ENGLISH B1.

1
Preparatory course for the certification test in English
Language level B1 according to the descriptors of the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Student’s Book
English B1.1
ENGLISH B1.1
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© Edición y composición: UNIR

Impreso en España – Printed in Spain

 Presentación

¡Bienvenidos!

Con la lectura y estudio de este manual vas a adquirir un nivel medio de competencia en la expresión
y comprensión de la lengua inglesa, tanto en su forma hablada como escrita, para que seas capaz
de utilizarla en situaciones cotidianas como instrumento de comunicación y poder desenvolverte
DGHFXDGDPHQWHHQVLWXDFLRQHVGHGLÀFXOWDGPHGLDEDMD

$OÀQDOL]DUHVWRVFRQWHQLGRVdeberás ser capaz de:

h Empezar a entender los argumentos esenciales de un discurso normal y comprender la conversación

cuando esta se centre en los temas que estudiaremos.

h Saber desenvolverte en la mayoría de situaciones de comunicación que se pueden dar cuando se

viaja.

h Poder expresarte en un nivel inicial de forma sencilla y coherente sobre temas conocidos e intereses
personales.

El objetivo que pretendemos es proporcionarte todas las herramientas

lingüísticas necesarias para una comunicación natural y espontánea. Para ello,
cuentas con un equipo que te ofrece flexibilidad, apoyo constante y atención
individualizada.

Material didáctico

Dispones de:

Manual del alumno (Student’s Book): teoría y ejercicios de gramática, vocabulario, comprensión
oral, comprensión lectora y comprensión escrita.

Acceso al aula virtual (Virtual Classroom): además del contenido del manual se puede
consultar el material audiovisual del curso (audios de ejercicios de comprensión auditiva y lectora,
clases magistrales de gramática y clases magistrales de expresión oral). También podrás consultar y
descargar el solucionario (Key Booklet) con las respuestas de todos los ejercicios y test.

Solucionario (Key Booklet): respuestas de todos los ejercicios y test del curso.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Cómo utilizar el material

Antes de estudiar
Antes de comenzar a estudiar es importante que te familiarices con el material. En la sección anterior
WHKHPRVHVSHFLÀFDGRORVFRPSRQHQWHVTXHORLQWHJUDQHOmanual del alumno y el aula virtual que
contienen el material teórico y práctico necesario para ir estudiando las diferentes units. Es recomendable
que tengas a mano el solucionario para ir comprobando que realizas correctamente los ejercicios y test.

Fíjate ahora en el manual del alumno. Está dividido en 8 units. Puedes consultar el índice de contenidos
(al principio del manual) para saber qué se estudia en cada unit. Cada unit está dividida en secciones y la
estructura es similar en todas las units. En el siguiente apartado, en esta guía, te detallamos la estructura
de cada unit.

Accede ahora al aula virtual. Verás que puedes consultar los mismos contenidos que tienes en el manual
(las 8 units con sus secciones), aunque de una forma mucho más amena. Además, podrás escuchar los
audios y ver los vídeos de las clases magistrales.

Cómo estudiar una unit

El manual está formado por 8 units, que están divididas en 5 secciones: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading,
Listening y Writing & recording.

Unit 1. What are you doing now?

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

Present Simple tense Uncountable nouns My hectic life Listening quiz on the Read this email
verb “to be”
The Present Test Reading Present Continuous Now you write
Continuous comprehension Record your answers
Test Useful language

Grammar
Esta sección incluye la gramática básica. Lee atentamente las explicaciones y los ejemplos propuestos.
Después encontrarás una o dos clases (en vídeo)VREUHHVDVPLVPDVUHJODVJUDPDWLFDOHV6LORSUHÀHUHV
puedes ver primero la clase para tener una idea de lo que se está explicando y luego profundizar leyendo
la teoría y los ejemplos. Esta sección termina siempre con uno o dos test o ejercicios sobre lo estudiado.

Vocabulary
En esta sección se trabaja vocabulario relacionado con diferentes temas. Podrás escuchar la pronunciación
grabada en audio de ese vocabulario y terminar la sección siempre con un ejercicio de vocabulario
(vocabulary practice exercise).

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

Reading
Se incluye en todas las units un ejercicio de comprensión lectora. Además del texto para leer podrás
escuchar el audio con ese texto grabado. Te recomendamos que siempre que leas uno de estos textos, vayas
escuchando a la vez la grabación para conocer la pronunciación exacta de las palabras. Después tendrás
que realizar un test de comprensión lectora (reading comprenhension) sobre lo leído.

Listening
Al igual que la sección anterior, aquí podrás escuchar un audio para practicar la comprensión oral
y después hacer un test (listening quiz) sobre lo que has escuchado. Esta sección incluye siempre una o
dos clases en vídeo muy interesantes: son lecciones de expresión oral de un profesor con un alumno
que son muy útiles para detectar errores comunes a la hora de hablar y practicar el uso de expresiones,
tiempos verbales y construcciones gramaticales estudiadas.

Writing & recording

$OÀQDOGHODunit, toca practicar la expresión escrita. Se parte de un ejemplo real, una explicación
sencilla y una clase grabada sobre diferentes tipos de escritos. Después tienes que realizar un ejercicio
para practicar lo aprendido. Posteriormente, tendrás que realizar una grabación sobre la tarea que
se propone en cada unidad. Las actividades a realizar son: un discurso sobre un tema propuesto, la
descripción de una fotografía y la discusión sobre la situación propuesta. Cada unidad alternará una
actividad distinta.

Los iconos del curso

(QFRQWUDUiVGLIHUHQWHVLFRQRVHQHOPDWHULDOGHOFXUVRSDUDLGHQWLÀFDUODWHRUtDORVWHVWORVHMHUFLFLRVORV
audios y los vídeos. Son los siguientes:

Teoría Explicaciones teóricas de Grammar, Vocabulary y Writing & recording.

Clases
Clases en vídeo de Grammar, Listening y Writing & recording.
(vídeos)

Audios Audios de Reading y de Listening.

Lecturas Textos de Reading.

Ejercicios Ejercicios prácticos de Grammar, Vocabulary y Writing & recording.

Test Test de autocomprobación de Grammar, Reading y Listening.

Grabación Ejercicios de grabar voz de Writing & recording.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

Contents Grammar Vocabulary

Unit 1. Present Simple tense verb “to be”

Uncountable nouns
What are you doing now? The Present Continuous
Test
S Test

The Present Simple tense

Unit 2.
and adverbs of frequency Countable nouns
Working with children Test Vocabulary practice exercise
S Grammar practice exercise

Unit 3. The Past Continuous

Most common regular verbs
Going out Test
Vocabulary practice exercise
S Grammar practice exercise

Unit 4.
The Past Simple tense Most common irregular verbs
3URIHVVLRQDOSURÀOHV Grammar practice exercise Vocabulary practice exercise
S

Comparatives
Unit 5.
Superlatives Adjectives
Travelling abroad Other types of comparatives Vocabulary practice exercise
S Grammar practice exercises

Used to
Unit 6. $GMHFWLYHVHQGLQJLQLQJDQGHG
To be used to
Past habits Test
To get used to
S Vocabulary practice exercise
Grammar practice exercise

Unit 7. Verbs followed

3UHÀ[HVDQGVXIÀ[HV
Celebrities E\²LQJIRUPRU,QÀQLWLYH
Vocabulary practice exercise
S Test

Unit 8. Modal verbs Prepositions

Talents Test Vocabulary practice exercise
S

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 Reading Listening Writing & recording

Read this email

My hectic life Listening quiz on the Now you write
Reading comprehension Present Continuous Record your answers
Useful languaje

Read and write

Correct the mistakes
Michael: a primary school teacher
Present Simple tense listening quiz Now you write
Reading comprehension
Describe a photo
Useful language to describe pictures

5HDGWKLVVHPLIRUPDOQHXWUDO
email
A long weekend in New York Listening quiz on the
Now you write
Reading comprehension Past Continuous
Discuss a situation
Useful language

Writing a letter
The perfect job Now you write
Past Simple listening quiz
Reading comprehension Record your answers
Useful Vocabulary

Thank you note

Rome or Florence Comparatives and Now you write
Reading comprehension superlatives listening quiz Describe a photo
Useful Vocabulary to describe people

Writing a congratulation letter

0\ÀUVWMRE
Listening comprehension Now you write
Reading comprehension
Discuss a situation

Read this description

When Claire met a celebrity Now you write
Listening quiz
Reading comprehension Record your answers
Useful Vocabulary

Super powerful rice cooker Text organisation

LXP warranty Listening comprehension Now you write
Reading comprehension Describe a photo

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)
 Unit 1. What are you doing now?

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

Present Simple tense Uncountable nouns My hectic life Listening quiz on the Read this email
verb “to be”
The Present Test Reading Present Continuous Now you write
Continuous comprehension Record your answers
Test Useful language

Grammar
Present Simple tense verb “to be”

Verb Contractions Meaning

I am I’m Yo soy/ estoy
You are You’re Tú eres/estás - Usted es/está
He is He’s Él es/está
She is She’s Ella es/está
It is It’s El/ella/ello (para cosas) es/está
You are You’re Vosotros/as sois/estáis - Ustedes son/están
We are We’re Nosotros/as somos/estamos
They are They’re Ellos/as son/están

How to make affirmative sentences How to ask questions

Structure: Structure:

Subject + am/ is /are + object Am/ Is /Are + subject + object?

Examples:

I am a teacher Am I a teacher? ¿Soy yo

Yo soy profesor/a.
subject verb object verb subject object profesor/a?

He is busy. Él está ocupado. Is he busy? ¿Está él ocupado?

You are a doctor. Tú eres médico. Are you a doctor? ¿Eres tú médico?

How to answer questions

Structure: Examples:

Yes, + subject + am/ is/ are No, I’m not. 13

Yes, I am
No, + subject + am/ is/ are + not Yes, they are.
Yes/No subject am/ is/ are -/not
No, we aren’t.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 How to make negative sentences How to ask negative questions

Structure: Structure:

Subject + am/ is/ are + not + object Am/ Is/ Are + not + subject + object?

Examples: Examples:
I am not a teacher Yo no soy Aren’t you a teacher? ¿No eres
subject verb not object profesor/a. verb + not subject object profesor/a?

He is not busy. Él no está ocupado. Isn’t he busy? ¿No está él ocupado?

You are not a doctor. Tú no eres médico. Aren’t you a doctor? ¿No eres tú médico?

When we ask negative questions we usually make a contraction: isn’t, aren’t, but
with the first person we say “Am I not ...?”.

The Present Continuous

Verb Meaning
I am working. Estoy trabajando.
You are working. Tú/ usted está trabajando.
He is working. Él está trabajando.
She is working. Ella está trabajando.
It is working. Está funcionando.
You are working. Vosotros/as estáis trabajando - Ustedes están trabajando.
We are working. Nosotros/as estamos trabajando.
They are working. Ellos/as están trabajando.

Watch some videos about the Present Continuous.

How to make affirmative sentences

Structure:

Subject + am/ is/ are + main verb –ing + object

Examples:

He is watching TV Él está viendo la

subject verb verb -ing object televisión.

They are having lunch. Ellos están comiendo.

14
I’m waiting for my son. Estoy esperando a mi hijo.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

How to ask questions

Structure:

Am/ Is/ Are + subject + main verb –ing + object?

Examples:
Is he watching TV? ¿Él está viendo la
verb subject verb -ing object televisión?

Are they having lunch? ¿Están ellos comiendo?

Are you waiting for your son? ¿Estás esperando a tu hijo?

How to answer questions

Structure: Examples:

Yes, + subject + am /is/ are

No, + subject + am/is/ are + not No, I’m not.
Yes, I am
Yes, they are.
Yes/No subject am/ is/ are -/not
No, we aren’t.
How to make negative statements

Structure:

Subject + am/ is/ are + not + verb-ing + object

Examples:

I am not listening to the radio

No estoy escuchando la radio.
subject verb not verb -ing object

They aren’t having lunch. Ellos no están comiendo.

You aren’t waiting for your son. No estás esperando a tu hijo.

How to ask negative questions

Structure:

Am/ Is/ Are + not + subject + verb-ing?

Examples:

Aren’t you teaching?

¿No estás enseñando?
verb + not subject verb -ing
Isn’t he watching TV? ¿No está él viendo la televisión? 15
Aren’t they having lunch? ¿No están comiendo?

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 The Present Continuous is used for: Test
® An activity happening at the present moment: 1. I am looking forward to ……… you soon.
A. see.
Sorry, I can’t go there now, I’m working. B. seeing.
C. knowing.
Lo siento, no puedo ir allí ahora, estoy trabajando. D. know.

® An activity in progress but not exactly at the present 2. My husband is always ……… his keys.
moment: A. forget.
B. miss.
They want to improve their English, so they’re reading C. missing.
many books in English. D. forgetting.

3. I ……… after her house this summer while

Quieren mejorar su inglés, por ello están leyendo muchos
she is on holiday.
libros en inglés.
A. am watching.
B. am seeing.
® A non-permanent situation: C. am looking.
D. am sitting.
She’s watering the plants while he is away.
4. The company ………ÀYHSHRSOHLQ-XQH
Ella está regando sus plantas mientras él está fuera. A. are employing.
B. is employing.
® A situation which is changing or starting to take place: C. hires.
D. employs.
House prices are starting to fall in Britain.
5. At the moment I ……… for a new job.
Los precios de las casas están empezando a bajar en Gran A. am looking.
Bretaña. B. look.
C. am watching.
® Things the speaker finds strange or annoying, with use D. watch.
of always:
6. I am ……… TV as I cook dinner.
You are always finding excuses not to do your A. following.
B. seeing.
homework. You’re going to fail your exams!
C. viewing.
D. watching.
Siempre estás encontrando excusas para no hacer los deberes.
¡Vas a suspender los exámenes! 7. What ……… you always losing?
A. is.
® Things that are always happening, with use of always: B. am.
C. are.
Mark’s father is always fixing things, he loves it! D. do.

El padre de Mark siempre está arreglando cosas, ¡le encanta! 8. When ……… he next going on holiday?
A. is.
B. am.
C. are.
D. do.
IMPORTANT: In Spanish we can talk about
activities happening at the present moment 9. ……… I am studying for an exam.
with the present tense. A. Always.
B. Sometimes.
For example, we can say: ¿Qué haces? C. Yesterday.
In English, we normally use the Present D. At the moment.
Continuous, not the Present Simple tense in
this case. 10. I ……… study for exams.
A. always.
16 Correct: What are you doing? B. this morning.
Incorrect: What do you do? C. right now.
D. today.

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Vocabulary

Uncountable nouns

Concept: Uncountable nouns are nouns that cannot be counted because they
cannot be divided. Typical examples are liquids such as milk, water, beer or wine,
or food such as bread, meat or rice.

