English 1

Tenses Practice (Present, Past, Future, Mixed)

I Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense, Present Simple, Present Continuous, Present Perfect:

Tim: Hi, Diane! I (1) ________________ (not see) you lately. What (2) _______________ (you do) here? Diane: Hello, Tim! Well, I (3) ________________ (do) shopping. Tim: Oh, but you (4) ________________ (not like) shopping. Diane: Yes, that’s true. My brother (5) _______________ (have) a birthday party Tim: I see. (7) _____________ (you, want) me to help you choose the present? Diane: Of course, Tim. That (8) ____________ (be) so nice of you. Tim: It’s not a problem. I think that he (9) _______________ (like) art books so we can gp to the bookshop.
Diane: Good idea! He (10) ______________ (wait) for me in the car, so let’s do it quickly!

II Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense, Past Simple, Past Continuous:

Dave and I (1) ___________ (have) an unusual accident last summer. We (2) ______________ (be) on our honeymoon holiday in Paris. Everything (3) __________ (be) great but on our way back, our plane (4) ______________ (not, show) up. We (5) ___________________ (wait) in the airport lounge for some time when the voice (6) ________________ (announce) the plane wasn’t ready to take passengers. They (7) _________ (tell) us that the problem (8) _________ (be) with our luggage. While we (9) ________________ (sit) in the hall we (10) _______________ (think) how our holiday was perfect except of this.

III Put the verbs in brackets into correct tense expressing Future:

  1. Oh, I have gained so much weight this year. I ____________ (go) on diet on Monday!
  2. Phil is leading the race! He _______________ (win)!
  3. The film ____________ (start) at 8 o’ clock sharp. Don’t be late!
  4. Many people in future ________________ (have) robots to help them around in houses.
  5. What (you, do) _________________ this weekend? Do you have any plans?
  6. We (plan) _______________ a wonderful winter holiday in the Alps.
  7. I don’t feel well. I (go) ______________ to bed now.
  8. (you, help) _______________ me with these books, Maria?
  9. Mike, I can’t make it to the meeting. I’m sorry. ________________ (you, let) me know about the conclusions?
  10. Every school year ___________ (start) on the 1st of October.

IV Put the verbs in brackets into correct tense:

  1. A: What (all those people, do) ____________________ in the middle of the street?
    B: They (make) ___________________ a movie. Most of the crowd (be) ___________ local people who (work) _______________ as extras.
    A: It (sound) _____________ fun. Maybe I (can) _____________ try it. Let’s go and ask!
  2. Last year, Peter and Ann (want) ______________ to redecorate their sitting-room themselves so they (choose) ______________ some yellow paint for the walls.
  3. Sarah usually (not, have) _______________ any breakfast but this morning she (have) ______________ an omelet because she (be) ______________ so hungry!
  4. A: When (the film, start) ___________________, Mickey?
  5. B: I (be, not) _______________ quite sure. Just a second, Jill. I (check) ______________ it in the newspapers.
  6. The house next-door (be) ________________ full of policemen yesterday. They (look) _________________ for some criminals, but they (not, find) ________________ anybody suspicious yet. The thief (can) ____________ be anybody!
  7. A: What (you do) ___________________ tonight? Any plans?
  8. B: Not really. Just sleeping. I (have) ______________ such an awful day at work today.
Essays

Sample Argumentative Essay, post 2

Animal Testing should not be Banned

Each year about five million dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, monkeys, and other animals die in deadly dose tests which are performed in the U.S. The subject of animal testing is very open to question. In my opinion, animal testing should not be banned for a number of reasons.

The first reason for supporting animal testing is that many products must be tested on animals to ensure* that they are safe for use by humans. For example, diabetics would not be able to inject insulin to control their diabetes if it had not been developed by testing it on animals.

Moreover, the effects of certain chemicals such as insecticides can be observed on animals and their offspring and results are achieved faster since animals have shorter life duration than humans and the ability to multiply easily.

The final and most important point in favor* of animal testing is that it is aimed at finding cures for diseases such as cancer. Most of these tests cannot be done in any other way. Forty years ago polio was a common tragedy amongst children. Animal testing led to the discovery of a vaccine and now this disease is very rare in developed countries. While some animals undoubtedly suffer, the end justifies* the means.

