Neon English

Learning English -- Lesson Twenty Eight (Intonation)

2012-01-16T07:53:00.000-10:00

Hello, dear students! Here's another year... I'll keep on presenting more Misterduncan's videos. Thanks for watching and keep on learning!

Learning English-Lesson Twenty Seven (Noun/Verbs)

2011-12-06T12:16:00.000-10:00

Hello, dear students! Again, thanks you all for your feedback. I'm glad you've enjoyed Misterduncan's videos. He's awesome!

Learning English-Lesson Twenty Six (On and Off)

2011-10-22T01:14:00.000-10:00

I want to thank you all for your e-mails and feedback. I'm glad to help you all a little bit to learn a bit more!

Learning English-Lesson Twenty Five ( Making a Speech)

2011-09-27T05:58:00.001-10:00

Do you need to make a speech? See here how!

Learning English-Lesson Twenty Four (Changing English)

2011-08-29T06:07:00.000-10:00

Hello, guys! Do you have about 7 minutes? So, for this time, another Misterduncan video, enjoy it!

Learning English-Lesson Twenty Three (Faults and Bad Habits)

2011-07-27T23:00:00.002-10:00

The fantastic Misterduncan in another amazing video! Who doesn't have some bad habits and faults? Since as we are humans...

Learning English-Lesson Twenty Two (The way you feel)

2011-07-06T10:41:00.001-10:00

As I had promised, here one more video about the fabulous Misterduncan. And thanks for the e-mails!

Learning English-Lesson Twenty One (Compliments)

2011-06-24T05:14:00.001-10:00

Hope you all have a nice holiday! And being almost end of semester, it's time to rest a little bit, huh?

Learning English-Lesson Twenty (More Slang)

2011-06-13T06:13:00.001-10:00

This issue is always neverending and tireless, isn't it?

Learning English -- Lesson Nineteen ( RULES !! )

2011-06-03T15:31:00.001-10:00

There are rules that must be respected. See what they are.

Learning English - Lesson Eighteen (Small Talk)

2011-05-23T02:31:00.001-10:00

Do you know what "small talk" is? So, watch this video and find out!

Learning English-Lesson Seventeen ( Time )

2011-05-13T08:46:00.001-10:00

Do you know what time it is?

Learning English -- Lesson Sixteen ( Technology )

2011-05-09T12:09:00.001-10:00

Learning English -- Lesson Fifteen (SLANG)

2011-05-03T17:36:00.001-10:00

What's up for today, guys ? Here, another class video presented by Misterduncan. Hope you all enjoy it! See ya'!

Learning English - Lesson Fourteen (Body Language)

2011-04-25T06:00:00.001-10:00

Learning English - Lesson Thirteen ( Grammar! )

2011-04-19T06:08:00.001-10:00

Lesson 12 All About You

2011-04-19T06:06:00.001-10:00

Learning English - Lesson Eleven (Irony and Coincidence)

2011-04-12T05:59:00.002-10:00

Learning English-Lesson Ten ( Saying Sorry )

2011-04-12T05:58:00.002-10:00

10 dicas infalíveis para quem quer aprender inglês | Tecla SAP

2011-04-02T08:16:00.001-10:00

10 dicas infalíveis para quem quer aprender inglês | Tecla SAP

Here, some steps that you all may follow. Remember, English is dedication and self-studying.

See ya'!

Learning English -- Lesson Nine ( F A M E )

2011-03-24T06:38:00.003-10:00

Learning English-Lesson Eight-(Stress & Worry)

2011-03-24T06:37:00.002-10:00

Learning English - Lesson Seven - (Health & Exercise)

2011-03-12T05:49:00.002-10:00

After a long time, I'm back with more Misterduncan's videos. Enjoy!

Reported Speech

2011-02-14T10:02:00.003-10:00

Some students have asked about Reported Speech, a really tough matter. It is used when we want to reported what another person has said. There's always a backshift of sentences, apart from when the sentence is still true.
Examples:

Present to Past
direct speech: I go to school.
indirect speech: She said that she went to school.

Present Continuous to Past Continuous
direct speech: Is he working until so late?
indirect speech: He asked me if he was working until so late.

Past Perfect to Past Perfect
direct speech: When did you find the wallet?
indirect speech: He asked us when we had found the wallet.

Present Perfect to Past Perfect
direct speech: I've already done my homework.
indirect speech: I told my mother that I had already done my homework.

Present Perfect Continuous to Past Perfect Continuous
direct speech: James has been working on his project since yesterday.
indirect speech: He said that he had been working on his project since the day before.

Imperative to Infinitive
direct speech: Buy me some packages of milk, please.
indirect speech: She told me to buy her some packages of milk.

Will to Would
direct speech: I'll be home in about half an hour.
indirect speech: He said he would be in home in about an hour.

Can to Could
direct speech: I can do this activity.
indirect speech: You said you could do the activity.

I've provided some links for you all to learn more and practice, such as English Hilfen, and exercises 1,and exercises 2, English Learner exercises and Web2 exercises. So, that's all by far. Bye!

*Image credits from http://english1na.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/reported-speech.gif

Learning English - Lesson Six ( Happy / Sad )

2011-02-07T08:36:00.003-10:00

Learning English-Lesson Five (Good/Bad)

2011-02-07T08:28:00.004-10:00

I hope you're feeling good today... and let all the bad things to the past. His videos are so funny! And he loves The Big Bang Theory! I must confess that I've become a fan because of him... But enjoy these videos for today and have a nice week! To practice more, write some sentences using all the meaning of good and bad.

Learning English - Lesson Four (Response to 'Please'/'Thank You')

2011-02-07T08:23:00.001-10:00

I'm overjoyed to present you more Mister Duncan videos! Enjoy English!

Learning English-Lesson Three (Please & Thank You)

2011-01-24T10:17:00.001-10:00

Learning English - Lesson Two (Hello/Goodbye)

2011-01-24T09:35:00.004-10:00

These first lessons are aimed to Basic students... hope you all enjoy them!

Learning English - Lesson One (Introduction)

2011-01-24T09:31:00.005-10:00

From now on, I'll post Misterduncan videos. I've just found his videos, English lessons, and they're definitely funny and amazing. I'm sure that many students will like them. I'll be back, every now and then, blogging something, otherwise for now... Misterduncan will teach his lessons through his videos. Here, his channel link on Youtube. Hope you all enjoy and please leave your comments.

Tag Questions

2011-01-20T08:53:00.039-10:00

You need to learn English, don't you? You listened to those podcasts that I had applied to you, last week, didn't you? You will do your best to improve your English skills, won't you?
So, in order to confirm what you say, you must use this special grammatical structure. It's a statement followed by a mini-question that we usually call it "tag question".
They're really interesting because you grab the person who's you're talking to attention.
Look at these structures:

- She should go to the doctor, shouldn't she?
- They have been playing video game for hours, haven't they?
- He is the new teacher, isn't he?
- You told the truth to you parents, didn't you?
- He will buy a new car next year, won't he?
- The cat is under the bed, isn't it?
- It's raining, isn't it?
- We went to the movies, didn't we?
- That child can play soccer right now, can't he/she?
- Those people could protect the environment, couldn't they?

Got them? So, here there are some useful links to learn more and practice: English Club (explanation), English Club (activities), Learn English (explanation), English Hilfen and Better English (both activities).

Some tips to improve your English skills

2011-01-15T01:01:00.004-10:00

Fifteen days after the New Year's Day...
Why are you learning English? Why is this language important for you? To myself, without English I wouldn't be working, I couldn't be listening to all the songs that I enjoy... I couldn`t chat and talk... even being Brazilian, the first language for me is English. At this very moment, I'm accessing CNN, BBC and listening to some wonderful songs... in English.
So, you must evaluate your interests, your motivation and set goals to yourself, such as;
- listen to the songs you enjoy... with lyrics, to get used to the vocabulary along the listening
- watch movies with their original captions and pay closely attention to the characters speaking and pronunciation
- download podcasts (you have some links in previous posts, such as ESL podcasts and others) and their transcripts, but don't forget to put them aside, some time after, and just listen to them
- listen to Elllo and read the transcripts outloud to get used to the pronunciation and rhythm. Thus, you can do that with any podcast.
- watch videos on CNN. There are many pieces of news that you can watch and get the meaning.
- if you want something more informal and funny, here you have some videos on watchknow.org
You're going to have a good time laughing and learning with Misterduncan, an English teacher.
- read parts of texts outloud and pay attention to your voice, rhythm, intonation, pronunciation.
- you must understand and accept that it's not possible to translate all the words you hear. You must understand the conception and the meaning... don't be frustrated about that.
- translating is a waste of time because the meanings are completely different. Some schools, such as the one where I work, teach English inside the conception, not translating word by word, the focus is on the conversation, what becomes the course very dynamic.
- bear in mind that listening comprehension is one of the most difficult tasks. You must practice everyday, at least 20 min, 30 min a day.
- set your goals little by little, be patience with yourself, every learning process takes time. I didn't become a teacher overnight.
At last, but not least important, click on this link Learn English and read some tips to improve yourself. On these two links (eHow and 2LC), you have more tips to boost your learning process. Way to go!

