ACCÉS A GRAU SUPERIOR
ENGLISH
CFA MESTRE ESTEVE Curs 2017-2018
English ACFGS CURS DE PREPARACIÓ PER A LES PROVES DACCÉS A CICLES FORMATIUS DE GRAU SUPERIOR Criteris de qualificació de les assignatures de LLENGUA CASTELLANA, LLENGUA CATALANA i ANGLÈS
1. Per tenir dret a l’avaluació, l’alumnat haurà d’haver assistit al 80% de les classes. 2. Tot i que la normativa vigent contempla una única nota a final de curs, en acabar el primer quadrimestre l’alumnat obtindrà una nota parcial orientativa. 3. Degut al caràcter progressiu i acumulatiu de les matèries lingüístiques, la nota final es calcularà aplicant la ponderació següent: • •
Nota del primer quadrimestre : 40 % Nota del segon quadrimestre: 60 %
4. Per determinar la qualificació de cada quadrimestre es tindran en compte els percentatges següents: • Exàmens (un, com a mínim, per quadrimestre): 60 % de la qualificació. • Treball a classe (exercicis, activitats, respostes al professor, interès, atenció, participació...): 20% de la qualificació. • Treball a casa (redaccions, resums, comentaris de text…): 20% de la qualificació. Aquests treballs es consideren obligatoris. La qualificació d’un treball no lliurat en la data assenyalada serà de 0 punts. 5. L’adquisició de les habilitats pròpies d’aquestes matèries és progressiva, i la qualificació final tindrà com a objectiu valorar el desenvolupament de les competències de l’alumnat al llarg del curs, així com l’esforç personal. Per tant, no es faran exàmens parcials de recuperació ni examen de recuperació final.
English ACFGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
GRAMMAR
VERB TENSES Present simple
1
Present continuous
4
Past simple
9
Irregular verbs
11
Past perfect
17
Past continuous
19
Present perfect
24
Present perfect continuous
27
Past perfect continuous
30
Future tenses
32
Form of going to future
32
Will-future
34
Present continuous for the future
36
Future perfect and future continuous
38
MODAL VERBS
41
THE PASSIVE VOICE
48
CONDITIONAL CLAUSES
50
RELATIVE CLAUSES
54
THE COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES
59
FREQUENCY ADVERBS
61
PREPOSITIONS OF TIME
62
PREPOSITIONS OF PLACE AT, IN, ON, TO
64
TIME CLAUSES
66
PURPOSE CLAUSES
67
CONTRAST CLAUSES
68
REASON CLAUSES
69
English ACFGS Page
REPORTED SPEECH
70
CONNECTORS
72
READING AND VOCABULARY
73
WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY
103
A FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY
109
A FORMAL LETTER
112
AN INFORMAL LETTER
117
A NARRATIVE
120
A DESCRIPTION
122
AN INTERVIEW
124
English ACFGS
GRAMMAR
English ACFGS
VERB TENSES
1. Present Simple
a) Use The Present Simple is frequently used in English. It is also called Simple Present. Have a look at the following examples: 1) Repeated actions (every day, always, often, sometimes or never) My friend often draws nice posters. I never drink milk. 2) Facts and permanent situations The sun rises in the East. Madrid is the capital of Spain 3) Fixed arrangements, scheduled events (e.g. timetable) The plane flies to London every Monday. 4) Routines in the present - one follows after the other (first - then, after that) First I get up, then I have breakfast. 5) After special verbs (stative verbs) which are normally not used with the Present Progressive (These verbs express states, possessions, feelings etc.): be, believe, belong, hate, hear, like, love, mean, prefer, remain, realize, see, seem, smell, think, understand, want, wish I understand English. He doesn't like fish.
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English ACFGS
b) Form Affirmative sentences: I/we/you/they play football. He/she/it plays football. NOTE: he, she, it - Do not forget the -s. Negative sentences: We use the auxiliary do. I/we/you/they do not play football. He/she/it does not play football. NOTE: We often use short forms in negative sentences in the Simple Present: I/we/you/they don't play football. He/she/it doesn't play football. Questions: Do I/we/you/they play football? Does he/she/it play football?
c) Spelling Be careful with some words when using the 3rd person singular. 1) verbs ending in -ch, -s, -sh, -x and verbs do and go We add -es to the infinitive. I watch - he watches I pass - he passes
I go – he goes I do – he does
2) verbs ending in -y verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a vowel (a, e, i, o, u): Add -s. I play - he plays verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a consonant: Change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. Example: I hurry - he hurries
I study – he studies
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English ACFGS
Exercises
a) Make the present simple, positive, negative or question 1. I _________________ (be) in a cafĂŠ now. 2. _________________ (she / play) tennis every week? 3. They _________________ (go) to the cinema every Wednesday. 4. _________________ (she / be) a singer? 5. You _________________ (find) the weather here cold. 6. _________________ (they / be) on the bus? 7. Lucy _________________ (ride) her bicycle to work. 8. Why _________________ (he / be) in France? 9. I _________________ (not / play) the piano often. 10. It _________________ (not / be) cold today. 11. We _________________ (be) from Portugal. 12. _________________ (we / make) too much noise at night? 13. Where _________________ (Harry / study)? 14. _________________ (it / be) foggy today? 15. We _________________ (not / be) late. 16. They _________________ (not / like) animals. 17. Where _________________ (you / be)? 18. He _________________ (not / be) an accountant. 19. _________________ (the dog / eat) chicken? 20. She _____________(be) my sister. b) Make the present simple tense (choose positive, negative or question) 1. (we / not / go out much) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (they / think it's a good idea) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (he / know how to play the violin?) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (why / I / have to clean up?) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (she / not / sleep late at the weekends) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (I / love studying languages?) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (we / not / believe the Prime Minister) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (you / understand the question?) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (she / not / want to go to the cinema) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (I / like trying new kinds of food) _______________________________________________________________ 11. (David / want some coffee?) _______________________________________________________________
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English ACFGS 12. (what / Lucy / do at the weekends?) _______________________________________________________________ 13. (they / not / work late on Fridays) _______________________________________________________________ 14. (she / have three daughters) _______________________________________________________________ 15. (you / own a car?) _______________________________________________________________ 16. (where / Alicia / work?) _______________________________________________________________ 17. (when / she / go to her Chinese class?) _______________________________________________________________ 18. (I / not / believe you) _______________________________________________________________ 19. (she / think about her holidays often) _______________________________________________________________ 20. (you / like going to restaurants?) _______________________________________________________________
2. Present Continuous a) Use The Present Continuous is used when we talk about something which is happening now. It is also called Present Progressive. Have a look at the following examples: 1) actions happening at the moment of speaking (now, at the moment) Peter is reading a book now. She’s listening to the radio. 2) fixed plan in the near future She is going to Basel on Saturday. 3) temporary actions His father is working in Rome this month. 4) actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions) My friend is preparing for his exams.
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English ACFGS 5) trends More and more people are using their computers to listen to music. 6) repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever) Andrew is always arriving late. (I don't like it.) Simple Present : Andrew always arrives late. (Here I don't give a comment.) __
b) Form to be (am, are, is) + infinitive + -ing Affirmative sentences: I am playing volleyball. He/she/it is playing volleyball. We/you/they are playing volleyball. NOTE: Use am with I - is with he, she, it - and with all other pronouns are. We often use short forms in affirmative sentences in the Present Progressive. Negative sentences: I am not playing volleyball. He/she/it is not playing volleyball. We/you/they are not playing volleyball. NOTE: We often use short forms in negative sentences in the Present Progressive. Questions: In the Present Progressive we put the auxiliary (am, are or is) before the subject (Auxiliary - Subject - Verb - Rest). Am I playing volleyball? Is he/she/it playing volleyball? Are we/you/they playing volleyball?
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English ACFGS
c) Spelling Be careful with some words when adding -ing to the infinitive. 1) consonant after a short, stressed vowel at the end of the word Double the consonant. sit – he is sitting put - he is putting If the consonant is not stressed, we do not double it: benefit - benefiting (Here we stress the first 'e', not the 'i'.) In British English we double one -l at the end of the word: travel - travelling 2) one -e at the end of the word Leave out the -e. write – he is writing take – he is taking BUT: double –e: add -ing see – he is seeing 3) verbs ending in -ie Change 'ie' to 'y'. lie - he is lying 4) verbs ending in -c Change 'c' to 'ck'. picnic - he is picnicking
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English ACFGS Exercises a) Make the present continuous: 1. (she / go home now) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (I / read a great book) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (she / not / wash her hair) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (the cat / chase mice?) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (she / cry?) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (he / not / study Latin) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (we / drive to London?) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (they / watch TV? ) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (where / she / go now? ) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (I / not / leave now) _______________________________________________________________ 11. (you / not / run) _______________________________________________________________ 12. (why / he / leave?) _______________________________________________________________ 13. (how / I / travel?) _______________________________________________________________ 14. (it / not / rain) _______________________________________________________________ 15. (when / we / arrive?) _______________________________________________________________ 16. (where / they / stay?) _______________________________________________________________ 17. (it / rain) _______________________________________________________________ 18. (she / come at six) _______________________________________________________________ 19. (he / watch a film at the moment) _______________________________________________________________ 20. (we / not / sleep) _______________________________________________________________
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English ACFGS b) Use the present simple or present continuous: 1. You (not / like) _________________________________ chocolate. 2. She (not / study) _________________________________ at the moment. 3. We often (go) _________________________________ to the cinema. 4. He usually (not / do) _________________________________ his homework. 5. They (not / eat) _________________________________ rice every day. 6. We (not / study) _________________________________ every night. 7. (You / like) _________________________________ spicy food? 8. (She / go) _________________________________ to Scotland often? 9. (He / eat) _________________________________ now? 10. We (go) _________________________________ to the cinema tomorrow. 11. They (study) _________________________________ now. 12. I (clean) _________________________________ the kitchen every day. 13. She (work) _________________________________ every Sunday. 14. We (not / sleep) _________________________________ now. 15. He (not / go) ________________________________ to the park very often. 16. It (rain) _________________________________ a lot here. 17. I (go) _________________________________ on holiday tomorrow. 18. How long (she / stay) _________________________________ in London? 19. I often (read) _________________________________ at night. 20. We (not / drink) _________________________________ much wine. c) Use the present simple or present continuous: 1. (You / come) _________________________________ tonight? 2. (He / eat) _________________________________ rice every day? 3. I (work) _________________________________ at the moment. 4. (He / come) _________________________________ to London often? 5.He (play) _________________________________ tennis now. 6. (You / come) _________________________________ to the cinema later? 7. They (not / come) _________________________ to the party tomorrow. 8. He (not / play) _________________________________ golf now. 9. (You / play) _________________________________ tennis this Sunday? 10. They (go) ___________________________to a restaurant every Saturday. 11. She (not / go) __________________________to the cinema very often. 12. You usually (arrive) _________________________________ late. 13. He normally (eat) _________________________________ dinner at home. 14. (You / study) _________________________________ every night? 15. (They / work) _________________________________ late usually? 16. You (not / go) _________________________________ out later. 17. I (not / work) _________________________________ tonight. 18. (She / work) _________________________________ at the moment? 19. I (not / drink) _________________________________ coffee very often. 20. Julie (sleep) _________________________________ now.
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English ACFGS
3. Past Simple a) Use The Past Simple is used to talk about actions or situations in the past. It is also called Simple Past. Have a look at the following examples: 1) action finished in the past (yesterday, one year ago, last week, etc.) I visited Berlin last week. Andrew watched TV yesterday. 2) series of completed actions in the past First I got up, then I had breakfast.
b) Form - with regular verbs: infinitive + -ed - with irregular verbs: 2nd column of the table of the irregular verbs Affirmative sentences: Use the same form of the verb every time regardless the subject. regular verbs
irregular verbs
I played football.
I went to the supermarket.
Negative sentences: Use the auxiliary did (Simple Past of do) every time regardless the subject. regular verbs
irregular verbs
I did not play football.
I did not go to the supermarket.
NOTE: Short forms in negative sentences in the Simple Past are used quite often. regular verbs
irregular verbs
I didn't play football.
I didn't go to the supermarket.
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English ACFGS Questions: Use the auxiliary did (Simple Past of do) every time regardless the subject. regular verbs
irregular verbs
Did you play football?
Did I go to the supermarket?
c) Spelling
regular verbs infinitive + -ed Sometimes the are exceptions in spelling when adding -ed. 1) consonant after short, stressed vowel at the end of the word Double the consonant. stop – stopped swap - swapped If the consonant is not stressed, we do not double it: benefit - benefited (Here we stress the first 'e', not the 'i'.) In British English we double one -l at the end of the word: travel - travelled 2) one -e at the end of the word Add only -d.
love – loved
save – saved
3) verbs ending in -y verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a vowel (a, e, i, o, u): Add -ed. Example:
I play - I played
verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a consonant: Change 'y' to 'i' Then add -ed. Example:
I hurry - I hurried
irregular verbs 2nd column of the table of the irregular verbs
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English ACFGS
LIST OF IRREGULAR VERBS INFINITIVE
PAST SIMPLE
PAST PARTICIPLE TRANSLATION
Be/ am, are, is Was / Were
Been
Ser / Estar
Beat
Beat
Beaten
Golpear
Become
Became
Become
Llegar a Ser
Begin
Began
Begun
Empezar
Bend
Bent
Bent
Doblar
Bite
Bit
Bitten
Morder
Bleed
Bled
Bled
Sangrar
Blow
Blew
Blown
Soplar
Break
Broke
Broken
Romper
Bring
Brought
Brought
Traer Llevar
Build
Built
Built
Edificar
Burn
Burnt /Burned
Burnt / Burned
Quemar
Buy
Bought
Bought
Comprar
Catch
Caught
Caught
Coger
Come
Came
Come
Venir
Cost
Cost
Cost
Costar
Cut
Cut
Cut
Cortar
Deal
Dealt
Dealt
Tratar
Dig
Dug
Dug
Cavar
Do (Does)
Did
Done
Hacer
Draw
Drew
Drawn
Dibujar
Dream
Dreamt / Dreamed Dreamt / Dreamed
Soñar
Drink
Drank
Drunk
Beber
Drive
Drove
Driven
Conducir
Eat
Ate
Eaten
Comer
Fall
Fell
Fallen
Caer
Feel
Felt
Felt
Sentir
Fight
Fought
Fought
Luchar
Find
Found
Found
Encontrar
Fly
Flew
Flown
Volar
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English ACFGS Forbid
Forbade
Forbidden
Prohibir
Forget
Forgot
Forgotten
Olvidar
Forgive
Forgave
Forgiven
Perdonar
Freeze
Froze
Frozen
Helar
Get
Got
Got / Gotten
Obtener
Give
Gave
Given
Dar
Go (Goes)
Went
Gone
Ir
Grow
Grew
Grown
Crecer
Hang
Hung
Hung
Colgar
Have
Had
Had
Haber o Tener
Hear
Heard
Heard
Oir
Hide
Hid
Hidden
Ocultar
Hit
Hit
Hit
Golpear
Hold
Held
Held
Agarrar Celebrar
Hurt
Hurt
Hurt
Herir
Keep
Kept
Kept
Conservar
Know
Knew
Known
Saber Conocer
Kneel
Knelt
Knelt
Arrodillarse
Lead
Led
Led
Conducir
Learn
Learnt / Learned
Learnt / Learned
Aprender
Leave
Left
Left
Dejar
Lend
Lent
Lent
Prestar
Let
Let
Let
Permitir
Lie
Lay
Lain
Echarse
Light
Lit
Lit
Encender
Lose
Lost
Lost
Perder
Make
Made
Made
Hacer
Mean
Meant
Meant
Significar
Meet
Met
Met
Encontrar
Pay
Paid
Paid
Pagar
Put
Put
Put
Poner
Read
Read
Read
Leer
Ride
Rode
Ridden
Montar
Ring
Rang
Rung
Llamar
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English ACFGS Rise
Rose
Risen
Levantarse
Run
Ran
Run
Correr
Say
Said
Said
Decir
See
Saw
Seen
Ver
Sell
Sold
Sold
Vender
Send
Sent
Sent
Enviar
Set
Set
Set
Poner(se)
Shine
Shone
Shone
Brillar
Shoot
Shot
Shot
Disparar
Show
Showed
Shown
Mostrar
Shut
Shut
Shut
Cerrar
Sing
Sang
Sung
Cantar
Sink
Sank
Sunk
Hundir
Sit
Sat
Sat
Sentarse
Sleep
Slept
Slept
Dormir
Smell
Smelt
Smelt
Oler
Speak
Spoke
Spoken
Hablar
Spell
Spelt
Spelt
Deletrear
Spend
Spent
Spent
Gastar
Spoil
Spoilt / Spoiled
Spoilt / Spoiled
Estropear
Spread
Spread
Spread
Extender
Spring
Sprang
Sprung
Saltar
Stand
Stood
Stood
Estar en pie
Steal
Stole
Stolen
Robar
Stick
Stuck
Stuck
Pegar Engomar
Sting
Stung
Stung
Picar
Strike
Struck
Struck
Golpear
Swear
Swore
Sworn
Jurar
Sweat
Sweat
Sweat
Sudar
Sweep
Swept
Swept
Barrer
Swim
Swam
Swum
Nadar
Swing
Swung
Swung
Columpiarse
Teach
Taught
Taught
Enseñar
Tear
Tore
Torn
Rasgar
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English ACFGS Tell
Told
Told
Decir
Think
Thought
Thought
Pensar
Throw
Threw
Thrown
Arrojar Tirar
Understand
Understood
Understood
Entender
Wake
Woke
Woken
Despertarse
Wear
Wore
Worn
Llevar puesto
Win
Won
Won
Ganar
Write
Wrote
Written
Escribir
EXERCISES
a) Make the past simple (use positive / negative or question): 1. (I / be / at the cinema last night.) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (the children / be / naughty?) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (we / be / in a cafe when you called.) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (I / be / late?) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (she / be / a teacher when she was young.) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (where / we / be?) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (you / be / okay?) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (we / be / too tired?) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (how / the party / be?) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (they / be / late for the interview.) _______________________________________________________________ 11. (you / be / in the garden.) _______________________________________________________________ 12. (what / his name / be?) _______________________________________________________________ 13. (it / not / be / cold.) _______________________________________________________________ 14. (she / be / beautiful?) _______________________________________________________________ 15. (she / not / be my wife at the time.) _______________________________________________________________
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English ACFGS 16. (he / be / hungry.) _______________________________________________________________ 17. (why / you / be / late?) _______________________________________________________________ 18. (you / not / be / early.) _______________________________________________________________ 19. (they not / be / in love.) _______________________________________________________________ 20. (we / not / be / in China.) _______________________________________________________________
b) Make the past simple, positive, negative or question: 1. I _________________ (work) in a bank for ten years. 2. Where _________________ (you / live) when you were young? 3. She _________________ (not / study) French at university. 4. He _________________ (travel) through the Middle East last year. 5. _________________ (they / visit) the Louvre in Paris? 6. She _________________ (not / watch) TV yesterday. 7. We _________________ (buy) a new car last weekend. 8. Where _________________ (you / teach) before you came here? 9. He _________________ (not / think) that he was right. 10. I _________________ (cook) steak last night. 11. _________________ (Lucy / read) ‘War and Peace’ at school? 12. She _________________ (not / write) to her grandmother. 13. We _________________ (have) a computer when I was a child. 14. Where _________________ (you / go) on holiday? 15. I _________________ (love) ice cream when I was a child. 16. They _________________ (not / meet) yesterday. 17. _________________ (she / swim) in the sea in Greece? 18. We _______________(not / play) tennis yesterday because it was raining. 19. He _________________ (try) to lift the box but he couldn’t. 20. What _________________ (you / eat) for lunch?
c) Make the past simple of these irregular verbs 1. I _________________ (come) to England in 1993. 2. She _________________ (stand) under the tree to shelter from the rain. 3. They _________________ (do) their homework yesterday. 4. We _________________ (sing) too much last night, I have a sore throat! 5. He already _________________ (eat) all the cake. 6. The child _________________ (fall) off his bicycle. 7. It _________________ (take) three hours to drive to Paris. 8. I _________________ (find) your keys under the table. 9. She _________________ (get) a new bike for her birthday. 10. She _________________ (sell) her house last year. 11. We _________________ (go) to New York in January. 12. Finally, my mother _________________ (let) me go to a party.
