ENGLISH NOTES

Grammar
Complex language

1. Inversions
2. Cleft sentences
3. Present/past participle
4. Passives
5. Complex conditionals
6. Gradable/extreme adj. with their adverbs

1.Inversions
This is when we have the auxiliary verb switch with the subject, which can be in questions
but also in sentences or statements, normally in negatives, but not necessarily.
E.g. Not only do I feel it will be beneficial but I also believe that…

2. Cleft sentences
This is used to add emphasis to the important point. Brings the important part of a sentence
from the last part to the beginning of the sentences to add emphasis.
E.g. It is the balance between culture and fitness which the city must strike.

3. Present/ past participle causes

This adds a formality to the sentences.
E.g. Given that most people believe…

4.Passives
Also adds a formality, especially if it is an impersonal passive.
E.g. It is widely believed that…

5. Complex conditionals
Are also more formal. You substitute “if phrase” for another word.
E.g. Should the local authorities give more funding, more students will…(should=if)
- (If) Were I to choose one facility…

6. Gradable/extreme adj. with their adverbs

E.g. Absolutely outstanding

Inversions

Is where the auxiliary verb and the subject are switched. (aux verb: to be, have, can, need,
may, might, must, should, shall, would…)
Function: Emphasises a specific part of a sentence and adds sophistication to the structure,
It makes our sentence sound surprising or striking or unusual. It also sounds quite formal.

Form:
- Inversion Phrase + aux verb + subject + verb
- Usually at the beginning of the sentence:
+ Seldom have I seen such beautiful work (means: I haven't seen such beautiful
work very often)
- It can also occur in the second clause:
-Only after Paul explained inversion did I understand it.

Never, rarely, seldom

Use:
*To express how unique a given situation is. These time expressions are often used wit a
perfect form and may include comparatives:
- Never have I been more insulted!
- Seldom has he seen anything stranger.
- Rarely has someone been so wrong as you.

Hardly, barely, no sooner, scarcely

*When there are a succession of events in the past. The use of this form of inversion
focuses on how quickly something happened after something else had been completed
- Scarcely had I got out of bed when the doorbell rang.
- No sooner had he finished dinner, when she walked in the door.
- Barely had I walked in the door, when my dog came rushing to greet me.

Only after, only when, only then…

*This form shows how important something in understanding the situation clearly is:
- Only then did I understand the problem
- Only after understanding the situation does the teacher make a comment
- Only when you explained the joke did I get it

After “Little”
*“Little” is used in a negative sense in inversions to stress that something has not been
understood or done completely:
- Little did he understand the situation
- Little have I read concerning nanotechnology
- Little was I aware that she was in town

After “So”, “Such”

Form (So)
*So + adjective… that combines with the verb to be:
- So strange was the situation that I couldn't sleep.
- So difficult is the test that students need three months to prepare.
- So expensive was the ticket that we couldn't attend the show.
Form (Such)
*Such + to be +noun… (that): → poetic in written language
 - Such is the moment that all greats traverse?
- Such is the stuff of dreams
- Such are the days of our lives

Cleft Sentences

A sentence divided into two parts. We use this in writing to emphasise something. So we can
bring the important part from the sentences from the end to the beginning using very specific
expressions.
Some forms:
The reason why I enjoy studying is that I can travel anywhere.
The thing that I can't stand about my town is the weather in summer.
The persone/people who I admire the most is my grandmother.
The place where I would most like to visit is Australia.
The day when I turned 10 was the most memorable birthday for me
What-clause…
- What I enjoy most about studying English are phrasal verbs
- What I need now is more practice with my speaking

What + do/does/did emphasises a whole sentence

1a The police interviewed all the witnesses first
1b What the police did first was (to) interview all the witnesses
Exercise
2a She walks 12 km everyday
2b What she does is (to) walk 12 km everyday OOO
Use “All” to focus on something specific
1a I only want to understand cleft sentences
1b All I want is to understand cleft sentences
Exercise
1a The only thing I want for Christmas is you
1b All I want for Christmas is you OOO

We can use a preparatory “It” ussualli in phrases with “that”, “who” or “when”

1a My brother tends to eat a lot of chocolate.

1b It is my brother who tends to eat a lot of chocolate
Ex.
2a I took the exam last Saturday.
2b It was last Saturday when I took the exam.

