Adult Speaking Class, level 2: Grammar, the Perfect form

25th May 2020

Past Tense Exercises

Pretty asian girl watching tv | Premium Photo — Last night she watched TV

75 % of verbs are REGULAR – just add -ed to form past tense

visit = visited

watch = watched

talk = talked

walk = walked

Report: Argentina's Economy Contracted 5.8% in September | The Bubble — Last Saturday, they walked in the city centre in Buenos Aires

BUT

Others are IRREGULAR – you just have to learn them !

Go – went

see – saw

is – was

sleep – slept

spend – spent

Shop till you drop: Experience souks and much more in Morocco ... — The lady spent all her money when she went shopping in Morocco

Put the verbs into the simple past:

Last year I (go) …………to England on holiday.
It (be) ……..fantastic.
I (visit)…… lots of interesting places. I (be) ….. with two friends of mine .
In the mornings we (walk)…… in the streets of London.
In the evenings we (go) ….. to pubs.
The weather (be) …… remarkably pleasant. (nice)
We (watch) …… a great Korean film.
But we (see) …… some beautiful rainbows.
Where (spend / you) ……. your last holiday?

Polite conversation

Ask someone: ‘how was your day ?’ or ‘What did you do ?’

Say something nice: ‘I like your dress (or shirt)’, ‘Your hair looks great.’

‘Nice to see you again, what have you been up to?’ (been up to = doing recently)

Grammar: Present Perfect

To talk about something that happened in the past but we don’t say when:

Subject + have/has + past participle / verb 3

I have been to Ha Noi

You have eaten sushi

He has worked in Germany

NOT He has worked in Germany last year

Hanoi Downtown Hotel, Vietnam - Booking.com — I have been to Ha Noi

Beautiful asian woman eating sushi with chopsticks | Premium Photo — She has eaten sushi

African diaspora adopts Berlin | Scene in Berlin | DW | 06.01.2012 — He has worked in Germany

Can use ‘for’ and ‘since’

I have lived in Sai Gon for 5 years

We have been working since 6.00 am

POSITIVE I have seen

NEGATIVE I haven’t seen

QUESTION Have you seen … ?

Practice: Make these sentences present perfect

EXAMPLE – I / study / French = I have studied French

She / tell / her boss she wants a holiday tell told
They / walk / to the shop regular (add -ed)
You / work / with David for four years regular (add -ed)
His wife / not make / dinner make made
You / take / the engineering exam ? take took taken

To Like

Activities

I like to go to the beach

Costa Rica: an ideal place for seniors | Q COSTA RICA — They like to go to the beach at Costa Rica

Sub + helping verb(like) + infinite verb + object

I like to go shopping

You like to swim at the beach

She likes to shop at the Metro

I like to paddle in the sea

I like to shop for shoes

He likes to shop for books

He likes going to the cinema

The Revival of Russia's Cinema Industry — They like to go to the cinema in Russia

I don’t like to go to the dentist

I don’t like to watch TV all day NEGATIVE

I really like going to parties. POSITIVE

Do you like watching films ? QUESTION

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: London-what do you want to see ?

22nd May 2020

London

What do you know about London ?

Famous sights

Big ___ // Buckingham _____ // The British _____ // The London ____ // Tower _____

Public Transport

Big and red / normally black / travel underground /

British Food

Fish and _____ // Roast _____ and potatoes // Shepherd’s ______

ANSWERS:

Maps - Transport for London — The London Tube or underground system

Big Ben // Buckingham Palace // The British Museum // London Eye // Tower Bridge (or Tower of London)

London bus // London taxi // the Tube – informal name for The London Underground

Fish and chips // Roast beef and potatoes // Shepherd’s pie

Should Sunday roast dinners still be on the menu? | Fay Schopen ... — Traditional Sunday roast – roast beef and potatoes with vegetables

Listening: http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening-skills-practice/tour-london

This listening is quite hard, but the website allows you to pause and replay, as well as seeing the text.

