Monday, 19 December 2016
Monday, 7 November 2016
Difference between IF and WHETHER
If or whether?
If and whether: indirect questions
We can use if or whether to report indirect yes-no questions and questions with or. If is more common than whether:
Call the bakeries around town and find out if any of them sell raspberry pies.
I rang Peter from the station and asked if I could drop in to see him before going back or if he’d meet me.
We often prefer whether in more formal contexts:
The teachers will be asked whether they would recommend the book to their classes.
[from a business meeting]
John read a letter that he’d written and the board discussed whether it should be mailed.
We prefer whether with or when there is more than one alternative in the indirect question:
After the election, we asked whether the parties should change their leaders, their policies, or both.
To express an alternative, we can use or not with if and whether. With whether we can use or not immediately after whether or in end position. With if we use or not in end position only:
I called Bill to find out whether or not he really did go to Afghanistan.
I called Bill to find out whether he really did go to Afghanistan or not.
I called Bill to find out if he really did go to Afghanistan or not.
We use whether and not if before a to-infinitive, often when we’re referring to future plans or decisions:
I was wondering whether to go for a swim.
Some financial decisions, such as planning a pension, need to be taken as early as possible. Others, such as whether to move house, can probably only be made much later.
Whether not if
We use whether and not if after prepositions:
Later I argued with the doctor about whether I had hit my head, since I couldn’t remember feeling it.
Not:Later I argued with the doctor about if I had hit my head…
The police seemed mainly interested in whether there were any locks on the windows.
Not:The police seemed mainly interested in if there were any locks…
I doubt if, I don’t know whether
We use if or whether to introduce clauses after verbs of doubting:
I don’t know if I can drive. My foot really hurts.
I didn’t prune the rose bush this year so I doubt if we’re going to have many flowers.(‘prune’ means cut back)
We’ll have plenty of photographs to show you but I’m not sure whether we’ll be able to learn very much from them.
See also:
If, whether: typical errors
- We use whether, not if, before to-infinitives:
I don’t know whether to buy the blue one or the red one.
Not:I don’t know if to buy the blue one…
- We use whether, not if, directly before or not:
Can you tell me whether or not you’re interested in the job.
Not:Can you tell me if or not you’re interested…
- We use whether, not if, after prepositions:
[talking about a trip to Australia for a year]
We’re not interested in whether we get great jobs and that kind of thing, we just want to have a good time.
Not:We’re not interested in if we get great jobs and that kind of thing…
Source: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/gramatica/gramatica-britanica/if-or-whether
Monday, 3 October 2016
Saturday, 1 October 2016
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
Units 5B and 6A & B - Workbook, self-correction anwsers
As discussed in class, your task is to complete the exercises, then correct them with the help of these answers and hand in the workbook for a final check.
Remember to use any other colour to correct, rather than erase the answers. This will help you a lot to spot your mistakes and learn from them!
Here is the link to the answers.
Good job!
Remember to use any other colour to correct, rather than erase the answers. This will help you a lot to spot your mistakes and learn from them!
Here is the link to the answers.
Good job!
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
Saturday, 20 August 2016
Rebecca, our reader for the second part of the year
First edition front cover |
The story is narrated by Maxim's second wife, known only as Mrs. de Winter, who finds herself living in the shadows of Maxim's first wife. And that's Rebecca! However, we never meet her... Strange?
It was published in 1938 and its author is Daphne du Maurier, who was born in Cornwall, a county in the southwest of England. (check the map). The novel was an instant bestseller and has never gone out of print.
Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier in Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca |
The best thing about this novel? It's both serious literature and guilty pleasure.
Why should I find it interesting?
Rebecca is a classic story of deception and betrayal. It's a serious look into the imperfections of upper class society and the war between good and evil within a single person. It will leave you thinking about the meaning of sacrifice, desire, and nostalgia... OK, ok... is this too serious? Try the following...