Conditionals

Refreshing
If you put ice in the sun, it melts → Certain fact, zero conditional
If+ present simple, present simple
If it rains, I will take an umbrella→ Probable, first conditional
If+present simple, will + infinitive

If I won the lottery, I would buy a sports car→ Possible second conditional
If+ past simple, would+infinitive

If I had set my alarm clock, I wouldn't have been late → Impossible,third conditional
If + past perfect, would (not) have+ past participle

Inverted Conditionals:
If it rains, I will take an umbrella → Should
Should it rain, I will take an umbrella (with modal goes infinitive)

If I won the lottery, I would buy a sports car

Were I to win the lottery, I would buy a sports car
1. Replace “if” with “was/were”
2. Change the verb to the infinitive form (with “to”)

If I had set my alarm clock, I wouldn't have been late

Had I set my alarm clock, I wouldn't have been late
1. Delete “if”
2. Invert the subject and auxiliary verb

Exercise C or Incorrect
Hat it been sunny, I will go to the park → X …, I would have gone to the park
Were I taller, I would be a good basketball player
Should I will see my friends, I am very happy X → Should I see my friends, I will be very
happy
Should I finish the report early, my boss will be happy OOO
I would pass the exam were I to study more OOO
If I had practised more, I feel more confident in English X→ …. I would have felt more
confident…

Infinitive / Gerund

I look forward to hearing from you soon

I intend to pass my exam
I will continue to use the E-learning resources
I will continue using the E-learning resources → Same meaning
I remembered to do the exams on Moodle
I remember finishing the exam feeling happy → You remember some particular action

Verbs + gerund: Look forward to, detest, worth, consider…

Verbs + infinitive: Intend, refuse, dare, pretend…
Verbs + both ( No change of meaning): continue, begin, start
Verbs + both (Change in the meaning): remember, forget, stop, try, go on, regret

Exercise:
If I were you, I would consider taking this course OOO
Stop pretending to study! OOO
I expect doing very well on the exam. X to do*
You should continue studying (to study also) English after this course OOO
I regret to tell you you have not been chosen for the job. OOO (here means I am sorry)
I regret telling him his hair looks like OOO (means he regrets the action)

If you can´t get through, try sending him a message. →This means one option among
various possibilities.
You should try to do practice exams before the big day. →This means making the effort to
do something.
I wish you would stop whistling! It's annoying! → want the action to stop
I stopped to look at the cool boots in the shop window. → stop to do something or for
something

Passives

The subject doesn’t execute the action, it receives it

Be + Past participle

E.g.: - He was born in Spain., It was made in Spain.

The passive is usually used in formal writing. → Passive: is usually used: be + past participle
It is said it focuses on the action and not the person. →Passive: Impersonal passive
It is used in academic writing and business reports. →Passive: is used: be + past participle
The passive gets used in new stories. →Passive: gets used, Causative have or get
The passive has been used in the last 3 sentences. → Passive: be + present perfect

Modal verb: (can, could, should, might, may, must, have to)

This photo must have been taken in London → Modal verb + have been + past participle

Think examples:
“This film may have been filmed in Spain.”
“The grass must have been cut by the gardener.”
“This book must have been written by Scott Fitzgerald”

Causative:

We had our house painted by a local artist. → Have/get something + past participle

Think examples:
“I had my car fixed last year.”
“I always have my hair cut by a friend.”
“ They get their food sent by uber eats.”

Impersonal:

It is believed that Andalucia is in the south of Spain. → It is + reporting verb + that

Andalucia is believed to be in the south of Spain. → Subject + be reporting verb + infinitive

Reporting verbs: (used in past participle)

- Believe
- Claim
- Think
- Say
- Report

Think examples:
- “It is widely believed that…”
- “Americans are said to be bad at geography.”
- “He is believed to be one of the best players all over the world.”
- “Captain Hook’s treasure was believed to be lost at sea. “
Exercises:
He was born in Malaga. → be + p.participle
I had to Have/get my car serviced before the MOT. → Causative
It is thought the politician stole the money. → Impersonal
The pickpocket was caught red-handed. → be + p.participle
My sister is having/getting her hair cut at the moment. → Causative
She is believed to have escaped to South America. → Impersonal
The best olive oil is made in Spain. → be + p.participle

Reported Speech (“Indirect speech”)

Albert Einstein: “ A true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”

R.S.: Albert Einstein said (that) a true sign of intelligence was not knowledge but
imagination.