London tourists shrug off terrorism fears | Financial Times

New vocabulary: attractions – famous sights, places to visit

guide – a person to show you around a building or area.

fantastic – adjective meaning very good

I’m sure that .. – to be certain or to be 100% . I’m sure that it will rain today.

not my cup of tea – idiom meaning I don’t like it / it’s not my interest

What would you like to see in London ?

What do you think of … ?

New vocabulary

exciting / interesting / stressful / expensive / scary / historic / crowded / exclusive / unmissable / world-famous / intimidating / not my cup of tea (not what I like) /

From the top = to start at the beginning.

As you can see

19Plus: Trip to the British Museum — Tourists at The British Museum

The Best London Shops for Teenagers in 2020 - THE LONDON MOTHER — Oxford Street for shopping

londres moderne - Picture of Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf ... — Docklands, a new financial district with expensive housing

The 8 Best Street Food Markets in London | Free Tours by Foot — Street food in London

One of my favourite hidden passages in London ❤️ Covent garden ... — A walking tour, with a guide, around old London

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Holiday plans

20th May 2020

Holiday plans

Where would you like to go ?

Look at the four photos. What do you know about the four places ?

What do you need to think about ?

They are all capital cities … will that make them cheap or expensive ?

Do they speak English there ? What is the temperature in winter and summer ? How would you find information ? What do you like to do on holiday ?

Extra activity – describe the photos in as much detail as you can. Use adjectives and make your voice sound excited (or unhappy).

WoW BUENOS AIRES — WOMEN OF WEARABLES — Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina

Supermodel Trish Goff's Guide to Nairobi | Departures — Nairobi, capital of Kenya

How Moscow has changed in the 2010s (PHOTOS) - Russia Beyond — Moscow, capital of Russia

Visiting Copenhagen on a budget – On the Luce travel blog — Copenhagen, capital of Denmark

Work in pairs – write or talk about these points:

Before I go – what do you need to do ?

While I’m in ________________, I’m going to _____________

Are there any places you don’t want to visit ? Why not ?

Pros and cons (good and bad points)

Buenos Aires:

Very colourful city with interesting buildings. Cheaper than some western cities.

In South America – could be a long flight (my class is in Vietnam). Language is Latin – American Spanish.

Nairobi:

National parks and museums. Some great food and can be cheap. English spoken.

Not very safe at night. Insects and bugs plus bad hygiene in some places.

Moscow:

Amazing culture and architecture. Generally safe for tourists. Lots to see and do.

Can be very expensive. Can be bitterly cold in winter. Most people have just basic or no English.

Copenhagen:

Friendly people, small city can be explored on foot. Great beer and healthy, fresh food. High quality standards. English widely spoken, like a second language. Safe.

Is notoriously expensive. Can be very cold and wet in winter. Very long flight (from Viet Nam).

Ask each other what they like best, where they would probably go, where they probably won’t go !

Advanced levels:

To practise complex sentences, make your own answers

The four cities are all interesting in their own way, but if I had to choose just one, I think I would probably select Nairobi in Kenya.

Firstly, I have never been to Africa and it look so different to Europe and Asia. Seeing those beautiful giraffes just walking past the window must be an amazing, unforgettable experience.

Secondly, I know that English is widely spoken in Kenya, so there should be no language barrier even though I expect a lot of culture shock.

However, I expect the heat will be a serious issue, so I must pack a lot of powerful sun cream, sunglasses and a hat. Additionally, i don’t really know much about the city, so I will have to read up.

In conclusion, I feel all cities offer something amazing but my choice would be Nairobi. I’m sure I will have an incredible time in Kenya.

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: collocation writing.

16th May 2020

Writing exercise

At the end of the previous blog, there were some everyday collocations that moved away from the basic verb + phrase format (e.g. take a break / make sure / get away with murder).

To help them sink in (make you remember), here a chance for you to practise using them.

Working from home because of COVID-19? Here are 10 ways to spend ...