Hello, lovers of guilty pleasure! So, you love page-turners that you can fly through in hours? You're looking for something to read on a long plane ride? Rebecca is totally for you. This is a soap-opera crime thriller: the story of obsession and murder; old lovers and new lies.
Monday, 8 August 2016
Friday, 5 August 2016
Writing a book/film review
Follow these steps to write a book or film review.
Pre writing
Remember and take notes of the plot of the story. What impression did it produce on you?
Writing
- Introduction: give the title and author of the book. If you're reviewing a film mention the director or actors.
- Body:
1. Summarize the plot in a few sentences.
2. Mention the setting: the place and time of the plot.
3. Say something about the main characters.
4. Say something about the content. - Conclusion:
1. Comment on the book or film.
2. Let others know whether or not you liked the book/film.
3. Why do you like it? Why don't you like it?
4. Is the author's style good or bad, is the book / film interesting or boring etc.
5. Do you want to recommend the book/film?
Post writing
Edit your writing.
Useful Expressions:
Title, Author / Director, Actors
The film is directed bySetting
The film is produced by..
It is starred by...
The book is written by ...
The action takes place in ... (setting)Characters and Plot
The action of the film is set in ...
The story takes place in...
The main characters are ...Reaction
The story is about ....
The novel tells the story of ...
In the course of the novel the action develops dramatically.
The novel / film begins with...
The novel has an unexpected ending.
The end of ... is ...
I am impressed by
I think ....
The book is terribly / beautifully written
The film is terrible / exciting.
What surprised me is ...
What I liked is...
What I didn't like is...
I liked/didn't like the film / novel because ...
Wednesday, 3 August 2016
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Monday, 27 June 2016
But Was it Murder? - Chapters 17 and 18 - End of book
CHAPTER 17 Putting the pieces together
1 Put the events in order.
a Amanda Grant told the police what she had done on Friday.
b Eliot started to think it was suicide, not murder.
c Micky, Eliot’s son, helped him understand something.
d Bowen checked her story and knew she was not guilty.
e Eliot thought that Amanda Grant was the murderer.
2. ‘Thanks, Micky, I understand it now.’ What do you think
Eliot understood?
CHAPTER 18 The truth at last
Complete the summary.
Wilvers phoned Forley on ............... to say he needed ...............
and wanted to ............... something, which explained the
............... on Forley’s desk. Also, Wilvers ............... about the test
results on Friday, saying Forley had a ............... ............... .
Wilvers knew about the ............... and was sure Forley would
............... himself. Wilvers knew Lisa was having an ...............
with Forley, but didn’t want Sam to grow up without a ............... .
Do you think But Was it Murder? is a good title? Make up a different title.
1 Put the events in order.
a Amanda Grant told the police what she had done on Friday.
b Eliot started to think it was suicide, not murder.
c Micky, Eliot’s son, helped him understand something.
d Bowen checked her story and knew she was not guilty.
e Eliot thought that Amanda Grant was the murderer.
2. ‘Thanks, Micky, I understand it now.’ What do you think
Eliot understood?
CHAPTER 18 The truth at last
Complete the summary.
Wilvers phoned Forley on ............... to say he needed ...............
and wanted to ............... something, which explained the
............... on Forley’s desk. Also, Wilvers ............... about the test
results on Friday, saying Forley had a ............... ............... .
Wilvers knew about the ............... and was sure Forley would
............... himself. Wilvers knew Lisa was having an ...............
with Forley, but didn’t want Sam to grow up without a ............... .
Do you think But Was it Murder? is a good title? Make up a different title.
Saturday, 25 June 2016
More on Can and Be Able To
Can and Be Able To
Put the correct form of either "can" or "be able to" for each sentence. Only use "be able to" if absolutely necessary!