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English ACFGS 13. It _________________ (be) cold last night. 14. I _________________ (meet) John at the weekend. 15. Lucy _________________ (pay) the bill, before leaving the restaurant. 16. We _________________ (see) the new film yesterday. 17. She _________________ (wear) her new coat to the party. 18. I _________________ (think) my football team would win. 19. They _________________ (put) their bags in the bedroom. 20. Billy _________________ (run) after the bus. 21. She _________________ (say) that she would come later. 22. I _________________ (buy) some books this morning. 23. We _________________ (make) a cake, it was delicious. 24. He _________________ (sit) on the old chair, and it broke. 25. They _________________ (write) a letter to their parents d) Make the past simple – positive, negative or question: 1. She ___________________ (go) home. 2. We ___________________ (watch) a film. 3. When ___________________ (he / arrive)? 4. I ___________________ (buy) a new car. 5. Where ___________________ (you / live)? 6. I ___________________ (play) tennis. 7. Where ___________________ (you / work) before? 8. ___________________ (they / come)for lunch? 9. ___________________ (we /study) this last year? 10. They ___________________ (drink) coffee. 11. ___________________ (you / see) that film? 12. We ___________________ (eat) dinner. 13. You ___________________ (not / go) out last night. 14. He ___________________ (study). 15. What ___________________ (you / watch)? 16. We ___________________ (not / call) you yesterday. 17. They ___________________ (not / arrive) on time. 18. It ___________________ (not / rain). 19. We ___________________ (not / drink) beer. 20. You ___________________ (clean) the kitchen
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English ACFGS
4. Past Perfect a) Form of the Past Perfect We form the Past Perfect with had and the past participle (regular verbs: infinitive + -ed; irregular verbs: 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs) had + past participle We use the same form of the auxiliary had every time regardless the subject. past participle: - regular verbs: infinitive + -ed - irregular verbs: 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs
Affirmative sentences regular verbs
irregular verbs
I/you/he/she/it/we/they had played hockey.
I/you/he/she/it/we/they had gone home.
Negative sentences regular verbs
irregular verbs
I/you/he/she/it/we/they had not played hockey.
I/you/he/she/it/we/they had not gone home
Questions regular verbs
irregular verbs
Had I/you/he/she/it/we/they played hockey?
Had I/you/he/she/it/we/they gone home?
b) Use of the Past Perfect 1: A completed action before something else in the past. •
When we arrived, the film had started. (= first the film started, then later we arrived)
2: To explain or give a reason for something in the past. •
I'd eaten dinner so I wasn't hungry.
•
It had snowed in the night, so the bus didin't arrive.
3: Stative verbs only: something that started in the past and continued up to another EXERCISES action in the past. •
When he graduated, he had been in London for six years. (= he arrived in London six years before he graduated and lived there continuously until he graduated, or even longer)
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English ACFGS a) Make the past perfect: 1. When I arrived at the cinema, the film ____________________ (start). 2. She ____________________ (live) in China before she went to Thailand. 3. After they ___________________ (eat) the shellfish, they began to feel sick. 4. If you ____________________ (listen) to me, you would have got the job. 5. Julie didn’t arrive until after I ____________________ (leave). 6. When we ____________________ (finish) dinner, we went out. 7. The garden was dead because it __________________ (be) dry all summer. 8. He ____________________ (meet) her before somewhere. 9. We were late for the plane because we ____________(forgot)our passports. 10. She told me that she ___________________ (study) a lot before the exam. 11. The grass was yellow because it _____________ (not / rain) all summer. 12. The lights went off because we ____________ (not / pay) the electricity bill. 13. The children __________ (not / do) their homework, so they were in trouble. 14. They ___________________ (not / eat) so we went to a restaurant. 15. We couldn’t go into the concert because we ____________ (not /bring) our tickets. 16. She said that she ___________________ (not / visit) the UK before. 17. Julie and Anne ___________________ (not / meet) before the party. 18. I ___________________ (not / have) breakfast when he arrived. 19. He ___________(not / use) email before, so I showed him how to use it. 20. You _____________(not / study) for the test, so you were very nervous. b) Make past perfect ‘yes / no’ or ‘wh’ questions: 1. _______________________ (you / go) there before we went together? 2. _______________________ (she / see) the film already? 3. Why _______________________ (he / forgot) about the meeting? 4. _______________________ (it / be) cold all week? 5. _______________________ (I / read) the book before the class? 6. When she arrived, _______________________ (we / eat) already? 7. Where _______________________ (you / be) when I saw you? 8. _______________________ (they / travel) by bullet train before? 9. ________________(John / meet) Lucy before they went on holiday together? 10. _______________________ (you / do) your homework before I saw you? 11. Where _______________________ (she / work )? 12. _______________________ (I / pay) the bill before we left? 13. _______________________ (we / visit) my parents already that winter? 14. When you called, _______________________ (they / eat) dinner? 15. How _______________________ (he / manage) to fix the cooker? 16. _______________________ (my sister / be) sick for a long time? 17. How much _______________________ (she / study) before the exam? 18. What _______________________ (you / cook) for dinner that night? 19. When _______________________ (they / arrive)? 20. How many coffees __________________ (she / drink) before the interview?
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English ACFGS c) Underline the correct option. Past simple or past perfect. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
He walked into the bus station only to find that the bus left / had left. My brother told me that Bill died / had died. Where is he? My sister asked/ had asked. Lucas was very happy. He got/ had got what he was looking for. I was going to leave when I remembered / had remembered I didn’t have the key, 6. When I went to the stadium I realized / had realized that the match had been postponed. 7. My sister moved to the house where she lived / had lived when she was a litle girl. 8. When I Was having a shower I heard / had heard the phone ringing.
5. Past Continuous FORM [was/were + present participle] Examples:
•
You were studying when she called. • Were you studying when she called? • You were not studying when she called.
USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past
Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time. Examples:
• • • • • • • •
I was watching TV when she called. When the phone rang, she was writing a letter. While we were having the picnic, it started to rain. What were you doing when the earthquake started? I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm. You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off. While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car. Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane. - 19 -
English ACFGS •
While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off. • A: What were you doing when you broke your leg? B: I was snowboarding.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption
In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption. Examples:
•
Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner. • At midnight, we were still driving through the desert. • Yesterday at this time, I was sitting at my desk at work.
IMPORTANT In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action. Examples:
•
Last night at 6 PM, I ate dinner. I STARTED EATING AT 6 PM.
•
Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner. I STARTED EARLIER; AND AT 6 PM, I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EATING DINNER.
USE 3 Parallel Actions
When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel. Examples:
• • • • •
I was studying while he was making dinner. While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television. Were you listening while he was talking? I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several mistakes. What were you doing while you were waiting?
.
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English ACFGS
USE 4 Atmosphere In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past. Example:
•
When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.
USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Past Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression "used to" but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
EXERCISES a) Make the positive past continuous: 1. (Julie / sleep at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (you / study at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (Luke / read at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (I / work at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (they / eat chocolate at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (John / play tennis at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (we / watch TV at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (he / use the Internet at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (you / cook lunch at three o’clock) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (we / travel to London at three o’clock) __________________________________________________________________
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English ACFGS b) Make past continuous ‘yes / no’ questions: When you arrived at the party... 1. (Alan / dance?) ___________________________________________________________ 2. (Susie / drink gin?) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (John and Ann / sing?) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (Luke / talk to the girls?) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (Jodie / put on make up?) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (we / cook?) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (Jane / play guitar?) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (David / read a book?) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (Francis / sit in the corner?) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (everybody / have fun?) _______________________________________________________________ c) Make the past continuous (choose positive, negative or question): 1. (they / take the exam?) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (when / he / work there?) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (you / make dinner?) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (they / drink coffee when you arrived?) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (when / we / sleep?) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (they / study last night) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (we / talk when the accident happened) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (he / not / exercise enough) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (I / talk too much?) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (it / not / snow) _______________________________________________________________ 11. (how / they / feel?) _______________________________________________________________
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English ACFGS 12. (they / not / talk) _______________________________________________________________ 13. (where / I / stay?) _______________________________________________________________ 14. (why / he / study on a Saturday night?) _______________________________________________________________ 15. (I / go to school when you saw me) _______________________________________________________________ 16. (you / sleep at 6am) _______________________________________________________________ 17. (she / work when I called) _______________________________________________________________ 18. (we / not / leave when you called) _______________________________________________________________ 19. (I / not / stay in a hotel) _______________________________________________________________ 20. (we / make too much noise?) _______________________________________________________________ d) Complete the sentences with the correct form of the past simple or past continuous. 1. I was going (go) to work when my car broke down (break down). 2. I __________(fall down) when I ___________(clean) the windows. 3. I __________ (study) for five hours and then I _______ (go) to sit the exam. 4. Yesterday I _________(go) to the cinema and later I ________(meet) my friends. 5. While I ___________(study) my brother _________(listen) to the radio. 6. I ___________(not go) to the school because I _________(have) a terrible headache
e) Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the past simple or the past continuous. 1. Mark heard (hear) a cry for help while he was swimming (swim) in the sea. 2. Mary __________(close) the window because it __________(rain). 3. I __________ (read) a magazine when the doorbell _______ (ring). 4. Pete _________(play) in the football final when he ________(score) a brilliant goal. 5. The last time I _________(speak) to Mark he _______(study) law in Manchester. 6. I _______(phone) my mother because I ________ (be) worried about her health.
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English ACFGS
6. Present Perfect
a) Use Unfinished Actions
We use this tense when we want to talk about unfinished actions that started in the past and continue to the present. Usually we use it to say 'how long' an action or state has continued with 'since' and 'for'. Often, we use stative verbs in this situation: • I’ve known Karen since 1994. • She's lived in London for three years.
Finished Actions 1: life experience (we don't say when the experience happened, just sometime in the past) • • • • •
I have been to Tokyo. She has lived in Germany. They have visited Paris three times. We have never seen that film. Have you ever read “War and Peace”?
2: a finished action with a result in the present (focus on result) • I’ve lost my keys (so I can’t get into my house) • She's hurt her leg (so she can't play tennis today) • They've missed the bus (so they will be late) • I’ve cooked dinner (so you should come and eat) 3: with an unfinished time word (this month, this week, today, in the last year) • I haven't seen her this month. • She's drunk three cups of coffee today. • This week they've been shopping four times. Note: We can’t use the present perfect with a finished time word: (NOT) I’ve seen him yesterday.
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English ACFGS 'Since' and 'For' We use 'since' with a fixed time in the past (2004, April 23rd, last year, two hours ago). The fixed time can be another action, indicated with the past simple (since I was at school, since I arrived): I've known Sam since 1992. • •
I've liked chocolate since I was a child. She's been here since 2pm.
We use 'for' with a period of time (2 hours, three years, six months): • • •
I've know Julie for ten years. I've been hungry for hours. She's had a cold for a week.
b) Form of the Present Perfect We form the Present Perfect with have and the past participle (regular verbs: infinitive + -ed; irregular verbs: 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs) have/has + past participle has: 3rd person singular (he, she, it) have: all other forms past participle: -EXERCISES regular verbs: infinitive + -ed - irregular verbs: 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs
a) Make the present perfect simple. Choose positive, negative or question: EXERCISES a) Make the Present Perfect. (choose positive, negative or question) 1. (she / pass the exam?) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (you / eat lunch yet?) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (he / read the newspaper today?) ______________________________________________________________ 4. (you / not / study French for ten years) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (they / be in London for six months) _______________________________________________________________
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English ACFGS 6. (where / you / be?) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (we / not / go to Paris) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (she / not / see ‘The Lord of the Rings’) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (he / not / meet my mother) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (they / not / visit St. Paul’s Cathedral yet) _______________________________________________________________ 11. (what / she / eat today?) _______________________________________________________________ 12. (why / you / do your homework already?) _______________________________________________________________ 13. (how / she / make this fantastic cake?) _______________________________________________________________ 14. (why / I / miss the plane?) _______________________________________________________________ 15. (they / not / go to bed) _______________________________________________________________ 16. (it / rain a lot this week) _______________________________________________________________ 17. (they / use a credit card before?) _______________________________________________________________ 18. (we / have enough to eat?) _______________________________________________________________ 19. (she / not / play basketball before) _______________________________________________________________ 20. (I / wear a kimono) _______________________________________________________________
b) Choose the past simple or the present perfect: 1. Last night I __________________ (lose) my keys – I had to call my flatmate to let me in. 2. I __________________ (lose) my keys – can you help me look for them? 3. I __________________ (visit) Paris three times. 4. Last year I __________________ (visit) Paris. 5. I __________________ (know) my great grandmother for a few years - she died when I was eight. 6. I __________________ (know) Julie for three years – we still meet once a month. 7. I __________________ (play) hockey since I was a child – I’m pretty good! 8. She __________________ (play) hockey at school, but she __________________ (not / like) it. 9. Sorry, I __________________ (miss) the bus, so I’m going to be late. 10. I __________________ (miss) the bus, and then I __________________ (miss) the aeroplane as well! - 26 -
English ACFGS 11. Last month I __________________ (go) to Scotland. 12. I’m sorry, John isn’t here now. He __________________ (go) to the shops. 13. We __________________ (finish) this room last week. 14. I __________________ (finish) my exams finally – I’m so happy! 15. Yesterday, I __________________ (go) to the library, the post office and the supermarket. 16. I __________________ (go) to the supermarket three times this week! 17. She __________________ (live) in London since 1994. 18. She __________________ (live) in London when she was a child. 19. I __________________ (drink) three cups of coffee this morning. 20. I __________________ (drink) seven cups of coffee yesterday
7. Present Perfect Continuous The Present Perfect Progressive is not easy to understand for ESL students. It is a combination of past and present where actions in the past have something to do with the present. The focus is not on the result (this is the Present Perfect) but on the action itself. 1) Actions beginning in the past and still continuing (focus is on the action) - mostly with since (point of time) or for (period of time) I have been waiting for you for three hours. (It was a long time.)
2) Recently completed actions (focus is on the action) She has been watching too many videos. (It was too much time.)
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English ACFGS Form of the Present Perfect Continuous We form the Present Perfect with have, been and the verb with the ending -ing. have/has + been + infinitive + -ing has: 3rd person singular (he, she, it) have: all other forms
Affirmative sentences I/we/you/they have been playing volleyball. He/she/it has been playing volleyball. NOTE: We use has in the 3rd person singular (he, she, it).
Negative sentences I/we/you/they have not been playing volleyball. He/she/it has not been playing volleyball. NOTE: We use has + not in the 3rd person singular (he, she, it).
Questions Have I/we/you/they been playing volleyball? Has he/she/ity been playing volleyball? NOTE: We use has in the 3rd person singular (he, she, it).
EXERCISES a) Choose the present perfect simple or the present perfect continuous: 1. I ___________________ (drink) more water for three weeks now, and I feel better. 2. He ___________________ (have) his car since he graduated. 3. I ___________________ (read) your book. Here it is, thank you. 4. I ___________________ (clean) all morning – I’m fed up! 5. He ___________________ (be) married for six years. 6. I ___________________ (paint) my house all day, but it’s not finished yet. 7. I ___________________ (do) everything I needed to do today! 8. How long ___________________ (you / work) in the library? 9. What ___________________ (you / do) since I last saw you? 10. Lucy ___________________ (run) 2000 metres today. 11. She ___________________ (study) English since she was at school. 12. How many times ___________________ (you / go) to Scotland? 13. I ___________________ (run) about all day, I’m so tired.
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English ACFGS 14. How long ___________________ (she / see) her boyfriend? 15. Julia ___________________ (eat) six bars of chocolate today! 16. We ___________________ (not / work) today so we’re not tired. 17. I ___________________ (not / finish) the homework yet. 18. I ___________________ (be) in London for three years. 19. I ___________________ (work) in the garden all day and I need a rest. 20. We ___________________ (know) John for a very long time. b) Choose the present perfect simple or the present perfect continuous: 1. It ___________________ (not / rain) for three hours! Only about one hour. 2. How long ___________________ ( you / live) in London? 3. How long ___________________ (you / wait) for the bus? 4. He ___________________ (never / be) abroad. 5. ___________________ (they / arrive) already? 6. ___________________ (you / finish) your homework yet? 7. Julie ___________________ (not / eat) anything today. 8. How long ___________________ (you / have) your car? 9. She ___________________ (drink) ten glasses of water! 10. I ___________________ (wait) for three hours already ! 11. How long ___________________ (you / be) a lawyer? 12. It ___________________ (not / rain) all summer, so the garden is dead. 13. How long ___________________ (you / know) Luke? 14. She ___________________ (have) parties every week for ten years. 15. I ___________________ (have) my dog for sixteen years. 16. How long ___________________ (Julie / have) problems at school? 17. I ___________________ (read) your book all day, it’s very interesting. 19 How long ___________________ (you / think) about changing your job? 20. She ___________________ (eat) chocolate all morning so she feels sick
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English ACFGS
8. Past Perfect Continuous
USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past
We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. Examples: • • • • • •
They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived. She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business. How long had you been waiting to get on the bus? Mike wanted to sit down because he had been standing all day at work. James had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he left for Asia. A: How long had you been studying Turkish before you moved to Ankara? B: I had not been studying Turkish very lo
EXERCISES . a) Choose the past perfect, or the past perfect continuous 1. When we arrived the film ________________________________ (start). 2. She ________________________________ (work) in that company for twenty years when she was made redundant. 3. I felt ill because I ________________________________ (drink) six cups of coffee. 4. I ________________________________ (study) all day, so I was tired. 5. How long ________________________________ (you / live) in London when your daughter was born? 6. When I arrived at the airport I realised I ________________________________ (forget) my passport. 7. I ________________________________ (break) my ankle, so I couldn’t go skiing last year. 8. She ________________________________ (study) English for three years when she took the exam.
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English ACFGS 9. I ________________________________ (run), so I was hot and tired. 10. I didn’t go to the class because I ________________________________ (not / do) my homework.
b) Complete the text. Use the correct form of the past simple, past continuous, past perfect or past perfect continuous. Tom Williams was sixteen years old in 1940. He lived (live) with his family in a small house in Liverpool. Tom _______ (have) a job in a factory. He _____________ (work) there since he was fourteen. One day Tom __________ (walk) along the road to the factory when he ________(meet) Katy. Katy was younger than Tom and __________ (stay) with her aunt since her mother died. Tom ________ (be) surprised to see her so early in the morning. “Where are you going?” he asked. “To the Smith’s house”, she replied. “They ________(offer) me a job in the kitchens”. c) Complete the sentences with the correct form of the past simple or past continuous, 1. We were sitting (sit) in the cafe when I suddenly felt (feel ) ill. 2. The last time I __________(talk) to Ian he _________(plan) his next holiday. 3. Jane _____________ (arrive) while I __________(do) my homework. 4. As they __________(walk) along the road, it ______ (begin) to rain. 5. The phone _________ (start) ringing while I _________ (wash) my hair. 6. The boys _________ (play) football when a dog ________(run) onto the pitch. d) Complete the text with the correct form of the past simple or past continuous. One day I was walking (walk) home from school when I _________ (notice) three young men in front of me. They _________ (just / get) out of a car and they _________ (carry) a blue bag. I __________ (think) it looked very heavy. They _______ (go) to the jeweller’s shop on the corner, then suddenly one of the men _______ (throw) the blue bag through the shop window. The other man __________ (run) inside and took some watches and jewellery.
