Lesson 4
Hello again.
In our fourth lesson we looked at ’10A If I was fitter, I’d do it!’
For vocabulary we spoke about sport. For grammar, we looked at second conditionals.
Here is a detailed video that explains second conditional:
For homework I asked you to complete the vocabulary exercises for 10A on page 161. I would also like you to write 9 new sentences using the same adjective + preposition combinations from exercise 5c on page 118. You should then read the information for 10A on page 150 and then complete the grammar exercises for 10A on page 151. Finally, you should complete Unit 10A in the Online Workbook.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 3
Hello again.
In our third lesson we looked at ‘9B I went to concert which changed my life’.
For vocbulary we spoke about music. We also looked at nouns related to adjectives or verbs.
For grammar we read about defining and non-defining relative clauses.
Here is a video that explains defining and non-defining relative clauses:
For homework I asked you to complete the exercises for 9B on page 148.
You should also complete the exercises for Unit 9B in the Online Workbook.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 2
Welcome back to the blog.
In our second lesson we looked at ‘9A The film is still loved today’.
For vocabulary we spoke about Cinema and TV.
For grammar we looked at the passive.
Here is video that explains how to speak in the passive:
For homework, I would like you to complete the reading exercises on page 105. Next, you need to complete the vocabulary exercises on page 160. Then you need to read the information for 9A on page 148 and do the exercises for 9A on page 149. Finally, you should complete all of Unit 9A in the Online Workbook.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 1
Hello and welcome to the course blog.
This blog will help you get the most out of this course. After each lesson I will update it with brief details of what we cover in each lesson, as well as tell you what homework has been given. If you were not in the previous course, I recommend that you scroll to the bottom of this blog so you can see what topics have already been covered.
In our first lesson we did some grammr revision exercises that looked at narrative tenses, and also the difference between used to and usually. We also did some vocabulary exercises that looked at relationships, family, and multi-word verbs.
If you scroll down, there are videos in earlier blog entries from lessons from previous courses (Units 3 and 4) which may help you with the homework.
For homework I asked you to complete the grammar exercises from the two photocopies that I gave you in class.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 7
Welcome to the final blog entry for this course.
In our seventh lesson we looked at ‘8B I recommend visiting a local restaurant’. We spoke about shopping, and we also discussed reporting verbs. For grammar we looked at some specific verb patterns.
Here is a good video that looks at using ‘gerunds’ (verbs + ing) and ‘to + infinitive verb’:
Here is a good video that explains ‘gerunds’ (verbs + ing) in more detail:
For homework I asked you to read the information for 8B on page 146 and then do the exercises for 8B on page 147. Then you should complete the vocabulary exercises for 8B on page 159. Finally, you should complete Unit 8B in the Online Workbook.
Thursday will be our final lesson for this current course. If you wish to register for the next course, please click here.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 6
Welcome back.
In our sixth lesson we looked at ‘8A He said he’d read the news online’. For vocabulary we spoke about the news. For grammar we looked at reported speech.
Here is an excellent (but quite long) video which explains reported speech, and the difference between direct and indirect speech:
For homework I asked you to read the information for 8A on page 146 and do the exercises for 8A on page 147. Then you need to do all of the vocabulary exercises for 8A on page 159. Finally, you should complete Unit 8A in the Online Workbook.
If you wish to register for the next course, please click here.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 5
Welcome back.
In our fifth lesson we looked at ‘7C Everyday English’ and ‘7D Skills for Writing’.
We did some listening exercises, and discussed some polite ways to make offers, ask for help, and ask for permission. We also looked at language used when we imagine another person’s feelings. We finished the lesson by looking at various different ways of offering people a choice of options.
For homework I asked you to complete all of exercise 2 nd 3 on pages 88 and 89. You should also complete the exercises for Units 7C and 7D in the workbook (at the back of the textbook).
If you would like me to check your writing, you can email your work for exercise 5a on page 89 (and, if you wish, you can also send me 3a from page 43 of the Workbook). If you send me your writing to check, please send it type it directly into a NEW email.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 4
Hello again.
In our fourth lesson we looked at ‘7B There are plenty of things to do’. We spoke about the differences between small towns and big cities, and for vocabulary we also looked at matching verbs and prepositions. For grammar homework you were asked to look at quantifiers. Click here for a link to the part of the British Council website that explains Quantifiers in British English.
Here is a video that looks at quantifiers in American English (which is almost the same as British English):
For homework I asked you to complete exercise 1e on page 83. You then need to read the information for 7B on page 144 and complete the grammar exercises for 7B on page 145. Finally, you should complete the exercises for 7B on page 41.
