english 4 U

Past Simple Tense

2012-01-08T10:10:00.001Z

Use:

actions that happened in a determined moment in the past.

actions that started and finished in the past.

Form:

Regular verbs: Verb+ed

Irregular verbs: LIST OF IRREGULAR VERBS

(you can visit several websites, which have lists of irregular verbs.

Keywords:

Last week, yesterday, last month, in the last century, in 2008...

The list below was taken from http://www.theirregularverbs.com/verbList.php?page=1

List of Irregular Verbs

present	past	past participle	meanings
* Could be conjugated as a regular verb
abide (abáid)	abode (abóud)	abiden (abíden)	sufrir, soportar, cumplir
arise (aráis)	arose (aróus)	arisen (arísen)	levantarse, surgir
awake (awéik)	awoke (awóuk)	awoken (awóuken)	despertarse, despertar
bear (ber)	bore (bor)	born (born)	aguantar, soportar, parir
beat (bíit)	beat (bíit)	beaten (bíiten)	golpear, derrotar, batir

become (bikám)	became (bikéim)	become (bikám)	convertirse en, llegar a ser, volverse, ponerse
begin (biguín)	began (bigáan)	begun (bigán)	empezar
bend (bend)	bent (bent)	bent (bent)	doblar, torcer, inclinarse
bet (bet)	bet (bet)	bet (bet)	apostar
bid (bid)	bid (bid)	bid (bid)	ofrecer, pujar, licitar

bind (báind)	bound (báund)	bound (báund)	atar, unir, encuadernar
bite (báit)	bit (bit)	bitten (bíten)	morder, picar
bleed (blíid)	bled (bled)	bled (bled)	sangrar
blow (blóu)	blew (blú)	blown (blown)	soplar
break (bréik)	broke (bróuk)	broken (bróuken)	romper

breed (bríid)	bred (bred)	bred (bred)	criar, engendrar
bring (bring)	brought (brot)	brought (brot)	traer
broadcast (brodkást)	broadcast* (brodkást)	broadcast* (brodkást)	transmitir
build (bild)	built (bilt)	built (bilt)	construir
burn (bern)	burnt* (bernt)	burnt* (bernt)	quemar

burst (berst)	burst (berst)	burst (berst)	explotar, reventar
buy (bái)	bought (bot)	bought (bot)	comprar
cast (kast)	cast (kast)	cast (kast)	lanzar, echar, emitir
catch (kach)	caught (kot)	caught (kot)	atrapar, asir, tomar
choose (chúus)	chose (chóus)	chosen (chóusen)	elegir

clap (klap)	clapt* (klapt)	clapt* (klapt)	aplaudir
cling (kling)	clung (klang)	clung (klang)	agarrarse, adherirse, aferrarse
clothe (klóud)	clad* (klad)	clad* (klad)	vestir, revestir, cubrir
come (kam)	came (kéim)	come (kam)	venir
cost (kost)	cost (kost)	cost (kost)	costar

creep (kríip)	crept (krept)	crept (krept)	gatear, arrastrarse
cut (kat)	cut (kat)	cut (kat)	cortar
deal (díil)	dealt (delt)	dealt (delt)	tratar con, repartir, dar
dig (dig)	dug (dag)	dug (dag)	cavar
dive (dáiv)	dove* (dóuv)	dived (dáivt)	zambullise, sumergirse, bucear

do (du)	did (did)	done (dan)	hacer
draw (dróo)	drew (dru)	drawn (dróon)	dibujar, extraer, sacar
dream (dríim)	dreamt* (dremt)	dreamt* (dremt)	soñar
drink (drink)	drank (draank)	drunk (drank)	beber
drive (dráiv)	drove (dróuv)	driven (dríven)	conducir, ir en coche, llevar en coche

dwell (duél)	dwelt (duélt)	dwelt (duélt)	habitar, morar
eat (íit)	ate (éit)	eaten (íiten)	comer
fall (fol)	fell (fel)	fallen (fólen)	caer, caerse
feed (fíid)	fed (fed)	fed (fed)	alimentar/se, dar de comer
feel (fíil)	felt (felt)	felt (felt)	sentir/se, palpar, tocar

fight (fáit)	fought (fot)	fought (fot)	pelear, combatir
find (fáund)	found (fáund)	found (fáund)	encontrar
fit (fit)	fit* (fit)	fit* (fit)	encajar, quedar bien, instalar
flee (flíi)	fled (fled)	fled (fled)	huir, huir de
fling (fling)	flung (flang)	flung (flang)	echar, arrojar

fly (flái)	flew (flu)	flown (flóun)	volar
forbid (forbíd)	forbade (forbéid)	forbidden (forbíden)	prohibir
forecast (forkást)	forecast* (forkást)	forecast* (forkást)	pronosticar, preveer
foresee (forsíi)	foresaw (forsó)	foreseen (forsíin)	preveer
foretell (fortél)	foretold (fortóuld)	foretold (fortóuld)	predecir

forget (forguét)	forgot (forgót)	forgotten (forgóten)	olvidar
forgive (forguív)	forgave (forguéiv)	forgiven (forguíven)	perdonar
forsake (forséik)	forsook (forsúuk)	forsaken (forséiken)	abandonar, desamparar
freeze (fríiss)	froze (fróuss)	frozen (fróussen)	congelar
get (get)	got (got)	got/gotten (goten)	conseguir, recibir, ponerse, llegar

give (guív)	gave (guéiv)	given (guíven)	dar
go (góu)	went (went)	gone (góon)	ir
grind (gráind)	ground (gráund)	ground (gráund)	moler
grow (gróu)	grew (gru)	grown (gróun)	crecer, cultivar
handwrite (jand-ráit)	handwrote (jand-róut)	handwritten (jand-ríten)	escribir a mano

hang (jáang)	hung (jang)	hung (jang)	colgar
have (jáav)	had (jáad)	had (jáad)	tener
hear (jíier)	heard (jerd)	heard (jerd)	oír
hide (jáid)	hid (jid)	hidden (jíden)	esconder/se
hit (jit)	hit (jit)	hit (jit)	golpear, pegar

hold (jóuld)	held (jeld)	held (jeld)	sostener, celebrar, esperar
hurt (jert)	hurt (jert)	hurt (jert)	herir, lastimar, doler
inlay (inléi)	inlaid (inléid)	inlaid (inléid)	incrustar
input (ínput)	input* (ínput)	input* (ínput)	entrar, introducir
keep (kíip)	kept (kept)	kept (kept)	mantener, guardar, continuar, criar

kneel (níil)	knelt* (nelt)	knelt* (nelt)	arrodillarse, estar de rodillas
knit (nit)	knit* (nit)	knit* (nit)	tejer, tricotar
know (nóu)	knew (niú)	known (nóun)	saber, conocer
lay (léi)	laid (léid)	laid (léid)	poner, colocar
lead (líid)	led (led)	led (led)	guiar, llevar, conducir

lean (líin)	leant* (lent)	leant* (lent)	apoyarse, inclinarse
leap (líip)	leapt* (lept)	leapt* (lept)	saltar
learn (lern)	learnt* (lernt)	learnt* (lernt)	aprender, enterarse
leave (líiv)	left (left)	left (left)	irse, dejar, marcharse
lend (lend)	lent (lent)	lent (lent)	prestar

let (let)	let (let)	let (let)	dejar, permitir
lie (lái)	lay (léi)	lain (léin)	yacer, echarse, quedar
light (láit)	lit* (lit)	lit* (lit)	encender
lose (lúus)	lost (lost)	lost (lost)	perder
make (méik)	made (méid)	made (méid)	hacer

mean (míin)	meant (ment)	meant (ment)	significar, querer decir, tener la intención de
meet (míit)	met (met)	met (met)	encontrarse con, conocer
melt (melt)	melted (mélted)	molten* (móulten)	derretir
mislead (mislíid)	misled (misléd)	misled (misléd)	engañar, despistar, llevar por mal camino
mistake (mistéik)	mistook (mistúuk)	mistaken (mistéiken)	confundir, interpretar mal

misunderstand (misanderstánd)	misunderstood (misanderstúud)	misunderstood (misanderstúud)	entender mal
mow (móu)	mowed (móud)	mown (móun)	segar, cortar
overhear (ouverjíier)	overheard (ouverjérd)	overheard (ouverjérd)	oír por casualidad, oír sin intención de ello
overtake (ouvertéik)	overtook (ouvertúuk)	overtaken (ouvertéiken)	sobrepasar
pay (péi)	paid (péid)	paid (péid)	pagar

prove (prúuv)	proved (prúuvt)	proven* (prúuven)	probar, resultar
put (put)	put (put)	put (put)	poner
quit (kuít)	quit (kuít)	quit (kuít)	abandonar, rendirse, dejar
read (ríiid)	read (red)	read (red)	leer
rid (rid)	rid* (rid)	rid* (rid)	librar, desembarazar

ride (ráid)	rode (róud)	ridden (ríden)	andar en, pasear en, montar
ring (ring)	rang (raang)	rung (rang)	sonar, llamar por teléfono
rise (ráis)	rose (róus)	risen (rísen)	levantarse, subir
run (ran)	ran (raan)	run (ran)	correr
saw (so)	sawed (sod)	sawn* (sóon)	serrar, serruchar