Changes in Reported Speech: Person, Verb Tense, Time, Place

Verb Tense: (Always one step back)

Direct Speech Reported Speech

Present Simple/ Continuous Past Simple/ Continuous

Past Simple/ Continuous Past Perfect Simple/ Continuous

 Present Perfect Simple/ Continuous Past Perfect Simple/ Continuous

Will / Can Would / Could

Must / Have to Had to

Time:

Direct Speech Reported Speech

Today That day

now Then / at the moment

yesterday The day before/ the previous day

Last week/month/year The (previous) week/m./y. (before)

tomorrow The next / following day

Place:

D. Speech Reported Speech

Here There

This That

These Those

Tonight That night

Ago Previously

Reporting Questions with who / what / which

E.g.
Pepe: ‘ Who’s the best player here?’ = Pepe asked who the best player was. / Pepe asked
who was the best player there.
María: ‘ Where did you go?’ = María asked where I had gone.

My examples:
What will be your ideal job?
She asked me what my ideal job would be.
What is your favourite colour?
She asked me what my favourite colour was.

Reporting Modal verbs

Pepe: ‘It would be great if you could go’ = Pepe said it would be great if we could go.
Pepe said It would have been great if we had gone XXX

María: ‘We shall/should be happy to go.’ = María said they would be happy to go.
Shall/should → Would
María said they should be happy to go XXX

Examples:
Laura: “We may come to the party” = Laura said they may come to the party.

Reporting verbs

1. Verb + infinitive: Agree, claim, decide, offer, promise, refuse, threaten.

E. g. : He agreed to go, I decided to fight,

2. Verb + object + infinitive: advise, beg, encourage, invite, order, permit, remind, warn,
persuade, tell.
E. g. : He reminded me to watch masterclass videos, I beg you to reconsider my offer.

3. Verb (+ that) + clause: accept, admit, claim, doubt, explain, promise, recommend,
say, suggest
E.g.: Prepositions: He admitted that he hadn’t watched the masterclass video yet, He
claimed that he hadn’t done it,

4. Verb + object + clause: promise, remind, warn, tell

E.g.: He warned me that I needed to watch masterclass videos. She told him to shut up.

5. Verb + ing: admit, suggest, deny, recommend, regret

E.g. I suggest watching masterclass videos. I regret telling him.

6. Verb + preposition + -ing: apologise for, insist on, object to

E.g.: He apologised for not doing his homework. I insist on changing the exam’s date.

7. Verb + object + preposition + -ing: accuse sb of, blame sb for, congratulate sb on,
discourage sb from, forgive sb for
E.g. I congratulate you on watching this video. I blame him for killing the frog.

Exercise
Pepe to María ‘You should watch Paul’s Masterclass videos!’ = Pepe advised María to watch
Paul´s M. videos.
María: ‘ Why don’t we go to the cinema?’= María suggested going to the cinema. OOO
Pepe: ‘ I’ll tell the teacher if you don’t do your homework’ = Pepe threatened to tell the
teacher if she didn’t do her homework. Regulera

Paul told us about the rules of reported speech. OOO

Maria said (X) told (O) us what she had done last weekend.
Pepe reminded María to watch the Masterclass videos. OOO
Einstein claimed having a vivid imagination. X E. claimed to have a vivid imagination.
The teacher told to us what we have to do. X The teacher told us what we have to do.
Pepe asked where the football stadium was. OOO

Negative Prefixes

Most common:
Un-
Unforgettable
Unlimited
Unnecessary
Unpolluted
Im- (words that start with p or m)
Impossible
Impractical
Immature
Imperfect
In-
Inadequate
Inexpensive
Insecure
Intolerable
Dis- :
Discourage
Disorganised
Dissatisfied
Disobedient
Mis-
Misunderstand
Mislead
Misinterpretation
Misrepresent
Non-
Non-conformist
Nonn-ative
Non-existent
Non-essential

Irregular pairings:

Unlikeable / dislike,
Una persona es unlikeable, por qué no cae bien y dislike es que no te gustan por ejemplo
las coles de bruselas.

