miércoles, 28 de diciembre de 2016

An essay providing solutions to problems

Essays providing solutions to problems are pieces of writing in which we present a problem and its causes, then discuss our suggestions as well as their expected results.

Introduction

First paragraph = we present the problem and its causes.

Main body

Second, third and fourth paragraphs = we write our suggestions and their expected results.

We write each suggestion and its results in separate paragraphs. We should link our ideas using appropiate linking words.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = we summarize our opinion.

Such essays are normally written in semi-formal or formal style, depending on who is going to read them and where it is going to bepublished. They are usually found in magazines, newspapers, etc.

To make our piece of writing more interesting to the reader, we can use certain techniques to start or end it such as:

  • addressing to reader directly: If you want to help the environment, there are lots of things that you can do.
  • using a quotation (a sentence/phrase from a book, a play, etc), don't forget to mention the name of the person who said/write it: ...as American anthropologist Margaret Mead said "We have nowhere else to go...this is all we have."
  • using a rhetorical question (a question that makes a statement rather than expecting an answer): Is it important to protect endangered species?

USEFUL VOCABULARY

To make suggestions:
It (would help if)/(be a good idea if)...;
A/Another useful suggestion would be to...;
The situation could be improved if/by...;
Steps/Measures should be taken in order to solve/deal with...

To present results and consequences:
In this way...;  This would...;  Then...;  If..., the result would be...;
The effect/consequence/result of...would be...



Example:

How can we make our planet a safer place for animals?

Is our planet a safe place for animals? Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like it. Thousands of species have become extinct and many more are now endangered. We need to do something fast before it is too late for them.

Firstly, measures need to be taken to protect our wildlife. The destruction of threatened animals' habitats should be illegal, with long prison sentences for people who break these laws. This would protect animals and the environments they live in.

Another solution is to promote education about endangered species. If people are aware of the problem, then they will buy fewer products made of materials such as ivory or fur.

Finally, we should create more national parks and conservation areas. This would allow animals to live and breed safely in their natural habitats. As a result, their numbers would increase and species would not die out.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make our world a better place for animals. We all need to do whatever we can. As Malcolm Bradbury said, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem".


jueves, 22 de diciembre de 2016

viernes, 16 de diciembre de 2016

Vocabulary (9) - Art and heritage

a landscape
a palette
a portrait
a sculpture
a still life
an easel
a watercolour
clay
a potter's wheel
classical beauty
Gothie architecture

viernes, 9 de diciembre de 2016

viernes, 2 de diciembre de 2016

Special uses of the past simple

You have previously seen how the past simple is used to talk about unreal situations:

    If we had more money, we could improve the facilities for young people in 
    the area.
    If only the government spent more money in local transport.
    I wish there was more interest in helping the homeless in this city.

Here are some other ways of talking about unreal, desired situations using the past simple.

It's (about/high) time...

    It's time you had a holiday.
    It's high time the politicians sttoped talking and started doing something.
    It's about time you grew up and started facing up to your responsibilities.

Would rather +  subject + past simple


    I'd rather you didn't smoke while I'm eating.
    I'd rather Kate didn't work in the evenings.
    I'd rather I didn't have to work in the evenings.

When would rather is not followed by a subject you do not use the past simple. Instead you use an infinitive.

    The government would rather spend the money on health care than 
    helping the elderly.
    I'd rather not work in the evenings.


jueves, 24 de noviembre de 2016

Vocabulary (8) - crime and punishment

to commit a crime or an offence
to be sought for questioning
to be arrested for fraud
to be accused of theft
to be convicted of theft
to be allerged to have stolen a diamond ring
to serve a sentence
to have a criminal record
scene of crime
(to) investigate a crime
(to) collect evidence
(to) take fingerprints
(to) look for clues
(to) arrest a suspect
(to) fight crime
(to) test someone for drink-driving
a policeman on patrol
commute a sentence
a defendant
an immate
a whole-life sentence
death penalty

viernes, 18 de noviembre de 2016

martes, 15 de noviembre de 2016

Idioms and fixed phrased

once in a blue moon ----------------------- rara vez
to have green fingers --------------------- ser bueno en algo
to be a bit green -------------------------- estar un poco verde
to tell somebody a little white lie ------ decir a alguien una mentira piadosa
to see something in black and white --- ver algo claro y simple

viernes, 11 de noviembre de 2016

miércoles, 2 de noviembre de 2016

A semi-formal transactional letter

Example: You are a teacher and you are are taking a group of students on a skiing trip to France. You have made a preliminary booking at the hotel and now the assistant manager has contacted you for more details. Read part of the letter and the notes you have made, then write a letter answering her questions.

