In the palm of your hand

New Entry: 'In the palm of your hand' has just been added to the Idioms area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/in+the+palm+of+your+hand.html

Video News #6 - Free English Gifts of the Month - September 2017

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source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/video-news-6-free-english-gifts-of-the-month-september-2017/

Lesson 5: Where Are You?

Summary Anna visits Marsha at a friend's house. Anna and Marsha see many rooms in the house. They talk about what people do in each room.   Speaking Watch the video and practice talking about locations. You can also download the worksheet and practice talking about the rooms in a house with a friend. Pronunciation Learn two different ways to ask questions in this video.  Conversation      Anna: Hello, everyone! Today my friend Marsha is at her friend's house. She says it is beautiful. I want to see this house! Here we are! Anna: Marsha, I am in the kitchen! It is a beautiful kitchen! Marsha: It is beautiful. We cook in the kitchen. Anna: I eat in the kitchen. Marsha:  We relax in the living room. Anna:  I relax in the living room. Marsha, let’s go upstairs! Marsha: Anna? Where are you? Anna: Marsha, I am in the bathroom! I wash in the bathroom. Marsha: I am in the bedroom. We sleep in the bedroom. Anna: I sleep in the bedroom!   Writing What are some of the rooms in your house? Write to us in the Comments section. Tell us what you do in the rooms.  You can also download the worksheet. Practice writing the names of rooms in a house.   Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. Plan to Learn is an important learning strategy because it helps you arrange your best learning conditions. You organize the resources and tools you need to study well. Here is an example of how to use this strategy.  Oluchi knows she needs to have a quiet place to study. She takes her English homework to a quiet corner of her home, and turns off her phone and radio. She brings a cup of coffee to help her stay awake. She makes sure her dictionary is near and that she has pencils and paper to write notes. When she begins studying, everything she needs is in easy reach. Her full attention can focus on what she wants to learn. How about you? What conditions help you to study better? Some people like a little background noise, like in a cafe. Others need a very quiet place. Do you have a favorite chair or place in your home where you study well? Do you work better when you study with a friend or in a small group?  Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email about your best learning conditions. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.   Listening Quiz See how well you understand the lesson by taking this quiz. Each question has a video. Play the video and choose the correct answer. New Words bathroom - n. a room with a sink and toilet and usually a bathtub or shower beautiful - adj. very good or pleasing; having beauty bedroom - n. a room used for sleeping eat - v. to take food into your mouth and swallow it house - n. a building in which a family lives kitchen - n. a room in which food is cooked living room - n. a room in a house for general family use relax - v. to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable sleep - v. to rest your mind and body by closing your eyes upstairs - adv. on or to a higher floor of a building wash - v. to clean (something) with water and usually soap ______________________________________________________________ Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson, you can use it to practice writing the names of rooms in a house. For Teachers   ​See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Grammar focus: BE + location Topics: Asking about location; Naming places and activities Learning Strategy: Plan to Learn Speaking and Pronunciation: BE + location; question intonation _______________________________________________________________ Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-5-where-are-you/3168971.html

Absolute Beginner American English for Every Day #98 - 13 More Ways to Agree and Disagree in English

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source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/absolute-beginner-american-english-for-every-day-98-13-more-ways-to-agree-and-disagree-in-english/

Popular Culture and Academic Writing

  Popular culture can teach you about English grammar. You might be surprised to know that music and films can show you how to use difficult grammatical structures. How so? Consider the song "Capable of Anything" by the American singer Ben Folds. "We’re told we are capable of anything But you don’t seem to think that you are Capable of anything"   In today's report, we will explore one structure that you heard twice in the song – an adjective + preposition combination. The words "capable of" are an example of this type of structure. Last week, we discussed common adjective and preposition combinations in everyday speech. This week, we will explore such combinations in academic writing. Even though these structures are most often used in writing, we will give you fun examples of how speakers use them in songs and films, too. But before we give you more specific examples of these combinations, we need to give you a few definitions. What are adjective and preposition combinations? Adjectives are words that describe nouns. They can come before a noun or after a non-action verb, sometimes called a linking verb. These adjectives sometimes go with specific prepositions. Together, these adjectives and prepositions make combinations that have specific meanings. When adjectives come before a noun, the adjective is almost never followed by a preposition. When adjectives come after a non-action verb, they may be followed by a preposition. Here are two examples: 1: The students are happy. 2: The students are happy with the test results. In the former sentence, the adjective happy describes the noun students. There is no preposition. In the latter sentence, the adjective "happy" comes after the non-action verb BE. After the BE verb and the adjective "happy," there is a preposition: with. "Happy with" is one example of an adjective and preposition combination. Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber are language experts. They note that there are six common adjective and preposition combinations in academic writing. We will not study all of these combinations today. Instead, we will study three of them: adjective + of, adjective + for and adjective + to. Adj. + of One common adjective and preposition combination is adjective + of. Consider these lines from the 1961 film, Judgment at Nuremberg: "My counsel says we were not aware of the extermination of the millions. He would give you the excuse we were only aware of the extermination of the hundreds. Does that make us any the less guilty?"   You will notice that the speaker used "aware of" twice. "Aware of" is a formal way of saying that someone knows about the existence or happening of a certain thing. "Aware of" is one example of an adjective + of combination. Other common examples include "independent of" and "capable of," which you heard at the beginning of our report. You might read these types of expressions in academic books about law, psychology, and so on. Adj. + for A second common adjective and preposition combination is adjective + for. Once again, lines from the film Judgment at Nuremberg show you how speakers might use these structures: "Are we now to find the American industrialists guilty? No, Your Honor. No! Germany alone is not guilty: The whole world is as responsible for Hitler's Germany."   You heard the words "responsible for" in the movie clip. "Responsible for" is one example of an adjective + for structure. Other common examples include "essential for" and "necessary for." You might read these types of expressions in many types of academic books – philosophy, politics, and so on. Adj. + to Our final common adjective and preposition combination is adjective + to. The words from the Beatles' song The End use this structure. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."   "Equal to" means that something is the same in number, amount, or quality. Other common examples include "identical to" and "similar to." You will often read these types of expressions in mathematics or physics books. What can you do? The next time you are reading a book or watching television in English, try to look for examples of adjective + a preposition. Does the writer or speaker use one of the structures we talked about today? Does the writer or speaker use different structures? Learning these adjective + preposition combinations can be difficult. But if you work hard and practice, you will be capable of anything. We are going to end our report with a homework assignment. Try to use "aware of," "capable of," "responsible for," or "equal to" in sentences. Write your sentences in the comments section of our website. I'm John Russell. And I'm Jill Robbins.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   capable – adj. able to do something : having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do something — + of preposition – n. grammar : a word or group of words that is used with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education specific – adj. special or particular counsel – n. law : a lawyer who represents a person or group in a court of law aware – adj. knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists extermination – n.  the act of destroying or killing (a group of animals, people, etc.) formal – adj.  suitable for serious or official speech and writing essential – adj.  extremely important and necessary  

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/everyday-grammar-popular-culture-academic-writing/4046914.html

Australian Slang

New Entry: 'Australian Slang' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-australian-slang/

What can't computers do?