It is important to remember that:

® Countable nouns can take either singular or ® It is possible to make uncountable nouns
plural forms, but uncountable nouns can only countable if we add other words to the
take singular forms although sometimes they uncountable word. Examples of these types of
may be pluralized when used in a countable words are: a piece of, an item, a bottle, a grain,
sense. etc.
For example: For example:
Paper (uncountable) – I like to use only recycled Milk (uncountable): leche.
paper. Me gusta utilizar solo papel reciclado. A bottle of milk: Una botella de leche.
Papers (countable) – They have to hand in
their papers by Friday. Ellos tienen que entregar ® There are some uncountable nouns that are
sus trabajos escritos el viernes. especially troublesome for Spanish speakers
because in Spanish these nouns are countable.
® As uncountable nouns they cannot be Here are some examples:
counted; therefore you cannot say: Advice (consejo) – A piece of advice. Un consejo.
A/An + uncountable noun. News (noticias) – A piece of news. Una noticia.
For example: Bread (pan) – A loaf of bread, a piece of bread.
You cannot say: I’m going to give you an Un trozo de pan.
advice. Te voy a dar un consejo. Furniture (mueble) – A piece of furniture. Un
You have to say: I’m going to give you some mueble.
advice. Te voy a dar algunos consejos. Information (información) – A piece of
You can also say: I’m going to give you a piece information. Una información.
of advice. Te voy a dar un consejo.

List of uncountable nouns

Nouns Phonetics Meaning Example

Advice ǨG YDǹV consejo They gave me some good advice. Me dieron buenos consejos.

Information  ǹQIǨU PHǹȒǨQ información He didn’t have any information. Él no tenía ninguna información.

News QX] noticias I have good news. Tengo buenas noticias.

Furniture  IǫUQǹWȒǨU muebles That’s a nice piece of furniture. Ese es un mueble bonito.

Milk PǹON leche I would like to have some milk. Quiero tomar leche.

Water  ZǣWǨU agua There is no water. No hay agua.

Rice UDǹV arroz People in China eat lots of rice. La gente en China come mucho arroz.

Money  PțQL dinero She is going to need some money. Ella va a necesitar (algo de) dinero.
17
Sugar  ȒșJǨU azúcar Would you like some sugar? ¿Quieres azúcar?

Wine ZDǹQ vino I would like to have a glass of wine. Quiero una copa de vino.

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 Some, Any
Both words can be used with countable and uncoun-
table nouns.
Examples:
There are some pencils on the floor. (Countable)
Hay unos lápices en el suelo.
There is some milk on the counter. (Uncountable)
Hay leche en la encimera.
Did you have any water? (Uncountable)
¿Tomaste agua?
Did you have any coins? (Countable)
¿Tenías monedas?

Much, Many
Much can only be used with uncountable nouns.
Example:
How much money do you have? ¿Cuánto dinero tienes?

Many can only be used with countable nouns.

Little, Few
Example:
How many people are coming? ¿Cuánta gente viene? Little can only be used with uncountable nouns.
Example:
A lot of, Lots of
They had little information (Uncountable). Ellos
Both words can be used to replace much or many. tenían poca información.
Example: Few can only be used with countable nouns.
She drank a lot of wine. (Uncountable) Example:
Ella bebió mucho vino.
Lots of ideas are not taken into account. (Countable) She had very few apples in the basket. Ella tenía pocas
Muchas ideas no son tenidas en cuenta. manzanas en la cesta.

Listen to the audio file with uncountable nouns in context and in

Spanish and in English.

Test

Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. Pass me a sheet of ~ ~ A. coffee left?

2. How much ~ ~ B. paper
3. Do we have any ~ ~ C. rest
4. I like a drop of ~ ~ D. time
5. How many ~ ~ E. milk in my coffee
6. I’m tired, I need some ~ ~ F. mistakes
7. This translation has a lot of ~ ~ G. coins do you have?
18 8. To do this well I need plenty of ~ ~ H. sugar do you want in your tea?
9. Due to a lack of ~ ~ I. cake
10. Please pass me a slice of ~ ~ J. FRQÀGHQFH,IDLOHGP\GULYLQJWHVW

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Reading
My hectic life

My name is Lisa Cox. I was born in New Haven,

Connecticut, but I am now living in London with
my husband and three children. I work as a sales
manager for an American multi-national company.

I’m currently looking for a new job because I want

to start working part-time to be able to spend more
time at home with my family, but it’s not easy these
days with so much unemployment.

We are in the middle of winter and I’m working

from home today. I am also preparing a meal using
a pressure cooker. It’s a wonderful solution when
you don’t have a lot of time. I am making a stew.
My children are now at school and my husband is
working in the city. He is English and works as a
bank manager.

My mother is staying with us at the moment.

Fortunately, she always takes the children to the
When they are back home, she always cleans their
park when they come back home from school! My
shoes and clothes. It’s now midday and I’m eating
mother is still quite young so she can keep them
a slice of pizza hoping not to fall asleep midway
busy for hours on end. If it’s raining they always start
through eating. I’m counting the days to our next
digging in the dirt and they make dirt brownies.
holiday. We are planning to fly to the States and
spend Christmas and New Year with my family in
Florida.

Fortunately, I’m not travelling this week. My

youngest daughter, Elizabeth, is not feeling too well.
I think she just has a mild cold, but I wouldn’t like
to be away if she gets worse. I’m not unhappy with
my life. I have a nice family, live in a beautiful house,
but I would certainly like to work less hours.

Vocabulary
Sales manager (n.): director comercial.
Be able to (v.): poder, ser capaz de.
Unemployment (n.): desempleo.
Pressure cooker (n.): olla a presión.
Stew (n.): guiso.
Keep them busy (v.): mantenerlos ocupados.
Hours on end (n.): por largo tiempo.
Digging (v.): cavando.
Dig: cavar.
Dirt (n.): tierra.
Be back (v.): volver.
Fall asleep midway (v.): quedarse dormido/a/ en medio de.
Be away (v.): estar fuera, ausentarse. 19
Get worse (v.): empeorar.

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 Reading comprehension
7. Where is Lisa originally from?
After reading the text answer the questions. A. Florida.
B. London.
C. Connecticut.
1. Why is Lisa looking for a new job? 4.:KDWDUHWKHEHQHÀWVRIDSUHVVXUH
A. Because she is worried about cooker? 8. Where does Lisa want to go on
unemployment. A. It’s clean. holiday?
B. Because she wants to have more B. It’s quick. A. USA.
time with her family. C. It’s quiet. B. EU.
C. Because she doesn’t like her job. C. UK.
5. How many of Lisa’s children have
left home? 9. Why is Lisa happy that she is not
2. What nationality are her children?
A. 0. travelling this week?
A. American.
B. 1. A. Because she is tired.
B. English.
C. 2. B. Because she has a lot of work.
C. Half American and half English.
C. Because her daughter is unwell.
6. Who looks after the children after
3. What time of year is it? school? 10. How does Lisa feel about her life?
A. Spring. A. Their mother. A. Very unhappy.
B. Autumn. B. Their aunt. B. Happy.
C. Winter. C. Their grandmother. C. Bored.

Listening
Listening quiz on the Present Continuous

Listen to the conversation between two friends

on the phone then answer the questions.

Answer the question below after listening once:

Answer the questions below after listening three
1. What are the two women planning? times:
A. Shopping.
B. Dancing. 1. Who has started a new job?
C. Eating. A. Sophie.
B. Jane.
Answer the questions below after listening twice: C. Jane’s friend.

1. How much does the club normally cost? 2. How much are the women paying to get into the club?
A. £10. A. £0.
B. £20. B. £10.
C. £30. C. £20.

2. Where is Sophie travelling to for her work? 3. What time are they meeting?
A. Bond Street. A. 10 p.m.
B. A bar. B. 11 p.m.
C. Mexico. C. 12 p.m.

3. What day are Sophie and Jane meeting? 4. Why is Sophie going to Mexico?
A. Saturday. A. To meet a friend.
B. Friday. B. On holiday.
C. Sunday. C. To meet clients.

20
Watch a conversation between two people using the Present Continuous.

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Writing & recording

Read this email

From: Carla Simpson <[email protected]>

To: editorialenglish@com
Date: 13/10/2010 17:48
Subject: Permission enquiry

Dear Sirs,

I am contacting you in reference to a possible blog posting on our blog:

http://elblogdelingles.blogspot.com/. We try to help Spanish speakers learn English and are
constantly adding new posts with information about grammar and vocabulary.

I have written a post about false friends between English and Spanish, as you will see in the
attachment, using vocabulary from the yourdictionary.com. However, we are a little worried about
whether we can actually post it or not and so would like to know if we need your permission to do so.

I look forward to receiving your reply,

Yours faithfully,
Carla Simpson

Tips for writing a formal email

Vocabulary
® Subject: Short and to the point.
Blog posting (v.): escribir un artículo
® Start with “Dear Sirs,” or “Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs Smith”.
para un blog.
Adding ( v.): añadiendo. ® Explain why you are contacting them.
False friends (n.): palabras que se
® Write short paragraphs.
parecen en español e inglés, pero
su significado es diferente en ambos ® Copy examples of sentences from native English
idiomas. speakers; don’t make up your own sentences.
Add (v.): añadir.
® Check your own sentences pasting them onto
Attachment (n.): documento adjunto.
Google and seeing if they appear on native’s
Whether (conj.): si.
websites. You can also use www.linguee.es to check
Post it (v.): publicarlo.
your sentences.
Look forward to receiving your reply:
Espero recibir su contestación. ® In British English, say good-bye with “Yours
faithfully” if you start with “Dear Sir or Madam” and
“Yours sincerely” if you start with Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms/
Miss Smith.
21
Watch a video about how to write a formal e-mail.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Now you write

Instructions

You are the Permission Manager at

yourdictionary.com and you have to write an email to
Carla Simpson thanking her for her email and saying
that you have:

® No objections to a short extract (less than 500

words).

® The text should not be treated in a derogatory

manner.

® No changes can be made.

® She must acknowledge the source.

Compare your text to this example:

Dear Carla,

Thank you for your email enquiry regarding the posting of an extract
from one of our publications into your blog.

Yourdictionary.com has no objections to a short extract (less than 500

words) from one of our publications appearing in a blog, on the
understanding it is not treated in a derogatory manner, that the
extract is quoted verbatim (no changes to be made) and that you
clearly acknowledge the source of the material.

However, should you wish to include larger extracts then that would
be subject to clearing permission with Yourdictionary.com prior to
posting.

Yours sincerely

Karen Jackson
Permissions Manager, Legal Service
Canterbury Road, 222
Yourdictionary.comBC2 5RU, United Kingdom
www.yourdictionary.com

Vocabulary
To treat (v.): tratar.
Acknowledge the source (n.): dar a conocer la
22
fuente.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

Record your answers
At B1 level, one of the most important aspects when speaking is the ability to speak about ourselves and to ask
for personal information.

Imagine you go to a party with international students. The host of the party has decided everybody will go on
stage to introduce themselves. These are the questions everybody should answer:

® What's your name? ® Do you have brothers and sisters? Are they
older or younger than you?
® How old are you?
® Do you live in a house or an apartment?
® Where are you from?
® What do you do? What's your job?
® Where do you live? How long have you lived
there? ® What do you like to do in your free time?
® Are you married or single? ® Why do you learn English?
® Do you live alone?

Now, please record yourself answering the following questions. The recording must be, at least, one minute.

Important: do not answer the questions with “yes” or “no”. The exercise requires full sentences. Do not read
your answers. Use the Useful Language worksheet and the vocabulary and grammar already studied in the
course to help you.

How do you record your voice? Here are some ideas about it.

How do you record your voice? You just need some headphones with a microphone. Go to Windows
and click on Inicio>Todos los programas>Accesorios>Entretenimiento>Grabadora de sonidos.

Windows XP Windows 7
Once you’ve got this screen:

click on the red circle and start recording. Once you’ve finished (try it as many times as you need)
click on Archivo>Guardar como and save it.
Remember to follow a logical system to name the files, in order to classify them better; for example:
marialopez1.wav, marialopez2.wav, etc. 23
Nowadays, there are other ways to record your voice and save that file into your computer, for
example with your mobile phone. Do it as you like.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Useful language
1. General Conversation

Introducing yourself
I´m/My name is John
My friends call me Johnny
I’m 35 years old
I´m from Madrid

2. Giving information about yourself

Family Home Studies

I´m from a small/big/large
I live in a flat/house in… I work at…
family
I’m studying to be a teacher/
I have two brothers/sisters I share a flat with two friends
engineer
I live with my parents/ I would like to be a teacher/
I’m the youngest/oldest
boyfriend musician…
The flat/house is very small/ I'm a teacher
I’m an only child
big

I’m married/I´m single My house is near my work I´m an engineer

I'm studying at the University

I´m divorced It's on the second floor
of…

I have a child/two children

I don’t have any children

Daily routines Free time

I get up very early in the
I go swimming on Mondays
morning

I start working at 9 I play football on Fridays

I go by car/train/bus I like going to exhibitions

I go swimming on Mondays I do a lot of sports

I play the guitar in my free

24 I play football on Fridays
time
Once a week, I go to the
I work on weekends
cinema

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Unit 2. Working with children

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

The Present Simple tense Countable nouns Michael: a primary Present Simple tense Read and write
and adverbs of frequency Vocabulary practice school teacher listening quiz Correct the mistakes
Test exercise Reading comprehension Now you write
Grammar practice Describe a photo
exercise Useful language to
describe pictures

Grammar
The Present Simple tense and adverbs of frequency

The Present Simple tense is the tense that we use to speak about actions that are repeated or routines.
Let’s first study how to make sentences with the Present Simple.

How to make affirmative sentences

Structure:

Subject + verb + object Pay attention: When making

affirmative sentences in the Present
Simple tense you have to put the
Examples: verb in the bare infinitive without
“to”, except in the case of the third
person singular (he, she and it). In
I eat an apple Yo como una this case you have to add an “s” to
subject verb object manzana. the main verb. For example:

He lives in Barcelona. Él vive en Barcelona. Correct: He works – Él trabaja.

Incorrect: He work.
You like London. Te gusta Londres.

Irregular verbs
® If the verb ends in ch, ss, sh, x or the letter o, you ® If the verb ends in a consonant + “y”, we remove
have to add -es in the third person. the “y” and add -ies in the third person.

Examples: Examples:

He teaches Spanish. She studies every day.

