B2.

1 Grammar Charts

Unit 1
Vocabulary for Unit 1
1. back in the day: (idiom) (adverb) an informal way to say “when I was younger”

I used to be good at soccer  back in the day, but these days I can’t even hit the ball.

2. by the way: (phrase) (adverb) a phrase to signify the speaker is adding

information or changing the topic

By the way,  I’m single again.

3. same old, same old: (idiom) a way to say “nothing new is happening in my life”

I have to admit nothing new is going on,  same old, same old.

4. small talk: (idiom) (noun) casual conversation without much depth of topic (the
weather, movies, etc.)

I dislike  small talk, because I prefer specific and unique conversations.

5. throw someone for a loop: (idiom) (verb) to surprise someone, usually in an

emotionally upsetting way

I had a date, but she  threw me for a loop  when she told me that she had a
boyfriend.

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 Simple Past

Form Examples

Positive: base verb + ed  We conducted the meeting yesterday. 

or irregular past tense form Baptiste met his wife at a festival.

Negative (be): be[was/were] + not She wasn’t pleased with her test result.

Negative (other verbs): did not + base

We didn’t attend the morning meeting.
form

Question (be): was/were
Were they interested in your project?
+ subject +complement …?

Question (other verbs): did
Did he see the final plans for the house?
+ subject + base form …?

Past Continuous

Form Examples

Positive: was/were + verb + ing At 7:30, we were discussing the project.

Negative: was/were + not + verb +ing Lydia wasn’t feeling well last night.

Question: was/were + subject + verb+ing What was Luis eating when he broke his

…? tooth?

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 Simple versus Continuous

Simple Past Past Continuous

 Completed events
 An event that occurred over a period
that began and ended in the past,
of time in the past
generally at a known or implied
 Usually interrupted or stopped by
time.
another event
 Can also refer to a state of being in
 Action verbs only (no stative verbs!)*
the past (with stative verbs).*

Examples:
Examples:
Jan was giving a presentation when** her
I was at work when they announced the
mother called. 
merger.
While** I was driving, I almost hit a dog!

*Useful trick: If a verb happens in your head or your heart, it might not be a true action
and therefore cannot be used in a continuous tense. Ex: Remember, love, etc.

**Note: In a sentence with both tenses where one action interrupts another, we can
use when with the simple pastand while with the continuous.

Would (for past) Used to (for past)

Form: Form:
would + base verb Positive: Used to + base verb
(Not usually used for negative sentences or Negative: didn’t use to + base verb
questions) Question:  did + subject + use to + verb ?

Use:
Past actions and habits that were done Use:
regularly but aren’t anymore Past actions, events, or states of being that
*NOT used for states of being are no longer true
(no  stative  verbs)

Examples:
Examples: I used to have blue hair.
When I was in high school, I would I used to go to the beach every weekend.
go running every morning. There didn't use to be so many coffee
When would you practice the piano? shops in my neighborhood.
Where did you use to go running?

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4
Unit 2

Vocabulary for Unit 2

1. Actually: (adverb) in fact, in reality; often used to emphasis something is true

It seems that we are actually  on the same page. I never thought we would agree on
this.

2. Apparently: (adverb) appearing that something is fact (often used to show doubt of

the fact)

Apparently, the road is more dangerous than I thought.

3. Exhilarating: (adjective) creating a feeling of extreme happiness, thrilling, exciting

There can be exhilarating moments if you like adrenaline.

4. Frankly: (adverb of attitude) in truth, honestly

Frankly, I’m more of a beach person, even though I love the mountains from time to
time.

5. Humbling: (adjective) lowering one’s pride or dignity

It was a humbling experience to see people with nothing offer you incredible

hospitality.

6. Inexplicably: (adverb of attitude) in a way that is difficult or impossible to explain

Inexplicably, the robbers disappeared without a trace.

7. Remarkably: adverb of attitude) in a way that is unusual or hard to believe

Remarkably, Sarah made it up the hill in her sandals.

8. Unforgettable: (adjective) impossible to forget, very memorable

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 My trip to Costa Rica has been an unforgettable experience.

Adverbs of Attitude

Used to express an emotion or feeling in a sentence.

