Review of past tenses

Past Review 

We can use the past simple to talk about actions and states which we see as completed in the past.

• I left school when I was sixteen.
• I was very happy then.
• He told me all about his childhood.

We can use the past continuous to talk about past events which went on for a period of time.

• While I was driving home, Peter was trying desperately to contact me.
• I was thinking about him last night.
• I was walking in the street when I suddenly fell over.

We can use the present perfect when we want to look back from the present to the past.

• I've broken my watch so I don't know what time it is.
• She hasn't arrived yet.
• We've been to Singapore a lot over the last few years.
• Have you ever been to Argentina?

The Present Perfect Continuous can be used to talk about an action or actions that started in the past and continued until recently or that continue into the future.

• You look tired. Have you been sleeping properly?
• I've been waiting for him for 30 minutes and he still hasn't arrived.
• He's been phoning me all week for an answer.

We can use the past perfect simple to talk about what happened before a point in the past. It looks back from a point in the past to further in the past.

• I hadn't known the bad news when I spoke to him.
• I thought we had already decided on a name for this product.

We can use the past perfect continuousto look back at a situation in progress.

• We had been thinking about buying a new house but then we decided to stay here.
• It had been snowing for a while before we left.
• She said she had been trying to call me all day.

English transition words and phrases

Some Common English Transition Words and Phrases

Adding Information and not only . . . but also also moreover (more formal) furthermore (more formal) in addition (more formal)	Examples We have seen the movie twice, and now we want to see it again. Not only did my brother break his leg, but he also bruised his rib. My friend speaks Korean and English. She also speaks Chinese. Cheating is dishonest. Moreover, it hinders students from learning. Students should be on time. Furthermore, they must be prepared. You must complete this essay by 5 p.m. In addition, you must do the exercises on page 47.
Giving Examples for example for instance specifically in particular The first (second, another, etc.) example/reason is . . .	Examples I have been to many countries. For example, I have been to Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Spain. He often eats strange foods. For instance, he once ate cow brains. I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals. I love fruit. In particular, I like bananas, pineapple, and berries. My friend hates skiing for several reasons. The first reason is that she dislikes being cold. Another reason is that she often falls.
Showing a Contrast but however on the other hand otherwise instead in contrast (more formal)	Examples Bill earned an A on his essay, but Susan got a B. We wanted to leave at 8:00. However, Mike arrived too late. She hates housecleaning. On the other hand, she doesn't mind cooking. Students should attend class. Otherwise, they may lose their status. I am not going out tonight. Instead, I will stay home and watch a video. Women usually enjoy shopping. In contrast, men often dislike it.
Showing a Concession yet nevertheless (more formal) even so however although even though despite the fact that . . . despite	Examples He knows that he should do his homework, yet he never does it. I need to wear reading glasses. Nevertheless, I hate how I look in them. I know you don't like to study. Even so, you must pass your exam. There are many benefits to exercising. However, you must take some precautions to avoid injury. Even though the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting. Although the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting. Despite the fact that Kate is good at tennis, she lost the match. Despite Kate's skill at tennis, she lost the match.
Showing a Similarity likewise (more formal) similarly (more formal) in the same way	Examples Math was hard for me in high school. Likewise, it is hard in college. Houseplants require much care and attention. Similarly, outdoor plants must be cared for properly. Rock climbing takes much practice and skill. In the same way, learning to write well requires a great deal of practice.
Showing a Result so as a result therefore thus (more formal) as a consequence consequently (more formal)	Examples Janet passed her exam, so she is very happy. Tim was late. As a result, we could not go to the concert. James is not feeling well. Therefore, he will not be here today. The committee voted against the proposal. Thus, we must consider another idea. I forgot that the cake was in the oven. As a consequence, it burned. Tina lost her keys. Consequently, she could not drive home.
Establishing Time Relation or Sequence first second finally in conclusion in summary meanwhile	Examples First, I think that she is studying hard. Second, I believe that she is a bright student. Finally, I know that she has great potential. In conclusion, I feel that she deserves to win the scholarship. In summary, we should offer her some financial help. Jeff was working hard to clean the house. Meanwhile, his brother was watching television.
Showing a Condition or whether . . . or if . . . (then)	Examples I must study hard, or I will fail my exam. Whether you are coming or not, I am still going to Amy's party. If you want to get good grades, then you must do your homework.
Explaining or Emphasizing in fact actually in other words namely (more formal)	Examples The bookstore sells cards. In fact, they have the best cards around. James is actually the first person I have known who has been to Africa. He was late to class again. In other words, he didn't wake up on time. The plan needed only two things to succeed—namely, time and money.
Giving an Alternative or either . . . or neither . . . nor (more formal)	Examples We can go to the beach, or we can go to the mountains. You can either ride the bus or walk to my apartment. I like neither that person nor his brother.

