TUESDAY 26 JULY 2016

Listening is a difficult skill but you can prepare for different common situations by learning words and phrases for particular situations. It is also important to predict the phrases and vocabulary you will hear. 

Because English and Italian are very different languages, it can be useful to create a phrase book of useful phrases and words to use in everyday situations.

On this website there is also the translation in Italian and audio.

http://it.speaklanguages.com/inglese/frasi/

In Part 1 of the Listening Test you will hear short dialogues or monlogues in common situations.

On this site you can find pdfs that will allow you to learn several words and phrases associated with everyday situations.

http://englishpower.jp/moodle/course/view.php?id=224

Look in particular at the moderate section.

Here is a document about taking a taxi

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4EN8MtjAE4dTGprMFBoNldQQ3M/view

Try the listening exercises on Page 80. Looking at they key phrases in the questions and analyze the differences bewteen the pictures before listening to predict what you will hear and make understanding easier.

THURSDAY JULY 21 2016

Thinking of synomyms for words that we commonly use is a great way to build your vocabulary.

When you learn a new word, think of words that are in the same family. Are there any related verbs, nouns, adverbs, adjectives, synonyms and antonyms?

Look at this example with the verb employ.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslWktZNUg0M3I1Qmc/view?usp=sharing

and try to do the same with the word friend.

Here there is a lot of information about prefixes and suffixes. They can help to discover the meaning of a new word by seperating it into parts.

http://www.esl-galaxy.com/prefixsuffix.html

You can find more exercises here

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/word_formation.htm

This is also useful for the Use of English Part 3.

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/strategy/p3pt5a.htm

In one exercise, 'Dress Code' there are similar verbs about clothes.

See here for an explanation

http://www.slideshare.net/inmadom/wear-put-on-and-dress

WEDNESDAY  JULY 2016

What word can we use use to complete ALL three of these phrases?

Do you _________ if I smoke?

- Which do you prefer? Tea of coffee? - I don't _______.

- Sorry I can't come. - Never ______. Maybe next time.

Many words in English have more than one meaning. so it can be interesting to focus on one word and investigate it's different uses.

See here for more examples with mind.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslcV9Yd2JUUEpBZW8/view?usp=sharing

See here for another example with the word change.

http://www.tefl.net/esl-lesson-plans/TP_All-Change.pdf

Mind is also used in many idiomatic expressions.

See here for more examples

http://recursostic.educacion.es/multidisciplinar/wikididactica/images/Idioms_mind.pdf

 Knowledge of common phrases and idioms are tested in PET Writing Part 1 and FCE Reading and Use of English Part 4 Key Word Transformation.

WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH 2017

Although we understand how important it is to practise English outside the classroom, it can be difficult to find the time. However, thanks to our smartphones we have access to English practise, whenever we have 5 minutes.

Two recommended apps are aba english and BBC Six Minute English.

We looked at one programme about useful phrases to avoid or cope with misunderstandings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/01/140116_6min_business_misunderstandings.shtml

One good strategy when you don't understand is to repeat in your own words.

You can find other strategies here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslemx6c0UwWlh1ZUk/view?usp=sharing

Ability to paraphrase is also tested in the PET exam in Writing Part 1 and in the FCE in the Use of English Part 3.

In both exams there is an exercise where you have one complete phrase and a second phrase with some words missing. You have to complete the second phrase so that it has the same meaning as the first, but expressed in different words.

In PET, you can choose a maximum of three words of your choice.

In FCE, you can use a maximum of five words, one of which must be the word given in bold capital letters.

Try these exercises

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslRk4tdjJxYlZ1TE0/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslekI4RkdUUUtHQ1k/view?usp=sharing

As you practise, it is a good idea to note the phrases that you use for this part of the exam, because you never know you may meet the same expressions again.

Here are some examples of phrases that you may find.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslZi1HRGlWY25RWHc/view?usp=sharing

MERCOLEDI 15 MARZO 2017

I verbi can e could possono essere utilizzati in tante situazioni practiche, anche in classe.

Provate a formulare delle domande utilizzando i suggerimenti qui

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslcUZoSnZOc3podG8/view?usp=sharing

Per i verbi essere, have got e modali, per fare la forma negativa basta aggiungere not e per la forma interrogativa invertire soggetto e verbo.

I am English
He is not Italian
Are you French?

I have got a car.
She has not got a pen.
Have you got a rubber?