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English ACFGS
9. FUTURE TENSES 9.1. Talking about the future
Future going to
Future I will
Simple Present
decision made for the future
action in the future that cannot be influenced
action set by a time table or schedule
predictions based on present evidence
assumption with regard to the future
Present Progressive
action already arranged for the near future
spontaneous decision
Form of going to Future positive
I am going to speak.
I
negative
I am not going to speak.
question
Am I going to speak?
you / we / they You are going to speak. You are not going to speak. Are you going to speak?
he / she / it
He is going to speak.
He is not going to speak.
Is he going to speak?
Use of going to Future an action in the near future that has already been planned or prepared example: I am going to study harder next year. a conclusion regarding the immediate future example: The sky is absolutely dark. It is going to rain.
Signal Words in one year, next week, tomorrow
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English ACFGS
EXERCISES a)
b)
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English ACFGS Use of the will-future 1) Future actions happen without the speaker's intention (birthday, weather, etc.) The sun will shine tomorrow. Peter will be 15 next Tuesday. 2) Predictions, assumptions (I think, I hope, I'm sure, I'm afraid) I think Sue will arrive in Paris at 6 pm. 3) Spontaneous actions (not planned) Hang on! I'll have a word with you.
Form of the will-future We form the will-future with the auxiliary will and the infinitive of the verb. We use the the same form of the verb every time regardless the subject.
Affirmative sentences Example: He will play football. NOTE: short/contracted form in the will-future: He'll play football.
Negative sentences Example: He will not play football. NOTE: short/contracted forms in the will-future: He won't play football. or He'll not play football.
Questions Example: Will he play football?
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English ACFGS EXERCISES a) Make the future simple positive: 1. A: “There's someone at the door.” B: “I _________________________ (get) it.” 2. Joan thinks the Conservatives _________________________ (win) the next election. 3. A: “I’m moving house tomorrow.” B: “I _________________________ (come) and help you.” 4. If she passes the exam, she _________________________ (be) very happy. 5. I _________________________ (be) there at four o'clock, I promise. 6. A: “I’m cold.” B: “I _________________________ (turn) on the fire.” 7. A: “She's late.” B: “Don't worry she _________________________ (come).” 8. The meeting _________________________ (take) place at 6 p.m. 9. If you eat all of that cake, you _________________________ (feel) sick. 10. They _________________________ (be) at home at 10 o'clock.
b)
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English ACFGS PRESENT SIMPLE FOR THE FUTURE (The library opens at 10)
EXERCISE a) The following sentences describe future actions that are set by a timetable or schedule. Put the verbs into the correct form. 1.
The plane (arrive) ______________in London at 11:45.
2.
The lesson (start) _______________in five minutes.
3.
The film (begin) ________________at 8 o'clock.
4.
My brother's birthday (be) _______________on Wednesday.
5.
The train (leave) _______________Manchester at 7:23.
6.
The festival (end) ______________on Sunday.
7.
The next bus (come) _____________in 35 minutes.
8.
Which day (open / the exhibition) _____________?
9.
What day (be) _____________it tomorrow?
10.
What time (close / the zoo) ____________?
PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR THE FUTURE (I’m leaving tomorrow)
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English ACFGS EXERCISES a)
b)
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English ACFGS
9.2. Future Perfect and Future Continuous We use the future perfect (will have + past participle)
•
I will have gone / I’ll have gone I will not have gone / I won’t have gone Will I have gone?
With a future time word, ( and often with ‘by’) to talk about an action that will finish before a certain time in the future, but we don’t know exactly when.
•
By 10 o’clock I will have finished my homework. (=I will finish my homework some time before 10, but we don’t know exactly when)
•
By the time I’m sixty, I will have retired. (= I will retire sometime before I'm sixty. We don't know exactly when, but definitely before my sixtieth birthday)
We use the future continuous (will be + present participle)
•
I will be waiting / I’ll be waiting I will not be waiting / I won’t be waiting Will I be waiting?
A continuous action in the future which is interrupted by a time or by another action. I’ll be waiting when you arrive. At eight o’clock, I’ll be eating dinner.
•
A complete action in the future that will happen in the normal course of events. The Government will be making a statement later.
•
To make a guess about the present. My mother will be working now. (= I think she is working now, but I’m not completely certain
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English ACFGS EXERCISES a) Make the future perfect. Choose positive, negative or question. 1. (I / leave by six) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (you / finish the report by the deadline?) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (when / we / do everything?) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (she / finish her exams by then, so we can go out for dinner) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (you / read the book before the next class) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (she / not / finish work by seven) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (when / you / complete the work? _______________________________________________________________ 8. (they / arrive by dinnertime) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (we / be in London for three years next week) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (she / get home by lunchtime?) _______________________________________________________________
b) Make the positive future continuous: At three o’clock tomorrow‌ 1. I ________________________ (work) in my office. 2. You ________________________ (lie) on the beach. 3. He ________________________ (wait) for the train. 4. She ________________________ (shop) in New York. 5. It ________________________ (rain). 6. We ________________________ (get) ready to go out. 7. They ________________________ (meet) their parents. 8. He ________________________ (study) in the library. 9. She ________________________ (exercise) at the gym.
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English ACFGS
c) Complete the text with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
My parents are really worried about my future. They don’t think I will pass (pass) my exams this year because I don’t study enough, but I’m optimistic and I think I___________(get) the results I need. By the end of June I ___________ (finish) school for ever! Everything depend s on my exam results, and I__________ (not/get) them until August, but I’ve already made my plans! I ______________
(study) history at the University of London. My friends Mark
and Alice ___________ do) the same course, and we _____________ (rent) a student flat together. In fact, we _________________ (meet) tomorrow to discuss everything in more detail. Just imagine, this time next year I _______________
(live)
in
London!
How
about
you?
What
____________(you/do) when your finish school? What things____________ (you/ do) by the end of this year? What _______________ (you/ do) at this time next year?
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English ACFGS
MODAL VERBS 1) can Use
Examples
ability to do sth. in the present (substitute form: to be able to)
I can speak English.
permission to do sth. in the present (substitute form: to be allowed to)
Can I go to the cinema?
request
Can you wait a moment, please?
offer
I can lend you my car till tomorrow.
suggestion
Can we visit Grandma at the weekend?
possibility
It can get very hot in Arizona.
2) could Use
Examples
ability to do sth. in the past (substitute form: to be able to)
I could speak English.
permission to do sth. in the past (substitute form: to be allowed to)
I could go to the cinema.
polite question
Could I go to the cinema, please?
polite request
Could you wait a moment, please?
polite offer
I could lend you my car till tomorrow.
polite suggestion
Could we visit Grandma at the weekend?
possibility
It could get very hot in Montana.
We use could (positive) and couldn't (negative) for general ability in the past. But when we talk about one special occasion in the past, we use be able to (positive) and couldn't (negative). Look at these examples: Past General
Specific Occasion
+
My grandmother could speak Spanish.
A man fell into the river yesterday. The police were able to save him.
-
My grandmother couldn't speak Spanish.
A man fell into the river yesterday. The police couldn't save him.
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English ACFGS EXERCISES a) Complete the sentences with can, could, or the correct form of be able to.
1
________he understand what you were talking about?
2
My sister _________ play tennis.
3
I _______walk when I was less than one year old.
4
(Polite) ________you tell me what time is it, please?
5
My grandfather ________walk without any help-
6
I would like to ___________ play the piano.
7
How long have you ___________drive?
8
I’ll __________help you later
9
Can you help me? I ________ never undertand this
10
Will men ___________live forever one day?
b) Complete the sentences using: COULD /COULDN’T / WAS-WERE ABLE TO. 1 - My uncle was very clever. He __________ speak 4 languages. 2 - My father wasn't at home when I phoned , but I ______________ contact him later. 3 - A little boy fell into the river but some men ________________ rescue him. 4 - He had forgotten to bring his camera so he ____________ take any photos of the wedding .
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English ACFGS 3) may Use
Examples
possibility
It may rain today.
permission to do sth. in the present
May I go to the cinema?
polite suggestion
May I help you?
We don’t use may for the past.
4) might Use
Examples
possibility (less possible than may) *
It might rain today.
hesitant offer *
Might I help you?
We use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. Often we read that 'might' suggests a smaller possibility that 'may', there is in fact little difference and 'might is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.
• • • •
It might rain this afternoon. She might be at home by now but it's not sure at all. I might not have time to go to the shops for you. I might not go.
For the past, we use 'might have'.
• •
He might have tried to call you while you were out. I might have left it in the taxi.
5) must Use
Examples
force, necessity
I must go to the supermarket today.
possibility
You must be tired.
advice, recommendation
You must see the new film with Brad Pitt.
6) must not (mustn’t) Use prohibition
Examples You mustn't work on dad's computer.
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English ACFGS
EXERCISES a)
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English ACFGS b)
7) need not Use
Examples
not necessary
I needn't go to the supermarket, we're going to the restaurant tonight.
Hay que tener cuidado con el uso de needn't, needn't have y didn't need to porque es fรกcil confundirse. Se forma: Sujeto + needn't + verbo infinitivo (sin to) Sujeto + didn't need to + infintivo Sujeto + needn't have + participio pasado
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English ACFGS
Ejemplos: You needn't arrive early. No hace falta que llegues temprano. I didn't need to arrive early. Yo no tuve que llegar temprano. I needn't have arrived so early. No tenía que haber llegado tan temprano. •
Cuando se usa needn't significa que no es necesario hacer algo.
•
Cuando se usa didn't need to significa que no has hecho la acción porque no era necesario.
•
Cuando se usa needn't have significa que has hecho la acción aunque no fue necesario.
EXERCISES a) For each sentence, choose either "Needn't Have" or "Didn't Need To" to fill the spaces. 1. I __________(go) to work today but I went as I knew they were really busy on this new contract. 2. I _____________(take) any money to the museum - I didn't realise it was free to enter. 3. Sheila ______________(got) a taxi to the party. I would have given her a lift in my car. 4. Oh Mike, you _________________(buy) me anything for my birthday! A simple card would have been perfectly acceptable. 5. Today was the last day of school and we ________________(attend) classes in the afternoon. 6. We went for a lovely walk in the woods yesterday. We took a huge picnic with us but there was a café there anyway. We __________________(take) anything! 7. Our boss told us we had an extra three days to finish the project so we _______________(work) so hard. 8. You ______________(say) anything to Carla about the broken vase. She understood what had happened anyway.
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English ACFGS b) Complete these sentences with
must / mustn’t / needn’t
1. I haven't got lots of money ; I_________ waste it. 2. Don't worry Paul, you've got plenty of time, you__________ hurry. 3. Do you want me to wait for you? No it's OK, you___________ wait. 4. This book is very expensive, you ________ look after it very carefully. 5. You _________phone me when you arrive at home but I hope you will. 6. Florent is asleep, you ___________shout like that. 7. You can tell Emilie what I said but she ___________tell her husband. 8. What kind of dog do you want to buy? Well, it __________be very sweet with my baby. 9. I have enough meat in my fridge so I __________go to the butcher's today. 10. My mother gave me a present for my son, I __________forget to give him .
8) ought to Use
Examples
advice
You ought to drive carefully in bad weather.
obligation
You ought to switch off the light when you leave the room.
9) should Use
Examples
advice
You should drive carefully in bad weather.
obligation
You should switch off the light when you leave the room.
EXERCISE For each situation, write a sentence with should / shouldn’t + the following: go away for a few days put some pictures on the wall
go to bed so late take a photograph
1. Liz needs a change. 2. Your salary is very low. 3. Jack always has difficulty getting up. 4. What a beautiful view! 5. Se drives everywhere. She never walks. 6. Bill’s room isn’t very interesting.
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look for another job use her car so much
She ______________________ You ______________________ He _______________________ You ______________________ She _____________________ He ______________________
English ACFGS
THE PASSIVE VOICE
Passive - Use We only use the passive when we are interested in the object or when we do not know who caused the action. Example: Appointments are required in such cases. We can only form a passive sentence from an active sentence when there is an object in the active sentence. Form to be + past participle How to form a passive sentence when an active sentence is given: - object of the "active" sentence becomes subject in the "passive" sentence - subject of the "active" sentence becomes "object" in the "passive" sentence" (or is left out) Active:
Peter
builds
a house.
Passive:
A house
is built
by Peter.
Here you will find some examples of how to form the passive depending on the tense. tense
active
passive
Simple Present Peter builds a house.
A house is built by Peter.
Simple Past
A house was built by Peter.
Peter built a house.
Present Perfect Peter has built a house.
A house has been built by Peter.
Past Perfect
Peter had built a house.
A house had been built by Peter.
will-future
Peter will build a house.
A house will be built by Peter.
going to-future
Peter is going to build a house in summer.
A house is going to be built in summer by Peter.
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English ACFGS EXERCISE Change these sentences from active to passive. The subject of the active sentence can usually be omitted; you should include it in the passive sentence only if it is necessary 1. People speak Portuguese in Brazil. _______________________________________________________________ 2. The Government is planning a new road near my house. _______________________________________________________________ 3. My grandfather built this house in 1943. _______________________________________________________________ 4. Picasso was painting Guernica at that time. _______________________________________________________________ 5. The cleaner has cleaned the office. _______________________________________________________________ 6. He had written three books before 1867. _______________________________________________________________ 7. John will tell you later. _______________________________________________________________ 8. By this time tomorrow we will have signed the deal. _______________________________________________________________ 9. Somebody should do the work. _______________________________________________________________ 10. The traffic might have delayed Jimmy. ______________________________________________________________ 11. Everybody loves Mr Brown. _______________________________________________________________ 12. They are building a new stadium near the station. _______________________________________________________________ 13. The wolf ate the princess. _______________________________________________________________ 14. At six o’clock someone was telling a story. _______________________________________________________________ 15. Somebody has drunk all the milk! _______________________________________________________________ 16. I had cleaned all the windows before the storm. _______________________________________________________________ 17. A workman will repair the computer tomorrow. _______________________________________________________________ 18. By next year the students will have studied the passive. _______________________________________________________________ 19. James might cook dinner. _______________________________________________________________ 20. Somebody must have taken my wallet. _______________________________________________________________
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English ACFGS
CONDITIONAL CLAUSES They describe the result of something that might happen (in the present or future) or might have happened but didn't (in the past) . They are made using different English verb tenses.
There are four kinds: •
The Zero Conditional: (if + present simple, ... present simple) If you heat water to 100%, it boils.
•
The First Conditional: (if + present simple, ... will + infinitive) If it rains tomorrow, we'll go to the cinema.
•
The Second Conditional: (if + past simple, ... would + infinitive) If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world.
•
The Third Conditional (if + past perfect, ... would + have + past participle) If I had gone to bed early, I would have caught the train.
(Notice we can put the 'if' at the beginning, or in the middle. It doesn't matter at all.) The zero conditional This conditional is used to talk about things that always/often/sometimes happen if something else (in the if- clause happens) Here are some more examples: • If people eat too much, they get fat. • If you touch a fire, you get burned. • People die if they don't eat. • You get water if you mix hydrogen and oxygen. • Snakes bite if they are scared
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English ACFGS EXERCISE a)Make zero conditionals: For example:
(not / rain / the flowers / die) If it doesn’t rain, the flowers ie.
1. (I / wake up late / I / be late for work) _______________________________________________________________ 2. (my husband / cook / he / burn the food) _______________________________________________________________ 3. (Julie / not wear a hat / she / get sunstroke) _______________________________________________________________ 4. (children / not eat well / they / not be healthy) _______________________________________________________________ 5. (you / mix water and electricity / you / get a shock) _______________________________________________________________ 6. (people / eat / too many sweets / they / get fat) _______________________________________________________________ 7. (you / smoke / you / get yellow fingers) _______________________________________________________________ 8. (children / play outside / they / not get overweight) _______________________________________________________________ 9. (you / heat ice / it / melt) _______________________________________________________________ 10. (I / speak to John / he / get annoyed) The first conditional The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other clause: • • •
If it rains, I won't go to the park. If I study today, I'll go to the party tonight. If I have enough money, I'll buy some
•
new shoes. She'll be late if the train is delayed. She'll miss the bus if she doesn't leave
•
soon. If I see her, I'll tell her.
•
The first describes a particular situation, whereas the zero conditional describes what happens in general.
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English ACFGS
EXERCISE b) Put the verb into the correct first conditional form: 1. If I _____________(go) out tonight, I ______________ (go) to the cinema. 2. If you ___________ (get) back late, I __________________ (be) angry. 3. If we ____________(not / see) each other tomorrow, we____________(see) each other next week. 4. If he __________________ (come), I __________________ (be) surprised. 5. If we __________________ (wait) here, we __________________ (be) late. 6. If we __________(go) on holiday this summer, we _______(go) to Spain. 7. If the weather ______________(not / improve), we ___________(not / have) picnic. 8. If I __________ (not / go) to bed early, I _____________(be) tired tomorrow. 9. If we ____________(eat) all this cake, we _______________(feel) sick. 10. If you ____________ (not / want) to go out, I ____________(cook) dinner at home. The Second Conditional The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive. First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true. Maybe I'm imagining some dream for example. • •
If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house. If I met the Queen of England, I would say hello.
Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible. • •
If I had his number, I would call him. (I don't have his number now, so it's impossible for me to call him). If I were you, I wouldn't go out with that man.
This kind of conditional sentence is different from the first conditional because this is a lot more unlikely. EXERCISE c) Put the verb into the correct tense: 1. If I _________________ (be) you, I _________________ (get) a new job. 2. If he _________________ (be) younger, he _________________ (travel) more.
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English ACFGS 3. If we _______________(not / be) friends, I ___________ (be)angry with you. 4. If I _________________ (have) enough money, I _________________ (buy) a big house. 5. If she _________________ (not / be) always so late, she ___________(be) promoted. 6. If we _________________ (win) the lottery, we _________________ (travel) the world. 7. If you _________________ (have) a better job, we _________________ (be) able to buy a new car 8. If I _________________ (speak) perfect English, I _________________ (have) a good job. 9. If we _________________ (live) in Mexico, I _________________ (speak) Spanish. 10. If she _________________ (pass) the exam, she ___________ (be)able to enter university. The Third Conditional We make the third conditional by using the past perfect after 'if' and then 'would have' and the past participle in the second part of the sentence It talks about the past. It's used to describe a situation that didn't happen, and to imagine the result of this situation. • •
If she had studied, she would have passed the exam (but, really we know she didn't study and so she didn't pass) If I hadn't eaten so much, I wouldn't have felt sick (but I did eat a lot, and so I did feel sick).
EXERCISE d) Put in the correct third conditional verb form: 1. If you ____________ (not / be) late, we _____________(not / miss) the bus. 2. If she ______________ (study), she ______________ (pass) the exam. 3. If we ______________ (arrive) earlier, we ______________ (see) John. 4. If they ______________ (go) to bed early, they ______________ (not / wake) up late. 5. If he _____________(become) a musician, he ____________ (record) a CD. 6. If she ______________ (go) to art school, she ______________ (become) a painter. 7. If I ______________ (be) born in a different country, I ______________ (learn) to speak a different language. 8. If she ______________ (go) to university, she ______________ (study) French. 9. If we ______________ (not / go) to the party, we ______________ (not / meet) them. 10. If he ______________ (take) the job, he ______________ (not / go) travelling.
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English ACFGS
RELATIVE CLAUSES What is a relative clause? We can use relative clauses to join two English sentences, or to give more information about something. I bought a new car. It is very fast. → I bought a new car that is very fast. She lives in New York. She likes living in New York. → She lives in New York, which she likes.
