Wednesday, 30 January 2019
Sunday, 27 January 2019
Contrast Links- Grammar
Contrast linkers
The words although, though, despite, in spite of and however have very similar meanings; however, they are used in different structures. Though and although are conjunctions. They go before a clause. Despite and in spite of are prepositions. They go before a noun or noun equivalent. However is a transitional adverb. It goes at the beginning of a sentence. Try these exercises:
Translate the following sentences into English:
1. A pesar de que no había calefacción central, la casa estaba caldeada.
1 Despite the lack of central heating, the house was quite warm.
2. In spite of being late twice last week, I wasn’t told off.
3. Despite the heavy rain, I went jogging yesterday.
4. He didn’t tell me the truth. I didn’t mind, though.
5. Despite his strength, he couldn’t climb the steep cliff.
6. Even if he were rich, Mary wouldn’t marry him.
7. Even if she had apologised, John wouldn’t have forgiven her.
8. In spite of the nice weather, I didn’t go out.
9. Despite not following the instructions I gave her, she managed to get the job.
10. Despite the fact that he was a very friendly person, he had very
few friends.
- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-4TiHgGatVjxTUN5Cz0Zs1ODc4l129wD Contrast clauses
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lp8aJfgpTd9v3aIFwJLFZxYoAlhPoZwT/view?usp=sharing. Contrast ppt
The words although, though, despite, in spite of and however have very similar meanings; however, they are used in different structures. Though and although are conjunctions. They go before a clause. Despite and in spite of are prepositions. They go before a noun or noun equivalent. However is a transitional adverb. It goes at the beginning of a sentence. Try these exercises:
1.
............................ the watch was expensive, he bought it.
Although/ Despite/ However
2.
We went out ................................... the rain.
in spite of/ despite/ However
3.
We went out ............................... it was raining.
Although/ however/ despite
4.
............................ my husband didn't like the movie, I enjoyed it a
lot.
Although/ Though / However
5. He passed the test. ............................,
he didn't get the job.
Despite/ Although/ However
6.
.............................. he passed the test, he didn't get the job.
In spite of/ Although/ However
7.
They managed to do it ........................... I was not there.
Although/ despite/ however
8.
Tired ............................. he was, he went on working.
Though/ however/ despite
9.
.......................... hard she tried, she couldn't do it.
Despite/ However/ In spite of
10.
................................ of the headache, I enjoyed the movie.
Despite/ In spite/ However
11.
.......................... I don't agree with him, I think he is honest.
Although/ However/ Despite
12.
We understood him ................................ his strong accent.
Despite / however/ although
Translate the following sentences into English:
1. A pesar de que no había calefacción central, la casa estaba caldeada.
2. A
pesar de haber llegado tarde dos veces la semana pasada, no me dijeron nada.
3. A
pesar de llover mucho, salí a correr ayer.
4. No
me contó la verdad. A pesar de ello, no me importó.
5. A
pesar de ser fuerte, no pudo escalar un acantilado tan escarpado.
6. Aunque
fuera rico, Mary no se casaría con él.
7. Aunque
se hubiera disculpado, John no le habría perdonado.
8. A
pesar del buen tiempo, no salí.
9. A
pesar de no seguir las instrucciones que le di, se las arregló para conseguir
el trabajo.
10. A
pesar de que era una persona muy simpática, apenas tenía amigos.
KEY
2. In spite of being late twice last week, I wasn’t told off.
3. Despite the heavy rain, I went jogging yesterday.
4. He didn’t tell me the truth. I didn’t mind, though.
5. Despite his strength, he couldn’t climb the steep cliff.
6. Even if he were rich, Mary wouldn’t marry him.
7. Even if she had apologised, John wouldn’t have forgiven her.
8. In spite of the nice weather, I didn’t go out.
9. Despite not following the instructions I gave her, she managed to get the job.
10. Despite the fact that he was a very friendly person, he had very
few friends.
Answers
1. Although the watch was expensive,
he bought it.