Don’t forget – if you would like me to check your writing, email me your work for exercise 4 WRITING on page 77.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 3
Welcome back.
In our third lesson we looked at ‘6C Everyday English – Do you think I should take her somewhere special?’ and ‘6D Skills for Writing – It’s definitely worth a visit’.
We spoke about romance. We also looked at various ways of asking for and giving recommendations, as well as expressions to indicate surprise. We finished by finished by discuss various place options for going out for different situations.
For homework you need to complete all of the reading exercises on page 76, nd the Writing Skills exercises on page 77. I also asked you to complete the Writing exercise on page 77 – exercise 4c can be sent directly to me in an email and I can check your writing.
You should also complete the exercises for units 6C and 6D in the Workbook (either Online or from the back of your book).
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 2
Hello again.
In our second lesson we looked at ‘7A It might be a holiday home’.
For grammar we spoke about Modals of Deduction. For Vocabulary we spoke about Buildings.
Here is a video that explains Modals of Deduction (or Speculation):
For homework I asked you to finish the Reading exercises on page 81. Next, you should complete the Vocabulary exercises for 7A on page 158. After that, you should read the grammar information for 7A on page 144 and do the exercises for 7A on page 145. Finally, you should complete Unit 7A in the Online Workbook (or from the Workbook at the bck of the textbook).
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 1
Hello everyone, and welcome to the course blog!
This blog is intended to help you get the most out of this course. After each lesson I will update it with a brief outline of what we cover in each lesson, as well as inform you of the homework that has been set. In future blogs I may also include links to videos or other web-pages to read to help your learning.
IF YOU ARE A NEW STUDENT, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE INFORMATION THAT WAS COVERED IN THE PREVIOUS COURSEs.
We began our first lesson by introducing ourselves to each other. It was very nice to meet you all. We have students from a variety of different countries and cultures.
The books we will be using is called ‘Cambridge English Empower B1+ Combo B Student’s Book and Workbook with Online Access’. You can buy the books online or in person from Ferdosi International Bookshop, Odengatan 21, Stockholm.
After our introductions we did some revision grammar exercises that looked at Subject And Object Questions, and also the Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses. If you found these exercises difficult, you should look at the blog entries for the first and second lessons from the first course at the very bottom of this blog.
We also did some vocabulary exercises that focused on communication, and gradable and extreme adjectives.
For homework, I asked you to do some grammar revision exercises which focus on Present Perfect Simple and Past Continuous, and Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous. If you find these exercises difficult, you should look at the blog entries for the third and fourth lessons from the first course at the very bottom of this blog which should help you. You also need to do some vocabulary exercises which focus on work and technology.
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading. I’ll see you all in our next lesson!
Steve
Lesson 7
Welcome back to the blog.
In our seventh lesson we looked at ‘6B It’s tastier than I expected’. For vocabulary we spoke about food, and how to describe food. For grammar we spoke about comparatives and superlatives.
Here is a good video about Comparatives and Superlatives:
For homework, I asked you to read the information for 6B on page 142 and doing the exercises for 6B on page 143. You also need to complete the reading exercises on pages 72 and 73. Finally, you need to complete the exercises for 6B on page 35 (or Unit 6B in the Online Workbook).
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 6
Hi everybody.
In our sixth lesson we looked at ‘2C Everyday English’ and ‘2D Skills for Writing’.
We looked at different ways to make suggestions, and also how to sound sympathetic or pleased in response to another person’s news. Apart from that, we also looked at various ways to add new information.
Here is a video that focuses on suggestions:
For homework I asked you to complete Unit 2C and Unit 2D from the workbook at the back of the textbook.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 5
Hello everyone.
In our fifth lesson we looked at ‘6A You have to use pedestrian crossings’. For vocabulary we spoke about compound nouns and multi-word verbs. For grammar we looked at Modals of Obligation.
Here is a good video about compound nouns:
Here is a good video that explains multi-word verbs (phrasal verbs):
Here is another video about some multi-word verbs that are very useful in day-to-day conversation:
Here is a video that looks at the difference between’must’ and ‘have to’:
For homework I asked you to do the Vocabulary Focus exercises for 6A on page 156. You should also complete the listening exercises on page 69.
Next, you should do exercise 5g on page 70, then you need to read ‘6A Modals of Obligation’ on page 142 and then complete the exercises for 6A on page 143. After that, you should complete the exercises for 6A on page 34 on the photocopy I gave you.