First of all, you have booked from the 16th to the 30th January. Can you confirm these dates, please? Also, I would like to know if you have the final numbers of boys and girls so we can assign the rooms to you.
     dates are the same
     20 students (12 boys - 8 girls) / 2 teachers (female)
Secondly, I will need to know if any of your students have any special needs.
     4 vegetarians
Finally, could you let me know your flight details so I can make arrangements for your transfer from the airport?
Yours sincerely,                  flight details: BA 257 arrives 16th 10:20 am
Maria Reeve

  • Special discount price still applies?
  • Can she arrange ski lift apsses in advance?

Possible answer:

Dear Maria,

Thank you for your letter. I have the information you requested and I also have a few questions.

Firstly, we haven't changed the dates. We shall be coming from the 16th January to the 30th. Also, our flight details are as follows, we will arrive on flight BA 257 at 10:20 am. Our party will consist of twelve boys and eight girls. There will also be two adults, myself and another female teacher. With regard to special requirements, there will be four vegetarians in our party.

Also, could you kindly inform me if the special discount price is still available? Finally, would it be possible for you to organise our ski lift passes in advance?

I hope this covers everything. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
Yours truly,
Jennifer Taylor

viernes, 21 de octubre de 2016

Patterns with have

You can use have to talk about results or arrangements.

Results

You can use have + someone/something + present participle to say:

1) that you encouraged someone to do something:

    In the end I had them all dancing and singing.

2) that you managed to get a machine or an animal to do something:

    I had the computer working five hours after I'd starting to work on it.
    I had the parrot talking in no time.

3) that something happened as a consequence of an action:

    The party was a bit noisy; we had the police knocking on the front door 
    at one point.

Arrangements

You use the pattern have + someone/something + infinitive to say you have asked someone to do something for you.

    I had my neighbours look after the dog last weekend.
    She had someone come round to give her a quote for the decorating work.

viernes, 7 de octubre de 2016

Vocabulary (7) - The consumer society

basic necessities
brand
supermarket chains
groceries
grower
merchandise
retailer
supplier
consumerism
carrier bags
consumer durables
compulsive shopping
impulsive purchase

viernes, 30 de septiembre de 2016

viernes, 23 de septiembre de 2016

Vocabulary (6) - Health and medicine

a consultant
a general practitioner (GP)
to consult
an operating theatre
to prescribe
surgery (UNCONTABLE)
a surgery (CONTABLE)
a nose job
cosmetic surgery
chubby
to glow with health
vigorous
fit
junk food
fresh food
underweight babies
a vaccination
(to) vaccinate against
respiratory problems
a heart monitor
a surrogate mother
(to) prolong life/pain/suffering
(to) interfere with the course of nature
(to) let nature take its course
(to) overcome fertility problems

viernes, 16 de septiembre de 2016

viernes, 9 de septiembre de 2016

Writing a story

To write a story we first decide on the type of story, the plot and the main characters. Our story can be a comedy, a spy story, a thriller, an adventure story, a detective story, a fairy tale, etc.

Introduction

First paragraph = We write when and where the event happened, who the people in the story were and what happened first.

Main body

Main body paragraphs = We describe the events in the order they happened, one of the events should be the climax event.
We can use so, because, and, also, etc. to join our sentences or ideas.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = We write what happened in the end and how the people in the story felt.




We can use a variety of adjectives or adverbs to make our story more interesting. We normally use past tenses in stories.

viernes, 2 de septiembre de 2016

viernes, 26 de agosto de 2016

Speaking - useful expressions (7)

Describing a photograph

This photograph focuses on...while the other shows...
What is not illustrated/covered by any of this photos is/are...
Shall we discuss each photo in turn?
My feeling is that this picture focuses more on...than...
It seems to me that this image conjures up...
What do you think about this one?/What's your view?
Perhaps photograph...may not be appropiate becasue...
The picture which I think people will find most shocking/disgusting is...
I don't think this picture is particularly relevant because...
I think what the maker of these images is trying to say is...
One important image that is missing here is...





