A2

Writing a Postcard

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Look at the following exercises about writing a postcard to help improve your written skills.

Writing a Postcard

writing a postcard

Tips[1]https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/elementary-a2-writing/postcard-new-york

writing a postcard

True or False

Select true or false for each statement.

  1. Susie is visiting LA.
  2. She has visited 3 places in Los Angeles.
  3. Her father’s name is Jesse.
  4. She is going to visit Universal Studios tomorrow.
  5. The weather is rainy in LA.
  6. Her parents live in Alabama.
1. True 2. True 3. False 4. True 5. False 6. True

Practice

Write a postcard to your family about a trip you have been on.

If this is too difficult to understand, check out the A2 grammar points to help out!

References[+]

Earth Facts

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Look at the text below about Earth facts and do the exercises to improve your English reading skills.[1]https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/elementary-a2-reading/about-earth

Preparation

Match the pictures with the corresponding vocabulary words below.

earth facts
  1. Volcano ____
  2. Desert ____
  3. Ocean ____
  4. Mountains ____
  5. River ____
  6. Waterfall ____
  7. Temperature ____
  8. Jungle ____
1. H 2. A 3. B 4. F 5. C 6. E 7. D 8. G

Reading

  1. What is the tallest volcano on the Earth?
    1. Ojos de Salado
    1. Sierra Nevada
    1. Tipas
  2. What is the largest desert in the world?
    1. Sahara
    1. Antarctica
    1. Gobi
  3. What is the largest ocean in the world?
    1. Atlantic Ocean
    1. Indian Ocean
    1. Pacific Ocean
  4. What is the tallest mountain in the world?
    1. Mount Everest
    1. K2
    1. Broad Peak
  5. What is the longest river in the world?
    1. Yangtze
    1. Amazon
    1. Nile
  6. What is the highest waterfall in the world?
    1. Angel Falls
    1. Niagara Falls
    1. Victoria Falls
  7. Where is the hottest place on Earth?
    1. Death Valley
    1. Timbuktu
    1. Wadi Halfa
  8. What is the largest jungle in the world?
    1. Congo
    1. Amazon
    1. Tama Kinabalu

Multiple Choice

1. Ojos del Salado 2. Antarctica 3. Pacific Ocean 4. Mount Everest 5. Nile 6. Angel Falls 7. Death Valley 8. Amazon

Fill in the blank

  1. Death Valley is the _______ place on earth.
  2. The Amazon River is the _______ river in the world.
  3. The Pacific Ocean is the _______ ocean in the world.
  4. Ojos del Salado is the _______ volcano in the world.
  5. The Amazon Rainforest is the _______ jungle in the world.
  6. Angel Falls is the _______ waterfall in the world.
  7. Mount Everest is the _______ mountain in the world.
  8. The Antarctica is the _______ desert in the world.
1. Hottest 2. Longest 3. Largest 4. Tallest 5. Largest 6. Highest 7. Tallest 8. Largest

Discussion

Now that you have read the article about Earth facts and the vocabulary that goes along with it:

  • Have you visited any of these places before?
  • What additional Earth facts do you know?

If this is too difficult to understand, check out the A2 grammar points to help out!

References[+]

My Town

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Look at the text below about my town and do the exercises for at my town to improve your English reading skills.[1]https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/elementary-a2-reading/my-town

Preparation

Match the pictures with the corresponding vocabulary words below.

my town
  1. Surfing ____
  2. Scuba diving ____
  3. Hiking ____
  4. Beach volleyball ____
  5. Shopping ____
  6. Sun bathing ____
  7. Swimming ____
  8. Driving ____
1. C 2. D 3. B 4. H 5. E 6. G 7. F 8. A

Reading

My Town – Los Angeles

By Susie Fleming, 16

I live in Los Angeles. It is a big town in Southern California on the west coast of the United States. It has many beaches and you can do many beach activities. My favorite thing to do is go scuba diving. There are many schools where you can learn. It is very easy and so much fun! I love looking at the sea life underwater. My favorite place to go scuba diving is Redondo Beach where I can play with the seals underwater.

Los Angeles is great because there are many other things you can do other than scuba diving. If you love the beach, you can also go surfing, sun bathing, swimming, and even play beach volleyball. In fact, Manhattan Beach is one of the most famous beach volleyball places. You can always see many people playing volleyball. Sometimes you can even see professional beach volleyball players!

If you do not want to get sandy at the beach, another great activity in Los Angeles is hiking. Just a short drive away, there are many great places to hike and see nature.