I can play the piano.
You cannot stay here.
Can I come in?

Per  altri verbi bisogna aggiungere l'ausiliare do.

I work.
He doesn't drive.
Do you speak English?

Vedere Essential Grammar in Use Unit 6 e 7.

Per fare practica con le domande, si puo fare un gioco chde si chiama 20 questions.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslanJwVTA5ejE1NUU/view?usp=sharing

MONDAY 18 JULY

we looked at a dialogue between two people arranging to meet.

When they talk about their future plans they use the present continous.

You can read about these here

http://esl.about.com/od/grammarstructures/a/future_forms.htm

and click on the link for the quiz.

There are also exercises on Page 81 of PET Result.

Look at these questions about future forms.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslM2xEYVZjMXFlaUU/view?usp=sharing

There are also two other forms of the future

1. Future continuous - will + be + verb + ing

To talk about something that will in progress at a particular time in the future.

At 10 o'clock tomorrow I will be working.

2. Future perfect - will + have + past participle

To talk about something that will already be in the past before a certain time in the future.

By this time next year I will have finished my studies.

Englishpage.com is great for grammar explanations.

See here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslM2xEYVZjMXFlaUU/view?usp=sharing

WEDNESDAY 13 JULY

We started with a speaking exercise on Page 68 of PET Result.

We then read a similar dialogue where two students discuss the best way to learn a language.

http://www.ukstudentlife.com/English/Exams/Oral.htm

When comparing the methods they use comparatives and superalatives.

For a review of the grammar see page 126 of PET Result.

There are some exercises on Page 40.

Flo joe has some interesting exercises on this and other points of grammar.

http://www.flo-joe.com/preliminaryenglish/pet-grammar.htm

Think about learning language through these questions.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslV3l1cHE5ZktsdUU/view?usp=sharing

TUESDAY 12 JULY

We started with a listening exercise, exercise 1 on Page 20 and exercise 2 on Page 21 of PET Result.  Listening can be difficult, but when doing an exercixe you can predict what you will hear by reading the questions and thinking of synonyms or similar ways of sayig the same thing. 

When talking about the past, as well as the past simple you can use the past continuous and the past perfect to add different levels to your story.

There are some exercises on these tenses on Page 21

You can read about these tenses here

http://www.vivquarry.com/wkshts/narrative.html

and try the exercises on narrative tenses here

http://www.eltbase.com/quiz/201_02.htm

Two ways to understand these tenses better are 
1) reading and
2) using them to talk about your life or experience

Think of  year in the past, for example, 2005, and answer these questions thinking about your situation at the time.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslVE45VDRIaEk2a0U/view?usp=sharing

MONDAY JULY 11

Becoming fluent in English is a question of practice. The more you practice and repeat, the more automatic it becomes. So try to add more details when speaking to give a fuller answer and speak more.

You can do this in the following ways

1. adding ideas – what else can I say? - and, also

2. giving examples – can I think of an example? - for example, for instance

3. adding detail – what precisely do I mean?/when did it happen? etc - when, in fact, now

4. giving reasons – why? - because, so, and so

5. saying something different – isn’t there something different I can say? - but, though, even though

Look at Page 54 in Pet Result, exercises 1 and 2 and try to answer the questions fully.

You can also use linking words in your writing to make longer sentences.

You can read about them here.

http://www.vivquarry.com/wkshts/linkwd.html

Try Page 10 in Pet Result, exercise 5.

Then try this exercise

http://www.vivquarry.com/wkshts/linkwdex.html

This exercise is similar to one part of the PET and FCE exam.

WEDNESDAY 6 JULY

In English we make a difference between finished and unfinished time. When thinking of the past we must think about the time in which the action happened. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslVXc3VjQ0VVVRZ0U/view?usp=sharing

When we talk about a past action in a past time, we use the past simple. When we talk about a past action in an unfinished time we use the presesnt perfect have / has + past participle.

The uses of the present perfect are 
1. To talk about a past action in an unfinished time - I have drunk two coffees today
2. To speak about an experience at an unspecified time of the past - I have been to America
3. To speak about something that started in the past and continues now -I have lived in Italy for 8 years
4. To bring something from the past closer to the present because it is news, or because there is a consequence now.
You have cut your hair!

This is a good book for grammar, Units 7 + 8 and 13 + 14. - http://vk.com/doc8069473_202956457?hash=5ce925651868f7ad3c&dl=aa922cf229371819a9

Irregular verb forms can be hard to remember. You can try putting them in groups of verbs that change in the same way.

