to smell / to taste / to feel / to look / to sound - are followed by an adjective, not by an adverb, because, in fact, it modifies a noun, not the verb. • to smell good / bad • to feel cold / angry / happy • to look tired / unhappy / mad • to taste sweet / bad / bitter • to sound good / strange Compare and study these examples carefully: – The boy looked sad. – Mom looked angry. – The boy looked at me sadly. – Mom looked at us angrily.

Notes:

_________________________________________________________________________

Book II - Lesson 1

Exercises 1. Substitute the following: a) The way Brian acted was so odd that people kept asking him whether he was alright. (_________________) b) Joe’s performance in the test was very poor. (_______________________________________________) c) Tom has gotten much better grades since the beginning of the year, which is incredible, since he didn’t use to be keen on studying. (_________________________________________________________________) d) Sam’s doctor has advised him to eat only healthy food from now on. (____________________________) e It is definite that Terry will refuse the promotion so as to spend more time with his family. (_______________) f) Mark got a raise because he is a diligent employee. In addition, he is willing to substitute for other workers whenever necessary. (___________________________________________________________________) g) Jane gave a kind answer to her workmate’s question. (________________________________________) h) It was easy for David to change the burnt out light bulb. (_______________________________________) i) Jane is good at playing the piano. (________________________________________________________) j) The man was very angry when he spoke to the boy who had broken his window pane. (________________) k) Harold was very eager as he waited for his parents. (_________________________________________) l) The team played a bad game last night. (__________________________________________________) m) Janet is always praised for her fluent English. (_____________________________________________) n) Martha took careful steps as she walked on the broken bridge. (________________________________) 2. Answer the following questions: a) Bob hadn’t studied for the quiz. How did he do? ______________________________________________ b) Everybody wants Samantha to be on their team. How does she play? _____________________________ c) Sarah was not herself at the meeting. How did she behave? ____________________________________ d) Evelyn wasn’t careful. How did she drive? __________________________________________________ e) It was pouring. How was it raining? _______________________________________________________ f) There was a gale. How was the wind blowing? ______________________________________________ g) Henry could hardly wait to have dinner. How did he eat it? ______________________________________ h) The student wishes he had studied harder. How did he regret not having done so? __________________

Book II - Lesson 1

i) The maid was a thorough professional. How did she sweep the floor? _____________________________ 3. Fill in the gaps below: a) We could do the assignment ______________ with a computer. (comparative) b) Jenny ________________ regrets having yelled at her best friend, who now refuses to talk to her. c) Jacob is into most sports, _________________ basketball. d) As Bill wants to improve his vocabulary, he has been reading more ________________. e) You must drive __________________ in fog. f) Sandra was ______________ helpful. Everybody was amazed at how _________ the party had been organized. g) The candidate got the job because he was ____________ educated. h) I know him __________ well, but I wouldn’t say we’re close friends. i) The President is ______________ opposed to the idea of reducing taxes. j) Linda is _______________ upset, since she won’t be allowed to travel with her friends anymore.

Book II - Lesson 1

BOX 3 - The + Comparative, the + Comparative The more you read, the better! â&#x20AC;˘ Study these examples: The harder you study, the higher your grades are. The more qualified a person is, the more chances of getting a good job they have. The hotter it is, the more water you have to drink. The more the woman thought about what could have happened, the more worried she got. The book chapter was so complex that the more I read it, the less I understood it. The more some people earn, the less they save.

Book II - Lesson 1

Exercises 1. Complete these sentences with information about yourself: a) The lower my grades are, ______________________________________________________________. b) The more I go out, ____________________________________________________________________. c) The less I disobey my parents, __________________________________________________________. d) _____________________________________________________________________, the happier I get. e) ______________________________________________________________________, the sadder I get. f) _____________________________________________________________, the more stressed out I get. 2. Fill in the gaps using the right forms of the adjectives and adverbs in parentheses: a) Some people say that the ___________________ one is, the ___________________ they are. Do you agree? (attractive / snobbish) b) Do you think that the ______________ a cousin is, the _________________ they are? (young / annoying) c) Do you agree that the _______________ one is, the _______________ their advice is? (old / wise) d) Although you know that the __________________ you eat, the _________________ your health is, do you love junk food? (unhealthily / bad) e) Is it true that the _________________ one feels, the ________________ they eat? (sad / much) f) Do you agree that the ________________ you study, the _________________________ you are to have to take a prep course? (little / likely) g) Do you believe that the ______________ a person is, the _____________ grades they get? (lazy / low) h) Is it true that the ______________ you insist when you want to do something, the _______________ your parents get? (much / angry) i) Would you say that the ______________ movies in English you watch, the _______________ your listening skills are? (many / good) j) Do you sometimes feel that the _________________ you study, the ______________ you understand certain topics? (much / little) k) Do you get upset when your mother yells at you, as the ______________ she talks, the ______________ you feel? (loud / bad) l) Are you one of those people who often worry too much about things and the _____________ you think about something, the ___________________ you get? (much / anxious)