If you also love shopping like me, there are also many great places to go shopping. There are many malls and stores where you can spend all day trying on clothes and buying them!

Fill in the blank

  1. Susie lives in _______.
  2. Her favorite activity is _______.
  3. The best place to go scuba diving is _______.
  4. _______ is a great place to play beach volleyball.
  5. If you don’t want to do outdoor activities, Los Angeles is also a great place to go _______.
  6. _______ is another fun outdoor activity to do if you don’t want to go to the beach.
1. Los Angeles 2. scuba diving 3. Redondo Beach 4. Manhattan Beach 5. shopping 6. Hiking

True or False

Select true or false for each statement.

  1. Susie lives in Northern California. True/False
  2. She doesn’t like shopping. True/False
  3. There are a lot of activities to do at the beach. True/False
  4. She likes outdoor activities. True/False
  5. Redondo Beach is a great place to go and place volleyball. True/False
1. False 2. False 3. True 4. True 5. False

Discussion

Now that you have read the article about Susie and Los Angeles and the vocabulary that goes along with it:

  • What activities are there to do in your town?
  • What is your favorite thing to do?

If this is too difficult to understand, check out the A2 grammar points to help out!

References[+]

Zero and 1st Conditionals

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In English, conditionals help us describe something that might have or might happen. In order to use the zero and 1st conditionals we need to know what verb tenses to use.[1]https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/conditionals.html

conditionals

Zero Conditional

The zero conditional is used to talk about general truths and habits.[2]https://www.test-english.com/explanation/b2/first-second-third-conditionals/

If + present simple verb + present simple verb

For example:

  • If it rains, I use an umbrella.
  • If I drink a beer, I don’t drive a vehicle.
  • If we study, we do well in school.

Word Order

You can also put the main clause at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, you don’t use a comma.

For example:

  • I use an umbrella if it rains.
  • I don’t drive a vehicle if I drink a beer.
  • We do well in school if we study.

“When”

You can also use the word “when” in the place of “if” without changing the meaning of the sentence.

For example:

  • When it rains, I use an umbrella.
  • When I drink a beer, I don’t drive a vehicle.
  • When we study, we do well in school.

1st Conditional

The first conditional is used to talk about possible things in the future.

If + present simple verb + will + infinitive

For example:

  • If we practice, we will get better.
  • If it doesn’t rain, I will go to the park.
  • If they don’t call back, I will call them.

“Unless”

You can also use the word “unless” to replace the negative form.

For example:

  • If it doesn’t rain, I will go to the park. → I will go to the park unless it rains.

Difference between the zero and 1st conditionals

As you can see, the zero and first conditionals are quite similar.

The biggest difference is that the zero conditional is used for general truths while the 1st conditional is used for specific situations.

Practice Exercises

Determine is the following sentences are either the zero or 1st conditional.

 11%

Question 1 of 9

1. My little brother cries if he has a nightmare.

Question 1 of 9

Question 2 of 9

2. When you sleep enough, you have enough energy.

Question 2 of 9

Question 3 of 9

3. People get fined, if they don’t pay for their parking space.

Question 3 of 9

Question 4 of 9

4. If you sleep enough, you won’t be tired.

Question 4 of 9

Question 5 of 9

5. When you eat too much food, you get full.

Question 5 of 9

Question 6 of 9

6. If it rains, we will have to cancel our plans.

Question 6 of 9

Question 7 of 9

7. If you talk in class, you will get in trouble.

Question 7 of 9

Question 8 of 9

8. I will go to the museum unless I have to work.

Question 8 of 9

Question 9 of 9

9. If I am running late, I will text you.

Question 9 of 9


 

References[+]

Wh- Questions in the Past Simple Tense

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You can ask Wh- questions in the past tense.[1]https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/the-past-simple-tense/

Wh- question words include:

  • What
  • Where
  • When
  • Why
  • Who
  • How

These types of questions require more information than a simple Yes or No answer.

When asking Wh- questions, you need to add the word “did”.

wh- questions

What

You can use “what” to ask for information.[2]https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/wh-question-words.htm

For example:

  • What did you do?
  • What did she say?

You can also use “what” to ask for someone to repeat what they said.

For example:

  • Sorry, I can’t hear you. What did you say?

Where

You can use “where” to ask for the position of something or someone.

For example:

  • Where did they go?
  • Where did Sam live?

When

You can use “when” to ask about time.

For example:

  • When did the meeting start?
  • When did the plane arrive?