Teach teaches Study studies
Él enseña español. Ella estudia todos los días.
She misses you. She always carries her bag.
Miss misses Carry carries
Ella te echa de menos. Ella siempre lleva su bolso.
He wishes you the best.
Wish wishes
Él te desea lo mejor.
It mixes well.
Mix mixes 25
Se mezcla bien.
She goes to work.
Go goes
Ella va a trabajar.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 How to ask questions

Structure: Pay attention:

Do / Does + subject + main verb + object? ® To ask direct questions we always use
"do" or "does" in English.
® For the third person singular (he, she,
Examples: it) we have to use “does” to ask a
question. Never use “do” in this case.
® "Do/does" cannot be translated into
Do you teach English? ¿Enseñas tú Spanish, don’t try to make sense of
Do subject verb object inglés? them.
® The main verb in questions always goes
Does he study German? ¿Estudia él alemán? in the bare infinitive without "to".
Do we know her? ¿La conocemos?

How to answer questions

Structure:

Positive: Yes, + subject + do/ does Negative: No, + subject + don’t/ doesn’t

Examples:

Do you speak English? Do you speak English?

Yes, I do Yes, she does. No, I don't No, she doesn’t.
Yes subject do Yes, they do. No subject don't No, we don't.

Never repeat the main verb, like

you do in Spanish. For example: Remember: To ask and answer questions in the third
Correct: Yes, I do. person (he, she, it) we always use “does” never “do”.
Incorrect: Yes, I speak.

How to make negative sentences

Structure:
Pay attention to the contractions.
Subject + do/ does + not + main verb + object
Do not: don’t.
Does not: doesn’t.
Examples:
In colloquial English we usually
I do not work here Yo no trabajo speak with contractions.
subject do not main verb object aquí.

He doesn’t study German. Él no estudia alemán.

You don’t speak Japanese. Tú no hablas japonés.

26 Remember: To make negative sentences and ask questions we always use the
auxiliary verb “do” or “does” (for the third person).

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

How to ask negative questions

Structure:

Don’t/ Doesn’t + subject + main verb + object? When we ask negative questions
we usually make a contraction:

Examples: Don’t you?

Doesn’t he?
Don’t you work here? ¿No trabajas
Do not subject verb object tú aquí?

Don’t they like chocolate? ¿No les gusta el chocolate?

IMPORTANT: It is very important

that you learn to differentiate
the Present Continuous from
The Present Simple tense is used for: the Present Simple because in
Spanish they are not used in the
® A permanent state or situation: same way as in English.
They live in Madrid. In Spanish we can use the Present
Ellos viven en Madrid. Simple to speak about what is
happening now, in English we
® Facts or general truths: normally cannot do this. For
example:
Water boils at 100 ºC.
El agua hierve a los 100 ºC. We cannot say: We work now.
We have to say: We are working
® An activity that happens regularly: now. Estamos trabajando ahora.

She often goes to the cinema. You can say: We work every day.
Ella va frecuentemente al cine. Trabajamos todos los días.
(An activity that happens
regularly).

Adverbs of frequency

When we speak in the Present Simple we often use words called “adverbs of frequency” or “adverbial phrases”. These
words or phrases (more than one word) indicate how often an activity takes place.

Here you have a list of the most common adverbs of frequency and adverbial phrases:

Always Siempre Rarely Rara vez

Usually Usualmente Hardly ever Casi nunca

Often A menudo Never Nunca

Cotidianamente
Frequently Frecuentemente Every day
Todos los días

Occasionally Ocasionalmente Once a week Una vez por semana

Sometimes A veces Twice a month Dos veces al mes 27

Seldom Rara vez Three times a year Tres veces al año

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Where do we place the adverbs of frequency
in a sentence? Watch a video about the Present
Simple Tense.
® We usually put one-word adverbs (and hardly ever)
before the main verb. Example:

He always listens to music Él siempre

escucha Test
subject adverb of F. main verb object música.
Choose the correct answer for each gap.

® When we use am, is, are, was or were (the verb “to
be”), we put the adverb after the verb. 1. When …………… you get 6. We never ………………
up? over the weekend.
They are never happy Ellos nunca A. Ø. A. studies.
están B. do. B. are studying.
subject main verb adverb of F. object contentos. C. have. C. study.
2. She ……………… to music 7. My dog usually
every morning. ……………… his bone before
® When we use auxiliary verbs (have/has) or modal A. is listening. eating it.
verbs (can, could, might, etc.), we put the adverb B. listen. A. bury.
after the auxiliary verb or modal verb. C. listens. B. buries.
C. burys.
3. They always ………………
We have often worked together Hemos together. 8. Why ……………… he
trabajado A. eat. always arrive late?
aux. adverb main juntos B. eats. A. do.
subject object frecuentemente.
verb of F. verb C. are eating. B. Ø.
C. does.
4. Did you …… the kitchen
You can seldom see her Rara vez before leaving the house? 9. I ……………… a car.
puedes A. cleaned. A. haven’t.
aux. adverb main B. clean. B. don’t have.
subject object verla.
verb of F. verb C. cleans. C. doesn’t have.
5. How often ……………… 10. Jill ……………… television
® We can put usually, often, sometimes and football? during the day.
occasionally at the beginning or end of a sentence A. do you play. A. never watches.
but this is normally in spoken language. B. are you playing. B. doesn’t never watch.
C. you play. C. watches never.
Usually they are wrong Generalmente,
adverb of F. subject verb object están equivocados. Grammar practice exercise
Use the empty box to list the adverbs of
frequency on the left into correct order.
We cannot put “always” or “never” Start with the highest frequency.
at the beginning or end (Unless
it is an order or instruction when
it can stand at the front). Sometimes 10
Incorrect: Always they are late Never 9
always. Ellos siempre llegan tarde. Always 8
Correct: They are always late. Often 7
Usually 6
® Adverbial phrases can be put at the beginning or
Now and then 5
end of the sentence. Once a year 4
28 Hardly ever 3
I go to the gym twice a week Voy al gimna-
sio dos veces Once in a lifetime 2
subject verb object adverbial phrase por semana. Every other day 1

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

Vocabulary
Warning: Never learn new words without Listen to the following
listening to how they sound. You can use audio file with countable
www.wordreference.com or www.howjsay.com to nouns in context and in
listen to the pronunciation of the words. Spanish and in English.

Countable nouns
Nouns Phonetics Meaning Example

Desk GHVN escritorio He has a very clean desk. Él tiene un escritorio muy limpio.

Blackboard  EO NEǣG encerado, pizarra Write on the blackboard. Escribe en el encerado/la pizarra.

We are going to use crayons for Vamos a usar ceras de colores para
Crayon  NUHǹǠQ ceras de colores
this drawing. este dibujo.
Pencil  SHQVǨO
 ȒǠUSQʑǨU
sacapuntas Who has a pencil sharpener? ¿Quién tiene un sacapuntas?
sharpener
goma de borrar
Rubber  UțEǨU Pass me the rubber. Pásame la goma de borrar.
(británico)
goma de borrar
Eraser ǹ UHǹVǨU They don’t have an eraser. Ellos no tienen goma de borrar.
(americano)
Craft NU IW You should use a craft knife to cut Deberías utilizar un cúter para
QDǹI
cúter
knife this. cortar esto.

Ruler  UXOǨU regla Do you know where the ruler is? ¿Sabes dónde está la regla?

Exercise  HNVǨUVDǹ] libro de Please, take out your exercise Por favor, sacad vuestro libro de
book EșN ejercicios book. ejercicios.
Hole ɎKǨșOɑSțQ Without a hole puncher you can’t Sin una perforadora no puedes
WȒǨU
perforadora
puncher make holes. hacer agujeros.
ɎGUǣɕǹń We need some drawing pins to Necesitamos unas chinchetas para
Drawing pin SǹQ
chinchetas
hang this picture. colgar este cuadro/foto.

Shelf/shelves ȒHOI baldas Put the books back on the shelves. Pon los libros en las estanterías.

Scissors ɎVǹ]Ǩ] tijeras Can you pass me the scissors? ¿Puedes pasarme las tijeras?

Vocabulary practice exercise

Translate the following sentences:

1 Las tijeras están en mi escritorio.

2 No sé dónde están mis ceras.
3 ¿Tienes un sacapuntas?
4 ¿Necesitas goma de borrar?
5 ¿Me puedes pasar el pegamento?
6 Utiliza el libro de ejercicios.
7 El cúter es peligroso para los niños.
8 Escríbelo en la pizarra. 29
9 Utiliza la perforadora para hacer agujeros.
10 El libro está en la estantería.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Reading
Michael: a primary school teacher
7.00 a.m. Michael gets up, has a shower, brushes 12.00 p.m. the children
his teeth, decides what to wear for school (brown go to lunch. Michael
trousers, light green shirt and a light green shirt) stays behind and marks
and goes downstairs. He usually has breakfast in work so he has less to do
the kitchen: a bowl of cereal with natural yoghurt. later. Then he goes to
He then checks his email and gets things ready for the school cafeteria to
school. He has a brown leather briefcase where he have lunch with other
keeps all his papers. members of staff. He
talks shop all the time.
8.00 a.m. Michael takes the underground and
arrives at the school at 8.30 am. He then does some 1 p.m. back to class.
photocopying and prepares for his first class. Michael does some
spelling games with
8.45 a.m. He takes the register, Sandra is off ill the children. For some
and Peter is on holiday. In class they talk about last children spelling is the
Christmas holiday. The children have to write a most difficult subject.
short story about what they did during the holidays. The most popular game is Hangman.
He listens to the readers and proof reads rough
drafts. They do everything in small steps otherwise 2 p.m. Art is next. The children draw the presents they
it is too difficult for them. received for Christmas and colour them with acrylic
paints. When they finish they must tidy their classroom.
10.30 a.m. the children go outside for break,
although some children have to stay in the class to 3.30 p.m. end of the day. The parents come to pick up
finish their stories. their children from school. After school, it is time for
the weekly staff meeting. Teachers discuss the spring
11.00 a.m. Michael’s entire class goes to the hall. festival, important dates in the agenda and other
There, the local police give a talk about road safety upcoming matters. They usually decide who will be
rules. The children watch a video on how to cross a covering for absent teachers, off ill or attending a
street, fasten seat belts and ride a bike when there training course in a nearby city.
is traffic. They ask the speakers a lot of questions.
6.00 p.m. Michael gets home. He cooks a quick
They seem to be very interested.
dinner and sits down to eat at the dining table. After
11.30 a.m. time to do some Maths. Michael checks dinner he tidies up the kitchen and decides to watch
their homework and gives them more. an important football match on television.

Vocabulary
Have a shower (v.): ducharse. A break: receso, pausa.
Wear (v.): llevar puesto. Stay (v.): quedarse.
Trousers (n.): pantalones. Fasten seat belts (v.): abrocharse los cinturones.
Go downstairs (v.): bajar. Maths (n.): matemáticas.
Have breakfast (v.): desayunar. Stay behind (v.): quedarse atrás.
Bowl (n.): cuenco. Mark (v.): marcar, poner nota.
Check the email (v.): mirar el email. Have lunch (v.): comer (comida de mediodía).
Get things ready (v.): preparar las cosas. Talk shop (v.): hablar de trabajo.
Leather briefcase (n.): maletín de piel. Back to class (v.): de vuelta a la clase.
Keep (v.): mantener, guardar. Spell (v.): deletrear.
Underground (n.): metro. Hangman: el ahorcado.
Take the register (v.): pasar lista. Draw (v.): dibujar.
Be of ill (v.): estar ausente por enfermedad. Must (v.): deber.
Proof read (v.): corregir errores ortográficos. Tidy (v.): ordenar.
Draft (v.): hacer un primer borrador de un texto. Pick up (v.): recoger.
30 Quick (adv.): rápido.
Step (n.): paso.
Otherwise: de otra manera.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

Reading comprehension

Read the text about Michael and answer these questions.

7. How does Michael test the children’s
spelling?
A. He drills words.
1. How long does it take Michael to get 4. Why do some students not go B. He writes lists.
ready before he travels to work? outside to break? C. They play word games.
A. Ten minutes. A. They haven’t completed their
B. Half an hour. Christmas holiday stories. 8. What is the last subject of the day?
C. An hour. B. They were naughty in class. A. Spelling.
C. They don’t want to go outside. B. Art.
2. Does Michael go straight to the C. Parents meeting.
5. Does Michael go to the dining room
classroom?
with the children?
A. Sometimes. 9. How long is the children’s school day?
A. Yes.
B. Never. $)LYHKRXUVDQGÀIWHHQPLQXWHV
B. No.
C. Always. B. Six hours.
C. Yes, with help from the other
teachers. &6L[KRXUVDQGIRUW\ÀYHPLQXWHV
3. What does Michael do as he listens
to the readers? 6. What does he talk about over 10. What is Michael’s last activity of the
A. Watches the readers. lunch? day?
B. Corrects other students' written A. Shopping. A. Cleaning the kitchen.
work. B. Doing business. B. Playing football.
C. Corrects the students' spoken work. C. School. C. Watching television.

Listening
Present Simple tense listening quiz

Listen to the conversation between two

teachers then answer the questions. You
will hear the conversation three times.

Answer the question below after listening once:

Answer the questions below after listening three
1. How old are Chris' students? times:
A. Six year old.
B. Seven year old. 1. :KDWWLPHGRHV$OH[ÀQLVKZRUN"
C. Ten year old. A. Two thirty.
B. Three thirty.
C. Four thirty.
Answer the questions below after listening twice:
2. What do these two teachers normally do when they have
1. :KDWDUHWKHEHQHÀWVRIWKHQHZFODVVURRP" a free afternoon?
A. It is lighter and more relaxed. A. Go out for a coffee.
B. It is more relaxed and squashed. B. Go home and rest.
C. It is lighter and has more room. C. Go home and prepare classes.

2. How often does Chris teach her group? 3. Will they see each other later?
A. Once a week. A. Maybe.
B. Twice a week. B. Yes.
C. Three times a week. C. No.
31

Watch a conversation between two people using the Present Simple and the adverbs of frequency.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Writing & recording
Read and write
Most Spanish speaking students make a lot of mistakes when they start writing in English because, as in spoken
language, they literally translate words and sentences directly from Spanish into English.

Here we have a list of the most common mistakes:

Wrong Right In Spanish you say:

I’m working now.

I’m actually working. Estoy trabajando en este momento.
At the moment I’m working.

She’s making a course. She is doing/taking a course. Ella está haciendo un curso.

You can get a discount of 10%. You can get a 10% discount. Puedes obtener un 10% de descuento.

It costs three thousands euros. It costs three thousand euros. Cuesta tres mil euros.

I arrive to work at 8 a.m. I arrive at/get to work at 8 a.m. Llego al trabajo a las 8 a.m.

I want to make a question. I want to ask a question Quiero hacer una pregunta.

Are you agreed? Do you agree? ¿Estás de acuerdo?

She has to do an effort. She has to make an effort. Ella tiene que hacer un esfuerzo.

This is related with… This is related to… Esto está relacionado con…

The film is based in a novel. The film is based on a novel. La película está basada en una novela.

She is the guilty. She is guilty. Ella es la culpable.