Punctuation Rules

1. Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, yet, so):
   Put a comma before these conjunctions. (Don't use them at the beginning of a sentence in more formal writing.)
   example: The movie has already started, but my friend has not arrived yet.


2. Correlative Conjunctions (These have two parts: either . . . or):
   • Put a comma before the second part if it connects 2 clauses (complete sentences).
     example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher, but he is also a gourmet cook.
   
   
   • You don't need a comma if it only connects words or phrases.
     example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher but also a gourmet cook.


3. Transitional Words and Phrases:
   • Put a comma after these if they are at the beginning of a sentence.
     example: I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.
   
   
   • Use a semicolon to connect the two sentences.
     example: I like to travel; specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.
   
   
   • Use a comma before and after the transitional word/phrase in the middle of a clause.
     example: I like to travel, and, specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.

Word formation exercises

Do the following activities to practise for the exam: Click here

REPORTED SPEECH PRACTICE

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/reported_speech/sentences.htm
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/reported_speech/statements.htm
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/reported_speech/time_phrases.htm
http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=425
http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=183
http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=2579

MOCK EXAM practice

Like vs As Conditionals

REPORTED SPEECH

FCE Reading practice tests

Practice test 1
Practice test 2
Practice test 3
Practice test 4
Practice test 5
Practice test 6

PASSIVE CONSTRUCTIONS: HAVE SOMETHING DONE

One of the ways we use the passive voice is to talk about an action without saying who did it.


There is a special passive construction with have: 

have + something (the object) + past participle

example: I have my business taken care of.(Somebody is taking care of my business.)
another example: He has his dog walked.(Somebody walks his dog.)

In this construction, like in all passive sentences, we need to use the past participle. 

We can use this construction in the following cases:

1. We make someone else do something for us, or we pay someone else to do something for us.

Example:

• Jeremy's car is in terrible condition! He is going to have his car fixed. He hopes it won't be too expensive!

  2. Something negative happens and we have no control over it (something bad happens to us).

Example:

• The homeowner had all his money stolen! The police still haven't caught the mysterious robber.

SONG: JEALOUS GUY (PAST SIMPLE/CONTINUOUS PRACTICE)

Complete with the Past Continuous/Simple

I ______________of the past

and my heart ___________ fast

I ______________to lose control

I ______________to lose control

I ______________mean to hurt you

I'm sorry that I ______________you cry

oh no, I ______________want to hurt you

I'm just a jealous guy

I ______________ insecure

you might not love me anymore

I was ______________inside

I was ______________inside

I ______________mean to hurt you

I'm sorry that I ______________you cry

oh no, I ______________want to hurt you

I'm just a jealous guy

I ______________mean to hurt you

I'm sorry that I ______________you cry

oh no, I ______________want to hurt you

I'm just a jealous guy

I ______________to catch your eyes

______________hat you ______________to hide

I ______________my pain

I ______________my pain

I ______________mean to hurt you

I'm sorry that i ______________you cry

oh no, I ______________want to hurt you

I'm just a jealous guy, watch out

I'm just a jealous guy, look out babe, I'm just a jealous guy.

