American University of Beirut

University Preparatory Program

Level 1

Prepared by: Dr. Nadine Boulos

Supervised by: Dr. Samar Harkouss

1
Chapter I
WELCOME

2
 Lesson 1: Welcome!

The aim of this lesson is to allow students to introduce themselves to each other.
Students will share personal information.

Topic: Meeting people; Sharing Personal information.

Speaking & Pronunciation focus: Meeting people; pronouncing linked sounds.
Grammar focus: BE + name in introductions; BE + location ('to be' is a linking verb
used to indicate the identity of a person or thing).

The audio link: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-

one/3111026.html ( available on the teacher’s CD)

Subject:
You will listen to a conversation between two people. Anna moves to Washington, DC.
She meets Pete at her new apartment. As you listen, read the conversation below, and
then practice introducing yourself to the other members of the group.

Conversation
Pete: Hi! Are you Anna?
Anna: Yes! Hi there! Are you Pete?
Pete: I am Pete
Anna: Nice to meet you
Anna: Let's try that again. I'm Anna
Pete: I'm Pete. "Anna" Is that A-N-A?
Anna: No. A-N-N-A
Pete: Well, Anna with two "n's" ... Welcome to ... 1400 Irving Street!
Anna: My new apartment! Yes!

3
Practice:

Introduce yourself to your classmates.

New Words from the conversation

apartment - n. a usually rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is
used as a place to live. She lives in an apartment.
meet - v. to see and speak to someone for the first time. Pete meets Anna on the street.
new - adj. not known before; recently bought or rented. Anna has a new friend.
nice - adj. good and enjoyable . It is nice to see you.
street - n. a road in a city, town, or village. Anna lives on Irving Street.
try - v. to make an effort to do something. Please try to say it again.
welcome - interjection. used as a friendly greeting to someone who has arrived at a
place. Welcome to America!
Task 1: Practice Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner:
• What’s your name?
• Is your name traditional or modern?
• Does your name have a translation in other languages?
• Does anyone in your family share your name?
• Do you know any famous people with the same name as you?
• How do people in your country usually choose a child’s name?
Task 2 : What tense do we use when we meet people for the first time?
My name ……………… Emma. I ……………… a student.
Hello Emma. My name ……………. Pete. I ……………… a student too.
I ……………… the same name as my grandfather.
Notice the use of the simple present tense in the above sentences.

Present simple/ Beginner

4
 Level: beginner
The present tense is the base form of the verb:
I work in London.
But with the third person singular (he / she / it), we add an –s:
She works in London.

Present simple questions

Look at these questions:
Do you play the piano?
Where do you live?
Does Jack play football?
Where does he come from?
Do Rita and Angela live in Manchester?
Where do they work?
We use do and does to make questions with the present simple. We use does for the
third person singular (she / he / it) and do for the others.
We use do and does with question words like where, what and when:
Where do Angela and Rita live?
What does Angela do?
When does Rita usually get up?
But questions with who often don’t use do or does:
Who lives in London?
Who plays football at the weekend?
Who works at Liverpool City Hospital?
Here are some useful questions. Try to remember them:
Where do you come from? What work do you do?
Do you come from …? Do you like …?
Where do you live? Do you know …?
Do you live in ...?

Present simple practice Exercise 1

Complete each question with the correct word, do or does.

 Does

5
 Do
 Do
 Does
 Do
 Do

1. …………….you live in a house or a flat?”

“I live in a flat in London, near my college.
2. …………………….you live alone?”
“No, I don’t. I share the flat with my brother.”
3.................................he go to the same college as you?”
“No, he’s a bit older than me. He’s got a job.”
4. ………………you work at the weekend?”
“Yes, I work in a cafe on Saturday and Sunday mornings.”
5..............................you have a girlfriend at the moment?”
“I do! Her name’s Adele.”
6...…………. she come from London?”
“No. She’s from Scotland but she came here to study.”
Present simple Exercise 2
Complete each question with the correct word, do or does. Add any other
missing words.
1. " ……………… in a house or a flat?”
“I live in a flat in London, near the college.”

2. "……………………..alone?”
“No, I don’t. I share the flat with my brother.”

3. " ………………..to the same college as you?”

“No, he’s a bit older than me. He’s got a job.”

4. " ………………………………at the weekend?”

“Yes, I work in a cafe on Saturday and Sunday mornings.”

6
5. " ………………….a girlfriend at the moment?”
“I do! Her name’s is Adele."

6. ”. …………………………………from London?”
“No. She’s from Scotland but she came here to study"

Present simple negatives 2

Complete each sentence with the missing words.

1. Tony. …………………………………Tennis anymore. He says he's too old.
2. I …………………………meat. Are there any vegetarian restaurants near here?
3. Mark ………………………….with his parents anymore. He has his own flat.
4. My brother lives 500 miles away, so we ………………………….each other very
often.
5. I’m sure my new boss ……………………….. me!
6. I ……………………you should buy those shoes. They're too expensive.
Level: beginner
Yes/No questions
Yes/No questions are questions, which we answer with ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Look at these
statements:
They are working hard.
They will be working hard.
They had worked hard.
They have been working hard.
They might have been working hard.
We make Yes/No questions by putting the first part of the verb in front of the subject:
Are they working hard?
Will they be working hard?
Had they worked hard?
Have they been working hard?
Might they have been working hard?

7
 Present simple negatives
Look at these sentences:
I like tennis but I don’t like football. (don’t = do not)
I don’t live in London now.
I don’t play the piano but I play the guitar.
They don’t work at the weekend.
John doesn’t live in Manchester. (doesn’t = does not)
Angela doesn’t drive to work. She goes by bus.
We use do and does to make negatives with the present simple. We use doesn’t for the
third person singular (she / he / it) and don’t for the others.

Present simple negatives Exercise 1

Complete each sentence with the correct word, DON'T or DOESN'T.
1. Tony ……………………play tennis any more. He says he’s too old.
2. I ………………..eat meat. Are there any vegetarian restaurants near here?
3. Mark ………………….. live with his parents any more. He has his own flat.
4. My brother lives 500 miles away, so we ……………… see each other very often.
5. I’m sure my new boss ……………………..like me!
6. I …………………think you should buy those shoes. They’re too expensive.

Present simple negatives Exercise 2

Can you remember the sentences from the last activity? Write the correct words.
1. Tony …………………… tennis anymore. He says he's too old.
2. I …………………………meat. Are there any vegetarian restaurants near here?
3. Mark …………………………with his parents anymore. He has his own flat.
4. My brother lives 500 miles away, so we ……………………. each other very often.
5. I’m sure my new boss ……………………….me!
6. I ……………………… you should buy those shoes. They're too expensive.

Present simple and present time

We use the present simple to talk about:
 something that is true in the present:

8
 I’m nineteen years old.
I’m a student.
He lives in London.
 something that happens regularly in the present:
I play football every weekend.
 something that is always true:
The human body contains 206 bones.
Light travels at almost 300,000 kilometres per second.
We often use adverbs of frequency like sometimes, always and never with the present
simple:
I sometimes go to the cinema.
She never plays football.
Here are some useful sentences. Complete them so they are true for you and try to
remember them:
My name is. … I’m a (n). …
I’m … years old. I … at the weekend.
I come from. … I often. …
I live in. … I never. …
Complete these sentences so they are true for a friend and try to remember them:
His/Her name is. … She’s/He’s a(n) … .
She’s/He’s … years old. She/He … at the weekend.
She/He comes from. … She/He often. …
She/He lives in. … She/He never. …

Present simple Exercise 1

Read Jack’s introduction. How many verbs in the present simple can you find? Circle
the correct number. Don’t forget about the present simple of the verb 'be': I’m, you’re,
it’s, etc.

9
 My name is Jack. I’m nineteen years old. I come from Manchester but I live in London.
I’m a student and I go to London University. I have two brothers and a sister. I love
football! I play every weekend.

Present simple 2
Use Jack’s introduction from the last activity? Write the correct words.

……………….. name ……………….Jack. I ……………… nineteen years old.

…………… ……………….. from Manchester but ………….. …………….. in
London. …………. …………. a student and ………….. ………………. to London
University. …………. ……………two brothers and a sister. ……………. …………
football ! …………… ……………….. every weekend.

Present simple Exercise 3

Complete the answers to the questions about Jack. Write the correct words.
Remember to use the third person singular ('is', 'comes', etc.).

1. How old ……… he?

2. He ……………. nineteen years old.
3. What does he do? …………… ………….. a student.
4. Which university does he go to?............... …………….to London University.
5. Where does he come from?.............. …………… from Manchester.
6. Where does he live?.............. ……………….in London.
7. What does he think about football?.................. …………………it!
8. How often does he play? ……………….. ……………… every weekend.
9. Does he have any brothers or sisters? Yes. …………… ………….. two
brothers and a sister.

Present simple exercise 4

Use the correct verbs to complete the paragraph about Angela.

 likes
 reads

10
 stays
 works
 is
 works
 gets
 goes
 goes
 watches

Angela …………. a nurse. She ……………….. at Liverpool City Hospital. Every

morning
she ……………….. to work on the bus. She ………………….from nine in the
morning until five in the evening. She usually ……………….. home at about six
o’clock. Most evenings she ……………………… at home and …………………
television or …………
a book, but sometimes she …………………out with her friends to the cinema or to a
cafe. At the weekend she ……………… to go for a walk in the country or to go
swimming in the pool near her home.

Exercises from: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-grammar/present-

simple

Writing Section
1. Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a
verb, and a completed thought.
Examples of simple sentences include the following:

11
1. Joe waited for the train.
"Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb

2. The train was late.

"The train" = subject, "was" = verb

3. Mary and Samantha took the bus.

"Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "took" = verb

4. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station.

"I" = subject, "looked" = verb

5. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the
bus.
"Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "arrived" and "waited" = compound
verb
Practice writing:
Write five simple sentences about yourself. Try to answer the following questions:
What’s your name? What nationality are you? What city/village do you come from?
How many brothers and sisters do you have? What is your birth order in the family?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

12
_____________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary with Pictures

House Vocabulary In The Bedroom
Match the words with the correct number from the picture. Just write the correct
number in each box.

1. lamp 8. window

2. picture 9. chest

3. drawer 10. wardrobe

4. rug 11. wallpaper

13
 5. duvet 12. pot plant

6. headboard 13. fishbowl

7. bedside cabinet 14. pillow

Listening section:
The New Class
A girl talks about her new Spanish class.
Listen to the mp3 file and put 1-3 words into each space. Then listen again to check.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. Susan's teacher is a 35-year old from the city of

2. There are about students in the class.

3. The lessons are in the local .

4. The best student in the class is a girl called Miko.

5. The student James wants to go to next year.

6. Most of the students come from .

7. One of Susan's classmates is a friend of .

8. In today's lesson, they learned how to ask someone's name and

some .
The New Class – Transcript
Now Read the script of the conversation. Underline words that you do not
understand. Underline the verbs in the text.
A girl talks about her new Spanish class.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

14
Steve: Hi Susan, did your new Spanish class start today?
Susan: Hi Steve. Yeah, it was great fun. Hola!
Steve: Hey, you learned something already! So, tell me about the other students.
Susan: Well, first I want to tell you about the teacher. She's crazy! Her name in Maria
and she's from Malaga in the south of Spain. She's about 35 years old and is a really
friendly person. She's very funny. It's difficult to understand her accent sometimes but
I'm sure it will get easier.
Steve: How many students are there in the class?
Susan: Oh, about 12 I think. Everyone is about the same age, so that's great.
Steve: Where are you going, where are you doing the lessons? Are you at the college
near the tennis club?
Susan: No. We're at the town library. We are using a small room at the library so it's
really quiet and all the books are right there!
Steve: Are the other students all American?
Susan: Most of them are, yes. There is a Japanese girl called Miko. She is probably
the best in the class. Her accent is wonderful. I think she studied Spanish at school.
Steve: Ah ha...
Susan: And then there's an English boy called James. He lives here and works at the
university. He wants to learn Spanish because he hopes to go to Argentina next year.
He is very young, about 22 years old.
Steve: And the rest of you are American?
Susan: Yes, apart from James and Miko, the rest of us are American. I met your
mother's friend Rosemary.
Steve: Rosemary? Who's she?
Susan: That friend your mother plays tennis with sometimes.
Steve: Oh, Rose Marie! Why is she learning Spanish? She speaks Italian and French
already!
Susan: Well, maybe she wants to be multi-lingual. She speaks really well. I feel so
stupid in that class and that's after just one lesson! Oh dear....
Steve: Don't worry Susan, maybe I'll come by next lesson and then I will be the worst
for sure. What did you do in today's class?
Susan: Because it was the first lesson only, we did some basic things like the
numbers to ten and how to ask a person's name.
Steve: OK, ask me my name in Spanish!

15
Susan: Oh! Erm, I can't remember. Como ti, come te yama, como ti yamo, oooh! I
can't remember anything!
Steve: (laughs) I will come to the next lesson and help you!

16
 Chapter II
Months of the Year

17
Lesson 2: The Months of the Year

In this lesson students play a quiz-based card game in groups. They have to discuss
three facts about each month of the year and guess which fact is false. Students play in
groups of odd numbers so that they are forced to reach agreement. The information is
meant to be informative and fun. Students put months into the correct order.

Topic: months of the year.

Speaking & Pronunciation focus: pronouncing correct sounds.
Grammar focus: preposition in, on
There is, there are
There are, they are

Subject:
Anna and her producer, Amelia, are planning the new children's show. Anna has lots
of ideas for the show. Will Amelia like them and work well with Anna?
Listen to the following conversation. You can read along the script below.
Audio link: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3434270.html
Available on teacher’s CD
Conversation:
Anna: Washington, D.C. has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn or
fall. My favorite season is summer because of summer vacation!Hey, that will be a
great subject for my new work assignment -- the children’s show. I can teach what
families in the U.S. do during summer vacation.Today, I’m planning the show with
Amelia. This is the first time we are working together. I hope we can work well
together. Hi, Amelia!
Amelia: Hi, Anna! So, what are we going to talk about on the first show?
Anna: I want to talk about summer vacation.
Amelia: That will be fun! Are you going on vacation this summer?
Anna: No. This summer I am too busy.
Amelia: That’s too bad.