Unstable / instability
Unsatisfactory / dissatisfaction / dissatisfied

Confusing:

Uninterested / disinterested,
El primero significa que algo no te interesa, como por ejemplo el fútbol.
El segundo significa desinteresado en el sentido de que no apoya o no le interesa ni un
bando ni otro, por así decirlo imparcial o que no busca el beneficio propio ni de uno de los
dos bandos

Exercises:

The school’s staff room is inadequate and needs to be improved

I am contacting you to express my dissatisfaction with your service.
This masterclass has been unforgettable, thank you!

Prepositions

Accuse someone of something, e.g. He accused me of stealing his pen

Apologies for, e.g.: He apologised for accusing me.
Ashamed of, e.g.: He was ashamed of his reaction
In Agreement with/that smne or smthng: e.g.: We were both in agreement that he needs,,,
Attitude towards, e.g.: He said he would change his attitude towards other pens.
Aware of: e.g.: He was aware of his dependence on this one pen
Believe in someone something: e.g. I believe in your ability to pass the exam
Belong to; e.g.: Soon the C1 certificate will belong to you
Blame for someone or something: e.g.: He could only blame himself for not passing.
Boast about someone or something; e.g.: She boasted about her wonderful exam mark
Borrow something from somebody: e.g.: He borrowed the Advanced book from her.
On Behalf of: e.g.: On behalf of the school I would like to congratulate you.
Crazy about: I am crazy about English prepositions
Concentrate on: You need to concentrate on prepositions in English!
Congratulate someone on (also for): I’ll congratulate you on passing the exam soon
Consent to: She consented to them using her email address.
Conform to: (cumplir con o ajustarse a) He conformed to society for the sake of his family
Call for: (pedir, solicitar) There is a call for more practise on prepositions

At a glance: (de un vistazo, a simple vista, al instant)

At all costs: You will do anything to do something
At large: En libertad (society at large means in general)

By design: You do something on purpose

By no means: It is absolutely no way that I intend this (no pretendía esto)
By now: Before this moment maybe something should had happened
For a time: For a period or a short time
For fear of: You are worried about something happening
For the time being: At the moment

In a flash: Do something very quickly

In awe of: You think something is fantastic (asombrado por)
In flower: En flor, las plantas en primavera

Out of order: Not working

Out of work: Unemployed
Out of date: Shouldn’t eat it

On edge: Nervous about something (tenso)

On leave: On holiday in a military context
On balance: In summary (En general, es como haciendo un balance)

Exercises
She planned to get the job at all costs.
I’m sorry but by no means did I intend to offend you.
I plan to stay in this city for the time being.
He is a brilliant footballer. I’m in awe of how he controls the ball.
Due to the economic crisis many people are out of work nowadays.
She’s tired, nervous and stressed. She’s really on edge.

Speaking
Exam
1. How many parts are there? 4 parts
2. How long is the exam? 15 min (2ppl)
3. How soon before the exam should you arrive? Half and hour
4. What should you do while you are waiting with your partner? Talk with ur partner in
english
5. How many candidates and examiners could there be in the room? 2, one
questioning and one taking notes
6. What criteria do the examiners use?
- Grammar & Vocabulary- control & range
- Discourse - Coherence, cohesion & extension
- Pronunciation- intonation, stress, individual sounds
- Interaction - Initiating, responding & development
P1: Personal questions to individual candidates
P2: Compare 2 photos
P3: Debate a topic with your partner
P4: Continue talking on the same topic with the examiner and your partner
Consonant clusters*

Getting time to think:

Discourse markers:
- Oh, thats a good question
- Now, I’ve never really thought about that…
- To be honest…
- I kind of…
- I think…
- Erm…
Rephrasing:
- Repeat the question or part of the question
- Rephrase (e.g. A different mindset, a different way of think’
Intonation
Proves that you are good in this field and that you can use it for expression
Clarifying:
- So, what you want me to tell you is..
- So, just to make sure to have it clear, you’re asking me about…

Agreeing & Disagreeing

Agreeing:
- I see what you mean
- You’re so right!
- Definitely. And what’s more…
- We see eye to eye
- I take your point
- I couldn’t agree with you more
- That’s exactly how I feel
- You have a point there
- I was just going to say that
- You are absolutely right
- Spot on