All these expressions are really useful for the speaking exam of any english certificate of Cambridge (First Certicate, Cae Certificate,...).

The reason why they are useful is because you are likely to describe a photograph in the speaking exam.

viernes, 12 de agosto de 2016

-ever

The suffix -ever can be combined with question words to create whichever, whatever, whenever, whoever and however. They are usually used to mean 'it doesn't matter what/who/how' or 'any thing that/any person who' etc.

He just does whatever he wants, whenever he wants to and doesn't care about anybody else.

Wherever you're going on holiday, remember to take enough sun cream.

Whoever it is, I can't talk to them right now.

However you do it, just make sure it's done by this time tomorrow.

Whichever route you choose, it'll take you about three hours to get there.

You should always tell the truth, however hard it may be.

Note: Words formed with -ever can also used to finish an open-ended list.

I really don't mind what we do, Go to the cinema, go out for a meal, stay in and watch a video, whatever.

Come round anytime, tomorrow morning, this evening, whenever.

viernes, 5 de agosto de 2016

viernes, 29 de julio de 2016

An informal letter describing a house for rent

We start our letter with Dear + our friend's first name.

Introduction

First paragraph = opening remarks and the reason for writing our letter.

Main body

Second paragraph = location of the house and details of the rent.
Third paragraph = exterior of the house (what is made of, graden, etc).
Fourth paragraph = interior of the house (e.g. floors, rooms, furniture, special features, etc).

We start each main-body paragraph with a topic sentence i.e. a sentence which introduces or summarises the paragraph.

Conclusion

Last paragraph = closing remarks, we sign off using Yours, Best wishes, etc + our first name.




Example

Dear Peter,

How are you? Hope everything's OK. I'm writing to let you know that I think I've found the perfect summer cottage for you.

It's in a really nice location. It's a quite area, but the best thing about it is that it is less than a kilometre from the sea. Also, the rent for the cottage is only 150€ a week.

The house is really charming outside. It's an old brick farm building which has been converted into a holiday cottage. It's got a patio and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Inside, the house is nice and comfortable. It has two floors.On the ground floor there is a cosy living room and a kitchen with all the modern equipment you would expect as well as a dining room and a WC. Upstairs there are two small bedrooms and a bathroom. The house is fully furnished so you don't need to worry about that.

Let me know if you like the sound of it. I can easily talk to the owner, Mr Smith, for you. I hope I'll see you here soon. I'll tell you all of my news then.

Yours,
Laura.

viernes, 15 de julio de 2016

Vocabulary (5) - young people in society

co-educational classes/schools
segregated classes/schools
single sex classes/schools
literacy
strict/lax discipline
teacher-led
activity-centred
rate learning
learning by doing
primary school (UK)
elementary school (US)
junior/senior high school (UK)
secondary school (UK)
A-levels
university
college
degree

viernes, 8 de julio de 2016

Idiom of the day (14)

To catch somebody red-handed.
Coger a alguien con las manos en la masa.

Example: They caught me red-handed.

viernes, 1 de julio de 2016

The future seen from the past

You can use the following phrases to talk about an event or action that was expected to happen in the past, but didn't.

                           going to
          was/were + supposed to + verb
                           due to

           on the verge of +ing

We were going to go to the cinema last night, but in the end we couldn't be bothered.
They were supposed to be going away on holiday this week, but James got the flu.

The phrase on the verge of is used to suggest that the action or event was inminent.

They were on the verge of cracking the code, but the other team got there first.

You can used to be to + infinitive to explain that a formal arrangement had been made.

The Prince was to visit the town in mid-May.

You can often use the modal auxiliary verb would to talk about the future in the past, especially in conjunction with phrases such as we had imagined, they had expected, he had thought.