18
Anna: It’s okay. I can go on vacation next summer. This show will be a lot of fun too!
Amelia: So, Anna, what’s the plan for the show?
Anna: First, we’re going to introduce the subject. Then we can show pictures and
video.
Amelia: We can show tons of video!
Anna: Right! We can interview children and have guests, too.
Amelia: Kids can ask us questions.
Anna: Great idea! Finally, we can read the questions and tell them where to learn
more.
Amelia: Okay, let’s try it!
Anna: Let’s do it!
Anna: Hi there! And welcome to … Amelia, we don’t have a name for the show.
Amelia: We’ll think of a name later. For now, we'll call it “The Show.”
Anna: Great. Hi there! And welcome to “The Show.”
Anna: Today we are going to take you on a summer vacation! You will see popular
things to do on vacation!
Anna: One is camping. When you go camping, you cook, sleep and play outdoors!
Amelia: When I go camping, Anna, I like to go hiking and fishing.
Anna: Me, too. Those are fun things to do when you go camping!
Anna: These people are hiking.
Amelia: Okay, let’s talk about the next vacation.
Anna: Another popular summer vacation is going to an amusement park. At an
amusement park, you go on rides and eat lots of fun food!
Amelia: I love cotton candy … !
Anna & Amelia: and rollercoasters!
Amelia: This show is going to be a lot of fun.
Anna: I know!
Anna: This is riding a rollercoaster!
Amelia: Whoooo! What is the last vacation?
Anna: One of the most popular vacations is … going to the beach!
Anna & Amelia: I love the beach!
Anna: When I see that blue ocean, I want to leave Washington,
D.C. immediately and go to the beach!
Anna: Maybe next summer.

19
Amelia: But right now, it’s time to work!
Anna: Right. Until next time ...
Discussion:
1. What is the weather like in your town/country in (August)?
2. What do people do in your town/country in (August)?
3. What events take place in your town/country in (August)?
4. How do you say (August) in your language?
5. Where do you think the name (August) comes from?
THE MONTHS OF THE YEAR:-
Januar Marc Apr Ma Jun Jul Augu Septemb Octob Novemb Decemb
February
y h il y e y st er er er er
Ma
Jan Feb Mar Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
y

READ WITH YOUR FRIENDS

HOW MANY DAYS ARE THERE IN A MONTH?
30 days has September,
April, June and November,
All the rest have 31
Except for February alone
Which has 28 each year
And 29 in each leap year.

20
The months of the year:-
January brings the snow,
Makes your nose and fingers glow.

February brings the rain,

Thaws the frozen lake again.

March brings the wind so cold and chill,

Drives the cattle from the hill.

April brings us sun and showers,

And the pretty wildwood flowers.

May brings grass and leafy trees,

Waving in each gentle breeze.

June brings tulips, lilies, roses,

Fills the children's hands with posies.

July brings the greatest heat,

Cloudless skies and dusty street.

August brings the golden grain,

Harvest time is here again.

Warm September brings the fruit,

Sportsmen then begin the shoot.

Brown October brings the last;

Of ripening gifts from summer past.

Dull November brings the blast,

Then the leaves are falling fast.

21
 Cold December brings the sleet,
Blazing fire, and Christmas treat"

PREPOSITIONS
For months we use the preposition "in".
For example:
Christmas is in December.
In England it rains a lot in April.
My birthday is in September.
! The names of months always begin with a CAPITAL letter. !
Conversation Questions
Months of the year
 What month is it now?
 What month is it next month?
 What month is last month?
 Which month is your birthday?
 What month is Christmas?
 What month is Easter?
 What month do you go on a holiday?
 Which month is the hardest for you to spell?
 Which month is the hottest?
 Which month is the coldest?
 Which month do you like best?
 Which month does summer begin?
 Which month does winter begin?
 Which month does your school begin?
 Which month does your school end?
 What month do you like the least?
 What month do you like the best?
 What months are cold in your country?
 Which months are hot in your country?
 What month is winter.

22
  How do you say the months of the year in your native language?
 Which months are the hardest to spell for you?
 What month is your birthday?
 What month does school start in your country?
 What month does school finish in your country?
 What time of year are you the busiest?
From: http://iteslj.org/questions/months.html

Vocabulary
The Seasons (1)
For each word, choose either "SUMMER" or "WINTER".

1. skating

2. heat wave

3. sun cream

4. gales

5. skiing

6. ice cream

7. windsurfing

8. blizzard

9. sledging

23
10. flowers

11. drought

12. frost

13. sunbathe

14. black ice

15. beach

Writing
What is your favorite season? What do you like to do during this season? Do you stay
indoor or outdoor?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Vocabulary with pictures

House
Match the words with the correct number from the picture. Just write the correct
number in each box.

24
 1. doorstep 10. laundry

2. sky 11. front door

3. living room 12. tree

4. security light 13. bathroom

5. fence 14. lawn

6. wall 15. bedroom

7. car 16. garage

25
 8. kitchen 17. drive

9. roof 18. path

Listening Practice for lesson 2

Coming To Town

Heather is talking to her friend Clive. Heather's brother, Terry, is coming to visit this
weekend and she is talking to Clive about what Terry is going to do during this visit.
Answer the following questions:

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. What time does Heather's brother arrive in town?

7pm Thursday

9pm Tuesday

8pm Tuesday

8pm Thursday
2. Where is he flying from?

London

Paris

Mexico

Melbourne
3. What are they going to do on Thursday evening?

Go to restaurant

Stay at home

26
 Go to visit friends

Go to Melbourne
4. How long is Terry going to stay with her?

Two weeks

Until Friday

Until Monday

A week
5. What are the plans for Friday afternoon?

Lunch at restaurant

Picnic at beach

Picnic in countryside

Swimming at beach
6. Where is the Mexican restaurant?

17th Avenue

27th Avenue

7th Avenue

57th Avenue
7. Where are they going to have lunch on Saturday?

In 7th Avenue

In Central Park

In the museum

In a Japanese restaurant
8. What surprise does Heather have for her brother?

A basketball match

A party

A fishing trip

Meeting a famous person

27
Chapter III
All About Me

28
Lesson 3: All about me
Aim of this lesson:

This lesson explores the theme of personal interests, likes and dislikes. Learners will
develop their speaking and listening skills. Students will learn linked sounds, or how
speakers say "you're" for "you are."

Topic: Sharing Personal interests

Speaking & Pronunciation focus: types of activities; pronouncing linked sounds.
Grammar focus: you are, you’re
There is, there are
They are

Audio from https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3185254.html

Listen to the conversation between two people. Read along as you listen. Then
practice a similar conversation with your friends.

Conversation
Jonathan: Hey, Pete! Who’s your friend?
Pete: She is Anna. She is new to D.C.
Jonathan: Where are you from?
Anna: I am from a small town.
Jonathan: Well, welcome to D.C.
Anna: Thank you.
Jonathan: I am Jonathan. I am in apartment B4.
Anna: I am in apartment C2. Marsha is my roommate.
Jonathan: I know Marsha. She is nice.
Pete: And I am in Apartment D7. I have to go now.
Anna: Oh!
Pete: Remember to call Marsha at work. Tell her you’re here.
Anna: Right, thanks, Pete. Nice to meet you!
Jonathan: You too, Bye.
Anna: Apartment C2, here I come!

29
New Words from the conversation:
know - v. to have met and talked to (someone)
meet - v. to see and speak to (someone) for the first time. Anna meets Pete near her
apartment.
call - v. to make a telephone call. I call once a week to talk to my parents.
friend - n. a person who you like and enjoy being with. Meet my friend, Anna.
number - n. a number or a set of numbers and other symbols that is used to identify a
person or thing or a telephone number. I am in apartment number D7.
remember - v. to have or keep an image or idea in your mind of (something or
someone from the past) or to think of (something or someone from the past) again. Do
you remember me?
roommate - n. a person who shares a room, apartment, or house with someone
else.Anna and Marsha both live in apartment C2 because they are roommates.
work - n. the place where you do your job. She is not at work today.
Write about yourself by filling in the missing spaces
At the
weekends ………………………………………………………………………
For breakfast I usually …………………………………………………………………
I like to ……………………………………………………………………………
When I’m older , I think I’ll ……………………………………………………………
I listen to music
when …………………………………………………………………
I never ……………………………………………………………………………
Learning English
is ……………………………………………………………………
The best day of the week is ……………………………………………………………
At home I like to ………………………………………………………………………
I don’t really
like ………………………………………………………………………
People my
age …………………………………………………………………………
The best sport is ………………………………………………………………………

30
Worksheet
Now read what you have written and find out who in your class shares the same
ideas.

Useful language for speaking

Where do you ...? When do you ...? Why ...?
Who ...? What ...? How ...?
Really? Me too! Me neither.
All about me
Can you remember what your classmates said? Make notes with a partner.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Grammar

Pronouns
Pronouns are words we use in the place of a full noun.
There are many different kinds of pronouns.
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-grammar/pronouns

31
 We have both subject and object pronouns:
Subject Object

I me

you you

he him

she her

it it

we us We use he/him to refer to men, and she/her to refer to women.

you you When we are not sure if we are talking about a man or a woman
we use they/them.
they them
This is Jack. He’s my brother. I don’t think you have met him.
This is Angela. She’s my sister. Have you met her before?
Talk to a friend. Ask them to help you.
You could go to a doctor. They might help you.
Subject pronouns
We use subject pronouns as subject of the verb:
I like your dress.
You are late.
He is my friend
It is raining
She is on holiday
We live in England.
They come from London.
Personal pronouns
Complete the text with the correct pronoun: he | her | him | I | it | me | she | them | they | us | we |
you. Be sure to use correct punctuation, e.g. CAPITAL letters where necessary.
1. I'm Sally and this is Ron, my husband. ………………….. live near Newcastle.
2. My aunt's coming to stay next week. I hope …………….brings me a present.
3. Would ………………. like anything for dessert, Madam?
4. I bought this laptop last week and now …………………………..doesn't work.
5. John's quit his job. …………………….is thinking of starting a business.

32
 6. My name's Matthew and …………………am going to be your guide for
today.
7. I don't know why I invited the Johnsons. ……………….don't really like
parties.
8. Ladies and gentlemen, could ………………….all listen for a minute?
9. Listen, here's my number. Call …………………if you need any help.
10. Where do you want these bags? Shall I put …………………over here?
it and there
English clauses always have a subject:
His father has just retired. Was a teacher. > He was a teacher.
I’m waiting for my wife. Is late. > She is late.
Look at the time! Is half past two.> It’s half past two.
except for the imperative (see more)
Go away.
Play it again please.
If we have no other subject we use there or it.
there
We use there as a dummy subject with part of the verb be followed by a noun
phrase. (see Clauses, sentences and phrases):
• to introduce a new topic:
There is a meeting this evening. It will start at seven.
There has been an accident. I hope no one is hurt.
• with numbers or quantities:
There was a lot of rain last night.
There must have been more than five hundred in the audience.
• to say where something is:
There used to be a playground at the end of the street.
There are fairies at the bottom of the garden.
I wonder if there will be anyone at home.
• with an indefinite pronoun or expressions of quantity and the to-infinitive:
There is nothing to do in the village.
There was plenty to read in the apartment
There was nothing to watch on television.
There is a lot of work to do

33
 If we want to show the subject of the to-infinitive we use for:
There is nothing for the children to do in the village.
There was plenty for us to read in the apartment
There was nothing for them to watch on television.
There is a lot of work for you to do.
• with an indefinite pronoun or expressions of quantity and an -ing verb:
There is someone waiting to see you.
There were a lot of people shouting and waving.
We use a singular verb if the noun phrase is singular:
There is a meeting this evening. It will start at seven.
There was a lot of rain last night.
There is someone waiting to see you.
We use a plural verb if the noun phrase is plural:
There are more than twenty people waiting to see you.
There were some biscuits in the cupboard.
There were a lot of people shouting and waving.

It
We use it to talk about:
• times and dates:
It’s nearly one o’clock.
It’s my birthday.
• weather:
It’s raining.
It’s a lovely day.
It was getting cold.
• to give an opinion about a place:
It’s very cold in here.
It will be nice when we get home.
It’s very comfortable in my new apartment.
• to give an opinion followed by to-infinitive:

34
 It’s nice to meet you.
It will be great to go on holiday.
It was interesting to meet your brother at last.
• to give an opinion followed by an -ing verb:
It’s great living in Spain.
It’s awful driving in this heavy traffic.
It can be hard work looking after young children.
Using "it" to talk about people
We use it to talk about ourselves:
• on the telephone:
Hello. It’s George.
• when people cannot see us:
[Mary knocks on door] It’s me. It’s Mary.
We use it to talk about other people:
• when we point them out for the first time:
Look. It’s Sir Paul McCartney.
Who’s that? I think it’s John’s brother.
• when we cannot see them and we ask them for their name:
[telephone rings, we pick it up] Hello. Who is it?
[someone knocks on door. We say:] Who is it?
'It’ and 'there' as dummy subjects 1
Choose the correct subject, 'it' or 'there', to complete each sentence.
1. ___'s a party at Nick’s tonight. Do you want to go?
 It
 There
2. If you're hungry, ___'s some lasagna in the fridge.
 It
 There
3. Don’t forget, ___'s your mum's birthday tomorrow.
 It
 there
4. ___'s very warm in here. Can we open a window?
 It

35
  There
5. OK, let's start the meeting. ___'s a lot to talk about!
 It
 There
6. The last time we had a holiday, ___ rained all the time.
 It
 There
7. ___ isn't easy being a nurse.
 It
 There
8. ___'s red wine or white. Which would you prefer?
 It
 There
9. ___'s stupid to drink and drive.
 It
 There
10. ___'s half past ten. We should go home soon.
 It
 There

Vocabulary with pictures

In The Living Room

Match the words with the correct number from the picture. Just write the correct
number in each box.

