English Language Activities

Expressing logical assumptions and possibility

2011-06-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

Rephrase the sentences using modal verbs of affirmative/negative logical assumption or possibility:

I'm sure she has given up smoking.
I'm sure she isn't feeling sick now.
Perhaps she was telling the truth.
Perhaps he was too ill to take part in the race.
I'm sure they informed the police about the robbery.
I'm sure he had warned the soldiers about the coming danger.
I'm sure Jenny hasn't been working there that long.
Perhaps he was asleep when we rang.
I'm sure she didn't know about it.
It's possible that Jane has left already.
I have no doubt that he was lying to you.

Career Moves

2011-01-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

1. Jobs and Personalities

Artistic types like working with designs and patterns.
Clothing designer
Architect
Conventional types like following instructions and routines.
Air traffic controller
Accountant
Enterprising types like leading people and making decisions.
Flight attendants
Lawyer

Investigative types like figuring out problems.
Veterinarian
Pharmacist
Realistic types like working outside or with real-world materials.
Restaurant cook
Bus driver
Social types like working with other people
High school coach
Child-care worker

Can you think of two other jobs for each category?
What personality type do you think you are?
Would you want to do the jobs listed under your personality type?

2. Career Debate

Fashion Designer
“Designing clothes is not a man’s job. Women are much more fascinated by fashion.”
“Not so! Many great clothing designers are men. Just look at Calvin Klein!”

Flight Attendant
“I would love to fly all the time. Being a flight attendant sounds exciting.”
“I don’t think so. Flight attendants get tired of traveling. They have to be away from their families all the time.”

Gossip columnist
“I’d like to work for a newspaper, but writing a gossip column seems like an awful job.”
“I don’t’ agree! Finding out about famous people’s lives could be really fun.”

Veterinarian
“I’d enjoy working with animals. I think being a veterinarian would be rewarding.”
“I’m not so sure. Animals can be very unpredictable. Getting bitten by a dog would be scary!”

3. GRAMMAR FOCUS
GERUND PHRASES

Gerund phrases as subjects
Designing clothes is not a man’s job.
Being a flight attendant sounds exciting.
Writing a gossip column could be fun.
Directing a TV show would be interesting.

Gerund phrases as objects
He wouldn’t like being a fashion designer.
He’d enjoy being a flight attendant.
She’d be good at writing a gossip column.
They’d love directing a TV show.

USE THE WORDS TO TALK ABOUT JOBS
Example: “Working as an architect would be really rewarding.”

(is, seems, sounds, must be, could be, would be)
(awful, scary, fantastic, fascinating, pretty difficult, kind of boring, really rewarding, very challenging)

Working as an architect
Taking care of children
Winning the lottery
Conducting an orchestra
Working on a movie set
Making a living as an artist
Writing for a newspaper
Retiring at age 40

How to Mingle at Parties

2010-12-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

Watch the video and prepare for discussion:

Transcript for this video

Used to

2010-12-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

"Used to" refers to something that you regularly did in the past but don't do anymore.

I used to be very messy, but now I'm very neat.
Did you use to collect thing?

Yes, I used to collect comic books.

No, I didn't use to collect anything, but now I collect art.

What sports did you use to play?

I never used to play sports, but now I play tennis.

Which of these is true for you?

When I was a kid, I used to be very messy, but now I'm very neat.
I used to have a lot of hobbies, but now I don't have any free time.
I didn't use to collect anything, but now I do.
I used to be really into fashion, but these days I'm not interested anymore.
I never used to play sports, but now I like to keep fit.
I never used to worry about money, but now I do.
I didn't use to follow politics, but now I read the newspaper every day.
When I was younger, I used to care a lot about my appearance. Now, I'm too busy to care how I look.

Think of five more things you used to do before but don't do anymore.

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Modals - Error Correction

2010-12-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

In each sentence there is one word which shouldn't be there. Find the odd word.

You shouldn't to have told him that.
Would you have mind helping me with this?
We were been ale to book a hotel room through a travel agency.
Can you please to pass the salt?
He might have had left his waller at home.
You are not allowed it to enter that part of the building.
Sonia should be know about his refusal to co-operate.
They needn't to have spent so much money on redecorating their house.
He may be is waiting for the bus.
Mr Beaumont is to will arrive at 9.00 am tomorrow.
Ellen is likely that to return sooner than expected.
How about we calling him to find out if he has been invited too?
That can't to have been Richard Gere!
You should to go now.
Might does he still be waiting for us?
She will has to make an appointment to see the doctor.
He has had got to borrow money twice already this month.
You mustn't to let anyone know about our agreement.
She may have had given you the wrong address.
Would you mind if my asking you a personal question?