If you would like me to do some writing for me to check, you can also complete exercise 5h. If you decide to do 5h, please email it directly to me in the form of a letter to a friend advising them of rules and tips for your country.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 4
Hello everyone.
In our fourth lesson we looked at ‘1C Everyday English’ and ‘1D Skills for Writing’. We spoke about formal ways of giving an opinion, as well as polite ways to agree or disagree with someone. We also looked at when we can use ‘me too’, and when we can use ‘me neither’.
We finished the lesson by looking at ways of introducing a purpose in a long snetence, as well as referring pronouns.
For homework, you should complete exercise 4b on page 17 and send your work to me in n email so I can assess it. You should also complete Unit 1C and 1D in the Online Workbook (or in the Workbook at the back of the textbook).
That’s all for today,
Steve
Lesson 3
Welcome back to the blog.
In our third lesson we looked at ‘5B If you go to the beach, you can see dolphins’ in the textbook.
For vocabulary we spoke about the natural world. For grammar we spoke about Zero and First Conditional.
Here is long video that explains Zero and First Conditionals in a great detail:
For homework, I asked you to complete the exercises for 5B on page 155 (Vocabulary Focus). Next, you need to read the information for ‘5B Zero and First Conditional’ on page 140 and then complete the exercises for ”5B Zero and First Conditional’ on page 141. Finally, you should complete the exercises for Unit 5B in the Online Workbook (or for 5B on page 28 of the Workbook at the back of the textbook).
That’s all for today. See you in our next class!
Steve
Lesson 2
Hello again.
In our second lesson we looked at ’5A People will care more about the environment’ in the textbook. For vocabulary we spoke about words related to environmental issues. For grammar we looked at Future Forms.
I briefly spoke about Phonemic( sometimes called ‘Phonetic’) Symbols, which are symbols which represent the various sounds used in English pronunciation. Click here for a link to a website which displays the Phonemic Chart with all the symbols, and allows you to click/press on each symbol to hear the sound that it represents.
Below is a video which explains the Phonemic (/Phonetic) Chart in a logical manner of grouping, with an explanation of the position of the mouth and tongue when making the sounds, and whether they are voiced or unvoiced consonant sounds. ***PLEASE NOTE***: This video excludes the /i/ sound (as in ‘happy‘), because in some dialects the /i:/ sound (as in ‘tree‘) is used instead:
Here is a video lesson about Future tenses:
For homework you were asked to do the exercises for ‘2 READING’ on page 56 & 57. You also need to read the information for ‘5A Future forms’ on page 140 and do the exercises for ‘5A Future forms’ on page 141. You should then complete the Vocabulary exercises on page 154. Finally, you need to do all the exercises for unit 5A in the Online Workbook (or on page 28 of the Black & White section from the back of the book).
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 1
Hello everyone, and welcome to the course blog!
This blog is intended to help you get the most out of this course. After each lesson I will update it with a brief outline of what we cover in each lesson, as well as inform you of the homework that has been set. In future blogs I may also include links to videos or other web-pages to read to help your learning.
IF YOU ARE A NEW STUDENT, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE INFORMATION THAT WAS COVERED IN THE PREVIOUS COURSE.
We began our first lesson by introducing ourselves to each other. It was very nice to meet you all. We have students from a variety of different countries and cultures.
The books we will be using are called ‘Cambridge English EMPOWER B1+ Combo A Student’s Book and Workbook with Online Access (Published by Cambridge University Press). and ‘Cambridge English Empower B1+ Combo B Student’s Book and Workbook with Online Access’. FOR THIS COURSE ONLY, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY THESE BOOKS. I will provide photocopies. However, if you wish to buy the books please see the information below.
You can buy the books online or in person from Ferdosi International Bookshop, Odengatan 21, Stockholm. If you wish to buy from the shop, please contact them beforehand to make sure they still have copies in stock.
After our introductions we started to look at chapter of the textbook: ‘4B Are you an introvert?’. For vocabulary we discussed adjectives that end in ‘-ed’ or ‘-ing’, and also about adjectives that are used to describe a person’s personality. For grammar, we discussed articles (‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’, or no article).
For homework, you were asked to complete all of the Reading exercises on page 48. Next, you need to read the information for ‘4B Articles’ on page 138 and then do all the exercises for ‘4B Articles’ on page 139. Then you need to do all the exercises for Unit 4B in the Online Workbook (or ‘4B Are you an introvert?’ on page 23 from the workbook of which you were given a photocopy).