Partially agree:
- I’m not so sure
- Well, that’s true up to a point
- I think you’re partially right
- I’m not so sure
- Well, yes and no

Disagreeing:
- Personally I can’t go along with that
- I can’t see how that can be the case
- Do you really think that’s true?
 - We don’t see eye to eye
- I take your point but
- I tend to disagree with you there
- I beg to differ
- That’s not always the case
- I tend to see it in a different way I’m afraid

Writing

Article:
In an article you have to use the title given.
It should have interesting language and information.
You can use questions to involve your reader.
You should express your personal opinion.
It should be between formal and informal
The conclusion should be a summary and leave the reader thinking.

Example:
An International travel magazine is running a series of articles on alternatives to travelling by
plane. The magazine has invited readers to send articles briefly describing a memorable
long-distance train or bus journey they have made.
The article should explain the advantages of travelling a long distance by train or bus and
consider whether in general travelling to your destination more slowly may result in a more
satisfying travel experience.
Useful phrases:
Agreeing partially:
- To (an) (certain) / (some) extent…
- In some cases
- Up to a point…
- While it can not be denied that…
- While it is true that
Explaining/ qualifying
- There is a tendency to…
- A large number of the times…
- Usually, they are inclined to…
- Generally speaking…
- Things appear to be…
- In a large number of cases…
Purpose:
- Therefore…
- With this object in…
- View/ mind…
 - To this end…
- For this purpose…
Summary/ Example / Repetition:
- In brief…
- On the whole…
- Overall…
- In short…
- In other words…
- To be sure…
- For instance…
- In fact…
- In any event…

Formal letter

Types: Letter of complaint, letter of application, Letter in response to article

Directed to:
- Editor of a newspaper or magazine
- To the director of a company
- To a school or college principal

Complaint letter:
- A letter of complaint should express annoyance.
- A letter of complaint is very formal.
- You should ask for a specific outcome or solution.
- You should use the passive & inversions but not contractions.
- How you begin & end the letter can change.
- No phrasal verbs
Example:
Useful phrases:
I feel compelled to write to you in order to…
Such a terrible experience was had while… (inversion)

Informal letter
An informal letter means you know the person
It should be friendly and include a range of language.
Don't use the passive a lot.
You should use phrasal verbs and idioms
You should underline the main points in the question
It is a good idea to include a personal anecdote.

Example:
It is very important to recognise this things, use suggestions!

Informal expressions:
- Subject + verb (they admitted that)
- Active voice
 - Question words (how, we)
- Concrete nouns (profit)
-
Formal expressions:
- Noun phrases ( e.g. the admission that…)
- Passive voice
- Sophisticated verbs ( to determine)
- Abstract nouns (profitability)
- Noun phrases (the method by which…)

Useful phrases
- Hit the nail on the head (has dado justo en el clavo)
- Out-of-the-way gems
- Off the beaten track
- Little nooks and crannies

Writing proposal

Differences between a report and a proposal

A report is focused on current situations and there is more space dedicated to describing
whereas in a proposal is about a future action plan and there is more space dedicated to
recommending.

The aim of a proposal is to give detailed recommendations.

A proposal is very formal with a fixed structure.
Don’t give your opinion and try to be as objective as possible. Opinion at the end.
You should use the passive & inversions but not contractions.
Your answer to the question should be in the conclusion.
You shouldn’t use a lot of phrasal verbs.

Example:
Using intended, conducted, encounter instead of found, aid instead of help, cited instead of
said.

Useful phrases:
Useful language:
Starting the purpose of the proposal:
- The principal aims/objectives of this proposal are to…
- This proposal is intended to…
- In this proposal I describe/evaluate/ present/assess…
Background information:
- Comments made at the end of the questionnaires suggest…
- Following a survey among families of young children…
- Concerned members of the local community were invited to attend…
- A number of concerns with regard to the most recent street party were expressed by
locals…
Making recommendations and suggestions:
- A working group should be set up by…
- There should be an enquiry into…
- I recommend that a larger survey should be conducted before a final decision is
reached…
Final recommendations:
- The results of the survey/questionnaires suggest that the introduction of heavier fines
would seem to be the best option/ choice/ solution.
- If these recommendations are implemented the situation is bound to improve.
- Unless these suggestions are implemented, it is unlikely that there will be any
improvement in the short term.