WRITING CORRECTION CODES

WRITINGTASKSCORRECTIONCODES (2) by gcorreab

PRACTISE THE PASSIVE VOICE WITH SCENES FROM TV SERIES

THE PASSIVE VOICE

UNITS 1-6 REVIEW

MODAL VERBS

EXERCISE 1
EXERCISE 2 
EXERCISE 3

PAST TENSES

EXERCISE 1
EXERCISE 2
EXERCISE 3

FUTURE TENSES

EXERCISE 1
EXERCISE 2

PHRASAL VERBS PRACTICE

Bring

https://www.englishclub.com/ref/Phrasal_Verbs/Quizzes/Bring/index.htm

http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/phrasal-verbs/4pv16-bring.php

Put

http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/phrasal-verb-put

http://www.engvid.com/phrasal-verbs-put/

Look

http://www.vocabulary.cl/Advanced/Phrasal_Verbs/LOOK.htm

https://www.englishclub.com/ref/Phrasal_Verbs/Quizzes/Look/index.htm

Turn

http://www.englishpage.com/prepositions/turnprep.htm

http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/phrasal-verb-turn

Travelling

http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/phrasal-verbs-travel

http://a4esl.org/q/h/lb/pvtravel.html

Give

http://www.carolinebrownenglishlessons.com/givephrasals/menu.php

http://www.saberingles.com.ar/idioms/phrasalverbs/give.html

PHRASAL VERBS ROLE PLAYS

DIALOGUES PhrasaL VERBS ALL GROUPS.pdf by gcorreab

THE INSENSITIVE ENGLISH TEACHER...

DEPENDENT PREPOSITIONS

  Let's practise dependent prepositions by clicking on the following links: 

• VERBS + PREPOSITION 
• LIST
• EXERCISE 1
• EXERCISE 2
• ADJECTIVES + PREPOSITION 
• LIST
• EXERCISE 1
• EXERCISE 2
• NOUNS + PREPOSITION 
• LIST
• EXERCISE 1
• EXERCISE 2

EYE VERBS (Vocabulary builder)

LAY vs. LIE

Lay and lie are frequently confused verbs that have similar meanings (to do with objects or people lying horizontal on a surface), but for this one big detail - lay is transitive and always has a direct object; lie is intransitive and will never have a direct object.

The reason it seems confusing is that the past tense of lie also happens to be called lay. But this lay should be compared to laid - the past tense of lay. A great way to remember is to chant the present, past and past participle of each verb as one unit: lay-laid-laid and lie-lay-lain.

Comparison chart

	Lay	Lie
Meaning	To set or place something an object down in a horizontal position.	To be or to stay at rest in a horizontal position; to recline; to remain inactive; to occupy a certain relative place or position.
Part of speech	Transitive verb - requires a direct object.	Intransitive verb - does not involve a direct object.
Infinitive / Present tense	To lay: I, we, you, they lay / he, she, it lays	To lie: I, we, you, they lie / he, she, it lies
Present, past, past participle forms	Lay, laid, laid	Lie, lay, lain
Present Tense Examples	First-person: I lay the place mats on the table. Third-person: She lays out five designs per week.	First-person: I feel the breeze as lie (down) on this park bench. Third-person: Watch out for the dog that lies in the corner.
Past tense	Laid	Lay
Past-tense examples	First-person: I laid down my sword on the table. Third-person: He did a great job when he laid out these invoices.	First-person: I heard a noise behind me as I lay on the recliner. Third-person: The siblings lay in their beds all day until their parents woke them up for dinner.
Past-participle examples	First-person: I had laid out all our supplies for the day. Third-person: He had laid out nine bottles on the bar.	First-person: I had lain under the blankets for too long. Third-person: She had lain on the lounge chair all morning.

Meaning

Lay means to set something down, to place, or to arrange it over or onto a surface. It is typically used in reference to inanimate objects — for example, I am going to lay out these candles on this shelf, or please lay this book on the table.The verb lay will always have a direct object.

Lie is a verb that means to recline, or to rest in a hosizontal position. It is often used to refer to people or animals — for example, I need to lie down in bed, or the dog lies in front of his master's grave for hours.

Verb Syntax

In this video, Emma explains the difference between lie and lay:

References

• Merriam Webster - to lay
• Merriam Webster - to lie
• Lie, Lay: A Notorious Confusable - Capital Community College
• Commonly Confused Verbs - Purdue Online Writing Lab
• You'll lay an egg if you don't lie down - ku.edu
• Transitive and Intransitive Verbs - University of Ottawa

Speaking Test: Part 4