Relationships and Friends

2010-12-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

Qualities people look for in a partner

What do you think are the most important qualities a partner should have?

What are those that you find repulsive enough to make you leave someone?

That's What Friends Are For

TV Toy Ads To Go

2010-11-24T04:51:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the advertisement below and: a) prepare for discussion, b) write a letter or an essay on the topic following the instructions at the bottom.

News AnnouncementA new law passed yesterday will mean that no commercials for children toys can be shown before 9 pm. The decision has brough an angry response from toy manufacturers who claim that it coul cost the industry millions of dollars in lost sales. Defending the government's decisions, spokesman Gerald Ward said, "Advertisers use increasingly clever ways to target TV viewers. In the case of children, we have a duty to act so that advertisers do not take advantage. This way, parents can have more say in the toys their children play with." Opponents of the new law say that the government has no right to interfere and claim the law is undemocratic.

Tasks
A. Write a letter to the editor of the nespaper expressing your views. State whether you agree or disagre with the new law. Give reasons.

B. Write an essay: Adverising is often said to be dishonest and harmful. It causes people to buy products they do not need or cannot afford. What is your opinion? Should the government have the right to control advertising? Explain.

Things to consider when writing:

the purpose of your letter/ essay and who it is to
register (formal/ informal)
appropriate language (opening for the letter, useful expressions to begin the letter, list points in the main body, start your conclusion)
take a stance (agree/ disagree)
points to include to support your opinion
come up with a suitable plan

Reading Comprehension Quiz 1

2010-11-24T04:38:00.001-08:00

The Benefits of Healthy Eating

We all know the benefits of healthy eating, but there is more to it than most people realize. Although it has been shown that children who eat a regular, healthy breakfast perform better at school, and that families who eat supper together tend to be more stable, children often object to being told when or what to eat. Similarly, they will often say they are hungry between meals when they are tired, unhappy or just bored.
Providing a healthy, balanced diet takes great management skills. For the frustrated parent help is at hand. Experts have come up with suggestions which promote better eating habits as well as family harmony. They advise parents to involve their children more in planning and preparing meals. This way the child feels less of an obligation to eat and is more likely to take an interest in good nutrition. The atmosphere at the dinner table is also of prime importance. The television should be turned off to encourage conversation, which should focus on discussion rather than criticism. Between meals, children should be encouraged to identify exactly how they feel. Chances are that if they not interested in fruit or vegetables, they are not really hungry at all.

According to the passage, healthy eating ...

is more complex than people realize
is more important than anything else
is fully understood by everyone
affects the majority of people

The writer suggests that a child who gets good grades at school, probably ...

had a good breakfast that morning.
eats well every morning.
eats with his or her family.
eats breakfast at school

The author believes that stability in a famly is helped by ...

parents being strict with their children
fixed meal times
making supper the main meal
communal eating

In Paragraph One, the author suggests that children don't like ...

being hungry between meals.
eating healthily and often
having their parents dictate meal times
boring food

What does the passage say parents need?

Organizational ability.
Expert management.
To encourage children to eat.
To be sure of the food children eat.

the passage suggests that children ...

only eat when they want to.
are always hungry between meals.
will become good managers if they eat well.
may eat when they are not hungry

The suggestion in Paragraph Two are designed to encourage better ...

relationships and healthier eating.
planning and preparation.
food and conversation.
development in children

The writer probably believes that some parents ...

are frustrated with their diet.
also have eating problems.
would be happy to hear suggestions.
don't help their children enough

Which of the following does the author not recommend?

Forcing their children to eat.
Switching off the TV at meal times.
Talking over dinner.
Offering their children fruit and vegetables.

In Paragraph Two, what does the word "prime" mean?

Little.
Great.
Similar.
Interesting.

Vocabulary Quiz 2

2010-11-24T04:10:00.000-08:00

Mike said she was ... into making the statement.

Some nightclubs examine the ... of your purse before they allow you to go in.

I had a(n) ... discussion with him about our problems yesterday.

Mary has been ... for her missing brother for years now.

Sam ... goes to the theater.

Do you ... my purse anywhere? I've lost it.

Take no ... of Paul. He's just in a bad mood.

I'd hate to live out here. It's just too ... for my liking.

Sonia was deeply ... by the loss of her dog.

Don't touch that vase - it's ... .

Vocabulary Quiz 1

2010-11-19T01:18:00.000-08:00

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

Conversational Grammar 2

2010-11-19T01:05:00.000-08:00

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

I want all of you ... in your essays by Friday.

“I liked the movie ... that I saw it twice

“Mark won first prize in the competition.”--“... to congratulate him?”