Another year has almost gone...

2010-12-31T07:11:00.001-10:00

Well, another end of year... I love this Holiday Season and I'm having three weeks off, thanks Lord! But, as teacher, I never stop.. I'm making some reviews for Livemocha students, watching some videos and practicing pronunciation on English Central and listening to some podcasts at ESL Podcasts, apart from participating in many discussions on Facebook's communities board. I insist on these websites, they're amazing to improve all your English skills. English is the language for communication, business, entertainment. Yeah, that's it.
May 2011 be a great year for all of us!

English Central

2010-12-16T07:06:00.019-10:00

Along this rainy afternoon, I've just have fun with some videos at www.englishcentral.com. It's really amazing, you have loads of videos to watch and check your pronunciation. Along the presentation of the chosen video, you can listen to each phrase e repeat it, adjusting and improving your pronunciation, consequently with your listening skills. And there's a rate for that.
There are videos about movie traillers, presentations, whatever. Moreover, there are many topics, such as technology, daily life, music, environment, news, politics, business, shopping, social life, dinig food, TV, sports, travel and video gaming. Just browse it and ckeck out for what you like.
Subscribe it for free and practice!

The Neverending Phrasal Verbs II

2010-12-04T02:23:00.001-10:00

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
She missed many classes, now she has to run to catch up on with the lessons. / catch up on with
Meaning:
to become up to date

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
This is the result of our effort, we carried out our project and we got a promotion! / carry out
Meaning:
to manage despite difficulties

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
She was so anxious to go to Iron Maiden's concert but it was called off due to the rain. / call off
Meaning:
to cancel

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
He worked very hard and now he came out with a smart solution. / come out with
Meaning:
to produce (answers, solution, ideas)

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
I can't do without a computer, it's important to fulfill what I have to do today. / do without
Meaning:
manage without something that it's necessary or someone needs

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
I know that you're bit down in the dumps, but drop by in my house later, huh? / drop by
Meaning:
to stop at a place briefly
* down in the dumps means that someone is sad or depressed.

The Neverending Phrasal Verbs I

2010-12-04T01:28:00.002-10:00

One of the most challenges that English students have is about Phrasal Verbs. Despite of having posted some links here, I leave you some useful examples. Hope this post may help you.

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
* I am for the animal rights. / be for
Meaning:
to agree with - support

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
* She is in charge of the new project. / be in charge of
Meaning:
to be responsible for - manage

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
* He was brought up by his granparents after his parents died. / bring up
Meaning:
to educate / raise a child

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
* Dean broke up with me last weekend. I'm so sad! / break up
Meaning:
to end a relatioship

Phrase / Phrasal Verb:
* I read in the news that the burglars broke into that famous jewelry again. / break into
Meaning:
enter by force.

ESL Podcast

2010-11-04T09:50:00.000-10:00

I'm sure you're all gonna love this! Access ESL podcasts and download (for free) or listen to more than 800 podcasts about many life issues; business, entertainment, daily life, shopping, relationships... It's really practical. Go for it and improve your listening skills!
Bear in mind that in order to have a good speaking, you need to improve your listening and vocabulary.

Superlative Form

2010-10-23T05:09:00.001-10:00

And catching up with students' asks, here you have a little bit more about Superlative form.
It is used when you are saying that something is the top, there's no other. It is formed by the + adjective + er as in the examples bellow:
- Singapore is one of the hottest places in the world!
- This is the dirtiest city I've ever seen!
- The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world, it speed up to 120 km per hour!
- That was the easiest text that teacher gave me, a piece of cake really.

And for the longer adjectives, we must add the most + adjective. Examples:
- This is the most interesting book I've ever read.
- That was the most boring party I've ever been.
- She is one of the most beautiful women in the world.
- This hotel is the most expensive in this city.

This review will you help you a lot, for sure. Here, more links: ESL, Easy English, Englisch-Hilfen and Ego4U. Any doubts or suggestions, leave your comments, ok?

Comparative Form

2010-10-23T04:55:00.002-10:00

I've already posted about Comparative forms before, but due to students asking for more, here you are:
When you want to compare one thing (or person, place, whatever) to another, you must use this form, but for short adjectives you just add -er + than. Examples:
- Sheila is taller than Samantha.
- Bill Gates is older than Mark Zuckemberg.
- Usually, a dog is bigger than a cat.
- This room is cleaner than that one.

When you have longer adjectives, you add more + adjective + than. Examples:
- A smartphone is more modern than the majority of the cell phones.
- Buying brand name clothes is more expensive than buying popular ones.
- Travelling by plane is more comfortable than traveling by bus.
- That test was more difficult than the first one that I did last semester.

So, if you click on Ego4U , Better English Lessons and Englisch-Hilfen, there are more activities. Hope to have helped you! Remember that, before everything, English is self-study, so work on it!

Future Perfect Tense

2010-10-21T08:31:00.001-10:00

After having explained about the Future Continuous tense, it's about time to explain the Future Perfect tense, which is used when we want to talk about an event that will be fullfilled in a certain time in the future. It is formed by:
will (auxiliary in the future) + have + verb in the past particle

Examples:
- By 2011, he will have finished his studies.
- She will have bought her car when she finishes the college.
- On next Christmas, I will have paid all my bills.

Again, some links to practice, such as Englisch-Hilfen, Verb Tense act. 25 / 26 / 27 and 28 (mixed with Future Continuous tense). There are also the links to Future Perfect Multiple choice 1 and 2. So, work on them!

Future Continuous Tense

2010-10-19T05:31:00.001-10:00

The Future Continuous tense is used when we will be doing something in a near future. It's a future action in progress. The structure of the future continuous tense is:

subject	+	auxiliary verb WILL	+	auxiliary verb BE	+	main verb
		invariable		invariable		present participle
		will		be		base + ing

Examples:
- Along the next days, she will be studying for the test.
- I will be correcting some pieces of homework by the end of the year.
- He will not (won't) be waiting for his girlfriend if she arrives late again for their next appointment.
- We will be working in the project next month.

There is also the future continuous tense with "be going to". This form is far less used than the first form. The Future Continuous tense "Be Going to" is formed by:
am/is/are + going to be + present continuous.

Examples:
- You are going to be playing guitar in that band, aren't you?
- She is going to be working tomorrow night.

Click on English Page for more explanations and exercises 1 e exercises 2 (English tenses).

Past Continuous Tense

2010-09-21T13:13:00.034-10:00

The Past Continuous Tense or Progressive is used when you are describing an action that was happening in the past, but not anymore. It's formed by verb to be in the past simple tense + the action verb in the continuous tense. Examples:
When I woke up on that day, my sister was having breakfast.
They were playing soccer when it started to rain.
He was reading a book when the lights went out.

Very often, the Past Continuous Tense is used with the Past Simple. Even if you change the order of the actions, the meaning is the same. Examples:
My sister was having breakfast when I woke up.
When it started to rain, they were playing soccer.
When the lights went out, he was reading a book.

For activities on line, click on Perfect English Grammar, Ego4U/positive sentences and negative sentences, plus English Page. So, you all have a lot of work to do. Work on them! ;-)

How Much and How Many

2010-09-20T07:00:00.004-10:00

This time is about HOW MUCH (for uncountable nouns) and HOW MANY (for countable nouns).
Refreshing (but click on the links above): Countable is everything that you can count... one orange, two oranges, three apples, four pears, and so on; and Uncountable is evertyhing that you CAN'T count on one by one, such as wine, cheese, cookies, orange juice, milk, sugar, and so on.
For more exercises, click on English4U and Better-English. Here you have some examples:

- How many apples do you need to make a pie?
- I need 4 red apples.