FOR EXTRA OPTIONAL HOMEWORK you can also complete Unit 4C and Unit 4D. The listening exercises will only be possible if you have the textbook and access to the website. Your answer for ‘4 WRITING’ on pge 53 may be sent to me in a new email and I can correct your writing for you.
Here is a long and detailed video that will help you learn to use the correct article (‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’, or no article):
Here is a video that will help you with your pronunciation of words that end in ‘-ed’:
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading (and watching). I’ll see you all in our next lesson!
Steve
Lesson 7
Welcome back. In our seventh lesson we worked through ‘4A I could sing quite well when I was younger’ in the textbook.
For vocabulary we spoke about abilities. For grammar we looked at Modal verbs and Phrases of Ability.
Here is a video discussing Modal verbs and Phrases of Ability:
If you would like to know more about Modal Verbs, here is a thorough video explaining all about them:
For homework you need to read the information for 4A on page 138 and then complete all of the exercises for 4A on page 139. After that, you should complete the exercises for Unit 4A in the Online Workbook (or from the back of the textbook).
I would like to remind you all that Thursday is our final lesson for this course. If you would like to continue with the next course, you can click here to book your place in the course. Please do this as soon as possible if you wish to continue to help our administration team make all of the necessary arrangements.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 6
Hello everyone.
In our sixth lesson we looked at ‘3B We used to get together every year’ in the textbook.
For vocabulary we looked at family-related words, and also some multi-word verbs. Click here for a link to the British Council website which explains multi-word verbs and gives many examples and exercises to practice.
For grammar we looked at the modal verb ‘used to’ and the adverb ‘usually’. Here is a short video which explains how they are both used:
For homework I asked you to complete the listening exercise on page 36. You should then read the information for 3B on page 136 and then do the exercises for 3B on page 137. You should also complete the exercises for Unit 3B in the Online Workbook (or from the back of the textbook).
Although not part of your official homework, I also strongly recommend that you look at, and complete the exercises for, Units 3C and 3D (pages 38-41). For exercise 4b on page 41, you can email me your text if you would like me to check your writing.
Finally, I would like to remind you all that next week is our final week for this course. If you would like to continue with the next course, you can click here to book your place in the course. Please do this as soon as possible if you wish to continue to help our administration team make all of the necessary arrangements.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 5
Welcome back to the course blog.
In our fifth lesson we looked at ‘3A I was working at a cafe when we met’ in the textbook.
For vocabulary we looked at relationships.
For pronunciation we looked at linking sounds. More specifically, we spoke about when one word ends in a consonant sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, we often link these words. We say them without any pause between the words.
For grammar we spoke about Narrative tenses.
Here is a short video with examples of linking words ending with consonant sounds to words starting with vowel sounds:
There are actually other situations where English speakers link words. Click here for a link to a website that has a video explaining more situations where words are linked when spoken. Click on the part that says Read the Full Script for a detailed written explanation.
Here is a detailed video looking at Narrative Tenses (it also include Past Perfect Continuous):
For homework, I asked you to complete the exercises for ‘4 GRAMMAR Narrative Tenses’ on page 34, and read the information for ‘3A Narrative Tenses’ on page 136. After that, you need to complete the exercises for ‘3A Narrative Tenses’ on page 137. Finally, you need to complete the exercises for Unit 3A in the Online Workbook (or on page 16 in the black and white section at the back of the textbook).
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 4
Hello again.
In our fourth lesson we looked at ‘2B I’ve been playing on my phone all morning’ in the textbook.
For vocabulary we spoke about technology, and specifically phones. For grammar we spoke about the Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous tenses.
Here is a short video that explains the form of Present Perfect Simple (referred to in this video as simply ‘Present Perfect’) and Present Perfect Continuous, and gives a brief explanation of when to use each respective tense:
Here is a longer video which gives much more detailed explanations about when to use each tense, as well as examples:
For homework you need to complete exercise 2b on page 24, and exercise 3c on page 25. Next, you need to read the information for 2B on page 134, and then do the exercises for 2B on page 135. Finally, you need to do the exercises for Unit 2B in the Online Workbook (or, if you prefer, you can do them on page 11 of the black and white section at the back of the textbook).
For extra (but optional) homework, I recommend you complete Units 2C and 2D on pages 26-29 of the textbook. For exercise 4c on page 29, you may email your work to me if you would like me to check your writing.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 3
Welcome back to the course blog.
In our third lesson we looked at ‘2A They’ve just offered me the job’ in the textbook.
For vocabulary we spoke about Work. For grammar we read about the Present Perfect Simple and Past Simple tenses.