say (séi)	said (sed)	said (sed)	decir
see (síi)	saw (so)	seen (síin)	ver
seek (síik)	sought (sot)	sought (sot)	buscar
sell (sel)	sold (sóuld)	sold (sóuld)	vender
send (send)	sent (sent)	sent (sent)	enviar

set (set)	set (set)	set (set)	poner, ambientar
sew (sóu)	sewed (sóud)	sewn* (sóun)	coser
shake (shéik)	shook (shúuk)	shaken (shéiken)	sacudir, agitar, hacer temblar
shave (shéiv)	shaved (shéivt)	shaven* (shéiven)	afeitarse, rasurar
shear (shíir)	shore* (shor)	shorn* (shorn)	esquilar, cortar

shed (shed)	shed (shed)	shed (shed)	derramar, mudar, echar
shine (sháin)	shone (shóun)	shone (shóun)	brillar, lustrar
shoot (shúut)	shot (shot)	shot (shot)	disparar, matar a tiros
show (shóu)	showed (shóud)	shown (shóun)	mostrar, exhibir
shrink (shrink)	shrank (shraank)	shrunk (shrank)	encoger/se, reducir/se

shut (shat)	shut (shat)	shut (shat)	cerrar
sing (sing)	sang (saang)	sung (sang)	cantar
sink (sink)	sank (saank)	sunk (sank)	hundir/se
sit (sit)	sat (sat)	sat (sat)	sentar/se
slay (sléi)	slew (slúu)	slain (sléin)	matar

sleep (slíip)	slept (slept)	slept (slept)	dormir
slide (sláid)	slid (slid)	slid (slíden)	deslizar/se, resbalarse
sling (sling)	slung (slang)	slung (slang)	tirar, arrojar
slink (slink)	slunk (slank)	slunk (slank)	moverse sigilosamente, escabullirse
slit (slit)	slit (slit)	slit (slit)	rajar, cortar

smell (smel)	smelt* (smelt)	smelt* (smelt)	oler
sneak (sníik)	snuck* (snak)	snuck* (snak)	entrar/salir/poner a hurtadillas
sow (sóu)	sowed (sóud)	sown (sóun)	sembrar
speak (spíik)	spoke (spóuk)	spoken (spóuken)	hablar
speed (spíid)	sped* (sped)	sped* (sped)	acelerar, ir a toda velocidad

spell (spél)	spelt* (spélt)	spelt* (spélt)	deletrear
spend (spend)	spent (spent)	spent (spent)	gastar, pasar
spill (spil)	spilt* (spilt)	spilt* (spilt)	derramar, volcar
spin (spin)	spun (span)	spun (span)	girar, dar vueltas, hilar, tejer
spit (spit)	spat (spat)	spat (spat)	escupir

split (split)	split (split)	splite (split)	partir, rajar, dividir
spoil (spóil)	spoilt* (spóilt)	spoilt* (spóilt)	estropear, echar a perder, arruinar
spread (spred)	spread (spred)	spread (spred)	extender, desplegar, esparcir
spring (spring)	sprang (spraang)	sprung (sprang)	saltar
stand (stáand)	stood (stúud)	stood (stúud)	estar de pie, pararse, soportar

steal (stíil)	stole (stóul)	stolen (stóulen)	robar
stick (stik)	stuck (stak)	stuck (stak)	pegar, clavar, atascarse, asomar
sting (sting)	stung (stang)	stung (stang)	picar, arder
stink (stink)	stank (stáank)	stunk (stank)	apestar, oler mal
stride (stráid)	strode* (stróud)	stridden (stríden)	andar con pasos largos

strike (stráik)	struck (strak)	struck/stricken (stríken)	golpear, dar (la hora)
string (string)	strung (strang)	strung (strang)	encordar, ensartar, atar
strive (stráiv)	strove (stróuv)	striven (stríven)	luchar, esforzarse
swear (suéer)	swore (suóor)	sworn (suóorn)	jurar, decir palabrotas, malcedir
sweat (suét)	sweat* (suét)	sweat* (suét)	sudar

sweep (suíip)	swept* (suépt)	swept* (suépt)	barrer, azotar
swell (suél)	swelled (suéld)	swollen (suólen)	hincharse, crecer, aumentar
swim (suím)	swam (suáam)	swum (suám)	nadar
swing (suíng)	swung (suáng)	swung (suáng)	balancear, mecer, colgar
take (téik)	took (túuk)	taken (téiken)	tomar, llevar

teach (tíich)	taught (tot)	taught (tot)	enseñar
tear (téer)	tore (tóor)	torn (tóorn)	desgarrar, romper, arrancar
tell (tel)	told (tóuld)	told (tóuld)	decir, contar
think (zink)	thought (zot)	thought (zot)	pensar
thrive (zráiv)	throve* (zróuv)	thriven* (zríven)	prosperar, crecer mucho, desarrollarse

throw (zróu)	threw (zrú)	thrown (zróun)	tirar, arrojar
thrust (zrast)	thrust (zrast)	thrust (zrast)	empujar con fuerza, clavar
tread (tred)	trod (trod)	trodden (tróden)	pisar, andar
undergo (andergóu)	underwent (anderwént)	undergone (anderwént)	sufrir, ser sometido a, recibir
understand (anderstáand)	understood (anderstúud)	understood (anderstúud)	entender

undertake (andertéik)	undertook (andertúuk)	undertaken (andertéiken)	emprender, acometer
upset (apsét)	upset (apsét)	upset (apsét)	enfadar, trastornar
wake (uéik)	woke (uóuk)	woken (uóuken)	despertar
wear (uéer)	wore (uóor)	worn (uórn)	usar, vestir, gastar
weave (uíiv)	wove (uóuv)	woven (uóuven)	tejer

wed (uéd)	wed* (uéd)	wed* (uéd)	casarse, contraer matrimonio
weep (uíip)	wept (uépt)	wept (uépt)	llorar
wet (uét)	wet* (uét)	wet* (uét)	mojar
win (wín)	won (wán)	won (wán)	ganar
wind (wáind)	wound (wáund)	wound (wáund)	dar cuerda, serpentear, envolver, enrollar

withdraw (widróo)	withdrew (widrú)	withdrawn (widróon)	retirar, sacar
withhold (widjóuld)	withheld (widjéld)	withheld (widjéld)	retener, ocultar, no revelar
withstand (widstáand)	withstood (widstúud)	withstood (widstúud)	resistir, aguantar, oponerse
wring (ring)	wrung (rang)	wrung (rang)	torcer, retorcer, estrujar, escurrir
write (ráit)	wrote (róut)	written (ríten)	escribir

* Could be conjugated as a regular verb

What time is it?

2012-01-08T08:55:00.000Z

This drawing is similar to the one I did in class. Have a look:

Now that you know everything, let's practise!!

http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=1648
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/various/time.htm

Happy New Year!

2012-01-08T08:46:00.004Z

2012 is here already, and we are back to school!

During the next few days we will work with the time "What time is it?" and we will have a look at Past Simple Tense.

Do your best!!

Our tasks for the next few days

2011-11-17T10:07:00.001Z

Hello wonderful people!

We have been working with grammar and now we will finish this fase with a composition. Therefore, you have to prepare yourselves to write about your daily routine.

To enrich your writing you should, at least, include:

- Present Simple
- Adverbs of frequency
- Prepositions of time

Classes 7 B and C have to read their works on Monday 21st November.
Classes 7 A and D will read their works on Tuesday 22nd November .

Possessive Case

2011-11-17T09:45:00.001Z

We use the possessive case ('s or ') to express that something belongs to someone.

Let's look at the rules:

1 - With plural nouns, we add: '
      e.g. The scientists' theory.

2 - With words without the final s, we add: 's
      e.g. The teeth's colour. Tim's work.

3- With 2 or more names, we had 's to the last name we write.
     e.g. Tim, Brenda and Alan's grandmother.

4 - With people's names which end in "s" we add: 's
      e.g. Charles's bike.   Inês's car.

Visit these websites:
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/nouns/exercises?04
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/nouns_articles/apostrophe_s.htm

Prepositions of time - AT, IN, ON

2011-11-09T15:21:00.001Z

Sometimes it's hard for students to understand and distinguish these three prepositions of time. Here is something to help you:

in - longest times (eg.: In 1976)

on - dates (On February 2nd)

at - shortest times (at 4 o'clock, at Christmas)

In “longest time”	On “dates/special dates”	At “shortest time”
In 2011 In October In the 18th century In the Summer In the evening In the morning In the Easter holiday	On Monday On 3rd December On this day On Christmas Day On Easter Sunday On Wednesday morning	At two o’clock At the moment At dinner At Christmas At the weekend At night

Try these exercises:
http://www.ihbristol.com/learn-online/exercise-general/elementary/grammar/prepositions-of-time/98/
http://www.englishforjapanese.com/exercises/prepositions/02%20preps.html

This week

2011-11-07T10:48:00.002Z

Wonderful people,

This week we will correct the written test and then work on prepositions of time (at, in, on).