Positive:
amazingly
fortunately 
hopefully  Hopefully, they’ll arrive soon.
luckily 
miraculously 
thankfully

Negative: 
regrettably 
sadly 
Unfortunately, she was too tired.
stupidly 
suspiciously 
unfortunately

Emphasis: 
actually 
apparently 
basically 
clearly  Honestly, I don’t care.
curiously 
frankly  Curiously, my plants were still not flowering.
honestly 
inexplicably  He clearly hadn't moved the car.
naturally 
obviously  They are actually thinking about buying a house.
really 
remarkably  He was understandably tired after the long day.
strangely 
surprisingly 
unbelievably 
understandably  

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 Adverb Placement

At the beginning of the sentence (most Surprisingly, there was no traffic this

common) morning.

He obviously can't hear you with those

Right before the verb/auxiliary
headphones on.

She was suspiciously late getting home last

After the verb BE
night.

Describing Experiences

Method Examples

Instead of this: The mall was very crowded.

Use exaggerated,
Try this: The  brand-new  mall was  extremely
expressive adverbs and adjectives
packed.

Instead of this: We jumped off the roof into the pool.

Use multiple adjectives Try this: We jumped off the  old, rusty  tin roof into
the  cool, refreshing  pool. 

Instead of this: The experience was bad.

Describe feelings  Try this: The experience made me
feel  overwhelmed  and  upset. 

Instead of this: The room was big.

Try this: The room  smelled musty, and as we walked
Describe all 5 senses
across the  cold  floor our footsteps  echoed  in
the  dark, empty space.

Use this acronym to remember the general rule for adjective placement: ODASCOM

Opinion, Dimension (size), Age, Shape, Color, Origin (nationality), Material
Ex: a lovely little old round green French glass ornament

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Unit 3

Vocabulary for Unit 3

1. Compromise: (a). (verb) to come to an agreement based on both sides making
concessions

(b). (noun) an agreement that partially satisfies the preferences of both people

I would like to compromise with you, but you’re not willing to listen to my side. 

2. drone on: (idiom) (verb) to talk for a long time, in a boring, monotonous voice

It’s important to choose your words carefully, so you won’t drone on like a machine.

3. meet someone halfway: (idiom) (verb) to compromise and make concessions

I think I can meet you halfway and reach a compromise.

4. Posit: (verb) to present or assume something as fact

The scientists posited that it was a social relationship, not a biological one.

5. Succinct: (adjective) short and clear

Good speakers keep their presentations succinct.

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 Checking Questions: Speaker vs. Listener
Are you following me?
As a Let me know if you have any questions.
Speaker Does that make sense?
Did I explain that well?
If I understood you correctly, there are no planes at all on Saturday.*
Do you mean I can’t talk to the boss right now?
Are you trying to say that the project will be delayed?
As a
Let me see whether I’ve understood you correctly. You’re offering us 10% now
Listener
and the remaining 10% on completion. Is that right?
So what you’re saying is that you won't be available to help tomorrow.
Am I right in assuming there’s some room for  compromise?
*The information in gray can be replaced with the information you are checking.

Deeper Questioning
Question Types  Examples 
So let me check if I’ve understood you correctly. Are you
Checking Questions:
saying that would be impossible, or just difficult?
Restate the information, then
use a question to make sure
Sorry, was that $13 or $30?
you are saying the correct
information.
(More in previous chart)
Echo Questions:
A: We need to allow at least a week for unexpected delays.
Repeat the information in
B: Unexpected delays?
question back to the
A: Yes, like illnesses, accidents, that kind of thing.
speaker.  
You mentioned an exclusivity clause. Can you expand on
that? What exactly did you have in mind?
Probing Questions:
Ask for more information to Can I ask how you arrived at that figure?
further clarify.
I’m a bit confused about the after-sales support you
mentioned. What would that involve? 
Hypothetical Questions: You said you don’t manufacture in batches of less than 10.
Ask for more information to Just thinking aloud now, what if there was a way for us to
find out about different guarantee to buy, say, 20 units over the next three
possible situations.  years? Would that work for you? 

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 Inviting a speaker to continue

Go on/carry on 
Oh, really? 
Mm-hmm. 
Use these  phrases when you want to Tell me more. 
assure the current speaker that you are What makes you say that? 
listening and interested. What makes you think that? 
Don’t stop. 
I’m all ears. 
I’m listening.

Inviting a speaker in a one-on-one interaction

Don’t you agree? 

Is that okay with you? 
Use these  phrases when you want to
How about you? 
ask someone’s opinion one-on-one.
What do you think?
How do you feel about that?