Are you afraid of machines that copy human intelligent behaviour? Neil and Tim talk about all the things computers can do nowadays and teach you useful vocabulary

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05hh0fq

Absolute Beginner American English for Every Day #36 - Top 10 Ways to Prepare Your Travel

Learn English with EnglishClass101.com! In your home country, there are some phrases that are so common you use them or hear them every day. The same is true in USA too, so why not give your English an instant boost by learning them in this video lesson? With Alisha’s help, you’ll be sounding like a [...]

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/absolute-beginner-american-english-for-every-day-36-top-10-ways-to-prepare-your-travel/

The show's ____ for tonight.

New Entry: 'The show's ____ for tonight.' has just been added to the Language Polls area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/poll/1190.html

About

You know what ‘about’ means, right? But maybe not this extra meaning! Take another look with us

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05h99b8

English Grammar Made Easy #2 - How to Make Simple Past Tense Statements

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American Business English for Beginners #7 - Planning an English Business Meeting

Learn Business English with EnglishClass101.com! Whether you’ve just started working for an American company or started doing business with one, you’ll need some polished and professional English words and phrases to make a good impression. And that’s exactly where this new Business English series comes in! In this lesson, you’ll learn how to arrange a meeting. [...]

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Everyday Grammar: Take

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Lesson 4: What Is It?

Summary Anna is new to Washington, DC. She meets her friends to go out for coffee. Anna has many things in her bag. Speaking Pronunciation Often English speakers do not say the word "and" carefully. Watch the video to learn about this reduced form in American English. Conversation        Anna: Pete, hi! Hi, we are here! Pete: Hi, Anna! Hi, Marsha! Anna: Hi! Pete: How are you two? Marsha: I am great! Anna: You know, Pete, I am new to D.C. The city is big. Pete: Yeah. But you learn a little more every day. How's the new apartment? Anna: The new apartment is great! Let's get coffee! Marsha: Anna, do you have a pen? Anna: Yes. I have a pen in my bag. Anna: I have a … Pete: It is not a pen. It is a book. It is a big book. Anna: Yes. Yes it is, Pete. I know I have a pen, though… Anna: I have a .... Marsha: It is not a pen, Anna ... a toy? Anna: I have a .... Pete: And it is a pillow! Anna: Pete, Marsha, I know I have a pen.  Marsha: Anna, it is a map.  Pete: Why do you have a map of the world? Anna: Pete, Marsha. Now I know I have a pen. Pete: And now you have a lamp. Marsha: Anna. Anna: I have a pen! Let’s get coffee! Writing Download the worksheet. Practice writing the names of common objects. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. This lesson's learning strategy is focus. Use this learning strategy when you need to get information from listening or reading. Decide what you need to learn and pay close attention when you listen or read.  Here is an example of how to use focus: In the video, Anna has some strange things in her bag. Watch the video for this lesson and focus on the name of each thing she takes out of her bag. After you watch the video, try to say or write all the things in Anna's bag. If you cannot say five things, play the video again. Write a comment in the Comments section about how using this strategy worked for you. At the end of the video, can you write or say all the things in Anna's bag? Focus is an important learning strategy because it helps you learn new information more quickly. See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for more details on using this strategy. Listening Quiz See how well you understand the lesson by taking this quiz. Each question has a video. Play the video and choose the correct answer. _______________________________________________________________ New Words bag - n. a soft container used to hold money and other small things big - adj. large in size book - n. a set of printed sheets of paper that are held together inside a cover or a long written work coffee - n. a dark brown drink made from ground coffee beans and boiled water lamp - n. a device that produces light little - adj. small in size  map - n. a picture or chart that shows the rivers, mountains, streets, etc., in a particular area pen - n. a writing instrument that uses ink pillow - n. a bag filled with soft material that is used as a cushion usually for the head of a person who is lying down  toy - n. something a child plays with world - n. the earth and all the people and things on it   Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. For Teachers   ​See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Grammar Focus: BE + Noun; Be + Adjective + Noun; BE + Not + Noun; HAVE + Noun Topics:  Greetings; Names of common objects; Negation Learning Strategy: Focus Speaking and Pronunciation:  Pronouncing reduced "and​;" BE + noun _______________________________________________________________   Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-4/3168920.html

English Vocab Builder #115 - Home Interior

Learn English with EnglishClass101.com! Our English vocabulary lists are listener favorites, and now we’ve made it even better! In each lesson, you’ll hear the English words and phrases from the English vocabulary lists. Join us for English Vocab Builder! Click here to make your own flashcards using the vocab and phrases introduced in this lesson! Visit [...]

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Countries and Nationalities- make me say Yes personalised questions games

New Entry: 'Countries and Nationalities- make me say Yes personalised questions games' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-countries-and-nationalities-make-me-say-yes-personalised-questions-games/

Are You Afraid of Adjectives and Prepositions?

  The 2007 film No Country for Old Men tells the story of a lawman in West Texas. Actor Tommy Lee Jones played the part of the lawman. If you saw the movie, you might remember when he spoke these lines: "The crime you see now, it's hard to even take its measure. It's not that I'm afraid of it. I always knew you had to be willing to die to even do this job." Our report today is not about crime. Instead, it is about one grammatical structure you just heard: an adjective + preposition combination. Jones used it when he said, "afraid of." What exactly are these structures? We will tell you, but first we have to give some definitions. Adjective + preposition in conversation Adjectives are words that describe nouns. You will hear English speakers use adjectives in front of nouns or after non-action verbs. Non-action verbs include words like "be," "seem," "become," and so on.* Here are two examples: My neighbors have a big dog. The dog is sick today. In the first example, the adjective "big" comes before the noun "dog." In the second example, the adjective "sick" comes after the verb "be" – a non-action verb. Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber are language experts. They note that when English speakers use adjectives before a noun, they almost never use a preposition. However, when speakers use adjectives after a non-action verb, they often use a preposition. Here are two examples: We had a fine day! That is fine with me. ​In the first example, the adjective "fine" comes before the noun "day." There is no preposition after "fine." In the second example, the adjective "fine" comes after the non-action verb "be." The adjective "fine" is followed by a preposition: with. "Fine with" is one example of an adjective and preposition combination. It means good, acceptable, or satisfactory. In everyday situations, speakers use many adjective and preposition combinations. These adjective and preposition combinations have specific meanings. There are many possible adjective and preposition combinations. We cannot give you all of them. However, we can tell you about three of the most common ones you will hear when Americans are talking. These include adjective + of, adjective + for, and adjective + with Adj. + of The first common structure you will hear in everyday speech is adjective + of. Speakers often use adjectives such as "afraid," "tired," or "sick" with the preposition "of." For example, Americans often use "tired of" and "sick of" to show restlessness or a lack of interest in something. Usually, they use this expression when they feel they have had, seen, or done too much of something. Bad students, for example, might say the following words: I'm tired of school. Yeah! Me, too. And I'm sick of homework. When the students say "tired of" or "sick of", they do not mean that they are tired or sick. Instead, they mean that they have spent too much time in class. We hope you do not feel that way about school! Adj. + for A second common structure you might hear in everyday speech is adjective + for. Speakers often use the adjectives "good," "great," or "ready" with the preposition "for." Doctors, for example, might say, "Vegetables are good for your health." Some people might even say, "Vegetables are great for your health." In both cases, the adjective + for structure means not causing harm or causing something desired. The main difference is that "great" has a stronger meaning than "good." Adj. + with A final common structure is the adjective + with combination. Examples include the expressions "fine with," "happy with," and "wrong with." You heard one of these earlier: That is fine with me. This is a casual way of showing approval. How could you use it in an everyday situation? Here is an example. At a café, you might hear the following words: Waitress: I'm sorry sir, but we do not have cream. Would you like milk instead? Customer: Sure, that is fine with me! In the example, the waitress gives bad news: the café does not have cream. Her customer gives an agreeable response by saying "that is fine with me." Speakers use those words in many situations – at stores, restaurants, hotels and so on. What can you do? The next time you are watching a movie or reading a book in English, try to look for examples of adjective + a preposition. Do the speakers use similar or different adjective and preposition combinations? Learning adjective + preposition combinations can be difficult. But if you put in hard work, you will be happy with the results. I'm John Russell. And I'm Jill Robbins.   John Russell wrote this story of VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. * These are also called linking verbs. The adjective acts as the subject complement – it is describing the subject.  ______________________________________________________________ Words in the Story   preposition – n. grammar : a word or group of words that is used with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object cream – n. the thick part of milk that rises to the top; the part of milk that contains fat response – n. a reaction or answer casual – adj. not planned; done without much thought or effort specific – adj. special; exactly presented or stated grammatical – adj. of or related to the rules of language