36
 1. frame 7. painting

2. table 8. photo frame

3. lamp 9. rug

4. light switch 10. wardrobe

5. carpet 11. toys

6. dog 12. sofa/couch

37
Listening Practice for Lesson 3
Better Learning
You will listen to four people talking about what they do to help learn English in a
better way. Are the following statements about the English student True or False?

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. Speaker one finds the movies boring.

True
False
2. Speaker one likes adverts because they're short.
True
False
3. Speaker two bought the books in her language and translated them into English.
True
False
4. Speaker two tries to write letters using her new words from the books.
True
False
5. Speaker three gets a new letter about once every month.
True
False
6. Speaker three doesn't use e-mail because it's too easy.
True
False
7. Speaker four finds the South Korean girls friendly, but hard to understand.
True
False
8. Speaker four learns about other people's countries using Skype.
True
False

38
Chapter Four
What time is it?

39
Lesson 4: What time is it?

Learning Strategy
Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning
easier or more effective.

The learning strategy for this lesson is Evaluate. When we evaluate our time and our
own language learning, we think of how well we are managing our time learning,
remembering and practicing the language.

We evaluate after doing many things. For example, in this lesson, Anna and Marsha
talk about jogging. Anna evaluates her plan to jog: "I will try because it is good for
you." Then, Marsha evaluates her feelings after jogging. "I always feel great after I
jog." You can evaluate any time you stop to think about your learning (that is, monitor,
the strategy in Lesson 16). Ask yourself: "Am I listening often to English? Am I
practicing English every day? How can I learn more?" Evaluating helps learners to
understand what is working well and make new plans for learning well.

Topic: Practice the time

Speaking & Pronunciation focus:

There are also two shortened forms of future verbs. In casual conversation, most
Americans will change going to to gonna. English speakers often change we
will to we’ll. Another shortened form in this lesson is want to shortened to wanna. In
academic language, you are not allowed to use the casual words.

Grammar focus: simple present VS. the future

English has two ways to show something is happening at a future time. To form the
simple future, use will and then the simple form of the verb. You can use will to express
a desire to do something. The second form of the simple future is be going to. Use "be
+ going to" when you already have a plan to do something.

Topic Summary
Anna tries to plan to see a movie with a friend. But they are both very busy. Will they
find a time to get together? What will they do?

Audio from : https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3365253.html

40
Conversation

Anna: This city is very interesting, I really like my job, and I have some good friends!
Speaking of friends … I see one now! Marsha! Hi!

Marsha: Hi, Anna. What’s going on?

Anna: Not much. How about you?
Marsha: Busy as usual. Hey, do you wanna see a movie with me?
Anna: Sure! I never have time to see a movie. When?
Marsha: Are you busy this Thursday at 6pm?
Anna: Let’s see …. I’m busy. I am going to tap dance with my friends Thursday night.
Marsha: Tap dancing? That sounds fun!
Anna: I’m still learning. But it is fun!
Anna: Are you busy on Friday night?
Marsha: Yes. Friday nights are when I visit my parents.
Anna: What do you and your family do together?
Marsha: We always eat dinner together and sometimes we play board games.
Anna: Playing board games is fun, too! The word game Scrabble is my favorite.
Marsha: I like Connect Four!
Anna: I’m not busy Monday night. Are you?
Marsha: I am busy on Monday night. I’m going to jog in the park with my friend. Do
you jog?
Anna: Oh! I always jog. Well, sometimes I jog. Okay, I never jog. But I will try
because it is good for you.
Marsha: I always feel great after I jog.
Marsha: How about on Wednesday night?
Anna: Wednesday night I am not busy. Oh, no, wait. This Wednesday night I will be
busy.
Marsha: What are you doing?
Anna: I’m going to teach children how to play the ukulele.
Anna: Now, children, play “C.” Good. I like your “C.”
Marsha: The world does need more ukulele players.
Anna: Marsha, it looks like we’ll never have time to see a movie.
Anna: Wait a minute. Are you busy now?
Marsha: It’s Saturday afternoon. This is always when I do my errands.
Anna: Okay, but the new Star Wars movie is gonna start in 30 minutes.
Marsha: I’ll do my errands on Sunday. Let’s go!
Anna: Most days of the week, people are really busy. But it’s important to find time
to be with your friends!
Anna: Until next time!

New Words
always - adv. at all times; on every occasion; in a way that does not change
board games - a game (such as chess) that is played by moving pieces on a special
board
important - adj. having serious meaning or worth
jog - v. to run slowly especially for exercise

41
movie - n. a recording of moving images that tells a story and that people watch on a
screen or television
night - n. the time of darkness between one day and the next
play - v. to do activities for fun or enjoyment
Scrabble - trademark. a board game in which players use lettered tiles to create
words in a crossword fashion.
sing - v. to use your voice to make musical sounds in the form of a song or tune
sometimes - adv. at certain times; occasionally
Star Wars - n. an epic film series chronicling the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin
Skywalker
start - v. to do the first part of something : to begin doing something
tap dance - n. a kind of dance in which you wear special shoes with metal plates on
the heels and toes and make tapping sounds with your feet
teaching - v. to cause or help (someone) to learn about a subject by giving lessons
ukulele - n. a musical instrument that is like a small guitar with four strings
week - n. a period of seven days - in the U.S., a week is usually considered to start on
Sunday and end on Saturday, while in the U.K. a week is usually considered to start
on Monday and end on Sunday.
will - modal verb. used to say that something is expected to happen in the future
Days of the Week:
In the U.S., the week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday

Speaking

What do you like to do with your friends? Is it easy or difficult to find time to be with
your friends?

What time is it?

In this lesson, learners will be introduced to telling the time in English. They will
practice telling the time with a variety of activities, and will make their own clock.

From: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/time

Aim: To develop and practice:  vocabulary: time words, various actions  structure: present
continuous  curricular work: telling the time  integrated skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing

Time
Model dialogue:
- A: Excuse me. What time is it?
- B: It’s 9:30.
- A: Thank you.
- B. You're welcome.

– Time: Vocabulary

- a quarter past
- It’s a quarter past 4.

42
- half past
- It’s half past 9.
- a quarter to
- It’s a quarter to 12.
- AM
- It’s 7:50 AM.
- PM
- It’s 11:20 PM.
- noon
- midnight

Writing:
Make a timetable of the days and time for a full week. Say: It is 8 o’clock. I am going
to my English class. At 10, I have 30 mints break. Now continue your schedule for the
week by saying: On Monday, I have class at 8.

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

43
Listening Section
World Of Movies

A cinema's recorded message giving information about movies and times of screening

Listen to the mp3 file and choose the best answer for each question. Then, listen again
to check.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. What type of film is on Screen 1

horror/thriller
romance
sci-fi

2. Which screen has an animated film

1
2
3
4

3. What time does the first film start

2.00
3.00
4.00

4. If you arrive at the cinema at 7.10, when is the next film

7.25
7.45
7.55

5. Which screen is showing a love story

2

44
 3
4

6. Where is the director of 'Streetmatch' from

England
France
Spain
USA

7. What time does the last film start

11.45
11.55
12.45

8. How much does it cost for a mother and father with 3 children (aged 16, 14 and 9)
to see a film
21.50
22.50
23.50
24.50

World Of Movies - Transcript

A cinema's recorded message giving information about movies and times of

screening.Welcome to Filmworld Cinemas. For film information and times press 1. To
make a booking press 2. To speak to an operator press 3.

These are the films for today, Tuesday 7th. Please note that ticket prices are €5.00 for
adults and €3.50 for children under 14.

On Screen 1, Don't Open The Door! A group of college students decide to rent a house
in the mountains for a relaxing weekend break, but they aren't the only guests on the
mountain . . . one by one they start to disappear. Who or what is outside the house?
Showing at 4.30, 7.00 and 9.00.

45
Screen 2. Ships In The Night. Maggie splits up with her boyfriend and decides to take
a holiday on a cruise ship to help her forget him. Tony is a waiter on the ship and he is
very unhappy when his girlfriend leaves him to marry the captain! Together they find
a way to forget their problems. Showing at 5.00, 7.45 and 10.15.

Screen 3 Streetmatch - The Return. The second film of French director Jean-Luc
Ducroix. Two American teenagers buy an old car and with a lot of hard work and after
a lot of problems they enter their car into the Streetmatch competition. But is their car
good enough to win? Showing at 5.50, 8.30 and 11.45.

Screen 4 - Lulu - It's A Dog's Life. This loveable little dog decides to leave home to
look for fame and fortune in the big city, but after a series of hilarious events he realises
that life in the country isn't so bad after all! From the makers of Shrek and Shark Tale,
this is fun for all the family! showing at 3.00, 6.00, and 8.45.

46
 Chapter V
She Always Does That

47
Lesson 5: She always does that
Learning Strategy
Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more
effective.

The learning strategy for this lesson is Classify. We can classify kinds of words we
learn, or groups of things we need to remember.

Learn the new words for this lesson. Also, learn the phrasal verb "got it" to show
understanding.
In this lesson, you hear Caty classifying the way she wants Anna to read the news. Caty
says, "When we read the news we are always reading facts. We never show
our feelings." She is classifying two different things: facts and feelings. Anna needs to
learn the difference to read the news the way her boss wants her to do it.

Grammar focus: adverbs of frequency, prepositions

Pronunciation: shortened forms of object pronouns that begin with a /th/ or /h/ sound.
You also learn about two different ways to pronounce the "s" ending on verbs like
"talks" and "says."
Topic Summary
Anna reads the news for the first time. She learns that there is a right way and a wrong
way to read the news.

Conversation
Audio from : https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3378115.html

You will hear a conversation between two people. Read along as you listen. Circle
all the words you don’t understand. Underline all the verbs. Draw two lines under
the adverbs of frequency.

Anna: Hello, from Washington, D.C.! Today at work I am reading the news for the
first time. I am really nervous. But my boss, Ms. Weaver, is here to help me.

Caty: Now, Anna, remember. When we read the news we are always reading facts.
We never show our feelings.
Anna: Sure thing, Ms. Weaver.
Caty: Great. Are you ready?
Anna: Yes.
Caty: Okay, let’s try the first story!
Anna: Hello, and welcome to The News.
Anna: A new book is very popular with children and families. This is it.
Anna: It is about a lost duckling. The duck's mother cannot find him.

48
Caty: Stop! Anna, when you say the words “duck” and “duckling” you look
really sad.
Anna: I do?
Caty: Yes. Sad is a feeling.
Anna: Sad is not a fact. Sorry. Let me try again.
Caty: Okay, she’s trying again! And go.
Anna: Hello, and welcome to The News. A new book is
very popular with childrenand families. This is it.
Anna: It is about a lost duckling. The duck’s mother can not find ‘im. But a family
gives him a home.
Caty: Stop! Anna, you are doing it again.
Anna: This story is very sad.
Caty: I have an idea. Let’s read the second story. She’s reading the second story. And
… go!
Anna: Hello , and welcome to The News. In Indiana, a grandmother is the first 80-
year-old woman to win The Race Car 500.
Anna: That is awesome!
Caty: Stop! Stop! Anna, please -- no feelings.
Anna: Right. But it is awesome that an 80-year-old grandmother wins a car race.
Caty: Just the facts, Anna.
Anna: Right.
Anna: Hello, and welcome to The News. In Indiana, a grandmother is the first 80-
year-old woman to win The Race Car 500.
Anna: She rarely talks to reporters. But when she does, she often says, “Nothing can
stop me now!”
Anna: I am very happy for her!
Caty: Stop, stop, stop!! Anna, you cannot say you are happy.
Anna: But I am happy.
Caty: But you can’t say it.
Anna: Why?
Caty: This is the News. Happy and sad are feelings. You can’t have them in The
News.
Anna: Okay. I got it.
Caty: Okay. Let’s try the third story. She’s reading the third story!
Anna: Hello and welcome to The News.
City politicians in Big Town are using city money to have a big party on a cruise
ship. They are taking the money for the party from the children’s library.
Anna: What?! That makes me very angry.
Caty: No, no, no! Anna, you cannot say you are angry! This is The News!!!
Anna: What can I do, Ms. Weaver? Take out my feelings and put them here … on the
news desk?
Caty: Yes. Yes. That’s right! Now you’ve got it!
Caty: Let’s repeat the first story.
Anna: This is going to be a very long day.
Anna: Until next time!

49
Writing
In this lesson, Anna is nervous because she is reading the news for the first time. How
do you feel when you do something for the first time? Write to us to tell us about
yourself or a friend doing something at work or school for the first time.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Grammar

Adverbs of frequency

We use adverbs of frequency – like sometimes or usually – to say how often we do

things, orhow often things happen.

I never have any problems with adverbs of frequency.

OK, let's see what you know. We use adverbs of frequency in this order, according to
their meaning.

100% 0%

always usually/normally often sometimes occasionally hardly ever never

50
Are there any missing?

I think that’s most of them. You could include frequently, with usually. We use not
very often too.

Very good, you’re right. These are the most common adverbs, although there are
more.

They always hang out together.

The Northern Lights are usually green.
You normally see them best in September or March.
It’s often cloudy.

What do you notice about the position of the adverbs?

They are usually before the main verb, or between the auxiliary and the main verb.
But they come after the verb to be.

Excellent! Can they also be at the beginning or the end of the sentence?

Yes, I think so. 'Sometimes I'm alone.' That sounds OK.

Yes, we can use some adverbs of frequency at the beginning or end of a sentence for
emphasis.

Occasionally I meet her for a coffee.

We can use usually, often, sometimes and occasionally at the beginning of a sentence,
and sometimes and often at the end. We use adverb expressions like a lot or not +
(very) much after the main verb too.

She travels a lot.

He doesn’t study very much.

Be careful with never. It is already negative, so we can’t use it with not.