- How many oranges do you need to make a juice?
- Just two.

- How much wine do we need for the dinner tonight?
- One bottle of red wine and another of white one.

- How much milk are you going to buy?
- I need five cartons of milk.

- How much pizza do you usually eat?

- Just two or three slices of pizza is enough for me.

- How much money do you have to buy this cell phone?

Some and Any

2010-09-14T07:12:00.004-10:00

This is a basic information about the use of some and any:
Some is used in affirmative sentences:
- There are some apples. We can do a delicious pie with them!
- She had been waiting for some minutes.

But any is used in negative and interrogative sentences:
- There isn't any eggs in the fridge.
- I didn't like his new album, there isn't any nice song!
- Is there any piece of cake for us tonight?
- Are there any tomatoes to make a salad?

Some is also used when you offering things and ask something. Examples:
- Would you like some coffee? - You are offering some cookies.
- Can you lend some money? - You are asking for something.

For more explanations and exercises on line, click on Englisch-Hilfen, Better English, and Ego4U.
So that's it!
** I've found another site about the use of SOME, AN, A, check it out on Esl About.

Be Going To - Simple Future

2010-09-11T04:51:00.002-10:00

I've just finished teaching an intemediate class and I've noticed that some students were mixed up about Simple Future (Be Going To) and Present Continuous (Be + Verb + ing). Well, I had posted about this subject in May 2009, but it's about time to updated it:
Simple Future is used when you have made a decision, you have taken a plan, you have an intention. It's formed as follows:
Verb to be + going to + verb in its infinitive form
I'm going to correct a lot of tests this afternoon.
She's going to have dance classes on Monday night.
They're going to do their homework.

In their negative form, you have:
I'm not going to correct a lot of tests this afternoon.
She's not going to have dance classes on Monday night.
They're not going to do their homework.

And in their interrogative form:
Am I going to correct a lot of tests this afternoon?
Is She not going to have dance classes on Monday night?
Are they not going to do their homework?

I've twitted some good tips to my Inter level students and here you have the links: http://www.colegioweb.com.br/ingles/be-going-to-future and http://www.inglesonline.com.br/gramatica-basica-resumida/futuro-be-going-to . On these two links you find more explanations, but on the English-Hilfen, English4U and Web2 (just click on the words) you can do exercises on line. Well, I'm sure that I've helped you. Enjoy!

Do and Does

2010-09-01T12:00:00.001-10:00

Basic students: watch out! For today, I have a good explanation for Do and Does.
When we don't have the verb to be (I am/ you are/ he is/ she is/ it is/ we are/ you are/ they are), and we need to formulate questions and negative sentences, we have to use this auxiliary Do/Does.
Examples below:

Affirmative: I have a pencil.
Question: Do I have a pencil? - Negative: I don't have a pencil.
Affirmative: You have a pencil.
Question: Do you have a pencil? - Negative: You don't have a pencil.
Affirmative: He/She/It has a pencil.
Question: Does he/she/it have a pencil? - Negative: He/she/it doesn't have a pencil.
Affirmative: We have a pencil.
Question: Do we have a pencil? - Negative: We don't have a pencil.
Affirmative: They have a pencil.
Question: Do they have a pencil? - Negative: They don't have a pencil.

Here, I leave you these links (Better-English and Englisch-Hilfen) to do some exercises online, ok? Hope to have helped you. =)

English Experts / Lend and Borrow

2010-08-24T11:41:00.001-10:00

More sources for all those students who study English through Portuguese. I was browsing on web and I've found English Experts, a good site full of good tips, it's really worthy to check it out!
One nice thing, for example, the difference between borrow and lend.
Where I work, we teach "can you lend me a pen?", at the first class, but, further on, these students will face a "can I borrow your cell phone?" and, certainly, they'll ask the difference. Well, borrow means to take something from someone, with permission and with the intention of giving it back. You usually say: I borrowed this pen drive from my sister.
On the other hand, you say lend to give something to someone, with the expectation that s/he will return it, as: can you lend me a pencil, please?
So, that's it for today. I'll tweet this, where you can follow me, ok?

For Teachers Only

2010-08-10T11:06:00.002-10:00

A teacher who I work with showed me an amazing website just for teachers, called Mes-English. There are flashcards, worksheets, games, videos... it's awesome! There are flash cards, bingo, games, worksheets, everything printable! There is a lot to help your students with the learning of vocabulary, so check it out! Brownse it! .
Another interisting site is simply called site for teachers. There are hundreds of educational sites to work with, to all levels, but brownse it calmly, it takes time. They were rated for their popularity worldwide.

Paired Conjunctions

2010-07-29T06:40:00.001-10:00

Well, my vacancy is over. I´m back and updating all my blogs. So, shall we start with paired conjunctions? First of all, what the hell are they?
They are often used in spoken and written English when you want to make a point, give emphasis or give alternatives without being repetitive.
* Either... or; used when there are two options to choose from. Example;
- I'm short of money. Ican't afford both magazines.
- Well, you could choose either Newsweek or Scientific American. Which one is better to your research?

* Neither... nor; used when neither of the two options available is possible:
- I'm crazy about Metallica, but I have a crush on Jon Bon Jovi.
- Speak it for yourself. I like neither Metallica or Bon Jovi.

* Both... and; used tp express two related pieces of information:
- It's Saturday, we can go to both the wedding and the birthday parties.
- No way! They happen at almost the same time.

* Not only... but also; used to add an extra piece of information to the sentence:
- Practicing English everyday is not only good to your vocabulary but also enhances your brain to its learning process.

So, that's it. Take the highlighted words and come up with new sentences, practicing them. I'm sure you can make it ; - )
See ya'!

Phrasal Verbs Online

2010-07-07T11:59:00.001-10:00

Another tip for this day is www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/
This is a wonderful dictionary online, where you can type the verb and the preposition to find what you need. An example is "take over": "the company unveiled its new brand identity “Mahindra Satyam” subsequent to its takeover by the Mahindra Group’s IT arm, Tech Mahindra. This "take over" means to assume control of a company or organisation.
I'm going to add this site to my links, I really enjoyed this!
Remember that phrasal verbs always enrich your vocabulary when writing or speaking.
Now, that this blog is updated, I can go out on vacation with my mind in peace ;-)

So Lingua Inglesa (site)

2010-07-07T07:51:00.001-10:00

Long time... there have been so many things to do... but, I´m here again and I have a good hint today: http://www.solinguainglesa.com.br
I don´t like recommending sites in Portuguese, but I must admit that some students have difficulties and the best for them is to start learning in their mother language, or if you are already enrolled in a school whose methodology in just English (classes presented in this language), so this site can help you in your first steps. You can take a look at the news, curiosities, lyrics, poems, news reporting, English anthems and so on. Check it out and do your best. It's a way to start, so take a chance!

The Sap's Key

2010-05-18T06:32:00.003-10:00

I was looking for news about Ronnie James Dio's death (he died on May 16, Sunday) and I've found this interesting site. You can read about media news, tips on how to boost your English skills, curiosities... it's really cool. Check it out: http://www.teclasap.com.br/blog/ and there's the link to the subject about Dio: http://www.teclasap.com.br/blog/2010/05/17/metal-rocker-ronnie-james-dio-has-died-wife-says/.

Phrasal Verbs - check these sites out!

2010-05-14T12:57:00.002-10:00

Phrasal Verbs. Always necessary. These sites are really useful:
http://www.sk.com.br/sk-twow.html
http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/phrasal-verbs-list.htm
http://www.learn-english-today.com/phrasal-verbs/phrasal-verb-list.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/prepositions/phrasaldictionary.html
And have fun! ;-)

Should Have + Past Participle

2010-05-11T11:49:00.003-10:00

This grammar structure is very elegant when you express regret, something you shouldn' have done (but instead, you did it) or you should've done (but you didn't do). It's formed by:
the modal should + have + verb in the past participle
Examples:
- She should have told her parents the truth.
- They shouldn't have broken the computer.
- You should have woken earlier today.

On these links, you can do some exercises online: one from BBC and OUP, both are excellent.
Many students have huge difficulties about learning past participles, but there's no other way, you must memorize them. It's a question of practicing and reading a lot. Hope to have helped you all!

Wishes about the Present and the Future

2010-04-13T13:06:00.009-10:00

Wish + Past Simple:
We use it to express that we want a situation in the present or future to be different.