I’m working here 2 years I have been working here for 2 years. Llevo trabajando aquí dos años.

There is a lot of competence. There is a lot of competition. Hay mucha competencia.

He wins a lot of money wor- He earns a lot of money working as a Él gana mucho dinero trabajando de
king as a waiter. waiter. camarero.

Thanks for all. Thanks for everything. Gracias por todo.

32
Watch a video about how to correct mistakes.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

Correct the mistakes

Instructions: Correct the mistakes in the email below. Pay special attention to the sentences that sound very
Spanish. Check your answers with the corrected version included in the booklet.

From: Beatriz Salgado <[email protected]>

To: Michael Brownz<[email protected]>
Date: 22/11/2010 13:48
Subject: Craft class

Hi Michael,
I’m preparing the craft class for next week. I have some
suggestions and I will like to know if you are agree with them.
The children can do potato stamps and printing them in
cards, gift paper, or fabric. With the fabric they can do stuff
animals and then we can sell they in the Christmas sale.
What are you thinking? If you have more suggestions, write.
Thanks for all,
Beatriz

Now you write

Instructions

Write an answer from Michael to Beatriz:

®Say that you like the idea.

®Suggest another idea using the vocabulary you have learned in this unit.

Compare your text to this example:

From: Michael Brown <[email protected]>

To: Beatriz Salgado <[email protected]>
Vocabulary
Date: 22/11/2010 14:46 Craft (n.): manualidades.
Subject: Craft class To get them to make (v.): que hagan.
Potato stamps (n): sello/ tampones de patata.
Hi Beatriz, However (adv.): no obstante.
Thank you for your suggestions for the craft class. Ourselves (p.): nosotros mismos.
I think it’s a very good idea to get them to make Dangerous (adj.): peligrosos.
potato stamps, however we are going to have to Could (v.): podría.
cut the potatoes with the craft knives ourselves Paper cutting (v.): recortar papel.
because it can be dangerous for the children. Drawing (n.): dibujo.
A pair (n.): un par.
We could also do 3D paper cutting using their The ones (n.): las (refiriéndose a las tijeras
drawings, but we’ll need a pair of good scissors y reglas).
and a new ruler. The ones we have now are too Let them (v.): dejarlos.
old. Work together (v.): trabajar juntos.
We could also let them suggest craft ideas and To make them happen (v.): darles vida.
work together to make them happen. It is a great Get the children involved (v.): que los niños
way to get children involved and excited before se involucren.
Christmas. Excited (adj.): emocionado/a. 33
Cheers,
Michael

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Describe a photo
In the previous unit, we studied the information
we should be able to communicate when
introducing ourselves. In this unit, we are
going to learn how to describe a photograph.

Look at the following picture and describe it.

Record your description and send it to your
teacher. The recording must be, at least, one
minute.

Important: use the Useful Language

worksheet and the vocabulary and grammar
already studied in the course to help you.

Useful language to describe pictures

1. Placing objects
X is in the middle of the page
F A A is at the top
B is at the bottom
C is on the left
E D is on the right
C X D X is between C and D
C and D are on either side of X
E is above X
X is below E
B G F is in the top left-hand corner
G is in the bottom right-hand corner

A is in the north of the island A

B is in the south E
C is in the east
D C
D is in the west
E is to the north of B
B

At the back/In the background

Placing objects
In the background there is a church
In the foreground, we can see the road and some trees
The person at the back is drinking
There is a woman behind the man
The cat is next to the door
The man is in front of the woman
34
At the front/In the foreground

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2. Describing the objects/people in the photograph

Sayibg where people are Describing people

They're in the street She's (very) tall/thin/short/fat

They're indoors/outdoors She has dark/fair skin

They are at the beach He has long/short hair

They are in a park He is wearing jeans and T-shirt

They are in the city/

She's wearing a black coat
countryside

They are in a cinema/

She is pretty/beautiful
theatre/hotel/bar/café/shop

They are on a bus/plane/car

They are at home

Describing places/buildings Making guesses

There are a lot of people in

They look/seem…
the street

I think they are having fun

The building is made of stone
because…

The streets are full of people Maybe she is trying to…

The streets are really crowded Perhaps she is lost…

There are a lot of shops I´m not sure but it looks like
around the square Madrid

It looks as if she is teaching

It´s a modern/old building
them with the computer

It is the city center

The city/town is very small/

big 35
The restaurant is opposite the
café

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 Unit 3. Going out

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

The Past Continuous Most common regular A long weekend in Listening quiz on the 5HDGWKLVVHPLIRUPDO
Test verbs New York Past Continuous neutral email
Grammar practice Vocabulary practice Reading comprehension Now you write
exercise exercise Discuss a situation
Useful language

Grammar

The Past Continuous

The Past Continuous is used to describe actions
that occurred in the past and continued over time. Watch a video about the Past Continuous.
Let’s first study how to make sentences with the Past
Continuous.

How to make affirmative sentences

Structure:

Subject + was/ were + main verb –ing + object

Examples:

She was sleeping here

Ella estuvo durmiendo aquí.
subject was verb-ing object

You were working hard. Tú estuviste trabajando duro.

They were writing a book. Ellos estuvieron escribiendo un libro.

How to ask questions

Structure:

Was/ Were + subject + main verb –ing + object?

Examples:

Were you teaching English? ¿Estuviste tú enseñando

were subject verb-ing object inglés?
36 Was he studying German? ¿Estuvo él estudiando alemán?
Were we helping them? ¿Les estuvimos ayudando?

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How to answer questions

Structure:

Positive: Yes, + subject + was/were Negative: No, subject + was/were + not

Examples:

Were you writing a poem? Were you writing a poem?

Yes, I was Yes, he was. No, I wasn't No, he wasn’t.
Yes subject was/were Yes, they were. No subject was/were No, we weren’t.

How to make negative sentences

Structure:

Subject + was/were + not + verb-ing + object

Examples:

I was not drinking alcohol

Yo no estuve bebiendo alcohol.
subject was not verb -ing object

He wasn’t cleaning his room. Él no estuvo limpiando su habitación.

We weren’t playing tennis. Nosotros no estuvimos jugando al tenis.

Pay attention to the contractions.

Was not: wasn’t
Were not: weren’t
In colloquial English we usually speak with contractions.

How to ask negative sentences

Structure:

Wasn’t / Weren’t + subject + main verb –ing + object?

Examples:

Weren't you dancing at the party? ¿No estuviste bailando

were + not subject verb -ing object en la fiesta?

Wasn’t he singing a song? ¿No estaba él cantando una canción?

Weren’t they eating a cake? ¿No estaban ellos comiéndose un pastel?

When we ask negative questions we usually make a contraction: 37

Weren’t you?
Wasn’t he?

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 Grammar practice exercise
The Past Continuous
The Past Continuous is used for actions that Fill the gaps with an expression from the box.
occurred in the past and continued over time.
It is often used in combination with the simple
past tense or time references (8 o’clock, in the
morning, at that moment). Examples: walked put
rearranged placed
started was frying
Q. What were they doing when he called? finished chatting
was still making rang
Past tense
arrived was serving
A. They were having lunch. were arriving realised
The action ocurred in the past were placing
and continued over time
Last night I went to my friend Annie’s party. When
I arrived she 1 ……………… the food. I quickly
Q. What was she doing at 5 o'clock yesterday?
2 ……………… on an apron and 3 ………………
Time reference fish cakes when the next guest 4 ……………… .

A. She was drinking tea. After we 5 ……………… preparing the food we

6 ……………… setting the table. By the time
The action ocurred in the past
and continued over time the next guest 7 ……………… the doorbell we
8 ……………… the glasses next to the plates.
More and more people 9 ……………… and myself
and the second guest 10 ……………… we hadn’t
TIP: Practice asking and set enough places at the table. So while Annie
answering questions with “was” 11 ……………… drinks and 12 ……………… to
and “were” until you get them everyone I 13 ……………… the place settings and
right. 14 ……………… chairs around the table.
Most students confuse “was” Just then Annie’s husband 15 ……………… in and
and “were” when asking or
said, “Why are you doing that? It’s a buffet!”
answering questions.

Test

Choose the most appropriate response.

1. Were we meeting them outside the theatre? ~ ~ A. 1RWKH\ZHUHQ·W<HVWKH\ZHUH

2. Wasn’t she learning Russian? ~ ~ B. Because they were tired.

3. Was I speaking too loudly? ~ ~ C. On foot.

4. What were you wearing at the wedding? ~ ~ D. <HVWKH\ZHUH1RWKH\ZHUHQ·W

5. When were you thinking of telling them? ~ ~ E. Yes, he was.

6. Were they playing your favorite song? ~ ~ F. Yes, we were.

7. Was he working last night? ~ ~ G. Yes, you were.

8. How were they travelling here? ~ ~ H. I was wearing a trouser suit and a matching hat.
38
9. Why were they yawning? ~ ~ I. No, she wasn’t.

10. Weren’t they meeting them earlier? ~ ~ J. Tomorrow.

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Vocabulary

Most common regular verbs

To form the past tense in English there are two types of verbs: regular and irregular verbs. Regular verbs are
verbs that end in –ed. Here you have a list of the most common English regular verbs. You should learn them
by heart.

Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish

accept accepted accepted aceptar erase erased erased borrar

answer answered answered contestar expect expected expected esperar

arrive arrived arrived llegar fill filled filled llenar

ask asked asked preguntar finish finished finished terminar

belong belonged belonged pertenecer follow followed followed seguir

change changed changed cambiar help helped helped ayudar

clean cleaned cleaned limpiar hurry hurried hurried darse prisa

tener la
climb climbed climbed trepar / escalar intend intended intended
intención de

close closed closed cerrar jump jumped jumped saltar

consider considered considered considerar learn learned/t learned/t aprender

cook cooked cooked cocinar like liked liked gustar

count counted counted contar listen listened listened escuchar

dance danced danced bailar live lived lived vivir

dare dared dared atreverse look looked looked mirar

fechar / salir
date dated dated love loved loved amar
con alguien

deliver delivered delivered enviar miss missed missed extrañar

dress dressed dressed vestir name named named nombrar

end ended ended terminar need needed needed necesitar

39
enjoy enjoyed enjoyed disfrutar open opened opened abrir

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 Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish
ordenar/ quedarse /
order ordered ordered stay stayed stayed
pedir alojarse

plan planned planned planear stop stopped stopped parar

plant planted planted plantar study studied studied estudiar

play played played jugar talk talked talked hablar

point pointed pointed apuntar travel traveled traveled viajar

practice practiced practiced practicar try tried tried intentar

voltear /
push pushed pushed empujar turn turned turned
cambiar

rain rained rained llover use used used usar

remember remembered remembered recordar visit visited visited visitar

rent rented rented alquilar wait waited waited esperar

repeat repeated repeated repetir walk walked walked caminar

querer /
resist resisted resisted resistir want wanted wanted
desear
mostrar /
show showed showed wash washed washed lavar
enseñar
desear /
smoke smoked smoked fumar wish wished wished
querer

start started started empezar work worked worked trabajar

Listen to the most common regular verbs with their meanings.

Vocabulary practice exercise

Translate the following sentences into English.

1 Vivíamos con un presupuesto muy ajustado.

2 No sé cómo te atreviste a hacer eso.
3 No me gustaban los lugares llenos de gente.
4 Quería comprar un coche asequible.
5 No me gustó la comida vegetariana.
6 Ellos pidieron una pizza en el restaurante.
7 Disfrutó comprando chollos.
40 8 Echaba de menos a mi hermano.
9 Fuimos a dar un paseo de vez en cuando.
10 Ese restaurante era barato (no caro).

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Reading
A long weekend in New York
My sister and I travelled to New York City last Next we visited the Morgan Library and Museum,
weekend and we stayed in the Chelsea Hotel. We where we were contemplating the fantastic pieces of
were visiting the city from Friday through Sunday art for over an hour when a tour group passed by so
evening on a pretty tight budget. we tagged along with them.
Over the long weekend we tried to explore the After visiting the museum we made some time to
city on foot, though sometimes it wasn’t possible go shopping at Century 21 on 22 Cortland St. They
because we wanted to do a lot in a very short time, were having their annual sales and we got some
so every now and then we were forced to take a ride really good bargains.
on the subway.
By 8 p.m. we were having dinner at Chennai Garden
As art lovers we decided to visit as many museums as on Curry Hill as we were ravenous. We enjoyed
possible. Many of them are free or pay-what-you-wish eating the super fresh vegetarian food. While we
at selected times. To be able to get the best deals were eating dinner a sitar musician played some
possible we had carefully planned and scheduled lovely live music.
our visits the previous weekend in our hometown.
We decided to spend Saturday morning at the Jewish
This is what we did. As soon as we arrived on Friday Museum. Its collection of works ranges from ancient to
morning, after dropping our suitcases off at the hotel, modern, representing all media, and come from every
we went to MoMa for a quick look. Unfortunately it corner of the world where Jews have made a presence.
was too crowded so we left. From 11.30 a.m. to 12.30
On Sunday morning we had a filling continental
we looked at an impressive collection of photographs
breakfast and by 10.30 we were heading towards
at the International Center of Photography. Then
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is the City’s
we had lunch at Scarpetta on 355 W. 14th St. It is an
best museum and the entrance fee is by suggested
affordable but delicious Italian restaurant.
admission. While we were in Chelsea, we toured
To relax a bit after lunch we decided to go for a the surrounding art galleries, which are very cosy
walk in Central Park. We were sitting on a bench for and always free. At 12.30 we had lunch at Grand
half an hour just watching passer-byers walk passed Sichuan International, which is both inexpensive
when we saw someone being pick-pocketed, well we and delicious. We arrived back home on Sunday
held on to our handbags tightly after that. night exhausted but happy.

Reading comprehension
7. How often are the sales?
Choose the correct answers to the questions below. A. Once a year.
B. Once a month.

8. Where do the works at the Jewish

1. Did the sisters return home on 4. Did they get to look around all of
museum come from?
Sunday night? MoMa?
A. Everywhere.
A. Yes. A. Yes.
B. Where Jews have lived.
B. No. B. No.
5. What happened while they were 9. Had they already left for the
2. Did they travel everywhere on foot? sitting in the park? Metropolitan Museum of Art at 10.30?
A. Yes. $6RPHRQHZDVSLFNSRFNHWHG A. Yes.
B. No. B. They lost their bags. B. No.

3. Did they pay an entrance fee at 6. What did they do when a tour 10. Were they tired when they arrived 41
most of the museums? group passed by? home?
A. Yes. A. They joined them. A. Yes.
B. No. B. They left the museum. B. No.