Defining and Non-defining A defining relative clause tells which noun we are talking about: •
I like the woman who lives next door. (If I don’t say ‘who lives next door’, then we don’t know which woman I mean)
A non-defining relative clause gives us extra information about something. We don’t need this information to understand the sentence. •
I live in London, which has some fantastic parks. (Everybody knows where London is, ‘which has some fantastic parks’ is extra information)
Defining relative clauses: 1: The relative pronoun is the subject: We can use ‘who’, ‘which’ or ‘that’. We use ‘who’ for people and ‘which’ for things. We can use ‘that’ for people or things. • • •
She has a son who / that is a doctor. We bought a house which / that is 200 years old. I sent a letter which / that arrived three weeks later.
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English ACFGS
EXERCISE a) Make one sentence by changing the sentence in italics into a defining relative clause. 1. She worked for a man. The man used to be an athlete. _______________________________________________________________ 2. They called a lawyer. The lawyer lived nearby. _______________________________________________________________ 3. I sent an email to my brother. My brother lives in Australia. _______________________________________________________________ 4. The customer liked the waitress. The waitress was very friendly. _______________________________________________________________ 5. We broke the computer. The computer belonged to my father. _______________________________________________________________ 6. I dropped a glass. The glass was new. _______________________________________________________________ 7. She loves books. The books have happy endings. _______________________________________________________________ 8. They live in a city. The city is in the north of England. _______________________________________________________________ 9. The man is in the garden. The man is wearing a blue jumper. _______________________________________________________________ 10. The girl works in a bank. The girl is from India. _______________________________________________________________ 2: The relative pronoun is the object: In this case we can drop the relative pronoun if we want to. •
She loves the chocolate (which / that) I bought.
•
We went to the village (which / that) Lucy recommended. The police arrested a man (who / that) Jill worked with.
•
EXERCISE b) Make one sentence by changing the sentence in italics into a defining relative clause. .1. We ate the fruit. I bought the fruit. _______________________________________________________________ 2. She bought the computer. Her brother had recommended the computer. _______________________________________________________________ 3. He lost the money. I had given him the money. _______________________________________________________________ 4. We called the taxi company. Julie often uses the taxi company. _______________________________________________________________ 5. John met a girl. I used to employ the girl. _______________________________________________________________ - 55 -
English ACFGS 6. Lucy called the doctor. My mother knows the doctor. _______________________________________________________________ 7. He brought a woman. I used to often meet the woman . _______________________________________________________________ 8. We employed the lawyer. Julie recommended the lawyer. _______________________________________________________________ 9. The fruit is on the table. I bought the fruit. _______________________________________________________________ 10. The wallet belongs to John. Lucy found the wallet in the garden. _______________________________________________________________
Non-defining relative clauses: We don’t use ‘that’ in non-defining relative clauses, so we need to use ‘which’ if the pronoun refers to a thing, and ‘who’ if it refers to a person •
My boss, who is very nice, lives in Manchester.
•
My sister, who I live with, knows a lot about cars.
•
My bicycle, which I've had for more than ten years, is falling apart. My mother's house, which I grew up in, is very small.
•
EXERCISE b) Write who, which, that, or nothing to complete the sentences.
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English ACFGS
EXERCISE c)
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English ACFGS EXERCISE d) Choose one of the following relative pronouns who, which or whose to complete the sentences.
1) I talked to the girl _________car had broken down in front of the shop. 2) Mr Richards, ________is a taxi driver, lives on the corner. 3) We often visit our aunt in Norwich _________is in East Anglia. 4) This is the girl _________comes from Spain. 5) That's Peter, the boy _________has just arrived at the airport. 6) Thank you very much for your e-mail _________was very interesting. 7) The man, ___________father is a professor, forgot his umbrella. 8) The children, __________shouted in the street, are not from our school. 9) The car, __________driver is a young man, is from Ireland. 10) What did you do with the money ___________your mother lent you?
EXERCISE e) Express these pairs of sentences as one, using which.
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English ACFGS
THE COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES Monosyllabic adjectives are compared with -er, -est. (Einsilbige Adjektive werden auf -er, -est gesteigert.) positive
comparative
superlative
strong
stronger
strongest
small
smaller
smallest
big
bigger
biggest
thin
thinner
thinnest
fat
fatter
fattest
London is bigger than Vienna. Disyllabic adjectives ending with y, er, ow, are compared with -er, est. positive
comparative
superlative
easy
easier
easiest
happy
happier
happiest
clever
cleverer
cleverest
narrow
narrower
narrowest
What is the easiest exercise? All the other adjectives are compared with more, most. positive
comparative
superlative
careful
more careful
most careful
expensive
more expensive
most expensive
difficult
more difficult
most difficult
Which dress is more expensive?
Which dress is the most expensive?
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English ACFGS
Irregular forms positive
comparative
superlative
good
better
best
bad
worse
worst
much
more
most
many
more
most
little
less
least
(not) as ... as Ann is as tall as Mary. I think tomorrow it will be as hot as today. This test was not as difficult as the last one.
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English ACFGS
FREQUENCY ADVERBS
always, usually, regularly, normally, often, sometimes, occasionally, rarely, seldom, never are adverbs of frequency. I always brush my teeth before I go to bed. (=every night) I usually have toast for breakfast. (=happens most days) I frequently watch the news before dinner. (=it's common) I often go to the park with my dog. (=many times) I sometimes see him down at the shops. (=at particular occasions but not all the time) I occasionally visit the capital. (=not happening often or regularly) I rarely smoke cigars. (=it is not common) I seldom have a chance to go to the theatre. (=almost never) I hardly ever travel abroad. (=almost never) I never work on the weekend. (=not at any time or not on any occasion) Adverbs of frequency can occupy different positions in the sentence. With most verbs, the normal position is between the subject and the verb. Pedro occasionally visits us on Sundays.
With the verb "to be", the adverb normally comes after the verb:
She is often ill in winter.
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English ACFGS PREPOSITIONS OF TIME AT We use at with times: at 5 o’clock - at 11.45 - at midnight - at lunchtime Tom usually gets up at 7 o’clock.
ON We use on with dates and days: on 12 March - on Friday(s) - on Friday morning(s) on Sunday afternoon(s) - on Saturday night(s) on Christmas Day (but at Christmas) on the weekend
We use at in these expressions: at night - at Christmas - at the moment / at present - at the same time - at weekends - at the age of... IN
DURING We use during + noun to say when We use in for longer periods of time: something happens: in April - in 1986 - in winter - in the 19th during the film - during our holiday century - in the 1970s - in the morning(s) during the night / in the afternoon(s) / in the evening(s) In + period of time = a time in the future:
I fell asleep during the film.
Jack will be back in a week.
We met a lot of interesting people during our holiday.
The train will leave in a few minutes. In + how long it takes to do something: I learned to drive in four weeks. FOR We use for + a period of time: for six years - for two hours - for a week
SINCE We use since + a period of time: since April - since 1992 - since 8 o’ clock It has been raining since one o’ clock. I’ve lived in this house for six years. They They’ve known each other since they have been watching TV for two hours. were at school. UNTIL
FROM - TO
We use until/till to say how long a We use from - to + beginning and end situation continues: of a period: Let’s wait until it stops raining. I stayed in Last evening we watched TV from 5 to 8 bed until half past nine. o’ clock.
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English ACFGS
EXERCISES A) 1 The course begins ___7 January and ends ___10 March. 2 I went to bed ____midnight. 3 We arrived ____5 o’ clock ____the morning. 4 Mozart was born in Salzburg _____1756. 5 Are you doing anything special ____the weekend? 6 Hurry up! We have to go _____five minutes. 7 I met Ann ____Tuesday. 8 He has lived in India _____two years. 9 I’ll phone you ____Tuesday morning ____about 10. 10 Tom’s grandmother died in 1987 ____the age of 81. 11 Jack’s brother is out of work _____the moment. 12 The price of electricity is going up ____October. 13 I haven’t seen him _____Christmas. 14 ____Sunday afternoons I usually get up late. 15 There are usually a lot of parties ____New Years Eve.
B) 1 She works every day ______7 o’ clock. 2 I’ll be back _______half an hour. 3 I suddenly felt ill _______the examination. 4 They were working in the garden ____3 o’clock _____seven o’clock. 5 Carol got married _____1994. 6 The book was easy to read. So I read it _____a day. 7 They have lived there _____20 years. 8 We were at the party _____midnight. 9 They were at school _____2 o’ clock. 10 I saw him _____the morning. 11 I did my homework _____the evening. 12 She started dancing _____6 and now she’s a great star. 13 He learned to drive a lorry _____three weeks. 14 He waited _____they were quiet. 15 In summer he always goes jogging ____Sundays.
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English ACFGS
PREPOSITIONS OF PLACE at, in, on,to In general, we use: • • •
at for a POINT in for an ENCLOSED SPACE on for a SURFACE
at
in
on
POINT
ENCLOSED SPACE
SURFACE
in the garden/ in the country
on the wall
at the corner
Arrive IN _____ cities and countries Arrive AT _____ other places
at the bus stop
in London
on the ceiling
at the door
in France
on the door
Arrive TO _____ NEVER!!!!
at the top of the page
in a box
on the cover
Get TO____ except GET HOME
at the end of the road
in my pocket
on the floor
at the entrance
in my wallet
on the carpet
at the crossroads
in a building
on the menu
at the front desk
in a car
on a page
Notice the use of the prepositions of place at, in and on in these standard expressions: at
in
on
at home
in a boat
on a ship
at work
in a taxi
on a train
at school
in a helicopter
on a plane
at university
in a lift
on a bus
at college
in the newspaper
on a bicycle, on a motorbike
at the top
in the sea
on a horse, on an elephant
at the bottom
in the sky
on the radio, on television
at the end
in the world
on a list
at the side
in the street
on the left, on the right
at reception
in bed
on the way
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You are AT the hospital (you work there or you are visiting somebody) You are IN hospital (you are ill)
English ACFGS
EXERCISE
Fill the gaps with at, in, on or to.
1
I arrive___________ work at 9.
2
I get _____________ at 9
3
We arrived___________ Paris at five in the morning.
4
Samantha likes to stay ___________ bed all Sunday morning.
5
Clare's boyfriend's a nurse. He works ___________ the hospital.
6
A: When's Jenny having her baby? B: Very soon. She's already ___________ hospital.
7
Do you put your feet ___________ the table at home?
8
My beautiful friend Claudia is lying ___________ the beach.
9
I'm sorry. María's not here. She's ___________ work.
10 I go ___________ school by bus. 11 I have lunch ___________ school. 12 I take a packed lunch ___________ school. 13 I have to be ___________ the office for half eight. 14 I always like to be _________the airport at least two hours before departure time. 15 I had the best time of my life ___________ university. 16. My flat is _________ the second floor. 17. My name wasn’t ____________ the list. 18. Te car stopped _____________traffic lights. 19. There’s a notice ___________ the door. 20. He was waiting ___________ the door. 21. There are some beautiful trees ________ the park. 22. You’ll find the sports results ________ the back page of the newspaper. 23. What is the tallest building _________ the world? 24. When does the train arrive __________ Madrid? 25. The train arrives _________ the station a 7.30.
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English ACFGS
TIME CLAUSES
When • •
Since
When she called, he had already eaten lunch. We'll go to lunch when you come to visit.
• •
'When' means 'at that moment, at that time”
'Since' means 'from that time'.. 'Since' can also be used with a specific point in time.
Before • •
I have played tennis since I was a young boy. They have worked here since 1987.
We will finish before he arrives. She (had) left before I telephoned.
While, as •
'Before' means 'before that moment'.
•
She began cooking while/as I was finishing my homework. As/while I was finishing my homework, she began cooking.
After As soon as • •
We will finish after he comes. She ate after I (had) left.
• •
'After' means 'after that moment'. . Until, till • •
He will let us know as soon as he decides . As soon as I hear from Tom, I will give you a telephone call.
'As soon as' means “when something happens - immediately afterwards”.
We waited until he finished his homework. I'll wait till you finish.
'Until' and 'till' express 'up to that time'. 'Till' is usually only used in spoken English.
IMPORTANT: When the time clause refers to something in the future, we use the Present Simple.
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English ACFGS EXERCISE a) Complete these sentences with the appropriate adverb of time. 1. He cleaned his teeth __________ he went to bed. 2. The ambulance arrived at the scene five minutes __________ the accident had happened. 3. __________ I am older, I want to start my own business. 4. I went straight to the hospital __________ I heard about your accident. 5. They watched the programme __________ the end even though it was not very interesting. 6. They took short breaks every half an hour __________ they were playing tennis. 7. Rebecca went to bed __________ she got home because she was so tired. 8. People should be very careful __________ they cross busy roads. 9. We cannot light the barbecue __________ the rain stops. 10. Paul found somebody’s wallet on the ground __________ he was walking to the bus stop
PURPOSE CLAUSES •
To + infinitive They studied very hard to pass their English exam.
•
In order to + infinitive (more formal) They studied very hard in order to pass their English exam. For the negative, we use in order not to + infinitive They studied very hard in order not to fail their English exam.
•
So that + full sentence (usually, when the subjects in the main clause and the clause of purpose are different) I gave Ann my telephone number so that she could contact me. I like to arrive 20 minutes early so that I have time for a cup of tea.
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English ACFGS EXERCISE a) Fill the gaps with to, so that or in order not to 1 She's on a mission ______________ save the world. 2 Jack always takes the bus to work ____________spend much money. 3 Police officers carry radios __________keep in contact with each other. 4 I'm doing my homework on the bus ______________ my teacher doesn't kill me. 5 Begsy took a backstreet ______________ avoid the heavy traffic. 6 My brother Jim went to Thailand ______________ escape a meaningless existence. 7 World leaders are doing everything they can ______________ destroy the planet. 8 She bought a map ______________ she wouldn't get lost. 9 We went to bed early ______________ we wouldn't be tired in the morning. 10 Let’s turn down the radio _______________ disturb our neighbours.
CONTRAST CLAUSES Although / even though + full sentence
(aunque/ aun cuando)
•
Although I am not sure, I believe that he is innocent
•
I like my apartment a lot although it is quite small.
•
Even though he was tired and hungry, he refused to break for dinner
Despite / in spite of + noun
•
(pese a / a pesar de)
I enjoyed the picnic despite the weather / I enjoyed the picnic in spite of the weather.
Despite / in spite of + gerund •
( pese a/ a pesar de)
Despite studying hard, he failed the exam.
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English ACFGS EXERCISE a) Fill the gaps with although, even though, despite or in spite of. 1
_____________ my warnings, he went to Colombia.
2
_______________she didn't want to see The Lord of the Rings, she enjoyed it in the end.
3
_______________ being bad at tennis she beat him three times.
4
They visited Madrid _______________ they didn't have time to visit El Prado.
5
_______________ it was raining, we decided to go anyway.
6
She decided to go abroad for a year _______________ loving her boyfriend very much.
7
He went on holiday to Thailand _______________ the expensive airfare.
8
_______________ it was only the first time they met, they made friends immediately.
9
The English actor Oliver Reed was often rude to people _______________ he was always kind to animals.
10
Socrates never had much money _______________ being very famous in his own day.
REASON CLAUSES Because •
+ full sentence
We went to the lake because we didn’t have classes.
Because of + noun •
(a causa de)
We didn’t go out because of the weather .
Since / as + full sentence •
(porque)
(usually at the beginning)
(debido a que)
Since she is always having arguments with other students, nobody likes Ann at school.
•
As I had never been to Japan, I brought a guide book with me.
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English ACFGS EXERCISE a) Fill the gaps with because, because of, as or since. 1. Please don’t let your children walk alone _______________the walkway is slippery when wet. 2. Alex missed the penalty _______________lack of concentration. 3. _______________ thick fog at the airport, Louis and Tim had to stay in Ankara one more day. 4. _______________she had a serious throat problem, she had to give up singing. __________________she had a serious throat problem. 5. You are not allowed to enter this secured area ________________ you don’t have an official permit. 6. We decided to buy that house ______________ its low price. 7. _____________the electricity was cut off, we went to bed early. 8. We can’t go to school by public transport tomorrow ____________ the strike. 9. I had to overwork last week _____________my manager wanted me to finish the reports. 10. People always trust him _______________his honesty.
REPORTED SPEECH Reported speech is usually used to talk about the past, so we normally change the tense of the words spoken. We use reporting verbs like 'say', 'tell', 'ask', and we may use the word 'that' to introduce the reported words. Inverted commas are not used. She said, "I saw him."
She said that she had seen him.
a. 'That' may be omitted: She told him that she was happy. She told him she was happy.
b. 'Say' and 'tell': Use 'say' when there is no indirect object: He said that he was tired. Always use 'tell' when you say who was being spoken to (i with an indirect object): He told me that he was tired.
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English ACFGS
REPORTED
DIRECT
REPORTED
is seeing
was seeing
here
there
sees
saw
this
that
saw
saw/had seen
these
those
has seen
had seen
now
then
will see
would see
today
that day
is going to see
was going to see
yesterday
the previous day
can see
could see
tomorrow
the next day
DIRECT
Convert the phrases below into reported speech. "It's raining," she said. 1 ______________________________________________ He said to her, "I love you." 2 ______________________________________________ "I saw MarĂa in the supermarket yesterday," said Carlos. 3 ______________________________________________ "We've lived here for three years," he said. 4 ______________________________________________ "I'll bring a pasta salad," said Francesca. 5 ______________________________________________ "Mark's going to install solar panels," said Miranda. 6 ______________________________________________ "They found gold here," said the geology teacher. 7 ______________________________________________ "Jenny can't speak French," said Pierre. 8 ______________________________________________ "I first met my wife in Seville," he told us. 9 ______________________________________________ "I want your homework handed in by tomorrow," he said. 10 ______________________________________________ "My mother made these cakes," said Juan. 11 ______________________________________________ "I'm feeling tired now," said David. 12 ______________________________________________
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English ACFGS
Connectors A Translate the connectors into your language where possible.
above all
from my point of view
such as
.............................. ........................................... .............................. because of this
furthermore
then
.............................. ..............................
..............................
even so
therefore
however
.............................. ..............................
..............................
firstly
whereas
instead
.............................. ..............................
..............................
B Use the connectors in the box once only to fill the gaps. 1
_________________, I'd like to say that I agree and, secondly, explain why.
2
Camels live in the desert, _________________ dolphins live in the sea.
3
In the end, we didn't go to the cinema. We went to the theatre _________________.
4
I think, _________________ I am.
5
Spain produces oranges, _________________ in Valencia.
6
________________________, the continued use of fossil fuels is now the biggest threat to humanity.
7
I don't like strawberry ice cream. _________________, I love chocolate flavour.
8
The government is having problems with illegal immigration. _________________, their economic policies are failing.
9
The weather was bad. _________________, the fishermen still went to sea.
10
It started raining. _________________, we decided not to go.
11
Firstly, we have to think about our budget and _________________ about how much time we have.
12
I love those soft French cheeses, _________________ Camembert.
