Sunday, 1 November 2009

Apostrophe + s for Possession


In English, we add an apostrophe + "s" to show possession. Have a look on these rules to understand this point.

1.- Add 's to the singular form of the word (even if it ends in -s):
the owner's car , James's hat (James' hat is also acceptable)
For plural, proper nouns that are possessive, use an apostrophe after the 's':
The Eggles' presentation was good. (The Eggles are a husband and wife consultant team)

2.- Add 's to the plural forms that do not end in -s:
the children's game the geese's honking

3.- Add ' to the end of plural nouns that end in -s:
houses' roofs three friends' letters

4.- Add 's to the end of compound words:
my brother-in-law's money

5.- Add 's to the last noun to show joint possession of an object:
Todd and Anne's apartment

Note that we do not use apostrophes with the possessive pronouns hers, its, ours and yours, but we do use them with possessive pronouns that end in "-one" or "-body":
Give the cat its dinner Those books are ours.
It must be somebody’s Everyone’s papers are on the table.

Try these exercises to solve your doubts:
Quizz 1 /quizz 2 / quizz 3 / exercises 1 / exercises 2 / exercises 3 / exercises 4 /exercises 5.

Wednesday, 28 October 2009

Halloween or Something Similar



Try a Halloween Quiz; How much do you know about animal icons of Halloween?
Visit an Animal Parade and vote for the best costume.
Black cat puzzles: See how fast can you solve these creepy puzzles.
And much more in this Animal Planet page.

And if you are brave enough, discover our Trick or Treat test.

Saturday, 24 October 2009

Sing like a Pirate



Born in 1530, the Pirate Queen Granuaile was raised in an Ireland where English law was usurping Gaelic sovereignty. She refused to submit to authority and raided merchant ships bound for Galway Bay. According to legend, she fought off English troops besieging her stronghold by melting the roof and pouring molten lead on her attackers. The stories of her resistance, spread by ballad singers for centuries, became a symbol for Irish nationalism. Irish-American folk singer Dan Milner adapted one such political broadside, "Granuaile," for Smithsonian Folkways' newly released "Irish Pirate Ballads and Other Songs of the Sea."

Hear the Granuaile and The Ballad of Ó Bruadair / Out on the Ocean

Music courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways, the non-profit record label of the Smithsonian Institution

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Little Britain and Red Nose Day

Yesterday we were talking about Red Nose Day Celebration.
Have a look to the Little Britain's version and enjoy.
Then tell me:
What were the two girls playing to?
Why did the mother get angry about?

As we couldn't insert that video, watch this one instead. Little Britain and Mr T:

Monday, 19 October 2009

Family Words: The Simpsons


How many things you know about this family? Do you remember the vocabulary about family? Try this quiz and enjoy.