We will go to the ICT room to practise and then we will have one exercise-paper where you will work individidually, so that you check your knowledge on this new content.

Your ICT paper is in Escola Virtual (recursos) and there's no need to print it. But, the ICT Exercise-paper, you really need to print.

See you in class!

Halloween is next Monday

2011-10-27T15:17:00.001+01:00

As Halloween is approaching I decided to search for information to give to you. Here is an example of a website that explains the origin of this ancient tradition:

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/halloween1.html

What do you usually do on this particular day?

Written test is coming up soon!

2011-10-27T09:56:00.003+01:00

See if you can access "Escola Virtual" go to "trabalhos" and study the "Matriz 1". If you are not able to access, try this way:

Click on this address:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gGhhhKXut-8lWhsMJrEapFhDR3Yr-1UP6gke8ESJynY/edit?hl=en_US#

My holidays

2011-10-18T10:00:00.001+01:00

These holidays I went on a cruise in the Baltic Sea. The ship had three jacuzzis, two pools, eleven floors, and three table tennis.

First, I went to Madrid by car and then I went to Copenhagen in Denmark by plane and I saw lots of things and monuments including the little mermaid. Then I went to Rostock in Germany, it was a good day and it had some beautiful monuments and towers. I climbed upthe highest of them all and I saw the entire city, AMAZING!

The next day we were on the sea all day, and it was very good because we were very tired of walking, so we could rest.

Then we went to Stockholm in Sweden. I loved a fountain that was a flower that had lots of little tubes and it was sending water to the air all around it. I also liked the Hard Rock Cafe, that had a good garden and a little lake that had ducks and seagulls, which I found very strange.

Afterwards I went to Tallin in Estonia, it had a very nice street full of little tents that had amber, clothes, necklaces and hats. I went to visit the city and it was amazing with lots of buildings and monuments.

Next, I sailed to St Petersburg in Russin. It was fabulous; it was the city I liked best. I stayed there for two days. On the first day I saw a tower and a cathedral, I went to one of the most famousmuseums on earth, its name is Hermitage, and we went on a boat trip. On the following day we visited one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Cathedral of St. Basilio and the Peterhof Palace.

The last place of my magical experience was Helsinki in Finland. I didn't like it so much because of the lack of monuments and beautiful places.

In the end, I went back to Madrid by plane and back to Portugal by car.

Written by a student of the 7th grade

Next week

2011-10-14T12:08:00.002+01:00

Next week we will read the text"Amazing Cities" and we will study Countries and Nationalities.
Have a nice weekend!

Present Simple Tense

2011-10-14T11:17:00.002+01:00

Read these examples:

Affirmative: She lives in Moscow.
Negative: We do not read the newspaper.
Interrogative: Do you eat soup?

What are the conclusions that you can take from these sentences?

- Normally, we add -s or -es to the 3rd person singular.
verbs ending with s/ sh/ ch/ z/ x/ o: add -es
consonant +Y: change Y to I, then add -es
the rest: add -s

- We must use auxilar verb "to do" to build the interrogative and the negative sentences.

When do we use Present Simple Tense?

- to refer to facts that are true: Fire is hot.

-to express feelings: She enjoys swimming. /He hates broccoli./ They like going to the cinema.

- to describe repeated actions, for instance in your daily routine: I get up at 6 o'clock.

- to describe a permanent situation: I study in Oxford.

To improve your knowledge:
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/simple_present_statements.htm
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/simple_present_mix2.htm

Possessive determiners

2011-10-14T10:50:00.001+01:00

I.......................my
you..................your
he....................his
she...................her
it......................its

we....................our
you..................your
they.................their

Personal Pronouns

2011-10-14T10:47:00.003+01:00

I
You
He Singular
She
It

We
You Plural
They

Classroom language

2011-10-14T10:46:00.000+01:00

My dear students,
to improve your english you should use it in class. So, here are some of the sentences you might need:

Hello. Good morning/afternoon.
How do you do?
Sorry I'm late. May I come in?
Teacher, I didn't understand. Can you repeat, please?
May I open/close the window/door/blinders?
I have a doubt.
May I borrow your pen/pencil/dictionary...?

Welcome to 3º ciclo!

2011-10-14T10:39:00.002+01:00

Welcome to English 7 graders!

To achieve success, you should bring to class:

- book and workbook
- notebook
-dictionary

Summer Time

2011-06-24T07:13:00.002+01:00

Wish all 9 graders a wonderful Summer!

Final Exams

2011-06-12T07:02:00.000+01:00

The end of the year is here. Now, you are approaching the Final Exams. Remember to:

be calm;
bring ID card;
bring the materials for the Maths Exam;
read the questions to check exactly what is asked;
be careful and use introduction, development and conclusion in your answers;
use linking words to link ideas and paragraphs;
bring 2 blue/black pens;
bring your watch, so you won't lose track of time;
save 5 minutes to read what you wrote;

Good luck in your new school. Me and your teachers will always be here for you!

Essay about providing solutions to environmental problems

2011-06-06T10:01:00.001+01:00

Normally these type of essays are written in formal style. Therefore, you should use linking words to link ideas and begin paragraphs.

In the first paragraph, state the problem. For instance,

Nowadays litter is a very serious problem. Unfortunetely, it's common to see people throwing litter to the ground.

The main body of the text should be to give at leat 3 solutions and their results. Let's see,

One way to avoid this is setting uo more recycling bins. This would help to reduce the number people that normally use the excuse that there was no bin nearby.

Another solution would be buying biodegradable products, which would be a way of reusing materials.

Finally, everyone should use the policy of the 3 R's, reuse, reduce and recycle, as it would become our planet a much better place to live.

The last paragraph is, as usual, the conclusion. Here, you should have a summary about your point of view:

All things considered , there are many ways to reduce litter, and consequently reduce the pollution.

This post waa written with the help of my pupils.

Natural disasters

2011-05-30T09:35:00.001+01:00

Introducing Unit 7 – “Global Issues”.

Natural disasters:

Earthquakes

Tsunami

Hurricane

Volcanos

Drought

Floods

Tornado

Animals will be extinct

Why is this happening?

Geographical situation of each country;

Global warming;

Too many people living on Earth;

Pollution;

Rise of the water level (coastlines will disappear- temperature of the water will come down)

How to write a semi-formal letter

2011-05-19T17:06:00.000+01:00

This kind of letter can be used for thank-you letters, reply to requests, complaints etc.

In this type of letters you are expected to use: fomal linking words, words/phrases in the passive form, have a respectful, polite tone and in general use some formal language.

You should begin you letter with Dear Mr.../ Dear Mrs...

In the first paragraph, the writer should explain the reason for writing.

In the main body paragraphs, should express thanks or gratitude or reasons for the complain (depending on the kind of letter you are writing.)

In the conclusion, the person should thank again or ask to have his/ her situation resolved. (again depending on the kind of letter you are writing.)

In the end you should use Best regards, or Best wishes, and sign.

At this stage we will work with your book (page 92) and workbook (page 49).

Written test - 9 D and 9 E

2011-05-18T16:46:00.000+01:00

My dear students your last test is coming up!

This time you will have:

Theme: Travelling/holidays
I - Pre-reading question
II - Reading comprehension (T/F, Questions, words that refer to, Synonyms)
III - Grammar:
*rephrasing - passive voice, relative pronouns, adjectives, reported speech
*-ing form/ infinitive with to
*adjectives' degree

Adjective's degree

2011-05-16T16:01:00.006+01:00

Short adjective (1 syllable) - Comparative    add -er    eg. long-longer
                                            Superlative      add -est   eg. longest

Comparative ending with Y take the Y out and add -ier eg. friendlier
Superlative ending with Y   take the Y out and add -iest eg. friendliest

Long adjective
- Comparative- more ... than  eg. more beautiful than

- Superlative   - the most/ least  eg. the most beautiful

Irregular adjectives/adverbs - these forms have to be learnt:

good/well                  - better than                  - the best
bad/ badly                 - worse than                 - the worst
much/many/ a lot of    - more than                  - the most
little                    - less than                    - the least
far                     - further/ farther than     - the furthest/farthest

Try these:
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/adjectives1/index.php
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/adjectives2/index.php
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/adjectives3/index.php
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/adjectives-adverbs/adjectives/exercises
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/grammar/csadj1.htm
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/courses/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/regcom2.htm

Exercises of rephrasing

2011-05-10T09:54:00.002+01:00

1. She only referred that because they were complaining.

If ________________________________________

2. They haven't built buildings there because they found out coal in the soil.

If ________________________________________

3. He doesn’t listen carefully, that’s why he makes several mistakes.

If ________________________________________

4. Those teenagers are famous pop singers. You are looking at them. (who)

__________________________________________

5. The British people have a very old History. We know their language very well. (whose)

__________________________________________

6. The chocolate cake is the best. I’ve selected it. (which)

__________________________________________

7. “What is going to be done here?”

They asked ________________________________

8. “You can’t treat me like that. I know my rights.”

