Tuesday 27 March 2012

Passive Voice



As we have seen in class we use the active form to say what the subject does. For example:

•I speak English every day at work.
•I repaired the flat tire on the car.

We use the passive form to say what happens to people and things, to say what is done to them. For example:
•English is spoken here.
•The car is being repaired.

We use the passive form when we don't know who did the action. For example:

•The car was damaged while it was parked on the street.
•The shirts were made in Turkey.

We use the passive form when what was done is more important than who did it. For example:

•It was approved by Gerry last week.
•I was informed by the Human Resources Manager only two days ago.

Thanks to English Grammar Secrets we can have some practice:

Saturday 17 March 2012

How to Give Directions



“Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.”
(Alice in Wonderland)


You know how to ASK for directions, but what happens when an English speaker asks YOU for directions. This is not a time for small talk. Give only basic directions with short phrases. Do the best you can.

Questions you may hear
How do I get to Main Street?
Where is the closest gas station?
Can you tell me where the community centre is?
I’m looking for Jane Street.
Are you from around here?

If you know the way…Use basic English to offer directions. Short phrases are best. Speak slowly and use very careful pronunciation. Spell out a word if necessary.

The easiest way is to…
The quickest way is to…
The best way is to…

go + direction (right, left, down, up, through)
take + road name
turn + right/left
stay on + road name for + distance or time


Go on reading: English Club Page
Word List: Asking for and Giving Directions

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Pi Day

Today is Pi day so learn about its importance and enjoy learning its song!

Monday 12 March 2012

Friday 9 March 2012

Yearbook Photos


Could you identify these celebrities from their Yearbook photo?

Imagine if you had to describe them from their appearance at that time... too hard task, isn't it?
Descriptions depend on the purpose we have.When we describe someone we can describe his or her appearance or personality.
When we ask 'What is she like'? This question asks about personality and can be answered with: ?
'She is outgoing and talkative.'
When we ask 'What does she look like?' This questions asks about appearance and can be answered:
'She is short, slim and she has big brown eyes.'
When we ask 'What does she like? This question asks about her tastes, likes and interests. It can be answered:
'She likes talking, reading and eating cheese.'

So if we want to describe someone's personality we can use adjectives from the list:

A- Active: she likes to play sport or do physical things.
B- Bright: she is intelligent.
C- Cunning: she uses her intelligence secretly/mysteriously to get what she wants.
D- Diligent: she is hardworking.
E- Extroverted: she is very outgoing. She likes to be the centre of attention.
F- Funny: she makes people laugh.
G- Generous: she likes to ‘give’ to help others.
H- Honest: she tells the truth.
I- Imaginative: she has a good imagination.
J- Jealous: (negative) she wants what other people have. She doesn’t like others to succeed
K- Kind: nice, gentle and helpful
L- Lazy: (negative) she doesn’t like to work or exercise. She’s happy doing nothing.
M- Moody: (negative) she often becomes angry and unfriendly because she is unhappy.
N- Naughty: (negative): usually for children) her behaviour is bad.
O- Optimistic: she is a positive person and positive about the future.
P- Pessimistic: she is a negative person. She thinks things will end badly. The opposite of optimistic.
Q- Quiet: she doesn’t say much. She prefers to listen.
R- Rude: (negative) she is not polite and she offends people.
S- Sensible: she has good common sense and judgment.
T- Thoughtful: she carefully thinks about other people and how to help them.
U- Upbeat: she is positive and in a good mood.
V- Violent: (negative) she will hurt you. She is aggressive…so be careful!
W- Wonderful: she is great!
X- Xenophobic: she dislikes people from foreign countries. She is racist.
Y- Youthful: she is young at heart.
Z- Zany: she is a little crazy, but in a fun way.

If you need to think about the way you feel, try this ing / ed test to practice and learn adjectives about feelings.

Now describe yourself filling this form:



Thursday 8 March 2012

International Women's Day


International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday. Learn about this celebration's history and where you can find ong and charities in relation with this International Day.