Rewrite the following business email to your senior manager in France, using the following collocations for the bold sections:

Adequate supplies to meet demand

Revised edition

Cause insurmountable difficulties

Major turning point

Set realistic aims

Dear M Delarue

I have some good news from the HCM office which I think represents a change in the company and how we do things and what we can expect to do in the future.

We have stopped using the old business model because when we tried, it made many, many problems that we were unable to solve, no matter how hard we tried. Now we are seeing real and tangible progress.

Our main concern now is to make sure we have enough products to fill all the orders for all of our customers. We need to plan ahead; as Marketing Director, I am on the look out for new markets to break into.

Two areas spring to mind:China and India. It is our intention that we become market-leader in those territories but we must not wish for too much too soon as there are many factors that stand in our way, such as infrastructure and logistics.

Finally, could you please send us the newest, latest copy of the company handbook, as our one in five years old and is out of date and does not have the latest facts and figures.

Sincerely

Mr / Mrs / Ms / Dr …

Make a French man happy by your brilliant English

PsBattle: A happy Frenchman and a dismayed British woman ...

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: More collocations

16th May 2020

Collocations

First lesson as a writer – make sure you grab the reader’s attention.

As previously mentioned in my first post about collocations – link here: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/18/adult-speaking-class-level-2-collocations/

these are a great way to build up your English skills; not only will you learn new phrases, but you will also develop linking skills in speech and thereby acquire a more natural speech pattern.

Yes, I know it takes time and a lot of practice … but it’ll be worth it.

The previous post focused on the verb ‘make’. Today, we’ll turn our attention to the verb:

Take

Do you know these collocations ?

turns speaking // it up with the manager // up my trousers a little //

a good look at yourself // a hike ! // medicine // a deep breathe

Which would you use for:

1 You have a complaint at work.

2 You buy some clothes but they are too big.

3 You want to tell someone to go away !

4 try to be calm and relax.

Moving on, some everyday collocations

What do these collocations suggest ?

Widely available // routine check-up

disperse the crowd // boost employment

catch up with the news // catch up with friends

Which would you use for:

1 We hope the new factory will …

2 Police were called to … because there were too many people.

3. I’m going to my old university and …

4. Let me watch BBC and CNN, I need to …

Street food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Saigon Food Tours — fresh fruit and vegetables are widely available in Sai Gon and Vietnam

Find longer definitions for these collocations.

Adequate supplies to meet demand

Revised edition

Cause insurmountable difficulties

Major turning point

Set realistic aims

1) Enough things so that everyone that wants one can have one

2) Know what you want to do but it must not be too much for you to be able to do it.

3) Make problems which people will not be able to solve or cause problems that people are not able to work properly.

4) A very important moment when things changed completely

5) A new book, similar to the old one but with more up-to-date information, or mistakes have been corrected.

The Apple Store Is No Longer Called A Store Anymore, It's Just Apple — New iPhone on sale at the Apple Store … but will there will adequate supplies ?

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: Conversation practice

15th May 2020

How to introduce yourself

Hello, my name is Peter. I am 31. My job is teacher.

Link sentences to make longer, more interesting sentences and use contractions

Hello, my name’s _______, I’m ___ and I work as a _________________ .

[Culture note – in English, we usually say our age only – don’t say ‘years old’ e.g. I’m 25, not I’m 25 years old]

I am = I’m // you are = you’re // he is = he’s // she is = she’s // they are = they’re // we are = we’re

Tell me about the other members of the group or class.

Example – Her name’s Ms Thanh, she’s 22 and works as a nurse.

Grammar note: In the third-person, he add an -s to the verb

1^st person I work

2^nd person you work

3^rd person he / she / it / name works (Ms Thanh works)

Work Dialogue: two friends are at the office

Dealing with work stress? Why mindfulness in the office can help ...

This is a natural conversation, with expressions, idioms and contractions.

New expressions:

same old, same old = doing the same thing all day, every day.

bear with me = wait for me a very short time

A: Hello, how’s it going ? How are you ?