Inviting a speaker in a group setting

What do you think, Mario? 

Let’s hear what Gabriela has to say. 
Use these  phrases when you want to
James might have something to say on this. 
encourage a new person to speak in a
Fiona knows a lot about this. 
group.
Hey Lucas, you did something like that, didn’t
you? (less formal)

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Unit 4

Vocabulary for Unit 4

1. be on to something: (idiom) (adjective) to be moving in the right direction, usually
with ideas

I think you’re on to something if you can keep this direction!

2. bring it home: (idiom) (verb) to complete a thought or idea

I’ll  bring it home if I can. I know the topic’s complex, but I’m optimistic.

3. circle back: (idiom) (verb) to return to a previous idea

Maybe we can circle back to the previous topic at the end of the presentation.

4. kick off: (idiom) (verb) to start, usually informal

Everyone’s present and I think it’s time to kick off the meeting.

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 Discourse Markers for Informal Conversations

 How awesome!
 Congratulations!
 I’m really happy for you.
 I’m thrilled for you!
Reacting to Good News  That’s great news!
 I’m so happy to hear that.
 That’s fantastic/amazing/spectacular.
 What wonderful news!

 If there’s anything I can do, please let me

know.
 That must have been awful for you. 
 That’s awful/terrible!
 What a shame.
Reacting to Bad News  I heard about what happened.
 You poor thing.
 If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m
here.
 I’m so sorry to hear that.

 Did you?
 Really?
 Are you really?
Expressing Interest
 That’s interesting.
 Oh?

 No way!
 I can’t believe it!
Expressing Surprise  Oh my goodness!
 Oh, wow!

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 Useful Phrases for Leading During a Meeting

 Andre, would you like to begin?

 Pilar, would you like to kick off?
Starting the
 Shall we begin?
Meeting
 We’ll be getting started in just a moment.

 Jenny, can you tell us how the project is coming along?

Leading
 How does that affect your department, Rosa?
During the
 Let’s move on, shall we?
Meeting

 We don’t have time to go into that matter right now, but perhaps
Keeping we can revisit it at a later date.
Participants  I know this is interesting, but let’s keep to the point, please.
on Topic  Let’s not get distracted.

 I’d like to say a few words on that topic.

Contributing  Yes, I think I can contribute to this point.
When You  My expertise in this area might help clarify the situation.
Are Not the  Perhaps I could say something here.
Leader  I wonder if I could answer that question.

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Unit 5

Vocabulary for Unit 5

1. chance it: (idiom) (verb) to risk something

I hope you’re not going to chance it. Your career is in danger if you’re not patient.

2. fat chance: (idiom) (noun) little to no possibility of something happening (usually

negative)

It’s a fat chance he’ll pass the exam. He didn’t study at all.

3. slim chance: (noun) little to no possibility of something happening (usually positive)

There’s a slim chance it might happen, but it’s not too possible.

4. Highly: (adverb) to a high degree

Einstein was a highly educated scientist.

5. Likely: (a). (adjective) probable

It will be a likely option, because the other ones are terrible.

(b). (adverb) probably (This use is less common)

We’ll likely go out with the new employee after work.

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 Going To Will

Positive: be going to + base verb

will + base verb
Negative: be + not going to + base verb
will not (won’t) + base verb
Question: be + subject + going to + base
will + subject + base verb ...?
verb ...?

 Sudden or spontaneous decisions

Uses: (including offers to do something
for someone)
 Future plans that are certain or  Facts about the future
almost certain  Promises and threats
 Predictions based on current  Future intentions that have not yet
observations been made into a plan (usually
with I hope or I think)

Examples:
 Was that the door? I’ll get it.
 They’re going to drive to the beach
 The president will serve for 4 years.
this weekend.
 I think Nikki will finish the report
 The sky is dark—I think it’s going to
this week.
rain later.
 I won’t ever forgive you for this.
 We are not planning to leave soon.
 Will you have time to look at this?
 Where are they going to buy their
car?

Reminder: You can also use the simple present and present continuous to express the
future:

 The bus leaves in 5 minutes (scheduled event)

 We are meeting our friends for tapas after work. (planned actions in the near
future)

Future Continuous Tense

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 will/be going to + be + verb-ing (action verbs only)

Use Examples

Actions that will be happening over I’m going to be studying all weekend.

an extended time in the future When she gets here, Dave will be waiting with
(usually with a time clause) the surprise.