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English ACFGS
READING AND VOCABULARY
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English ACFGS Read the text and answer the questions below: WELCOME TO BRITAIN I am a frequent visitor to Britain and a frequent traveller by British Airways, which provides a fantastic service at highly competitive prices. But what a difference when I get off the plane! First I have a long way for the taxi. It seems that British taxi drivers are not prepared to wait in line for passengers, even when those passengers are paying $30 a head to go to the city centre. My first stop is the local supermarket. Another shock: the selection is limited, and when I go to the checkout, they give me a bag and tell me to pack my own groceries. Any supermarket in the USA offering the same level of service would quickly go out of business. Britain is famous for top-quality men’s clothes, and I myself am a regular customer. But when I go to my shirtmaker, I am told that delivery will be in 14 weeks. In China the same shirt can be done overnight. Then a quick tour at Harrods, which is a marvellous shop with a world class selection of goods. But if you want to reclaim tax on exported goods, you not only have to pay extra for this, but you also have to go to another floor, get in the queue, and complete a number of forms. I asked several British taxi drivers for their impressions of the USA. Those who have been there all respond that the service is excellent, even at the least expensive hotels and restaurants, and that “everyone seems happy to see us”. So why not in Britain? QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT The writer makes comments about the following things. Write a P if he has a positive opinion and an N if he has a negative opinion
British Airways British supermarkets British men’s clothes China shirtmakers Bureaucracy at Harrod´s
British taxi drivers American supermarkets Harrods American hotels and restaurants British shirtmakers’ deliveries
SYNONYMS Find words in the text that mean: Per person The place where you pay for your goods To put in a bag A line of people waiting The cheapest
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English ACFGS THE LONDON UNDERGROUND In 1843 a road tunnel under the Thames was opened and this led the London solicitor Charles Pearson to suggest a railway line under the city. The idea was debated by Parliament for several years and it eventually authorized the construction of 3.75 miles of tunnel between Farrington Street and Bishop’s Road, Paddington. Work on the tunnel began in 1860. The technique used to make the tunnel was very simple. Most of the tunnel followed existing roads and the road surface was dug up so that a tunnel could be made underneath. The railway lines were installed and the tunnel was then covered and the road surface laid again. The railway was opened in 1863 and immediately became a great success. In its first year it carried nearly ten million passengers. In 1866 work began on another line running from the City to South London. The line was opened to the public in 1890 and because of the characteristic shape of the tunnels, it became known as the “Tube”. Because of the depth of the line it was necessary to install lifts for passengers to reach the trains. Later they were replaced by escalators in many stations. Since then a number of other lines have been added and the underground system now covers a large area of central London and the suburbs. The most recent addition is the Jubilee line, which was opened in 1978. 1 Answer these questions using your own words as far as possible. How did they make the tunnels? Why did people call the underground the “Tube”? What happened when the railway was opened? Why did they have to install lifts? 2
Find words or expressions in the text which have the same meaning as these. Travellers: c) Elevators: Residential area: d) Big:
3
GRAMMAR. Write in the Negative. Work on the tunnel began in 1850 Write in the Active. Lifts were replaced by escalators Finish this sentence in a suitable way. The London Underground is very old. It is the …………………… the world Write in the plural. That woman has a child.
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English ACFGS TERRORISM AND TOURISM The immediate effect of a terrorist attack is likely to be cancellation of bookings to the location where the event took place and a reduction of new reservations. The effect may well extend beyond the specific location in which the event occurred because as in the case of the Gulf War, which had global implications, the situation may be extended to a larger area in the minds of potential visitors. For those who still persist in visiting the area, there may be bargains, cheap flights, reduced accommodation rates and lack of crowding. However, there may also be changes in the quality of their experience, as they are exposed to searches, delays and increased military presence. Luggage charges usually go up as security measures are strengthened. Despite all this, a survey conducted over American citizens found that less than half of them would be enticed to travel overseas by airline promotions after a terrorist attack. Moreover, in order to counteract the unfavourable image created by terrorism, a larger amount of money must be spent on public relations, advertising and promotion campaigns. QUESTIONS 1. - ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT: a) What are the negative effects of a terrorist attack(Name two at least).
b) What are the advantages of travelling to a destination where a terrorist attack has taken place? (Name two at least).
c) What did the survey find?
2. - SAY IF THESE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE OR FALSE. PROVIDE SOME EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT. Tourist companies don't have to spend a lot of money on promotion campaigns. Military presence is quite unusual in countries affected by terrorism. 3. - FIND WORDS OR PHRASES IN THE TEXT THAT MEAN: Consequences:
Something really cheap:
Places in foreign countries, usually across an ocean:
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English ACFGS ONLINE MUSIC PIRACY The music industry has announced an intensification of its campaign against illegal downloads and file-sharing. They say that we should buy music online legitimately, instead of risking the legal consequences of an illegal action. There are now more than 100 legal online music sites in Europe offering more than one million songs. The objective of this campaign are the users of eMule / EDonkey, Gnutella or KaZaA. This is a warning that illegal uploaders are not immune from legal action, whichever service they are using. If you upload music with copyright on the Internet without permission, you can be fined and charged with acting illegally. This is against the law in Europe and internationally and maybe you have to pay a compensation of several thousand euros. Illegal file-sharing has contributed to the decline in global music sales all over the world. In the USA the sales went down in more than six billion dollars in the last five years. For this reason the campaigns around the world included media advertising, university and school projects and instant messages sent directly to people using unauthorised services. The fight against online music piracy has become the subject of daily debate in the media, in the government and in ordinary households. READING. Answer these questions in your own words 1. What does the music industry advise us to do? 2. What is the objective of the campaign? 3. How important is the decline in global music sales? VOCABULARY. Find words in the text for the following definitions: 1. Something that is against the law
……………….
2. Legal right to reproduce an artistic or literary creation
……………
3. Promoting. Activity of marketing and promotion
…………..
4. Battle, combat____........................ __________________________________________ GRAMMAR Put the verbs in the right tense a) If you _______ (download) music illegally, you ________(be) fined.
b) While I__________ (listen) to music, my brother ________ (phone) me. - 77 -
English ACFGS
Get ready for Sant Joan 4
When summer is knocking on the door, preparations start for the celebration of Saint John's eve . The night of June 23, the longest day of the year is, for many Catalans, the highlight of the annual festival calendar. June 23 is not only the eve of Saint John the Baptist's feast day, but it is also the summer solstice . This celebration has its origins in pagan traditions that celebrate the day when the sun is at its highest point. Therefore, fireworks and bonfires are the focal point of the the eve of the Saint's day representing purification and rejuvenation No festival would be complete without food and drink, and Sant Joan is famous for its revetlles, which are the outdoor parties that liven up the few hours of darkness from sunset on June 23 to sunrise the following day. With so many people eating and drinking, lighting fireworks and building bonfires, the eve of Sant Joan is also one of the year's most controversial days. Safety is one of the main concerns and most local authorities have a checklist of precautions Other problems related to the summer celebration are connected with security and damage, especially in big cities . Once the party is over, the extensive cleaning operations begin. For example, the Catalan capital usually has a team of 175 cleaners and a fleet of more than 50 vehicles devoted to cleaning up after the more than 140,000 people who are on the city's streets celebrating
CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER. Catalans … a) celebrate Saint John’s eve as an important festivity. b) knock on other people’s doors on Saint John’s day. c) finish celebrations on the night of 23 June . . The night of June 23 … a) is the shortest night of the year. b) signals the end of summer . c) is an example of a very religious celebration . . On Saint John’s eve, Catalans … a) light bonfires to purify food and drink . b) start the celebration at sunrise . c) usually have parties in the streets . . Sant Joan is one of the year's most controversial days because … a) the local authorities do not celebrate the festivity . b) there are usually safety problems . c) people eat and drink too much and have health problems . . After the celebration, … a) 140,000 people go on with the festivity. b) more than 50 vehicles are in the streets . c) lots of workers start cleaning the streets .
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English ACFGS CHOOSE THE CORRECT WORDS OR DEFINITIONS a, b, c, or d FOR THE WORDS BELOW AS THEY ARE USED IN THE TEXT. 1 . annual festival calendar (line 3) b) month a) year
c) daily
d) usual
2 . its origins in pagan traditions (line 5) a) originality b) celebration
c) ending
d) beginning
3 . the focal point (line 6) a) fire b) most impor tant
c) last
d) first
4 . sunset ( line 10) a) at the beginning of daylight
c) at the end of daylight
d) at midnight
c) jobs
d) presents
b) at midday
5 . concerns ( line 13) a) ha ppiness b) worries
READ THE TEXT BELOW AND CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER
Have you ever organised a party? It is not an easy thing to do 1 .
there is
s o m u c h t o t h i n k a b o u t . B e fo r e y o u c a n d e c i d e wh e r e t o h o l d t h e p a rt y, y o u 2.
to ask a number of important questions: 3 .
How 4 . 5.
DJ? What 6 .
7.
these questions, you can decide who you 8 .
people will attend? Do you need any special things such of food and drink do people like? When you have
Then the day arrives and 9 . to 10 .
is the purpose of it?
the invitations to .
important question arises . What are you going
? After a long time, you finally choose an impressive dress that suits
you perfectly, but when you open the door ‌ oh my God! She is dressed like you!
1.
a) until
b) because
c)therefore
d) also
2.
a) must
b) should
c) can
d) have
3.
a) How
b) Why
c) What
d) Who
4.
a) much
b) more
c) often
d) many
5.
a) for
b) like
c) as
d) example
6.
a) type
b) other
c) much
d) time
7.
a) answering
b) answered
c) answer
d) answers
8
a) send
b) sent
c) sell
d) sold
9.
a) least
b) last
c) the more
d) the most
10
a) wearing
b) wore
c) wear
d) wears
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English ACFGS A child star The composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1756, with an extraordinary musical talent. The son of a musician, at the age of three he started to play notes on the clavier (an early kind of piano). He composed his first piece of music when he was five years old, and he first performed in public at the age of six. The boy travelled around Europe with his father and sister, performing in many countries; when he was 13 he went to Rome, where the Pope praised his wonderful talent. Wherever he performed as a child, he was a great success. He started work at the age of 15, as head of the Archbishop of Salzburg’s Orchestra. But he didn’t like the Archbishop, and so he left Salzburg and went to Vienna – even though his father didn’t want him to. He married Constanze Weber when he was 25. They had six children, but only two of them survived beyond babyhood. For a time, Mozart worked for Emperor Joseph of Austria, but the Emperor didn’t pay him very well. However, when Mozart performed in public, the Emperor gave him fine clothes and jewellery to wear. The family had very little money, and it was difficult to buy food and clothes for the children. Mozart was very hard-working. He composed an enormous amount of music. But some people in his world didn’t like his talent, and towards the end of his life, he stopped public performances and earned money teaching. Also, his friends gave him money. He was only 35 when he died, and he was never rich in his lifetime. But nearly 250 years later, recordings of his music make millions of dollars each year.
Decide wether statements 1-7 are true or false 1 Mozart first wrote music when he was six. 2 Mozart performed all over Europe in his childhood. 3 Mozart’s father wanted him to move to Vienna. 4 Four of Mozart’s children died when they were babies.
5 The Emperor paid for clothes for Mozart’s family. 6 Mozart continued to perform in public until he died. 7 Mozart was always poor in his lifetime
. Complete these sentences using the correct form of the word in brackets. 1 It’s true to say that not all ___________ people are happy. (success) 2 To achieve things in your life, you need plenty of ___________. (determined) 3 My sister is very__________ – she wants to be a champion runner. (ambition) 4 Many people who get to the top say they have been_______. (luck) 5 You must have natural_________ as well as be able to work hard if you want to become a dancer. (talented) 6 You have to be very___________ if you want to be a top tennis player. (discipline) Choose the best answer, a, b or c, to complete the text. Simona always wanted to be a ballet dancer, from a young age. She started lessons when she was only five years old. She was 1____________ to get to the top. She knew that to achieve her dream, she needed to be very 2___________ , eat properly and get enough sleep. Her parents were very 3___________ of their daughter and her talent. But problems started when she was 12. Although she was 4 ___________as a small child, she quickly grew taller. Soon the worst happened: she became too tall for classical ballet. She was very sad about this, but her teacher told her to be 5 ____________and suggested that she take up Modern Dance. Simona followed her advice, and became a very successful dance teacher. She tells all her pupils that however hard you work, some things are a question of 6 ______________! 1 2 3 4 5 6
a) determined a) well built a) proud a) weak a) lucky a) discipline
b) disciplined b) negative b) ambitious b) tiny b) different b) luck
c) strong c) hard-working c) successful c) skinny c) positive c) talent
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English ACFGS CARNIVAL SAFETY SUCCESS This year’s Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival, is being acclaimed as the best ever. Despite the cloudy skies, the carnival brought the streets to life in its own unique way with record numbers and little reported crime, After the two murders in 2000, several changes were made. Firstly, the route for the carnival was changed to avoid the narrowest streets in Notting Hill, a residential area with many small roads. Secondly, the carnival organisers provided more stewards and they received better training. Finally, the organisers ensured that the ending time, 9 p.m., was closely observed. Following these changes, Carnival 2002 saw more than a million people party in the streets of Notting Hill. More than 3,000 people dressed in spectacular colourful costumes and paraded and danced through the streets, Apart from the carnival parade, the local area was filled with sound systems pumping out music of all different kinds – Samba, Soca, Reggae and Rap music being the most common. Police yesterday said that 56 arrests were made over the weekend, which included 30 arrests for pick-pocketing and three for robbery. The chairman of the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, Chris Mullard, said yesterday, "I hope people will now see the carnival for what it is; a wonderful opportunity to project the multiculturalism that is metropolitan London.”
1) Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. 4. What was the problem in 2000? ………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. Which changes did the authorities make so that the Carnival was safe? ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 2) Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE ? a) b) c) d)
In Europe, there is a bigger festival than Notting Hill Carnival. The carnival parade went a different way this year. Many activities continued till midnight. The carnival represents only one group or community in London.
3).Choose the correct definitions for the following words. There is an extra one. Use the text to help you. 1. Something that plays music in a public place 2. A place where many people live 3. To take action about something 4. Stealing from someone’s pockets 5. Walked in a public procession 6. Someone who helps control a big event
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a) Residential area b) Steward c) Paraded d) Sound system e) Pick-pocketing
English ACFGS 4) Write the superlative form for • better training • …………………………………………………………………………… 5) Write the base for the following word. • The narrowest …………………………………………. 6) Join these sentences using a connector . Don’t use “BUT” The weather was very cloudy. / The Carnival was a success. ………………………………………………………………………………... 7) Transform into active voice. Several changes were made. ………………………………………………………………………………... 8) Write a question for the underlined part. The parade ended at half- past nine. ………………………………………………………………………………..? 9) Complete the sentences with the correct verb tense. a. Hurry up! The parade…………………….. (pass). b. London ………………….. (be) a multicultural city. c. We…………………….. (never/take) part in a Carnival parade up to now. d. The police……………………. (arrest) some robbers during the Carnival last year. e. I…………………………..(dance) all the time. 10) Write a composition (about 60-80 words) on one of these topics: a) Do you like being in crowded places like a carnival or a procession? b) “Knowing different cultural traditions enriches our own culture”. What’s your opinion?
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English ACFGS OUTER SPACE From far out in space, Earth looks like a blue ball. Since water covers three-fourths of the Earth’s surface, blue is the colour we see most. The continents look brown, like small islands floating in the huge, blue sea. W hite clouds wrap around the Earth like a light blanket. The Earth is shaped like a sphere, or a ball. It is 25,000 miles around! It would take more than a year to walk around the whole planet. A spaceship can fly around the widest part of the sphere in only 90 minutes. Even though spaceships have travelled to the Moon, people cannot visit the Moon without special suits. The Moon has no air or water. Plants and animals can’t live there either. Astronauts first landed on the Moon in 1969. After that, there were six more trips to the Moon. They brought back Moon rocks, which scientists are still studying. There are holes, or craters, all over the Moon’s surface. Scientists believe that meteorites smashed into the Moon millions of years ago and formed the craters. The Sun is the closest star to Earth. A star is a hot ball of burning gas. The Sun looks very big because it is so close. But the Sun is just a medium-sized star. Billions of far-away stars are much bigger than our Sun. The burning gases from the Sun are so hot that they warm the Earth from 93 million miles away! Even though the Sun is always glowing, the night here on Earth is dark. That’s because the Earth rotates, or turns around, every 24 hours. During the day, the Earth faces the Sun. Then we see light. During the night, the Earth turns away from the Sun. Then it faces the darkness of space. Each day we learn more about the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. 1. W hy is blue the colour we see most when looking at Earth from outer space? a) b) c) d)
Because Because Because Because
most of the Earth is covered in land. the Sun’s rays make the Earth look blue. most of the Earth is covered in water. clouds wrap around the Earth.
2. Read this sentence from the story: “Scientist believe that meteorites smashed into the Moon millions of years ago and formed the craters”. W hat does formed mean? a) b) c) d)
hit made broke stopped
3. W rite one fact and one opinion from the article that tells what the Earth looks like from outer space. FACT: OPINION: 4. W hat causes daylight on Earth? a) b) c) d)
The The The The
full Moon causes daylight Earth facing away from the Sun heat of the Sun’s rays Earth facing toward the Sun
5. W hich of the following sentences BEST describes the Sun?
a) b) c) d)
The Sun looks small because it is so far from Earth The Sun is a ball of burning gases that gives the Earth heat and light The Sun is a small star The Sun is not as hot as it looks
6. Why did the astronauts bring rocks back from the Moon? a) b) c) d)
Because they didn’t know if they would return to the Moon ever again. Because they wanted to prove that they went to the Moon. Because they wanted to remember how the Moon looked. Because they wanted to study them and learn more about the Moon.
7. Describe some of the things we know about the moon. Use the article to help support your answer.
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English ACFGS EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders are one of the unspoken secrets which a lot of families suffer from. Millions of people are afflicted with these disorders every year, and most of them are adolescents and, particularly, young women. Why are adolescents and young women so susceptible to developing an eating disorder? According to the Institute of Mental Health, it is because at this period of time, women are most probable to diet and keep a slim figure. Certain sports (such as gymnastics) and careers (such as modelling) especially reinforce the need to stay slim. “Anorexia nervosa” is the name for not eating because you think you are fat. If you are at least 15 percent under your normal body weight and you are losing weight through not eating, you may be suffering from it. “Bulimia nervosa” is characterised by excessive eating and then eliminating the food by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, taking enemas or exercising obsessively. If someone suffered from this disorder, it could stay for years, because body weight often remains normal. When people suffer from bulimia, their families are very often ignorant of the situation. Eating disorders are serious conditions which need to be diagnosed and treated like any medical disease before it is too late. If it continued to go untreated, it could result in severe medical complications that could be dangerous for your life. Treatment of eating disorders nearly always involves group psycho-therapy, and medication may also be appropriate. If you believe you may be suffering from an eating disorder, please get help. If the patient is properly diagnosed, these disorders are easily treatable and often cured within a few months. 1) Indicate whether these statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer. a) People don’t like talking about their eating disorders. b) According to the text only adolescents, especially young women, suffer from eating disorders. c) It isn’t easy for other people to know if a person suffers from bulimia. d) You only need group psycho-therapy to cure eating disorders 2) Answer the following questions in your own words. a) Why do anorexic people force themselves not to eat? b) Why is it dangerous not to treat eating disorders? 3) Find the words in the text that mean the same as the following definitions. a) Thin (paragraph 2) b) Below (paragraph 3) c) Unsafe (paragraph 4) 4) Complete these sentences with the correct word. a) Patients _________cure easily if doctors diagnosed eating disorders properly (conditional) b) She is the girl ______________ suffers from anorexia (relative pronoun) c) She has ______________ diagnosed with anorexia (passive)
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English ACFGS CAREFUL DRIVER As one approaches some crossroads, one comes to a sign which says that drivers have to stop when they come to the main road ahead. At other crossroads, drivers have to go slow, but they do not actually have to stop (unless, of course, there is something coming along the main road); and at still others, they do not have either to stop or to go slow, because they are themselves on the main road. Mr. Williams, who was always a very careful driver, was driving home from work one evening when he came to a crossroads. It had a “Slow” sign, so he slowed down when he came to the main road, looked both ways to see that nothing was coming, and then drove across without stopping completely. At once he heard a police whistle, so he pulled in to the side of the road and stopped. A policeman walked over to him with a notebook and pencil in his hand and said, “You didn’t stop at the crossing.” “But the sign there doesn’t say “Stop”,” answered Mr Williams. “It just says “Slow”, and I did go slow.” The policeman looked around him, and a look of surprise came over his face. Then he put his notebook and pencil away, scratched his head and said, “Well, I’ll be blowed” I am in the wrong street!” 1. Answer the following questions using your own words but taking into account the information in the text. a. When do you have to stop when you reach a crossroads?
b. What happens when you are on the main road? 2. Ate the following statements True or False? Identify the part of the text that supports your answer by copying the exact passage. a. Stop signs can be found at every crossroads. b. Mr Williams was a distracted driver. c. Mr. Williams stopped completely before crossing the main road. 3. Find words in the text that mean: a. Reduce speed: c: Rub your skin with your nails:
b: In front: d: Place where two roads meet:
4. Choose a, b, or c in each question below. Only one choice is correct. 1. At a crossroads, you reduce your car’s speed when a. there is s stop sign. b. there is a slow sign. c. you are on the main road. 2. When Mr Williams heard the police whistle a. he sped up and disappeared. b. he stopped the car at one side of the road. c. he ignored the whistle and went on driving. 3. The police stopped Mr Williams because a. there was a stop sign that Mr Williams ignored. b. the police was not sure whether Mr Williams had a driving licence. c. the police thought that he was at a different crossroads with a stop sign on it.