1. I haven't concentrate recently at work. I don't know what it is.
2. My brother cook very well. He is a chef in a French restaurant.
3. When he was only 2, my friend Lee speak quite well.
4. I have to go to a business dinner tomorrow night so I (not) come to the party. I'm very sorry.
5. Kevin lived in Italy for six years, so he must speak Italian quite well. He will help you with your homework.
6. This telephone is terrible. I (not) hear you at all.
7. When the car drove into the lake, one of the passengers (not) open the door and had to be rescued.
8. Despite the arrival of the storm, they finish the football match.
9. When I was very young, I used to touch my toes, but I can't now!!
10. The house was totally empty all day yesterday and I finish that book I was reading.
11. My mother tells me that her grandfather was one of the best musicians of his time in the city and play the piano like a professional.
12. I hope to speak English very well after this course finishes.
Wednesday, 22 June 2016
But Was it Murder? Chapters 15 and 16
CHAPTER 15 Uncovering lies
Match the beginnings and endings.
1 Mrs Brook told the police that a going for a walk at the time of Forley’s death.
2 Forley was with Catherine Crowther for b Forley had visited Catherine Crowther on Wednesday.
an hour
3 Mrs Brook had once seen c that Forley had been having an affair.
4 Bowen discovered from the secret diary d and looked very uncomfortable when he left.
5 The barman in the pub noticed e Ronald Crowther cleaning a gun.
Ronald Crowther
CHAPTER 16 Jealousy
1. Who ...
a gave the gun to Forley?
b were at the dinner party three weeks ago?
c was surprised that Eliot wanted to ask more questions?
d was having a secret affair with Forley?
e was angry with Forley?
f thought Catherine was finally telling the truth?
Match the beginnings and endings.
1 Mrs Brook told the police that a going for a walk at the time of Forley’s death.
2 Forley was with Catherine Crowther for b Forley had visited Catherine Crowther on Wednesday.
an hour
3 Mrs Brook had once seen c that Forley had been having an affair.
4 Bowen discovered from the secret diary d and looked very uncomfortable when he left.
5 The barman in the pub noticed e Ronald Crowther cleaning a gun.
Ronald Crowther
CHAPTER 16 Jealousy
1. Who ...
a gave the gun to Forley?
b were at the dinner party three weeks ago?
c was surprised that Eliot wanted to ask more questions?
d was having a secret affair with Forley?
e was angry with Forley?
f thought Catherine was finally telling the truth?
Sunday, 19 June 2016
But Was it Murder? - Chapters 11 - 14
CHAPTER 11
True or false?
a Eliot slept through most of the football match.
b Bowen looked tired and stressed.
c Forley’s diary was not written in English.
d Wilver’s wife was relaxed and cheerful.
e The Wilvers’ sitting room was in an awful mess.
f The tests showed there was something wrong with Forley.
CHAPTER 12
Look at the words in italics. Who is he, you, she?
a He said he wanted my advice about something.
b And would you say he was a weak man, sir?
c She’s good-looking enough, but she obviously rules his life.
d Be careful with the women you choose.
e He’s hiding something from us too.
CHAPTER 13
1. Eliot needs answers to these questions:
a Why were the Crowthers not telling him the truth?
b Had Catherine Crowther been having an affair with Forley?
c What had made her suddenly change her style of painting?
d And did anyone visit Forley after Wilver had left on Friday?
e And what had Forley been so worried about?
What do you think?
CHAPTER 14
Complete the summary.
The pathologist’s report said that Forley had been killed by a shot
to the ............... and had died ............... . There were no other
signs of ............... . He had been in good ............... but had been
drinking. The time of death was between ............... and
............... Friday afternoon. Eliot now had to check who had an
............... for that time. Bowen was making slow progress on
Forley’s ............... as it was written in ............... and ............... .
Thursday, 2 June 2016
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Friday, 27 May 2016
Friday, 13 May 2016
Monday, 9 May 2016
Differences: afraid / scared - frightening / terrifying
afraid / scared / frightened
All small children are afraid of / scared of / frightened of school bullies.
All three can be followed by of + -ing clause. Frightened cannot always be followed by of + pronoun or noun:
He’s afraid of / scared of / frightened of flying in small planes.