She shouted they ___________________________

9. He is a very rich man, but he is not happy.

Although __________________________________

10. Iceland is a very cold country, but beautiful.

In spite of __________________________________

What everybody should know about Portugal

2011-05-08T08:06:00.000+01:00

How to behave in a job interview

2011-05-05T15:25:00.001+01:00

How should you behave in a job interview?

- Do your "homework", go to the Web and search for information of the place that is offering the job position;

- Be aware of the dress code;

- Girls: don't bite your nails, comb your hair, have a sober make up;

- Girls: if you are not used to wear high heels, don't use them for the interview;

- Don't wear new shoes;

- Be on time for the interview;

- Walk, sit and talk properly;

- Make eye contact with the people that are interviewing you;

- Give a handshake only if the interviewer gives his/her hand first;

- Your handshake should be firm, not too loose or too strong;

- Most important, have a "balanced" approach, and if have always been a correct person,everything will pop up naturally.

How to search a job

2011-05-05T15:12:00.000+01:00

Where can you go to search for a job?

- Internet
- Newspaper
- agencies (head hunters)
...

How to write a short story

2011-05-04T11:17:00.000+01:00

Before writing: think about the type of story and the characters

While writing:

1st parag.: Introduce “who”, “where” and “when”

Main body: describe the events in order, leading up to the climax of the story

Conclusion: describe what happened and how the character(s) felt.

After writing: read it, in order to check your mistakes.

Written test

2011-05-03T15:32:00.001+01:00

This time, you can count with the last theme we have been dealing with, which is "jobs".

You will have a a) pre-reading question, b) text, c) exercises about the text, d) vocabulary and e) grammar section.

This grammar section will have a single exercise of rewriting. In this exercise you will need to work with:

- Conditionals (1,2 and 3)
- Passive voice
- Reported Speech
- Linking words (connectors)
- Relative pronouns (who, which, where, whose...)

Do your best!

Vocabulary - Jobs

2011-04-27T10:25:00.001+01:00

Are you able to describe each of these jobs?

Author
Waiter
Singer
Operator
Delivery boy
Sales assistant
Traffic warden
Architect
Doctor
Air-traffic controller
Cashier
Computer programmer
Bank teller
Vet
Artist
Graphic designer
Account
Car salesman
Teacher
Chemical engineer

Go through these exercises:
http://www.englishmedialab.com/cloze/jobs/index.html
http://www.englishmedialab.com/crosswords/what%20will%20you%20be/index.html
http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=6062

Phrasal verbs - Turn

2011-04-27T10:14:00.000+01:00

And we are back to work!
We will begin by studying Phrasal verbs with the TURN.
So, we have:

Turn back - stop and go back
Example:
"It's raining cats and dogs, we must turn back home!"

Turn on - make something work
Example:
"Turn the lights on, please."

Turn into - change into something different
Example:
"He was so nice, but he turned into a very angry man."

Turn out - have a different result
Example:
"It happened that the study visit turned out to be really interesting."

Turn up - arrive
Example:
"What time did you turn up yesterday?"

Commas, when should you use them?

2011-04-21T09:40:00.000+01:00

This question was sent to me by a former student of mine. He is now working and using English as a second language and he is having trouble writing commas in English sentences. I looked it up, and here you have:

1 - Typographical Reasons: Between a city and a state [Hartford, Connecticut], a date and the year [June 10, 2007], a name and a title when the title comes after the name [Drew Smith, Professor of English], in long numbers (3,213,987)

2 - Never use only one comma between a subject and its verb.

3 - Use a comma to avoid confusion.

Example:
For most the year is already finished.

For most, the year is already finished.

4 - Use commas to set off phrases that express contrast.
Example:
Some say the world will end in ice, not fire.

5 - Use a comma to set off quoted elements.
Example:
"The thing is," said Jim, "we have to avoid parties now, so we can concentrate in our final exams."

6 - Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives.
Example:
That tall, distinguished, good looking man.

7 - Use a comma when you have a relative clause which can be ommited.
Example:
The bridge, which they built two years ago, is falling down.

8 - Use a comma to set off introductory elements.
Example:
When looking at people's faces, he realized how stupid he looked.

9 - Use comma before: and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so

10 - Use comma when you are writing an enumeration of things.
Example:
I'm taking books, my tennis shoes, a ball, my bike...

This information was taken from: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-18T08:43:00.000+01:00

I wish you all a wonderful break! Have a rest as you'll need all your strength for the final tests, works and Exams!!
See you soon!

Oral presentations

2011-03-26T09:56:00.000Z

During the next few days we'll be having oral presentations. The theme is "Great Minds"!
You are expected to use powerpoints. In the slides you should have only pictures or a main word which helps you. You mustn't write full sentences or texts, as this will "lock" you throughout the presentation. An oral presention is supposed to be done without paper, without reading and only with the support of powerpoint.
Do your best!

Portugal's profile by BBC

2011-03-19T14:25:00.000Z

Portugal country profile
in http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/994099.stm

Portugal, a country with a rich history of seafaring and discovery, looks out from the Iberian peninsula into the Atlantic Ocean.

When it handed over its last overseas territory, Macau, to Chinese administration in 1999, it brought to an end a long and sometimes turbulent era as a colonial power.

The roots of that era stretch back to the 15th century when Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama put to sea in search of a passage to India. By the 16th century these sailors had helped build a huge empire embracing Brazil as well as swathes of Africa and Asia. There are still some 200 million Portuguese speakers around the world today.

Portugal's history has had a lasting impact on the culture of the country with Moorish and Oriental influences in architecture and the arts. Traditional folk dance and music, particularly the melancholy fado, remain vibrant.

Jeronimos Monastery: Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination

For almost half of the 20th century Portugal was a dictatorship in which for decades Antonio de Oliveira Salazar was the key figure. The dictatorship's stubborn refusal to relinquish its grip on the former colonies as demands for independence gained momentum there resulted in expensive wars in Africa.

This period was brought to an end in 1974 in a bloodless coup, picturesquely known as the Revolution of the Carnations, which ushered in a new democracy.

By the end of 1975 all of Portugal's former colonies in Africa were independent of Lisbon.

Facts

Overview Facts Leaders Media

Full name: Portuguese Republic

Population: 10.7 million (UN, 2010)

Capital: Lisbon

Area: 92,345 sq km (35,655 sq miles)

Major language: Portuguese

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 euro = 100 cents

Main exports: Textiles and clothing, wood products, electrical equipment

Leaders

Overview Facts Leaders Media

President: Anibal Cavaco Silva

Anibal Cavaco Silvo: Former centre-right PM, now president

Anibal Cavaco Silva won the January 2006 presidential poll, becoming the first centre-right president since the coup of 1974. He defeated two Socialist candidates to win a first round election victory.

The president's role is mainly ceremonial, but incumbents can appoint prime ministers, dissolve parliament and call elections.

Prime minister: Jose Socrates

Jose Socrates, whose governing Socialist Party came to power in 2005, led his party to another election victory in September 2009.
Mr Socrates' government has introduced tough austerity measures

The party, however, lost its overall majority. Final results from the general election gave the Socialists 36% the vote, seven points ahead of the centre-right Social Democrats.

Following talks with other political parties, Mr Socrates decided to form a minority government and to negotiate support for changes in legislation on a case-by-case basis.

Ruling in a minority has proved to be a tough challenge as Portugal has struggled to contend with problems such as rising debt and unemployment, a growing budget deficit and a widening wealth gap with its European partners.

Mr Socrates' first government sharply cut spending, by reducing pensions, raising the retirement age and withdrawing civil service benefits in an attempt to reduce one of Europe's biggest budget deficits.
The reforms - which some said were destroying social rights - prompted repeated protests mostly among public sector workers.

Despite the tough economic medicine administered by Mr Socrates during his first term in office, Portugal still languishes among Western Europe's poorest countries.

The global financial crisis of 2008/9 exacerbated Portugal's economic difficulties. By the summer of 2010, Portugal - together with Greece and Ireland - had become one of the countries most severely affected by the resulting eurozone crisis.
By November 2010, unemployment had risen to 11%, the budget deficit stood at 9.3% and Portugal had one of the highest levels of household indebtedness in the EU.

It remains to be seen whether tough austerity measures pushed through by Mr Socrates' minority government will be enough to prevent Portugal from going the way of Greece and Ireland as one of Europe's bad debt "dominoes".

"The Flatmates" episode 85, from BBC Learning English

2011-03-17T09:55:00.000Z

Intermediate Test

2011-03-15T10:03:00.000Z

The test is coming up!
Try to answer to the exams in the book about the Intermediate Tests. Pay special attention to the Listening Comprehension, because there are texts that might be too quick. You must practice and gain strategies to answer to everything.
Questions you might have please ask in class or send an e-mail.

Testes Intermédios

2011-03-02T15:22:00.000Z

After the Carnival break, we will work on the English Exam.

Have fun!

Relative Clauses

2011-03-02T15:20:00.000Z

These words always refer to something or someone mentioned before in the same sentence.

Where refers to places.

Who refers to people.