Why

You can use “why” to ask for the reason.

For example:

  • Why did they not call back?
  • Why did he not study for the test?

Who

You can use “who” to ask for which person or persons did an action.

For example:

  • Who did that?
  • Who did you call?

How

You can use “how” to ask about manner.

For example:

  • How did this work?
  • How did they do that?

You can also use “how” to ask about quality or condition.

For example:

  • How did you do on the test?
  • How did it go?

Wh- Questions with “to be”

You can also ask Wh- questions in the past simple tense with the verb “to be”.[3]https://www.oysterenglish.com/past-simple.html

wh- questions

For example:

  • What was in the box?
  • Where were they?
  • When did they get back?
  • Who was at the door?
  • How was class?

Practice Exercises

Please go to Wh- Questions in the Past Simple Tense to view this quiz

References[+]

Want and Would like

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In English, want and would like mean the same thing. The both are used to describe the desire for something or the desire to do something.

However, want and would like are not used in exactly the same way.

In general, “would like” is more polite than saying “want”.

Want (to)

Want is a simple and direct way to expresses offers and requests.[1]https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/would-like

In general, you can use it to state facts.

However, you need to be careful when using it as it can seem selfish and rude depending on the context.

Nouns

Want is used with nouns to express the desire for an object or offer an object.

Form:

Want + noun

For example:

  • I want a dog.
  • She wants a boyfriend.
  • What do you want for your birthday?

Infinitives

Want is used with infinitive verbs to express the desire to do an activity or offer to do an activity.

Form:

Want + infinitive verb

For example:

  • Sam wants to swim in the ocean.
  • Do you want to eat with me?
  • They want to learn English.

Would Like (to)

Would like is a modal verb. It is an indirect and polite way to talk about requests and wishes.[2]https://www.italki.com/question/106216?hl=en

In general, it is used to talk about something imagined.

Nouns

Would like is used with nouns to request or wish for something.

Form:

Would like + noun

For example:

  • I would like a piece of cake.
  • They would like some food.
  • What would you like for Christmas?

Infinitives

Would like is used with infinitives to request or wish for an action.

Form:

Would like + infinitive verb

For example:

  • Would you like to swim in the pool with me?
  • Susie would like to go to the mall with her friends.
  • Mark and Frank would like to eat some burgers with fries.

Example Exercises

Please go to Want and Would like to view this quiz

References[+]

How Questions

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You can use the word “how” to ask questions in English. These are called “how questions”.[1]https://www.engvid.com/4-types-of-how-questions-in-english/

Similar to “Wh-“ questions, you can ask:

How + modal verb

For example:

  • How can you sing so well?
  • How can you know so many languages?
  • How can I get there?

How + verb (any tense)

  • How did she do that?
  • How are we going to get there?
  • How is it outside?

However, there are 4 specific cases where you only use “how” to ask questions.

how questions

Adjective

“How” can be used with adjectives.

How + adjective

For example:

  • How old are you?
  • How hot is it outside?
  • How difficult is the test?

Adverb

“How” can be used with adverbs.

How + adverb

For example:

  • How quickly can you run?
  • How well can she cook?
  • How often do you work out?

Plural Countable Noun

How questions can be used with plural countable nouns.

How + many + plural countable noun

For example:

  • How many dogs do you have?
  • How many people are in the school?
  • How many things did she buy?

Uncountable Noun

“How” can be used with uncountable nouns.

How + much + uncountable noun

For example:

  • How much time do we have left?
  • How much water is in the bucket?
  • How much English do I need to know?

References[+]

Present Perfect Simple

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In English, you can use the present perfect simple to describe actions in the past. It can be used to describe both finished and unfinished actions. It is similar to the past simple verb tense.[1]https://7esl.com/past-simple-and-present-perfect/

present perfect simple

However, the main differences between the two are:

Past Simple vs. Present Simple

  • Finished vs. unfinished time
  • Definite vs. indefinite time
  • Finished actions vs. experiences or results

In addition, the present perfect tense is conjugated in the following manner:

Subject + has/have + Verb –ed

While, the past simple tense is conjugated in the following manner:

Subject + verb -ed

Unfinished Time

You can use the it to describe events that started in the past but that are not yet finished. In other words, you might have started doing something in the past and are still doing that same thing at the moment.

For example:

  • I have worked at this company since 1999.
  • She has been studying since 8 am.
  • Frank has been running since he was 5 years old.

Use the word “since” to indicate the starting point in the past.