Book II - Lesson 1

BOX 4 - PREPOSITIONS 1. Fill in the gaps using the right prepositions. Some words are not followed by prepositions. Write an X when this is the case: a) The couple fell in love _________ each other while they were _________ college. b) Maggie canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand having to wait __________ her friends when she sets to pick them up ______ a certain time. c) The movie Kate saw yesterday is based _________ her favorite novel. d) Watching series helps you expose yourself _________ new vocabulary. e) Glenda is so fond _________ reading that she has won several library competitions. f) Many people are discriminated _________ because of their appearance. g) Joshua has wanted to date _________ Sophie since they met for the first time. h) Tim is still friends _________ a French girl he met _________ a trip abroad 13 years ago. i) Ginger had her first child _________ (the age of) 19. j) Emma learned how to ride a bicycle _________ her godfather. k) Mark couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more excited _________ his first trip without his parents. l) Jackie was _________ a party when she learned that she had gotten _________ university. 2. Now, make sentences using the collocations above with new vocabulary:

Book II - Lesson 1

BOX 5 - PHRASAL VERBS A phrasal verb is a verb plus one or two particles. It is usually more informal than a one-word verb. 1) TO END UP 2) TO GET OVER ≠ TO GET AWAY WITH 3) TO LOOK LIKE ≠ TO LOOK FOR ≠ TO LOOK AT 4) TO PICK UP ≠ TO PICK OUT ≠ TO PICK ON 5) TO MAKE UP ≠ TO MAKE UP FOR ≠ TO MAKE UP WITH Read the sample sentences below and then make your own examples: a) Sam insists on asking her parents to let her go out even when they have said she couldn’t because they usually end up doing what she wants. b) Heather might miss a few more classes because she has not gotten over the flu yet. c) The lady has been depressed for years. She has never gotten over her daughter’s death. d) Lots of politicians break the law because they usually manage to get away with it. e) Bob insists on not doing all the homework, but he won’t get away with it much longer. f) The houses look exactly like one another, which makes the street look very bland. g) People who enjoy fast sports are always looking for extreme ones. h) Lynn’s ankle is badly swollen. I think the doctor ought to look at it. i) The teacher made the students pick up all the paper they had thrown on the floor. j) Sally got a ride back home because her mom was too busy to pick her up from school. k) The bride is soon going to pick out her wedding dress. l) The school bullies are always picking on Jack, who is shorter than most kids his age. m) When Susie’s dad asked her why she had gotten home after her curfew, she just made something up so as not to tell him what had indeed happened. n) I have already aced a quiz although I made up the sentences in class. o) When I argue with my best friend, I try to make up with her as soon as possible. p) I have already spent a whole weekend studying to do well on a test and make up for a low grade I had gotten. q) Dylan’s parents always spend the weekend with the family in an attempt to make up for the time they are away during the week.

Book II - Lesson 1

BOX 6 - VERBS Present

past

past participle

appreciate

appreciated

was / were

_______________

blend in

blended

choose

chose

_______________

come across

_______________

come across

earn

earned

encourage

encouraged

fall in love with

_______________

fallen in love with

feel

felt

_______________

10.

find

found

_______________

11.

get lost

_______________

gotten lost

12.

hold back

held back

_______________

13.

judge

judged

14.

know

knew

_______________

15.

make

_______________

made

16.

pick up

picked up

17.

reach

reached

18.

seem

seemed

19.

step into

stepped into

20.

turn into

turned into

21.

write

wrote

_______________

Notes: __________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Book II - Lesson 1

BOX 7 - PATTERNS 1. To appreciate: one’s help / one’s dedication / one’s support / everything one has done / a good book 2. To be: ashamed / caught / forced to do something 3. To blend in 4. To choose: what to wear to a party / where to go to school / a present for someone 5. To come across: an interesting news report / some old pictures 6. To earn a living as a writer 7. To encourage one to go on an exchange student program 8. To fall in love with: one’s high school classmate / next-door neighbor 9. To feel: like reading / guilty / hungry 10. To find: a book interesting / a movie boring / physics hard 11. To get lost: in a book / on one’s way somewhere 12. To hold back one’s: anger / tears / words 13. To judge one by their looks 14. To know: someone well / the answer / how to read and write 15. To turn into (a sofa into a bed / a book into a movie / someone into a popstar) 16. To pick up someone from school 17. To reach: someone at home / the cookie jar 18. To seem: upset / happy 19. To step into: the classroom / one’s bedroom 20. To make: a decision / a phone call / one’s bed 21. To write: a book / an essay / a note

Notes:

_________________________________________________________________________

Book II - Lesson 1

Listening 1. You hear someone talking about football referees. What is the speaker’s attitude towards referees? a) They make too many mistakes b) They deserve sympathy c) Some are better than others 2. You hear a famous chef talking about his week. What does he say about what happened during the week? a) He had a problem that was not his fault b) He didn’t want to appear on so many programmes c) He had his first experience on live TV 3. You hear someone talking about her career in dancing. What does she emphasize? a) The contribution made by her parents b) How much hard work she did c) Her desire to be a dancer 4. You hear someone talking on the phone at work. Who is she talking to? a) A colleague b) Her boss c) A client 5. You hear a radio presenter talking about a book. What feeling does the presenter express about the book? a) Doubt that it does exactly what it says it does b) Amazement at how up to date its information is c) Curiosity about how it was written 6. You hear part of an interview with a famous comedian. What does he say about his school days? a) The teachers never criticized him b) He was only good at one subject c) Other people found him amusing 7. You hear someone talking about a person he knows. What is the speaker doing? a) Complaining b) Apologizing c) Arguing 8. You hear a tour guide talking to a group of visitors to a museum. What does he tell them about the museum? a) It’s easy to get lost in it b) Big groups aren’t allowed in some parts of it c) It’s better only to visit a small part of it

Book II - Lesson 1