Whom is more formal than who. (a quem)

Which and that refer to objects or animals.

Whose is used to express possession.

e.g. For teenagers appearance is something which comes first.
Over here, which refers to appearance.

The sentence above is defining relative clause. They are essential to the understanding of the context.

You can omit “who”, “that”, “which”, in defining relative clauses but only when they are the object.

e.g. That’s the CD (which, that) my boyfriend gave me.

In defining relative clauses when it’s an informal situation "that" can replace "who" or "which".

Whose

e.g. John, whose girlfriend is Simone, has stopped smoking.

When we add extra information in a sentence, we put it between commas and call it non-defining relative clause.
Who

e.g. Tom, who is allergic to smoke, is my neighbour.

In this sentence, the important information is that Tom is her neighbour. The information that Tom is allergic is something the speaker wanted to share.

Have a look at this link and complete the blanks of the exercise:
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/pronouns/relative_pronouns2.htm

Reported Speech

2011-02-24T14:51:00.002Z

Reported Speech

Use: To report what someone said.

Examples:

“I love my new jacket.”, Mariana said. - Present Simple
Mariana said she loved her/his new jacket.

" I went to this shop yesterday," Rodrigo explained. - Past Simple
Rodrigo explained he had gone to that shop the day before.

"They are going to the pool now", mum shouted. - Present continuous
Mum shouted they were going to the pool then.

"I was watching the movie at six o'clock", Catarina whispered. - Past Continuous
Catarina whispered she was watching/ had been watching the movie at six o'clock.

“I’ll buy a new cap”, Tiago told Luis. - Future "will"
Tiago told Luis he would buy a new cap.

Note: Sentences in the Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous do not change.

Reported Questions

These questions are usually introduced with inquire, ask, want to know, wonder . When questions begin with a question word (what, when, where...), you also use it in your reported speech.
Have a look:

"What is your favourite dish?" Sofia wanted to know.

Sofia wanted to know what my favourite dish was.

However, questions might also begin with an auxiliar verb (is, have, do) or with a modal. In this case you have to introduce if or wether in your reported speech.
Check it out:

"Do you like ice cream?" Tiago asked.

Tiago asked if I liked ice cream.

Have a look at this paper and try to complete it:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3nmVxrsJnNbYzI3NTdmZjAtYmJkZi00YTNlLWEwMTctMDMzZGNhNGEzNTgy&hl=en

Escola Virtual

2011-02-24T14:40:00.000Z

You have a paper on Reported Speech in Escola Virtual. Print it and bring it to the classroom.

Conditionals 1, 2 and 3

2011-02-24T14:38:00.000Z

Type I – Probable situation
If + Present Simple + Future “will” + Infinitive
or
Future “will” + Infinitive + If + Present Simple

Examples:

If I go to the supermarket, I’ll buy some bread.
I won’t go to the beach if it rains.

Type II – Improbable situations, give advices.

If + Past Simple + Conditional “would” + Infinitive
or
Conditional “ Would” + infinitive + if + Past Simple

Examples:

If I were you, I wouldn’t speak to them again.
I wouldn’t speak to them again if I were you.

Type III – express regret to something you have done; impossible, imaginary situations.

If + Past Perfect + would + have + Past participle
or
Would + have + past participle + if + past perfect

Examples:

If I had studied harder, I wouldn’t have failed the exam.
I wouldn’t have failed the exam if I had studied harder.

Have a look at this link:
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences

Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous

2011-02-24T14:30:00.000Z

Past Perfect is used to express an action that occurred before another one in the past. For instance, check this example:
When I arrived to the station, the train had already left.
recent action oldest action

There are time expressions that are used with this tenses: for, since, just, when, never, until,etc.

Past Perfect Continuous is similar to Past Perfect, but it gives emphasis to the duration of the action. You might have 1) time expressions that help you to understand that the action is long, or 2) you have the action itself which is long, for example go for a walk, read a book, drive a car, etc.
There are time expressions that appear with this verb tense: for, since, how long

Example:
He had been driving for two hours when the police caught him.

In this link you find the explanation and short exercises:
http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/grammar/engineering/tense/4.xml

Testes Intermédios

2011-02-24T14:05:00.000Z

A Porto Editora colocou à venda um livro de preparação para os Testes Intermédios de 9º ano. Chama-se Testes Intermádios 9º ano Inglês.

Advices to someone who is a shopaholic by 9D

2011-02-16T14:23:00.000Z

Dear Becky,

We’ve just seen your bank account and we are shocked! We are writing to give you some advices, so that you can control yourself.

First of all, we think you should have money in your purse, and not a credit card. This way, it will be more difficult for you to spend money because you actually see it going away! Another good idea is to avoid expensive shops in order to save your money from being spent in things that you really don’t need.

We hope our ideas help you and let us know how it goes.

9D

How to write a letter or email of advice

2011-02-15T11:46:00.000Z

Usually, it has an informal style.

Dear ... ,

In the first paragraph - express sympathy; state the reason to be writing.

Second paragraph - Enumerate a number of advices. Support each piece of advice by writing possible results.

Third paragraph - express you wish that everything will turn out ok.

Sign

Example written by class 9A:

Dear Steve,

I've just got your letter and, of course, I'd be happy to help you. I met teens that feel the same way as you do. I'm going to share some ideas with you.

First of all, you should speak about this with your family, because they will support you, and you'll be more confident about yourself. Another good idea is to show that you don't care about what they are saying, this way they'll stop. Then, if I were you, I wouldn't miss school. This way you will show that you are scared. Finally, you should talk to your teachers. By talking with them, they will support you and punish the bullies.

I hope these advices will help you and everything turns out for the best.

9A

Word formation: prefixes

2011-02-15T09:29:00.000Z

Prefixes - particles used in the beginning of the words to give them a meaning.

Now, you'll have a look at 4 prefixes used in the English language that mean "the opposite".

They are: il-, im-, ir-, in-.

How do you use them? No problem!! Read the information below.

il - for words that begin with "l" (yes, there will be double "l");

im - for words that begin with "m", "p", "b" (consonants, where you have to use both your lips to produce the sound). And yes, there will be double consonant;

ir - for words that begin with "r" (double consonant);

in - no rule.

Complete the sentences below and send them to me as comment.

1. My children are growing and becoming more ______________ (dependent).
2. Anyway, I still have to teach them not to be so _______________ (responsible)
3. And be able to say "no" to some ___________ (legal) things.
4. I think they aren't so ___________ (mature) as they were before.
5. A parent shoudn't be so ______________ (patient), because in the end, the children grow!

Phrasal verbs: Put

2011-02-15T09:13:00.000Z

As you know the main verb, in this case PUT, when written all by itself means one thing, but when you add a preposition its meaning changes completely.

How do you know their meaning? Well, you really have to memorize them.

This time we've got 5 more phrasal verbs! Let's check them out!

Put away - tidy
Put on - get dressed
Put through - get connected
Put out - stop, finish
Put off - postpone

Try to complete these sentences and send them to me as comment:

1. Chidren it's raining! You have to _____________ your raincoats.
2. Kim, you really need to ____________ your things. Your room is in a terrible state!!
3. Fortunately the teachers were able to ____________ the fight.
4. Reception? Can you _________me _________ the manager, please?
5. The opening of the exhibition had to be _____________ for the next weekend.

Back to study!

2011-02-09T16:40:00.002Z

For the next few days, we will have:

Phrasal verbs (put)

Word formation (prefixes)
Listening exercise
Writing exercise - letter or email of advice
Progress Check 4

Intermediate Test

2011-02-09T16:35:00.000Z

We read the information for the Intermediate Test, which will take place in March.
Check it out here.

Challenge

2011-01-31T11:12:00.000Z

This week is dedicated to your written test.
Do your best!!

Exercises of rephrasing

2011-01-26T15:36:00.000Z

Rewrite the sentences given, starting as suggested and without changing the meaning.

1. Yesterday two policemen rescued a young student from an attacker.
Yesterday a young student ______________

2. If the boys don't help on the farm, their father won't be able to do all the work.
Unless______________________________

3. Hearing the telephone, she got up to answer it.
When ______________________________

4. "Would you please leave the room?"
He asked us _________________________

5. People like living in London, because the city offers lots of cultural events.
As ________________________________

6. They have holidays, and they often go to the continent.
When ______________________________

7. The traffic was heavy. I got there late.
If __________________________________

8. The cost of living is high. However, lots of foreigners still choose London as their home.
Although ____________________________

9. The fog was very thick, but the plane took off.
Though _____________________________

10. A friend delayed Sam when he was leaving the work.
Sam _______________________________

What is coming up

2011-01-26T10:27:00.000Z

In our English lessons we'll go through the text and vocabulary on pages 58 and 59. Then, we will go back to the Progress Check 3 in order to revise some contents.

Clothes, patterns and fashion

2011-01-26T10:13:00.000Z

This week we'll work on vocabulary connected to fashion, clothes and patterns. For example, the teenagers that are always eager to be fashionable; and how they can easily turn into fashion victims.

There's this interesting sentence in the text:

"Fashion is not a "one-size-fits-all" thing."