I never go to the supermarket with my mother.

I’ve just remembered some more expressions! What about once a week, twice a year,
etc.?

Oh yes, I’d forgotten about those.

Take the medicine three times a day.

We usually go swimming twice a month.
You see them once in a lifetime, if you travel.

You see, I’m not always annoying.

OK, sorry. I’m not always right either. Usually, but not always!

From:

51
http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/grammar/beginner-grammar/adverbs-
frequency

Practice Adverbs of frequency

Write the word or phrase in the correct space. Leave the other spaces blank.

1. I think about becoming a pilot. (sometimes)

2. The Queen celebrates her birthday . (twice a year)
3. We play computer games . (in the evening)
4. You think about your future. (hardly ever)
5. I have seen her before. (never)
6. I use the school library . (most afternoons)
7. My parents go to the cinema . (about once a year)
8. I don't wear black in summer. (normally)

Prepositions

Prepositions are used to link nouns and pronouns to other words within a sentence.
The words linked to are called objects.
Usually prepositions show a spatial or temporal relationship between the noun and the
object, like in the example below:

The cat is under the table.

Cat is the noun. Under is the preposition. Table is the object.
Here is a list with the most common prepositions: about, above, after, among, around,
along, at, before, behind, beneath, beside, between, by, down, from, in, into, like,
near, of, off, on, out, over, through, to, up, upon, under, and with.
Notice that you can also have a prepositional phrase, which is formed by the
preposition and its object. A preposition phrase can function as adverb, adjective or
noun. For example:

The dog was running under the rain.

The prepositional phrase “under the rain” acts as an adverb, specifying where the dog
was running.

Now Practice Prepositions in Pictures

Name the items in the pictures, and then use prepositions to say where each item is
compared to the other items.

52
In The Garden

Match the words with the correct number from the picture. Just write the correct
number in each box.

1. shed 8. lawnmower
2. shed door 9. bush
3. lawn 10. fence
4. swimming pool 11. shed window
5. garden light 12. shelves
6. trash can/dustbin 13. watering can
7. vegetable garden/patch 14. pool ladder

53
Listening Section

At The Department Store

A store assistant helping a customer

Answer the multiple-choice questions below.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. How many times has the customer visited Everest Stores before?
Once.
Never.
A few times.

2. Why is the customer buying a hat?

Because she's going to her sister's wedding.
Because she's going on vacation in New Orleans.
It's not for her, but for her sister.

3. Why does she need a new toaster?

Her old one doesn't work anymore.
She needs a bigger one.
Her children asked her to get one.

4. What will the customer get on the 4th floor?

A small kitchen appliance and some information.
A small kitchen appliance and a large one.
A small kitchen appliance and a picture frame.

5. Why is she buying a DVD?

For her sister's birthday present.

54
 Her daughter asked her to buy a DVD.
As a present for her daughter's birthday.

6. Why does she decide to go to the 6th floor first?

Because there's an escalator straight to the 6th floor.
Because she has to buy something that is large and heavy.
To get some more information.

At The Department Store - Transcript

Store Assistant: Good afternoon, Madam. Welcome to Everest Stores. Is there

anything I can help you with today?

Customer: Oh, hi, yes, erm, I have a few things I need to buy today and this is my
first time here, so I'm not sure where everything is.

Store Assistant: That's fine, that's what I'm here for. Now, what do you need first?

Customer: I have to buy a hat for my sister. She's going to a wedding in New Orleans
next weekend and asked me to get a new hat for her. Do you sell hats?

Store Assistant: Yes, we do, Madam. All women's clothing is on this floor, the first
floor. If you go in that direction and go past the jackets, you'll find the hats over to the
left.

Customer: OK, great. Then I need to get a toaster. Ours caught fire yesterday
morning and, you know, my kids can't live without toast in the morning for their
breakfast!

Store Assistant: Our kitchen appliances are up on the 3rd, no sorry, the 4th floor. If
you take the elevator from this floor up to the 4th floor, turn left when you leave the
elevator and walk through the pictures and framing section. You'll see small kitchen
appliances on the left with larger items such as ranges and fridges on the right.

Customer: My husband wanted me to see the cost of a new fridge-freezer so I can do

that too.

55
Store Assistant: Was there anything else, Madam?

Customer: Yes, my daughter wants a DVD for her birthday. Where can I find them?

Store Assistant: Our home entertainment section is on the second floor. Perhaps it
would be a good idea to go there before you go and look for the toaster. There is an
escalator that joins all the floors so after you buy your hat, you can go up the escalator
to the second floor where you will find books, CDs, DVDs as well as all our
television and video equipment.

Customer: The last things on my list are a CD for myself, which I can get on the
second floor, and a chair for the kitchen. My husband broke a chair on the weekend so
I need to get a new one.

Store Assistant: Let me think...ah yes, you can find all chairs, stools and tables in our
furniture section but that's right up on the sixth floor. If you go there immediately,
you can ask them to take the chair down to the first floor and you can collect it when
you are ready to leave.

Customer: Thank you ever so much. You have been very helpful. I will go up to get
the chair now and get the other things as I come down.

Store Assistant: No problem, Madam. We hope you enjoy Everest Stores.

56
 American University of Beirut
University Preparatory Program
Level 2

Prepared by: Dr. Nadine Boulos

Supervised by: Dr. Samar Harkouss

1
 Chapter I

The Interview

2
Lesson 1: The Interview

Learning Strategy
Setting a goal is important when beginning to study. Learners who set goals put a
powerful idea into their own minds: "I will do this by this time." For example, "I will
improve my English speaking skills so I can talk with a friend for five minutes in
English by next September."
In this lesson, Anna sets a goal: she wants to find someone who is different from
herself. Ms. Weaver asked Anna to team up with someone for her new show. Anna asks
different people first. Then, she asks Pete, and he says he will talk to Ms. Weaver. She
met her goal of finding the right person for the job.
Topic: Interviewing people
Speaking & Pronunciation focus: Meeting people; pronouncing linked sounds.
Grammar focus: present tenses, one verb or two verbs? Phrasal verbs

Topic:
Listen to a conversation between two people. Read along as you listen. Then,
practice speaking with your friends and share information about yourself.
Audio from: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/4016512.html Available on
the Teacher’s CD
Ms. Weaver asks Anna to team up with a person who is different from her. Who will
she find?

Conversation

Anna: Ms. Weaver is giving new assignments out. I am ready to take on anything she
gives me. Well, except reporting traffic from a helicopter. Wish me luck.

Professor Bot: I wonder what Anna’s new assignment will be? Professor Bot here!
While you are watching, look for phrasal, or two-word verbs. Some stay together,
like “go back” and some can come apart, like “give [assignments] out.” Good luck,
Anna!

3
Ms. Weaver: So, as I said at the meeting last week, I have new assignments for
everyone at The Studio. Anna, you're good at asking questions. So, I want you to go
back to hosting and reporting.
Anna: That sounds great.
Ms. Weaver: You're also a team player. So, I want you team up with someone ...
Anna: That sounds even better!
Ms. Weaver: ... someone who is very "different" from you.
Anna: That sounds ... what do you mean "different"?
Ms. Weaver: Well, you are very cheerful; you're a people person. I want you to team
up with someone who ... isn't.
Anna: Ms. Weaver, I will find that person.
Mimi: Excuse me. Are you using this chair?
Pete: Yes.
Anna: Pete, hi! Thanks for meeting me.
Pete: Sure. But I don’t have lots of time, Anna. I’m busy looking for work.
Anna: Pete, you can tear these want ads up and throw them away! I have good
news!
Pete: Anna, I was working on that crossword puzzle.
Anna: Oh. Sorry. Sorry. Pete, forget about the crossword puzzle. I have a job offer for
you!
Pete: I'm listening.
Anna: My boss wants me to team up with someone to host a talk show. But the person
must be different from me. So, I thought of you.
Pete: Different from you? What do you mean?
Anna: I'm sorry, Pete, I don't have time right now. Here's my boss's address. Your
interview is tomorrow morning at 10 am.
Pete: But what do you mean “different”?
Anna: Just be yourself, Pete. Just be yourself.
Professor Bot: Did you find any two-word verbs? Here’s one example. Pete
can throw the wants ads away! Throw away is a two-word verb.
Ms. Weaver: Thanks for coming in, Pete.
Pete: Thanks for the opportunity, Ms. Weaver.
Ms. Weaver: I need to find out if you have the skills for this job. And I want you to
be completely honest.

4
Pete: Okay.
Ms. Weaver: First, let's talk about your personal skills. Pete, are you a people
person?
Pete: Well, okay, sometimes I think people talk too much.
Ms. Weaver: Pete, what work of yours are you most proud of?
Pete: Last year, I locked myself in a cabin and wrote a book. I didn't speak to
anybody the entire time! It was the best two months of my life.
Ms. Weaver: Okay. I think I’ve heard enough.
Anna: Hey! Hey, Pete, how was the interview with Ms. Weaver?
Pete: Well, she said I was grumpy and not good with people.
Anna: And … ?
Pete: And, I got the job!
Anna: I knew it! Congratulations! Let's go celebrate.
Pete: Okay!
Professor Bot: Did you find more two-word verbs? Here is the list.
Professor Bot: Did you find more two-word verbs? Here is the list.

give out find out

take on tear up

go back throw away

team up come in

Two-part verbs from the audio

come in - phrasal verb. to enter a place
find out - phrasal verb. to learn (something) by making an effort
give out - phrasal verb. to give (something) to many people or to hand out
(something)
go back to - phrasal verb. to return to a person, place, subject, or activity
take on - phrasal verb. to begin to deal with (something, such as a job or
responsibility)
team up- phrasal verb. to join with someone to work together
tear up - phrasal verb. to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces

5
throw away - phrasal verb. to put (something that is no longer useful or wanted) in a
trash can, garbage can, rubbish bin

New Words from the lesson

cabin - n. a small, simple house made of wood
cheery - adj. having or causing happy feelings
crossword puzzle - n. a puzzle in which words that are the answers to clues are
written into a pattern of numbered squares that go across and down
grumpy - adj. easily annoyed or angered, having a bad temper or complaining often
helicopter - n. an aircraft that can stay in the air without moving forward and that has
metal blades that turn around on its top
host - v. to talk to guests on a television or radio show
offer -n. the act of giving someone the opportunity to accept something
lock - v. to fasten (something) with a lock
people person - n. a person who enjoys or is particularly good at interacting with
others
personal skills - n. (interpersonal skills) the skills used by a person to interact with
others properly
team player - n. someone who cares more about helping a group or team to succeed
than about his or her individual success
want ad - n. a notice in a newspaper, magazine, or website that lets people know
about something that you want to buy or sell or a job that is available
wish me luck - expression. asks someone to say that they hope you will have success

Practice: Use the above words to talk about yourself

Present tense
Level: intermediate
There are two tenses in English: past and present.
The present tense is used to talk about the present and to talk about the future.
There are four present tense forms:
Present simple I work

Present continuous I am working

6
 Present perfect I have worked

Present perfect continuous I have been working

We can use all these forms:
 to talk about the present:;
London is the capital of Britain.
He works at McDonald’s.
He is working at McDonald’s.
He has worked there for three months now.
He has been working there for three months now.
 to talk about the future:
The next train leaves at this evening at 1700 hours.
I’ll phone you when I get home.
He is meeting Peter in town this afternoon.
I’ll come home as soon as I have finished work.
You will be tired out after you have been working all night.
Present tense 1
Present tense 2
Present tense 1
Look at the PRESENT TENSE VERBS in the sentences. What time do they refer to:
the present or the future?
1. We should go soon. Our last bus LEAVES at midnight.
present
future
2. I’M HAVING a party this weekend. Would you like to come?
present
future
3. Philip’S HAVING problems with his car again.
present
future
4. We can celebrate when we’VE WON the match – not before
present
future
5. You LOOK a bit sad today. Is anything the matter?

7
present
future

6. My parents HAVE LIVED in Spain for the last 15 years.

present
future
7. I won’t let you stop until YOU’VE BEEN EXERCISING for at least half an
hour.
present
future
Present tense 2
Can you remember the sentences from the last activity? Write the verbs in the correct
form.
8 items remaining
1. You _________a bit sad today. Is anything the matter?
2. I ____________ a party this weekend. Would you like to come?
3. Deborah ____________ for nearly 24 hours.
4. My parents______________ in Spain for the last 15 years.
5. Philip____________ problems with his car again.
6. We can celebrate when we _____________ the match – not before!
7. I won’t let you stop until you ______________ for at least half an hour.
8. We should go soon. Our last bus_____________ at midnight.

8
Writing Section

https://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/writing/grammar/grammar-
guides/sentence

What is a complete sentence?

Sentences provide us with the framework for the clear written expression of our ideas.
The aim in writing is always to write in complete sentences, which are correctly
punctuated. Sentences always begin with a capital letter and end in a full stop,
exclamation or question mark. A complete sentence always contains a verb, expresses
a complete idea and makes sense standing alone.
Word order in sentences -

The order of words in an English sentence is very important. A change in word order
often results in a change of meaning.
Neutral word order
Most sentences have a subject, and then something that is said about the subject, which
is usually the rest of the sentence. This divides the sentence into the subject and the
predicate.
 John (subject) bought the tickets on Saturday (predicate).
 The wall (subject) was torn down (predicate).
 My elderly mother (subject) is rather deaf (predicate).
Most sentences put the information that they carry in this order. This is neutral word
order. When this neutral order is changed, the meaning of a sentence also changes.
 The cat killed the dog.
 The dog killed the cat.
 The child watched the rabbit.
 The rabbit watched the child.
Word order in simple sentences
Simple sentences are those which have only one clause. They are extremely common
in all forms of written and spoken English. Simple sentences have a normal word
order which varies according to whether the sentence is:
 a statement,

9
 I saw you at the theatre on Saturday night.
 I didn’t see you at the theatre on Saturday night.
 a question,
 Did I see you at the theatre on Saturday night?
 Didn’t I see you at the theatre on Saturday night?
 a command.
 You should buy a ticket now.
 You shouldn’t buy a ticket yet.
 Buy a ticket now.
 Don’t buy a ticket now.
Word order also varies according to whether the sentence is negative or positive.