Contrary to popular belief, laboratory animals are not ill-treated and their suffering is kept to a minimum. As already stated, I am in favor of* animal testing, provided that is conducted under strict conditions and that there is no alternative. (231 words)

Essays

Sample Argumentative Essay

Necessity of Technological and Scientific Advancement

Moving towards the 21st century, technological advancement has become a focus of today’s society. Technology has entered the lives of even the poorest members of society, and it is very rare to find anyone who does not have some form of modern technology such as a TV or a food processor, in their home.

There are many things to be said in favour of technological advancement, the most obvious being that it undoubtedly makes people’s lives easier. Without the benefits that technology brings, the world would be a much harder place to live in. For example, how would any business operate without faxes, photocopiers or telephones?

On the other hand, technology also has the potential to destroy everything at the touch of a button – a point made by Quentin Reynolds when he said, “The scientists split the atom; now the atom is splitting us.” The danger of technological advancement is that machines will completely replace humans, leaving fewer jobs and reducing human contact in everyday life, which cannot be a good thing for society.

In conclusion, although technology has the potential to provide a better quality of life for everyone, it is also capable of destroying everything within a very short space of time. As such it should be developed with caution and should never be allowed to take the place of human contact, because this is what ultimately holds a society together. (241 words)

Essays

Argumentative Essay

When you have an opinion and try to convince your listener or reader to accept your opinion, you are agreeing with or disagreeing with something. For example: In an everyday situation, you may try to convince a friend to go somewhere or in a composition or speech class, the instructor may make an assignment in which you must support or oppose the use of nuclear energy to produce electricity. If you agree or disagree on an issue, you will want your reader or listener to accept your point of view.

There are a few types of argumentative compositions such as:

  1. Advantages and disadvantages
  2. Expressing opinions/providing solutions to problems
  3. Expressing arguments for and against a topic
  4. Compare and contrast something or somebody

PURPOSE of ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

* An argument follows when two groups disagree about something.

* People can have different opinions and can offer reasons in support of their arguments. However, sometimes it might be difficult to convince the other group because the argument could be based on a matter of preference, or religious faith.

* Therefore, arguments of preference, belief or faith are NOT the type of arguments. The kind of argument that can be argued logically is one based on an opinion that can be supported by evidence such as facts.

* An argumentative essay is also one that attempts/tries to change the reader’s mind, to convince the reader to agree with the point of view of the writer.

* For that reason, the argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. For example, a thesis such as “My first experiences with Americans were shocking” has a central idea ‘shocking’ but it is not really strongly persuasive, and it is certainly not argumentative.

* When you write an argumentative essay, assume that the reader disagrees with you. But please remember that your reader is no less intelligent than you.

* So, write objectively, logically and respectfully. Try to understand your opponent’s point of view. If you do not, you are not likely to convince the reader.

AS A RESULT:

  • An important point to recall is that when writing to an argumentative essay, your reader may not agree with you.
  • Writing to persuade is, therefore, more challenging and more imposing than many other types of writing.
  • Your goal may be to change your readers’ minds or move them to action.
  • Your goal may be to sell a program, defend an idea, or disprove an opponent.
  • In all these instances, you should consider writing to persuade as an important method for shaping your environment toward your vision of reality. 
  • USEFUL TIPS for ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

To write well developed paragraphs:

  • Avoid strong feelings (don’t say: nobody does this, or it is impossible to disagree with me)
  • Use generalizations (e.g. people say/believe/consider)
  • Do not use generalization (e.g. everybody believes that…..)
  • Do not use strong personal expressions (e.g. I think)
  • Use linking words (e.g. therefore, although, however etc.)
  • Use sequencing (e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly)
  • Make reference to other sources (e.g. The government claims that…)
  • Give examples – not personal thoughts (e.g. products such as sprayer can destroy the environment)
  • Give up banal introductions. Write something more original (Don’t write: This topic has been important since ancient times. When? Too vague = unclear)
Essays

Types of Essays

Definition of Types of Essay

An essay is a short academic composition. The word “essay” is derived from a French word “essai” or “essayer,” which mean “trail.” In composition, however, an essay is a piece of non-fiction writing that talks or discusses a specific topic. Presently, essay is part of every degree program.