I wish I spoke German. -- I don't speak German.
I wish I had a big house. -- I just a small one.
I wish I was in London. -- I'm in another city. Future: I wish it was the weekend tomorrow. -- It's still Tuesday.

Wish + Past Continuous:
We use it to express that we want to be doing a different action in the present or in the future.

I wish I was watching my favorite series now. -- I'm waiting to see the doctor.
I wish it wasn't raining. -- It is raining.
Future: I wish you weren't leaving tomorrow. -- You are leaving tomorrow.

Wish + Would - Infinitive: This is used to express impatience, annoyance or dissatisfaction with a present action. You are complaining about what is happening at the moment.
I wish you would stop singing. (You are singing very badly and it is annoying me.)
I wish it would stop raining. (It's raining a lot and I want to go to the beach.)

And you can click on ELS Base for more explanation. Hope to have helped you!

Wishes About the Past

2010-04-13T13:05:00.006-10:00

Wish + past perfect: It is used to express a regret, or that we want a situation in the past to be different.

I wish I hadn't drunk so much. -- I drank too much.
I wish he'd brought the homework. -- He didn't.
I wish I had studied harder to the test. -- I didn't studied enough and I failed.

For activities, go to Better English.

Reflexive Pronouns

2010-04-06T13:44:00.005-10:00

Reflexive pronouns are used to emphasize that the person who realizes the action is the same who receives it. Here, some examples:
Subject Pronouns    Reflexive Pronouns
        I                                 Myself
You                             Yourself
   He    Himself
      She                              Herself
       It                                 Itself
       We                            Ourselves
You    Yourselves
      They                          Themselves

- I'm doing this project all by myself. = I'm doing it alone.
- (You)Take care of yourself!
- He was working with that inappropriate tool and he cut himself.
- She killed herself.
- Love is not enough, in itself. = Love is not enough, alone.
- We've been studying for ourselves.
- You all must clean all this house, yourselves. Don't count on me!
- They should do that effort for themselves. It's worthy just for their own purpose.

Here, at Web2, and Perso Wanadoo, you can practice this issue a little bit.

Object Pronouns

2010-04-06T13:23:00.018-10:00

I was asked to explain something about Object Pronouns. Students usually say that this is a nightmare, but once you have learned, that's it.
To make it easier to comprehend, I have prepared this table:

Subject Pronoun     Object Pronoun         Possessive Pronoun
I like Gena.                  Gena likes me.    My name is Gena.
You like Gena.       Gena likes you.      Your name is Gena.
He likes Gena.       Gena likes him.      His name is...
She likes Gena.       Gena likes her.        Her name is...
It likes Gena.       Gena likes it.      Its name is...
We like Gena.      Gena likes us.    Our names are...
You like Gena.           Gena likes you.           Your names are...
They like Gena.          Gena likes them.         Their names are... (plural)

Here, you can learn more at Learn American English Online and do exercises at ESL Quiz, SRLC, Ego4U and English Hilfen.

Chat on line!

2010-04-05T14:22:00.004-10:00

Tonight, I've found a web site where you can chat online. It's called www.englishexperts.com
You can choose from basic, intermediate and advanced levels, make your registration and just chat! I had been there and I'd really liked it, people are nice, since that everybody wants to learn and exchange experience.
As you can notice, there are many tools to improve, aren't there?

Scientific American in Podcasts

2010-03-22T13:29:00.005-10:00

More podcasts in english. This time is from Scientific American. Here it's the link: http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/
This is for all those who, like me, love Science as well as English. Enjoy it!

Podcasts in English

2010-03-09T13:52:00.005-10:00

Check it out! Click on and listen to these podcasts. If you need, there's the audio transcription to:
http://www.betteratenglish.com/ and http://www.podcastsinenglish.com/index.shtml
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/
http://www.englishpronunciationpod.com/ This one is specially for all those who want to focus your pronunciation on the American accent.
You all already know that the real English is really lively and fun! You must try them out!

Who is it? - Teaching English Source

2010-02-23T07:02:00.003-10:00

Who is it?
Click on the link above. On this activity, you all can listen to the audio, download the worksheet and read the script, but try to read it just after listening to the audio (enhancing this skill, huh?). You must be well disciplined to do that. Remember that you are also responsible for your learning process. Hope to have helped you.

The Difference Betweeen "in the end" and "at the end"

2010-02-09T10:45:00.006-10:00

Here is another kind of confusion that many students may also have:

In the end = finally, after a long time:
- In the end, I got a visa for Russia.
- Well, I went to my cousin's party, in the end.

At the end = at the point where something stops or ends:
- I think the film’s a bit weak at the end.
- She said that she saw the couple at the end of the tunnel.

The Difference Betweeen "in time" and "on time"

2010-02-09T10:30:00.006-10:00

These are some common doubts that many students (even advanced ones) have. Let's elicit them once and for all:

On time = at the planned time; neither late nor early:
- Dean wants the meeting to start exactly on time.
- Elisa hates being late. She always arrives on time.

In time = with enough time to spare; before the last moment:
- She would have died if they hadn’t called the paramedics in time.
- Unfortunately, I didn't arrive in time. My friend had already taken the plane.

Sometimes mistakes may be a good fun :-)

2010-02-03T10:30:00.005-10:00

Would you attend her classes?

When You Must Use Enough, Too and Very

2010-02-01T10:55:00.005-10:00

Some students were asking me when they may use ENOUGH,VERY or TOO. Let's check them out:
ENOUGH means sufficient. Here, some examples:
- This house is big enough to our family. Let's buy it!
- Thanks, your food is really delicious, but I had it enough.

VERY means a great degreee, a large quantity of something:
- He liked that jacket. Although it is very expensive, he's going to buy it.
- Today is very hot, so we can enjoy all this afternoon in the beach!

TOO means too much of something that is not good enough:
- Wow, I love Mexican food, but this is too spicy!
- Jena, you played video game too much today. Turn it off and give me some help with the cleaning!

And take a look at this charge. Really funny, huh?

International English Certificates

2010-01-27T02:11:00.006-10:00

We can’t deny the importance of the international certificates for our best English performance. There is TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), FCE (First Certificate of English), CAE (Cambridge Advanced English), ILEC (International Legal English Certificate) and many others. Which one is better? Well, it depends on your needs, what your main purpose is.
Moreover, if you intend to study or work abroad, it is extremely important and it can certificate the level of your English skills.
On the other hand, since you have taken one of these certificates, you can no longer stop studying and improving.
Some time ago, I wrote here about the importance of the TOEFL (July 16, 2008). Today, I’m writing about the FCE. The importance of this certificate lies in the fact that it is given by the prestigious University of Cambridge. The attainment of the first certificate proves the first level of competent knowledge of English. Once released, the First certificate can’t be revoked and all that increases its importance. The first certificate exam includes several examinations such as reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking.
I remember when I took my FCE: I felt very proud of myself :-)! It was – and it still is – a great achievement. Furthermore, its focus is on the British English, so, if you’re used to the American accent, just like me, study a little bit more, because of the listening part. Be confident, but not overconfident, ok?
For all students and foreign English speakers, here it’s one web site that helped me a lot when I took my first English certificate:
http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/.../p3pt3a.htm
Hope to have helped you. Bye.

Used to & Be Used to + ing

2010-01-18T07:18:00.003-10:00

Check this out: when you want to talk about habits in the past, you use;
Used to + verb (infinitive)
- When I was 20, I used to listen to pop music. Nowadays, I listen to rock’n’roll.
- I used to study German, some months ago. These days, I don’t have time enough for that.

When you want to talk about current habits, you use;
Be used to + verb (ing)
- I’m used to blogging every week.
- He’s used to checking his e-mails twice a day.

Here, two links that can help you out: "Used to" is at English Page and Better English; "Be Used to" is at English Club and Using English.