Do you agree with this sentence? Explain.

(Clica em comentar e manda a tua opinião)

Passive Voice

2011-01-26T09:56:00.002Z

The rule is be + past participle.

You have to pay attention to the verb tense used in the active sentence, because the verb "to be" will be always in that tense.

Present Simple

Active: He repairs the car.

Passive: The car is repaired.

Past Simple

A: He repaired the car.

P: The car was repaired.

Present Continuous

A: He is repairing the cars.

P: The cars are being repaired.

Past Continuous

A: John and Fred were repairing the cars.

P: The cars were being repaired by John and Fred.

Future Simple

A: Jess will repair the car.

P: The car will be repaired by Jess.

Future "Be going to"

A: They are going to repair the car.

P: The car is going to be repaired.

Present Perfect

A:He has repaired the car.

P: The car has been repaired.

Past Perfect

A: She had repaired the car.

P: The car had been repaired.

Modal

A: They should repair the car.

P: The car should be repaired.

Try this:
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/reading/exercises/dogqz.htm

Causative Form

2011-01-26T09:49:00.003Z

Rule: Have + Object + Past Participle

This structure is used to describe when someone does something to you.

Examples:

Becky/ is testing/ eyes - Becky is having her eyes tested.

Ben/ has painted/ face - Ben has had is face painted.

You must pay attention to tense you are in, as this influences the tense of the sentence you're writing with the causative form.

Present Simple: She cuts her hair - She has her hair cut.

Pres. Cont.: She is cutting her hair - She is having her hair cut.

Past Simple: She cut her hair - She had her hair cut.

Past Cont.: She was cutting her hair - She was having her hair cut.

Future Simple: She will cut her hair - She will have her hair cut.

Present Perfect: She has cut her hair - She has had her hair cut.

Pres. Perf. Cont.: She has been cutting her hair - She has been having her hair cut.

Infinitive: She must cut her hair - She must have her hair cut.

Exercise:
http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=1759

Reflexive Pronouns

2011-01-26T09:44:00.001Z

Use: You need to use a reflexive pronoun when you do something by yourself.

For instance, "Karl cut himself while shaving."

I ---------------------myself
you-------------------yourself
he--------------------himself
she-------------------herself
it---------------------itself
........
we-------------------ourselves
you------------------yourselves
they------------------themselves

Try this:
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/pronouns/exercises?05

Escola Virtual

2011-01-26T09:38:00.001Z

You've got your matriz for the test in Escola Virtual.

Explain: Peer pressure

2011-01-17T10:08:00.002Z

When you are forced, by your colleagues (same age), to do something to fit in a group.

Example:
Sometimes when a group has people who smoke, they tend to force the new person to try it too.

9C asked...I did it: Modal Verbs

2011-01-14T12:43:00.000Z

MODAL VERBS.

You shouldn't forget about certain things, such as:
- no "s" in the 3rd person singular

- in the interrogative form we need "Inversion" (May I .....?)

- Modal + verb in the infinitive

- the meaning of the modal verb depends on the context of the sentence.

A. Ability

can/can't/cannot/could (Present/future)

could/couldn't/could not (Past)

She can play piano.

They can't study alone.

B. Possibility

may/ might/could/ may not/ might not/ could not/ couldn't (Present/future)

might have/ may have / could have (past)

Jane might go to the party.

Jess may win the competition.

C. Permission

can/can´t/ may/ may not

Teacher, sorry I'm late. May I come in?

Dad, can I go to the party?

D. Certainty/ Obligation

must/ mustn't/ must not (present/ future)

must have (past)

You must obey the school's rules.

Tomorow you have a Maths test. You must study!

E. Advice

should/ shouldn't (present/ future)

should have (past)

I think you should talk to them.

Should he go to the doctor?

Try this:
http://www.englishpage.com/modals/interactivemodal1.htm

E-learning - advantages and disadvantages by 9C

2011-01-13T11:13:00.002Z

Due to technology advances we can have access to e-learning. However, like everything else there are for and against arguments.

Using e-learning has its advantages, such as students can study at their own pace. Then it is more convenient for people that can not go to lessons, because they can study at home. Moreover, it saves time and money and gives a certificate.

Although there are so many advantages, there is also some drawbacks. Firstly, there is no face-to-face interaction, which is important. Secondly, if you have a doubt you have to wait for the tutor to be online. Furthermore online courses depend too much on technology and if you damage your computer, you lose some lessons.

In conclusion, I think e-learning can be useful but it is not better than going to school, as in school you meet new people and you can share knowledge and discuss ideas.

Escola Virtual

2011-01-12T20:31:00.000Z

You've got a task in "Escola Virtual"!

E-learning: for-and-against essay by 9 D

2011-01-12T14:06:00.000Z

Nowadays Internet is the biggest resource to everything, even to learn online. That's called e-learning, which basically means learning through the web. There are several courses, such as languages, computer programming and even gardening courses. However, having online lessons has advantages and disadvantages.

There are several advantages. For example we can study without leaving home and then do not spend money on transports or spend too much time in traffic jams. Moreover, all can use it even the disable people. Furthermore, you can make your own schedule and work at your own pace. Also if we have doubts we can use video calls, or a chat room to talk to the teacher.

On the other hand, there are disadvantages. For instance computer problems can make students lose their lessons. And they also have to be able to afford a computer in order to access to the course. Another drawback is the loneliness, as there is no communication face-to-face; and spending too much time in front of the computer is bad for our health.

All in all, we believe that e-learning is a useful way to learn new things but it does not substitutes a classroom because you can learn more by sharing opinions and ideas.

Write about the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning by 9º B

2011-01-12T11:57:00.002Z

Since the ancient Greeks that people go to school, where they have a teacher who shares his knowledge. But, since the invention of the computer and, after that, the Internet, a new type of learning appeared:
e-learning. Is it good or bad? Like everything else it has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Use the Internet to have an online course has many advantages. First of all, you can have lessons and work at your own pace. Secondly, you do not have to spend money on gas or tickets to go to the course. Moreover it is more convenient for people, who do not have time to go to the lessons. As they do not have to be in a certain place at a certain time. Furthermore people have access to a range of subjects, which they can choose and study.

On the other hand, E-learning has its own drawbacks. For instance a person who does not go to a classroom might work less and it can lead people to some loneliness. Another disadvantage is that when the computer fails, the student has no way of taking lessons. Also, e-learning depends too much on technology and the student must be able to afford it.

In conclusion, we believe e-learning is an advantage, as it a way to find information so we have more time to other activities. But be careful not to get addicted because you can stop having face-to-face communication.

How to write a for-and-against essay

2011-01-12T11:24:00.000Z

As you can check on page 50 you must think carefully on the essay's plan. You shouldn't use contractions or informal language. Moreover, you should be aware to use a variety of vocabulary and not always the same expressions. Use connectors (linking words) to link the ideas and the paragraphs.

First paragraph - must have the general idea of the theme and introduce it;

Second paragraph - State the advantages;

Third paragraph - Write the disadavantages;

Fourth paragraph - Closing remarks. Pay attention: here is the only moment where you can state your own opinion.

Using a computer network

2011-01-10T13:51:00.000Z

In our school you have the opportunity to work with computers. But to work in the school network, you have to be aware of the guidelines/procedures that you must follow when you share the computers.

For instance, you shouldn't set up/ install software without permission, as there can be serious effects/consequences. Moreover, you have to be a trustworhty/ responsible student while using the materials, software and hardware. Furthermore, you mustn't do things which are morally unacceptable/ unethical for example damaging equipment, bullying other students among other things.

First week

2011-01-05T14:18:00.001Z

This week we had the chance to work on vocabulary, read a text, write a dialogue and performe it. Moreover we talked about online courses.

We worked on pages 44, 45 and 47.

Next week we'll be dealing with the text on page 49 and the written exercise on page 50 (a for-and-against essay).

Module 3 - Education and Technology

2011-01-03T14:20:00.000Z

Summary of our talk about E-learning

Through the Internet I have access to several resources (data, information). With an e-learning course I have this all range (many, several) of subjects/ materials where I can choose from.

I believe this is so practical. You learn all the fundamentals (basics) of, for instance, scuba diving. Can you believe it?

There are more advantages! We can work at our own pace (rhythm), we don't have to pay for transportation or gasoline and you still give support at home.

I believe taking a course online is an excellent opportunity for everyone, in order to improve our life.

2011 - Back to work!

2010-12-22T16:13:00.000Z

9 graders wish you an excellent year! We'll see each other back in 2011.

Happy Easter

2010-04-08T10:18:00.002+01:00

Wish you all the best!

Conditional Types I, II and III

2010-03-16T16:03:00.000Z

If-clauses/ Conditionals

Type I – Probable situation

If + Present Simple + Future “will” + Infinitive

Future “will” + Infinitive + If + Present Simple

Examples:
If I go to the supermarket, I’ll buy some bread.

I won’t go to the beach if it rains.

Type II – Improbable situations, give advices.

If + Past Simple + Conditional “would” + Infinitive

Conditional “ Would” + infinitive + if + Past Simple

Examples:
If I were you, I wouldn’t speak to them again.