We had expected that they would bring some warm clothes, considering the climate.


viernes, 24 de junio de 2016

viernes, 17 de junio de 2016

Vocabulary (4) - environment

bumper-to-bumper traffic
congestion
an open dump
piles of rubbish
bleaches/detergents/cleaning products
toxic
(to) discard
(to) re-use
(to) recycle
deforestation
eco-friendly products
car exhaust fumes
factory emissions
burning fossil fuels
oil spills
overuse of chemicals in agriculture
water/air pollution
carbon dioxide
aerosols that contain CFCs
climate change
global warming
greenhouse gases

viernes, 10 de junio de 2016

jueves, 2 de junio de 2016

Patterns with get

get + adjective = become

    Things started to get exciting towards the end.

get + noun = obtain/receive

    I got my deegre last summer.

get + to-infinitive = succeed in doing something, have the chance or opportunity to do someting

    I finally got to see the Grand Canyon last year.
    Apparently you can get to be a politician without qualifications these days.

get + ing = start doing something

    Let's get going then, or we'll be late.

get + object + to-infinitive = ask or persuade someone to do something (cause)

    She got her brother to decorate her flat for her.

get + object + ing (result)

    After a long time and a lot of effort I finally got them singing in unison.
    We promise we'll get your computer system running perfectly by this 
    time tomorrow.

get passive -> This use is generally more informal

    He got run over by a car.
    The window got broken by some kids playing football.
    He got his brother arrested.
    I got my photos developed.
    I got my wallet stolen when I was on holiday.


viernes, 20 de mayo de 2016

Unreal conditions

An unreal condition is a type of conditional. Related link: conditionals.

The if clause (describing an unreal situation)

When you want to describe a past situation which is unreal, or imagine how a past situation might have been different, you backshift the verb in the if clause.

What really happened                   What might have happened
(real past)                                   (unreal past)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She won a small amount of     ->    If she had won the jackpot,...
money in the lottery.

She wasn't paying attention.   ->    If she had been paying a little more   
                                                  attention,...

Substituting if

Instead of using if to introduce the unreal situation, you can invert the subject and verb.

     If she had won the jackpot,...     ->    Had she won the jackpot,...
     If your work had been more        ->    Had your work been more 
     satisfactory,...                                 satisfactory,...

This is more typical of formal language, especially if it is written.

The main clause

Describing possible present consequences

You use would (do) or would be (doing) to describe the possible present consequences of the unreal past situation.

If she had won the lottery, she wouldn't be working for the Tatler any more.
If she had been paying more attention, she wouldn't be in such a mess.

Describing possible past consequences

You use would have (done) or would have been (doing) to describe the possible past consequences of the unreal past situation.

If she had won the lottery, she would have bought a snazzy red sports car.
She wouldn't have been daydreaming in class if the lesson had been a little more interesting.


The if clause and the main clause can be used in either order.


viernes, 13 de mayo de 2016

Writing (3) - Tips to write an essay

Cuando escribimos una redacción (essay en inglés) es muy importante tener en mente dos cosas:

1) Qué estilo, formal o informal, tenemos que utilizar (pincha aquí para profundizar en este aspecto).
2) La estructura de la redacción que vamos a escribir así como una serie de "frases hechas" que se suelen usar en cada párrafo y en cada tipo de redacción.

En futuras entradas iremos viendo con detenimiento los siguientes tipos de redacciones:
  • an informal letter describing a house for rent
  • a story
  • a semi-formal transactional letter
  • an essay providing solutions to problems
  • a for and against essay
  • an opinion essay
  • an article describing a visit to a place
  • an assessment report
  • a letter to the editor
  • a formal transactional letter
  • a letter to apply for a job
  • a letter of complaint
El objetivo es ir desarrollando el punto 2) para cada uno de los tipos de redacciones antes mencionados. Todas estas entradas serán etiquetadas con la palabra essay.

viernes, 29 de abril de 2016

Negative and limiting adverbials

Sometimes you can place a negative or limiting adverbial in the front position in a sentence to create emphasis. This effect is most frequently found in writing.

Word Order

In this type of sentence, the subject+auxiliary word order is inverted.

     I have never seen anything quite so breathtaking.
     Never have I seen anything quite so breathtaking.

The same thing happens with the verb be.

    It is not only one of the oldest cities on Earth, it is also one of the most beautiful.
     Not only is it one of the oldest cities on Earth, it is also one of the most beautiful.