Here is a video that looks at the difference between Present Perfect Simple (just called Present Perfect in the video) and Past Simple tenses:
For homework you need to read the information for 2A on page 134, and then do the exercises for 2A on page 135. After that, you need to complete exercise 3f on page 21. You also need to do the exercises for Unit 2A in the Online Workbook (or they can be found on page 10 IN THE BLACK AND WHITE SECTION AT THE BACK OF THE BOOK).
If you have successfully registered your textbook with the website, you should also complete the Listening exercises on page 22. (If you have not registered your book yet, please refer to the blog for the first lesson for instructions.)
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 2
Hi everyone.
In our second lesson we looked at ‘1B – I’m using an app for learning English’ in the textbook.
We did a speaking exercise where we spoke about using and learning languages.
For grammar we read about the Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses. There are some vieos below that look at these tenses in more detail.
For vocabulary I briefly explained gradable and extreme adjectives. Click here for a description of gradable and non-gradable adjectives from the British Council website.
Here is a good video discussing extreme adjectives:
Here is a good video explaining the use of Present Simple:
Here is a video explaining the use of Present Continuous:
Here is another video that compares Present Simple and Present Continuous:
Here is a longer video that also compares these two tenses:
For homework you to do exercise 3d on page 13. You were also asked to read all of the information for ‘1B Present simple and present continuous’ on page 132, and then do all of the exercises for ‘1B Present simple and present continuous’ on page 133.
You then need to do all of the exercises on page 153 of the textbook (but you won’t be able to do the listening exercises if you don’t have have a copy of the textbook and access to the website). Before you do those exercises, please read the information for 4c on page 13.
Finally, you need to do the exercises for 1B in the Online Workbook (or on page 5 in the black and white Workbook section at the back of the textbook).
IF YOU WISH TO DO EXTRA HOMEWORK you can complete all of Unit 1C and Unit 1D (pages 14-17). This is optional. You will not be able to do any of the listening exercises unless you have a textbook and it is registered to give you access to the website. Your work for exercise 4b on page 17 can be sent to me IN A NEW EMAIL and I can check your writing for you.
I would like to remind everybody that you will need to have your own copy of the textbook for our next lesson. Information about where to buy the book and instructions for how to register your book with the website can be found below in the blog for our first lesson.
That’s all for today.
Steve
Lesson 1
Hello everyone, and welcome to the course blog!
This blog is intended to help you get the most out of this course. After each lesson I will update it with a brief outline of what we cover in each lesson, as well as inform you of the homework that has been set. In future blogs I may also include links to videos or other web-pages to read to help your learning.
We began our first lesson by introducing ourselves to each other. It was very nice to meet you all. We have students from a variety of different countries and cultures.
The book we will use is called ‘Cambridge English EMPOWER B1+ Combo A Student’s Book and Workbook with Online Access (Published by Cambridge University Press).
The book can be bought at Ferdosi International Bookshop, Odengatan 21, Stockholm.
These books have a code that will let you use the supporting website for the textbook. (The digital version already provides access to the website.) The code is on the inside cover of your textbook (You need to carefully scratch the grey material to see the code underneath). You will need to go to http://www.cambridgelms.org/empower to register your textbook. Here is a video with instructions to help you:
(You only need to complete step 1 and 2. You do NOT need to Join a Class, this is only for online courses. However, I strongly recommend you select ‘Self Study’ so you can do extra study at home. The ‘Getting Help’ section might be useful if you have any problems.)
*PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to ‘Join a Class’ on this website. That is only for Internet Courses. However, I recommend you use the ‘Self Study’ section. Please have a look at this website, it is very helpful.
After our introductions we started to look at the first chapter of the textbook: ‘1A – Keeping in Touch’. For vocabulary we discussed communication. We did a reading and discussion exercise about different generations, and how they like to communicate. For grammar, we discussed subject and object questions. For pronunciation we discussed the long ‘e’ sound (e.g. see, speak) and the short ‘i’ sound (e.g. give, sit).
For homework, you were asked to do the Grammar exercises for 3d on page 9 of the textbook. You also need to read the information for ‘1A Subject and object questions’ on page 132 and then do all the exercises for ‘1A Subject and object questions’ on page 133 Then you need to do all the exercises for ‘1A Keeping in touch’ on page 4 from the workbook (the black and white section at the back of the book). Finally, you should complete the vocabulary exercises on page 152.
We will go through the homework exercises in our next lesson.
Here is a short video that explains subject and object questions:
Here is a longer, more in-depth video that explains subject and object questions in greater detail:
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading (and watching). I’ll see you all in our next lesson!
Steve