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English ACFGS “The Digital Divide” A recent survey has shown that the number of people in the United Kingdom who do not intend to get internet access has risen. These people, who are known as 'net refuseniks', make up 44% of UK households, or 11.2 million people in total. The research also showed that more than 70 percent of these people said that they were not interested in getting connected to the internet. This number has risen from just over 50% in 2005, with most giving lack of computer skills as a reason for not getting internet access, though some also said it was because of the cost. More and more people are getting broadband and high speed net is available almost everywhere in the UK, but there are still a significant number of people who refuse to take the first step. The cost of getting online is going down and internet speeds are increasing, so many see the main challenge to be explaining the relevance of the internet to this group. This would encourage them to get connected before they are left too far behind. The gap between those who have access to and use the internet is the digital divide, and if the gap continues to widen, those without access will get left behind and miss out on many opportunities, especially in their careers. 1. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT 1. What has a recent survey in the United Kingdom shown? 2. Why has the number of people not interested in getting connected to the internet risen? 3. How can affect people who don’t have access to the internet? 2. SAY IF THESE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE OR FALSE. PROVIDE SOME EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT. 1. The majority of people in the UK are 'net refuseniks'. 2. High speed internet is not available everywhere in the UK.
3. FIND WORDS OR PHRASES IN THE TEXT THAT MEAN: a. Investigation b. Price c. Rising 4.1. - CHANGE INTO THE PAST PERFECT: “It was because of the cost” _____________________________________________________________________ 4.2. - WRITE THE QUESTION FOR THIS ANSWER: “These people are known as 'net refuseniks'” _____________________________________________________________________ 4.3. - WRITE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE IN THE NEGATIVE: “This would encourage them” _____________________________________________________________________ 4.4. – FIND IN THE TEXT FOUR REASONS WHY THE INTERNET HAS RISEN AND IS USED MORE AND MORE. 1. 2. 3. 4.
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English ACFGS
WHY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU People need to be active to be healthy. Our modern lifestyle and all the conveniences we've become used to have made us sedentary - and that's dangerous for our health. Sitting around in front of the TV or the computer, riding in the car for even a short trip to the store and using elevators instead of stairs or ramps all contribute to our inactivity. Physical inactivity is as dangerous to our health as smoking! Add up your activities during the day in periods of at least 10 minutes each. Start slowly ... and build up. If you're already doing some light activities move up to more moderate ones. A little is good, but more is better if you want to achieve health benefits. Scientists say accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity every day to stay healthy or improve your health. Time needed depends on effort - as you progress to moderate activities, you can cut down to thirty minutes, four days a week. Physical activity doesn't have to be very hard to improve your health. This goal can be reached by building physical activities into your daily routine. Just add up in periods of at least ten minutes each throughout the day. After three months of regular physical activity, you will notice a difference - people often say getting started is the hardest part. I. Answer the following questions. a. Why is physical activity so important for people? b. How can you include physical activity in your life? II. Are the following statements true (T) or false (F)? a. Smoking is less dangerous than physical inactivity. b. You do not need more than sixty minutes a day to be fit. III. Find a word or phrase in the text which, in context, is similar in meaning to: a) inactive b) fit IV. Choose a, b, or c, in each question below. 1. Nowadays people ...
a) integrating physical activity into your timetable. b) eating less and less during short periods of time. c) relaxing and keeping cool. 4. People say that ... a) they do not have time for physical activity. b) getting into physical activity is the most difficult part. c) getting into physical activity is not so difficult.
a) are less active than in the past. b.) are more active than in the past. c) are as sedentary as they used to be. 2. Time needed for physical activity depends on . a) health b) effort c) money 3. You can improve your health
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English ACFGS IS CENTRAL PARK SAFE? In terms of its size and beauty, Central Park is the envy of cities the world over. Its safety record is, however, less impressive. Things reached an all-time low one night in 1989 when a female Wall Street executive went out jogging, only to be brutally raped and beaten by a gang of black teenagers. This example of inter-racial violence became an international news story. Irate black community leaders pointed out that on the same night a Harlem woman was murdered under even more gruesome circumstances and this episode was hardly mentioned in the local press. Race relations in America may be as bad as ever, but Central Park has come bouncing back. The northern section of the Park, where the attack took place has been the subject of a costly renovation programme that has begun to bear fruit. The Harlem Meer lake, for example, has been transformed from a marshy swamp into a playground where locals of all ages can go fishing and sunbathing. In actual fact the Parks and Recreation Department was working hard to improve things before 1989. Fun projects like Steve “Wildman” Brill´s “eating tour” of Central and other Parks were a case in point. Brill´s tour does not take you to restaurants: it shows the edible plants that are yours for free. Throughout the city, smaller parks are being transformed from havens for low-lifes into places where normal people can go and relax. The case of Central Park is a bit like that of New York as a whole: in spite of the image problem, things were probably never that bad. After all, Jackeline Kennedy Onassis used to go jogging in Central Park every day and the only people who used to bother her where the press photographers. Choose the best answer according to the text 1. Why is Central Park envied all over the world? a) Because it is big and beautiful. b) Because it is very famous. c) Because it is big and safe. 2. Is Central Park safe? a) It is safer now. b) has always been safe. c) It has never been safe. 3. What was the Wall Street executive doing one night in 1989? a) She was practising sport. b) She was speaking with a group of teenagers. c) She was insulted by a gang of black teenagers. 4. What happened to her? a) She was killed. b) She was joined by a group of teenagers. c) She was attacked. 5. How was this episode reported in the news? a) The episode was not mentioned at all. b) The episode was highly mentioned. c) The local press did not mention it very much. 6. Why were the black community leaders angry? a) Because nobody told them what had happened. b) Because race relations were bad. c) Because the murder of the Harlem woman was hardly mentioned.
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English ACFGS 7 .Where did the attack on the executive woman take place? a) In Wall Street. b) In Harlem. c) In Central Park. 8. What part of the Park has been totally renovated? a) The area where the woman was beaten. b) All parts have been renovated. c) The playgrounds. 9. What can people do at Harlem Meer lake? a) Go to concerts. b) Go to restaurants. c) Go sunbathing
10. In the 80´s, the Park and Recreation Department worked hard to ....... a) open new restaurants. b) make things better. c) organize tours. 11. What does Brill’s tour do? a) It takes people to restaurants in the Park. b) It shows people what plants could be eaten. c) It tells people how much the plants cost. 12. According to the text, what are race relations in America like nowadays? a) Better than ever. b) Worse than ever. c) More or less the same as ever. 13. Jackeline Kennedy Onassis… a) was attacked by the photographers. b) was upset at the photographers. c) used to go fishing in Central Park. 14. According to the text, the image of Central Park....
a) is worse than reality. b) is better than reality. c) has nothing to do with reality. .
15. ..... ever been jogging in Central Park? a) Did you b) Were you c) Have you
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English ACFGS 16 If you travelled to New York,‌? a) Will you visit Central Park? b) Would you visit Central Park? c) Would you have visited Central Park? 17.
The renovation program in the Park ... a) has been successful. b) has been a failure. c) has been very cheap.
18. What kind of people meet at the small parks in town nowadays? a) Gangs of teenagers. b) Ordinary people. c) Low-lifes. 19.
....... is good for your health. a) Going jogging b) To go jogging c) Jog
20. . Jackeline Kennedy Onassis ................went jogging in Central Park a) usually b) never c) sometimes
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English ACFGS
A Windsurfer’s Story ‘My idea of a nightmare is to be 40 miles from the sea. I couldn’t stand living without it,’ says Lucy Horwood. It’s certainly essential for her chosen sport of windsurfing, and she’s already been very successful. Lucy is not yet 21, but her current ranking is second in the world. Just to make life more interesting, her boyfriend is another windsurfing champion, Dan Ellis, and currently ranks fifth in the UK. ‘Things can get difficult if one person does well in an event and he other has had a bad day,’ she says. ‘But most of the time we support each other, and we enjoy training together.’ Lucy also finds time to study sport at university, when she’s not taking part in competitions round the world. In fact, she only just made it to the European Championships in Poland, as she had an exam two days before the event started! ‘It isn’t ideal,’ she says. ‘I like to have a week before the race to get used to the place …’ says Lucy. ‘Conditions are unique in each individual location'. Lucy’s love affair with salt water began in Greece. ‘I spent the first couple of years of my life there and I was in the sea all the time.’ she says. Her love for windsurfing was inherited from her father, Philip. By the age of 13, she was competing regularly, and winning. ‘Once I realised I could be very good, I abandoned the other sports I enjoyed like horse riding and hockey. ’ she smiles. Lucy is a top name in women’s windsurfing, but she has competed in some male events, too. ‘I finished second in an amateur male race,’ she remembers. ‘Men hate being beaten by women, so it was a great moment. ’ she laughs. Suddenly you can see how she’s got where she has.
Match the following questions with their answers. 1 How old is Lucy?
a 2nd
2 What ranking does Lucy have?
b 2 days
3 What ranking does Lucy’s boyfriend have?
c 13
4 How long before the European Championsips did Lucy have exams?
d 5th in the UK
5 How long before a race does Lucy like to arrive?
e 2 years
6 How long did Lucy live in Greece?
f 2nd in the world
7 By what age was Lucy competing regularly?
g 1 week
8 In the male race, where did Lucy finish?
h 20
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English ACFGS 2 Read the following text and choose the best answer, a, b or c, to complete the sentences. Tennis is a popular 1__________ in Britain and for two weeks in the summer, many people sit for hours in front of their television sets 2_________ the Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon. It’s every tennis player’s dream to 3__________Wimbledon. The competition first started in 1877, with only a few hundred 4 _________, but now over 450,000 people attend. Top tennis players from more than sixty countries 5 __________the two-week long Wimbledon tournament, and 6 ________of the tennis stars wait all night for tickets! After Wimbledon has finished, you see people on tennis courts all over the country 7________ tennis shots. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
a) sport a) viewing a) win a) viewers a) come in a) watchers a) training
b) match b) watching b) beat b) watchers b) join in b) viewers b) practising
c) game c) seeing c) score c) spectators c) take part in c) fans c) playing
3. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the words in brackets. a The skiers came down the mountain__________ (spectacular) fast. b Phillip was ___________(slight) embarrassed when he came last in the race. c My friends were very_________ (worrying) when their daughter took up sky diving. d Sue found the football match a bit __________(bored). e Many people find surfing____________ (extreme) exciting. fIf you try and teach yourself, skiing can seem rather_________(difficulty).
4. Complete the text using the verbs in brackets in the past simple or past perfect. One day, it was very cold and I really 1_____________(not want) to go to my sports lesson. So I 2_______________(say) that I 3 ___________(fall) down the stairs, and that I couldn’t walk properly. The teacher called the doctor. When he arrived, everyone else 4___________ (leave) for the sports ground already. The doctor looked at my foot, and 5____________(ask)me about my family. Then he told me to stand up and jump in the air, which I did. The doctor smiled. I 6___________ (forget) that my foot was ‘hurt’! When the teacher 7_____________ (find out) that I 8 ___________(not hurt) my foot, she was very angry. She sent me to the sports ground straight away. When I 9 __________ (get) there, I found that everyone else 10__________ (go) home for tea. But I had to run around the sports ground for two hours!
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English ACFGS KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT Politicians proclaim that young people are both the promise of a better future and our biggest problem. ‘Teenage mums,’ ‘unemployable boys,’ ‘ill-educated malcontents’ are regular terms used by the middle-aged, middle class people who govern the country. But the ‘millennium generation’ -aged 16 to 21- are a cause for celebration, according to a recent survey on their attitudes. They are liberal, open-minded, independent and ambitious. They want to run their own companies rather than work for others. They want to make money, but they also want happy marriages and children. They support Conservative but consider that voting doesn’t make that much difference. One third will enter higher education and know that it is up to them to find a job; just one in ten thinks it is the Government’s responsibility to provide them with work. They know that there is no such thing as a ‘job for life.’ Unlike their parents, the millennium generation accepts change as a fact of life. 1. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT 1. Why do politicians say that young people are a big problem for society? 2. Do young people believe in politics? Why? 3. What type of jobs does the millennium generation expect to find in the future? 2. SAY IF THESE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE OR FALSE. PROVIDE SOME EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT. 1. Money is the most important for them 2. “Millennium generation” prefer to work for others 3. FIND WORDS OR PHRASES IN THE TEXT THAT MEAN: 1. Adolescent 2. Maintain 3. Free-thinking 4.1. - PUT THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE INTO THE PASSIVE VOICE: “The Government will offer better jobs in the coming years” _____________________________________________________________________ 4.2. - WRITE THE QUESTION FOR THE UNDERLINED WORD OF THIS ANSWER: “They published the survey last week” _____________________________________________________________________ 4.3. - WRITE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE IN THE NEGATIVE: “One third will enter higher education” ___________________________________________________
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English ACFGS Drivers think they drive better than others Canadian researchers have found that most drivers think they are better than others driving a car. The team from Ottawa University interviewed nearly 400 motorists of all ages. They all had to answer questions about what they thought of their own driving skills. The question topics included how they react in different driving conditions, including terrible weather and roads with heavy traffic. The results were very similar across all ages – almost all of those interviewed believed their driving ability was better than that of other drivers. Older drivers were more confident in their ability than younger ones. And men had the most confidence in their ability to drive a car. Researcher Sylvain Gagnon believes the attitudes found in his survey could be dangerous. Mr Gagnon said that although confidence can be a good thing, it often has dangerous consequences. He said: “If you think that you are a better driver, then perhaps you do not pay as much attention as you should. This could explain why young men tend to have more accidents on the roads than other drivers.” It is time for government to start taking this more seriously. Traffic accidents are an enormous killer throughout the world. Very few drivers really think about how dangerous their car can be in an accident. 1. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. a. What kind of questions were drivers asked? b. Why can confidence be dangerous? 2. ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWERS WITH WORDS OR PHRASES FROM THE TEXT. a. Drivers think they are better than people who do not drive. b. People had to answer questions and take a driving test. c. Women were those who had most confidence in their ability to drive. d. People who have the most accidents are young men. 3. FIND A WORD OR EXPRESSION IN THE TEXT WITH THE SAME MEANING. a. Discovered c. Abilities b. Questioned d. Results 4. REWRITE THE SENTENCES WITHOUT CHANGING THE MEANING. a) Researcher Sylvain Gagnon said" It is time for government to start taking this more seriously”. -Researcher Sylvain Gagnon said........... b) The team from Ottawa University interviewed nearly 400 motorists of all ages. -Nearly 400 motorists of all ages......... c. There is a possibility you have an accident. -You...... d. Men were more confident about driving. Men were interviewed. The men......
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English ACFGS AFRICANS FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE According to a recent report, many Africans criticize themselves for climate change, but fossil fuel emissions there are less than 4% of the global total. The report suggests that problems with climate change are similar to those connected to HIV and AIDS: people don’t have important information. This happened too in the early days of HIV/AIDS when ignorance helped the rapid proliferation of the infection. It is a well-known fact that those who did the least to cause climate change are the ones to suffer the most from it. However, the report indicates that this message hasn't permeated many of those who experience the worst consequences of rising temperatures across the continent. After discussing what Africans really know and understand about the climate, in the end they found that what people call "weather" is changing and affecting lives. Many people did not connect these changes with global causes such as emissions of carbon dioxide. Instead they tend to censure themselves or their neighbours for local environmental degradation. Some see the changes as a form of divine punishment. Researcher Anna Godfrey says this religious perspective could help in climate education, "One of the big obstacles is language, with many people not understanding the terminology of climate change. Often there are no words for these concepts in local languages."
1. Read the text and answer the questions. a. How high are fossil fuel emissions in Africa? b. What is affecting people’s lives in Africa? c. In many Africans’ opinion, who is degrading the atmosphere?
2. Read the text again and decide if the statements are true or false. a. Most Africans feel guilty about climate change. b. The people who are going to suffer most the climate change are the ones who caused it in
the beginning. c. AIDS initially spread faster because people were not aware of the risks. d. African languages have precise words to indicate climate change.
3. Find words in the text that mean the same. a. paragraph 1: accuse b. paragraph 1: first c. paragraph 3: link d. paragraph 4: view e. paragraph 4: barrier 4. Rewrite the sentences using the words given.
a)
Ignorance helped the rapid spread of the infection. The rapid ______________________________ by ignorance. b) Anna Godfrey says, “There are no words for these concepts in local languages." Anna Godfrey says that ________________________________________. c) Western countries pollute the environment and they suffer the consequences. If Western countries didn’t ______________________________________. d) They censure themselves or their neighbours for local environmental degradation. They censured both _____________________________ for local environmental degradation. e) After discussing about it, they found that the weather is changing lives. Before ____________________________________ ______discussed about it. f) There are no words for these concepts in local languages. Local languages don’t ________________________________________
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English ACFGS TIME TO TWITTER Every year there is a new internet phenomenon. In the past we have seen e-mail, Google, Messenger, Wikipedia, YouTube, Facebook etc. The latest (1) sensation is called Twitter and it is based (2) in Silicon Valley, California. It is very popular in the United States, Britain and Japan. It works much the same as a blog. Twitter is a free “social networking system” like Facebook that has changed the way in which many people communicate. The difference is that you write messages with a maximum of 140 characters (3). In your message you answer only one simple question: “What are you doing now?” Once a tweet is posted on the website, people are able to easily see what other people are doing. As long as an answer is 140 characters or less, it is possible for thousands of people to see the answer immediately. It is very easy to do, you just sign up (registration is free), pick up a user name and you can design your Twitter home page by unloading an image or choosing web colours. Twitter is popular (4) with normal people but it is also popular with celebrities who use it as a blog. Barack Obama, John McCain, Gordon Brown and Britney Spears all like Twitter. The simple format makes Twitter easy to use from a mobile phone. Many guests at Obama´s presidential inauguration wrote Twitter messages during the ceremony. People watching on television complained about it. A Twitter message is called a tweet. “Tweet” is literally the sound of a small bird, so the symbol on the twitter website is a bird on a tree. The word twitter also refers to the sound of birds singing. Humans can also twitter when they talk quickly or nervously. In British English a twit is a stupid person. Twitter may not be an intelligent word, but is the new digital activity and it is replacing “chat” as the most important way (5) of communication. Will Twitter replace Facebook? Who knows?. According to the British newspaper “The Financial Times”, last year Facebook offered to buy Twitter for $500million and Twitter said no. Questions 1. Choose one of the words or expressions listed below with one word or expression in the column (as numbered in the text). Please copy the correct pair of words in your answer sheet. well accepted/ letters/ method/ placed/ newest a) b) c) d) e)
latest and…………………………………….... based and……………………………………... characters and………………………………… popular and……………………………………. way and………………………………………...