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 Vocabulary
Stay (v.): quedarse, alojarse. Bench (n.): banco para sentarse.
Through: preposición “a través”. Friday Passer-byers (n.): transeúnte/s.
through Sunday (de viernes a domingo). Pick-pocketed (adj.): quitar la cartera; un
Tight budget (n.): presupuesto ajustado. ladrón; atracar.
Tried/ try (v.): intentar. Tightly (adv.): apretadamente, ajustadamente.
On foot: a pie. Tagg along (v.): acompañar; unirse a un grupo.
Every now and then (adv.): de vez en cuando. Make some time (v.): buscamos algo de tiempo.
Be forced to (v.): ser forzado. Bargain/s (n.): chollos.
Take a ride (v.): montar en un medio de Ravenous (adj.): hambriento, voraz.
transporte. Enjoy (v.): disfrutar.
Subway (n.): metro (inglés americano). Vegetarian (adj.): vegetariano.
Pay-what-you-wish: pagar la voluntad. Sitar (n.): sitar, instrumento musical indio.
Best deals (n.): los mejores precios. Jewish (adj.): judío.
Deal (n.): trato, acuerdo comercial. Range (v.): abarcar, ir de una a categoría a otra.
Scheduled (adj.) y schedule (v. and n.): Media (n.): medio/s.
horario, programar. Jews (n.): judíos (pueblo).
Hometown (n.): ciudad de origen. Filling (adj.): que llena.
Drop (v.): dejar. Head to (v.): dirigirse.
Quick look (n.): rápida mirada. By suggested admission: por invitación.
Crowded (adj.): lleno de gente. Cosy (UK)/cozy (USA) (adj.): acogedoras.
Affordable (adj.): asequible. Inexpensive (adj.): barato.
Go for a walk (v.): ir de paseo. Exhausted (adj.): exhausto.

Listening
Listening quiz on the Past Continuous
Listen to the recording once, then read the
questions. After a second listening, try and
answer the questions below.

1. What does the policeman ask her to verify? 5. What did she tell the police about the library that she
A. Name. didn’t need to mention?
B. Date of birth. A. That she didn’t pay for the tour.
C. Address. B. That she liked the art.
C. That the tour group were loud.
2. Did the police ask for details of what happened between
what times? 6. :K\GRHVVKHKDYHWREHLQDOLQHXS"
A. 12.00 and 14.00. A. She was seen at the crime.
B. 2.00 and 4.00. B. She matches the description given by a witness in the
C. 12.00 and 16.00. VFHQHRISLFNSRFNHWLQJ
C. She was sitting on a park bench.
3. What did she eat at Scarpetta’s? 7. :KDWGLGWKHSROLFHÀQGZKLFKEHORQJVWR0V%DNHU
A. Noodles. A. A bag.
B. Gnocchi. B. A receipt.
C. Scampi. C. A recipe.
4. How long did Ms Baker say she was sitting on the bench? 8.:KHQLVWKHOLQHXS"
A. Around an hour. A. Today.
B. Around half an hour. B. Next week.
&$URXQGÀYHPLQXWHV C. Tomorrow.
42

Watch a conversation between two people using the Past Continuous and the Simple Past tense.

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Writing & recording

Read this semi-formal/neutral email Now you write

From: Simon Lloyd Instructions

To: Heather Herrit
Date: 23/10/2011 9:48 Answer Simon’s letter saying:
Subject: Can we reschedule our meeting?(1)
® That you can have the meeting tomorrow
(2)Dear Heather, but at 7.15 p.m. because you have another
meeting before.
(3) I´ve got to give a training session this
® That it can’t be too long because you have a
afternoon to a company as our trainer has just business dinner.
called in sick. ® Add any additional information so that he
(4) Can we reschedule our meeting to tomorrow, understands you will be in a hurry, but that
anytime between 10.30 am to 12.30 am or from 7 you can meet another day if it’s necessary to
to 8 pm? have a longer meeting.
® Try to use your own words whenever possible.
(5) Sorry for the late notice.
Compare your text to this example:
(6) Best regards,

Simon From: Heather Herrit

To: Simon Lloyd
Date: 23/10/2011 10:48
Subject: Can we reschedule our meeting?
Vocabulary Dear Simon,
Just called in sick: llamó diciendo que estaba No problem. We can meet tomorrow but
enfermo. it will have to be at 7.15 pm because I have
Can we reschedule our meeting?: ¿podemos another meeting before that.
fijar una nueva reunión?
Sorry for the late notice: disculpa por avisar Please, be aware that the meeting must not
tarde. last longer than one hour because I have to
leave at 8.15 p.m. for a business dinner.
Unfortunately, I have a very tight schedule
tomorrow therefore if you feel we need more
time to discuss all the subjects pending we
Please notice: can schedule another meeting for next week.

® Short and clear subject. Kind regards,

® “Dear” is an indication that the email is Heather

formal or semi-formal. For semi-formal
emails avoid “Dear Ms. or Mrs. Heather” (too
formal) or “Hi” or “Hello” (too informal).
Vocabulary
® It’s important to state the reason why you’re
writing in a clear and direct way. Be aware: ser consciente de…; tener en
cuenta.
® Giving the recipient a possible solution to Unfortunately (adv.): lamentablemente.
the problem in a clear and direct way too. Tight schedule (n.): horario ajustado.
Therefore (adv.): por ello.
® It’s important to apologise.
® Saying good-bye in a semi-formal way. Other
options are “Best wishes”, “Kind regards” or
simply “Regards”. For semi-formal emails 43
avoid “Sincerely, Yours Faithfully,” (too Watch a video about how to write a
formal) or Love, Bye (too informal). semi-formal email.

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 Discuss a situation
It’s your best friend’s birthday and you and your friends have decided to celebrate it in a special way. Here are
some activities you all have thought of.

Decide which two would be the most suitable and explain why. Record yourself with your opinions. The recording
44 must be at least between 1 and 2 minutes.

Important: use the Useful Language worksheet and the vocabulary and grammar already studied in the course
to help you.

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Useful language
1. Useful expressions when speaking. These expressions will help you to ask for clarification,
to gain time to think what to say or rephrase a sentence.

When you don't know the name of Giving yourself time to think what
When you don't understand
something to say
I don´t know the word for this in
Could you say that again, please? well, I suppose that…
English
I'm not really sure what to say,
Could you repeat that, please? It's like a box. It's similar to a CD
but…
Please, could you explain what you
You use it to boil water It's difficult to say, but…
want me to do?
I don't understand what you want
You put your clothes in it. Let me think for a moment
me/us to do
It's not very clear in the photo but
I'm sorry, what does… mean? It's an object/tool you use to…
I think that…

I´m afraid I don't understand

2. Expressions to express your opinion

Express personal opinion Express general opinion Asking for/confirming opinions

In my experience… It is thought that... What do you think?

As far as I'm concerned… Some people say that... Do you agree?

Speaking for myself… It is considered... Do you think it would be a good idea?

In my opinion… It is generally accepted that. What about you?

Personally, I think… Don't you think it would be better…?

I'd say that… Are you sure?

I'd suggest that… I think that… because…

I'd like to point out that… In my opinion, it's…

I believe that…

What I mean is…

3. Expressions to make suggestions

Asking for and making suggestions

How about …? What about giving him ….?

Where do you think we should learn

Let's buy a coffee
English?
We could buy a sofá for the new Why don't we go to the cinema
house tonight?
45

We should have one day off If I were you, I would buy that car

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 4. Expressions to talk about likes/dislikes or preferences

Asking about and expressing likes, dislikes and preferences

What do you like?

Do you like travelling?

I enjoy reading history books

I like/don't like playing football

I'm interested in sport/reading…

I'd rather go by plane than by bus

I love the beach but I prefer the mountains

My favourite food is…

I'm not very keen on sports

My favourite type of music is…

If I could choose, I would live in a remote island

5. Expressions to show agreement/disagreement

Agreeing Disagreeing

Of course /Exactly That's different.

You're absolutely right. I don't agree with you.

Yes, I agree. However…

I think so too. That's not entirely true.

That's a good point/That's true On the contrary…

I'm sorry to disagree with you,

I don't think so either.
but…

So do I/Neither do I Yes, but don't you think…

I'd go along with that. That's not the same thing at all.

I agree with you entirely. I'm afraid I have to disagree.

That's just what I was thinking. I'm not so sure about that.

I couldn't agree more. Perhaps that's not a good idea

All right, let's do that Perhaps you're right but…

Definitely!/ Sure! I see what you mean but I think…

46
You could be right Definitely not!

That sounds good I can't agree with you about that.

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 Unit 4. Professional profiles

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

The Past Simple tense Most common irregular The perfect job Past Simple listening Writing a letter
Grammar practice verbs Reading comprehension quiz Now you write
exercise Vocabulary practice Record your answers
exercise Useful Vocabulary

Grammar
The Past Simple tense

The Past Simple tense is the tense that we use to speak about actions that happened in the past. Let’s first
study how to make sentences with the Past Simple tense.

How to make affirmative sentences How to ask questions

Structure: Structure:

Subject + verb Past Simple tense + object Did + subject + main verb (bare infinitive) + object?

Examples: Examples:

I ate an apple Yo comí una Did you work there? ¿Trabajaste

subject verb Past Simple tense object manzana. Did subject main verb (bare inf.) object tú ahí?

He lived in Barcelona. Él vivió en Barcelona. Did he find his watch? ¿Encontró él su reloj?
They went London. Ellos fueron a Londres. Did we do that? ¿Hicimos nosotros eso?

Pay attention:
® To ask direct questions we always use “did” in English.
® "Did" cannot be translated into Spanish, so don’t try to make sense of it.
® The main verb in questions always goes in the bare infinitive without “to”.

How to answer questions

Structure: Never repeat the main verb, like

you do in Spanish. For example:
Positive: Yes, + subject + did Negative: No, + subject + didn't Correct: Yes, I did.
Incorrect: Yes, I cleaned.
Examples:
Did you clean your room? Did you clean your room? 47
Yes, I did Yes, he did. No, I didn't No, she didn’t.
Yes subject did Yes, they did. No subject didn't No, we didn't.

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 How to make negative sentences How to ask negative sentences

Structure: Structure:

Subject + did + not + main verb (bare inf.) + object Didn’t + subject + main verb (bare inf.) + object?

Examples: Examples:

I did not work here Didn't you go to the market? ¿No

Yo no trabajé
main verb main verb fuiste al
subject did not object aquí. Did+not subject object
(bare inf.) (bare inf.) mercado?

He didn’t see her. Él no la vio. Didn’t they like my car? ¿No les gustó mi coche?
You didn’t know them. Tú no los conocías.

Pay attention to the contractions. When we ask negative

Did not: didn’t questions we usually make a
contraction:
In colloquial English we usually
speak with contractions. Didn’t you? Didn’t he?
Remember: To make negative
sentences and ask questions we
always use the auxiliary verb “did”.

The Past Simple tense is used to talk about:

® Actions that happened in the past and are completed.

We studied a lot yesterday. Did she work in London?

Ayer estudiamos mucho. ¿Trabajó ella en Londres?

They saw a very good film. They went for a walk yesterday.
Vieron una película muy buena. Ayer fueron de paseo.

® Actions that happened one after another.

We went to the cinema, then we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant and later we met up with some
friends in a bar.
Fuimos al cine, luego cenamos en un restaurante chino y, más tarde, nos encontramos con unos amigos en un
bar.

The English Past Simple tense is very similar to the Spanish (pretérito
48 indefinido): Yo trabajé, comí, dormí.

Sometimes, though, it can be translated as “Pretérito Imperfecto”, for

example: She spoke many languages (Ella hablaba muchos idiomas).

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 Watch a video about Simple Past tense.

Grammar practice exercise

Past Simple practice

A. Put the verbs in the box into the sentences. Use the guidelines at the end of the sentences to change
the form of the verb.

ride take
eat
hurt read
understand
bite find
build
negotiate apply
interview
know go

1. I ……………… why they cancelled the meeting. (negative)

2. They ………………the house in just six months. (affirmative)

3. He ……………… his driving test on a Saturday. (affirmative)

4. The company ……………… over 100 people before they ……………… the right candidate.
(affirmative)

5. We ……………… the book for the English course and so we ……………… the lesson. (negative)

6. How many jobs ……………… you ……………… for last year? (question)

7. ……………… you ……………… a good deal on the price of the car? (question)

8. I ……………… my tooth when I ……………… into the sandwich. (affirmative)

9. The child ……………… her bike perfectly at the first attempt. (affirmative)

10. We ……………… for a beautiful walk in the countryside and ……………… at a lovely restaurant.
(affirmative)

B. Choose the odd one out, i.e. the one with a completely different meaning.

1 met greeted meat got to know

2 wrote painted drew watched

3 made created put together destroyed

4 drank bit ate chewed

5 washed cleaned scrubbed arranged

6 walked ran slid marched

7 inspected watched saw looked

8 spoke whistled chatted discussed

49
9 carried brought fetched threw

10 cancelled delayed postponed brought forward

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 Vocabulary

Most common irregular verbs

To form the past tense in English there are two types of verbs: regular and irregular verbs. Learning how to
pronounce the irregular verbs is crucial for your command of the English language, so it’s very important that
you learn them by heart and use them in sentences. Here you have a list of the most common English irregular
verbs.

Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish

surgir,
arise arose arisen draw drew drawn dibujar
levantarse
dreamt dreamt
be was/ were been ser, estar dream soñar
dreamed (Amer.) dreamed (Amer.)

beat beat beaten golpear drink drank drunk beber

convertirse,
become became become drive drove driven conducir
llegar a ser

begin began begun comenzar eat ate eaten comer

bet bet bet apostar fall fell fallen caer

bite bit bitten morder feed fed fed alimentar

bleed bled bled sangrar feel felt felt sentir

blow blew blown soplar fight fought fought pelear

break broke broken romper find found found encontrar

bring brought brought traer fly flew flown volar

build built built construir forget forgot forgotten olvidar

buy bought bought comprar freeze froze frozen congelar

atrapar, tener,
catch caught caught get got gotten
pillar obtener

choose chose chosen elegir give gave given dar

come came come venir go went gone ir

cost cost cost costar grow grew grown crecer

cut cut cut cortar hang hung hung colgar

50
do did done hacer have had had tener

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Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish Infinitive Past tense Past participle Spanish

hear heard heard oír see saw seen ver

hide hid hidden esconder sell sold sold vender

hit hit hit golpear send sent sent enviar

tener,
hold held held set set set fijar
mantener

hurt hurt hurt herir, doler show showed shown mostrar

keep kept kept guardar shut shut shut cerrar

know knew known saber sing sang sung cantar

lead led led encabezar sit sat sat sentarse

learnt learnt
learn aprender sleep slept slept dormir
learned (Am.) learned (Amer.)

leave left left dejar speak spoke spoken hablar

lend lent lent prestar spell spelt spelt deletrear

let let let dejar spend spent spent gastar

lie lay lain yacer stand stood stood estar de pie

lose lost lost perder steal stole stolen robar

make made made hacer swim swam swum nadar

mean meant meant significar take took taken tomar

conocer,
meet met met teach taught taught enseñar
encontrar

pay paid paid pagar tell told told decir

put put put poner think thought thought pensar

abando-
quit quit quit throw threw thrown lanzar
nar, dejar

read read read leer wake woke woken despertarse

ride rode ridden montar, ir wear wore worn llevar puesto

rise rose risen elevar win won won ganar

run ran run correr write wrote written escribir 51

say said said decir

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 Please, pay special attention to those irregular verbs that are especially difficult for Spanish
speaking students to pronounce. Listen to their sound before reading them. Here you have
list:
®Read, read, read (leer). ®Hang, hung, hung (colgar).
®Come, came, come (venir). ®Sing, sang, sung (cantar).
®Catch, caught, caught (pillar). ®Ride, rode, ridden (montar).
®Become, became, become (llegar a ser). ®Bite, bit, bitten (morder, picar).
®Begin, began, begun (empezar). ®Drive, drove, driven (conducir).
®Drink, drank, drunk (beber). ®Write, wrote, written (escribir).
®Run, ran, run (correr). ®Teach, taught, taught (enseñar).