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/everyday-grammar-adjectives-prepositions/4037071.html

The wonders of hair

Did you know that when the entire body is aging hair can grow stronger? Learn a about hair and hair-related vocabulary with Neil and Tim

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05gt064

British English Reading Comprehension for Intermediate Learners #3 - Reserving an Express Seat

Learn British English with EnglishClass101.com! Welcome to the British English Reading Comprehension for Intermediate Learners series. In this series, you will continue to build up your British English reading skills through lessons focussed on everyday activities like taking the bus or train. You’ll learn how to read tickets, notices in the station, currency exchange forms, [...]

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/british-english-reading-comprehension-for-intermediate-learners-3-reserving-an-express-seat/

Health and Fitness Vocabulary- Ask and Tell Speaking Game

New Entry: 'Health and Fitness Vocabulary- Ask and Tell Speaking Game' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-health-and-fitness-vocabulary-ask-and-tell-speaking-game/

Synergy Spanish Review – How To Learn Fast

Spanish is the second most popular language in the world. If you are a traveler, it is extremely important to have a basic understanding about Spanish language so that you can avoid frustration while you travel. However, learning Spanish is not just limited to travelers and it is important for every person to know the basics of Spanish so that you can communicate with another individual. That’s where Synergy Spanish can assist you with.

What exactly is Synergy Spanish?

Synergy Spanish can be considered as a unique program, which has specifically been designed to assist individuals who are interested in learning Spanish. It is more aligned towards catering the needs of individuals who are interested in going for a vacation. In other words, Synergy Spanish has been designed to tell you the basic words used in day to day communication instead of proper verb conjugations. Due to this reason, you don’t need to invest a lot of time and effort in order to go through this program and get the best out of it.

Who can use Synergy Spanish?

Any person who doesn’t know Spanish, but willing to learn it from the basics can follow Synergy Spanish. In other words, this program has been designed to teach survival Spanish to you.  You can easily get to know about the basic phrases and words, which you should be aware of in order to make your life easy while living in a Spanish speaking country. This can also be considered as a shortcut method available for you to get to know about Spanish. If you are looking forward to go on an unplanned vacation or a business trip, you can follow this program and get the best out of it.

Watch this video to find out more about the system!

What can you learn from Synergy Spanish?

When you are spending time in a Spanish speaking country, you would come across the need to communicate with others. For example, you should know how to ask basic questions from the natives. They include:

• How to go to the bathroom?
• Where to find a taxi?
• How much is it?
• Yes, please.
• No, thank you.

These are the basic phrases that will be taught to you by Synergy Spanish. However, this program goes much beyond the basic phrases and you will be able to learn how to continue a lengthy conversation with a native Spanish speaker.

The knowledge you learn from Synergy Spanish would benefit you in many different ways. For example, you would know how to ask a native to find the road when you are travelling in a Spanish speaking country. On the other hand, you can avoid frustration associated with establishing communications when you are travelling in public transport, ordering food at a restaurant or visiting any attraction. You can get around easily and you will never find it as a difficult task to speak with natives. Therefore, this survival guide has the ability to build confidence within you.

Synergy Spanish guide creates a strong understanding about Spanish language in your mind through the usage of 138 key phrases. You will also be taught effective tips on how to memorize those key phrases for the rest of your life. The entire approach of learning Spanish is fast and you will be able to complete it within a short time period.

How does Synergy Spanish work?

You cannot compare Synergy Spanish with a traditional Spanish learning course. The objective of Synergy Spanish has not been making you fluent in the language. Instead, it would only teach the basic survival language skills to you. When you are aware of the basic phrases in Spanish, you know how to put them down together and crate different questions and statements. In other words, you will be able to pick the language, without going through any frustration.

Click here to view more details!

Synergy Spanish has also been designed to deliver quick results to all followers. Therefore, you will be able to learn the language within a short period of time. No other course in the market has the ability to deliver such good results to you within a short period of time.

One of the most impressive features about Synergy Spanish is that it comes along with an audio upgrade. If you can hear the phrases while learning, knowledge would go into your mind within a short period of time. In addition, you will find it as an easy task to memorize the phrases as well. It is true that you will have to spend a couple of additional dollars to purchase Synergy Spanish audio upgrade, but the benefits offered to you by it are totally worth.

Synergy Spanish Pros

• Synergy Spanish is the best method available for travelers to learn Spanish survival skills.
• This program can be completed within a short period of time.
• Synergy Spanish offers all the material that you should get hold of. Therefore, you will not have to go through the hassle of searching for materials in any other sources.
• If you get stuck while following the program, you can easily get in touch with an instructor via email.
• By following Synergy Spanish, any person can easily memorize the Spanish vocabulary.
• It comes along with an audio upgrade, which can assist people who are interested to learn the language out of hearing.
• The program offers a complete money back guarantee to you.

Synergy Spanish Cons

• This program is mainly designed for beginners who don’t have any prior knowledge in the language.
• It lacks advanced features such as games and speaking skills.

Final Words

As you can see, Synergy Spanish is the most convenient method for you to learn Spanish without any prior experience at all. This guide is ideal for travelers and corporate professionals who go on business tours to Spanish speaking countries. You would love the quality of content offered to you by Synergy Spanish as well.

Click here to get the course now!

The Other Powerful Courses:

Rocket Spanish Review

Unlimited Spanish Review

The post Synergy Spanish Review – How To Learn Fast appeared first on Learn Spanish Speaking.

source http://learnspeakingspanish.com/synergy-spanish-review-learn-fast

Wing it

Learn an informal expression for when you have to improvise

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05gkw4r

English Grammar Made Easy #1 - The Difference Between “Until” and “By”

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source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/english-grammar-made-easy-1-the-difference-between-until-and-by/

Lesson 3: I'm Here!