Effectively writing different types of essays has become critical to academic success. Essay writing is a common school assignment, a part of standardized tests, and a requirement on college applications. Often on tests, choosing the correct type of essay to write in response to a writing prompt is key to getting the question right. Clearly, students can’t afford to remain confused about types of essays.

There are over a dozen types of essays, so it’s easy to get confused. However, rest assured, the number is actually more manageable. Essentially there are four major types of essays, with the variations making up the remainder.

Four Major Types of Essays
Distinguishing between types of essays is simply a matter of determining the writer’s goal. Does the writer want to tell about a personal experience, describe something, explain an issue, or convince the reader to accept a certain viewpoint? The four major types of essays address these purposes:

1. Narrative Essays: Telling a Story
In a narrative essay, the writer tells a story about a real-life experience. While telling a story may sound easy to do, the narrative essay challenges students to think and write about themselves. When writing a narrative essay, writers should try to involve the reader by making the story as vivid as possible. The fact that narrative essays are usually written in the first person helps engage the reader. “I” sentences give readers a feeling of being part of the story. A well-crafted narrative essay will also build towards drawing a conclusion or making a personal statement.

2. Descriptive Essays: Painting a Picture
A cousin of the narrative essay, a descriptive essay paints a picture with words. A writer might describe a person, place, object, or even memory of special significance. However, this type of essay is not description for description’s sake. The descriptive essay strives to communicate a deeper meaning through the description. In a descriptive essay, the writer should show, not tell, through the use of colorful words and sensory details. The best descriptive essays appeal to the reader’s emotions, with a result that is highly evocative.

3. Expository Essays: Just the Facts
The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a topic. In an expository essay, the writer explains or defines a topic, using facts, statistics, and examples. Expository writing encompasses a wide range of essay variations, such as the comparison and contrast essay, the cause and effect essay, and the “how to” or process essay. Because expository essays are based on facts and not personal feelings, writers don’t reveal their emotions or write in the first person.

4. Persuasive Essays: Convince Me
While like an expository essay in its presentation of facts, the goal of the persuasive essay is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or recommendation. The writer must build a case using facts and logic, as well as examples, expert opinion, and sound reasoning. The writer should present all sides of the argument, but must be able to communicate clearly and without equivocation why a certain position is correct.

English 1

Test 2 (Conditionals, Comparison of Adjectives, Making Wh questions), post 3

I Use the right conditional:

  1. If my friends lived closer, I ____________________ (visit) them much more often.
  2. They wouldn’t have had any problem if they __________________ (take) your advice.
  3. If I ____________ (be) you, I ‘d be more careful with that project.
  4. I ________________(phone) you if there had been a phone in the village.
  5. If he _________________ (not do) what he promised, I’ll never speak to him again.
  6. Where ___________________________ (you/travel) if you had more money?
  7. He would have more money if he ________________ (not spend) too much on clothes.
  8. If you take on too many jobs, you ________________ (not do) a good job any of them.

II Write the comparative or the superlative of the given words:

  1. This is (enjoyable) ________________________ holiday I’ve ever been to.
  2. The ending of the book is (interesting) ____________________than the beginning.
  3. She made (bad) ____________________ mistake you could ever think of!
  4. Thomas is definitely (successful) _____________________ man I know!
  5. I had a (bad) ____________________ time at the party than at home.
  6. Can you walk a bit (slowly) __________________?
  7. The exam was fairly easy. (easy) _______________ than I expected.
  8. You are doing your job (seriously) ____________________ of all the people on the same position.

III Make questions to the referring words:

  1. Emma telephoned me last night.
  2. The film begins at 8.00.
  3. She isn’t working tonight because she is ill.
  4. I was born in London.
  5. Those people work with me.
  6. It was very cold yesterday.
  7. I have seen the artist twice.
  8. The accident happened unexpectedly.
English 1

Test 2 (Conditionals, Comparison of Adjectives, Making WH questions), post 2

I Use the right conditional:

  1. If my brother sees the car, he ___________________________ (buy) it.
  2. If the doctor _____________________ (tell) you to be careful, you would do that.
  3. If the match ___________________ (be) cancelled, I would know.
  4. The boys ____________________ (not finish) their homework if I hadn’t pushed them to.
  5. If you _______________________ (prepare) well, you would not have failed.
  6. He won’t get good marks if he ____________________ (not learn) what is necessary.
  7. If Peter ____________________ (not be) at home, we’d phone him.
  8. You ___________________ (not be) ill if you dressed more warmly.