I wouldn’t speak to them again if I were you.

Type III – express regret to something you have done; impossible, imaginary situations.

If + Past Perfect + would + have + Past participle

Would + have + past participle + if + past perfect

Examples:
If I had studied harder, I wouldn’t have failed the exam.

I wouldn’t have failed the exam if I had studied harder.

Nine graders:
Exercises: Book – page 71, exercises 5 (a,b); 6

Grammar – pages 60, 61, 63 (exercise 6,7)

Causative Form

2010-03-03T15:37:00.004Z

Rule: Have + Object + Past Participle

This structure is used to describe when someone does something to you.

Examples:
Becky/ is testing/ eyes - Becky is having her eyes tested.
Ben/ has painted/ face - Ben has had is face painted.

You must pay attention to tense you are in, as this influences the tense of the sentence you're writing with the causative form.

Present Simple:  She cuts her hair  - She has her hair cut.
Pres. Cont.: She is cutting her hair - She is having her hair cut.
Past Simple: She cut her hair  - She had her hair cut.
Past Cont.: She was cutting her hair  - She was having her hair cut.
Future Simple: She will cut her hair  - She will have her hair cut.
Present Perfect: She has cut her hair - She has had her hair cut.
Pres. Perf. Cont.: She has been cutting her hair - She has been having her hair cut.
Infinitive: She must cut her hair - She must have her cut.

Exercise: http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=1759

Suggestion

2010-03-03T12:09:00.000Z

Henrique Calado sent this suggestion to help you prepare for your tests:

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_grammar.htm

Reported Questions

2010-03-02T16:07:00.002Z

These questions are usually introduced with inquire, ask, want to know, wonder . When questions begin with a question word (what, when, where...), you also use it in your reported speech. Have a look:

"What is your favourite dish?" Sofia wanted to know.
Sofia wanted to know what my favourite dish was.

However, questions might also begin with an auxiliar verb (is, have, do) or with a modal. In this case you have to introduce if or wether in your reported speech. Check it out:

"Do you like ice cream?" Tiago asked.
Tiago asked if I liked ice cream.

Reported Speech

2010-03-02T15:56:00.001Z

Use: To report what someone said.
Examples:

“I love my new jacket.”, Mariana said. - Present Simple
- Mariana said she loved her/his new jacket.

" I went to this shop yesterday," Rodrigo explained. - Past Simple
Rodrigo explained he had gone to that shop the day before.

"They are going to the pool now", mum shouted. - Present continuous
Mum shouted they were going to the pool then.

"I was watching the movie at six o'clock", Catarina whispered. - Past Continuous
Catarina whispered she was watching/ had been watching the movie at six o'clock.

“I’ll buy a new cap”, Vasco told Luis. - Future "will"
Vasco told Luis he would buy a new cap.

Note: Sentences in the Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous do not change.
Inês Miranda sent this suggestion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu-TZa-ZpGs

Passive Voice

2010-03-02T15:36:00.003Z

The rule is be + past participle.

Present Simple
He repairs the car.
The car is repaired.
Past Simple
He repaired the car.
The car was repaired.

Present Continuous

He is repairing the cars.

The cars are being repaired.

Past Continuous

John and Fred were repairing the cars.

The cars were being repaired by John and Fred.

Future "will"
Jess will repair the car.
The car will be repaired by Jess.
Future "Be going to"
They are going to repair the car.
The car is going to be repaired.
Present Perfect
He has repaired the car.
The car has been repaired.
Past Perfect
She had repaired the car.
The car had been repaired.
Modal
They should repair the car.
The car should be repaired.

More information in: Post of 18th November 2009

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T16:27:00.003Z

Welcome back people! I wish you all the best!

9th Grader - Correction of the second written test

2009-12-06T09:55:00.003Z

Possible answers:

Pre-reading question

A. I would .....

Reading and comprehension

1.1 ... don't sleep enough time/ have to wake up really early.
1.2 ... 11 pm.
1.3 ... lack of sleep.
1.4 Grades would improve .....

2.1 wealthy
2.2 recommends
2.3 improve
2.4 insomnia

3.1 T 3.2 T 3.3 F Many students have sleeping problems. 3.4 T

Vocabulary
4.1 packet
4.2 tablespoonful
4.3 pinch
4.4 large
4.5 Boil
4.6 Chop
4.7 add/slice
4.8 cook
4.9 melt
4.10 add
4.11 pour/ add

5.
A - 11
B - 3
C - 10
D - 7
E - 9
F - 4
G - 12
H - 2
I - 5
J - 1
K - 6
L - 8

Grammar
6.
have just used; sent; wanted; have had; loved; made/ have made; haven't forgotten; have already bought

7.1 Have you ever been
7.2 have celebrated
7.3 haven't been spending
7.4 has been learning
7.5 Hasn't Mary eaten
7.6 has had

8.1 went off
8.2 goes after
8.3 go with
8.4 is going through
8.5 went up

8th grade - Correction of the written test

2009-12-03T12:16:00.004Z

Here are some possible answers:

Pre-reading question

1. Teenagers should ....
1.When I grow up I will ....

Reading and comprehension

2.1 T 2.2 F Children love McDonald's 2.3 T 2.4 F Ads in televesion is mainly about unhealthy food

3.1 They are popular because they are cheap, fast and delicious.
3.2 Recently, they have found that the number of ads about fast food have increased on tv breaks when children's programmes are on.
3.3 This means that people should eat different things everyday, moreover they should eat only what is enough to fill in their stomach.
3.4 It's a serious problem because it can lead to death.

Vocabulary

4.1 Boil 4.2 mash/peel 4.3 chop 4.4 grate 4.5 sprinkle 4.6 whisk

5.
A - 4
B - 2
C - 5
D - 6
E - 3
F - 1

Grammar
6.1 U 6.2 U 6.3 C 6.4 C 6.5 U 6.6 C 6.7 U 6.8 U 6.9 U 6.10 C 6.11 C 6.12 U

7.1 Pizza is eaten everyday by them.
      Pizza was eaten everyday by them.
7.2 Soft drinks are advertised by the company.
      Soft drinks were advertised by the company.
7.3 His dinner was stolen.
7.4 We weren't invited to the party.
7.5 Fruit is eaten by Philip tonight.
      Fruit was eaten by Philip tonight.
7.6 Cabbage and fruit were bought by Margaret.

8.1 aren't they/isn't she
8.2 will she/they
8.3 can he/they
8.4 aren't I
8.5 hasn't he
8.6 does she

8 graders - Passive Voice

2009-11-18T16:07:00.005Z

You are now studying the Passive Voice in your English classes. Please remember that you've already learnt this content in Portuguese. It will be similar. Let's see, in Portuguese you say:
A Maria come a maçã. O Manuel comeu a maçã.

Here you have two active sentences where someone acts in an action, correct? And you have the "poor" apple that suffers that action. Are you with me?

In the Passive Voice your aim is to stress out what suffered the action, and not the person that acts. That's why is passive!

So, you have to pick a maçã and place it as a Subject in the passive sentence, and a maria as a passive agent introduced with by.
We are missing something...what about the verb?

Well, in English, as well as in Portuguese you have an auxiliar verb - to be, that in the passive has to be always in same tense as the sentence in the active voice. Meaning that if the active sentence is in the past simple the verb to be has to be in the past simple, if it is in the present continuous, the verb to be has to be in the present continuous. Confused?!

The main verb has to appear, always, in the Past Participle.

So, the conclusion is:
A maçã é comida pela Maria. A maçã foi comida pelo Manuel.

Now, examples in English:

Peter reads this book.
This book is read by Peter.

Carol washed her car.
Carol's car was washed by her.

Sue feeds the cat.
The cat is fed by Sue.

Someone opened the door.
The door was opened.

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/active_passive/sentences_simple_past.htm

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/active_passive/sentences_simple_present.htm

9 graders - 2nd written test

2009-11-18T15:48:00.000Z

Your second written test is coming up.

Please remember that you are now studying unit 2. Consequently, the theme of your test will be on food.

As far as grammar is concerned, you will be tested on Present Perfect Simple, Past Simple, Present Perfect Continuous, Phrasal verbs (go) and dependent prepositions (in, out, by).
Regarding vocabulary, please revise the cooking verbs and other expressions linked to the "kitchen world".

In order to achieve success please go through some exercises. I'm going to write some tips:

In your workbook:
Page 12 exercise 2
Page 13 exercises 4 and 5
Page 14 exercises 1, 3, 4
Page 19 exercise 1

Please use my email or this blog to ask questions.

8th graders: correction of the 1st written test

2009-11-11T11:43:00.001Z

These are possible answers to your test:

I - Pre-reading

When I grow up I'll ....

II- Reading and comprehension

1.
1.1 F (She loved her Summer.)
1.2 F (She went to Maine.)
1.3 T
1.4 T
1.5 F (It had only 8 buildings.)
1.6 T

2.
1-D 2-F 3- A 4- E 5- C 6- B

3.
3.1 She did several things and in the end of August went to an island.
3.2 The island is located on the northeastern coast of USA. It is beautiful and serene.
3.3 What impressed her most was the beauty and serenity that she was able to feel.
3.4 While they were exploring the island, she took pictures of animals and plants.
3.5 At first, no they weren't. But then they realised what they were learning and they started enjoying the lecture a lot.