New Year’s Resolutions

2010-01-11T02:43:00.007-10:00

All end of year is the same: we usually make a huge list of things to accomplish, but (as everybody knows) we don’t change much our habits and we can’t figure out why our resolutions don’t last.
Well, and if we focus on who we are? In a society where matters what we can have, it’s really daunting to do something different and be daring. All self-help books (and I hate them all) tell us about who we supposed to be, innovating ourselves and everything else, but why don’t put our strength on who we really are?
What makes us a valuable person? Our degrees? Our car and house, where we live? Our lack of failures? Our bank accounts or our top cell phones? The brands of our clothes? Gosh, think that in a fraction of a second, all these supposed values can be taken away from us.
I used to think on these topics on a regular basis, but eventually I got tired of them, because even when it looks like I have everything, I feel depressed, so I don’t need to be a genius to get that material values are not the way to feel happy and fulfilled.
Don’t be obsessed about creating a new yourself, think about challenging yourself as a task along this year and set new goals, as for example, enhance your English skills ;-)
Here, I put this paragraph that I read on the Oprah Winfrey webite:
“Being yourself takes courage, commitment and faith. It's a process of letting go of many false beliefs you've picked up from the collective consciousness: that you have to look good, be smart, know the right people, say the right things, have the proper experience, in order to be happy and successful in life. Being yourself can be scary and counterintuitive, difficult and even off-putting and, at times, lonely. However, being your authentic self is liberating, exciting and fulfilling. When you have the courage to just be who you are, without apology or pretense, so much of the suffering, stress and worry in life simply disappears.”
For more, go to http://www.oprah.com/article/spirit/knowyourself/pkgempoweryourself/20100108-orig-mike-robbins-new-year-be-you
Note that these recommendations, very often, are for me, too.

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

2010-01-06T08:37:00.007-10:00

Hi, there! I’m back. I don’t know if I can say that I had a wonderful time on this end of year season, but 2010 is happening already, isn’t it?
Today, I was reading The New York Times online about the 3D Television and I sent them my views about it. Most of us, Brazilians, can’t afford paying cable TV or the HDTV, imagine the 3DTV? Even Americans aren’t keen on it, whatsoever.
Anyway, I picked up some interesting expressions and words on this press and other sites. Here you have:

*I'm usually gung-ho (crazy about) for every new technological thing.

* If so, count me in, but if it's going to be like the 3-D movies I've seen, I'll pass.

* People are being enticed away from the profession by higher salaries elsewhere.

* The adverts entice the customer into buying things they don’t really want.
(Entice means persuade someone in a pleasant way.)

* I have invited some friends over for a party.

* She had to hand her sister her cell phone.

* Do you have to take your glasses off?

* He had a lot of murky schemes but all of them backfired.
(Murky means dark and dirty - Backfired means something that went wrong.)

* I don’t know if I can stand another weekend with his friends. They’re so geeky! (Boring and unfashionable)

* He can’t spend all his afternoon watching this movie. You have to agree that it’s a bit much, don’t you? (means excessive or annoying)

Take a quick look at Using English, a4EL and English Idioms to more examples and acitivities as well as to check on idioms and idiomatic expressions.
Moreover, I want to thank for all your e-mails and e-cards, I loved them all! May this year be good for all of us!

X-Mas Time

2009-12-15T06:43:00.006-10:00

Well, folks, Christmas is coming around the corner. Although this season could sound pretty lazy, it's a bit of nuisance and tiresome. Everybody is rushing to the shopping malls and 25 de março (a kind of open market, shops selling their products at low prices).
Yeah, you may save some money and that's a big deal, but I don't like spending all my time on shopping. I'm really into shopping, but not along this season.
On the other hand, we try to have some fun and here you have this lovely carol with its lyrics. I usually don't like carol songs, but this one is nice.
Enjoy your Holiday Season and don't stop improving your English skills, right? There are many X-Mas stories online. I hope to have helped you all along this year.
I wish you a Merry X-Mas and a Happy New Year! ;-)

End of the Semester

2009-11-24T10:58:00.006-10:00

Finally! We, teachers, deserve a break, because we're at the end of the semester. I mean, the students will have a break, because we will have to correct loads of compositions and tests.
Good luck for all the students! Despite of your holiday season, you all must to keep up with your studies, watching movies and series, reading magazines and newspapers online. The progress never stop! You must always improve your skills, so chat online, do whatever it takes, but never stop!
Take a look at my oldest posts and look for all those wonderful web sites just to keep your English in shape.

William Blake

2009-11-03T10:52:00.005-10:00

Here, I have one of the most beautiful poems that I've already read. Here, you have the first part of it. It's simple but you can notice its deep beauty and meaning. It's called Auguries of Innocence, one of the most famous William Blake's poems. Read it completed on
http://www.artofeurope.com/blake/bla3.htm

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour”

William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. Considered mad by contemporaries for his idiosyncratic views, Blake is held in high regard by later critics for his expressiveness and creativity, and for the philosophical and mystical undercurrents within his work. His paintings and poetry have been characterized as part of both the Romantic movement and "Pre-Romantic", for its large appearance in the 18th century. For us, Brazilians, his poems aren't that easy to read, because they were written in Middle English. Anyway, enjoy this one that I pick it up.

The endless process of learning

2009-09-11T03:40:00.005-10:00

I have to put this impression up for you all. One of the things I find most interesting in English is the fact that this is an endless process of learning, and I do appreciate each step taken... This early morning, I was reading The Guardian newspaper online about taking vitamins with a "better safe than sorry attitude". I just laughed! I never had read this expression before, or, at least, I don't remember. Really funny, because there are so many things that you can learn when you're reading a newspaper or a good magazine! There are many expressions that you can figure them out in the context of the text. The headline is the following: "Vitamins junkies are flushing their money down the toilet," says nutritionist. It came into my mind this very scene: a person taking his/her money and throwing it down the toilet... Don't waste your time and money (in this case, if you're studying in an English school), read everything you can, use the dictionary (monolingual, please), but don't overuse it, ok? This process of improving your skills is neverending.

Inner Light

2009-08-06T05:56:00.005-10:00

Here, I present you another poem from the book The Freedom of Being Yourself, by Eliane de Araujoh. Publishing house: Madras. Enjoy it.

Make your Light shine

No matter the color.

If everybody around you is green,

you'll have the right to be blue.

What matters is to be natural, not normal

Because normal is a human creation, while natural... is the creation of God!

Be yourself, believe in yourself.

You are the Light, energy, strength and magic.

Believe it!

The Freedom of Being Yourself

2009-08-01T09:14:00.003-10:00

For all students and those who love poems in English (and the greatest poets, in my opinion are British), here you have one extract from the book "The Freedom of Being Yourself", the author is Eliane de Araujoh and the publishing house is Madras. The original is in Portuguese, but I have its translation and it got awesome. Appreciate it. Think of each verse.

Being.
Being yourself
Being the only one
Being what you are
We are
We are the sum of our differences.

Humanity is the whole of different beings.

As a huge puzzle
where all the pieces get together
perfectly to form the whole.

There is no identical piece.
We are all different.
Different beings, the same in the origin.

Life has used all of its creativity and made you
unique, original and different
and what do you make of your diffference?
Do you make good use of it to
stand out or do you try to imitate the others?

Remember
there are no identical pieces!
When you try to copy the others,
you are trying ti put on a piece
that has already found its place.

And in the puzzle of life
there will be emptiness.

There is no space in the world that you,
and only you, will be able to occupy.

Look for your space and
take over your difference!

This book is about
the freedom os being who you really are!

MICHAEL JACKSON - Aug 29, 1958 / Jun 25, 2009

2009-06-30T05:43:00.010-10:00

When I was a teenager, I was crazy for Michael Jackson. I used to spend hours and hours listening to his songs and trying to dance as him. If I wasn't successful or not, the fact was that I had a lot of fun at that time. My mom was also mad about him! I remember that I tried to sing along with his songs, so I started to buy lyrics of Billie Jean, Off the Wall, Beat it, Blame it on the Boogie, ABC and many others. I had many lyrics and, at that time, I started to sing with lyrics, because so far I sang in a way, I mean, not too good, you know. He was amazing. But, even me, as rock roller, I'll never forget him, his songs, his charisma and everything about him. He'll live forever and I always considered Michael as one of the greatest pop singers of all times. Apart him, I consider Madonna, one of the greatest ones, too. Just them. Michael, you'll live forever in the hearts of all your fans.

Simple Future Be Going to + Will Future Tenses

2009-05-27T12:59:00.005-10:00

Now, I'm going to explain about Simple Future - Be Going To.
It's used to talk about plans, intentions. Going to + verb in the infinitive form often emphasizes this idea of intention or decision, got it?
She's going to play the guitar. (It's a planned action in the future).
He studied a lot. He's going to do the test. (It's certain that this is going to happen).