Report

The aim of the report is to give specific detailed information. Details and facts.
A report is very formal with a fixed structure.
You should describe at the beginning the intention of the report and give your opinion at the
end.
You should use the passive & inversion but no contractions.
Your answer to the question should be in the conclusion.
You shouldn’t use phrasal verbs because they are informal.

Format:
- Introduction
- Functions of a report
- Style and register
- Layout
- Conclusion
Example:
Useful phrases

- The aim of this report is to… (intro)

- I can highly recommend that…(conclusion)
- Passives: is usually written, it is commonly held that…
- Past participle beginning the sentence: GIven that…
- Inversion: not only should reports be written clearly but…

Review

A review helps the reader to decide whether to read a book/ watch a play or film etc.
It must use specific descriptive language.
It should be written in a formal or semiformal style.
Do not use too many details.
Your answer to the question should be at the end.
You should include facts and details about the thing.

Example:
Useful phrases
- …but only one of them is right
- …has many merits but…
- …rave reviews…
- …never fails to please the critics and audiences.
- I fear the film would…
- …had me on the edge of my seat
- ….tremendous suspense…
- …a good dose of…
- …sit back, relax and forget about…
- … this is definitely the film for…

Specific vocabulary:
- Audience
- Cast
- It stars
- Director
- Portraying
- Character
Connectors:

Time sequencers:
- Eventually
- Finally
- No sooner…than
- Scarcely…when
- At first
- After a while

Lists:
- Firstly
- Secondly…
- First of all
- Then
- Finally
- Lastly

Adding / Emphasising:
- On top of that
- Seldom
- Moreover (furthermore)
- Rarely
- Not only… but also
- To make matters worse

Reasons & results:

- Owing to…-
- Consequently
- Since
- Owing to
- In view of the fact that
- Given the fact that

Contrast:
- Nevertheless…
- Even so
- However…
- While
- Whereas

Examples

English is complicated. Nevertheless it is a common language.

English is widely spoken. Consequently it is a good language to learn if you wish to travel
abroad.
As a matter of fact almost 980 million people speak English as their second language.

Punctuation

Commas, questions marks, apostrophes, hyphens and quotation marks (“”)

Commas:
What I like best, is the sense of atmosphere. XXX
What I like best is the sense of atmosphere. OOO

The man in the corner, who is from France, is an actor. OOO

The man in the corner who is from France is an actor. XXX

I’d love to do many things in life such as, plant a tree.XXX

I’d love to do many things in life such as plant a tree. OOO

Question marks:
How many exams should be given to students each year? OOO

I wanted to ask whether you think I’m ready for the exam. OOO

Apostrophes:
The school’s English teacher has won a prize.
The students’ bags were left in the classroom. (implies there where more than 1 student)
The student’s bags were left in the classroom. (implies that one particular student left several
bags)

Fish and chips are a traditional English meal.

Hyphens
A forty-six-year-old teacher helped me learn English. OOO

They had a two-week holiday. This is like an adjective.

Quotation marks (“”)

“This is the new reality”, said Peter.

Writing tips

Think about the following questions:

 1. Where do you take the exam?
2. How many parts are there in the writing section? P1. essay (discussion), P2 letter
(formal or informal), proposal, report, review
3. What is the maximum and minimum word count? 220-260 words
4. What is the overall pass mark?
5. How long is the exam? → 1 hour 30 mins
6. What might you have to write?
7. What criteria do the examiners use to correct the writing? Content, communicative
achievement, organisation, language

Writing good essay:

- You should use quite formal language
- You should not use contractions
- Essays have 4 paragraphs at least.
- Each paragraphs expresses a separate idea
- Use linkers
- You should try to use complex phrases like second conditional, “ the more… the
more…”
- There should be a conclusion at the end giving your balanced opinion
Essay layout:
1. General introduction to the question
2. Point 1
3. P. 2
4. P. 3
5. After the discussion, your balanced opinion.
Vocabulary
General