This party is going to be great! People will be

Describing a future atmosphere dancing;everyone is going to be laughing and
enjoying themselves.

He is going to be practicing the violin and

Parallel actions in the future
she is going to be reading.

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Unit 6

Vocabulary for Unit 6

1. Aggravated: (adjective) annoyed or angry

He was extremely aggravated with what just happened because it was unexpected.

2. Disgruntled: (adjective) dissatisfied, unhappy

I’m disappointed in myself, because I’ve been stressed and disgruntled  lately.

3. Disposition: (noun) personality or characteristics of a person

She has an amazing personality, and I adore that disposition.

4. Empowered: (adjective / past participle) feeling strong and confident

Jane was feeling empowered after winning the debate competition.

5. Overcome: (adjective / past participle) overpowered by an emotion (often used with

with)

I was overcome with happiness when I saw my girlfriend.

6. Proud: (adjective) deep pleasure or satisfaction because of your achievements

Hardworking people should be proud of themselves at the end of the day.

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 Plans and intentions (in order from most certain to least):

I plan to + base verb We plan to get married next fall.

I’m planning on + gerund I’m planning on having supper ready by 6.

I hope to have the new system ready to launch by the

I hope to + base verb
end of the month.

I’m thinking I’m thinking about moving somewhere closer to work,

about/of + gerund to save time on my commute.

I would like to + base verb I would like to visit Italy someday.

Hopes and positive expectations/predictions:

I hope (that) + subject + verb I hope it doesn’t rain – I forgot my umbrella!

I’m looking forward I’m looking forward to having the day off tomorrow.
to + gerund/noun I’m looking forward to the party.

I can’t wait to + base verb I can’t wait to drive my new car!

I can’t wait for + noun I can’t wait for the party!

I’m excited I’m excited about my new role in the company.

about + noun/gerund I’m excited about moving to our new house!

I’m excited to + base verb I’m excited to be here representing my company.

Positive emotions or attitudes

to be/get pumped: To be/get extremely excited.

After finishing all the pending work, Tina was finally able to  get pumped  for the
concert

to be dying to do something: To want to do something badly.

Marco  is dying  to  try that new restaurant.

on pins and needles: Feeling anxious or excited.

The fans were waiting  on pins and needles  for the show to start.

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 Negative emotions or attitudes

to hit the roof: To become very angry.

Sue’s parents are going to  hit the roof  when they hear that she’s failing her classes.

to be shaking like a leaf: To be very scared or nervous.

The puppy  was  shaking like a leaf  when we found him hiding under the car.

to kick oneself (for…): To regret (not) doing something.

Harry was  kicking himself for  not taking the job offer.

[my] heart sank (when…): An expression of worry or sadness.

When I heard the news about the bombing,  my heart sank.

to be floored/to floor: To be extremely surprised.

The proposal for the new building  floored me. It was beautiful!

to be cheesed off: To be very irritated.

The way the new boss is acting is really  cheesing me off!

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Unit 7

Vocabulary for Unit 7

1. Reassure: (verb) to tell someone strongly that something is true/will happen

I can  reassure you, the situation is under control.

2. Rebut: (verb) to deny or give evidence to the contrary

The police found evidence that rebuted their initial information.

3. Rumor: (noun) a story passed from person to person, with no proof of truth

People ought to be critical about rumors because they don’t tell the complete story.

4. spread rumors: (verb) to tell a rumor or gossip to someone else

I found the guy who spread rumors about you. He’ll remember not to do that
again…

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 Reported Speech Form:
Pronoun + Reporting Verb + Original Statement 
(with changed pronouns and verb tenses)

Original Reported

Present simple Past simple

Mark: "I work hard." He said (that) he worked hard.

Present continuous Past continuous

Gilbert: "She is playing the piano." He said (that) she was playing the piano.

Past perfect
Present perfect
She said (that) she had visited Rome three
Linda: "I have visited Rome three times."
times.

Simple past Past perfect

Amy: "Frank bought a new car." She said (that) Frank had bought a new car.

Past Perfect Continuous

Past Continuous
He said (that) Violet had been driving for 3
Luke: "Violet was driving for 3 hours yesterday."
hours yesterday.