Will Future is used to:
1) Future actions happen without the speaker's intention: The stars will shine tonight.
2) Predictions, assumptions: I think that Depeche Mode will play in Brazil in October.
3) Spontaneous actions: Hang on! I'll have a word with you.
4) Sudden decisions: By the way, I'll go to the Vamp Party with you.

Simple Present and Present Continuous Tenses

2009-05-27T12:30:00.005-10:00

Today, I'm going to talk about Simple Present and Present Continuous Tense.
Simple Present is used when we talk about something that happens frequently, but there are lots of uses. Examples:
1) repeated actions: I always listen to rock'n'roll.
2) things in general: The sun rises in the East.
3) fixed arrangements, scheduled events: That bus from Birminghan arrives at 2:00 p.m. every afternoon.
4) actions in the present - one follows after the other: First I get home, then I have a shower and I go to bed.
5) instructions: Open your books at page 48.

Negative form: That bus from Birminghan doesn't arrive at 2:00 p.m.
Interrogative form: Does the bus from Birminghan arrive at 2:00 p.m.?

Signal words: every day, often, always, sometimes, never

Present Continuous or Progressive is used for:
1) actions happening at the moment of speaking: I'm writing on this blog now.

2) fixed plan in the near future: She is going to Basel on Saturday.
In this case, we use it to talk about definite arrangements in the near future. It is used with expressions such as tonight, tomorrow, on Sunday morning, on a near date. More examples:
What are you doing next weekend? I'm going to my sister's house.
Click on OUP to practice a little more about the use of present continuous related to a imediate future.

3) temporary actions: Mercia is working at Pacaembu, this month.
4) actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions): My friend is rehearsing for the next concert with his band.
5) trends: More and more people are using their computers to download music.
6) repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever):
Thiago is always taking low grades.

Negative form: Mercia is not wroking for D&D.
Interrogative form: Is she working for D&D?

Signal words: now, at the moment, Look! Listen!

Geek and Nerds Pride Day

2009-05-25T05:54:00.004-10:00

Nerd Pride Day, or Geek Pride Day, is an initiative which claims the right of every person to be a nerd or a geek.
This day is celebrated on May 25 since 2006, celebrating the premiere of the first Star Wars movie in 1977.

Basic rights and responsibilities of nerds (Really funny)
A manifesto was created to celebrate the first Nerd Pride Day which included the following list of basic rights and responsibilities of nerds.
Rights:
1 - The right to be even nerdier.
2 - The right to not leave your house.
3 - The right to not have a significant other and to be a virgin.
4 - The right to not like football or any other sport.
5 - The right to associate with other nerds.
6 - The right to have few friends (or none at all). (Well, I'm not that social, you know)
7 - The right to have all the nerdy friends that you want.
8 - The right to wear witty t-shirts
9 - The right to not be "in-style." (People usually say that I'm in-style, my own style, I'd say)
10- The right to be overweight and have poor eyesight. (Ok, I wear glasses, but I'm fit)
11 -The right to show off your nerdiness.
12 -The right to make an attempt at being as nerdy as Morgana Summers, and the right to fail. (Topher Stumph came quite close, but he too, failed). (Who's Morgana Summers?)
13- The right to develop serious crushes on Randall Munroe, Shane Carruth & Bo Burnam, as opposed to say... James Franco. (See 11). (Who the hell are they?)
14- The right to carry a Thesaurus with you at all times, as opposed to an iPhone. (See 11)
The right to execute shameless self advertisement via the Wikipedia Geek Pride Day page. (See 11).
15- The right to falsely assume the surnames Finkleton, Waldman, Stratzer and Krukemeyer.

(Oh, hell, who are these people?)
16- The right to take over the world.

Responsibilities:
1 - Be a nerd, no matter what.
2 - Try and be nerdier than anyone else.
3 - If there is a discussion about something nerdy, you must give your opinion.
4 - Save any and all nerdy things you have.
5 - Do everything you can to show off your nerdy stuff as though it were a "museum of nerdiness."
6 - Don't be a generalized nerd. You must specialize in something.
7 - Attend every nerdy movie on opening night and buy every nerdy book before anyone else.
8 - Wait in line on every opening night. If you can go in costume or at least with a related t-shirt, all the better.
9 - Don't waste your time on anything not related to nerddom.
10- Befriend any person or people bearing any physical similarities to comic book or sci-fi figures.
11- Try to take over the world!

World Wide Web Happy Birthday!

2009-03-17T06:50:00.002-10:00

On March 13, the World Wide Web completely 20 years. This fantastic achievement was created by the English physicist Sir Tim Berner-Lee. The World Wide Web enabled the spread of information over the Internet through an easy-to-use and flexible format. It thus played an important role in popularising use of the Internet.
The terms Internet and World Wide Web are often used in every-day speech without much distinction. However, the Internet and the World Wide Web are not one and the same. The Internet is a global data communications system. It is a hardware and software infrastructure that provides connectivity between computers. In contrast, the Web is one of the services communicated via the Internet. It is a collection of interconnected documents and other resources, linked by hyperlinks and URLs.

Google it!

2009-03-16T12:35:00.005-10:00

Well, guys, there are lots of things going on. First of all, if you "google" English online, you'll finds lots and lots, a neverending of exercises about everything, grammar, vocabulary, reading. Secondly, it's amazing what you can learn watching movies: new expressions, slangs, you can enhance your pronunciation, rhythim... wicked!
When I'm watching a movie and I hear an interesting expression, I usually repeat it, comparing my intonation and rhythim. It's useful and cool! You have several tools every day online, use them. When I was a student, I used to "google" a lot of exercises and I studied to my FCE test online beyond school. Now, I'm a teacher and I still "google" a lot of amazing things. I even study another subjects (as Astronomy, Science and Philosophy) on Google.
When you learn English, most than finding a better job, you can have more fun, more access to entertainment, you can study, and don't forget that the most hot websites are in English.

The classes are about to get started!

2009-03-04T14:03:00.009-10:00

Well, it's almost everything ready for Saturday, when all the classes are going to get started in the school where I teach. I have more levels this time, a little bit challenging and a great opportunity to learn a little bit more. Along these two weeks I've been preparing my classes, the subjects and everything else. And beyond theses tasks, I keep my another blog (endeavour 11) up-to-date and I even write some articles and texts to http://www.webartigos.com/ . I have some texts published there. So, for all students, I tell you: get ready and make your best along this semester in order to ge the best from your English classes. See you!

Past Perfect Continous or Progressive

2009-02-06T01:14:00.004-10:00

This is the fourth and last part of the Perfect tenses. As you can see, these tenses make the writings more beautiful. You don't have to overuse them, but when you learn how to use them, you enrich your vocabulary. Now, it's the turn of the Past Perfect Continuous or Progressive.
The past perfect progressive puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action taking place before a certain time in the past.
The form of the Past Perfect Continuous is:
Subject + had + been + the main verb in the present continuous

I had been playing video game the whole weekend.

Here, you see when you can use it:

- an action taking place before a certain time in the past

We had been watching a lot of movies along the holidays, but now we had to come back to work.

- sometimes interchangeable with past perfect simple

George had been studying for Math because he hadn't studied enough along the year.

- puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action

He had been waiting for his girlfriend for 40 minutes.

Signal words
for, since, the whole day, all day

Past Perfect Simple Tense

2009-02-06T00:39:00.007-10:00

Hell'o, mates, this time we're going to take a look at the Past Perfect Simple. I would say that this is the past of the past because this tense expresses an action that took place before a certain time in the past. So, we use it to refer to a time earlier than another past time, when this is needed to male the order of events clear.
The form of the Past Perfect:
Subject + had (to have as auxiliary in the past participle) + the verb in the past participle too + complement.

I had spoken to the teacher about your son.

Use of Past Perfect
- action taking place before a certain time in the past(putting emphasis only on the fact, not the duration)
Ex.: Before I went to the supermarket, I had gone to the bank.
Althought he hadn't read the book, he already knew what it was about.
By the time the fire engine arrived, the house had completely burned down.

- Conditional Sentences Type III (condition that was not given in the past)
Ex.: If I had done the research, I would have prepared a better presentation.

- in reported speech
They said they had met before.

Signal Words
- already, just, never, not yet, once, until that day (with reference to the past, not the present), by the time.
Here, some links to practice a little bit: Past Perfect Ex.1, Past Perfect Ex. 2, and Past Perfect and Simple Past mixed exercises.
Next, we'll see the Past Perfect Continuous. See you!