Let's Learn English is a course for English learners. Certified American English teachers designed the course for beginners. There are 52 lessons. Every fifth lesson, there is a review of the previous lessons. Each week, there is a new lesson with video showing the lives of young Americans. The lesson includes instruction in speaking, vocabulary and writing. There are also printable worksheets, assessments and lesson plans for individual learners and English teachers. We encourage you to follow the weekly lessons and share your progress with us through comments and email. Summary Anna is in her new apartment. She wants to cook dinner. She tries to call Marsha for help. Speaking Listen to the teacher in the video. Use your computer or phone to record yourself saying the words. Use this video to practice the new words for this lesson, learn how to answer the telephone, and practice asking for someone. Download the worksheet and practice speaking English by asking and answering questions about addresses.   Pronunciation Practice shortened sounds with the verb BE using this video.   Conversation   Anna: I am in my new apartment! Great! I live with Marsha. We’re roommates. I want to cook dinner. Oh! Hmmm. Is there a supermarket near here? Marsha knows. Marsha's work number is 555-8986. Man: Hello. Anna: Hello. Is this Marsha? It is Anna. Man: I am sorry. You have the wrong number. Anna: Oh. Is this 555-8986? Man: No. This is 555-8689. Anna: Oh. Excuse me! Man: Okay. 'Bye. Anna: One more time. 555-8986. Please be Marsha. Marsha: Hello. This is Marsha. Anna: Yes, Marsha. I want to cook dinner. Marsha: Excuse me? Anna? Is that you? Anna: Oh, yes. I am here! Marsha: Good. You are there. Anna: I want to find a supermarket. Marsha: Oh, okay. The supermarket is at 1500 Irving Street. It is near the apartment. Anna: Great! Goodbye! Marsha: Goodbye, Anna. (Later) Anna: There is a big supermarket on our street. And Marsha says I am a good cook! Until next time! Bye! Writing Click to download the Activity Sheet and practice writing the names and addresses of friends or classmates.  Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The strategy for this lesson is Look for Ways to Practice. Good language learners are always looking for new and different ways to practice using the language they want to learn. Here is an example of a learner who uses this strategy. Alex wants to be more confident when he speaks English. He downloads podcasts of conversations in English. When he is walking or riding in a car he listens and repeats each sentence he hears. He writes text messages and emails in English, using the new words he wants to learn. Every day he talks with anyone who will speak English with him. Sometimes people ask him, "Did you live in an English speaking country?" because he is so confident in using English. Alex laughs and says "Someday!" and looks for more ways to practice. For more information on using this strategy, see the Lesson Plan. How about you? How do you find ways to practice speaking English? Write us an email or leave a comment in the Comments section.   Listening Quiz See how well you understand the lesson by taking this quiz. Each question has a video. Play the video and choose the correct answer. __________________________________________________________________ New Words   cook - v. to prepare (food) for eating especially by using heat dinner - n. the main meal of the day excuse - v. to forgive someone for making a mistake or doing something wrong find - v. to get or discover something or someone that you are looking for here  - adv. in this place or at this location live - v. to have a home in a specified place near - adv. close to something or someone sorry - adj. feeling sorrow or regret supermarket - n. a store where customers can buy a variety of foods and household items there - adv. in that place or at that location want - v. to desire or wish for something wrong - adj.­ not suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, situation, or person ______________________________________________________________ Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. This week, use it to practice writing addresses in English. For Teachers See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and resources. Send us an email if you have comments or questions.   Grammar focus: Place pronouns: here, there Topics: Apologizing: sorry, excuse me Learning Strategy: Look for Ways to Practice Speaking and Pronunciation focus: Contractions with BE; polite telephone expressions Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson. ​

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-3-i-am-here/3126527.html

Everyday Grammar: Adjectival Infinitives - Time, Place, Way

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/everyday-grammar-adjectival-infinitives-time-place-way/4000831.html

He cursed ____.

New Entry: 'He cursed ____.' has just been added to the Language Polls area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/poll/1189.html

News #213 - New! 3 Reasons Why You’ll Love the Upgraded English Lesson Library

Lesson Audio Download MP3

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/news-213-new-3-reasons-why-youll-love-the-upgraded-english-lesson-library/

English Vocab Builder #114 - Food - Utensils & Tableware

Learn English with EnglishClass101.com! Our English vocabulary lists are listener favorites, and now we’ve made it even better! In each lesson, you’ll hear the English words and phrases from the English vocabulary lists. Join us for English Vocab Builder! Click here to make your own flashcards using the vocab and phrases introduced in this lesson! Visit [...]

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/english-vocab-builder-114-food-utensils-tableware/

Mind the store

New Entry: 'Mind the store' has just been added to the Idioms area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/mind+the+store.html

In store

New Entry: 'In store' has just been added to the Idioms area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/in+store.html

Store up

New Entry: 'Store up' has just been added to the Phrasal Verbs area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/store+up.html

Like & Don’t Like- Common Games

New Entry: 'Like & Don’t Like- Common Games' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-like-dont-like-common-games/

How to Show That You Are Not Sure

  In the 1998 film “Saving Private Ryan,” actor Tom Hanks plays the part of Captain Miller. The fictional Captain Miller was an English teacher before becoming a soldier and fighting in World War II. In one scene, Captain Miller describes how he has changed: ​ "So I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to, to tell her about days like today." These lines give you an excellent example of how speakers show uncertainty in everyday speech. In the first sentence, Miller used a common grammatical structure: verb + a noun clause. In today's report, we will explore this structure and show you how speakers use it in everyday situations. Noun Clauses Noun clauses are groups of words that act as a noun. They often begin with “that” or a word beginning with “wh,” such as “where,” “when,” “why,” or “what.” Here are two examples: I think that she is mad at me. I wonder where he went? In the examples, the main parts of the sentences are the words “I think” and “I wonder.” The verbs are followed by noun clauses: "that she is mad at me," and "where he went." By the way, the word “that” does not add any meaning in these types of clauses, so it is often dropped. Instead of saying "I think that she is mad at me," speakers might say, "I think she is mad at me." If you want to learn more about why the word "that" disappears from sentences, you should read our previous Everyday Grammar story "The Mystery of the Disappearing That."  Showing Uncertainty with Verb + Noun Clause  Americans often use a verb + noun clause structure to show uncertainty. The verb shows uncertainty, and the noun clause shows the idea. Here is an example: Excuse me, do you know when the last train leaves? I think (that) the last train leaves at 7. In the example, the second speaker uses the verb “think” to show uncertainty. The noun clause "the last train leaves at 7" is the main idea of the sentence. If a person told you, "I think the last train leaves at 7," you should probably ask another person. You do not want to make your travel plans based on uncertain information. Speakers show certainty by stating ideas in a simple sentence. In these cases, they generally do not use the verb + noun clause structure. Think back to the conversation about the train. How could the second speaker give a certain answer? Let's listen: Excuse me, do you know when the last train leaves? The last train leaves at 7. Common uncertainty verbs Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber are language experts. They note that Americans often use three verbs to show uncertainty. These verbs are “think,” “believe,” and “guess.” #1 and 2 - Think and Believe Americans often use the verb “think” in the present and past tense. “Think” shows some amount of uncertainty, but the exact level of uncertainty that it shows varies among speakers. How can you tell how uncertain a person might be? One tip is to listen to the pitch of the speaker's voice. The pitch can often give you a clue about how uncertain the speaker is. Consider these examples: I think (that) the bank is open today. I think (that) the bank is open today. In the former example you can hear more confidence in the speaker's voice. In the latter example, you hear far less confidence. In conversation, “think” has a similar meaning as “believe.” “Believe” is slightly less common and slightly more formal. So, instead of saying, "I think the last train leaves at 7," a speaker could say, "I believe the last train leaves at 7." The two sentences have the same meaning and show similar amounts of uncertainty. Once again, the pitch of the speaker's voice can give you information about how uncertain he or she is. #3 - Guess A third common verb of uncertainty is “guess.” “Guess,” according to Conrad and Biber, is very common in American English but rare in British English.  Americans almost always use the verb “guess” in one way: “I guess.” The phrase still shows uncertainty, but it tells you that the speaker’s claim is probably based on evidence. Here is an example: He was smiling as he walked out the front door. I guess he got some good news! In the example, the first sentence gives some information about the situation. In the second sentence, the speaker makes an uncertain statement based on the information in the first sentence. Let’s go back to the fictional Captain Miller from the film “Saving Private Ryan.” He gives you another example of how “guess” can show uncertainty in everyday speech. Remember: Captain Miller was talking about being a teacher before he said these lines: "So I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to, to tell her about days like today." In the first sentence, Miller says, "I guess I've changed some." He is showing uncertainty about how much he has changed from his former life as a teacher. Perhaps he does not want to admit that he has greatly changed. ​What can you do? The next time you are watching a film or speaking with an American, try to listen for examples of uncertainty. Ask yourself how the speaker shows uncertainty. Does the person use the verb + noun clause structure, or a different structure? Learning the subtle ways that people communicate in another language can be difficult. But with time and practice, you will succeed. We are certain of that. I'm John Russell. And I’m Jill Robbins.  John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   scene – n. a part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs uncertainty – n. the quality or state of being uncertain ; doubt clause – n.  a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb practice – n.  the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/4027485.html