Differ: to disagree, beg to differ with:, I beg to differ with you on that point
Extended: long or longer than usual: They're going on an extended holiday to Australia.
Fair-weather friend: someone who is a good friend when it is easy to be one and who
stops being one when you are having problems
Quarrel: an angry disagreement between two or more people or groups: They had a
bitter quarrel about/over some money three years ago and they haven't spoken to each
other since.
Bitter: amargo
Sheltered: protected from wind, rain, or other bad weather: We found a sheltered spot to
have our picnic
Seldom: rara vez
Get up and go: the quality of being positive and having a lot of new ideas,
determination, and energy: This job needs someone with a lot of get-up-and-go.
Strained: If a relationship is strained, problems are spoiling it: Relations between the
two countries have become strained (= difficult) recently (Tenso)
Spoil: (arruinar) to destroy or reduce the pleasure, interest, or beauty of something:
Drift apart: If two people drift apart, they gradually become less friendly and their
relationship ends.
Fall out with (someone): To have one's relationship with someone completely
diminished, typically due to an argument or unpleasant incident: Apparently, Gina fell
out with Dave last week, and now they're not talking to each other at all
Hit it off with (someone): to be friendly with each other immediately: We had similar ideas
about the show, and the two of us hit it off right away.
Keep someone at arm's length: to not allow someone to become too friendly with you:
I always had the feeling she was keeping me at arm's length.
On the same wavelength: thinking in the same way as someone else:Luckily, my
husband and I are on the same wavelength about how to raise our kids.
Put up with: to accept or continue to accept an unpleasant situation or experience,
or someone who behaves unpleasantly
Rub shoulders with (somebody): to meet and spend time with someone, especially
someone famous: She claims that she rubs shoulders with royalty all the time.
See eye to eye: If people see eye to eye they agree with each other: My sisters don’t
see eye to eye with me about the arrengements.
Set somebody up: to trick someone in order to make them do something, or in order
to make them seem guilty of something that they have not done
Take after somebody: to be similar to an older member of your family in appearance
or character: He takes after his mother/his mother's side of the family.
Take to someone or something: to start to like someone or something:
The two dogs took to each other immediately and started to play.
 - take to someone/something like a duck to water She's taken to basketball like
a duck to water (= she likes it and is good at it).
Take somebody in:
- Care for: to take care of someone and provide a place in your home for
them: Several families took in foreign students.
- Deceived: to cause someone to believe something that is not true, or to
trick or deceive someone (often passive): I can't believe she was taken in by
him.
Take something in: to understand completely the meaning or importance of
something: I had to read the letter twice before I could take it all in.
Boast about: to speak too proudly or happily about what you have done or what
you own: Parents enjoy boasting about their children's achievements.
Certainty: Certeza
Keen: interesado/ dispuesto
Whereas: mientras que
The train Chugged: el tren avanzaba
Carriage: vagón, carro, coche
In brief: en resumen, en breve
Abroad: en el extranjero
Compelled: obligado
Set off: partir (un de viaje o un barco que parte del puerto), salir

Vocabulary videos
There are free sports/sporting activities in my city.
Sport= noun, sports/sporting= adjective

The school is open even on local holidays.

Open= verb, Opened= adjective
There are a variety of activities to help you learn English.
Variety = noun, varied = adjective
Exercises
1. I’m keen on going to my local sport/sports centre.
2. The language school is open/opened now.
3. We offer a varied/ variety choice of learning options.
4. I like watching different sporting/sport events on TV.
5. Have you seen the new cinema wich opened/ open last week?
6. The menu has a varied/ variety of options for vegetarians.
Vocabulary - Crime

Caught Red-handed: Caught in the act (the ilegal)

Heading for: going in the direction of
Booty: botín, tesoro. The thing that you get from stealing.
Waxing lyrical: Boasting or talking loudly about something
Heist: Bank heist is when somebody robs a bank.
Hand him in: To inform the police that this person is a criminal or has done something
wrong.
Nab: Informal to catch someone.
Make a run for it: is try to run and escaped:
Set foot in: enter in to a place or building
Make off with: Escape
Top off: rematar, terminar, completar
Sign off: puede ser firmar pero también es despedirse en una carta

Exercise
- The bank robber will never set foot in a bank again.
- The politician tried to make off with government money.
- The thief was caught red-handed as he was taking the money.
- The pickpocket headed for the door but was stopped.
- The MP started to wax lyrical about all the money he had.
- His neighbour decided to hand him in for stealing plants.
- The mugger made a run for it when he was spotted.