4.
4.1 ... changed her point of view about nature.
4.2 ... to do something to save our planet.

III - Vocabulary

5.
Cruise/ foreign tour
Camping/ Summer Camp
Package holiday

IV - Grammar

6.
finished; slept; swam; relaxed; went; listened; played; talked; went; had; visited; met; came; was

7.
7.1 'll help   7.2 'll put   7.3 Will ... let   7.4 won't win

8.
8.1 Next year we are going to travel to France.
8.2 She is going to visit her aunt next weekend.
8.3 Are Kate and Lois going to get married?
8.4 I'm not going to go to the beach tomorrow.

9.
9.1 should   9.2 can   9.3 must...9.4 may

10.
10.1 where   10.2 why   10.3 who   10.4 how/when/why

V - Composition

9 graders: correction of 1st written test

2009-11-11T11:17:00.000Z

These are possible answers:

I - pre-reading

I usually get along with ....

II - Reading and comprehension

2.
2.1When I'm angry I should show that I feel angry in a controlled way.

2.2 Because if we are holding our body we might not show that we are really upset and angry.

2.3 I should let the other person know and understand my point of view.

3.
3.1 straightforward
3.2 stomping
3.3 expectation
3.4 belief

III - Grammar

4.
4.1 to be friendly                               a) get together
4.2 revenge                                       b) get along
4.3 survive                                        c) get back
4.4 go out with friends                      d) get by

5.
5.1 to - 5.2 of - 5.3 at - 5.4 of  - 5.5 of  - 5.6 about  - 5.7 on  - 5.8 with

6.
6.1 imaginative 6.2 myterious 6.3 reliable 6.4 selfish 6.5 attractive 6.6 courageous

7.
7.1 spent   7.2 discuss   7.3 are doing   7.4 Did you see ....was    7.5 mentioned/ mentions....are eating

7.6 run.....is     7.7 were doing    7.8 'll go    7.9 was/ is    7.10 're going to be called

IV - Composition

9th year - Present Perfect vs Past Simple

2009-10-29T15:00:00.004Z

These are both tenses that deal with past actions. That's why sometimes is hard to distinguish.
The difference is that Past Simple is for actions that took place and finished in the past. And Present Perfect is for actions that took place in an indetermined time in the past.

Confused?!?

The best way is to answer to some exercises!

First - pages 28/29 from your book (exercises 1,2,3 and 4)

second - http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/StudyZone/410/grammar/ppvpast2.htm

9th year - Present Perfect Continuous

2009-10-29T14:17:00.004Z

Form:

Affir: S + have/has + been + gerund Susan has been cooking for us all afternoon.
Neg: S + have/ has + not + been + gerund They haven't been studying this term.
Int: have/ has + S + been + gerund Have you been sleeping?

Use:

for actions that took place in the past but have consequences in the present time.

Time expressions:

how long, for, since, recently, lately

Now, it's time to practise:

http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/presentperfectcontinuous/exercise3.swf

9th year - Present Perfect Simple

2009-10-29T13:51:00.002Z

Form:

Affir: S + have/has + past participle She has lived here for 2 years.
Neg: S + have/ has + not + past participle They haven't drunk since your last party.
Int: have/ has + S + past participle Have you seen Dad?

Use:

for actions that took place in an indefinite time in the past.
for actions that started in the past and come until the present time.

Time expressions:
for, since, just, already, ever, never, yet...

Now, try to answer to this exercise:

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/pperf1.htm

8th year - TV Programmes

2009-10-29T12:01:00.003Z

Step 1 - Think about your favourite TV programmes

Step 2 - What categories do they belong to? (weather forecast, news, soap opera...)

Step 3 - Find out the English translation for the following words:

Concurso____________
Notícias ____________
Desenhos animados _____________
Documentário _______________
Filme _________________
Série _______________
Telenovela ________________
Programa de entrevistas ________________
Boletim meteorológico ___________________

8th year - Introducing Unit 3 "It's show time"

2009-10-29T11:56:00.004Z

Wonderful people welcome to our new theme!

Imagine this: if you were a reporter and you had the chance to interview your idol, what would you ask him/her?

Complete:

1. Where __________________?
2. When ___________________?
3. What do you think about _______________?
4. Have you ever __________________?

8th year - cooking verbs

2009-10-29T11:45:00.002Z

My dear students we are finishing our unit about food. But, before entering our next theme we still have to study COOKING VERBS.

First, have a look at page 45 in our book and then click here try to do the exercises:

http://www.pearsonlongman.com/teens/students/lupdate-new-may.html

After doing these two things you have a mission:

Write a recipe about you favourite food or dessert!!

8th year - question tags

2009-10-29T11:15:00.006Z

Read these sentences:
- Peter loves ice cream, doesn't he? Rose went away, didn't she?
(+) (-) (+) (-)
- John doesn't smoke, does he? They won't go to the party, will they?
(-) (+) (-) (+)

In these sentences you have two parts. The first part is a sentence and the second part (in blue) is a question tag. You use the question tag when you are looking for a confirmation.

Rules:

When the sentence is affirmative the question tag is negative. When the sentence is negative the question tag is affirmative.
Question tags are built with the verbs: to be, to have, to do and with modal verbs.
Exception: with I am we have an irregular tag:

I am right, aren't I? and I am not right, am I?

8th year - question tags

2009-10-29T11:14:00.001Z

Read these sentences:
- loves ice cream, doesn´t he

8th Graders - Modal verbs

2009-10-16T10:56:00.003+01:00

Wonderful people, we are now studying the MODAL VERBS.
You shouldn't forget about certain things, such as:

no "s" in the 3rd person singular
in the interrogative form we need "Inversion" (May I .....?)
Modal + verb in the infinitive
the meaning of the modal verb depends on the context of the sentence.

A. Ability

can/can't/cannot/could (Present/future)

could/couldn't/could not (Past)

She can play piano.

They can't study alone.

B. Possibility

may/ might/could/ may not/ might not/ could not/ couldn't (Present/future)

might have/ may have / could have (past)

Jane might go to the party.

Jess may win the competition.

C. Permission

can/can´t/ may/ may not

Teacher, sorry I'm late. May I come in?

Dad, can I go to the party?

D. Certainty/ Obligation

must/ mustn't/ must not (present/ future)

must have (past)

You must obey the school's rules.

Tomorow you have a Maths test. You must study!

E. Advice

should/ shouldn't (present/ future)

should have (past)

I think you should talk to them.

Should he go to the doctor?

9th Graders - Conflict

2009-10-16T10:52:00.003+01:00

We have been talking about CONFLICT. How do you deal with it? Is it different to deal with conflict at home and at school? How do you feel?

Comment this! I'll read it and correct it.

8th graders - Introducing Unit 2

2009-10-13T10:09:00.003+01:00

Hi again!

We are now starting a new unit in our book "Eat smart, stay healthy". As you can guess, this unit is going to deal with food and advices to stay fit. We will listen to some teens talking about what they eat at school and later we will listen to a song. Moreover, you will also work on verbs connected to the activity in the kitchen, for example chop, slice, grate...

As far as grammar is concerned, you will have to revise certain items, such as: Modal verbs, Countable and Uncountable nouns, Many/Much and a lot of, and Question tags.

Have a nice work!!

8 graders - Future "will" and "be going to"

2009-10-11T09:46:00.003+01:00

Future "will" and Future "be going to"

Have a look, learn and work!!
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplefuture.html

9 graders - Word building

2009-10-11T09:18:00.001+01:00

My dear Students we will mention a new topic this week: Word Building. Unfortunetly, there aren't a lot of rules. What you really have to do, in order to learn is......answer to loads of exercises!!!
Here is one website that might help you:

http://www.english-at-home.com/vocabulary/word-building/

In English there are Prefixes and Suffixes.
For instance, the prefixes un-, im-, dis-, in, are associated to the meaning of contrary.
On the other hand the suffixes give a different meaning to the main word:
-ish (boyish) means the person behaves a little bit as a boy.
-less (careless) means without care.
-ful (thankful) means quantity.

9th graders - Introducing Unit 1

2009-10-09T09:33:00.001+01:00

Your group has been doing some revisions on Present Simple and Continuous and Past Simple and Continuous. Are you able to distinguish them?
Our vocabulary has been about people and body language. We learned that in Thailand is quite rude to show the soles of your shoes or that in China is unpolite to kiss or hug someone on the streets.

8th graders - Introducing 1st Unit

2009-10-09T09:28:00.001+01:00

You have been working , as far as grammar is concerned, on Past Simple, Future "will" and Future "Be going to". At the same time you have been talking about your summer holidays. You have also done a listening exercise about the author of the song "Força", which was done to celebrate Euro 2004.

Welcome back!

2009-10-08T11:17:00.000+01:00

Summer holidays are finished and our school year started! We are back to the books! I wish you an excellent year!