2. We went out despite / in spite of the rain.
3. We went out although / though it was raining.
4. Though / although my husband didn’t like the movie, I enjoyed it a lot.
5. He passed the test. However, he didn’t get the job.
6. Although / though he passed the test, he didn’t get the job.
7. They managed to do it though / although I was not there.
8. Tired though he was, he went on working.
9. However hard she tried, she couldn’t do it.
10. In spite of the headache, I enjoyed the movie.
11. Although I don’t agree with him, I think he is honest.
12. We understood him despite his strong accent.
2. We went out despite / in spite of the rain.
3. We went out although / though it was raining.
4. Though / although my husband didn’t like the movie, I enjoyed it a lot.
5. He passed the test. However, he didn’t get the job.
6. Although / though he passed the test, he didn’t get the job.
7. They managed to do it though / although I was not there.
8. Tired though he was, he went on working.
9. However hard she tried, she couldn’t do it.
10. In spite of the headache, I enjoyed the movie.
11. Although I don’t agree with him, I think he is honest.
12. We understood him despite his strong accent.
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
Modals revision
Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They give additional information about thefunction of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety ofcommunicative functions.
Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:
- They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...
- They are always followed by an infinitive without "to" (e.i. the bare infinitive.)
- They are used to indicate modality allow speakers to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, ability
List of modal verbs
Here is a list of modal verbs:
The verbs or expressions dare, ought to, had better, and need not behave like modal auxiliaries to a large extent and my be added to the above list
can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must
Use of modal verbs:
Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:
- Permission
- Ability
- Obligation
- Prohibition
- Lack of necessity
- Advice
- possibility
- probability
Examples of modal verbs
Here is a list of modals with examples:
| Modal Verb | Expressing | Example |
|---|---|---|
| must | Strong obligation | You must stop when the traffic lights turn red. |
| logical conclusion / Certainty | He must be very tired. He's been working all day long. | |
| must not | prohibition | You must not smoke in the hospital. |
| can | ability | I can swim. |
| permission | Can I use your phone please? | |
| possibility | Smoking can cause cancer. | |
| could | ability in the past | When I was younger I could run fast. |
| polite permission | Excuse me, could I just say something? | |
| possibility | It could rain tomorrow! | |
| may | permission | May I use your phone please? |
| possibility, probability | It may rain tomorrow! | |
| might | polite permission | Might I suggest an idea? |
| possibility, probability | I might go on holiday to Australia next year. | |
| need not | lack of necessity/absence of obligation | I need not buy tomatoes. There are plenty of tomatoes in the fridge. |
| should/ought to | 50 % obligation | I should / ought to see a doctor. I have a terrible headache. |
| advice | You should / ought to revise your lessons | |
| logical conclusion | He should / ought to be very tired. He's been working all day long. | |
| had better | advice | You 'd better revise your lessons |
Remember
Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without "to", also called the bare infinitive.
Examples:
- You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
- You should see to the doctor.
- There are a lot of tomatoes in the fridge. You need not buy any.
Related pages
- Modals
- Present and past of modals
- Exercise on modals
- Exercise on modals in the past
- Exercise on modals: mustn't or needn't
- Exercise on the meaning of modals
- Must and have to
- Shall and will
Sunday, 20 January 2019
Friday, 18 January 2019
Medical tourism
Medical tourism refers to people traveling to a country other than their own to obtain medical treatment. In the past this usually referred to those who traveled from less-developed countries to major medical centers in highly developed countries for treatment unavailable at home. However, in recent years it may equally refer to those from developed countries who travel to developing countries for lower priced medical treatments. The motivation may be also for medical services unavailable or illegal in the home country.
Medical tourism most often is for surgeries (cosmetic or otherwise) or similar treatments, though people also travel for dental tourism or fertility tourism. People with rare conditions may travel to countries where the treatment is better understood. However, almost all types of health care are available, including psychiatry, alternative medicine, convalescent care, and even burial services.
Health tourism is a wider term for travel that focus on medical treatments and the use of healthcare services. It covers a wide field of health-oriented, tourism ranging from preventive and health-conductive treatment to rehabilitational and curative forms of travel. Wellness tourism is a related field.