All three can be followed by the to + infinitive pattern:
She seemed too scared to swim where there were such big waves.
We can be scared by or frightened by something. We cannot useafraid in this way:
She was scared by the hooting of the owl.
Note that terrified expresses a stronger degree of fear.
She’s terrified of / by large dogs and won’t go near them.
He seemed afraid. He appeared frightened.
I’m afraid there’s been an accident at the crossroads. Your son’s been knocked over on his bike.
Will I really have to repeat the course next year? ~ I’m afraid so.
She looked very frightened when I told her she would lose her job.
I was so much in debt. I was terrified I would lose my job when the restructuring was announced.
Being alone in a cave with five thousand bats was scary.
|
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv335.shtml
Sunday, 1 May 2016
Friday, 22 April 2016
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Wednesday, 30 March 2016
Personality vocabulary
We sometimes think of personality features as positive or negative, or even we may decide according to the situation.
Try to complete these columns with your own choices and then we will share and discuss different points of view in class!
Try to complete these columns with your own choices and then we will share and discuss different points of view in class!
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
HATE, LIKE, LOVE and PREFER
To my curious students... =)
We can use hate, like, love and prefer with an -ing form or with a to-infinitive:
I hate to see food being thrown away.
I love going to the cinema.
I prefer listening to the news on radio than watching it on TV.
He prefers not to wear a tie to work.
In American English, the forms with to-infinitive are much more common than the -ing form.
There is a very small difference in meaning between the two forms. The -ing form emphasises the action or experience. The to-infinitive gives more emphasis to the results of the action or event. We often use the -ing form to suggest enjoyment (or lack of it), and the to-infinitive form to express habits or preferences.
The -ing form is more common than the to-infinitive form after hate and love:
I hate decorating. I’d rather pay a professional to do it.
Would + hate, like, love, prefer
When we use would or ’d with hate, like, love, prefer, we use the to-infinitive, not the -ing form:
We would love to hear you sing.
Not:We would love hearing you sing.
They’d hate to cause a problem.
Not:They’d hate causing a problem.
I’d prefer not to give you my name.
Not:I’d prefer not giving you my name.
(“Hate, like, love and prefer” from English Grammar Today © Cambridge University Press.)
Monday, 28 March 2016
Saturday, 26 March 2016
How to Improve Your English Listening Skills
7 Ways to Better Understand English Speakers
Was this useful? Why/Why not? Post your comment here.
NUMBERS IN ENGLISH
We created this chart so that you can use it as a quick reference guide whenever you are writing numbers.
Remember that you need to use a hyphen (-) to join the two parts of numbers between 21 and 99.
(Though native speakers sometimes leave it out because they don’t realize it is needed)
(Though native speakers sometimes leave it out because they don’t realize it is needed)
You will notice I added some of the larger numbers too (hundred, thousand, million).
I recommend reading about the difference between million and millions and when you should (and should NOT) put an S at the end of the word. This same rules apply when talking about hundreds and thousands so make sure you know about it.
I recommend reading about the difference between million and millions and when you should (and should NOT) put an S at the end of the word. This same rules apply when talking about hundreds and thousands so make sure you know about it.
We have written more details about all numbers in English, both cardinal and ordinal numbers, as well as Fractions and Decimals here: Numbers in English
If you would like to practice these numbers then try the following games:
We also have a page about how to say telephone numbers in English.
I hope you find this useful.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Unit 1A - Mood Food - Page 6 - Speaking
Have a look at these strange restaurants!
1. What do you think of them?
2. Would you like to go to any of them? Why / Why not?
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
Unit 1A - Mood Food - Page 4 - Vocabulary
SPEAKING
1. Can you identify the different kinds of food that can be seen in the picture?
2. What is your favourite fruit/vegetable/food?
3. Is there any food or drink that you couldn't live without? How often do you eat/drink it?
4. What do you think about vegetarianism? And about veganism?
5. Would you like to change your eating habits? Why / why not?
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