In order to practise the pronunciation of these tricky verbs you should make affirmative sentences, negative
sentences and ask and answer questions using the past tense and past participle.

For example:

She taught Spanish in London

Remember. Taught: phonetic pronunciation WǣW Ella enseñaba español en Londres.
approximate pronunciation WRW

Did she teach Spanish in London?

Yes, she did
No, she didn’t She taught Japanese Ella enseñaba japonés.

Listen to the most common irregular verbs.

Vocabulary practice exercise

Translate the following sentences:

1 ¿Cuándo la conociste?
2 Ella lo sabía todo.
3 Vendí mi casa el mes pasado.
4 ¿Quién rompió la ventana?
5 Él la llevó al aeropuerto.
6 Yo traje unas naranjas.
7 Nosotros dormimos (past tense) en el salón.
8 Yo leí todos esos libros.
9 Él escribió esa carta.
10 Ella nunca vino.
11 ¿Qué dijo él?
12 Ellos nunca lo hicieron.
52 13 ¿Por qué gastaste tanto dinero?
14 Él me hizo daño.
15 Encontré tus llaves en la mesa.

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Reading
The perfect job
When Paul was promoted to assistant director after had a second interview organized by a friend who
about a year on the job, he was extremely happy. had submitted his CV to the HR department of
He had worked hard and finally he was getting his his company. He didn’t get that job either, but he
reward. However it didn’t last long. thought he had had another opportunity to practise
his communication skills in an interview. This
His boss called him into her office about a week after time he didn’t make the mistake of only focusing
his promotion. She told him he was sacked. He had on the reasons why he had left his past job and he
violated a company policy by sending inappropriate concentrated more on the experience he had gained
emails. At first he didn’t remember exactly what he in previous jobs.
had sent, but his boss showed him the emails. He
had purchased non-work related books on Amazon. After six months at the non-profit organisation he
When he was hired he had signed a contract was able to get five recommendation letters from
promising not to use email for personal matters. colleagues. He also realised he could now tell
his interviewers the reason why he left his old job
He felt embarrassed and miserable, and he thought which was to pursue some freelance experience to
he was never going to work in publishing again. broaden his horizons. All the while he tried to keep
But he didn’t want to feel sorry for himself so after in touch with the publishing industry, reading news
telling his friends and family what had happened or attending events. It was at one of those events
and locking himself away for a day, he decided to where he met George Mclean, a well-known business
start looking for a new job right away. literature publisher. As he had Mr. Mclean’s business
card he decided to write him an email and he
The first thing he did was to update his CV. He had
attached copies of the recommendation letters from
gained a lot of experience over the last year. Then
the non-profit organization. About a week later, he
he decided to join job sites such as Monster and
received a phone call from the HR department of
HotJobs and started applying online for every job he
Cleveland & Strafford Publishers requesting an
thought relevant.
interview. In the interview he was able to talk about
It was quite difficult for him to get his first interview, new business book launches and the state of the
but he finally got the chance two months into his publishing market.
job hunt.
He had three interviews with three different
On the day of the interview he was very nervous, but recruiters and they were all successful. He was
he had rehearsed possible questions and answers the offered a job as an assistant director at Cleveland &
previous day. The job was in an important publishing Strafford with a good salary.
house, but not exactly a position that interested
He thought it wasn’t so bad after all that he had lost
him. The worst moment came when the interviewer
his job. He had gained a lot of new experience and
asked him why he had left his old job. He said that
realised how important it was
his contract had expired and didn’t mention that he
to keep active when you lose
was sacked.
your job.
As he was so nervous he forgot to talk about the
Besides learning to be much
experience he had gained in his previous job, and
more careful with company
focused instead on the reasons for the contract
policies with respect to
expiration; primarily, the end of a project. He didn’t
emails, he also learned how
get the job, but used his failure to learn how to
important it was to create and
behave in his next interviews.
maintain networks. Working
In the meantime he tried to keep very busy, so his for a non-profit organisation
job became “the search for a new job”. He woke up had been crucial in achieving
every day at 7 a.m. and started looking for a new this goal.
permanent position.
Losing his job had turned his
In order to make new contacts and networks, he world upside down for about
decided to work part-time for free for a non-profit eight months, but there was
organisation which helped homeless people sell no doubt he had benefited 53
newspapers. To help support himself he also decided greatly from the turn of
to work at a burger restaurant near home. Then he events.

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 Vocabulary
Be promoted (v.): ser ascendido en el trabajo. Primarily (adv.): principalmente.
Reward (n.): recompensa. Failure (n.): fracaso.
Last (v.): durar. Behave (v.): comportarse.
Be sacked (v. brit.): ser despedido. Try (v.): intentar.
Be fired(amer.): ser despedido. Keep (v.): mantener.
Policy (n.): política de empresa. Non-profit organisation (n. brit.): organización
Be hired (v.): ser contratado. sin ánimo de lucro. (amer.): organization.
Be embarrassed (v.): sentir vergüenza. Homeless (adj.): sin techo.
Lock oneself up (v.): encerrarse. Submit (v.): presentar una solicitud, un
Right away: inmediatamente. formulario.
Update (v.): actualizar. Human Resources (HR)(n.): Recursos Humanos.
Apply (v.): solicitar. Be able (v.): ser capaz de.
Get (v.): obtener. Pursue (v.): buscar, perseguir.
Job hunt: búsqueda de trabajo. Broaden someone’s horizons (v.): ampliar los
Rehearse (v.): ensayar. horizontes de alguien.
Position (n.): puesto de trabajo. Meet (v.): conocer, encontrarse.
The worst (adj. superlative): “el peor”. Recruiter (n.): alguien que selecciona personal.
Expire (v.): expirar, vencer, caducar. Realise (v. brit.): darse cuenta (amer.): realize
Forget: olvidar. Turn upside down (v.): dar la vuelta a algo;
Gain (v.): ganar. ponerlo del revés.

Reading comprehension

Read the text carefully and then answer the questions below.

1. Why was he sacked? 6. How did he improve his

A. He broke the company CV?
rules. A. He got more experience.
B. He wasn’t good at his job. B. He rewrote it.

2. After a day of feeling 7. Who gave him

bad what did he do? recommendations?
A. He went for an interview. A. Friends from college.
B. He searched for jobs. B. New colleagues.

3. Where did he look for 8. How many interviews did

work? he have altogether before
A. In newspapers. getting a good job?
B. Online. A. 4.
B. 5.
4. ,QKLVÀUVWLQWHUYLHZ
what reason did he give for 9. What did he talk about
leaving his last job? in his last interviews?
A. The truth. A. His last job.
B. A lie. B. The publishing industry.

5. How did he make 10. In the end was being

54 money? sacked a positive or a
$+HZRUNHGIRUDQRQ negative event?
SURÀWRUJDQL]DWLRQ A. Negative.
B. At a burger bar. B. Positive.

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Listening
Past Simple listening quiz
7. How old was she when the second
Listen to the conversation and then answer the questions below. book was published?
A. Eighteen.
1. +RZROGZDVVKHZKHQKHUÀUVW 4. What was the inspiration of the B. Twenty.
novel was published? book?
A. 10. A. A water restriction. 8. Did she go to university?
B. 12. B. A radio programme. A. Yes.
B. No.
2. Who helped her publish it? 5. What effect did fame have on her?
A. Very little. 9. What job did she do?
A. Her grandmother.
B. It was hard. A. Journalist.
B. Her teacher.
B. Teacher.
6. What type of interview did she
3. What was the title of the book? have? 10. What is her new book called?
A. The Dry Lake. A. Television. A. The Black Floor.
B. The Drive Back. B. Radio. B. The Backdoor.

Watch a conversation between two people using the Simple Past tense.

Writing & recording

Writing a letter

We don’t write letters as we used to some years ago because more and more people are writing emails instead.
Nevertheless, it’s important to learn how to write letters for more formal situations such as filing a complaint,
or applying for a job or simply to contact people who are not used to writing emails.

Here are the steps you should follow when writing a letter:

1. Include the recipient’s name and address at the top of the letterhead. Below and to the left you can include
the date, your name and address. If you don't know the recipient's title (Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr.) you can use
"Ms." or "Mr.".

2. Start with a proper greeting; "Dear" for formal letters and "Hello" or "Hi" for informal letters.

3. Write an opening paragraph stating the reasons for contact.

4. Organise the body of the letter into different paragraphs.

5. Use the closing paragraph to indicate the type of response you are looking for.

6. Include a closing such as, "Looking forward to hearing from you", "Yours Truly", "Yours Sincerely" or "Yours
Faithfully". You can use less formal closings if you have more familiarity with the recipient, such as "Cheers"
or "Love".

7. Address your envelope.

Vocabulary
55
Watch a video about how to write a letter. Filing a complaint (v.): presentar una queja.

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 Now read the following sample letter:

1 November, 15th 2011

Mrs Sarah Macgregor María Emilia Pedrera
160 Canongate, Edinburgh Alcalá, 25, 3 dcha
Scotland Madrid, Spain
2 Dear Mrs. Macgregor,
3 Your name was given to me by our mutual friend Elizabeth Daniels. Elizabeth is our neighbour here in
Madrid and we usually spend some time together at weekends. She has talked a lot about your wonderful
Victorian house in the centre of Edinburgh and your great hospitality.
4 My family and I are planning to stay in Edinburgh for a week in January. Elizabeth told us that you
usually rent some rooms to tourists at your place. We would be interested in renting two double rooms or,
alternatively, one single room with capacity for three people. We would like to know whether we would have
to share a bathroom with other guests or if we would have our own bathroom. It’s also important for us to
know if we could use the kitchen for making our dinners.
Finally we would like to know how much it would cost to rent the room or rooms from the 25th to the 30th
of January.
5 It’s vital that we get your response no later than the Vocabulary
first week of December as we have to book our flights Together (adj.): juntos.
then. Planning (v.): planificar.
6 Thank you in advance for your help. Share (v.): compartir.
Guests (n.): invitados.
Yours Truly, Flight (n.): vuelo.
María Emilia Pedrera

Now you write

Instructions
Write an answer:
® Say that you are happy to have them as guests as they are Elizabeth‘s friends.
® That you have two double rooms with a bathroom which is not shared with other guests.
® Decide what to say about the kitchen, prices and any other additional information you consider necessary.
Compare your text to this example:

30th November, 2011

María Emilia Pedrera Mrs. Sarah Macgregor
Alcalá, 25, 3 dcha. 160 Canongate, Edinburgh
Madrid, Spain Scotland
Dear Mrs Pedrera,
I’m very happy to hear from Elizabeth’s friends that you are planning to come to Edinburgh. You will
certainly enjoy your trip, as Edinburgh is a very lively city, full of museums and events.
We do have one double bedroom with a spacious private bathroom, all modernised to a high standard.
You may use our kitchen for cooking your own meals any time.
In the evening, when you come back to our home you can enjoy our resident’s lounge with a lovely warm
fireplace and a library. We also serve freshly cooked breakfast which is included in the price. The price is £25
per person/night.
Vocabulary
Please confirm as soon as possible. You can contact me by
telephone on +44 (0) 8454 900 461. Planning (v.): planificar.
Spacious (adj.): espacioso.
56 Thank you very much. Meal (n.): comida.
Yours sincerely, Fireplace (n.): chimenea.
Sarah Macgregor Library (n.): biblioteca.

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Record your answers
Read the following questions and answer them:

® What did you study at University?

® Which university did you attend?
® What subjects were you good at?
® What subjects were you bad at?
® How many years did you attend college?
® What was your favourite subject? Why did you like it?
® Did you study abroad?
® Were good grades important to you?
® Why English is hard to learn at university level?
® What are some good ways to learn English?
® Why is it helpful to learn a Second language?
® Why is it sometimes very difficult to speak another language?
® Would you consider studying abroad?
® What improvements does the school system need?

Now, please record yourself answering the following questions. The recording must be, at least, one
minute.

Important: do not answer the questions with “yes” or “no”. The exercise requires full sentences.
Do not read your answers. Use the Useful Language worksheet and the vocabulary and grammar
already studied in the course to help you.

Useful language

Education

kindergarden teacher full-time course pay fees

nursery school instructor part-time student sit/ take an exam

primary school professor lectures get a grant

secondary school lecturer term/semester graduate with honours

high-school trainer degree have a weekly tutorial/class

college student degree/ certificate/diploma do homework

university tutor qualifications attend a lecture/seminar

Technical college trainée skills give a seminar on…

sports centre assistant grades enrol on…

cafeteria headmaster scholarship fail/pass an exam

library Head of Studies tuition do research

conference hall Administration staff instruction take notes

57
dorm/hall of residence Dean training write a thesis

playground Chancellor student loan assess

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 Unit 5. Travelling abroad

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

Comparatives Adjectives Rome or Florence Comparatives and Thank you note
Superlatives Vocabulary practice Reading comprehension superlatives listening Now you write
Other types of comparatives exercise quiz Describe a photo
Grammar practice Useful Vocabulary to
exercises describe people

Grammar

Comparatives

Look at these pictures. Imagine you have to compare these two women who you know well.

Katherine Sophia
Just like in Spanish, you are going to need some adjectives to compare them. As you know adjectives are words
that describe things or people, for example: short, tall, important, busy, etc.

Now, study these examples of comparative sentences:

To make a comparison in
® Sophia is taller than Katherine. Spanish, normally we only need
Sophia es más alta que Katherine. to add “más” to the adjective. In
English, we often have to change
the ending of the adjective.
® Sophia is busier than Katherine.
Sophia está más ocupada que Katherine.
Look again at the examples above and observe that:
® Sophia is more attractive than Katherine.
Sophia es más atractiva que Katherine. ® “Tall” is not “more tall”, but “taller”.
® “Busy” is not “more busy”, but “busier”.
58
® Katherine is better at playing golf than Sophia. ® Only “attractive” is “more attractive”.
Katherine juega mejor al golf que Sophia. ® Good is not “more good”, but “better”. In this case,
like in Spanish, we use another adjective (mejor).

