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 | This newsletter tries a new format providing more detailed information to help you or your students learn while reading the newsletter. Each section provides explanations and examples, as well as links to the site to deepen your understanding of English. I hope this format will be more useful in improving and learning English, as well as providing specific follow-up information on the site. | |
The Importance of Phrasal Verbs
Learning phrasal verbs can be quite a challenge for English students. First of all, what is a phrasal verb? A phrasal verb is a verb made up of two or more words. Generally, a phrasal verb consists of a verb and a preposition or two. To begin learning about phrasal verbs, this discussion of the four types of phrasal verbs will be of help. There are separable and inseparable phrasal verbs: He looked after the cat. - is inseparable. She put him up. - is separable. Now that you know the basics, you should learn some of the most common phrasal verbs. Some of the most important phrasal verbs use the verb 'get': get along with someone get over something get into something etc.
| Reviewing Tenses through Example Sentences
Tense review can be difficult, but there are a number of ways to review of tenses. For example, looking at visual tense charts can help you understand when to use certain tenses. Here's an example of a visual tense chart: Past -------------Present------------- Future |-----------------> I have lived in Portland for five years. She has worked at that company since 2005. Another great way to learn tenses is to write the similar sentences using just one verb in each tense. Here's an example of this type of exercise: Base Form drink / Past Simple drank / Past Participle drunk / Gerund drinking Present Simple He usually drinks four glasses of water a day. Present Simple Passive Water is drunk at meals. Present Continuous She is drinking a gin and tonic. Present Continuous Passive The new wine is being drunk by customers. Present Perfect Peter has drunk three glasses of water this afternoon. Present Perfect Passive All the juice has been drunk. Present Perfect Continuous I have been drinking juice all morning. Here are some example sentence sheets to help you begin: Example Sentences: Bring Example Sentences: Buy Example Sentences: Keep Example Sentences: Eat
| Printing Quizzes and Lesson Plans
One of the most common questions I receive is whether lesson plans and / or quizzes can be used in class. The answer is a most definite 'Yes!'. Each lesson includes a step by step guide to teaching the lesson, as well as lesson materials. Here's an example of the instructions for a lesson on modal verbs of probability. You'll find the printable resources on the page. Just choose the page and click on 'Print' in your browser. Aim: Use of past forms of modal verbs of probability and advice, reasoning, discussing difficult issues Activity: Reading comprehension, problem analysis, conclusions and critical judgments Level: Upper-intermediate to advanced Outline: - Review past forms of modal verbs of probability and advice (see http://esl.about.com/library/grammar/blmodalprob.htm for more information)
- Ask students to read the following short excerpt concerning a woman who has lost her job in rather dubious circumstances.
- Split students into small groups.
- Ask students to complete the sheet including Facts, Conclusions, and Judgment. Point out that they should use modal verbs of probability or advice when appropriate (i.e., must have been, should have done, etc.).
- Once students have reached their decisions, have a class debate asking the various groups to share and debate their opinions.
- Continue the conversation by asking students to think of similar situations that they have heard of or been involved with.
Printable version of quizzes can be found on the printable quizzes page on the site. You'll find questions, but no answers so you'll have to help the class correct the quiz in class as well.
| Learning English for Beginners - Beginning ESL EFL
Learning English for the beginner includes everything you or your student needs to begin learning English including grammar explanations, vocabulary building exercises, listening and reading comprehension, reference materials and an online course.
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