How to Show That You Are Not Sure

  In the 1998 film “Saving Private Ryan,” actor Tom Hanks plays the part of Captain Miller. The fictional Captain Miller was an English teacher before becoming a soldier and fighting in World War II. In one scene, Captain Miller describes how he has changed: ​ "So I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to, to tell her about days like today." These lines give you an excellent example of how speakers show uncertainty in everyday speech. In the first sentence, Miller used a common grammatical structure: verb + a noun clause. In today's report, we will explore this structure and show you how speakers use it in everyday situations. Noun Clauses Noun clauses are groups of words that act as a noun. They often begin with “that” or a word beginning with “wh,” such as “where,” “when,” “why,” or “what.” Here are two examples: I think that she is mad at me. I wonder where he went? In the examples, the main parts of the sentences are the words “I think” and “I wonder.” The verbs are followed by noun clauses: "that she is mad at me," and "where he went." By the way, the word “that” does not add any meaning in these types of clauses, so it is often dropped. Instead of saying "I think that she is mad at me," speakers might say, "I think she is mad at me." If you want to learn more about why the word "that" disappears from sentences, you should read our previous Everyday Grammar story "The Mystery of the Disappearing That."  Showing Uncertainty with Verb + Noun Clause  Americans often use a verb + noun clause structure to show uncertainty. The verb shows uncertainty, and the noun clause shows the idea. Here is an example: Excuse me, do you know when the last train leaves? I think (that) the last train leaves at 7. In the example, the second speaker uses the verb “think” to show uncertainty. The noun clause "the last train leaves at 7" is the main idea of the sentence. If a person told you, "I think the last train leaves at 7," you should probably ask another person. You do not want to make your travel plans based on uncertain information. Speakers show certainty by stating ideas in a simple sentence. In these cases, they generally do not use the verb + noun clause structure. Think back to the conversation about the train. How could the second speaker give a certain answer? Let's listen: Excuse me, do you know when the last train leaves? The last train leaves at 7. Common uncertainty verbs Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber are language experts. They note that Americans often use three verbs to show uncertainty. These verbs are “think,” “believe,” and “guess.” #1 and 2 - Think and Believe Americans often use the verb “think” in the present and past tense. “Think” shows some amount of uncertainty, but the exact level of uncertainty that it shows varies among speakers. How can you tell how uncertain a person might be? One tip is to listen to the pitch of the speaker's voice. The pitch can often give you a clue about how uncertain the speaker is. Consider these examples: I think (that) the bank is open today. I think (that) the bank is open today. In the former example you can hear more confidence in the speaker's voice. In the latter example, you hear far less confidence. In conversation, “think” has a similar meaning as “believe.” “Believe” is slightly less common and slightly more formal. So, instead of saying, "I think the last train leaves at 7," a speaker could say, "I believe the last train leaves at 7." The two sentences have the same meaning and show similar amounts of uncertainty. Once again, the pitch of the speaker's voice can give you information about how uncertain he or she is. #3 - Guess A third common verb of uncertainty is “guess.” “Guess,” according to Conrad and Biber, is very common in American English but rare in British English.  Americans almost always use the verb “guess” in one way: “I guess.” The phrase still shows uncertainty, but it tells you that the speaker’s claim is probably based on evidence. Here is an example: He was smiling as he walked out the front door. I guess he got some good news! In the example, the first sentence gives some information about the situation. In the second sentence, the speaker makes an uncertain statement based on the information in the first sentence. Let’s go back to the fictional Captain Miller from the film “Saving Private Ryan.” He gives you another example of how “guess” can show uncertainty in everyday speech. Remember: Captain Miller was talking about being a teacher before he said these lines: "So I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to, to tell her about days like today." In the first sentence, Miller says, "I guess I've changed some." He is showing uncertainty about how much he has changed from his former life as a teacher. Perhaps he does not want to admit that he has greatly changed. ​What can you do? The next time you are watching a film or speaking with an American, try to listen for examples of uncertainty. Ask yourself how the speaker shows uncertainty. Does the person use the verb + noun clause structure, or a different structure? Learning the subtle ways that people communicate in another language can be difficult. But with time and practice, you will succeed. We are certain of that. I'm John Russell. And I’m Jill Robbins.  John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   scene – n. a part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs uncertainty – n. the quality or state of being uncertain ; doubt clause – n.  a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb practice – n.  the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/4027485.html