Present Perfect Progressive/Continuous

2009-02-04T09:01:00.008-10:00

So, this time you'll see a little bit about the Present Perfect Continuous or Progressive tense. This tense expresses an action that recently stopped or is still going on. It puts emphasis on the duration or course of the action. You also use it to talk about a recent activity when the effects of that can still be seen.

The form of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense:

Subject + have + been (verb to be in the past participle) + the main verb in the present continuous + complement.

Suzanne has been singing for that band since 2005.

Some uses of Present Perfect Progressive
- puts emphasis on the duration or course of an action (not the result like the Present Perfect Simple)
Ex.: He has been working for that company for five years.

- an action that recently stopped or is still going on
Ex.: Jenna has been living in Oslo since 2004.

- finished action that influenced the present
Ex.: I have been studying Chemistry the whole week.

Signal Words of Present Perfect Progressive
all day, for 4 years, since 1993, how long?, the whole week
That's all, then. If you have some doubts, contact me, leaving your comments or send me an e-mail, or, if you know me personally, talk to me. Take care!

More links to your practice: English Page (explanation), English Club (practice) and Learn4Good (practice again).

Present Perfect Simple

2009-02-04T08:34:00.010-10:00

Hell'o, guys, I'm back. Take a look at this today's issue. Always important. Always useful.
Let's see the Present Perfect Simple that expresses an action that stopped recently, but has an influence on the present. It puts emphasis on the result. We also may use it to talk about states, single or repeated actions over a long period of time up to the present.
The form of the Present Perfect Simple:
Subject + have/has (auxiliary verb in the present simple) + the verb in the past participle + complement.

I have always wanted to buy that house.

Other uses of the Present Perfect Simple:
- puts emphasis on the result
Ex.: Karen has washed the car.

- an action that is still going on
Ex.: Jimmy has not finished his homework yet.

- an action that stopped recently
Ex.: Ellen has cooked dinner.

- finished action that has an influence on the present
Ex.: I have lost my car keys.

- an action that has taken place once, never or several times before the moment of speaking
Ex.: I have never been to Norway.

Signal Words of Present Perfect
already, ever, just, never, not yet, so far, till now, up to now. Click on this link and practice a little bit more with these signal words.

Next, I'll explain about the Present Perfect Continuous or Progressive. Hope to have helped you all.

Follow the link to activate your learning:
http://www.better-english.com/grammar/presentperfect1.htm
And with the following links, you can practice even more: Simple Past or Present Perfect 1, Simple Past or Present Perfect 2 or Simple Past or Present Perfect 3. Enjoy!

The Definite Article THE

2009-01-19T06:00:00.005-10:00

Now, in this part, let's see this article the.
The definite article the is the same for all genders in singular and in plural: the girls, the eggs, the cats, the cars.
general words (definite):
- I've read a essay about the life of Freddie Mercury.
- I like the books in your shelf.

family names in the plural:
- The Cardinalles live in Sidney.

public buildings, institutions, means of transport (definite):
- The school that George goes to is old.
- The bus to Berlin leaves at 9.20.
- The round church in Klingenthal is famous.

names of countries in the plural; mountain ranges; regions:
- the United States of America, the Netherlands;
- the Highlands, the Rocky Mountains, the Alps;
- the Middle East, the west of Australia.

groups of islands:
- the Bahamas, the British Isles, the Canaries

name with of-phrase; oceans; seas; rivers:
- the Statue of Liberty, the Tower (of London),
- the Isle of Wight;
- the Atlantic (Ocean);
- the Mediterranean (Sea);
- the Nile, the Rhine, the Suez Canal

months, days of the week (definite):
- I always remember the Saturday when I went to that amazing party.
- The Januray of 2002 was full of droughts.

We use the seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter) with or without the definite article.
- in the Fall or in Fall
- in the Spring or in Spring

The Indefinite Article A/AN

2009-01-19T05:42:00.006-10:00

The indefinte article a/an is the same for all genders: a girl, a cat, an eraser, an egg.
The indefinte article has no plural form: a girl - girls, a cat - cats, an egg, eggs.
We use an if the following word starts with a vowel:
- an egg, an envelope, an apple.

We use a if the following word starts with a consonant:
- a cat, a dog, a door, a girl

We must use of the indefinite article a/an before phrases of time and measurements (per week/weekly):
- We have Spanish classes 3 times a week.
- I go on holiday once a year.
- This Ferrari can do 350 kilometres an hour.
- Oranges are $1 a kilo.

Before phrases of jobs:
- George is an engineer
- I'm a teacher

Before phrases of nationality:
- Elton John is an English singer
- Antonio Banderas is a Spanish actor

Half/Quite:
- Stella needs half a kilo of sugar
- This is quite a good song

So far, so good. Further on, I'll explain about the article the.

Articles

2009-01-19T05:13:00.005-10:00

Hell'o, I'm back. So, what about starting this year with some basic rules about articles? Here we go:
1. We use a/an when "we don't know which one" because there are many of these; it's not unique; and it has not been mentioned before. Ex.:
- a whale in the sea.
- an orange in the basket.

2. We use the when "we know which one" because it has been mentioned before;
- the girl next to the door.
it's defined by a phrase or clause which follows;
- in the room where she usually stay.
it's unique or unique in that context;
- the actress who plays the main role.

3. We use no article when we make generalizations using plural or uncountable nouns. Ex.:
- facts, milk, problems, coffee, bread
- to be in jail
- to leave school
- to get home
- to start university

4. Moreover, we normally use no article with the names of people or places (but there are many exceptions to this rule)
- Dr Gregory House (you don't say or write the Dr Gregory House)
- Johnson & Johnson (you don't say or write the Johnson & Johnson)
- Led Zeppelin (and not even the Led Zeppelin)

5. We use the with set phrases with noun + of + noun:
- at the end of the year
- with the help from my friends

Except with many expressions of quantity:
- a few days
- a deck of cards
- a little bit of milk

Next part, I'll show more about articles two part, a/an and the.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T12:15:00.006-10:00

Well, it's a new year... I remember that U2 song... New Year's Day...but not everything is quiet. I could say that I had a wonderful Holiday Season, I sent messages to all my friends, I watched a lot of TV and I could take some rest. I deserved it. I had a lot of fun! But the show must goes on and even along this January/February season, I must keeping on studying, practicing my English and all this stuff. Classes start in March.

When I'm watching a movie, I love when I hear an expression and I repeat it twice, three times, with rhythim and intonation. It's amazing what you can learn watching movies, variety programs, this kind of stuff. And I love American and English programs. Even though I'm Brazilian, I don't feel this conection whatsoever when I'm watching Brazilian programs, that's so weird!

But despite of this, have a happy new year and always keep on rocking! Cheers!

Grammatical point: whatsoever (adverb) > it's used after a negative phrase to add emphasis to the idea that is being expressed. Ex.: He has no respect for authority whatsoever.

I can honestly say that I have no interest whatsoever in the royal family.

A Stop for a While...

2008-12-15T08:08:00.008-10:00

I'm listening to Apocalyptica, Path. It's a wonderful song, but with no lyrics. Maybe this is the wonder of this song...

Well, in a few days, 2008 will be finished. As a teacher, I've learned a lot and all this experience makes me think about this year... and the next. I have some ideas, but only time can mature them... Try your vest to avoid getting depressed - and stressed - in the end of the year.

Hope you're fine and keep on studying... you don't need to get into the books, but certainly, you'll listen to music, read a book, some magazines, or websites until the next term starts. Furthermore, English is for our everyday life.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, full of joy, health, peace, harmony and prosperity. Build your dreams and work hard to make them come true. See you, guys!

End of the Year

2008-12-11T07:12:00.006-10:00

Yesterday, we had a party at school. Almost everybody was there. I was a kind of photographer and I enjoyed a lot with it. Here, some pics of some of my students. See you!