2.1 Choose the best option. a) Very few people wrote Twitter messages during Obama´s service. b) Everybody sent messages on their Twitter during the event. c) Nobody used Twitter during the ceremony. d) A lot of people who attended Obama´s ceremony wrote Twitter comments during the event.
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English ACFGS 2.2. Choose the best option. a) The text relates the word twitter to the short high sound of a bird. b) Twitter means to talk loudly and angrily c) The word tweeter refers to a pet. d) In British English a twitter is a follower. 3. Complete the sentences using information from the text. It is important that phrases from the text are not reproduced literally. a) Celebrities............................................................................................ b) This web site ........................................................................................ c) People use Twitter ................................................................................ d) 500 million dollars ............................................................................. 4. Complete the text with one or more adequate words. It is important that phrases from the text are not reproduced literally. Twitter is used by people_________(1) live their life in a hurry. Most people join Twitter to meet and socialise with others on the net. Facebook is ________(2) social networking site which is ___________(3) very popular with people nowadays as a ___________(4) to communicate with friends and family. However, Twitter has celebrities following and fans can see _________(4) different famous people are doing. celebrities following and fans can see ………….(5) different famous people are doing at that moment. 5. Can you explain briefly what this social networking consists of? You are expected to draw information from the text but please use your own words. (25-50 words)
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English ACFGS
TATTOOS UNDER PRESCRIPTION From the early 1990's on, there has been a tremendous increase in the popularity of tattoos. However, 75% of the UK people who have tattoos eventually regret it, according to a study by the British Journal of Dermatology. Laser treatment is the standard method of tattoo removal which can cost around £1,000. According to Louis Malloy, the tattoo artist who adorned David Beckham's body, people can reduce the risks of regretting a tattoo later in life. "Plan your tattoo carefully, consider its placement, go to a reputable tattoo artist, follow aftercare instructions and don't go ahead if you are not 100% sure". Scientists are developing a smart tattoo that could tell diabetics when their glucose levels are dangerously low. A spokesman for the charity British Diabetes said: "People with diabetes need to test their blood glucose levels regularly and for most people this means pricking their finger to take blood" This new tattoo is made of bright molecules which will shine if the glucose levels are low. The abdomen or arm would be the most suitable places to have this tattoo and people must be very careful with sun exposure. Those who don't mind showing small pieces of body art will benefit from this new invention. 1. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. a. What precautions should one take before getting a tattoo? b. How will diabetics' life change with the new tattoo? 2. ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWERS WITH WORDS OR PHRASES FROM THE TEXT. a. Tattoos have become very popular. b. The new tattoo will tell diabetics when their glucose goes down. c. This new tattoo must not be worn in the arm or abdomen. d. It is important to follow the recommendations after getting a tattoo. 3. FIND WORDS OR EXPRESSION IN THE TEXT THAT MEAN: a. INTELLIGENT c) CHECK b. FEEL SORRY d) TAKE ADVANTAGE 4. REWRITE THE SENTENCES WITHOUT CHANGING THE MEANING. a. He told me: "don't go ahead if you are not 100% sure”. He told me………………………………………………. b. People must wear this tattoo in the arm. This tattoo…………………………………………………… c. You should plan your tattoo carefully. If I were you…………………………………………………….. d. Louis Malloy is an artist. He adorned David Beckham's body. Louis Malloy……………………………………………………………..
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English ACFGS
Family Fashion Zara and Robbie both work in a fashion boutique in London. But they are more than just colleagues – they are brother and sister. 1 ________________Their parents own the shop. Zara on Robbie: ‘We weren’t very close when we were young. I was eight years older than my brother and we used to argue a lot. Then I went to college and did a degree in fashion, and started working for my father. 2 _________________When he left college, he said he never wanted to work with his family. He tried to go his own way. 3 ________________So about two years ago he joined me in the family shop after all! Actually, it’s worked out brilliantly. 4 _______________Robbie is interested in display and the look of the shop, but I decide what clothes we sell. We get on much better now, and even see each other outside of work! Our business talents are different, but we both like the same music, and love James Bond movies. 5________________ And we have fun at work, too. Once Robbie was in the basement, and I phoned down and said Madonna was in the shop looking at trousers. Of course she wasn’t, but Robbie believed me. 6______________He was really angry with me at first, but then he saw the funny side of it!’
Complete the text using sentences a–g. There is one sentence you do not need. a Sadly, things didn’t go well for him. b We’re good at different things. c In fact, it’s a family business. d He ran up the stairs so fast, he fell over! e We go to see them together, because none of our friends like them! f But Robbie was different. g I don’t like working with him.
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English ACFGS LOOKING FOR A JOB
If you are either looking for a job or trying to find a better one, there are a few things you must bear in mind when applying for it. Of course, qualification and experience are both relevant aspects, but also the way of presenting your CV (curriculum vitae) is a key factor to get a job because it shows a lot about yourself and informs the recruiters and hiring managers about your nature and personality. For example, it can show whether you are systematic and well-organised, logical and rational, tidy and artful. First of all you should give your personal details such as name, address, date of birth, contact telephone numbers, e-mail address, date and place of birth. Secondly, you must describe briefly your profile. Then, you should present your job experience and education. Finally, you can include other skills you might have but this section is optional. When you talk about your previous jobs you should start from your present position and then list the title of every job you have had, along with the name of the company, the city and the years you worked there. Under each job, you can give a list of your tasks and duties. In the section related to education, you should always start with the most prestigious degree you have and specify the subjects you have taken. 1.-ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT: a) Why is it so important the way of presenting your CV if you are looking for a job? b) What must be included in the section related to “experience�? c) What section is considered as optional when preparing a CV? 2.-SAY IF THESE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE OR FALSE. PROVIDE SOME EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT. a) It is always better not to mention the subjects you have studied. b) Qualification is more important than experience when applying for a job. 3. FIND WORDS OR PHRASES IN THE TEXT THAT MEAN: a) Consider: b) Shortly:
c) Ability to do something well:
4.-WRITE QUESTIONS FOR THESE ANSWERS: _______________________________________________________________? He has been working as a travel agent for eleven years. ________________________________________________________________? The manager can speak three languages. _________________________________________________________________? It took me two weeks to get used to my new job.
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English ACFGS 1 Read the following text and match headings a–f with paragraphs 1–5. There is one heading you do not need. a Living life through books b The hard work of writing c Writing about my own life d A famous writer? e Something better than sport! f Unhappy endings For the love of books 1____________________ When I was a child I loved reading, and I read anything I could find. But I detested sport, and even hated going for walks, so I spent most of my time with my nose in a book. I was the only girl in a family of five brothers, and I was quite quiet – but in the world of my books, I was strong, and beautiful – the lovely princess with the handsome prince, the girl who fights enormous monsters, the star … 2_____________________ As I grew older, books became my life. I didn’t need to go out, or watch TV – I lived the highs and lows of my characters in their fight for success – I worried about the dancer who broke her leg, I cried when the rider’s favourite horse died and I was so happy when the doctor got through floods and thunderstorms to save the life of a sick child! 3 ______________________ Of course, after time, I started to write my own stories. And of course, at first, I wasn’t very good at it! I found it easier to write about sad things, so my first stories were full of disasters, accidents and deaths. My father read one story and couldn’t quite understand why three characters died, a dog had an accident and a house burned down – and that was all before the end of the fourth page! 4 ______________________ Then one day my aunt said I should write about my own life. I was in bed with a broken arm, and even I got bored of books after a while. My aunt came to visit and brought me some paper and a pen. ‘Go on,’ she said, ‘write about your life with five brothers. Tell it like it is.’ And so I did. (Luckily, my right arm wasn’t broken, so I could still write!) 5 _______________________ Ten years later, my first story was published. And I used those early childhood memories. The main character is a writer. And guess what? She breaks her arm falling out of a tree, and her aunt comes to visit – and then she becomes a very famous writer! And me? Well, I’m still waiting
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English ACFGS
WRITING
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English ACFGS
AN OPINION ESSAY PARTS OF AN OPINION ESSAY
Essays are divided into different parts. These parts are the: • • •
Introduction Body Conclusion
Introduction The Introduction opens the essay. It is a short paragraph (usually about TWO or THREE sentences)
The final sentence should contain your thesis statement (a sentence that describes the focus of your ENTIRE essay subject)
Body The Body is the main part of the essay. In an argument essay, it is divided into two or three paragraphs, giving your opinion and reasons. Body paragraph 1:
•
-
transitional phrase: first, first of all, in the first place, to begin with, firstly...
-
supporting reason: fact/ idea/ personal experience...
-
comment/ further information about the supporting reason
Body paragraph 2 -
transitional phrase: second, secondly, in addition, in addition to the previous point...
-
supporting reason: fact / idea/ personal experience...
-
comment/ further information about the supporting reason
Conclusion In conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, to summarize
The Conclusion is the end of the essay. It is a short paragraph - about two or three sentences. It often has the same idea as the Introduction, in different words.
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English ACFGS Read the model essay.
TOPIC: Should police officers carry guns?
First supporting reason
Thesis statement
Transition phrase
Many communities have been debating whether or not police officers should carry guns. In my opinion, no police officer should ever carry a gun.
Transition
phrase
Fact
First of all, guns cause more harm than good. There are often stories in the newspaper about people who are accidentally shot. As I see it, if guns had not been involved, these accidents would not have happened. In addition to the previous point, in most cases police officers don't need guns. My father, for example, has been a police officer for over 20 years, and he has never had to use his gun. In fact, he says that most people who break the law are unarmed. In conclusion, I believe that police officers should not carry guns. Guns usually cause harm to people. Moreover, police officers often don't need them to do their jobs.
Transition phrase
Transition phrase
Transition phrase Transition phrase
Personal opinion
Second supporting reason Personal experience
EXPRESSIONS FOR GIVING AN OPINION We use different phrases to introduce opinions. For example: In my opinion It’s clear that
In my view As I see it
I think / believe / feel (that) As far as I’m concerned
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I would say (that)
English ACFGS
Some Common English Transition Words and Phrases Adding Information
Examples
and
We have seen the movie twice, and now we want to see it again.
also
My friend speaks Korean and English. She also speaks Chinese.
moreover (more formal)
Cheating is dishonest. Moreover, it hinders students from learning.
furthermore (more formal)
Students should be on time. Furthermore, they must be prepared.
in addition (more formal)
You must complete this essay by 5 p.m. In addition, you must do the exercises on page 47.
Giving Examples for example
Examples
for instance
I have been to many countries. For example, I have been to Russia, and Canada. He often eats strange foods. For instance, he once ate snake meat.
in particular
I love fruit. In particular, I like bananas and apples.
such as
That sum of money is to cover costs such as travel and accommodation.
Showing a Contrast
Examples
but
Bill earned an A on his essay, but Susan got a B.
however
We wanted to leave at 8:00. However, Mike arrived too late.
on the other hand
She hates housecleaning. On the other hand, she doesn't mind cooking.
while
Football is popular in England, while in Australia they prefre cricket.
whereas
He must be about sixty, whereas his wife looks about thirty
instead
I am not going out tonight. Instead, I will stay home and watch a video.
in contrast (more formal)
Women usually enjoy shopping. In contrast, men often dislike it.
Showing a Concession
Examples
even so
I know you don't like to study. Even so, you must pass your exam.
nevertheless (more formal)
even though
I need to wear reading glasses. Nevertheless, I hate how I look in them. There are many benefits to exercising. However, you must take some precautions to avoid injury. Even though the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
although
Although the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
despite the fact that . . .
Despite the fact that Kate is good at tennis, she lost the match.
despite
Despite Kate's skill at tennis, she lost the match.
however
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English ACFGS Showing a Similarity
Examples
in the same way
Rock climbing takes much practice and skill. In the same way, learning to write well requires a great deal of practice.
similarly (more formal)
Houseplants require much care and attention. Similarly, outdoor plants must be cared for properly.
Showing a Result
Examples
so
Janet passed her exam, so she is very happy.
as a result
Tim was late. As a result, we could not go to the concert.
therefore
James is not feeling well. Therefore, he will not be here today.
as a consequence
I forgot that the cake was in the oven. As a consequence, it burned. Tina lost her keys. Consequently, she could not drive home.
consequently (more formal) Establishing Time Relation or Sequence
Examples
first
First, I think that she is studying hard.
second
Second, I believe that she is a bright student.
finally
Finally, I know that she has great potential.
in conclusion
In conclusion, I feel that she deserves to win the scholarship.
in summary
In summary, we should offer her some financial help.
meanwhile
Jeff was working hard to clean the house. Meanwhile, his brother was watching television.
Showing a Condition
Examples
or
I must study hard, or I will fail my exam.
whether . . . or
Whether you are coming or not, I am still going to Amy's party.
if . . . (then)
If you want to get good grades, then you must do your homework.
Explaining or Emphasizing
Examples
in fact
The bookstore sells cards. In fact, they have the best cards around.
actually
James is actually the first person I have known who has been to Africa.
in other words
He was late to class again. In other words, he didn't wake up on time.
Giving an Alternative
Examples
or
We can go to the beach, or we can go to the mountains.
either . . . or
You can either ride the bus or walk to my apartment.
neither . . . nor
I like neither that person nor his brother.
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English ACFGS Read the following press release:
A ban on fast food advertisements in the United States could reduce the number of overweight children by as much as 18 percent, according to a new study being published this month in the Journal of Law and Economics. The study was conducted by researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) with funding from the National Institutes of Health. NBER economists Shin-Yi Chou of Lehigh University, Inas Rashad of Georgia State University, and Michael Grossman of City University of New York Graduate Center co-authored the paper, which measures the number of hours of fast food television advertising messages viewed by children on a weekly basis
Sweden, Norway and Finland have already banned TV advertising for fast food. Should Spanish government do the same?
Read the model essay and answer the questions. Nowadays, many people eat too much unhealthy food and do not do enough exercise. As a result, some European governments, such as Sweden, Norway and Finland, have already banned TV advertising for fast food at times when children might be watching. As I see it, our government should do the same. In my view, there are too many advertisements for unhealthy food on TV. Moreover, they are frequently shown during children’s programming. In addition, advertising does not give us an accurate view. It often gives us the idea that something is healthy when it is not. As a result, the number of overweight children is increasing. In conclusion, I would say that our government should definitely ban advertisements for fast food on TV. In fact, it should also take further steps to encourage healthy eating.
1. What’s the thesis statement? 2. Underline the supporting reasons. Which are facts? Which are opinions? 3. Circle the expressions used to introduce opinions. 4. Circle the transition words and phrases and write them in the box. Showing a result
Giving examples
Establishing sequence
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Explaining or emphasizing
Adding information
English ACFGS
Surfing the net at home makes you depressed Using the Internet at home increases depression and loneliness, says a study commissioned by several leading technology companies. Virtual communication is no substitute for regular face-to face contact, it says. The two-year study found that whose who were already lonely or depressed were no more attracted to the Internet than others, but that Internet use caused a decline in psychological well-being. On average, for those who used the Internet most, things got worse. Professor Kraut said of the Internet communication, “My hypothesis is that there are more cases where you are building superficial relationships, leading to an overall decline in feeling of connection to other people”. Until now computer networks have been promoted as the tools for a potential revolution in civic participation. The study, however, has raised questions about the value of virtual communication. HomeNet tracked the behaviour of 169 people in the Pittsburgh area drawn from schools and community groups. Regarding its conclusions, Tora Bikson, a senior scientist at the Rand Research Institution, said, “It is not clear what the psychological explanation is”. But the study recommends that pupils should be advised that maintaining social ties with people in physical proximity could be psychologically healthier than relying on cyber relationships. TASK Write a four paragraphs essay entitled “Is the Internet a good substitute for faceto face contact?” (80- 100 words) Paragraph 1 •
Introduce the topic with a general fact. Then state your opinion-
Paragraph 2 •
Give a reason to support your opinion.
Paragraph 3 •
Give a second reason to support your opinion.
Paragraph 4 •
Summarize the points in your essay and repeat your opinion using different words.
Remember to use: expressions to introduce your opinions facts or personal experiences to support your opinions a variety of linkers a concluding expression - 108 -
English ACFGS
A FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY One type of argumentative essay is that which gives advantages and disadvantages (for and against) of a specific topic. It is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view. A good essay of this type should consist of: an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic. This means that you talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion a main body in which the points for and the points against, along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs a closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced consideration of the topic. Note: In this type of essay writing, you must not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can only be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic. EXAMPLE:
Should you go to Britain if you want to learn English? Introductory paragraph stating the topic
Today, millions of people want to learn or improve their English but it is difficult to find the best method. Is it better to study in Britain or America or to study in your own country?
Main body The advantages of going to Britain seem obvious. Firstly, you will be able to listen to the language all the time you are in the country. You will be surrounded completely by the language wherever you go. Another advantage is that you have to speak the language if you are abroad, whereas in Spain it is always possible to speak Spanish and the learning is slower. On the other hand, there are also advantages to staying at home to study. You don't have to make big changes to your life. As well as this, it is also a lot cheaper
FOR
than going to Britain.
Closing paragraph giving opinion or balanced consideration
AGAINST So, in conclusion, I think that if you have enough time and enough money, the best choice is to spend some time in the UK. This is simply not possible for most people, so being here in Spain is the only viable option. The most important thing to do in this situation is to maximise your opportunities: to speak only English in class and to try to use English whenever possible outside the class
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English ACFGS Points to consider • •
Make a list of the points for and against a topic before you start writing. Write well-developed paragraphs in which the points you present are supported with justification ( reasons or examples). Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence.
READ THIS OTHER EXAMPLE AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW HAVING A PET Many people today buy or adopt pets because they are very friendly. However, they are sometimes abandoned because they are a big responsibility. Therefore, we can say that having a pet has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, having a pet is a good way to become more responsible, because you have to care for it: take it for a walk, feed it or wash it. In addition, pets are a very good companion and you can play with them as well as teach them orders or customs, like to dogs or cats. On the other hand, they are a very big expenditure. You must buy a lot of things for their care, such as food, injections or soap. Furthermore, if you have more than one pet, for example a dog and a cat, they probably will not get on well, so you may have problems at home. In short, a pet at home is both a great responsibility and a good friend, but you have to give them a lot of your time. In my opinion, having a pet at home is good as long as you are ready to care for it.
1. Which are the reasons given for having a pet?
2. Which are the reasons given against having a pet?
3. Is the writer “for” or “against”? Why?
4. Put the linkers in the correct place in the chart below.
ADDITION
CONSTRAST
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RESULT
English ACFGS
Read the following text and fill the gaps using appropriate words and phrases from the box below. More than one answer may be possible.
Famous people often complain that newspapers print too much about their private lives, 1_____________ newspapers say that they are simply responding to public curiosity. 2__________________, it seems that famous people want as much media attention as possible at the beginning of their careers. 3________________, they tend to get upset if newspapers reveal personal information once they are famous. 4 ______________, they feel they have a right to a private life, like everyone else. 5_______________, newspapers say that the public has a right to know about how celebrities spend their money and who they are in love with. They claim that it is particularly important for the public to know when their heroes do something wrong. 6 _______________, I believe that the public should be told how stars live their lives, 7_____________ stars should have some privacy, especially to protect members of their families. This means that we need clear rules about what media should be allowed to publish. although
however
on the other hand
in fact on balance
on the one hand whereas
TASK Write a “for and against� essay about the following topic: Should there be laws to stop young people drinking in the streets? Before you write, think about the topic. Make a list of two or three points on each side of the argument In favour of laws on street drinking addressed to the young _____________________________
Against laws on street drinking addressed to the young _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Plan the content of each paragraph, using the examples. Use connecting words and expressions to link ideas between sentences and paragraphs.