Advantages of medical tourism
The first and most prominent benefit of medical tourism is definitely the fact that it can be attained at lower prices. Treatment costs have risen so much that intricate surgeries cost more than travel, accommodation and treatment abroad. Traveling lets the patients choose the nursing home and country where they would like to travel. Saving money is crucial for people because the financial circumstances are quite unstable. There are many treatments and surgeries that do not fall under the general medical insurance. Breaking your bank for surgery can put you in severe financial crunch and that’s why people prefer medical tourism. Another advantage is that patients get treatment immediately. The post operative care is also taken care of in some hospitals. Getting to see a new country is also a great experience. Patients get sufficient privacy and can opt for unconventional surgeries like butt enhancement or fat reduction.
Disadvantages of medical tourism
One of the main problems is that the patient and their family members are often not sure about the qualification and have to venture in a new country trusting the medical tourism facilitators. Misinformation can lead to bad, inefficient treatment and wastage of resources. Pre-operative and post operative care is not available at many of the hospitals abroad. Sometimes the cost of the whole trip amounts to more than the estimated amount at the end and the patients encounter a financial setback. Problems can stem from legal permits and paper works as well. A change of place can make the patients nervous and anxious due to the difference in culture and language barrier.
EBAU prtactice
Train to take you from Los Angeles to San Francisco in three hours
Everyone’s talking
about California's high-speed rail project – a $68 billion
network that could zip passengers from San Francisco to Los
Angelesin less than three hours. Construction
of the first phase of the line will begin next year in the Central Valley, a
28-mile stretch from Madera to Fresno. In future years, the rail line will
stretch north to San Jose and south to Palmdale and the San Fernando Valley
north of Los Angeles. The whole network might not be completed until 2028.
The project has been surrounded by controversy. Some
have said even though the nation’s first bullet train will take a quarter of
the time it currently takes, it will still not be fast enough to attract
sufficient customers.
Others have said the price tag is too high. Yet officials
at California’s High-Speed Rail Authority say it is still cheaper than building
dozens of new airport runways and highways to accommodate a state population
that is estimated to reach 46 million by 2035.
At a special ceremony in Fresno on Tuesday, California
Governor Jerry Brown compared the rail line to the construction of the great
cathedrals of Europe, which took generations. “The high-speed rail links us
from the past to the future, from the south to the north,” he said. “It's not
that expensive. We cannot really afford not to build it.
All these projects are a little controversial. You’ll
always have some critics say why spend all this money?”
Last year, two government transport officials from the
state, Brian Kelly and Mary Nichols, wrote in a newspaper article that the only
genuine alternative to the high-speed train was to invest up to $150
billion to build 4,300 new lanes of highway, more freeways and hundreds of new
airport gates and runways. They added: “This would cover large parts of the
state with concrete and asphalt.”
By car, the journey takes at least six-and-a-half hours
in optimum traffic conditions, and can cost about as much depending on the type
of car, fuel and highway tolls. The high-speed train tickets will be similar to
the cost of air travel, promoters say, and deliver people to central stations,
saving more time and money.
The
Independent, 7 January 2015 (Adapted)
READING COMPREHENSION
Question 1: [2
POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write
down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) The first phase of building has already started.
FALSE. “Construction of the first phase of the line will
begin next year in the Central Valley, (a 28-mile stretch from Madera to
Fresno)”.
b) The complete project could take more than 10 years to
finish.
TRUE. “The whole network might not be completed until
2028.”
c) All the critics say that building the line will be too
expensive.
FALSE. “Others have said the price tag is too high.” OR.-
“You’ll always have some critics say ‘why spend all this money?’”
d) People will find it cheaper to use the train than flying.
TRUE. “The high-speed train tickets will be similar to
the cost of air travel, promoters say, and deliver people to central stations,
saving more time and money.
Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.
a) Why does the text say that not everyone is happy with the
planned rail link?
a. Some say customers will not
want to use it, despite the reduction in travel time.
b. Others say it is too
expensive.
c. Others say it is not fast
enough.
b) What are the disadvantages of alternative transport
options such as road and air?
a. They are also expensive
options, more expensive than the train, in fact.
b. They will need much more
building work and will occupy more land.
c. They will not save people
money or time in the long run.
Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.
a) stage
(paragraph 1) phase
b) entire
(paragraph 1) whole
c) clients
(paragraph 2) customers
d)
authentic (paragraph 4) genuine
e) the best
(paragraph 5) optimum
Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) My
mother didn’t listen to me and went to see the new horror film.
If my
mother ....had
listened to me, she would not have gone to see the new horror film.
b) A
technician is installing a new PC at our house at the moment.
We ...are having a
new PC installed at our house at the moment.
c) “It’ll
be warm and sunny for the next week,” Samantha told Michael.
Samantha
told Michael that ...it would be warm and sunny for the following week.
Tuesday, 15 January 2019
Brexit explained. Now what?
What is Brexit? Check this link for further info: BBC news
Why is the UK leaving?
What has happened so far?
What does the withdrawal agreement say?
How did MPs vote on the deal?
Why did people oppose the deal?
What happens now Parliament has rejected the deal?
What happens if the UK leaves without a deal?
Speaking Tests
- Part 1 – Introduction and interview. This lasts for about 1 or 2 minutes. In this section, you will introduce yourself and the topic of the presentation.
- Part 2 – Individual presentation lasts for about three to four minutes. In this section, you will be asked to prepare and give a short talks on a given subject.
- Part 3 – Two-way discussion. Part 3 lasts for 1minute. In this section, you will be asked to have a short discussion linked to the subject you spoke about in part
Assessment overall: you will be assessed on your:
- fluency and coherence
- vocabulary
- range of grammar and accuracy
- pronunciation.
Common Topics:
1. Advertising
2. Animal Rights: testing on animals, vegetarianism, zoos
3. Cities: urbanisation, problems of city life
4. Crime: police, punishments/prisons, rehabilitation, capital punishment
5. Education: studying abroad, technology in education, education in developing countries, higher
education, home-schooling, bad behaviour, corporal punishment, single sex education, streaming
(grouping children according to ability)
6. Environment: global warming, impact of humans on the environment, solutions to environment
problems, waste/rubbish, litter, recycling, nuclear power
7. Family: family size, working parents, negative effects on children, divorce, care for old people
8. Gender: gender and education, gender and work, women’s and men’s role in the family
9. Genetic Engineering: positives, negatives, genetically modified foods
10. Global Issues: problems in developing countries, how to help developing countries, immigration, multicultural societies, globalisation
11. Government and Society: what governments can do, public services, censorship, video cameras in
public places
12. Guns and Weapons: gun ownership and possession, police and guns, nuclear weapons, armed forces
13. Health: diet, exercise, state health systems, private healthcare, alternative medicine, stress
14. Housing and Architecture: state housing, old buildings, modern/green buildings
15. International Language: English as an international language
16. Money: money and society, consumerism
17. Personal Development: happiness, success, nature or nurture
18. Sport and Leisure: professional/competitive sport, sport salaries, sport and politics
19. Tourism: positives, negative effects on environment, future of tourism
20. Traditions and Modern Life: losing traditional skills, traditional customs
21. Transport: traffic problems and solutions, public transport, road safety
22. Television, Internet and Mobile Phones: positives and negatives, Internet compared to newspapers and
books
23. Water: importance of clean water, water supply, water should be free, bottled water
24. Work: same job for life, self-employment, unemployment, work/life balance, technology and work,
child labour
For more you can check on : http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-part-2-topics/
Friday, 11 January 2019
Grammar: Passive Voice
Use of Passive
Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action.
Example: My bike was stolen.
In the example above, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know, however, who did it.
Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice, as the following example shows:
Example: A mistake was made.
In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not blame anyone (e.g. You have made a mistake.).
Form of Passive
Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle (3rd column of irregular verbs)
Example: A letter was written.