II Write the comparative or the superlative of the following words:

  1. Next time you should be (serious) ____________________ about the exam!
  2. The Queen lives in (beautiful)_______________________castle in England.
  3. My granny makes (good) ___________________ cookies in the world!
  4. What’s (difficult) __________________ language to learn in the world?
  5. I was (happy) _________________ last summer than this year.
  6. Let me know if you hear any (far) _____________________ news.
  7. (bad) _______________ climate is in Siberia.
  8. She works (quickly) ___________________ than all her colleagues.

III Make questions to the referring words:

  1. She dances really beautifully.
  1. Her boss gave her a bonus salary.
  2. They were talking about the political issues in our country.
  3. She is 42 years old.
  4. The boys have lost their SONY play station 2 weeks ago.
  5. We were late for school yesterday.
  6. I use my computer very often.
  7. Many people will have robots in future.
English 1

Test 2 (Conditionals, Comparison of Adjectives, Making Wh questions), post 1

I Use the right conditional:

  1. He won’t go to the meeting if he (be, not) _______________________ invited.
  2. If I had prepared the papers earlier, we (get) ___________________________ the visa on time.
  3. If Fred (stop) ____________________ smoking, he will surely feel much better.
  4. If Dylan had fixed his van, he (use) _______________________ his insurance money for the car.
  5. I (not, watch) ___________________ that movie if it is so scary.
  6. Our house would have been cleaner if we (do) ____________________ the cleaning regularly.
  7. If you (not, leave) ____________________ your bags here, they wouldn’t find it otherwise.
  8. If I (go) ________________ to Moscow, I would speak Russian better.

II Write the comparative or the superlative of the following words:

  1. He was one of (ugly) ____________________ actors I’ve ever seen!
  2. That referee has always worked (correctly) ________________________ of all the others.
  3. (kind) _________________ thing he could ever do is to take me to that romantic place!
  4. Can you move a bit (close) __________________ to the gate, please?
  5. I had (bad) __________________ dream one can think of! A nightmare!
  6. He was so nervous that he changed the channels (quickly) ___________________ than he could see what was on.
  7. This is (late) ______________________ news we have heard.
  8. She is a journalist and she earns (much) _________________ money than her husband.

III Make questions to the referring words:

  1. They inherited 200,000 dollars from their uncle.
  2. I talked to Brian about the wedding ceremony.
  3. She can make an omelette quickly.
  4. The workers use their break properly.
  5. Mike typed emails on my PC.
  6. She studies every day after school.
  7. I invited your sister to the party.
  8. They were using the newest methods in these elections.
English 1

Tenses Practice 2

I Put the verbs in brackets into correct form:

  • Dear Mum, I (1) _________________ (just, arrive) to the college campus and the feeling (2) ____________ (be) great the whole week! Just unexpectedly, I (3) _____________ (run) into Sheila Johnson – the neighbor’s daughter yesterday afternoon. She (4) ______________ (be) surprised to see me, too, since she really (5) ______________ (not, know) that I (6) _______________ (plan) to come to the same college. Anyway, we (7) ______________ (go) out for a coffee and some chat, so we (8) _______________ (end) up talking about the subjects, the dormitory and all that stuff the whole night. Sheila (9) ______________ (always, have) excellent marks at elementary school, so I hope she (10) ______________ (help) me with Math and Sciences next semester. Right now, we (11) _____________ (sit) at the Art lecture and I (12) ___________________ (write) a letter to you. I just can’t help it! I must write a line or two to my favourite Mum! All the new people that I have met here (13) ____________ (be) kind and nice to me, and we usually (14) ____________ (hang) out together after classes. Don’t worry, I will be nice to them, too. Please, Mum, send some money. I (15) ________________ (already, spend) everything you (16) ___________ (give) me last week.
  • Love you! Your son, John