Indefinite Time

You can use it to describe an event in the past at an unspecified moment. In other words, you can talk about the past without giving the exact time.

For example:

  • They have visited the museum before.
  • We have seen the Pyramids in Egypt.
  • She has visited New York.

Experiences or Results

You can also use the it to describe experiences or results.

For example:

  • Susie has watched the movie already.
  • I have already ridden the roller coaster 5 times.
  • They have visited Mexico 2 times before.

Vocabulary Clues

There are several words to look out for to help give you a clue to use the present perfect verb tense.[2]https://pt.slideshare.net/MJSIMOES/present-perfect-vs-past-simple-english-language

  • Ever
  • Never
  • Since
  • So far
  • yet

Example Exercises

Change the following sentences from past simple tense to present perfect simple tense.

Please go to Present Perfect Simple to view this quiz

References[+]

Possessives using ‘s & s’

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Before you learned about the possessive adjectives my, your, his, her, its, our, and their. They are used to show possession over something or someone. You can also use possessives with ‘s and s’ to show possession.[1]https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/forming-possessive/

How to form possessives

possessives

Possessives are formed by adding apostrophe + s after a noun that doesn’t end in “s”.

For example:

  • The house of Michael = Michael’s house (this means Michael owns the house)
  • The car of the company = the company’s car (this means that the company owns the car)
  • Clothes for women = women’s clothes (this is talking about clothing for females in general)
  • The yard of the neighbor = the neighbor’s yard (this means that the neighbor owns the yard)

As you can see, it doesn’t matter if the noun is singular or plural to add ‘s. If the noun doesn’t end in the letter “s”, then you must add ‘s to the end of the word to make it possessive.

The possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe after a noun that already ends in “s”.

For example:

  • The book of Thomas = Thomas’ book (this means that Thomas owns a book)
  • The children of the parents = the parents’ children (this means that there are many parents how have children)
  • The toys of the dogs = the dogs’ toys (this means that there are several dogs who have several toys)

As you can see, it doesn’t matter if the noun is singular or plural to add s’. If the noun already ends in the letter “s”, than you need to add the apostrophe after it.

Proper Pronunciation

When using either ‘s or s’, you need to make sure you are properly pronouncing the word, so that other people understand you are using the possessive when talking.

In both cases, the sound is a “z” sound.

In other words, you would pronounce “Bob’s” as Bobz

Expressions of Time

  • a day’s work
  • today’s news
  • in a month’s time
  • a year’s pay

Practice Exercises

Convert the following sentences to the possessive using either ‘s or s’.

Please go to Possessives using ‘s & s’ to view this quiz

References[+]

Common Phrasal Verbs

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Phrasal Verbs

phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs are groups of words (2 or 3) that when put together form an action.

In many cases they can mean multiple things.

In addition, they are generally used when talking more than in formal writing.[1]https://7esl.com/phrasal-verbs/

phrasal verbs

Take in

We decided take in the stray cats. (adopted the cat)

Turn around

The CEO helped turn around the failing company. (helped improve the failing company)

Turn up

Can you please turn up the volume? (increase the volume)

Turn out

It turned out that she was right all along. (ended up)

Go down

The boat went down to the bottom of the ocean. (sunk)

Bring back

Please bring back the kids before 7pm. (return)

Get in

Get in the car right now! (enter)

Break off

Break off a piece of chocolate for yourself. (take a piece)

Take on

She had to take on a lot of obstacles in her life. (to face, encounter)

Get out

Get out of the car right now! (exit)

Pick up

Do you mind picking up some vegetables at the store for me on your way back? (to take, to get)

Go on

Go on, explain yourself and why you were late. (continue)

Work out

They were able to work out the problem. (fix)

Bring out

The teacher manages to bring out the best from her students. (to reveal)

Point out

The teacher pointed out that if we don’t study, we won’t do well on the test. (to show)

Move on

After breaking up with her boyfriend, it took her a long time to move on. (to keep going, get over)

Give back

The billionaire gave back a lot to his community. (after receiving something to return it)

Move in

The couple decided it was time to move in with each other. (to enter something)

Look back

Look back before getting out the parking space. (to look behind you)

Go over

Make sure to go over the exam a second time before turning it in. (to look at something an additional time)

Come round

The ice cream truck comes round our neighborhood every week. (to return)

Go up

Go up the stairs. (to ascend)

Set up

Don’t forget to set up the camera for the photo shoot. (to prepare)

Bring about

Technology has brought about a lot of change in our society. (to cause)