Word Order in English Sentences

Remember this simple rule:
subject verb(s) object

I speak English

I can speak English

subject verb(s9 indirect object direct object place time

I will tell you the story at school tomorrow.

Where do expression of place and time go in English sentences?

Time Subject Verb Object Place Time

in the
I have breakfast
kitchen.

in the every
They play handball
gym Monday.

10
 Time Subject Verb Object Place Time

My in the
is swimming
friend pool.

Every
at
Saturday Peter watches TV
home.
*

 Expressions of time go at the end of a statement.

 At the end of the sentence: Place before Time
 NEVER put Place or Time between Verb and Object I have in the kitchen
breakfast.
Writing Practice

You are preparing for an interview. Write 5 sentences to talk about yourself. Try to
include the following information: your name, your nationality, your age, your
education, your interests, and your skills.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

11
_____________________________________________________________________

Listening Section
You've Changed!
Two friends meet after not seeing each other for a long time.
Listen to the mp3 file and put the correct question in the spaces below. Then listen
again to check.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

Where did Peter and Anna last see each other?

Where did Anna meet her husband?
How has Peter's beard changed?
How has Peter's hairstyle changed?
Why did Peter get his hair cut short?
Why did Peter get his beard cut short?
What color is Anna's new car?
What color were Peter's glasses?
Where is Peter going now?
Where did Peter use to work?
Why did Anna move into a new apartment?
Why did Anna sell her old car?
When are they meeting tonight?
When can Peter call Anna?
1.
Q:

A: At Cathy's graduation party.

2.
Q:

A: He's had it cut shorter.

12
3.
Q:

A: Because he didn't like brushing and washing it so often.

4.
Q:

A: Red.
5.
Q:

A: In a bookstore.
6.
Q:

A: Because it was too small for her.

7.
Q:

A: After 7 p.m.

13
 Chapter II
Where are you From?

Lesson 2: Where Are You From?

In this lesson, students can learn to say the new words related to countries and
nationalities.

Topic: Nationalities, Languages

Speaking & Pronunciation focus: Talking about nationalities they know and
languages people speak in countries across the worls

14
Grammar focus: The declarative

Topic:

You will listen to a conversation between two people. Anna interviews tourists on
the National Mall in Washington, DC. She learns about where they are from and the
languages they speak.

audio from: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3359355.html available on

teacher’s CD

Conversation

Read along the text as you listen to the conversation. Circle all the words you do
not understand. Underline all the verbs. Draw two lines under the pronouns.

Anna: Hello! Washington, D.C. has many tourists! People from

different countries come here. Today, my job is to interview tourists. I have to learn
why they come here. This is very exciting!

Excuse me. I’m Anna Matteo from The News. Do you have time for an interview?
Sabrina: Sure, I have time.
Anna: What is your name?
Sabrina: My name is Sabrina.
Anna: What country are you from?
Sabrina: I’m from Bangladesh.
Anna: So, you are Bangladeshi.
Sabrina: That’s right! My nationality is Bangladeshi.
Anna: Do you like Washington, D.C.?
Sabrina: Yes! The city is very beautiful!
Anna: What do you like to do in Washington D.C.?
Sabrina: I like history. So, I like walking around and looking at all
the monuments and memorials. They make history come alive!

15
Anna: Washington has many monuments and memorials. The Washington
Monument is behind us! Which is your favorite?
Sabrina: I really like Lincoln Memorial. It is very beautiful. And it feels
like Abraham Lincoln is still alive.
Anna: Awesome. Thank you for your time, Sabrina!
Sabrina: You’re welcome.
Anna: Let’s find another tourist.
Anna: Oh! Excuse me. I am Anna Matteo from The News. Do you have time for a
couple of questions?
Louis: Sure!
Anna: Are you from Washington, D.C.?
Louis: No, I’m not.
Anna: What is your name and where are you from?
Louis: My name is Louis. And I’m from China.
Anna: What languages do you speak?
Louis: I speak Chinese and English.
Anna: What do you like about Washington DC?
Louis: I like the museums. I really like the art museums.
Anna: Many of the museums are free.
Louis: I like that too!
Anna: Awesome! Thanks for your time, Louis.
Louis: You’re very welcome. Bye!
Anna: Now, let’s find another tourist!
Anna: Hello! I am Anna Matteo from The News. Do you have time to answer a
couple of questions?
Mehrnoush: Sure!
Anna: What is your name and where’re you from?
Mehrnoush: My name is Mehrnoush. I am from Iran. I’m Iranian.
Anna: What language do they speak in Iran? Is it Persian?
Mehrnoush: They speak Farsi.
Anna: What do you like to do in Washington DC?
Mehrnoush: Well, I like learning about government and politics.
Anna: Washington has many politicians!
Mehrnoush: It does! I want to see the U.S. Capitol.

16
Anna: Look, you are very near.
Mehrnoush: I am!
Anna: Have fun!
Mehrnoush: Thanks!
Anna: There you have it. Tourists from all over the world come to Washington, D.C.
They all like doing and seeing different things in the city. This is Anna Matteo
reporting for The News. Until next time!
Anna: Is that okay? Awesome! Now, I want to do my favorite thing in the city
… ride the carousel!

Speaking

Practice asking your friends personal information about the place they come from,
their education, the languages they speak and what they want to work in.

Grammar

The declarative -
The declarative is used to make statements. A statement is usually the expression of a
fact or of an opinion. Statements can be both positive and negative.
 Kate is not working after all.
 Tim wasn’t reading your diary.
 Helen wasn’t talking about you.
 I’m not going on holiday this year.
Declarative sentences always contain a subject and a following verb phrase. The
normal word order for declarative sentences: subject + verb phrase
 Kate is working.
 Tim was reading.
 Helen stared at me in surprise.
subject + verb phrase + direct object
 Ross is writing a letter.
 Pam borrowed three library books.
 Stephen ordered vegetarian lasagne.
subject + verb phrase + adverbial

17
 Dominic was eating very slowly.
 Lyndsey was studying in her room.
 Mikhail laughed nervously.
subject + verb phrase + direct object + adverbial
 Dominic was eating his lunch very slowly.
 Lyndsey had been reading a book in her room.
Certain verbs must have following objects, e.g. see, find, prefer, take.
 She saw her friend.
 He found a camera.
 They took a holiday brochure.
Other verbs need, or can have, both a direct and an indirect object, e.g. give, buy,
offer.
 Laura offered me another biscuit.
 Scott’s uncle bought him a new bike.
The word order can be either: subject + verb + indirect object + direct object
 Kate gave the dog a bone.
 Stuart bought Marie a birthday present.
or, with the addition of a word that indicates the recipient: subject + verb + direct
object + to/for + indirect object.
 Kate gave a bone to the dog.
 Stuart bought a birthday present for Marie.
Another group of verbs must be followed either by an object and an adverbial
expression, or an adverbial expression on its own e.g. put, place, stand.
 Richard placed the computer on the table.
 Diana put her jeans in the drawer.
 Michael stood in the middle of the pitch.
A further type of declarative statement has the same basic order of subject and verb as
the subject + verb phrase + direct object example on The declarative, but with
a complementreplacing the direct object. See Complements for more about
complements and Parts of speech for more about objects.
 Elisabeth seems to have been rather worried lately.
 This dessert is delicious.

18
Writing
Write 5 sentences about yourself. Use the correct word order and the same tense.
Where are you from? What languages do you speak? What do you like to do when
you travel? How will you communicate with people from another country?
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Listening section
Global Change
Listen to a conversation between two friends, Matt and Kate, about the environment.
For each question, decide who says each statement. You can choose either Matt, Kate
or 'nobody' if you think nobody says the statement.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. We don't have enough statistics to be sure.

Kate

19
 Matt

Nobody
2. Changing how we live would be premature until we are sure.

Kate

Matt

Nobody
3. The loss of the Amazon rain forest could cause problems.

Kate

Matt

Nobody
4. People only go to zoos to see the very rare, endangered animals that are there.

Kate

Matt

Nobody
5. Man needs to do more to find other sources of energy.

Kate

Matt

Nobody
6. There's no reason to be so pessimistic about the environment.

Kate

Matt

Nobody
7. Not using oil anymore will cost a lot of people their jobs.

Kate

Matt

Nobody
8. Mankind has already shown that solutions to difficult problems can be found.

Kate

20
Matt

Nobody

21
 Chapter III
Greatest Vacation of all Times

22
Lesson 3: Greatest Vacation of All Time
Learning Strategy
The learning strategy for this lesson is making associations. We make associations
between words and ideas each time we use language. When learning a second language,
it is best to connect new words or sentence patterns directly with ideas or experiences,
not with words in your first language. The associations may help you remember new
words better.
In this lesson, Anna makes associations between mountains and high places. She is
afraid of high places, so she does no want to go to the mountains. She is also afraid of
wild animals, which she associated with the Safari Campout. So she decides not to take
those vacations.
How about you? How do you make associations while you are speaking English?
Topic: Nationalities, Languages
Speaking & Pronunciation focus: Making associations
Grammar focus: Future Plans , parts of speech

Topic
Anna goes to a travel agent to find the Best Vacation Ever! But does she? Travel agent
Dan wants to sell her the Most Expensive Vacation Ever. But does he?
Conversation
Audio from: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/4047111.html
available on Teacher’s CD

Anna: “Do you need a vacation?” Wow. That was the best vacation I have ever had …
in my head. A beach is much better than here. I need a vacation!
Professor Bot: I hear you, Anna. I need a vacation too but not at the beach. Sand is not
good for robots! When we compare things, we use special forms of adjectives. "Better"
is a comparative adjective. That is used to compare two things. "Best" is a superlative
adjective. It shows that one thing has more of ...something than ALL of the others. Try
to find more of these adjectives. Look for ER or EST at the end.
Dan: NO! You can’t get your money back. I don’t care that it was your worst vacation
ever!
Dan: Hello! Have a seat! Welcome to the World’s Best Vacation Travel Agency!

23
Anna: Thank you and congratulations!
Dan: For what?
Anna: For being the world’s best travel agency.
Dan: Right … thanks.
Dan: Trudy, hold my calls. I am going to sell our most expensive vacation.
Trudy: Sure thing, Boss.
Dan: The Mountain Getaway is good for you. It’s a little pricey. But think of it -- you,
on top of a mountain for seven days!
Anna: I’m afraid of high places.
Dan: Of course you are. That’s why our Deep Sea Adventure is better for you! It is
pricier than the Mountain Getaway. Just you and the animals of the sea!
Anna: Shark! Shark!
Dan: No, there are no sharks in your dream vacation! You need the Safari Camp Out!
It is our priciest vacation. But I think it’s the best one for you. During the day, you’ll
see elephants, giraffes and lions. At night, you’ll sleep out under the stars.
Anna: Look, I think this was a bad idea.
Dan: Sure, you can leave. But then you won’t see the latest vacation technology.
Professor Bot: Did you find all of those adjectives? Dan started with good - The
mountain getaway; then he moved to better - The Deep Sea Adventure. And finally, he
said the Safari Campout was the best vacation for Anna!
Anna: Exactly what is the “latest vacation technology” … exactly?
Dan: I’m happy you asked. Meet the Travel Max 2000!
Anna: Wow.
Dan: So, tell me, how do you like to travel?
Anna: Well, I like travel that is cozy and romantic but still exciting.
Dan: Great. Tell me more.
Anna: I like traveling in a plane but not in a helicopter! Planes are a little scary but
helicopters are scarier! My favorite way of traveling is by train. Ships can be the
scariest! Have you seen the movie “Titanic”? Oh, and no horses. But I will ride
a camel. And no bike tours. Biking is THE slowest AND least romantic way to travel.
Excuse me, but I think the Travel Max 2000 is on fire.
Dan: Yes, we’re both on fire! We really want to sell you the most ex-, I mean, best
vacation ever!
Anna: No, I mean it’s really on fire!

24
Dan: You killed it. You killed the Travel Max 2000!
Anna: I am so sorry! Can I help you fix it?
Dan: No, no!
Anna: Don’t cry. I know what you need -- a vacation!
Anna: The Safari Campout looks fun. It is the priciest. But I think you deserve it.
Dan: No, no!
Professor Bot: Oh Anna. This is the smokiest lesson yet! There were a lot of
comparatives and superlatives but … I can’t breathe. Just go to the website to learn the
best ways to use them!
New Words from audio
agency - n. a business that provides a particular service
camel - n. a large animal of Africa and Asia that has a long neck and one or two large
humps on its back and that is often used for desert travel
campout - n. an occasion when people go camping together
Congratulations -n. a message telling someone that you are happy because of his or
her success or good luck
cozy/cozier - adj. small, comfortable, and warm
deserve - v. used to say that someone or something should or should not have or be
given something
getaway - n. a short vacation
latest - adj. most recent
least - adj. smallest in amount or degree
on fire - expression. in the process of burning / feeling very strong enthusiasm, love,
etc.
pricey - adj. costing a lot of money
sink - v. to go down below the surface of water
smoke - n. the cloud of black, gray, or white gases and dust that is produced by
burning something
technology - n. the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful
things or to solve problems
vacation - n. a period of time that a person spends away from home, school, or
business usually in order to relax or travel
worst- adj. least appropriate, useful, or helpful
Speaking practice

25
 Use some of the new words you learned to talk about yourself
Grammar

Future Plans

Read the grammar explanation and do the exercise.