The (lack of) ability of reading

2008-12-08T08:37:00.008-10:00

I've been thinking - seriously - about what kind of comprehension the students have in order to do their homework and another activities... Unfortunately, they don't have the habit of reading, even in Portuguese, so they have an enormous difficulty to read - and understand - what they have to do.
Yesterday, I was watching a part of a variety programm about this. Teachers are concerned about the (lack of) ability from the most of the students about reading, interpreting, writing, I mean, to write something correctly. They end the high school, go to the college and all this difficulty goes on.
As an English teacher, I'm worried, either. I sadly notice that most students can't interpret a question, a text, whatever they read and even when they are asked to write their point of view, they simply write: yes. Or no. But... yes or no what?
I've been always emphasizing the importance of reading in Portuguese, and in this case, in English. Furthermore, if you read more, you improve your ability of reading, understanding and interpreting. This can't be underestimated. It's absolutely awful, even frustrating, when I'm (or any teacher) correcting some writing activity or test and I simply can't understand what it's written, because what it's written it doesn't make any sense. People who usually say "I don't like reading", have this kind of problem.
More you read more you improve your own vocabulary, and in consequence, the grammatical part. Therefore, you can express yourself in a better and understandable way.

Adverbs

2008-11-17T09:41:00.005-10:00

Adverbs tell us in what way someone does something. They can modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. Adjectives tell us something about a person or a thing, they can modify nouns or pronouns.
Adjective: Sheena is careful girl.
Adverb: She drives carefully.

Adjective: This lesson is easy.
Adverb: This lesson can be done easily.

Adjective: This travel to Helsink was fantastic.
Adverb: This travel was made fantastically.

Form
Adjective + -ly
See these examples below:
Adjectives: dangerous, nice, horrible, happy, sensible, full, true, safe, electronic, quick...
Adverbs: dangerously, nicely, horribly, happily, sensibly, fully, safely, electronically, quicly...

There are exceptions in this formation. Examples:

silent e is dropped in true, due, whole = true → truly
y becomes i = happy → happily
le after a consonant is dropped = sensible → sensibly
after ll only add y = full → fully

But see that not all words ending in -ly are adverbs.
adjectives ending in -ly: friendly, silly, lonely, uglynouns,
ending in -ly: ally, bully, Italy, melancholyverbs,
ending in -ly: apply, rely, supply
These are a few examples.
Types of adverbs
1) Adverbs of manner: quickly, kindly
2) Adverbs of degree: very, rather
3) Adverbs of frequency: often, sometimes
4) Adverbs of time: now,today
5) Adverbs of place: here, nowhere

Needs + Verb in the Present Continuous - Explanation and Examples

2008-11-17T09:01:00.005-10:00

In the same way, this construction has a passive meaning. The important thing in our minds is the person or thing that will experience the action. Examples:
The ceiling needs painting (= the ceiling needs to be painted).
My hair needs cutting (= my hair needs to be cut)
His car needs repairing (= his car needs to be repaired).
These clothes need washing (= these clothes need to be washed).
The Math issue needs studying (=the Math issue needs to be studied).

So, need washing is the same as need to be washed; needs fixing is the same as need to be fixed, and so on (as you can see in parentheses). I hope to have helped you all. See you!

Have Something Done - Explanation and Examples

2008-11-17T08:47:00.006-10:00

THE PASSIVE VOICE - GET / HAVE SOMETHING DONE
This construction is passive in meaning. It may describe situations where we want someone else to do something for us. When you want something done for you, you use this formation:
have + something you need + verb in the past participle tense - See examples:

Joe has his car washed.
She is going to have her shower repaired.
We have a pizza delivered to our home every weekend.
I will have the goods picked up tomorrow in the afternoon.
She has her bags carried into her room.

It's not that difficult, isn't it? But you can use the verb have in the past, if the situation is past. Examples:
I had my hair cut last month.
Jen had his house cleaned by a maid.
He had his texts digited by his secretary.
We had our walls painted last weekend.
We had our last party organised by professionals.

Passive Voice

2008-11-11T09:28:00.008-10:00

Many students have asked about passive voice. So let's go:
We only use the passive voice when we are interested in the object or when we don't know who caused the action. Pay attention that only the action matters not who caused the action.
Examples:
The appointments were set up yesterday. - Who did set these appointments up? It doesn't matter.
The house was built. - Who did build the house? We don't know.
The dog will be taken to the vet, tomorrow. - Who will take the dog to the vet? It doesn't matter, because the action is more important.

See that the difference is that while the passive voice the focus is on the action, in the active voice the focus is on the subject, who did the action.

The form of the passive voice is:
to be + past participle

I've prepared more useful examples for you all. If you stick to these studies, you won't have problems in your tests. I've choosen to compare active and passive voice. Let's take a look at them:
Past Simple:
Active - I fed my dog this morning.
Passive - My dog was fed this morning.

Present:
Active: I feed my dog everyday.
Passive: My dog is fed everyday.

Simple Future:
Active: I will feed my dog tomorrow.
Passive: My dog will be fed tomorrow.

Present Perfect:
Active: I've fed my dog.
Passive: My dog has been fed.

Modals:
Active: I would fed my dog.
Passive: My dog would be fed.

So, guys, if you have any problem, send your e-mail, leave your commentary here or find me on Orkut, right?

Here, you have more explanations and exercises on English Hilfen, Ego4U and Web2.

The Differences Between Make and Do

2008-10-17T05:04:00.003-10:00

Make and Do are two very common words in English. These words also are very confused, but there’s an explanation for that. First of all, because some expressions such as make the bed are fixed and they are out of the rule. After, in Portuguese, the word fazer can be used to the translation for make and do, and this helps to confuse a lot.

General Rule for DO

We use do to describe indefinite activities, frequently with thing, anything, nothing and so on. Another explanation is when we talk about duties, work, activities, leisure, and so on.

Examples:
I didn’t do anything. Don’t look at me like that!
Can you do the homework?
She always does the dishes.
Please, do your best.
Can you do me a favor?

And more examples:
Do the cleaning and the cooking
Do the shopping and the washing up
Do some serious work
Do one’s hair or one’s teeth
Do a lot of harm rather than good
Do business
Do (someone) a favor
Do a lot of damage (to something)

General rule to MAKE

We can use make to talk about construction, creation or when executing something. Some examples:

I made a cup of tea for breakfast.
Did you make that wonderful bread?
Many times this rule is put aside, so the better thing to do is doing the right thing, getting used to the correct use.

More examples:
Making a lasting impression (on someone)
Make an announcement
Make an application (for a driving test)
Make a mess, a profit or a fortune
Make love, not war
Make fun of someone or a fool of someone
Make amends for one’s behavior
Make a sound or noise

The best websites for improving your English skills

2008-10-15T08:34:00.003-10:00

These websites which worth a while! Take a look at these contents!

http://www.manythings.org
In this website you can study vocabulary, grammar, slangs & idioms, pronunciation, listening, reading, spelling, crossword puzzles and more!

http://www.elllo.org
One of the most wonderful websites ever! His creator is an American teacher who teaches English all over the world, and he’s settled down in Japan. You can even download the interviews in you MP3! Check it!

http://www.agendaweb.org
This is master wonderful! Wicked! Everything is there! Grammar, vocabulary, listening…

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en
I love this one. If you want to improve your writing skills, go for it! Very useful to all students and English users in general. It’s a never ending world of explanations and exercises.

http://www.ego4u.com
Everything for your grammar, vocabulary and all English studies purposes.

http://www.ohiou.edu/esl/english/index/.html
Choose one topic and go for it! In English Student Resources, I tried Activities and Quizzes, and I saw a lot of options. It’s a kind of never ending activities.

http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/
Just for your pronunciation practice. Wonderful. There’s a video area where you can see the organs of speech.

http://dictionary.cambridge.org
One of the most wonderful dictionaries ever!

http://www.newsweek.com
One of the many sources of information about politics, economy, a little bit of science and technology.

http://www.cnn.com
This one delivers the latest breaking news and information on the latest top stories, weather, business, entertainment, politics, and more.

http://www.speakup.com.br
You can read a little bit of this great Brazilian magazine and exercise your listening, reading... try it! Speak up in in its 21th anniversary! Congratulations!

http://www.bbc.co.uk
In this website, you can practice the British listening, reading

http://www.britishcouncil.org
Another wonder website. Read it.

http://www.learn-english-online.org
Free ESL beginners course - free English lessons - EFL ESL lessons in association with Learn English.

http://www.wordreference.com
Free online Oxford dictionaries - Spanish, French, Italian, German and more. Conjugations, audio pronunciations and forums for your questions.

http://www.englishpage.com
Another wonderful website. There’s a wonderful explanation about present perfect. Take a look at it!

And, of course, my blog! These websites were updated today.