B: Great, thanks. What have you been up to ? What have you been doing ?

A: Oh, same old, same old. Nothing new. Same as everyday. Are you busy ?

B: A little. Bear with me a moment … there, finished. Wait a little, please.

A: Do you want a hand ? (Dya wanna hand ?) Do you need some help ?

B: That would be wonderful. Would you like a coffee ?

A: Absolutely ! Yes, very much !

The weirdest excuses office workers give for the tea round | Daily ...

Conversation practice:

Pretend you are just meeting. Introduce yourself to your partner. Remember to ask:

Name, job, company ? Do they like their job ? Where do they work ?

Are they married ? Children ?

Where do they live ? Do they live alone or with family ?

What do they like to do in their free time ? What are your hobbies ?

Queen’s English

Practice saying the following three sentences as if you were the Queen, or King, of the UK.

My Husband and I are delighted to meet you

The weather is frightfully hot for the time of year

Do give my best to your family

Now listen to the Queen speak:

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Review – small talk and clothes

11th May 2020

Speaking Practice: Small Talk

Best 10 Apps for Meeting New People - Last Updated May 10, 2020 ...

Ask about:

Job – // What do you do ? // What line are you in ? // where they work

where they live

how long they have lived there (present perfect)

are they married ? If so, do they have children ? How old are they ?

the weather- // Do you think it will rain later ?

NOT about money, religion, why NOT married, or don’t have children.

To answer:

Oh, really // You don’t say right ! // That sounds interesting // Tell me more

Wow, fascinating // Do you like your job ? // How long have you been married ?

How old are your children ? Do you have a photo ? // What are you studying ?

Practice:

In a new class, ask each other some general questions. This is best done in pairs, so students don’t feel embarrassed speaking in front of the class. See how long you can keep the conversation going.

Fell free to add new questions.

Meet Your Family's Future at a Family Meeting | Psychology Today ...

Clothes

Which clothes do you like ?

Express what you feel about these clothes, whether or not you would buy them, or do you know someone who would like them ?

Vocabulary:

I choose the because it’s …

stylish // cool // beautiful // colourful // great quality // chic // really suits me

fashionable // trendy // so modern // really with it // I feel a million dollars //

however, you may feel it is …

expensive // ugly // gaudy // bad taste // not my style // old-fashioned // hideous //

I wouldn’t be caught dead in that !

60s Mod Jacket Mens Fancy Dress British Flag Union Jack Adult ...

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: Deciding what to buy.

11th May 2020

This was a one – to – one lesson for a lady about to retire and move from Vietnam to Boston, USA. The assigned book work was about a young man climbing mountains and hang-gliding; I felt this was more appropriate to my student’s needs.

Deciding what to buy

You are on a shopping trip to the USA

Which of these items would you buy ? Which appeal to you ? Which hold no interest ?

Vocabulary

That looks wonderful // I need to try it (them) on first // That’s good quality

No, that’s a rip off (too expensive) // That’s not my style // That really suits me

You must be joking ! // Brilliant ! // Wrap it up ! // Do you take credit cards ?

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: The gift of the gab

10th may 2020

Today’s blog, or activity sheet, is about persuasion; the ability to change someone’s opinion or make them do what YOU want THEM to do. This is known as having ‘the gift of the gab.’

This skill is mostly associated with salesmen who, without cheating or lying, make their product sound so wonderful that you simply HAVE TO buy it … and then you get home and realise you have parted with your hard-earned money for something you don’t want, don’t need and will never use.

The Cowboy Market Trader: The Fly, The Dustbin, The Alien. The ...

Before we kick off, let’s roll out some new expressions:

One born every minute = negative, means that the person is an idiot, who bought something useless.

He/She saw you coming = negative, means the seller thought you would buy the poor quality item or pay too much for it.

Paid over the odds = negative, means paying too much for something.

Could sell sand to an Arab = positive, means the seller is so persuasive, he could sell anything to anyone (here, people who live in the desert do NOT need to buy sand).

Unique = positive, only one or something totally different and special.