We use different verb forms to talk about our plans for the future – depending on
what kind of plan it is.
will
We use will to talk about plans decided at the moment of speaking.
 I forgot to phone my mum. I’ll do it after dinner. He decides to phone his mum when
she is speaking – she didn’t have a plan.
 I can’t decide what to wear tonight. I know. I’ll wear my black dress.
 There’s no milk in the fridge. I’ll buy some when I go to the shops.
going to
We use going to to talk about plans decided before the moment of speaking.
 I’m going to phone my mum after dinner. I told her I’d call at 8 o’clock. He decided
to phone his mum before he speaks – he already had a plan.
 I’m going to wear my black dress tonight. I need to pick it up from the cleaners.
 I know there’s no milk. I’m going to get some. It’s on my shopping list.
present continuous
We can also use the present continuous to talk about future plans. We usually use it
when the plan is an ‘arrangement’ – more than one person is involved and we know
the time and place.
 I’m meeting Jane at 8 o’clock on Saturday.
 We’re having a party next Saturday. Would you like to come?
 Are you doing anything interesting this weekend? We often use the present
continuous to ask about people’s future plans.

Future Plans
Put the verbs in brackets into the Future (will or going to).
1. It is really hot in here. I (open) _____________________ a window.
2. It is Emma's birthday tomorrow. I (bake)_______________ her a cake.

26
 3. I would love to go out with you tomorrow but I (go)_____________ to the
cinema with James.
4. I want to do more with my free time. I know! I think I (start)_______ taking
French lessons
5. I (have)_____________ my hair cut on Saturday morning.

Parts of Speech
A word is a “part of speech” only when it is used in a sentence. The function the word
serves in a sentence is what makes it whatever part of speech it is.
For example, the word “run” can be used as more than one part of speech:.
Sammy hit a home run.
Run is a noun, direct object of hit.
You mustn’t run near the swimming pool.
Run is a verb, part of the verb phrase must (not) run.
Traditional grammar classifies words based on eight parts of speech: the noun,
the pronoun, the adjective, the verb, the adverb, the preposition, the conjunction,
and the interjection. We are going to cover them individually below.
Nouns
A noun is a word used to describe a person, place, thing, event, idea, and so on.
Nouns represent one of the main elements of sentences, along with verbs, adjectives,
prepositions and articles.
Nouns usually function as subjects or objects within sentences, although they can
also act as adjectives and adverbs.
Here is a list with the different types of nouns:
1. Proper nouns
Used to describe a unique person or thing, proper nouns always start with a capital
letter. Examples include Mary, India, and Manchester United.
2. Common nouns
Common nouns are used to describe persons or things in general. Examples
include girl, country, and team
3. Concrete nouns
Nouns that can be perceived through the five senses are called concrete nouns.
Examples include ball, rainbow and melody.

27
 4. Abstract nouns
Nouns that cannot be perceived through the five senses are called abstract nouns.
Examples include love, courage, and childhood.
5. Countable nouns
Countable nouns can be counted. They also have both a singular and a plural form.
Examples include toys, children and books.
6. Non-countable nouns
These nouns (usually) can not be counted, and they don’t have a plural form.
Examples include sympathy, laughter and oxygen.
7. Collective nouns
Collective nouns are used to describe groups of things. Examples
include flock, committee and murder.

Plural Form of Nouns

The English language has both regular and irregular plural forms of nouns. The
most common case is when you need to add -s to the noun. For example one
car and two cars.
The other two cases of the regular plural form are:
1. nouns that end with s, x, ch or sh, where you add -es (e.g., one box, two boxes)
2. nouns that end with consonant + y, where you change the y with i and add -es (e.g.,
one enemy, two enemies)
On the irregular plural form of nouns there are basically eight cases:
1. nouns that end with -o, where you add -es (e.g., one potato, two potatoes)
2. nouns ending with -is, where you change -is to -es (e.g., one crisis, two crises)
3. nouns ending with -f, where you change –f to -v and add -es (e.g., one wolf, two
wolves)
4. nouns ending with -fe, where you change -f to -v and add -s (e.g., one life, two lives)
5. nouns ending with -us, where you change -us to -i (e.g., one fungus, two fungi)
6. nouns that contain -oo, change -oo to -ee (e.g., one foot, two feet)
7. nouns that end with -on, where you change -on with -a (e.g., phenomenon,
phenomena)
8. nouns that don’t change (e.g., sheep, offspring, series)

28
It might appear overwhelming, but after using these nouns a couple of times you will
be able to memorize their plural form easily.
Pronouns
Pronouns are used to replace nouns within sentences, making them less repetitive
and mechanic. For example, saying “Mary didn’t go to school because Mary was
sick” doesn’t sound very good. Instead, if you say “Mary didn’t go to school because
she was sick” it will make the sentence flow better.
There are several types of pronouns, below you will find the most common ones:
1. Subjective personal pronouns. As the name implies, subjective pronouns act as
subjects within sentences. They are: I, you, he, she, we, they, and it.
Example: I am going to the bank while he is going to the market.
2. Objective personal pronouns. These pronouns act as the object of verbs within
sentences. They are: me, you, him, her, us, them and it.
Example: The ball was going to hit me in the face.
3. Possessive personal pronouns. These pronouns are used to indicate possession,
and they are placed after the object in question (as opposed to possessive adjectives
like my and your, which are placed before the object). They are: mine, yours, his,
hers, ours, theirs and its.
Example of possessive adjective: This is my car.
Example of possessive pronoun: This car is mine.
4. Reflexive pronouns. This special class of pronouns is used when the object is the
same as the subject on the sentence. They are myself, yourself, himself, herself,
ourselves, themselves and itself.
Example: I managed to cut myself in the kitchen.
5. Interrogative pronouns. As you probably guessed these pronouns are used to ask
questions. They are what, which, who, whom and whose.
Example: What are the odds?
6. Demonstrative pronouns. These pronouns are used to indicate a noun and
distinguish it from other entities. Notice that demonstrative pronouns replace the noun
(while demonstrative determiners modify them). They are: this, that, these, those.
Example of a demonstrative determiner: This house is ugly.
Example of a demonstrative pronoun: This is the right one.

29
7. Indefinite pronouns. As the name implies, indefinite pronouns do not refer to a
specific thing, place or person. There are many of them, including anyone, anywhere,
everyone, none, someone and so on.
Example: Everyone is going to the party.

Writing

You are planning a vacation with your friends.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

30
31
 Chapter IV

Let's Agree to Disagree

32
Lesson 4: Agree or disagree
Learning Strategy The learning strategy for this lesson is Personalize. This means
connecting new information to our own feelings and experiences. When we are
listening in English, we personalize by thinking about how what we hear is like our
own experience. When speaking or writing, we can use what we know to communicate.

In this lesson, Anna tells Phil why she likes living in the city. She is personalizing by
thinking about the things she likes: "The city is exciting! It has more culture than the
country. There are many museums and restaurants. Every night, there is theater and
music. And, there are more jobs."

Topic: Agree, disagree, and give reason

Speaking & Pronunciation focus: learn how to give a reason when you say your
opinion. Tag Questions
Grammar focus: present perfect, for-since, possessive pronouns, adjectives
Writing: because in compound sentences

Topic Summary
In this lesson, Anna meets a new friend. Phil is new to Washington, D.C. and he feels
lost in the city. Anna asks him to make the city a friendlier place.

Conversation
Listen to a conversation between two people. Read along as you listen. Then practice
speaking with your friends, and share information about yourself.

33
Audio from: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3601381.html

Anna: You know, I am from the country and sometimes I miss it. But I really like life
in the city! I love the city. Oh, look. Someone lost a bag. Maybe it's theirs. Excuse me.
Is this bag yours?
Dr. Jill: No. It's not mine. It might be hers.
Anna: Excuse me. Is this bag yours?
Sarah: No. It's not mine. It might be his.
Anna: Thank you. Hello. Is this bag yours?
Phil: Yes, that's mine. These are all my travel things. Thank you, thank you!
Anna: Are you okay? You seem ... nervous.
Phil: Well, this is my first visit to Washington, D.C. I'm from a small town in the
country. I feel a little lost.
Anna: I am from the country too! And I understand. When I first came here, I felt lost
... all the time.
Phil: So, do you like living in the country or in the city?
Anna: I like to live in the city.
Phil: Why?
Anna: The city is exciting! It has more culture than the country. There are many
museums and restaurants. Every night, there is theater and music. And, there are more
jobs. That is why I'm here.
Phil: Well, I agree. There is more culture in the city and there might be more jobs. But
the country has more nature! It's peaceful and beautiful. There are more trees and
mountains. The air is clean. You can go hiking and camping. The city is not beautiful.
It's noisy and dirty.
Anna: I disagree. I think all the different buildings are beautiful. And I like to watch
all the different people.
Phil: That's another thing that is different. People in the country are friendly. They
always say "hello!" Here, no one says "hello." I think city people are rude.
Anna: Well, I agree. Country people are friendly. But I don't think city people are rude.
I think they're just busy.
Phil: That's a good point.
Anna: Look at me. I live in the city and I said "hello" to you.
Phil: But you are from the country.
Anna: I have an idea. Let's say "hello!" to people -- to many people!
Phil: What? Why?
Anna: Well, if we say "hello," maybe they will say "hello" to other people ... Hello!
Phil: ... and they will say "hello" to more people! That's a great idea! I'm glad youfound
my bag.
Anna: Come on. Let's go say "hello" to people.
Anna: We don't have to agree with people. They have their opinions. We have ours.
And as we like to say, you can always agree to disagree! Until next time...! Hello!

New Words
agree - v. to have the same opinion
dirty - adj. not clean
disagree - v. to have a different opinion
friendly - adj. acting like a friend or kind and helpful

34
 nature - n. the physical world and everything in it that is not made by people
noisy - adj. making a lot of loud or unpleasant noise
opinion - n. a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something
peaceful - adj. quiet and calm or without noise
rude - adj. not polite

Read the adjectives above. Use them to describe your classroom and your friends. Try
to think about the opposite of these adjectives.

Grammar Section

Present Perfect

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-grammar/present-perfect

The present perfect is formed from the present tense of the verb have and the past
participle of a verb:
The present perfect continuous is formed with have/has been and the -ing form of
the verb:

Use
We use the present perfect tense:

 for something that started in the past and continues in the present:
They’ve been married for nearly fifty years.
She has lived in Liverpool all her life.
Note: We normally use the present perfect continuous for this:
She has been living in Liverpool all her life.
It’s been raining for hours.

 for something we have done several times in the past and continue to do:
I’ve played the guitar ever since I was a teenager.
He has written three books and he is working on another one.
I’ve been watching that programme every week.
We often use a clause with since to show when something started in the past:
They’ve been staying with us since last week.
I have worked here since I left school.
I’ve been watching that programme every week since it started.

 when we are talking about our experience up to the present:

Note: We often use the adverb ever to talk about experience up to the present:

35
 My last birthday was the worst day I have ever had.
Note: and we use never for the negative form:
Have you ever met George?
Yes, but I’ve never met his wife.

 for something that happened in the past but is important at the time of speaking:
I can’t get in the house. I’ve lost my keys.
Teresa isn’t at home. I think she has gone shopping.
I’m tired out. I’ve been working all day.
We use the present perfect of be when someone has gone to a place and returned:

A: Where have you been?

B: I’ve just been out to the supermarket.

A: Have you ever been to San Francisco?

B: No, but I’ve been to Los Angeles.

But when someone has not returned we use have/has gone:

A: Where is Maria? I haven’t seen her for weeks.

B: She's gone to Paris for a week. She’ll be back tomorrow.

We often use the present perfect with time adverbials which refer to the recent past:

just; only just; recently;

Scientists have recently discovered a new breed of monkey.

We have just got back from our holidays.

or adverbials which include the present:

ever (in questions); so far; until now; up to now; yet (in questions and negatives)

Have you ever seen a ghost?

Where have you been up to now?
Have you finished your homework yet?
No, so far I’ve only done my history.

WARNING:

We do not use the present perfect with an adverbial which refers to past time which
is finished:

I have seen that film yesterday.

We have just bought a new car last week.
When we were children we have been to California.

But we can use it to refer to a time which is not yet finished:

36
 Have you seen Helen today?
We have bought a new car this week.

Verbs - present perfect

Read the sentences that use the present perfect. Drag the reasons for using the
present perfect from the top and match them with the sentences.

 time adverbial of recent past

 with a time adverbial that includes the present
 past event important at the time of speaking
 experience up to the present
 something done several times in the past
 something started in the past and continuing in the present

1. She's been married three times.

2. I don't think I've ever seen an eclipse.

3. I think he's broken his leg. We'd better phone for an ambulance.

4. You'll never guess who I've just met.

5. He's been working for the company since he graduated.

Writing Section
What is the best place to live? Tell us about where you live now or where you want to
live. Be sure you give a reason for your opinion

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

37
Listening Section
The aim of this conversation is to practice agreeing, disagreeing and using Tag
questions.

Parent/Teacher Meeting

A mother speaks to a teacher about her son's progress and behavior.

Listen to the mp3 file and complete these questions from the listening. Then listen again
to check.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. You're his English teacher,……………………….. ?

2. That's the case, ………………………..?

3. I'm sure that's helpful, ………………………..?

4. And he's enjoying doing this extra spelling work at home, ………………………..?

5. You don't think there's anything more serious wrong with him, …………………?

6. You've heard of dyslexia, ………………………..?

7. But you're not seriously suggesting Billy has dyslexia, ………………………..?

8. This wouldn't be a problem for you, ………………………..?

Parent/Teacher Meeting – Transcript

Maggie: Hi, I'm Maggie

Mr. Jarvis: I'm sorry?

38
Maggie: Maggie Brown. I'm the mother of Billy. I was told you would be here. You're his
English teacher, aren't you?

Mr. Jarvis: Oh, of course. Billy's mother. Hi, nice to meet you. Yes, I wanted to speak to
you about Billy's work.

Maggie: I hope there isn't a problem.

Mr. Jarvis: Well, not exactly. I think Billy has made some good improvements this year
compared to last year.

Maggie: Well, of course. Last year, we were new to the area. You know, we moved here
from Los Angeles and it wasn't a very settled time for Billy, well all the family really. So
Billy probably didn't do his best work last year. But I thought he had improved
enormously this year. That's the case, isn't it?