Modal Verbs:
Will ➔ Would
Can ➔ Could
May ➔ Might
Must[obligation] ➔ Had to
She said (that) she would come if she could, but (that)
Theresa: "I will come if I can, but I may be too busy."
she might be too busy.
Other modal verbs (might, could, should, would, must[deduction]) do not change.

Pay attention to pronouns. They should change to reflect the person being referenced.
(“I’m really tired.” ➔ She said that she was really tired.)

Told + object pronoun (me, you, her, him, them, us) can be used in place of said

It is sometimes permissible to report speech in the same tense that it was originally stated, if the
information is still true now. In this case we often use the reporting verb in present tense:  My
husband often  tells me I’m the best thing that ever happened to him.

Form Examples

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 Original Question: Where is the train?
Reported Question: He asked me where
the train was.

Original Question: What is for breakfast?  

Information Questions Reported Question: He asked what was for
breakfast.
He/she/they asked + original
question (in statement form, with tense Original Question: Where did Tilly go? 
change) Reported Question:  She asked where Tilly
had gone. 

Original Question:  Who has visited Spain? 

Reported Question:  The teacher asked
who had visited Spain.

Original Question: Did Patri learn French?

Reported Question: They asked if Patri had
learned French.

Original Question:  Is Maria coming to the

Yes/No Questions party?
Reported Question:  Bonnie wanted to
He/she/they asked + whether/if + know whether Maria was coming to the
original question (in statement form, with party or not.
tense change) + (or not)
Original Question:  Was Gina running
yesterday?
Reported Question:  He asked if Gina had
been running yesterday.

Like statements, questions can sometimes be reported without a tense change.

Original Question:  Is the door locked?
Reported Question:  She wants to know if the door is locked.

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Unit 8

Vocabulary for Unit 8

1. be bored to tears: (idiom) (verb) to be extremely bored

Even though I loved university, I was bored to tears after some classes.

2. Egregious: (adjective) extremely bad

The way he talks to people is egregious and insulting.

3. flip-flop: (idiom) (verb) to change opinions on a topic often

Nobody likes politicians who flip-flop on important topics when they think it will
make them more popular.

4. Viable: (adjective) practical and workable

It’s a viable option if we can make a decent plan.

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 Expressing Indifference

 I have no preference.
 I suppose so.
 I don’t mind.
 It doesn't matter to me.
 Whatever you prefer.
 It’s your decision.
 Both options sound viable.
 It makes no difference to me.
 So what? (Informal)
 Who cares? (informal)
 I don’t care. (informal)
 It’s all the same to me. (informal)

Excusing Yourself from a Conversation

 Did you see the restroom anywhere?

 I need to go check in with my team.
 It has been a pleasure chatting.
 I think I left my phone/computer/keys in the other
room.
 It has been great catching up with you!
 I don’t want to monopolize your time.
 I need another glass of water. Did you want
anything?
 Excuse me.

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Strategies Examples

25
 People normally get annoyed if you cut in line.
Tom always arrives at work late.
Generally, our company is one of the best to work for.
She has rarely complained about having to work late.
Add an adverb of They are almost never away from their children. 
frequency
Other adverbs to use: almost always, usually, often, occasionally,
once in a while, seldom, hardly ever
Note: Adverbs are placed after “be” and between
an auxiliary and main verb

The vast majority of our revenue comes from advertising.

A fairly small number of employees were dissatisfied with the
company.
So many people asked for a change that our company had to
Give a general acknowledge them.
number rather than Hundreds of students took to the street to protest the rise in
an exact one tuition.

Other examples: a huge/vast amount of, very many/much, a very

large number of, a considerable/reasonable/sizeable amount,
most, a minority, a limited number, hardly any

It’s generally true that people do not like to be lied to.

When possible, our company likes to reward good behavior.
Ravioli can be one of my favorite foods, but it depends on who
Add a condition to
makes it. 
the sentence

Other phrases: it’s often the case that, only if/when/where,

providing/provided, depending on, as long as, in most cases

There is a good possibility that we will hire more people next

week.
There’s a strong chance that our team is going to win the
Add adjectives
championships!
It seems that there’s only a slight indication that we are better
than the competitor.

Add exceptions With the exception of the east coast, they are considered a
conservative country.
Except for a few outliers, everyone agreed that they needed
clearer information. 

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Other phrases: all but, unless, but you can make an exception if,
excepting

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