How to Show That You Are Not Sure

  In the 1998 film “Saving Private Ryan,” actor Tom Hanks plays the part of Captain Miller. The fictional Captain Miller was an English teacher before becoming a soldier and fighting in World War II. In one scene, Captain Miller describes how he has changed: ​ "So I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to, to tell her about days like today." These lines give you an excellent example of how speakers show uncertainty in everyday speech. In the first sentence, Miller used a common grammatical structure: verb + a noun clause. In today's report, we will explore this structure and show you how speakers use it in everyday situations. Noun Clauses Noun clauses are groups of words that act as a noun. They often begin with “that” or a word beginning with “wh,” such as “where,” “when,” “why,” or “what.” Here are two examples: I think that she is mad at me. I wonder where he went? In the examples, the main parts of the sentences are the words “I think” and “I wonder.” The verbs are followed by noun clauses: "that she is mad at me," and "where he went." By the way, the word “that” does not add any meaning in these types of clauses, so it is often dropped. Instead of saying "I think that she is mad at me," speakers might say, "I think she is mad at me." If you want to learn more about why the word "that" disappears from sentences, you should read our previous Everyday Grammar story "The Mystery of the Disappearing That."  Showing Uncertainty with Verb + Noun Clause  Americans often use a verb + noun clause structure to show uncertainty. The verb shows uncertainty, and the noun clause shows the idea. Here is an example: Excuse me, do you know when the last train leaves? I think (that) the last train leaves at 7. In the example, the second speaker uses the verb “think” to show uncertainty. The noun clause "the last train leaves at 7" is the main idea of the sentence. If a person told you, "I think the last train leaves at 7," you should probably ask another person. You do not want to make your travel plans based on uncertain information. Speakers show certainty by stating ideas in a simple sentence. In these cases, they generally do not use the verb + noun clause structure. Think back to the conversation about the train. How could the second speaker give a certain answer? Let's listen: Excuse me, do you know when the last train leaves? The last train leaves at 7. Common uncertainty verbs Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber are language experts. They note that Americans often use three verbs to show uncertainty. These verbs are “think,” “believe,” and “guess.” #1 and 2 - Think and Believe Americans often use the verb “think” in the present and past tense. “Think” shows some amount of uncertainty, but the exact level of uncertainty that it shows varies among speakers. How can you tell how uncertain a person might be? One tip is to listen to the pitch of the speaker's voice. The pitch can often give you a clue about how uncertain the speaker is. Consider these examples: I think (that) the bank is open today. I think (that) the bank is open today. In the former example you can hear more confidence in the speaker's voice. In the latter example, you hear far less confidence. In conversation, “think” has a similar meaning as “believe.” “Believe” is slightly less common and slightly more formal. So, instead of saying, "I think the last train leaves at 7," a speaker could say, "I believe the last train leaves at 7." The two sentences have the same meaning and show similar amounts of uncertainty. Once again, the pitch of the speaker's voice can give you information about how uncertain he or she is. #3 - Guess A third common verb of uncertainty is “guess.” “Guess,” according to Conrad and Biber, is very common in American English but rare in British English.  Americans almost always use the verb “guess” in one way: “I guess.” The phrase still shows uncertainty, but it tells you that the speaker’s claim is probably based on evidence. Here is an example: He was smiling as he walked out the front door. I guess he got some good news! In the example, the first sentence gives some information about the situation. In the second sentence, the speaker makes an uncertain statement based on the information in the first sentence. Let’s go back to the fictional Captain Miller from the film “Saving Private Ryan.” He gives you another example of how “guess” can show uncertainty in everyday speech. Remember: Captain Miller was talking about being a teacher before he said these lines: "So I guess I've changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I've changed so much my wife is even gonna recognize me whenever it is I get back to her, and how I'll ever be able to, to tell her about days like today." In the first sentence, Miller says, "I guess I've changed some." He is showing uncertainty about how much he has changed from his former life as a teacher. Perhaps he does not want to admit that he has greatly changed. ​What can you do? The next time you are watching a film or speaking with an American, try to listen for examples of uncertainty. Ask yourself how the speaker shows uncertainty. Does the person use the verb + noun clause structure, or a different structure? Learning the subtle ways that people communicate in another language can be difficult. But with time and practice, you will succeed. We are certain of that. I'm John Russell. And I’m Jill Robbins.  John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   scene – n. a part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs uncertainty – n. the quality or state of being uncertain ; doubt clause – n.  a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb practice – n.  the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/4027485.html

Having a row or asking for directions?

Tim and Neil talk about interactions that can be misunderstood by people of different backgrounds, and teach you useful vocabulary

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05g2dqy

Paigon

New Entry: 'Paigon' has just been added to the Slang area of UsingEnglish.com. This entry is only available in our members' area.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/members/idioms/view.php?show=Slang&entry_id=27216

Have and Don’t Have- Drawing Coin Game

New Entry: 'Have and Don’t Have- Drawing Coin Game' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-have-and-dont-have-drawing-coin-game/

Prototype Lessons #6 - English Word Association: Cities

Lesson Video Download Video

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/prototype-lessons-6-english-word-association-cities/

Absolute Beginner American English for Every Day #100 - Top 10 English Slang Words

Lesson Video Download Video

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/absolute-beginner-american-english-for-every-day-100-top-10-english-slang-words/

Technical

New Entry: 'Technical' has just been added to the Slang area of UsingEnglish.com. This entry is only available in our members' area.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/members/idioms/view.php?show=Slang&entry_id=27214

John Wayne

New Entry: 'John Wayne' has just been added to the Cockney Rhyming Slang area of UsingEnglish.com. This entry is only available in our members' area.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/members/idioms/view.php?show=Cockney&entry_id=27215

Techinical

New Entry: 'Techinical' has just been added to the Slang area of UsingEnglish.com. This entry is only available in our members' area.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/members/idioms/view.php?show=Slang&entry_id=27214

Pot luck

Not sure what to expect? Learn a phrase about hoping your choice will turn out ok

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05fvnlq

Quick & Easy English Review for Beginners #5 - The Difference Between “Until” and “By”

Lesson Video Download Video

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/quick-easy-english-review-for-beginners-5-the-difference-between-until-and-by/

Plug into

New Entry: 'Plug into' has just been added to the Phrasal Verbs area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/plug+into.html

Plug away

New Entry: 'Plug away' has just been added to the Phrasal Verbs area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/plug+away.html

American Business English for Beginners #6 - Going Out to Meet Clients in the United States

Learn Business English with EnglishClass101.com! Whether you’ve just started working for an American company or started doing business with one, you’ll need some polished and professional English words and phrases to make a good impression. And that’s exactly where this new Business English series comes in! In this lesson, you’ll learn what to say when you [...]

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/american-business-english-for-beginners-6-going-out-to-meet-clients-in-the-united-states/

Business English- Human Resource Vocabulary- Problems and Recommendations

New Entry: 'Business English- Human Resource Vocabulary- Problems and Recommendations' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-business-english-human-resource-vocabulary-problems-and-recommendations/

Everyday Grammar: Three-Part Phrasal Verbs

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/everyday-grammar-three-part-phrasal-verbs/4000837.html

Lesson 2: Hello, I'm Anna!