Mr. Jarvis: As I was saying, I think Billy most certainly HAS improved a lot since last
year. I just think there are one or two other things he needs to work on so I wanted to
have a chat with you this evening.

Maggie: Well, I'm sure he's been doing his very best. You know, he's only 12 and it's not
easy when...

Mr. Jarvis: ...yes, yes, certainly Mrs. Brown. Part of what I wanted to say to you tonight is
that Billy's work has been much better. We put a story that he wrote back in March in the
school newspaper. Did you see it?

Maggie: I can't believe it! I never had any idea. He's such a modest boy. He would never
show me anything like that.

Mr. Jarvis: Oh, really? I'm surprised you never got to see it. It really was a well crafted
piece of writing. Very mature article considering the age of Billy.

Maggie: Well, I don't know what to say....but, you said he was having problems?

Mr. Jarvis: He is still having enormous difficulties with his spelling and it concerns me.

Maggie: Yes, Billy has always been pretty weak with his spelling. We have tried at home
to help him. His sister, Kathy, often spends time with him, testing him on words that he
often gets wrong. I'm sure that's helpful, isn't it?

Mr. Jarvis: Oh yes, without a doubt. And he's enjoying doing this extra spelling work at
home, isn't he?

Maggie: Yes, he knows it's important to be able to spell better. But he's always had
trouble getting his words right...you know, when he's writing. You don't think there's
anything more serious wrong with him, do you?

Mr. Jarvis: I think it's possible he may have a mild form of dyslexia. You've heard of
dyslexia, haven't you?

39
Maggie: Yes, of course I have. But you're not seriously suggesting Billy has dyslexia, are
you?

Mr. Jarvis: Dyslexia comes in many shapes and sizes...of different severity. I would like
to send him to see a specialist and I wanted to speak to you about it first. This wouldn't be
a problem for you, would it?

Maggie: No, of course not. I'll do anything I can to help. You've got me really worried
now though...

Mr. Jarvis: Oh Mrs. Brown, it's nothing to worry about. My own son had a mild form of
dyslexia when he was Billy's age and he's now a published author! Telephone the school
office tomorrow morning and we can arrange an appointment for early next week.

Maggie: Ok, thank you Mr. Jarvis. I'll telephone the office at 9 o'clock sharp.

Mr. Jarvis: That'll be fine. Now, have a good evening.

Speaking Section:
Tag Questions

You speak English, don't you?

A tag question is a special construction in English. It is a statement followed by a mini-

question. We use tag questions to ask for confirmation. They mean something like: "Is
that right?" or "Do you agree?" They are very common in English.

The basic structure of a tag question is:

positive statement negative tag

Snow is white, isn't it?

negative statement positive tag

You don't like me, do you?

Notice that the tag repeats the auxiliary verb (or main verb when be) from the
statement and changes it to negative or positive.

40
Positive Statement Tag Questions

Look at these examples with positive statements. You will see that most of the time,
the auxiliary verb from the positive statement is repeated in the tag and changed to
negative.

(+) positive statement (-) negative tag

personal
main pronoun same
subject auxiliary verb auxiliary not as subject

You are coming, are n't you?

We have finished, have n't we?

You do like coffee, do n't you?

You like coffee, do n't you?

They will help, wo n't they?

I can come, can 't I?

We must go, must n't we?

He should try harder, should n't he?

41
 You are English, are n't you?

John was there, was n't he?

Notice:
 the use of do in the two coffee questions. Remember that in Present
Simple, do is optional in positive statements (You like coffee/You do like
coffee). But the do must appear in the tag. The same applies to Past
Simple did.
 in last two questions, no auxiliary for main verb be in Present Simple and Past
Simple. The tag repeats the main verb.

Negative Statement Tag Questions

Look at these examples with negative statements. Notice that the negative verb in
the original statement is changed to positive in the tag.

(-) negative statement (+) positive tag

personal
pronoun
main same as
subject auxiliary verb auxiliary subject

It is n't raining, is it?

We have never seen that, have we?

You do n't like coffee, do you?

They will not help, will they?

42
 They wo n't report us, will they?

I can never do it right, can I?

We must n't tell her, must we?

He should n't drive so fast, should he?

You wo n't be late, will you?

You are n't English, are you?

John was not there, was he?

Notice:
 won't is the contracted form of will not
 the tag repeats the auxiliary verb, not the main verb. Except, of course, for the
verb be in Present Simple and Past Simple.

43
 Chapter V

Run Away With the Circus!

44
Lesson 5: Run Away with the circus

Learning Strategy

Topic: The Circus

Speaking & Pronunciation focus: short answers: He is, she is, it is
Grammar focus: adjectives, articles
Writing: Compound Sentences, using the Fan Boys

Topic Summary
Anna and Pete start their new show. They do not agree about the circus. Are the
performers artists or athletes? Do they perform or compete?

Conversation
Listen to a conversation between two people. Read along as you listen, and then practice
speaking with your friends, and share information about yourself.

Audio from: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/4035208.html

Anna: Hello, I’m Anna …

Pete: … and I’m Pete. Welcome to “He Said,

Anna: … She Said”!

Pete: Because there are always two sides …

Anna: to every story!

Anna: Today’s show is about Circus Arts!

Pete: Circus? That’s not an art form.

Anna: Yes, it is.

Pete: No, it isn't.

Anna: Yes, it is.

Pete: No, it isn't.

45
Anna: Yes, it is!

Pete: No, it isn't.

Anna: Yes, it is!

Pete: No, it isn't.

Anna: Yes, it is!

Professor Bot: Oh dear. Anna and Pete do not agree about Circus Arts. But that's
okay. Today’s lesson is about agreeing and disagreeing. Let’s listen to how Anna and
Pete disagree or agree. Let’s hope these two can agree on something.

Anna: Today, let’s run away with the circus!

Recently, I went to a circus festival. There was a huge circus tent. And many different
circus performers. It was a celebration of circus arts!

Pete: That looks fun, Anna. But I don’t think circus performers are artists. I think
they’re athletes with interesting skills … and costumes.

Anna: Hmm, that is a very interesting point of view, Pete. And I completely disagree.

Pete: Anna, Michelangelo was an artist. Rembrandt was an artist. People who swing
from ropes are not artists. I know it’s not easy to swing from a bar and catch
someone by the hands. You have to be very athletic to do that.

Anna: That’s a good point, Pete. They are athletic. But they are called trapeze artists.
Trapeze … ARTISTS.

Pete: I hear what you’re saying, Anna. I do. But where is the art? Look at these guys.
They’re jugglers.

Anna: Yes, they are skilled in the art of juggling.

Pete: They have a special skill. But are they artists?

Anna: Yes!

Pete: No!

46
Pete: They're just throwing things back and forth.

Anna: Kind of like you and me, Pete. We’re going back and forth on this issue.

Pete: I don’t think we’ll ever agree on this one.

Anna: No, but we can agree that these young people are amazing.

Pete: Okay, yeah. We can agree on that. But, still, they are very athletic – flipping and
throwing each other around.

Anna: Yes, I agree with you on that point.

Professor. Bot: They did it! They agreed!! Anna says she agrees that the performers
are athletic. "That’s a good point, Pete. They are athletic. I agree with you on that
point. " Now look for other ways they agree.

Pete: Anna? Anna!!

Anna: Sorry! Sorry! But he’s an artist too. He is telling a story with his sticks and his
costume.

Pete: What story? What costume?

Anna: I see your point, Pete. I really do. But circus performers do more than physical
tricks. Look! Look at these amazing performers!

Pete: I will admit -- I like their costumes.

Anna: You know, Pete. Let’s let the performers speak for themselves.

Anna: Kate and Piper tell stories while hanging upside down on a ring!

Pete: Was it hard to interview them upside down?

Anna: I interviewed them right side up, Pete. Kate says circus performing may be
athletic but it’s not competitive. With most sports, you compete.

Kate: It’s an art form because like, other sports are competing. This is simply
performing and having fun.

47
Pete: Okay, Kate made a really good point. In athletics, there is a lot of competition.
But still …

Anna: Here’s Piper, Pete. Please pay attention, Pete.

Pete: But, I -

Anna: Shh.

Piper: Well, when you’re up in the air doing circus you have to perform. And so, we
learn to embody characters, and to move fluidly and gracefully … in artistic ways.

Anna: And that …is why they are artists!

Pete: You’re right, Anna. Oh, you’re right. It’s just so beautiful.

Anna: I know. I know, Pete.

Professor Bot: Good job you two! I'm so glad that Anna and Pete finally agree! Pete
said, " You’re right, Anna." I agree, too. Circus arts are beautiful. Remember the
website!

New Words
admit - v. to say usually in an unwilling way that you accept or do not deny the truth
or existence of (something)
athlete - n. a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that
require physical skill and strength
athletic - adj. strong and muscular
back and forth - adv. toward the back and then toward the front or backward and
forward
bar - n. a straight piece of metal or wood that is used as a tool
circus - n. a traveling show that is often performed in a tent and that typically
includes trained animals, clowns, and acrobats
competitive - adj. of or relating to a situation in which people or groups are trying to
win a contest or be more successful than others
embody - v. to be a symbol or example of (something)
form - n. a type or kind of something
graceful - adj. moving in a smooth and attractive way
hang - v. to hold one's body in the air
Michelangelo - n. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was an Italian
Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer. Along with Leonardo da
Vinci, he is often called a "Renaissance man" which means that he had great talent in
many areas.

48
Rembrandt - n. Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a famous Dutch painter and
artist. He is generally considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in
European art history, and the most important in Dutch history.
right side up - adv. with the top of something, or the head of a person, facing upward
ring - n. something that is shaped like a circle
rope - n. a strong, thick string that is made by twisting many thin strings or fibers
together
run away with - phrasal verb. to secretly leave a place with a person or a group
side - n. one of two or more opinions, positions, etc., that disagree with each other
trapeze - n. a short bar that is hung high above the ground by two ropes and that is
held by circus performers who perform athletic tricks on it
twirl - v. to turn or spin around and around

Speaking

Have you ever been to a circus? Discuss with your friends what animals did you see
and what activities they performed. Describe the activities by performers in the circus.

Grammar

Adjectives

An adjective is a word that describes a noun. There are two

kinds: attributive and predicative.
An adjective is used attributively when it stands next to a noun and describes it.
For example: The black cat climbed a tree.
Notice that the verb participle forms can be used as adjectives:

The man felt a paralyzing fear.

Flavored oatmeal tastes better than plain oatmeal.
The usual place of the adjective in English is in front of the noun. You can have a
whole string of adjectives if you like: The tall thin evil-looking cowboy roped
the short, fat, inoffensive calf.
Sometimes, for rhetorical or poetic effect, the adjective can come after the noun:
Sarah Plain and Tall (book title)
This is the forest primeval.
An adjective is used predicatively when a verb separates it from the noun or pronoun
it describes:
The umpire was wrong.
The crowd was furious.
She seems tired today.
This soup tastes bad.
The dog’s coat feels smooth.
The verbs that can be completed by predicate adjectives are called being
verbs or copulative verbs. They include all the forms of to be and sensing verbs
like seem, feel, and taste.

Adjective Classifications

49
 qualitative: good, bad, happy, blue, French
 possessive: my, thy, his, her, its, our, your, their
 relative and interrogative: which, what, whatever, etc.
 numeral: one, two, second, single, etc.
 indefinite: some, any, much, few, every, etc.
 demonstrative: this, that, the, a (an), such
The demonstrative adjectives the and a (an) are so important in English that they
have a special name: articles.

Articles

The words a, an, and the are generally called articles and sometimes classed as a
separate part of speech. In function, however, they can be grouped with the
demonstrative adjectives that are used to point things out rather than describe them.
Definite Article
The is called the definite article because it points out a particular object or class.
This is the book I was talking about.
The dodo bird is extinct.
Indefinite Article
A is called the indefinite article because it points out an object, but not any particular
specimen.
a book, a dog, a lawn mower
The indefinite article has two forms:
A is used before words beginning with a consonant sound or an aspirated h:
a car, a lamb, a hope, a habit, a hotel
An is used before words beginning with a vowel sound:
an ape, an image, an untruth, an honorable man

Compound Sentences and Conjunctions

Announcing FANBOYS
F-for
A-and
N-nor
B-but
O-or
Y-yet
S-so
Coordinating conjunctions are the most popular category of conjunctions. Simply put, they
bring ideas together. They can join words, phrases, and clauses.
These words tend to be small, including words like "and," "so," "for," and "but." However,
they serve a very large function. They connect sweeping ideas together, forming cohesive,
comprehensive ideas.
No longer is there a need to write in short, choppy sentences. Coordinating conjunctions
are here to save the day.

50
The Coordinating Conjunctions
The English language has seven coordinating conjunctions, and they're easy to remember
if you can just remember the acronym FANBOYS:
 For - Explains reason or purpose (just like "because")
I go to the park every Sunday, for I long to see his face.
 And - Adds one thing to another
I like to read, and I write faithfully in my journal every night.
 Nor - Used to present an alternative negative idea to an already stated negative idea
I neither love nor hate to watch TV.
 But - Shows contrast
Television is a wonderful escape, but it interferes with my writing.
 Or - Presents an alternative or a choice
Would you rather read a book or watch a good TV show?
 Yet - Introduces a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically (similar
to "but")
I always take a book to the beach, yet I never seem to turn a single page.
 So - Indicates effect, result or consequence
I like to read, so my grammar is always on-point.

Using Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

You'll notice that, in the example sentences, some of the coordinating conjunctions are
preceded by a comma while others are not. There is a very simple reason for this.
If a coordinating conjunction is joining together two independent clauses, it needs to have
a comma with it. Independent clauses have the ability to stand alone as complete sentences.
Let's review the example for "but." Television is a wonderful escape, but it interferes with
my writing. Because these are two independent clauses, they must be joined together by a
comma and a coordinating conjunction. If you're really looking to get fancy, here are 8
times commas were important.