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Why do these changes in the adjectives take place? In English we distinguish five different types of adjectives
when we are making comparisons.

These adjectives are classified as follows:

1. One-syllable adjectives 3. Two-syllable adjectives (not ending in –y)

In this case the rule is that we add –er to the end of In this case the rule is that we put “more” before
the adjective. the adjective.

big bigger peaceful more peaceful

small smaller pleasant more pleasant
short shorter careful more careful
fast faster thoughtful more thoughtful
great greater
thin thinner
4. Three syllable adjectives (not ending in –y)
That’s why we wrote: Sophia is taller than Katherine.
interesting more interesting
beautiful more beautiful
Notice that “than” means “que”.
“That” can also mean “que”, but wonderful more wonderful
we use “than” – not that – when intelligent more intelligent
making comparisons. important more important
If the one-syllable adjective ends generous more generous
with a single consonant with attractive more attractive
a vowel before it, double the
consonant and add –er.
5. Irregular adjectives
For example:
Big: bigger (double consonant). In this case the rule is to use another adjective when
making a comparison.
2. Two-syllable adjectives ending in –y
good better
In this case the rule is that we change the –y for an bad worse
–i and we add -er. far farther or further
little less
funny funnier (divertido)
much more
busy busier (ocupado)
old older or elder
cosy cosier (agradable)
silly sillier (estúpido)
That’s why we wrote: Katherine is better at golf than
Sophia.
That’s why we wrote: Sophia is busier than Katherine.
It’s important to remember that we
use comparatives when we compare
Two-syllable adjectives that follow two rules: only two things or people. In Spanish,
we normally just put the word “más”
These adjectives can be used with -er or more. before the adjective, but in English
we have different rules depending on
clever cleverer / more clever (listo) what adjective you want to use.
gentle gentler / more gentle (suave, ligero) Sometimes we add –er to the
friendly friendlier / more friendly adjective, other times we change
quiet quieter / more quiet (tranquilo) the –y for an –i and we add –er,
sometimes we have to use another
simple simpler / more simple 59
adjective to make the comparison
and sometimes we put "more" before
the adjective.

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 Superlatives

Now imagine you want to compare one woman to all the women in the world.

In Spanish the superlative is made with the structure “el/la/los/las más”. In English we use “the most”, but as we
do with in the comparative structures we distinguish five types of adjectives to make superlative sentences.

Notice: This time we are not comparing two women, but one woman to a group of women -
the ones that live in the world.

In Spanish we say: “Ella es la mujer más guapa del mundo”.

In English we say, “She is the most beautiful woman in the world”.

This type of comparison (one person or thing compared to more than one person or
thing) is called a “superlative”.

Study these examples: Look again at the examples and observe that:

® She is the tallest in her class. Is the tallest The more tall
Es la más alta de su clase. Is the funniest The more funny
Is the worst The badder or worse
® This is the funniest film I have ever seen.
Esta la película más divertida que he visto en mi Is the most important The more important
vida.

® They are the worst football players in the country.

Son los peores jugadores de fútbol en el país.
60
® It‘s the most important thing you have to do.
Es lo más importante que tienes que hacer.

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1. One-syllable adjectives 3. Two-syllable adjectives (not ending in –y)

In this case the rule is that we add –est at the end of In this case the rule is that we put “the most” before
the adjective. the adjective.

peaceful the most peaceful

big biggest
pleasant the most pleasant
small smallest
careful the most careful
short shortest
thoughtful the most thoughtful
fast fastest
great greatest
thin thinnest 4. Three syllable adjectives (not ending in –y)

That’s why we wrote: She is the tallest in her class.

interesting the most beautiful
beautiful the most interesting
Notice: We always put “the” before wonderful the most wonderful
the adjective. In this case we don’t intelligent the most intelligent
need to use “than”.
important the most important
We don’t say “of the world” or “of generous the most generous
the class” (like in Spanish). We say attractive the most attractive
“in the world” or “in the class”.
That is why we wrote: It‘s the most important thing
you have to do.
If the one-syllable adjective ends with a single
consonant with a vowel before it, double the 5. Irregular adjectives
consonant and add –est. For example: big: double
consonant biggest. In this case the rule is to use another adjective when
making a comparison.

2. Two-syllable adjectives ending in –y good the best

bad the worst
In this case the rule is that we change the –y for an far the farthest or furthest
–i and we add -est.
little the least
funny funniest much the most
busy busiest old the oldest or eldest
cosy cosiest
silly silliest
That’s why we wrote: They are the worst football
players in the country.
That’s why we wrote: This is the funniest film I have
ever seen.
It’s important to remember that we
use superlatives when we compare
one thing or person with more than
Two-syllable adjectives that follow two rules: one thing or person. In Spanish we
normally put “el/la/los/las más” before
These adjectives can be used with -est and the most: the adjective, but in English we have
different rules depending on the type
of adjective.
clever cleverest/the most clever (listo)
gentle gentlest/the most gentle (suave, ligero) Sometimes we add –est to the
adjective, other times we change
friendly friendliest/the most friendly
the –y for an –i and we add –est,
quiet quietest/the most quiet (tranquilo) sometimes we have to use another
simple simplest/the most simple adjective to make the comparison
61
and sometimes we put “the most”
before the adjective.

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 Now study this table:

Adjective Comparative Superlative Adjective Comparative Superlative

big bigger biggest pleasant more pleasant the most pleasant

small smaller smallest careful more careful the most careful

the most
short shorter shortest thoughtful more thoughtful
thoughtful

the most
fast faster fastest interesting more interesting
interesting

great greater greatest beautiful more beautiful the most beautiful

the most
thin thinner thinnest wonderful more wonderful
wonderful

the most
funny funnier funniest intelligent more intelligent
intelligent

busy busier busiest important more important the most important

cosy cosier cosiest generous more generous the most generous

silly sillier silliest attractive more attractive the most attractive

cleverer or more cleverest or the

clever good better the best
clever most clever

gentler or more gentlest or the

gentle bad worse the worst
gentle most gentle

friendlier or friendliest or the the farthest/ fur-

friendly far farther/ further
more friendly most friendly thest

quieter or more quietest or the

quiet little less the least
quiet most quiet

simpler or more simplest or the

simple much more the most
simple most simple
62
peaceful more peaceful the most peaceful old older/ elder the oldest/ eldest

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Other types of comparatives
So far, we have studied superiority comparisons. But there are two other types of comparisons: equality and
inferiority.

Equality

One thing or person is equal to another. In this case in Spanish we use “tanto/como”. For example, we say: “Él es
tan bueno como yo”. In English the structure is “as/as”.

Study the following examples:

Robert is as intelligent as Michael. Robert es tan inteligente como Michael.

Rome is as beautiful as Florence. Roma es tan bonita como Florencia.
They are as clean as we are. Ellos son tan limpios como nosotros.

Negative form

Study these examples:

He is not as good as she is. Él no es tan bueno como ella.

They are not as tall as we are. Ellos no son tan altos como nosotros.
It’s not as important as he thinks it is. No es tan importante como él piensa.

Notice: When we make negative sentences with as/as (tanto/como) we have a superiority
comparison.

Inferiority
To make an inferiority comparison, all we need to do is to put “less” before the adjective, noun or verb and
“than” after the adjective, noun or verb.

Study these examples:

I have less money than you. Tengo menos dinero que tú.
They are less worried than we are. Ellos están menos preocupados que nosotros.
He is less intelligent than she is. Él es menos inteligente que ella.

63
Watch a video about comparatives and superlatives.

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 Grammar practice exercise

A. Choose an adjective from the box for each sentence and change it into the comparative form.

hot little beautiful tasty naughty

frightening big unusual dirty hard

1. I think the croquettes are ……………………………………….. than the salmon omelette.

2. That film was ……………………………………….. than the last horror movie we watched.

3. Jack is ……………………………………….. than his sister Jill.

4. I find modern art ……………………………………….. than Renaissance art.

5. The model was ……………………………………….. than the one we used last week.

6. Australia is ……………………………………….. than England most years.

7. The elephant is ……………………………………….. than the rhinoceros but not always heavier.

8. The city is usually ……………………………………….. than the countryside because more people
throw their rubbish on the streets.

9. Most children find Mathematics ……………………………………….. than Geography.

10. I earn ……………………………………….. than a helicopter pilot.

B. Fill the gaps with a superlative form of the adjectives in the box below.

luxurious late expensive bad long

pretty dirty rude good high

Going on holiday is always a treat and when you travel you like to feel special. My last trip abroad was one of
disappointment as the conditions were far from perfect.

When I was booking the holiday I chose the 1 ………………………… hotel on the island. I wanted the
2 ………………………… room and all the extras which come with that. For my first night I had booked the
3 ………………………… massage possible, two hours, and then a meal for two at the 4 …………………………
restaurant in the area. I had dreamed about a holiday like this for a long time and my expectations were
great and the price was the 5 ………………………… I had ever paid for a weekend away.

Unfortunately things did not go as planned. As the plane was delayed when I arrived at the hotel our room had
been given to another couple. The masseuse was not there either as the 6 ………………………… she worked
was 9pm. When we went to our room we decided to shower away the stress. It was the 7 …………………………
bathroom I had seen in a long time. I stopped to complain on the way to the restaurant and I was told not to
be so critical by the 8 ………………………… manager you could imagine. Dinner at the restaurant was very
nice though and I was just starting to relax when the waiter spilt wine on my 9 ………………………… dress.
64 That night was the 10 ………………………… night sleep of my life; there was a nightclub below our room
and it did not close until 5am. We did not wait for breakfast. As soon as the sun was up we went straight to
the airport and flew home.

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Vocabulary
Adjectives
Adjectives are words we use to describe or transform nouns. Here we have a list of adjectives used to describe
places. They can also be used to describe situations or things.

Alive, amazing, beautiful, bright, calm, colourful, creepy, crowded, deserted, different, dry, enchanted,
fresh, hot, incredible, interesting, magnificent, modern, mysterious, natural, noisy, perfect, pleasant,
quiet, remarkable, shiny, silent, stormy, strange, terrific, ugly, unique, unusual, warm, wild, windy,
tranquil, peaceful, traditional, tropical, harmonious, sensational, romantic, magical, mystical, calming.

Study these sentences:

When we found her she was still alive. Cuando la encontramos ella todavía estaba viva.
I don’t like to go to crowded places. No me gusta ir a lugares llenos de gente.
The climate is very dry in the Sahara desert. El clima es muy seco en el desierto del Sáhara.
We had a very pleasant weekend. Tuvimos un fin de semana muy agradable.
I want to stay in a quiet hotel. Quiero alojarme en un hotel tranquilo.
She is a remarkable singer. Ella es una cantante extraordinaria.
They like traditional Indian cuisine. A ellos les gusta la comida tradicional india.
We had a terrific time. Lo pasamos muy bien.
This is a very noisy restaurant. Este restaurante es muy ruidoso.
Those are magnificent buildings. Aquellos son unos edificios magníficos.
I want to see a unique presentation. Quiero ver una presentación excepcional.
That is such a creepy film. Esa es una película tan espeluznante.
My cat didn’t go out all day because it was very windy outside. Mi gato no salió en todo el día porque hacía mucho viento fuera.

Note: Terrific means “fantastic” “extraordinary” Listen to a list of adjectives

“very good”, it’s not a negative adjective like in used to describe places.
Spanish (terrorífico).

Vocabulary practice exercise

Translate the following sentences, when in doubt use a good dictionary:

1 Ese lugar es sorprendente.

2 Me gusta el café templado.
3 Nadie es perfecto.
4 ¿Por qué es él tan misterioso?
5 A ella le gusta la música romántica.
6 Me gustaría vivir en una isla desierta.
7 Esas flores son feas.
8 Es un lugar muy poco común.
9 El ambiente es mágico.
10 No es un libro interesante.
11 La película es increíble.
12 No le gustan las casas modernas (a ella).
13 El Caribe tiene un clima tropical. 65
14 El restaurante estaba lleno de gente.
15 La comida era fresca.

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 Reading
Rome or Florence
My friend Nathalie came over last night to have a Rome is the most popular city with tourists, as it
drink at my place. She asked me some advice about has artistic treasures, beautiful panoramic views,
going on holiday to Italy since she knew I had been and very important archeological sites such as the
there several times. ruins of the Roman Forum, the Catacombs and the
Coliseum. There are also many museums: Musei
She had two Erasmus friends studying in Italy, one
Capitolini, the Vatican Museums and Galleria
in Florence and another one in Rome. Though she
Borghese, to name a few. Additionally you can see
liked her friends equally, she had to choose only one
aqueducts, fountains, churches, palaces, historical
place to visit, as she didn’t have enough money for
buildings, and an impressive collection of art,
both places.
sculpture, mosaics, frescoes, and paintings, all
‘How long are you planning to stay there?’ I asked from different periods.’
her.
‘Florence, on the other hand, is the most populated
‘6 days,’ she responded. city in Tuscany. The city is considered one of the most
‘Then why don’t you stay 3 days in Rome and 3 days beautiful cities in the world. The historic centre of
in Florence?’ Florence has elegant squares (piazzas), Renaissance
palaces (palazzi), academies, parks, gardens,
‘Because I will have to travel by car or plane, and that churches, monasteries, museums, art galleries and
will be even more expensive,’ she replied. ateliers.’
‘Well,’ I said, ‘it is a very difficult decision because ‘As Florence is smaller than Rome, I think you can
they are both very beautiful cities.’ see the most important places in four days and then
‘I’m going to compare them so that you have enough you can make time to visit Sienna and Pisa, which are
information to make a decision,’ I added. very close to Florence and are gorgeous.’
‘Oh, that’s great! It will be much easier for me to ‘Well,’ she said, ‘with all this information I cannot
decide if I have some more information.’ make up my mind! They both seem to be fabulous.’
‘Well,’ I said, ‘you must know that Rome is the capital ‘Do you like to go shopping?’ I asked her.
of Italy and, also a much bigger city than Florence. ‘Yes, I do.’
In fact, it is the largest and most populated city in
Italy.’ ‘Then, Florence is your city. It has the most wonderful
street markets and very fancy stores.’
‘Both cities are centres of Renaissance and Baroque
architecture and they have a lot of museums to visit ‘But remember I can’t afford fancy stores!’ she said.
and art to see.’
‘You’re right, but you can find fantastic bargains in
‘What kind of architecture do you prefer?’ I asked her. the street markets,’ I added.
‘I think I prefer the Renaissance period.’ ‘I think you like Florence better,’ she said.
‘Then, you definitely have to go to Florence as it ‘Oh, no! I like them both.’ Then we had our last sip
is considered to be the birthplace of Renaissance. of wine.