When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:
- the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence
- the finite form of the verb is changed (to be + past participle)
- the subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence (or is dropped)
Examples of Passive
| Tense | Subject | Verb | Object | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | Active: | Rita | writes | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | is written | by Rita. | |
| Simple Past | Active: | Rita | wrote | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | was written | by Rita. | |
| Present Perfect | Active: | Rita | has written | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | has been written | by Rita. | |
| Future I | Active: | Rita | will write | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | will be written | by Rita. | |
| Modals | Active: | Rita | can write | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | can be written | by Rita. | |
Examples of Passive
| Tense | Subject | Verb | Object | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Present Progressive | Active: | Rita | is writing | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | is being written | by Rita. | |
| Past Progressive | Active: | Rita | was writing | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | was being written | by Rita. | |
| Past Perfect | Active: | Rita | had written | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | had been written | by Rita. | |
| Future II | Active: | Rita | will have written | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | will have been written | by Rita. | |
| Conditional I | Active: | Rita | would write | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | would be written | by Rita. | |
| Conditional II | Active: | Rita | would have written | a letter. |
| Passive: | A letter | would have been written | by Rita. | |
Passive Sentences with Two Objects
Rewriting an active sentence with two objects in passive voice means that one of the two objects becomes the subject, the other one remains an object. Which object to transform into a subject depends on what you want to put the focus on.
| Subject | Verb | Object 1 | Object 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active: | Rita | wrote | a letter | to me. |
| Passive: | A letter | was written | to me | by Rita. |
| Passive: | I | was written | a letter | by Rita. |
As you can see in the examples, adding by Rita does not sound very elegant. That’s why it is usually dropped.
Personal and Impersonal Passive
Personal Passive simply means that the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. So every verb that needs an object (transitive verb) can form a personal passive.
Example: They build houses. – Houses are built.
Verbs without an object (intransitive verb) normally cannot form a personal passive sentence (as there is no object that can become the subject of the passive sentence). If you want to use an intransitive verb in passive voice, you need an impersonal construction – therefore this passive is called Impersonal Passive.
Example: he says – it is said
Impersonal Passive is not as common in English as in some other languages (e.g. German, Latin). In English, Impersonal Passive is only possible with verbs of perception (e. g. say, think, know).
Example: They say that women live longer than men. – It is said that women live longer than men.
Although Impersonal Passive is possible here, Personal Passive is more common.
Example: They say that women live longer than men. – Women are said to live longer than men.
The subject of the subordinate clause (women) goes to the beginning of the sentence; the verb of perception is put into passive voice. The rest of the sentence is added using an infinitive construction with 'to' (certain auxiliary verbs and that are dropped).
Sometimes the term Personal Passive is used in English lessons if the indirect object of an active sentence is to become the subject of the passive sentence.
Exercises
Exercises on Passive (Form)
- Exercise on Passive with Simple Present
- Exercise on Passive with Simple Past
- Exercise on Passive with Present Perfect
- Exercise on Passive with Future I
Exercises on Passive (Active → Passive)
- Exercise on Passive with Simple Present
- Exercise on Passive with Simple Past
- Exercise on Passive with Present Perfect
- Exercise on Passive with Future I
- Exercise on Passive with Auxiliary Verbs
- Mixed Exercise on Passive with Passive
- Sentences with 2 Objects (Indirect Object, Personal Passive)
- Sentences with 2 Objects (Direct Object)
- Personal Passive (verbs of perception)
- Exercise on Passive with Present Progressive
- Exercise on Passive with Past Progressive
- Exercise on Passive with Past Perfect
- Exercise on Passive with Future II
- Exercise on Passive with Conditional I
- Exercise on Passive with Conditional II
Exercises on Passive (Active or Passive)
- Exercise on Simple Present
- Exercise on Simple Past
- Exercise on Present Perfect
- Exercise on Future I with will
- Exercise – The Statue of Liberty
- Exercise – Portal Dolmen
- Summary – The Fellowship of the Ring, part 2, part 3
Grammar in Texts
- Show Passive Voice in „The Canterville Ghost“
- Grammar Exercise on „Washington, DC“
- Show Passive Voice in „History of Snowboarding“
Tests on Passiv
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