Vocabulary Environment

Deforestation
Waste
Water pollution
Contamination
Air pollution
Greenhouse gas emissions

Phrasal verbs from the video: Some of them can have other meanings.
- Cut down: Cause to fall
- Wipe out: Cause to die on a large scale (aniquilar)
- Amounts to: adds up to (asciende a, equivale a)
- Used up: Consume everything (agotado o gastado)
 - Die out: Become extinct
- Step back: Move away from the problem
- Lead to: cause (causar o llevar a)
- Step up. Take action
- Crack down on: Introduce strong restrictions (normally the authorities) (reprimir o
tomar medidas contra)
- Coming up against: Be confronted with (toparse o enfrentarse a)
- Standing up for: Defend
- Chip in: Help/contribute money
- Hand out: Give something to people
- Drum up support: Try to increase support (conseguir o reunir apoyo)
- Get our message across: make people understand (transmitir nuestro mensaje)

Exercise.
Is it useful to hand out flyers in the street?
How can you drum up support for a good cause?
Do you think business owners should step up and take more responsibility?
What is the next thing governments should pass a law on and crack down on in your
opinion?
What would you miss most if it happened to die out?
If you decide not to help the planet, what do you think this amounts to?

Vocabulary Idioms

To pull some strings: use your influence to get something

Bury your head in the sand: You try to ignore what is happening
Be under someone’s thumb: Be controlled by someone
Smell a rat: Realise something is now honest
Let the cat out of the bag: to reveal specific information (you should´t have revealed)
“You let the cat out of the bag when you told her about her surprise party”
Turn a blind eye: Hacer la vista gorda, Pretend something is not happening

Word formation
Like (word types) (+/-) (singular/plural) (prefix/suffix)
I enjoy talking to Paul. He is such a likeable young man. Adjective
Some people liken him to Tom Cruise. verb
Personally, I can’t see any likeness between them. Noun
It is highly likely that those people need glasses. Adverb
He has a range of hobbies and his likes are varied. Positive/ plural
He dislikes eating snails. Negative/ plural

Verb

→ Verb suffixes:
- -en liken/frighten
- -ate appreciate/ celebrate
- -ify identify/ specify
- -ise/ize realise/ recognize

→ Verb Prefixes:
- Ad- adapt/ advance
- De- deceive/ describe
- Im-/in- increase/ inform
- Per- perform/ persuade
- Re- receive/ reproduce

Exercise:
Some people liken him to Tom Cruise
You need to specify what you want.
The painter was unable to reproduce the same work.

Adverb → -ly

-ly: late → Lately; some exceptions, truly, duly*, wholly*, fully

Y → i: happy → happily; “” Shy→ Shyly
-le: Able → Ably
-ic: Tragic → Tragically; “” Public → Publicly

Exercise:
He walked shyly onto the stage.
I have been reading a lot of fiction lately.
The long journey ended tragically.

Adjective
Noun +:
- -al original/ industrial
- -ic artistic/ energetic
- -ful careful/ hopeful
- -less useless/ hopeless
 - -ous dangerous/ famous
- -ly friendly/ costly
Verb +:

- -ive Active/ decisive

- -ing Amusing/ surprising
- -able Acceptable
- -ible Accessible

Exercise
She is very energetic and hardly ever rests.
I am hopeless at drawing!

Noun
Verb+:
- -ion Correction/ discussion
- -ment Argument/ payment
- -ance Performance
- -ence Preference
- -ing Feelings/ building

Adjective+:
- -ness Blindness/ illness
- -ant/-ent Distant
- -ty Certainty
- -ity Stupidity
xercise
The stupidity of some people is astounding.
That was a wonderful performance!
He will go in all certainty.

Leave taking (say goodbye)

Cheerio, See you soon, Bye for now, Best wishes, All the best, I must be going,
Yours faithfully, Must dash, Take care, A: See you later alligator, B: In a while crocodile
I had better be off, Yours sincerely, Ciao for now, Kind regards

Formal for writing:

- Yours faithfully (when you don’t know the name of the person you are writing,
- Yours sincerely (when you know the name of the person)
 - Kind regards
- Best wishes
Formal for speaking:
- I am afraid I must be going
- I had better be off
- Must dash
- See you soon