Examples:

You paid £50 for that shirt ? He must have seen you coming !

The hotel was $75, I think I paid over the odds.

She’s such a great seller, she could sell sand to an Arab.

I can’t believe he though it was a real Rolex watch … for €30. Oh well, there’s one born every minute !

Activity

Welcome to

Mr Paul’s Wonderfully useful store

Here, you can find all sorts of incredibly useful and wonderful items.

The students have to practise their selling and persuasive skills, in order to sell these … ‘wonderful’ … items. As always, an example:

One grey sock

A truly wonderful sock (one), almost nearly perfect

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up, I have an absolute unique items for you. As you see, I have, just today ONLY, one beautiful delightful almost never-used silver-coloured sock, perfect for men, women or even children, yes, they can grow into it !

This amazing item, one of a kind, can be used for so many things, for example … have crying children ? Simply put the sock on your hand and … a PUPPET ! Guaranteed to stop all tears. Been shopping and have so many dirty, heavy coins ? No problem, simply put the coins in the sock. Having a party ? What would look better than this magnificent sock hanging proudly above the door ? Can use it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Tet Holiday, Easter, Passover, Ramadan, Birthdays, Weddings … you name it … You CANNOT live without it …

You can have this priceless item for just £100 … OK, to you, today only … £75

Now … your turn

Write a ‘sales pitch’ for one of these items, think of some uses for it, then set a price. Try to convince your classmates to buy your unique item.

Some ideas for uses are at the end of the blog

Stormville Flea Market Cancels Opening Weekend — A flea market where people can sell … anything. One person’s junk is another person’d treasure

Tips and ideas:

teabag – mint tea – gets rid of spiders & mice : put on eyes to reduce puffiness

wine cork – floating key ring

banana skin – clean / shine shoes

broken umbrella – a dog coat !

Old T-shirt – cloth for cleaning

Transparent Dog Raincoat Pet Jacket Outdoor Puppy Clothes ...

Never judge a book book by its cover.

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Cinema … what shall we see ?

9th May 2020

Cinema Choice

A lesson designed to encourage speaking and student interaction, especially useful for upper-intermediates or IELTS students, who are expected to be able to speak for two minutes fluently, with a good range of vocabulary, a knowledge of phrases and expressions, not to mention said speech to be delivered with pacing, rhythm and intonation. Furthermore, as previously demonstrated, long, complex sentences with ideas linked together with discourse markers.

Without further ado … let’s take in a movie

(to take in a movie = to go and see a movie, as opposed to watching a DVD, streaming etc)

Why going to the movies is [occasionally] worth the money | DECU

Vocabulary

I prefer / choice / my taste / not my taste / trailer / concession stand

all-star cast / director / film studio / controversial/ family film / book online

What’s on at the cinema ? What’s playing this week ? Not my cup of tea.

ACTIVITY 1: Use some of the words or expressions to talk about these photos:

Example

Alfred Hitchcock, a famous director from London, is demonstrating to the cameraman what shot he wants. Hitchcock was born near my house in east London and went on to work in Hollywood with all-star casts. However, I prefer his early films made in the UK although the famous or infamous film ‘Psycho’ is one of my favourites despite being extremely controversial.

Now … your turn

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Review | Our Kids

Cinema Program – July 2014 - Arts Margaret River

How to buy movie tickets with Siri on your iPhone and iPad | iMore

Activity 2: What types of film can you name ?

Horror // Action Stories // Sci-fi // Drama // Thriller // Romance // Biopic // Comedy // Western // Animation (Anime) // Musical // Documentary // War //

Stories about people’s lives and emotions // Space films, or films set in the future // Films about fighting and soldiers // Stories about real famous people // Loud, exciting films with explosions and fast cars // A cartoon, illustrated film // True stories with real people, not actors // Stories about police or spies or crime // Scary films about ghosts or monsters // A film about cowboys, set in USA // Love stories // Funny films // with singing and dancing

Which genres are these ?

Which do you prefer ?