In the present simple and past simple, use do/does or did.

     We rarely visit that part of town.
     Rarely do we visit that part of town

Negative adverbials

Not a + noun
Not a word did she say to anyone.

Not until + verb phrase
Not until I got home did I realise how lucky I'd been.

Not until + noun phrase
Not until the end did I realise how lucky I'd been.

Under no circumstances
Under no circumstances are you to leave before you finish the exercise.

On no account
On no account can they claim to be the best.

Never
Never had I seen such a beautiful sight.

No sooner...than
No sooner had I arrived than the doorbell rang.

Limiting adverbials

Only + by + -ing
Only by bribing the police officer was he able to get away.

Only + conjunction + verb phrase
Only if he promised to help would she tell him where he had left left his keys.
Only after they had finished their lunch were they allowed to play outside.
Only when I took the test did I realise how little I knew!

Little
Little did the know that we were following them.


Rarely/Seldom
Rarely had I seen such a beautifu sight.


Barely/Hardly/Scarcely...when
Barely had I arrived when the doorbell rang.

viernes, 15 de abril de 2016

The

Post de este blog sobre el artículo definido theThe (definite article)

The puede ser usado con algunos adjetivos para describir grupos de gente:

  • the rich/the well-off/the poor/the less well-off/the unemployed
  • the elderly/the middle-aged/the young
  • the blind/the deaf/the disabled

Ejemplo: The rich had lots of time, the poor had little.

Ahora puedes practicar tú haciendo generalizaciones sobre alguno de los grupos de gente antes mecnionados.

viernes, 1 de abril de 2016

Vocabulary (3) - Household chores

household chores = housework

     wash the dishes
     dust the furniture
     make the beds
     iron the clothes
     vacuum the carpets
     clean the windows
     mop the floors
     mow the lawn

Los verbos marcados en verde se pueden utilizar con la siguiente estructura: do/does + -ing

miércoles, 23 de marzo de 2016

viernes, 18 de marzo de 2016

Writing (2) - Informal or formal style?

Cuando escribimos una redacción (essay en inglés) tenemos que tener muy claro a quién va dirigida dicha redacción (ya sea carta, artículo, etc).

Si nos dirigimos a alguien que no conocemos o no tenemos mucha relación/confianza utilizaremos un estilo formal (formal style) pero si nos dirigimos a alguien a quien conocemos bien, como un amigo o un familiar muy cercano, utilizaremos un estilo informal (informal style).


Informal style
  • abbreviations e.g. I've got
  • simple linking words e.g. but, so, and, etc
  • shorter setences e.g. I'd like to see you
  • personal tone e.g. I've got some great news
  • everyday expressions e.g. Thanks a lot


Formal style
  • no abbreviations e.g. I have got
  • formal linking words e.g. despite
  • longer setences
  • impersonal tone e.g. passive
  • formal expressions e.g. I look forward to hearing

viernes, 4 de marzo de 2016

Hedging

En ocasiones no quieres decir algo categóricamente debido a que no puedes demostrar que eso es verdad. En este caso puedes usar una amplia gama de estructuras para distanciarte de los hechos y las opiniones. Esta táctica de llama hedging.

Hedging with verbs

Puedes usar appear y seem (that) para crear distancia entre tú y lo que es dicho.

     It seems that the President may soon stand down.
     It appears that the news reports are true.
     The weather appears to be changing.
     The outcome seems to be inevitable.

Para añadir más distancia puedes usar el verbo modal would.

     It would appear that you have already made up your mind.
     They would appear to be hostile.
     It would seem that you are in the wrong.
     It would seem that you are avoiding me.


Hedging with the passive voice

Puedes usar formas pasivas del verbo para mostrar que una opinión no es necesariamente tuya.

     It is widely recognised that the future of advertising is on the Net.
     There are not believed to be any survivors.
     It is not known whether he will accept the offer.

Hedging with noun phrases

Puedes usar noun phrases entorno a un sujeto.

     There is little doubt that she took her own life.
     There is some doubt that the country can control its inflation.
     There is no doubt that he knows that he's doing.
     There is little evidence of your ability to manage change.