II Put the verbs in brackets into correct form:

  1. At the moment we __________________ (sit) in a café. We ________________ (wait) for the museum to open, so I ________________ (write) some postcards.
  2. Last year my neighbour ________________ (go) to Greece for his holiday. He ______________ (stay) on a small island, and he _____________ (claim) that it ____________ (be, not) expensive, but I _______________ (not, believe) him.
  3. I _____________ (visit) lots of different, unusual places so far. The best country I ____________ (be) to is France.
  4. Jill and Michael ___________________ (argue) a lot recently. They _______________ (need) some expert to help them.
  5. Laura decided to go to visit her sister last week. But, when Laura _________________ (arrive) to the bus station, the bus _____________________ (already, leave). Laura __________ (be) two hours late, because she ______________ (must) to wait for the next bus to come.
  6. I hope it ____________________ (not rain) tomorrow. I ___________________ (have) an important tennis match.
  7. Don’t phone between 3 and 4 p.m. They __________________________ (have) lunch then.
  8. By 2020 Jake __________________ (finish) his engineering project.
  9. I promise I __________________ (help) you, just let me finish my homework first.
  10. I am so exhausted. I _______________ (clean) the house all day long. And I ___________(not, finish) yet. There’s more to be done.
  11. A: ______________ (the party, be) good last night?
  12. B: Yes, lovely. Maria _____________ (organize) a wonderful buffet! We ___________ (dance) a lot, my feet ______________ (still, kill) me.

English 1

Tenses Practice 1

I Put the verbs in brackets into correct form:

  • Dear Hilda, I (1) ________________ (just, hear) that my mother (2) _______________(be) seriously ill since last Tuesday. I would like to go and see how she (3) _____________ (be). The trouble (4) ______________ (be) that I (5) _________________(can, not) take my dog Tim with me. (6) __________________(you, think) you can look after him for a week? You (7) _________________ (have) him for a week last year, and you (8) ________________ (say) he (9) _________________ (be) no trouble. If you (10) ________________ (be) able to have him, I (11) ______________ (bring) him on Friday morning. He (12) _________________ (have) his own bowl, and I’m sure you (13) __________________ (take) a good care of him. But if it (14) _________________ (be, not) convenient, (15) _________________ (not, hesitate) to say so. This time tomorrow I (16) ________________ (work) in my office. You (17) _________________ (can) call me there, and we (18) ________________ (talk) about it.
  • Love, Sarah

II Put the sentences into appropriate tense:

  1. Tina __________________ (come) to visit us every day. She ______________ (be) our neighbour since last year and I believe (get)_____________________ on well together.
  2. The Smiths _______________________(not change) their furniture last year, they _________________(do) it next week. They have already planned it.
  3. A: Why ____________________________(you/stand) there now?
  4. B: I ______________________________(wait) for the bus. In fact I (stand) ____________________ here for 35 minutes, and I’m sure it (not, come) ________________ at all!
  5. By the year 2017, my parents (marry) _____________________ for 30 years.
  6. A: Why _________________________________(John/fail) his exam two days ago?
  7. B: Because he __________________________(not /give) his best. He (think) _________________ the exam (be) ______________ easy, but he (be, not) _________________ right.
  8. Linda ________________(be) an excellent manager and she ___________
  9. (work) in a bank. She (not, go) ____________________ to work by bus, but this week she (go) _____________________ by bus because her car (be) __________________ broken.
  10. __________________________________(she / ever/ fly) by plane? – Yes, when I (travel) ______________ to Spain a couple of years ago.
  11. Tina _____________________________(must) buy some dog food last night , but she totally _______________________________(forget) about it.
  12. It is windy and cold . It ___________________________(rain) tomorrow.
  13. The Smiths sometimes ____________________(play) chess in the evening. Mrs Smith __________________(not like) golf. She (have) ______________”other fish to fry”.
  14. I (do) __________________ some small repairs in my kitchen all day yesterday. While I ______________________(glue) some wooden parts, the plumber ____________________ (fix) the tap. We (have) ___________________ so much work to do!
  15. Last Friday we (visit) ___________________ Mr Johnson. After we ___________________ (enter) the office, the secretary ___________________ (call) the boss.