Look round

We looked around the store. (to browse)

Put out

It took a long time to put out the forest fire. (to extinguish)

Turn off

Can you please turn off the lights for me? (to stop)

Turn back

The police officer said that we had to turn back as the road was not safe. (to turn around, return from the direction you were coming form)

Come off

The stain on my dress won’t come off! (remove)

Turn round

We had to turn round as the road was a dead end. (go back in the direction you were coming from)

Go out

Would you like to go out tonight? (to leave)

Make up

They had a big argument, but later made up. (to fix)

Bring down

Can you bring down some for me too? (to take down)

Take over

The new company took over all the planning. (to take charge)

Break down

There was a break down in communication. (not working correctly)

Give in

The parents finally gave in to their kids demands for ice cream. (to give up and allow)

Sit back

Just sit back and enjoy the ride. (to sit in a relaxed position)

Carry on

They carried on like nothing had happened. (to continue on)

Sit up

Please sit up in your chair! (to sit straight)

Go along

They decided to go along with the plan. (to follow)

Carry out

We carried out the plan without any problems. (proceeded with, executed)

Put off

Your bad attitude is a real put off. (to make someone not like something/someone)

Get off

You need to get off the metro at this station. (to depart)

Take down

Please take down the poster. (to bring down, remove)

Take out

I would like some take out food for dinner. (to bring out something/someone)

Put back

Don’t forget to put it back where you found it. (after taking something, returning it to its original place)

Put down

Please put that down. (to place something on a surface)

Break up

I don’t mean to break up your conversation, but can I talk to you for a moment? (to separate)

Put on

You are really good at putting on a brave face. (to show)

Give up

I will never give up. (to surrender)

Look out

Can you keep a look out for the delivery man? (to regard and search)

Come down

Your Uber driver has just arrived, please come down to meet them. (to descend)

Break out

That was a break out performance! (to suddenly be shown)

Set off

The smoke set off the fire alarms. (to start)

Pick out

You can pick out anything you want from the store to buy. (to choose)

Hold out

The union held out for a better deal. (to continue to not move)

Sit down

Please sit down. (to sit)

Bring in

They brought in a lot of new customers. (to invite)

Hold on

Hold on for a second please. (to wait)

Look down

If you look down the drain, you can see it is clogged. (to look in a downward direction)

Go round

Go round to the other side, the entrance is over there. (to circle around something)

Come back

You can come back in 1 hour for your package. (to return)

Put in

You can put it in the cabinet. (to place something inside something else)

Come over

Would you like to come over and hang out. (to come)

Give out

The store was giving out free samples. (to give)

Find out

I found out that I would be getting a promotion. (to discover)

Move up

Please move up in line. (to move forward)

Get back

I will get back to you in a minute. (to return)

Move out

We moved out of our old apartment. (to leave)

Come in

Come in out of the cold. (to enter)

Get up

I get up at 7 AM every day. (to rise)

Come about

The increase in productivity has come about due to the new technology. (happen)

Look up

You can look it up on the internet. (search)

Go in

Go in the store and buy me some groceries please. (to enter)

Take back

This is broken, I need to take it back to the store. (to return something)

Get through

They need to get through this difficult time in life. (to survive)

Set out

They set out on their hike. (to start)

Take off

I am going to take off my clothes. (to remove)

Make out

The letters were too small to make out. (to perceive)

Come out

Can you please come out to talk to me. (to exit)

Come through

My baggage finally came through the gate. (to exit)

Move back

Move back  one step otherwise the object will hit your head! (to reverse backwards)

Come up

This question will probably come up on the exam. (to appear)

Hold up

Hold up for a second. I have something to tell you. (to stop)

Hold back

The athlete held back during the match. (to not try your hardest)

Get on

Get on the train. (to board/enter)

Take up

I am going to take up a new hobby. (to start)

Go off

The gun went off. (to explode)

Set down

I set down the chair right there. (to place)

Set about

We set about cleaning the house. (to start)

Put up

We put up the Christmas lights. (to build)

Come along

Do you want to come along to the mall? (to join)

Get down

We yelled at the cat to get down from the cabinets. (to get off)

Look around

I was looking around the store. (to regard)

Go through

We went through the tunnel. (to pass through)

Turn down

We had to tell the neighbors to turn down the volume. (to decrease)

Turn over

They turned over a new page. (to change)

Get in

Get in the car. (to enter)

Go back

Can you please go back to the store? (to return)

Bring up

She brought up a sore subject. (to mention)

References[+]