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English ACFGS
A FORMAL LETTER C/ Viladomat 19, 3º 1ª 08015 Barcelon SPAIN The Director The English School 12 Bridge Street Leeds L20 6NN
20 April 2009
Dear Sir/ Madam I am writing to enquire about English Summer courses at your school. I am especially interested in a two-week intensive course. I have been studying English for three years at a language school in Barcelona. However, I would like to improve my oral skills. I have looked at your website and I would like further information about the starting dates, details about different types of courses and how much they cost. I would also like to know if there are multi-cultural groups, preferably with non-Spanish-speaking students. I would be most grateful if you could also send me some information about accomodation with host families. Thank you very much in advance.c Yours faithfully Daniel Roldán Daniel Roldán Formal letters have several parts: •
The heading: Your address and the date.
•
The address of the person you are writing to.
•
Salutation or greeting: a) Dear Sir/Madam. If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to. b) Dear Mr/Mrs + person surname.
•
The introduction that states the purpose of the letter/the reason for writing.
•
The body (2-4 paragraphs) that should contain the relevant information.
•
Conclusion. The final paragraph (suggested action to be taken, closing remarks, etc)
•
The end of the letter: a) Yours faithfully, if you don’t know the name of the person. b) Yours sincerely, if you know the name of the person.
•
Your signature.
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English ACFGS TASK 1 Write a letter (80-100 words) asking for information about an activity course you have seen advertising.
Windsurfing on Lefkada! Special one- or two-week windsurfing Courses for those of you who want a Different type of holiday! Come and join in With other like-minded young people who Want to learn a new sport! • Fantastic location in sunny Greece! • No previous experience required. • Courses run from May to September. • Hire or buy your own equipment. Please contact: Marie Summers, 3 Green Lane, Oxford, OX5 3YZ England
Ask where exactly
Beginners OK?
Ask for more details
Hire – but how much?
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS: • • • • • • • • •
I am writing to enquire about... I am writing with reference to... I am interested in your advertisement in...... and I would like to have further information about... I would be most grateful if you could send me details of... Could you please send me/ let me know... I am interested in knowing more about... Please send me a copy of your (current brochure and details of...) Thank you in advance for your assistance I look forward to hearing from you
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English ACFGS TASK 2 A swimming pool needs helpers at weekends. Complete the letter of application with the following words and phrases. I look forward Dear sincerely qualifications position
further 3 April 2010
experience information
76 Castle Drive Stirling FK& 4JG Scotland 1_____________ Benajamin Lethbridge Stirling Leisure Centre Stirling FF8 3JR Scotland
2 ___________ Mr Lethbridge, I saw your advertisement in the paper, and I would like to apply for the 3________ of weekend swimming pool helper. I am a competent swimmer and have 4____________ in life saving and swimming instruction. I enclose my CV, which gives 5_________ details. My work 6__________ includes two summers at swimming pool in Edinburgh. I am starting a course at college in sports administration in October. Please contact me if you require any further 7__________. 8____________to hearing from you. Yours 9_____________
Fiona Simpson Fiona Simpson
TASK 3 Read the body of the following letter of applications. Fill the gaps with a suitable word. I read your advertisement ____ an 'au pair' ___ the International Times. I am very ___________ in the job. I would like to work in the USA this summer. I like children and I would like to look after ______ two sons. My name is Anna Sentinelli, and I am nineteen years _____. I live in Padova, Italy, with my family. ____ are a very big family. I have six brothers and two sisters. My mother is ____ housewife because she has a lot to do at home. I am the oldest child in the family. When I am at home I help her with my _______ brothers and sisters. My father is an engineer. ____office is in Venice. He is not at home very often because he travels a lot for his job. ____university I am studying English and Russian. I want to be an interpreter. I like reading and cooking. My university semester ends ___June 15th and I go back ___ September 15th.
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English ACFGS Formal letter of complaint
66 Trees Lounge, Bemworth, Devon CG4 5HZ 14 September 2002 Alltours, 342 Rich Road Bemworth Devon VF7 6JK
Dear Sir/Madam, My husband and I have just returned from one of your “special city tours” in Amsterdam (August 31 – September 10) and I am writing to complain about the holiday we were given. To begin with, the hotel was not at all what we had expected from your brochure. You advertise air-conditioned rooms with mini bar and private bathroom, but what we got was a tiny room with none of the promised appliances. The room only had a washbasin and we had to share the sanitary installations with five other rooms on our floor. As for the hotel staff, whenever we called down to the reception there was simply no one around. There did not even seem to be any cleaning staff since our beds were made only once during the whole of our stay. Added to all this, the tourist guide included in your offer fell ill shortly before we arrived and there was obviously nobody in charge to organise a suitable substitute. As you will realise, we are highly dissatisfied with the holiday your company provided and we request a letter of explanation as well as a refund of our money. Yours faithfully, (Mrs J Smith)
Format of a letter of complaint Introduction: Reason for writing. Exact details of holiday (time, place, etc.) [explain the situation] Development: Details of problems. Deal with each major problem in a new paragraph. [complain, express your dissatisfaction] Conclusion: What you expect from the company. [ask that something be done
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English ACFGS TASK 4 Complete the letter of complaint with the words in the box: according
complain
enough
ordered
claimed
earliest
help-line
received
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to (1) ____________ about the service I (2) __________ from your website www.books4u.co.ge. Over four months ago, I (3) ___________ a book called The joy of Text. You (4) ___________that books would be delivered within two weeks, but my order has only just arrived. What is worse, you have sent me a wrong book. I rang your (5) ___________ yesterday, but I had to wait for over 20 minutes before anyone answered. (6) ____________ to your website, your staff are friendly and good at their jobs, but the person I spoke to told me that there was nothing she could do. When I told her it was not good (7) __________, she hung up. To make things worse, I see from my bank statement that you have already taken the money out of my account. I would like you to either send me the book I originally ordered or return my money at the (8) __________ opportunity. Yours faithfully Anne Stapler
TASK 5 You are writing a letter of complaint about your stay in a hotel. Put the paragraphs in the correct order. Firstly, the room had not been cleaned when we arrived, and the TV set was not working. I would appreciate if you would look into the matter, and refund the supplement we paid for the lakeside view. I am writing to complain about the accommodation I booked at the Bala Lake Resort on 12 August. Furthermore, although we had paid extra for a lake view, the bungalow we were given was nearly 400 meters from the lake. As a result, my elderly mother could not enjoy the lake at all. TASK 6 You are a tourist who came to Barcelona on holidays last summer. You had many problems at the airport (your luggage was lost, your flight home was cancelled and you had to wait for two days at the airport, etc.). Write a letter of complaint, describe your experience and ask for compensation. (80-100 words)
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English ACFGS
AN INFORMAL LETTER 506 Country Lane North Baysville, CA 53286 July 16, 2007 Hi Susan, I know it's only been several weeks since I last saw you, but it feels like ages. So far my summer’s been great! I spend my all my weekends at the beach. I’m getting a nice tan and you can no longer say I am paler than you. I have been playing lots of volleyball, surfing and building a nice collection of sea shells. Just this past weekend I took second place in a sandcastle building contest! On the weekdays I work. I drive an ice cream truck around and sell ice cream to the kids. It’s so cool! It’s a combination of the two things I love most, ice cream and kids. The pay isn't so good but I really love the job. I hope the summer's been going well for you too. There's only a month left, and after that it's back to school. Anyway, we still have some time before then. Write soon with your news! Lots of love, David P.S. Say hello to your family from me. General tips Put the address at the top right of the page. Write the date under the address. Put a comma after the greeting. In the first paragraph give your reason for writing. Use contractions: We’d love to see you You can have incomplete sentences: Great idea! / Fantastic! In the last paragraph ask for a reply.
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English ACFGS
TASK 1 You are writing to a friend about a new sport you’ve taken up. Put the paragraphs in the correct order, using the following plan to help you. • Open your letter. • Say why you are writing and mention your photos. • Talk about how you found out about the sport. • Talk about any training you did. • Talk about your first experience of the sport. • Talk about why you love the sport. • Say how your friend could start doing the sport. • Finish your letter
Dear Stuart, I had so much fun that I’m going to have scuba-diving lessons at home now. How about you? Would you like to learn as well? You’d love it, I’m sure! Bye for now. Hope to see you soon. Before I went down on my own, I had to do a short course, because you have to learn about the equipment and some very important safety rules. Then you have to take a short test, and your first dive is with an instructor. I first discovered scuba diving when we were on holiday in Spain. The sea is so beautifully clear there, and they have wonderful fish.
Swimming underwater is spectacular, you feel like you’re a fish! And there’s so much to see. The other great thing about it is that with a wet suit on, you don’t get cold (very important if you ever My first dive was amazing. I was pretty nervous to start with, but soon I was so fascinated by the underwater world that I forgot to be scared. Hi! How are you? I haven’t seen you for ages, because we’ve been away on holiday in Spain. We had a really fantastic time. had a really fantastic time
I must tell you about the wonderful new sport I’ve taken up – scuba-diving! I’m sending you some photos, too, so you can see how amazing it is. Love Eloise XXX
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English ACFGS
Useful Phrases for informal letter writing
a) Greetings: • • •
c) Introducing points • • •
Dear Jim Hello Jim Hi Jim
b) Introductory paragraph: • • • • • • •
By the way, I must tell you... Tell me about...
d) Ending an informal letter • • • • • • •
Sorry I haven't written for ages Sorry it's taken me so long to write How's it going? How are you? How are things with you? How are things? How are you doing?
Love Lots of love All my love Will write again soon Look after yourself Take care of yourself All the best
TASK 2 Write a letter to a friend, telling him/her about your plans for the holiday break. Plan Paragraph 1 • Ask how your friend is. • Apologize for not writing sooner and give reasons. Paragraph 2 • Tell your friend about your plans for the holidays. • Ask your friend about his or her plans. Paragraph 3 • Write a friendly closing paragraph.
USEFUL LANGUAGE
USEFUL LANGUAGE
Making plans
Adverbs of probability
I’m going to... I’m planning to... I hope to...
certainly / definitely probably
(100 % sure)
(80 % sure)
possibly / maybe / perhaps (50 % sure) I’ll definitely go to the beach I’ll probably do extra studying Perhaps I’ll visit some friends
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English ACFGS
A NARRATIVE A day to remember Last summer I went climbing with some friends in Scotland. We took an esperienced mountain guide with us, and we were all very excited because it was our first time climbing a Scottish mountain. The mountain wasn’t really very high, but from the bottom it looked ___________ (big)! The walk was lovely at first – the path was quite easy, the sun was shining and we were___________ (interested) by how many different wild flowers our guide pointed out to us. Later on, however, the climbing got more difficult, and it started to get colder. I couldn’t keep warm, and my feet were _________ (cold). It got very windy and started to rain. Our guide decided we should go back, but the journey down was _________ (frightening) because it was much harder to go back down. And we only had one ________ (small) bar of chocolate left between us all, so we were very hungry. Then it started to get dark. I thought we were never going to get home! I was __________ (surprised) when we finally reached the bottom – at nine o’clock at night! We ere _________ (tired). I went straight to bed, and the next day I woke up with a __________ (bad) cold. But I’m still going climbing next weekend – this time it’s a Welsh mountain! TASK 1 Replace the words in brackets with one of the following words. - enormous - fascinated - astonished - tiny -terrible - exhausted - freezing
- terrifying
TASK 2 Circle the words and expressions from the text referring to time and write them below.
_______________________________________________________________________
Narrative paragraphs are often used to describe what a person does over a period of time. Read this example narrative paragraph. Notice how words like 'later' are used to connect what happens. Yesterday evening I got home from work at 6 o'clock. My wife had prepared dinner which we ate immediately. After I had cleaned up the kitchen, we watched TV for about an hour. Then we got ready to go out with some friends. Our friends arrived at about 9 o'clock and we chatted for a while. Later we decided to visit a jazz club and listen to some music. We really enjoyed ourselves and stayed late. We finally left at one o'clock in the morning
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English ACFGS
TASK 3 Fill in the gaps with information about what you did yesterday evening. Yesterday evening I _______________ at ________ o'clock. I immediately ____________________________. After _______________________, I (or we) ________________. Then I (or we) __________________________. I (or we) _________________a while. Later I (or we) _______________________________. I (or we) finally _______________. TASK 3 Put the events in this short story in order:
TASK 4 Write a narrative (80-100 words) about an experience you have had on holiday. Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Where was the holiday? Who were you with? What where you doing?
Make a list of the main events in the order they happened
What happened in the end? How did you feel?
USEFUL LANGUAGE Last summer Two years ago At first - Next - After a while - Then - Later – Afterwards- Finally - In the end That afternoon
- Te next day
While I was....-ing....
-
Two hours later.
As soon as I arrived...
When we got there...
Time clauses >>>>>>>> GO BACK TO PAGE 66
Remember to use: separate paragraphs for the beginning, middle and end different past tenses a variety of time expressions an sequencing words
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English ACFGS
A DESCRIPTION Here is an example of a descriptive paragraph: I am forty years old. I am rather tall and I have blue eyes and short black hair. I usually wear casual clothes as I teach students in a relaxed atmosphere. I enjoy my job because I get to meet and help so many different people from all over the world. During my spare time, I like playing tennis which I play at least three times a week. I also love listening to classical music and I must admit that I spend a lot of money on buying new CDs! I live in a pretty seaside town on the Italian coast. I enjoy eating great Italian food and laughing with the likable people who live here. TASK 1 Answer these questions about yourself. • • • • • • •
How old are you? What do you look like? What kind of clothes do you wear? What kind of job do you do? Do you like it? What are your favourite hobbies? Why do you like them? Where do you live? Do you like living there? Why or why not?
Now that you have the information about yourself ready, fill in the gaps in to complete your description. I am ______ years old. I ______________________________________ (your looks). I usually wear _________________________________. I am ___________________ . I like / dont like my job because ___________________________________________.
I enjoy _________________________________. I often ________________________ ___________________________________________________ (describe how often you do your hobby). I also like __________________________________ because ___ _______________________________________________________.
I live in ________________________________ . I enjoy / dont enjoy living in _______ because _______________________________________________________.
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English ACFGS
TASK 2 Fill the gaps using the words in the box.
also
city
fantastic
thank
because
east
part
very
buildings
eat
soon
water
Dear Samantha, _______ you for your email about your town. I live in Valencia in the _______ of Spain. Valencia has everything! In the old part of the ____________, there are a lot of beautiful ___________ and a castle called Las Torres de Serrano. There is also a river . It’s strange __________ there isn’t any _______ in it. It’s a park! In the park you can visit the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s ___________! There are a 3D cinema and a __________ aquarium. My city has a port and a wide long beach full of restaurants where you can _____ delicious paella. In the modern _______ of the city there are a lot of fantastic shops. Definitely, there is lots to do in Valencia! Please reply _______ Bye, Jorge TASK 3 Write an email (80-100 words) describing your town.
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English ACFGS
AN INTERVIEW ______________________________________________________ How do you feel when you race on big tracks like Silverstone or Brands Hatch? I feel very nervous because there are so many people there.
Laura, a reporter, is interviewing David, a motorbike racer. How did you start bike-racing? I grew up in a racing family.
Do you get any days off? No, I have to train every day.
What do you like the best about it? I think everything is fantastic, otherwise I wouldn’t do it.
Are you going to continue racing in the future? Yes, I can’t imagine doing any other job, really.
What is the worst thing for you? I hate not doing well in races.
_____________________________________________________________________
Asking questions The basic rule for asking questions in English is straightforward: Invert the order of the subject and the first auxiliary verb. • • • • • •
It is snowing. = Is it snowing? He can speak German. = Can he speak German? They have lived here a long time. = Have they lived here a long time? She will arrive at ten o'clock. = Will she arrive at ten o'clock? He was driving fast. = Was he driving fast? You have been smoking. = Have you been smoking?
If there is no auxiliary, use part of the verb 'to do'. • • • •
You speak fluent French. = Do you speak fluent French? She lives in Brussels. = Does she live in Brussels? They lived in Manchester. = Did they live in Manchester? He had an accident. = Did he have an accident?
Most questions with question words are made in the same way: • • • • • • • •
How often does she use it? Why don't you come? Where do you work? How many did you buy? How long does the journey take? What time did you go? Which one do you like? Whose car were you driving?
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English ACFGS
Note who, what and which can be the subject. Compare: • • • •
Who is coming to lunch? (who is the subject of the verb) Who do you want to invite to lunch? (you is the subject of the verb) What happened? (what is the subject of the verb) What did you do? (you is the subject of the verb)
Note the position of the prepositions in these questions: • • •
Who did you speak to? What are you looking at? Where does he come from?
TASK 1 Make suitable questions referring to the part in bold of the sentences. a) __________________________________?
I was born in Madrid.
b) ______________________________? I live in Barcelona now. c) _______________________________? I started playing tennis when I was 12. d) ______________________________? I usually get up at 8. e) ______________________________? My father taught me to play the piano. f) _______________________________? I have been teaching for 10 years g) ______________________________? Family is the most important for me. h) ______________________________? I can speak four languages.
Making indirect questions When we ask for information, we often say 'Do you know…?' or 'Could you tell me….?' These are indirect questions and more polite. Note that the word order is different. For example: • •
Do you know where Johnny is? Have you any idea if he has found it?
Note that we don’t use do, does or did. For example: • •
Could you tell me what time he arrived? Would you mind telling me how often you play tennis?
Use if or whether when there is no question word. • •
Has he done it? = Do you know if he has done it? Is it ready? = Can you tell me if it is ready?
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English ACFGS The same changes in word order happen when we report questions. Note that in reported questions, the verb changes to the past: • • •
What are you doing? = He asked me what I was doing. What have you done about it? = He asked me what I had done about it. Do you work with Pamela? = He asked me if I worked with Pamela.
TASK 2 Complete the indirect questions: 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
When will I be able to see you? > Could you tell me when I’ll be able to see you? What time is the interview? > I would like to ask you______________________ How did you get into that career? > Could you tell me ___________________? What skills do you need for the job? > I was wondering ___________________ When did you meet your wife? > I’d like to know ________________________ How old are you? > Would you mind telling me _________________________
______________________________________________________ TASK 3 Penélope Cruz is a Spanish actress who has won considerable critical acclaim for her role in Spanish and English movies. She is the first Spanish actress to be nominated for an Oscar. Cruz speaks four languages fluently. She also donates a considerable amount of money and time to charity. From 2001, Cruz had a three-year relationship with actor Tom Cruise. Cruz was born in Madrid in 1974 to a hairdresser mother and motor mechanic father. She wanted to be a dancer as a child and studied classical ballet for nine years. Her younger sister Monica is a famous Spanish dancer. However, when Cruz was 15, she decided to get into acting after beating 300 other hopefuls at a talent agency audition. Cruz first achieved fame in a Spanish pop video and then as a TV presenter. Her first major films were ‘Jamón, Jamón’ and ‘Belle Époque’, which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In 2000 she appeared with Matt Damon in ‘All the Pretty Horses’. She rose to fame by co-starring in ‘Vanilla Sky’, opposite Tom Cruise. Cruz has received two Goya Awards and two European Film Awards for her work. She also won a Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2006, she was used as the face for L’Oreal’s worldwide advertising campaign and a year later, she launched her own fashion line in Spain. She wants to balance her life and work between Hollywood and Europe.
You work as a journalist for an important newspaper. Write an interview (80-100 words) with Penélope Cruz. Ask her about her life, her career and also about her future plans. You can use information from the text above. Make both direct and indirect questions.
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