Let's Learn English is a course for English learners. Certified American English teachers designed the course for beginners. There are 52 lessons. Every fifth lesson, there is a review of the previous lessons. Each week, there is a new lesson with video showing the lives of young Americans. The lesson includes instruction in speaking, vocabulary and writing. There are also printable worksheets, assessments and lesson plans for individual learners and English teachers. We encourage you to follow the weekly lessons and share your progress with us through comments and email. Summary Anna moves to Washington, DC. She goes to her new apartment and meets a new friend. Speaking Listen to the speaker in the video. Use your computer or phone to record yourself saying the words. Listen to yourself, then listen to the video again. Can you say the words the same way? If not, listen carefully and try again. Pronunciation Watch the video to learn about linked sounds, or how speakers say "you're" for "you are."  Conversation   Jonathan: Hey, Pete! Who’s your friend? Pete: She is Anna. She is new to D.C. Jonathan: Where are you from? Anna: I am from a small town. Jonathan: Well, welcome to D.C. Anna: Thank you. Jonathan: I am Jonathan. I am in apartment B4. Anna: I am in apartment C2. Marsha is my roommate. Jonathan: I know Marsha. She is nice. Pete: And I am in Apartment D7. I have to go now. Anna: Oh! Pete: Remember to call  Marsha at work. Tell her you’re here. Anna: Right, thanks, Pete. Nice to meet you! Jonathan: You too, Bye. Anna: Apartment C2, here I come! Writing We often write our name and address on forms. Americans write and say an address this way: name, number, street city, state, zip code, country. How do people in your country address an envelope? Anna sends a letter to her family. Look at how she writes the address: Now download the worksheet and practice filling in a form and addressing an envelope. Learning Strategies  Learning strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. This lesson's learning strategy is preview. To preview is to look over what you will study in advance. During the preview, remember what you already know about the topic and the language, and think of what you need to learn. Here is an example: Mari previews the video for Lesson 2 of Let's Learn English. She sees the title is "Hello, I'm Anna." She thinks, "This lesson is about meeting people. What words do I know in English for when I meet people? What do people usually say and do?" She knows, "Nice to meet you" from Lesson 1. She remembers hearing "Where are you from?" in class. She wants to know if the new friends ask other questions. Mari keeps this in mind as she watches the video. When she hears Jonathan ask, "Where are you from?" she smiles and thinks, "I know what that means already!" She watches carefully to see how Anna answers the question. Preview is an important learning strategy because it helps you prepare for what you will learn. Do you use this strategy when you are learning? Send us an email or write to us in the comments section. See the Lesson Plan for more details. Listening Quiz See how well you understand the lesson by taking this quiz. Each question has a video. Play the video and choose the correct answer. _____________________________________________________________ New Words know - v. to have met and talked to (someone) meet - v.  to see and speak to (someone) for the first time. Anna meets Pete near her apartment.  call - v.  to make a telephone call. I call once a week to talk to my parents. friend - n. a person who you like and enjoy being with. Meet my friend, Anna. number - n.  a number or a set of numbers and other symbols that is used to identify a person or thing or a telephone number. I am in apartment number D7. remember - v. to have or keep an image or idea in your mind of (something or someone from the past) or to think of (something or someone from the past) again. Do you remember me?  roommate - n. a person who shares a room, apartment, or house with someone else. Anna and Marsha both live in apartment C2 because they are roommates. work - n.  the place where you do your job. She is not at work today. Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson you can use it to practice writing addresses in English. For Teachers Click on the Lesson Plan to learn how to teach this lesson in your classroom. The Activity Sheet and script of the video are included in the Lesson Plan. Grammar Focus: BE + noun; BE + location ; Subject pronouns: I, you, he, she, we, they Topics: Welcoming & Leave-taking, Spelling names aloud Pronunciation: Contractions with BE Speaking Focus: Vocabulary; saying your address _______________________________________________________________ Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson. Poll

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English Vocab Builder #113 - Computer

Learn English with EnglishClass101.com! Our English vocabulary lists are listener favorites, and now we’ve made it even better! In each lesson, you’ll hear the English words and phrases from the English vocabulary lists. Join us for English Vocab Builder! Click here to make your own flashcards using the vocab and phrases introduced in this lesson! Visit [...]

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How to teach abbreviations

New Entry: 'How to teach abbreviations' has just been added to the Articles area of UsingEnglish.com.

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Common Transition Words

  In 1963, President John Kennedy gave a famous speech at American University. In the speech, Kennedy said the following lines:  "Our problems are manmade; therefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings." Today's report is not about global problems. Nor is it about human destiny. Instead, it is about something much more exciting: transition words. What are transitions? Transitions are words that show relationships between ideas. According to grammar experts Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber, transitions are most common in academic writing.  These transition words have different uses. They can suggest that a result, clarification, or example is coming. We will now look at each of these uses in greater detail. #1 Expressing a result Transition words that show a result include therefore and thus. The words you heard at the beginning of this report give you one example of therefore:  "Our problems are manmade; therefore, they can be solved by man." In the quote, the word therefore connects two statements: "Our problems are manmade" and "they [our problems] can be solved by mankind." The word therefore suggests "for that reason" or "because of that..." Thus has a similar meaning. Academic writers often use it as a way to show a summary or conclusion. You might read a paragraph that begins with the words "Thus, we conclude that..." In this case, the word thus is referring to ideas or arguments presented earlier in the written work. In general, the writer is saying that the reasons already presented lead them to their conclusion.                               #2 Restating or clarifying an idea A second use of transitions is to restate or clarify ideas. Common examples include in other words and i.e. Consider this example from a past Everyday Grammar program: "Adverbials can appear at different places in a sentence. In other words, they are movable." In the example, the second sentence restates and clarifies the idea that comes in the first sentence. This added example helps to make the point more memorable and easier to understand. I.e. can also restate or clarify an idea. Writers often use it in parenthetical statements or phrases. The Everyday Grammar writer could have written the following words: "Adverbials can appear at different places in a sentence (i.e. they are movable). This sentence has a similar meaning to the first sentence, although it is different stylistically. #3 Giving an example A final group of transition words show that the writer is about to provide an example. Common words include for example and for instance. Consider how President Ronald Reagan uses for example in his address to the United Nations in 1988: "That is why when human rights progress is made, the United Nations grows stronger-and the United States is glad of it. Following a 2-year effort led by the United States, for example, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Reagan's second sentence, although lengthy, supports the point that he makes in the first sentence. This is a useful pattern to use both in writing and formal speaking. Movability The transitions we have discussed today can appear at different places in a sentence.* This movability is important to understand for students of writing. Think back to Reagan's speech. He used for example in the middle of his sentence. "Following a 2-year effort led by the United States, for example, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Reagan could have used for example at another place in the sentence – the very beginning, for one. Such a sentence would have sounded like this: "For example, following a 2-year effort led by the United States, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Do not use transitions too often Now that you have learned about transitions, you should practice using them. However, do not use them too often. Your reader or listener might lose interest if you use too many transitions. Also, you should be careful about using the transitions we have talked about today while speaking. They are polite and acceptable; however, they can make you sound very formal. With time and practice, you will learn how and when to use transitions correctly. And now, it is time for us to transition to the end of our report. I'm John Russell. And I'm Alice Bryant.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. * Transitions such as i.e. and e.g. are less movable because they often appear in parenthetical statements. _____________________________________________________________ Words in the Story   transition – n. writing words or phrases that provide a connection between ideas, sentences and paragraphs.  academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education restate – v.  to say (something) again or in a different way especially to make the meaning clearer adverbial – n.  a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used to show time, manner, place, or degree double standard – n. a situation in which two people, groups, etc., are treated very differently from each other in a way that is unfair to one of them cynicism – n. cynical beliefs: beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest movability – n. capable of being moved

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Rocket Spanish Course Review

If you are looking for a Spanish course which betters all areas of your Spanish simultaneously – that is Spanish reading, listening, speaking and writing – then Rocket Spanish is the course for you. In this review, it will try to be as objective as possible and analyse how actually you can use Rocket Spanish […]

source http://www.power-english.net/english-learning/rocket-spanish-course-review.html