Try these worksheets

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslVksxcWZ2aFRPYkk/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslUGgxV0JnQXZkZnM/view?usp=sharing

or watch these videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zhFJlCAbGU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNaDvAYC0Jw

Then complete the questions on Page 3 on this document.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslS3N4cFl2N3VGRlk/view?usp=sharing

There is also the present perfect continuous that we use to highlight the action that continues now and in the future instead of the result.

Read the explanation here and try the exercises here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslR3hnYXh6bmZPOEk/view?usp=sharing

and on Page 1 of this document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIslS3N4cFl2N3VGRlk/view?usp=sharing

 For more practice try the exercises on englishpage.com

http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbtenseintro.html

This tense is common in job interviews when talking about your current and past work situation.

http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=5899

TUESDAY 5 JULY 2016

Reading can be an excellent way to learn new words and review grammar in a natural context. However reading a book in the original version can be difficult. There are books, by famous authors or biographies or non fiction books written in simplified English so that they are not to difficult to understand. one publisher is Macmillan.

Here you can read sample chapters from their books before you decide what you want to buy.

http://www.macmillanreaders.com/resources/sample-chapters

For example here is the first chapter of Frankenstein

http://www.macmillanreaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Frankenstein.pdf

You can but the book with a CD on amazon

http://www.amazon.it/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=macmillan+reader&tag=slhyin-21&index=stripbooks&hvadid=24992154275&ref=pd_sl_1rlmfv3k54_b

Or you can sometimes find them online.

http://mggu-sh.ru/sites/default/files/frankenstein.pdf

I have some books in pdf format. Ask me if you are interested.

We looked at the first page of Frankenstein to identify regular and irregular verb forms.

You can try some exercises on affirmative, negative and question forms in the past tense in the grammar book, Units 11 + 12.

https://vk.com/doc8069473_207129479?hash=94cd970d0d980ac461&dl=5a539c9622c51a9bc2

Another way of talking about past is with used to.

You can read about it on Page 121 of PET Result.

Then there are some exercises (2+3) on used to on page 99.

We then discussed childhood memories.

You can use the past simple in the part  of the writing test.

You can find a writing exercise on Page 15 of this grammar book.

https://fernandamaterial.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/cambridge-grammar-for-first-certificate.pdf

Do it for home work and bring it to the lesson next Monday.

MONDAY 4 JULY 2016

Try to describe this picture

1. Where is it?

2. What is the weather like?

3. What can you see in the photo?

4. Where are things in relation in each other?

5. What are the people wearing?

6. What are they doing?

7. What do you think of the situation?

This photo is connected to an article on breakingnewsenglish.com. It is a website that everyday publishes an article about something in the news - current affairs, the environment, culture. There are many exercises that can help you learn new words and expressions and very useful to prepare for the PET and FCE exams.

You can find the article here

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1401/140121-sunrise.html

Scroll down and look for the BEFORE READING / LISTENING SECTION.

Exercise  2 synonym match can help you to learn the new words in the article.

It is important to know many different ways of saying the same thing for the Cambride exams, because you need to paraphrase questions to find the answers easier.

Some words just naturally go together, like for example fast food, some verbs are followed by prepositions and the next exercise Phrase match can help you with that.

One exercise on the site, Language cloze, is typical in both the PET and the FCE exams.

There is a test with some gaps and you have to chose the right word to complete the phrase.

It is a good idea to follow this method.

1. First read the text and think what word you would use to fill the gap.

2. Read the options and choose the answer that correspons most to yours.

In the article there are many examples of words that we usually put together - health and beauty, on behalf of, be in the planning stage.

These are known as collocations and identifying and using them can help you to sound more natural in English.

You can read about them here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1_B2HZ_bIsleTE3ZDdtZXpzdGs/view?usp=sharing

There is also information about collocation on the Flo Joe website, which is very useful for exam practice, so explore!

http://www.flo-joe.com/preliminaryenglish/vocabulary/pet-collocations.htm

As it says collocations are very common in  PET Reading Part 5 and FCE Reading and Use of English Parts 1 + 2.

There is an example of this type of exercise on Page 105 of PET Result.

This exercise practises forms for expressing purpose.

You can find an exercise here

http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/112.html

You can also read about collocations on englishclub.

https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/collocations-lists.htm