“Why are you back so soon?”--“Nobody ... at the playground, so I left.”

... the people here work part time.

I am taller than Bob, ... ?

I missed the party because I didn't know ... .

"Have you been to Spain?" -- "Yes, I ... there two years ago."

I can't tell you where ... .

She's not very nice. ... , she's quite rude.

Conversational Grammar Quiz 1

2010-11-19T00:40:00.000-08:00

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

“Can I have a birthday party?”-- “You ... ask your father.”

need

have to

ought

must to

“Are you going to paint your room by yourself?”--“No, I'll ... my brother to help me.”

make

put

get

“We've been driving since this morning.”--“We'll stop ... something to eat in the next town.”

have

having

to have

to be having

“Why are you back so soon?”--“Nobody ... at the playground, so I left.”

wasn't

were

weren't

was

“Which boy is your son?”--“He's the one ... the guitar.”

who play

playing

he's playing

is playing

I really hate ... when people interrupt me.

these

those

I wish I ... told Kim about it. Now she's upset.

wouldn't

didn't

hadn't

haven't

What did you say ... for her birthday?

wants Kelly

does Kelly want

did Kelly want

Kelly wants

“Do you like Chinese food?”--“Yes, but I prefer Japanese ... Chinese.”

than

from

rather

... the firefighters arrived, the building was already in flames.

By when

Until the time

As soon as

By the time

Teaching Pronunciation

2009-06-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

One Stop English

2009-06-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have found an interesting English practice website:
www.nonstopenglish.com
On nonstopenglish.com students can:
- practice English with interactive exercises on-line
- receive unique interactive email exercises
- have own personal page with activity history

- solve Quote Quiz puzzles (for advanced students):
www.nonstopenglish.com/quotequiz/

- find words in a word with hall of fame (for advanced students)
www.nonstopenglish.com/wordgames/words-in-a-word.asp

- do scrambled letters FLASH GAME
www.nonstopenglish.com/wordgames/scrambled
- find and submit other English related websites

On nonstopenglish.com teachers can:
- create online Virtual Classes:
www.nonstopenglish.com/virtualclasses

- create printable Quotation Quizzes
www.nonstopenglish.com/quotequiz/

- submit their own website for a link exchange
www.nonstopenglish.com/esl_links

- write their own exercises that will be available for students
- receive printable exercises directly into their mailbox

You can create your own free account here:
http://www.nonstopenglish.com

Enjoy it!

TOEIC Listening Practice - Part 4 - Short Talks

2009-06-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

TOEIC Listening Practice - Part 3 - Short Conversations

2009-06-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Answers: at the end of the video

TOEIC Listening Practice - Part 2 - Questions and Responses

2009-06-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Answers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcPxI4HjgZ8&feature=related (click on 'more info')

TOEIC Listening Practice - Part 1 - Pictures

2009-06-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Animal Research - Listening Test

2009-06-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Advanced Listening Test - Animals used in Med… » Quiz School

What Would You Do?

2009-06-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Second/Unreal Conditional: What Would You Do?

Listening Comprehension - choose the most natural response to a question

2009-06-14T01:23:00.000-07:00

Advanced Listening Test - Questions 1 » Quiz Question Maker

Clothes

2009-06-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Clothes

At the Restaurant

2009-06-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

At the restaurant

What did you do yesterday?

2009-05-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Past Activities

Using Comparatives and Superlatives

2009-05-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

People using Comparatives and Superlatives

Omission of /T/

2009-05-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

Omission of /T/

Sentence Stress

2009-04-29T03:37:00.000-07:00

Sentence Stress

Thought Groups - part 1

2009-04-22T02:51:00.001-07:00

Thought Groups - part 1

Curious Experience with Eye Implants Patient

2009-04-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Advanced Listening Test - Curious Experience … » Free Online Quizzes

Advanced Listening Test - Thrill Seekers

2009-04-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Advanced Listening Test - Thrill Seekers » Quiz Question Maker

Advanced Listening Test 2

2009-04-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Advanced Listening Test - Conversations 1 » Create Quizzes

Can/Can't - Pronunciation Pattern

2009-04-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Advanced Listening Test 1

2009-04-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Advanced Listening Test - Questions 1 » Create Quizzes

The Dailly English Show (Tuesday 24 April)

2009-04-13T05:53:00.001-07:00

Show 356 Tuesday 24 April

The Dailly English Show (Tuesday 3 May)

2009-04-13T05:52:00.001-07:00

Show 365 Thursday 3 May

Questions in The Present Perfect

2009-04-13T04:49:00.000-07:00

Questions in the Present perfect