Common Transition Words

  In 1963, President John Kennedy gave a famous speech at American University. In the speech, Kennedy said the following lines:  "Our problems are manmade; therefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings." Today's report is not about global problems. Nor is it about human destiny. Instead, it is about something much more exciting: transition words. What are transitions? Transitions are words that show relationships between ideas. According to grammar experts Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber, transitions are most common in academic writing.  These transition words have different uses. They can suggest that a result, clarification, or example is coming. We will now look at each of these uses in greater detail. #1 Expressing a result Transition words that show a result include therefore and thus. The words you heard at the beginning of this report give you one example of therefore:  "Our problems are manmade; therefore, they can be solved by man." In the quote, the word therefore connects two statements: "Our problems are manmade" and "they [our problems] can be solved by mankind." The word therefore suggests "for that reason" or "because of that..." Thus has a similar meaning. Academic writers often use it as a way to show a summary or conclusion. You might read a paragraph that begins with the words "Thus, we conclude that..." In this case, the word thus is referring to ideas or arguments presented earlier in the written work. In general, the writer is saying that the reasons already presented lead them to their conclusion.                               #2 Restating or clarifying an idea A second use of transitions is to restate or clarify ideas. Common examples include in other words and i.e. Consider this example from a past Everyday Grammar program: "Adverbials can appear at different places in a sentence. In other words, they are movable." In the example, the second sentence restates and clarifies the idea that comes in the first sentence. This added example helps to make the point more memorable and easier to understand. I.e. can also restate or clarify an idea. Writers often use it in parenthetical statements or phrases. The Everyday Grammar writer could have written the following words: "Adverbials can appear at different places in a sentence (i.e. they are movable). This sentence has a similar meaning to the first sentence, although it is different stylistically. #3 Giving an example A final group of transition words show that the writer is about to provide an example. Common words include for example and for instance. Consider how President Ronald Reagan uses for example in his address to the United Nations in 1988: "That is why when human rights progress is made, the United Nations grows stronger-and the United States is glad of it. Following a 2-year effort led by the United States, for example, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Reagan's second sentence, although lengthy, supports the point that he makes in the first sentence. This is a useful pattern to use both in writing and formal speaking. Movability The transitions we have discussed today can appear at different places in a sentence.* This movability is important to understand for students of writing. Think back to Reagan's speech. He used for example in the middle of his sentence. "Following a 2-year effort led by the United States, for example, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Reagan could have used for example at another place in the sentence – the very beginning, for one. Such a sentence would have sounded like this: "For example, following a 2-year effort led by the United States, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Do not use transitions too often Now that you have learned about transitions, you should practice using them. However, do not use them too often. Your reader or listener might lose interest if you use too many transitions. Also, you should be careful about using the transitions we have talked about today while speaking. They are polite and acceptable; however, they can make you sound very formal. With time and practice, you will learn how and when to use transitions correctly. And now, it is time for us to transition to the end of our report. I'm John Russell. And I'm Alice Bryant.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. * Transitions such as i.e. and e.g. are less movable because they often appear in parenthetical statements. _____________________________________________________________ Words in the Story   transition – n. writing words or phrases that provide a connection between ideas, sentences and paragraphs.  academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education restate – v.  to say (something) again or in a different way especially to make the meaning clearer adverbial – n.  a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used to show time, manner, place, or degree double standard – n. a situation in which two people, groups, etc., are treated very differently from each other in a way that is unfair to one of them cynicism – n. cynical beliefs: beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest movability – n. capable of being moved

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/everyday-grammar-transition-words/4019183.html

Six Differences Between British and American English

For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. There is an old saying that America and Britain are “two nations divided by a common language.” No one knows exactly who said this, but it reflects the way many Brits feel about American English. My British friend still tells me, “You don’t speak English. You speak American.” But are American and British English really so different? Vocabulary The most noticeable difference between American and British English is vocabulary. There are hundreds of everyday words that are different. For example, Brits call the front of a car the bonnet, while Americans call it the hood. Americans go on vacation, while Brits go on holidays, or hols. New Yorkers live in apartments; Londoners live in flats. There are far more examples than we can talk about here. Fortunately, most Americans and Brits can usually guess the meaning through the context of a sentence. Collective nouns There are a few grammatical differences between the two varieties of English. Let’s start with collective nouns. We use collective nouns to refer to a group of individuals. In American English, collective nouns are singular. For example, staff refers to a group of employees; band refers to a group of musicians; team refers to a group of athletes. Americans would say, “The band is good.” But in British English, collective nouns can be singular or plural. You might hear someone from Britain say, “The team are playing tonight” or “The team is playing tonight.” Auxiliary verbs Another grammar difference between American and British English relates to auxiliary verbs. Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are verbs that help form a grammatical function. They “help” the main verb by adding information about time, modality and voice. Let’s look at the auxiliary verb shall. Brits sometimes use shall to express the future. For example, “I shall go home now.”  Americans know what shall means, but rarely use it in conversation. It seems very formal. Americans would probably use “I will go home now.” In question form, a Brit might say, “Shall we go now?” while an American would probably say, “Should we go now?” When Americans want to express a lack of obligation, they use the helping verb do with negative not followed by need. “You do not need to come to work today.” Brits drop the helping verb and contract not. “You needn’t come to work today.” Past tense verbs You will also find some small differences with past forms of irregular verbs. The past tense of learn in American English is learned. British English has the option of learned or learnt. The same rule applies to dreamed and dreamt, burned and burnt, leaned and leant. Americans tend to use the –ed ending; Brits tend to use the -t ending. In the past participle form, Americans tend to use the  –en ending for some irregular verbs. For example, an American might say, “I have never gotten caught” whereas a Brit would say, “I have never got caught.” Americans use both got and gotten in the past participle. Brits only use got. Don’t worry too much about these small differences in the past forms of irregular verbs. People in both countries can easily understand both ways, although Brits tend to think of the American way as incorrect. Tag questions A tag question is a grammatical form that turns a statement into a question. For example, “The whole situation is unfortunate, isn’t it?” or, “You don’t like him, do you?” The tag includes a pronoun and its matching form of the verb be, have or do. Tag questions encourage people to respond and agree with the speaker. Americans use tag questions, too, but less often than Brits. You can learn more about tag questions on a previous episode of Everyday Grammar. Spelling There are hundreds of minor spelling differences between British and American English. You can thank American lexicographer Noah Webster for this. You might recognize Webster’s name from the dictionary that carries his name. Noah Webster, an author, politician, and teacher, started an effort to reform English spelling in the late 1700s. He was frustrated by the inconsistencies in English spelling. Webster wanted to spell words the way they sounded. Spelling reform was also a way for America to show its independence from England. You can see Webster’s legacy in the American spelling of words like color (from colour), honor (from honour), and labor (from labour). Webster dropped the letter u from these words to make the spelling match the pronunciation. Other Webster ideas failed, like a proposal to spell women as wimmen. Since Webster’s death in 1843, attempts to change spelling rules in American English have gone nowhere. Not so different after all British and American English have far more similarities than differences. We think the difference between American and British English is often exaggerated. If you can understand one style, you should be able to understand the other style. With the exception of some regional dialects, most Brits and Americans can understand each other without too much difficulty.  They watch each other’s TV shows, sing each other’s songs, and read each other’s books. They even make fun of each other’s accents. I’m Jill Robbins. And I’m John Russell. And I'm Claudia Milne. Now it’s your turn. What style of English are you learning? Why did you choose it? Write to us in the comments section or on our Facebook page. Adam Brock wrote this article for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________________________ QUIZ ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   collective noun – n.  a word which refers to a collection of things taken as a whole. auxiliary verb – n.  a word used in construction with and preceding certain forms of other verbs, as infinitives or participles, to express distinctions of tense, aspect, mood, etc modality– n. expressing ability, necessity, possibility, permission or obligation. lexicographer – n. someone who writes dictionaries inconsistency – n.  the quality or fact of not staying the same at different times exaggerate – v. to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is  

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