Can You Begin a Sentence with a Coordinating Conjunction?

Another misconception is that it's incorrect to begin a sentence with a coordinating
conjunction. While this is a good rule of thumb, it's not a hard and fast rule of grammar.
You might want to limit how often you begin a sentence with a coordinating conjunction,
but it's not incorrect to do so, especially if it'll break up a particularly long sentence into
more understandable chunks.

Quality and Complexity

Coordinating conjunctions are the simplest of all the conjunctions to recognize and master.
Knowing how they work will improve the quality and complexity of your writing.

Writing

51
Write about activities you have recently learned. Who do you do them with? What have
you learned? How do you perform these activities? Use simple and compound
sentences. Choose the correct connectors.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Listening Section

Here Is The News

Bulletin of world news on the radio.

Listen to the mp3 file and choose the best answer for each question. Then listen again
to check.

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

1. Where was the announcement made about the host nation for the 2012 Olympics?
Paris
Singapore
London

52
2. Which cities were in the race?
London, Paris, Madrid, New York, Moscow
London, Paris, Munich, New York, Moscow
London, Paris, Madrid, Singapore, Moscow

3. What were the new Estonian President's election promises?

Investment in Estonian industry.
Privatise Estonian industry and schools.
Spend more money on hospitals.

4. What share of the vote did he win?

62%
82%
72%

5. What wind speeds did the hurricanes produce?

180 kilometers per hour
180 miles per hour
80 miles per hour

6. When did the government issue an evacuation order?

It hasn't yet.
Many days ago.
Very recently.

7. How old is Manchester United's new player?

17
18
19

8. Which team did he use to play for?

Flamengo
Sao Paolo
Santos

9. What will he miss about Brazil?

Sun and food.
Food and beaches.
Sun and beaches.

53
10. How long has Chi Chi lived in captivity?
A couple of years.
Nearly ten years.
More than ten years.

Here Is The News - Transcript

Good evening, I'm Jed West and this is the six o'clock news. Headlines..

London has won the race to host the Olympics in 2012. Estonia has elected a new
president. Hurricanes Maxwell and Nelly have struck the east coast of America, in
particular the Florida Keys. Thousands injured. Manchester United have signed the
prodigious young talent, Brillinho, from Sao Paolo for a record €42 million. Chi Chi
the panda has given birth to twins in Berlin zoo.

Officials announced early this morning from Singapore that London beat Paris in the
race to host the 2012 Olympics. Many people had expected Paris to be the city honoured
with the Olympics, but in a surprise twist London, following the eliminations of New
York, Moscow and Madrid, emerged as victors. Spokesman Georgia Smith said "It's a
great day for London, for England and the United Kingdom. We will make this an
Olympics never to be forgotten"

Polling stations in Estonia closed just a few hours ago, but it seems clear that Vladimir
Shevchenko has already secured enough votes to become the new president. His
election campaign was very controversial in that he promised to privatise all Estonian
industry and use the money raised to invest in schools and hospitals. Exit polls indicate
Mr Shevchenko took almost 72% of the vote. He is currently preparing his acceptance
speech and is expected to assume power in the next 48 hours.

Once again the south east coast of America and the Caribbean are suffering the effects
of hurricanes. The latest two to hit are Maxwell and Nelly, and yesterday wind speeds
of up to 180kph were recorded, causing millions of dollars of damage to homes, roads
and ports. The US government has issued an evacuation order and since yesterday

54
evening the freeways have been jammed with worried residents looking to escape from
the hurricanes.

Sport, and the world's richest football club, Manchester United, yesterday signed young
Brazilian star, Brillinho, for a world record €42 million. The player, only just 18 years
old, signed a 5-year contract in the Manchester United boardroom in front of the world's
cameras and microphones. Speaking through an interpreter he said he was very excited
to be playing in the UK but would miss the sun and above all the beaches of Rio De
Janeiro.

Finally, good news at last for the endangered panda. This morning, just before 10.00am
CET, Chi Chi the Giant Chinese panda gave birth to twins, a male and a female, in
Berlin zoo. Chi Chi, who has been in captivity since 1994, is said to be well and clearly
happy to have finally become a mother.

And that was the six o'clock news. Join me at seven for the latest headlines. I'm Jed
West and thank you for listening to Radio 105.

55
 Chapter 6
Yesterday Was Amazing!

56
Lesson 6: Yesterday was Amazing

Learning Strategy
The learning strategy for this lesson is Substitute. When we are speaking a
second language, we often do not know a word. That is the time we can
substitute a phrase or another word, and continue speaking.

In the audio, you can hear Anna telling about the game. She does not
remember the name at first.

They are playing a game. It’s a kind of handball. What do they call
it? They call it pilota!

Anna uses a phrase, "It's a kind of handball," to tell about the game. She
is substituting that phrase for the Basque name. Then she remembers the
name, pilota.

Topic: A festival

Speaking & Pronunciation focus: three ways to pronounce the past tense ending of
regular verbs. Learn to pronounce the new words for this lesson. You also learn about
the words people use in English when they cannot remember a word, or they do not
know a word.
Grammar focus: simple past

Topic Summary
Anna discovers a festival - the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall.
What does she learn there about Basque culture?

Audio from: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3447876.html

Conversation
Listen to the conversation and read along the dialogue. Underline all the words
you do not understand. Circle the verbs in the text.

57
Anna: Yesterday was the most amazing day. I want to tell my friend back home about
it. So, I am writing her a letter!

Anna: Dear Penelope,

Life in Washington, D.C. is interesting. I see something new every day -- like
yesterday. Yesterday started like a usual work day.
Anna: I said, "Yesterday started like a usual work day."
Anna's voice: I was at work. And I wanted a break. So, I walked and walked … and
walked. Then, I saw something! It was a festival -- a big festival!
Anna: It is the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Anna's voice: Yes. It was the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Every year the festival
shows different cultures. This year one of the cultures was the Basque culture.
There was dancing and food and games!”
Anna: I am dancing a traditional Basque dance.
Anna's voice: At the festival, I danced a traditional Basque dance!
Anna: They are cooking traditional Basque food.
Anna's voice: They cooked a lot of traditional Basque food.
Anna: They are playing a game. It’s a kind of handball. What do they call it? They
call it pilota!
Anna's voice: They played a game with their hands and a small ball. It’s a kind of
handball. But this game is called pilota.
Anna: This is beautiful! This is traditional Basque art.
Anna: They are making a traditional Basque ship. This festival is a lot of fun!
Anna's voice: The whole day was a lot of fun!
Anna: Who said that? I want to write my friends and tell them about my day!
Anna: … So, I wanted to tell you about my day! Please, my friend, come visit
Washington, D.C. soon. There is a lot to do! Until next time … Anna.

New Words
was - v. past tense of the verb "be" in first or third person (I was; he/she/it was)
Basque Country _- n. region of Spain
culture - n. the beliefs, customs, or arts of a particular society
festival - n. an organized series of performances

58
 handball - n. a game for two or four players who use their hands to hit a ball against a
wall
interesting - adj. attracting your attention and making you want to learn more about
something or to be involved in something
said - v. past tense of the verb "say"
traditional - adj. following the tradition of a certain group or culture
Past tense verbs

start - started
want - wanted
walk - walked
dance - danced
play - played
call – called

Speaking:

Use the new words to talk about a party you attended.

past tense
The past tense in English is used:

 to talk about the past

 to talk about hypotheses – things that are imagined rather than true.
 for politeness.
There are four past tense forms in English:

Tense Form

Past simple: I worked

Past continuous: I was working

Past perfect: I had worked

59
 Tense Form

Past perfect continuous: I had been working

We use these forms:

 to talk about the past:

He worked at McDonald’s. He had worked there since July..
He was working at McDonald’s. He had been working since July.

 to refer to the present or future in conditions:

He could get a new job if he really tried.
If Jack was playing they would probably win.
and hypotheses:
It might be dangerous. Suppose they got lost.
I would always help someone who really needed help.
and wishes:
I wish it wasn’t so cold.

 In conditions, hypotheses and wishes, if we want to talk about the past, we

always use the past perfect:
I would have helped him if he had asked.
It was very dangerous, What if you had got lost?
I wish I hadn’t spent so much money last month.

 We can use the past forms to talk about the present in a few polite expressions:
Excuse me, I was wondering if this was the train for York.
I just hoped you would be able to help me.

past simple

Forms
With most verbs the past tense is formed by adding -ed:
call >> called; like >> liked; want >> wanted; work >> worked

60
But there are a lot of irregular past tenses in English. Here are the most common
irregular verbs in English, with their past tenses:

infinitive irregular past

be was/were
begin began
break broke
bring brought
buy bought
build built
choose chose
come came
cost cost
cut cut
do did
draw drew
drive drove
eat ate
feel felt
find found
get got
give gave
go went
have had
hear heard
hold held
keep kept
know knew
leave left
lead led
let let
lie lay
lose lost
make made
mean meant
meet met
pay paid
put put
run ran
say said
sell sold
send sent
set set
sit sat
speak spoke

61
 infinitive irregular past

spend spent
stand stood
take took
teach taught
tell told
think thought
understand understood
wear wore
win won
write wrote

Use
We use the past tense to talk about:

 something that happened once in the past:

I met my wife in 1983.
We went to Spain for our holidays.
They got home very late last night.

 something that happened again and again in the past:

When I was a boy I walked a mile to school every day.
We swam a lot while we were on holiday.
They always enjoyed visiting their friends.

 something that was true for some time in the past:

I lived abroad for ten years.
He enjoyed being a student.
She played a lot of tennis when she was younger.

 we often use phrases with ago with the past tense:

I met my wife a long time ago.

Questions and negatives

We use did to make questions with the past tense:
When did you meet your wife?
Where did you go for your holidays?

62
 Did she play tennis when she was younger?
Did you live abroad?
But look at these questions:
Who discovered penicillin?
Who wrote Don Quixote?
For more on these questions see our question forms page
We use didn’t (did not) to make negatives with the past tense:
They didn’t go to Spain this year.
We didn’t get home until very late last night.
I didn’t see you yesterday.

Verbs - past simple 2

Read the sentences. Use the verbs from the box at the top and fill in the gaps in the
sentences.

 held
 cost
 wrote
 wore
 paid
 took
 knew
 heard
 won
 built
 understood
 went
 left
 spoke
 drove
 met
 gave
 thought

1. He ……………….out his wallet and the bill.

2. When she ………………..to the interview, she her best outfit.

3. They…………….. the motorway and for an hour on quiet country roads.

4. I ………………I ………………………this theory but now I'm not so sure.

63
5. As soon as I ………………her, I ……………she was the woman I was going to
marry.

6. He………………… fourteen novels, but not one of them………………. a prize.

7. They……………… their own house, so it…………….. them much less.

8. When I ………you were coming, I ………the staff the rest of the day off.

9. The nurse………………… the patient's hand and softly to him.

Writing
Tell about a festival in your town.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Listening Section

A Grand Vacation
Alan and Henrietta meet on the train and talk about Alan's European trip. Complete
these sentences with ONE or TWO words. Audio available on teacher’s CD

Right click here for the mp3 listening file.

Alan: I …………………………all over Europe. Twenty-four days, seven countries.

Alan: I started in Amsterdam. I ……………………………...Dutch friend Rita there.
Alan: We went to college together……………………. in Amsterdam for three days.

64
Alan: The weather………………… and windy and really cold, but I had a great time.
Alan: Yes, they were so beautiful. We ……………………two huge art galleries.
Alan: They………………………………………………… exhibitions of the old
Dutch painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Alan: I …………………….house in Munich that was 800 years old. It was
incredible.
Alan: I so ………………………………many photos of the city.
Alan: No, not really. I a very good guide book with me, very informative.
Alan: Yes, after a few days in Munich, I …………………train south to Italy and
stayed two days in Milan.

A Grand Vacation - Transcript

Henrietta meets a friend on the train and asks him about his European vacation.

Henrietta: Hey Alan, is that you?

Alan: Oh, hi Henrietta. What a surprise to see you! Are you going to work?

Henrietta: Yes, and you? Why are you on this train?

Alan: I'm finishing my vacation. Today's my last day. I went all over Europe.
Twenty-four days, seven countries.

Henrietta: That sounds incredible! Tell me all about it. I really want to see the rest of
Europe.

Alan: I started in Amsterdam. I met my Dutch friend Rita there.

Henrietta: How do you know her?

Alan: We went to college together. I stayed in Amsterdam for three days. The
weather was rainy and windy and really cold, but I had a great time. It's a very
cosmopolitan, international city.

Henrietta: What did you do there? Did you see all the canals?

Alan: Yes, they were so beautiful. We also visited two huge art galleries. They had
exhibitions of the old Dutch painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt. After leaving
Amsterdam, I spent some time in Brussels with Rita and then I went to Munich.

Henrietta: I really want to go to Germany!

65
Alan: It's a very interesting place. Very historical. I visited one house in Munich that
was 800 years old. It was incredible.

Henrietta: That's so old!

Alan: It was a very clean house too! The weather in Munich was warm so I was
happy. I took so many photos of the city.

Henrietta: Did you spend a lot of money on hotels?

Alan: No, not really. I had a very good guide book with me, very informative. And it
had information about all the good, cheap places. In Munich, I stayed in a hostel for
about 20 euros a night.

Henrietta: Wow, that is cheap! What did you eat in Germany? I hear the food is
delicious.

Alan: They have these huge sausages and you eat them with a long piece of bread -
very tasty.

Henrietta: Did you go to Italy, Alan?

Alan: Yes, after a few days in Munich, I caught the train south to Italy and stayed two
days in Milan.

Henrietta: You really saw everything. I'm so jealous. I was here in London in the
rain!

Alan: Oh, what a pity! This is my station. I have so many things to tell you. Listen,
tonight I'll phone you.

Henrietta: Great, and this weekend, we can go out and eat German sausage!

Alan: OK, speak to you tonight. Bye!

http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/listening/1L14-a-grand-vacation-transcript.php

66