66

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 Vocabulary
Come over (v.): venir de visita. Populated (adj.): poblado/a.
Some advice (n.): uncountable algunos consejos. Church/es (n.): iglesia/s.
I had been (v.): había estado. Ateliers (n.): talleres.
Several (adj.): varios/as. To make time (v.): hacer el tiempo necesarios.
Though (conj.): aunque. Gorgeous (adj.): maravilloso/s.
Liked equally: le caían igual de bien. To make up someone’s mind (v.): decidir.
Enough (adv./adj.): suficiente. Both: ambos/as.
To make a decision (v.): tomar una decisión. Can’t afford (v.): no poder permitirse comprar
In fact: de hecho, a decir verdad. algo.
Largest (adj.): la más grande. To be right: tener razón.
Birthplace (n.): lugar de nacimiento. Bargain (n.): chollo.
Treasures (n.): tesoros. To like something better: gustarte algo más.
Views (n.): vistas. Sip of wine (n.): sorbo de vino.

Reading comprehension
7. Why is it more popular with tourists?
A. It’s better.
Read the text and choose the correct answer from the options. B. It has a large variety of things to see.

8. Which city is easier to get around

1. What was Natalie’s problem? 4. Which city is bigger? quickly?
A. She couldn’t decide which friend to visit. A. Florence. A. Florence.
B. She didn’t have enough money to B. Rome. B. Rome.
visit both friends.
5. Which city has more Renaissance :KLFKFLW\LVFRQVLGHUHGRQHRIWKH
2. What length of time was she architecture? most beautiful cities in the world?
planning on spending abroad? A. Florence. A. Florence.
A. Six days. B. Rome. B. Rome.
B. Three days.
6. Which city is the most popular with 10. Which city does Natalie choose to
:K\ZDVLWDGLIÀFXOWGHFLVLRQ" tourists? visit?
$6KHGLGQ·WZDQWWRKXUWXSVHW A. Florence. A. Florence.
anyone. B. Rome. B. Rome.
B. She liked both her friends equally. C. Neither.

Listening
Comparatives and superlatives listening quiz
8. Which animals were the
most entertaining?
Listen to these two friends talking about a recent 5. Which activity was liked
A. Turtles.
holiday and then answer the questions below. the most?
B. Dolphins.
$:KLWHZDWHUUDIWLQJ
%=LSOLQLQJ 9. Which sea animals were
1. How does the person feel 3. Are the winters generally
about her holiday in Costa hotter than winter in Spain? the most common?
6. Which activity was the A. Sea snakes.
Rica? A. No.
most frightening? B. Dolphins.
A. It was the best. B. By the coast they are.
$:KLWHZDWHUUDIWLQJ
B. It was the worst.
B. Climbing a volcano. 10. What travel tip was
4. What can you see
2. Why is the country clean? given?
everywhere?
A. The people are scared to 7. What did she like more? A. Don’t go to the north.
A. Coffee.
litter. A. Seeing a sperm whale B. Don’t go during the
B. Pineapple plantations.
B. The people are and its baby. North American school
environmentally aware. B. Seeing a leopard. holidays.
67

Watch a conversation between two people using the comparatives and the superlatives.

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 Writing & recording
Thank you note
On some occasions you need to write a short note, email or letter thanking
someone, apologising for something you did or didn’t do, inviting someone
or suggesting something. For these occasions it’s good to remember some
phrases and expressions, because if you make them up they usually turn out
wrong. Study the following examples:

Thanking Apologising
Formal: Formal:
® Thank you for your thoughtfulness. ® Please accept my apology.
Gracias por tu consideración. Por favor, acepta mi disculpa.
® Your generosity overwhelms me. ® My comments were ill-advised.
Su generosidad me sobrecoge. Mis comentarios fueron (algo) desafortunados.
® Words cannot express my gratitude. ® I apologise for any inconvenience I might have
Las palabras no pueden expresar mi gratitud. caused you.
Te pido disculpas por cualquier inconveniente que pueda
Informal or neutral:
haberte causado.
® It has been a real pleasure having you.
Ha sido un placer tenerte. Informal or neutral:
® It’s a very nice present. ® I’m very sorry. Lo siento mucho.
Es un regalo muy bonito. ® I shouldn’t have said that. No debería haber dicho eso.
® Thanks for not only taking the time to think of me, ® I was wrong. Estaba equivocado/a.
but to send (bring) a gift as well. ® I made a stupid mistake. Cometí un error estúpido.
Gracias no solo por (tomarte el tiempo en) pensar en mí ® It was not my intention to (offend you).
sino por enviar (traer) un regalo también. No era mi intención (ofenderte).
® What an original present. ® There is no excuse for my behaviour.
¡Qué regalo tan original! No hay excusas para mi comportamiento.
® Thank you for the beautiful card and present!
¡Muchas gracias por el bonito regalo y la tarjeta! Inviting and suggesting
® You shouldn't have. ® Do you want to come with us? ¿Quieres venir con
No deberías haber… nosotros/as?
® You have no idea how much it means to me. ® Would you like to have a drink? ¿Quieres beber/tomar algo?
No sabes cuánto significa para mí. ® Shall we go to the cinema? ¿Vamos al cine?
® However did you find this! ® How about having dinner together? ¿Qué te parece
¿Cómo lo has encontrado? cenar juntos? ¿Qué tal si cenamos juntos?
® It's stunning! ® How would you like to go out for a drink?
¡Es impresionante! ¿Te apetecería salir a tomar algo?
® It looks like one-of-a-kind. ® We could visit London next week.
Parece único. Podríamos visitar (ir) a Londres la semana que viene.

How to write a thank-you note

® Begin with a small piece of paper or card and a pen. “Dear xxx,” followed by a comma.
® Thank the giver for the present given or favour.
® Say that the gift or favour was appropriate in a sincere way.
® Link the appropriateness of the present to the recipient: “It was as if you knew what I was looking
for”. If it’s not true, try to find alternative ways of saying that you appreciate the giver’s gesture.
® Add a line to update the giver on your life: “I’m now back in Barcelona working”.
® Sign your thank-you note: “Thanks again, xxx”.

68
Watch a video about how to write
a thank-you note.

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Now you write
Instructions
You stayed in London for a week with a friend (Irina) of a friend. You decide to buy her a present and enclose a
thank you note (about 3 or 4 sentences only).Compare your text to this example:

Dear Irina,
I wanted to write you a little note to thank you for your Vocabulary
generosity. I enjoyed my stay in London very much thanks Hospitality (adj.): hospitalidad.
to your hospitality. It was great to get to know you and to To get to know you (v.): conocerte.
get your useful feedback about where to go in London. Feedback (n.): comentarios.
If you are planning to come to Barcelona, please let me
know. It would be a pleasure to have you stay at my place.
Thanks again, Your name.

Describing a photo
Look at the following picture and describe it. Record
your description and send it to your teacher. The
recording must be, at least, one minute.

Important: use the Useful Language worksheet and the

vocabulary and grammar already studied in the course
to help you.

Useful Vocabulary to describe people

Description of people
Appearance Clothes
Beautiful/ pretty pony-tail trousers/jeans/shorts socks/stockings
handbag/purse/bag/
Handsome pale skin/dark skin blouse/t-shirt/shirt
belt/wallet
thin-faced/round- coat/jacket/raincoat/ sunglasses/ring/bracelet/
Good-looking/attractive
faced/chubby cardigan/ blazer watch/earrings
Tall/medium height/short freckles/wrinkles/spots jumper/pullover/jersey make-up/lipstick/
Skinny/thin/slim/muscular/ thin eyebrows/bushy suit/tie/tuxedo/bow baggy /loose/tight/
fit/ fat/overweight/obese eyebrows tie/vest close-fitting
beard/moustache/ long-sleeved/sleeveless/
He /she is in his/her teens dress/skirt
goatee V-neck/round-neck
She´s is in her early/mid-/ hat/baseball cap/scarf/ elegant/smart/scruffy/
hairy chest
late twenties gloves chic/ trendy
messy/old-fashioned/
He´s about thirty. She´s forty tracksuit/trainers/
scar/ tattoo fashionable/well-dressed/
something swimming suit
badly-dressed
Long/short/medium
She is pregnant/ pyjamas/nightgown/ Comfortable/
height/shoulder-length
expecting slippers/ dressing gown fashionable/ stylish
hair/bald
Blond/fair/light brown/ pin-striped/plain/
shoes/boots/sandals/
dark brown/dark/black/ in good shape checked/tartan/ spotted/ 69
wellingtons/stilettos
grey/white hair flowery/striped
Straight/wavy/curly/ silk/leather/plastic/
receding hair glasses/contact lenses
spiky hair cotton/ woollen/denim

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 Unit 6. Past habits

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

Used to Adjectives ending in 0\ÀUVWMRE Listening comprehension Writing a
To be used to LQJDQGHG Reading comprehension congratulation letter
To get used to Test Now you write
Grammar practice Vocabulary practice Discuss a situation
exercise exercise

Grammar

Used to

If we want to say that we did something in the past that we don’t do any more we use the structure:

Subject + used to + verb in the infinitive

Examples:

He used to walk to school every day, now he cycles. Antes él iba andando al colegio
subject used to verb in the infinitive todos los días, ahora va en bicicleta.

We used to live in a big house, now we live in a flat. Antes vivíamos en una casa grande, ahora vivimos en un piso.

You used to like swimming, why don’t you go to the

Solía gustarte nadar, ¿por qué no vas ya a la playa?
beach any more?

We can translate the expression into Spanish as “antes hacía…” o “solía hacer”.

On many occasions we find the expression “any more” (Brit. English),

“anymore” (Amer. English) with the structure “used to”. Any more can
be translated as “ya”, as in “ya no lo hago” (I don’t do it any more).

It is important not to confuse the structure:

subject used to verb in the infinitive The latter means “to be accustomed to something”.
subject to be used to Estar habituado a algo.
70

We will study the differences later.

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How do we ask questions with used to

Structure:

Did + subject + use to + verb in the infinitive?

Examples:

Did he use to write poems? ¿Solía él escribir

Did subject use to verb in the infinitive + object poemas?

Did they use to live in New York? ¿Solían ellos vivir en Nueva York? o ¿Vivían antes en Nueva York?
Did you use to read those books? ¿Leías tú antes esos libros? o ¿Solías tú leer esos libros?

How to answer questions with used to

Structure:

Yes, + subject + did

No, + subject + didn't

Examples:
Did you use to go skiing in the winter? ¿Solías ir a esquiar?
No, I didn’t
Yes, I did

Notice the structure with “used to” is in the Past Simple tense and,
therefore, we use the same structures that we use with the Past Simple
tense: “Did” for asking and answering questions and making negative
sentences.

How to make negative sentences with used to

Structure:

Subject + did + not + use to + verb in the infinitive

Examples:

I didn’t use to work all summer Yo no solía trabajar

subject did not use to verb in the infinitive object todo el verano.

71

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 To be used to

I’m not used to waking up early.

No estoy acostumbrado a levantarme temprano.

When we want to say that we are accustomed to doing something we use the structure:

Subject + to be + used to + verb in –ing form

Examples:

She is not used to going to bed so late. Ella no está acostumbrada a irse a dormir tan tarde.
Are they used to jogging every day? ¿Están acostumbrados a correr todos los días?
Why aren’t you used to having lunch at home? ¿Por qué no estás acostumbrado a comer en casa?

Compare these two structures:

subject verb to be used to V. –ing form object subject used to V. in infinitive object
You are used to speaking in public You used to speak in public
Tú estás acostumbrado a hablar en público Tú solías hablar en público

Similarities:

® Subjects and objects are in the same place.

® In both structures we use “used to”.

Differences:

® Verb to be: In the first structure above we add the verb to be before “used to”. In the second structure “used
to” goes directly after the subject (without any verb "to be").

® -ing versus infinitive: In the first structure the verb that goes after “used to” goes in the –ing form. In the
second structure the verb goes in the bare infinitive.

When we want to make affirmative sentences, ask questions or make negative structures with the structure “to
be used to something” we follow the same rules that we follow with the verb "to be" (in Present Continuous).

Examples:

She is used to doing her homework every day after lunch.

Affirmative
Ella está acostumbrada a hacer sus deberes todos los días después de comer.
She is not used to going to bed so early.
Negative
Ella no está acostumbrada a irse a dormir tan pronto.
Are you used to driving to work?
Questions
¿Estás acostumbrado a ir en coche al trabajo?

72 “To be used to” can also be followed by a noun. For example: I’m
not used to my new apartment. No estoy acostumbrado a mi nuevo piso.
Apartment (piso) is the noun.

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To get used to

I’m getting used to waking up early.

Me estoy acostumbrando a despertarme pronto.

Look at the image above and compare it with the image on the page with to be used to.

When we want to say that we are in the process of changing a habit we use this structure:

Subject + to be + getting used to + verb –ing

What is the difference between these two structures?

1 Subject to be getting used to verb –ing form 2 Subject to be used to verb –ing form

In the first case, we add “getting” after the verb “to be” to indicate that the speaker is changing a habit. In the
second case, with just the verb "to be" before “used to” we indicate that we already have the habit of doing
something.

Notice: in Spanish we use “reflexive verbs” to indicate that we are in

the process of changing a habit. Me estoy acostumbrando. Ella se está
acostumbrando. So, think of “get” in this case as: me, te, se, nos, os.

More examples to compare:

They are getting used to eating in the office.

1 They are in the process of changing a habit.
Se están acostumbrando a comer en la oficina.
They are used to eating at home.
2 We indicate a “state”. We always do the same.
Están acostumbrados a comer en casa.

People are used to having free weekends.

We indicate a state: having free weekends is our
1 La gente está acostumbrada a tener los fines de
habit.
semana libres.
With new technology that allows us to be
connected all day, people are getting used to
working all the time. We are pointing out the fact that we are
2
Con las nuevas tecnologías que nos permiten changing a habit, it’s an ongoing process.
estar conectados todo el día, la gente se está
acostumbrando a trabajar sin parar.

1 Are they getting used to working at home? ¿Se están acostumbrando a trabajar en casa?
2 Are they used to working at home? ¿Están acostumbrados a trabajar en casa?

73
All the above examples show “get used to” with the verb "to be". But,
it’s also possible to use this structure followed by a noun.

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 Let’s see some examples:

Did he get used to his new University? Why can’t they get used to the new payment method?
¿Se acostumbró a la nueva universidad? ¿Por qué no se acostumbran al nuevo método de pago?

I got used to my new job very quickly.

Me acostumbré a mi nuevo trabajo muy rápido.

How do we make affirmative and negative sentences, and ask questions with “to get used to”?

® With to be: If we use the verb "to be" before “get used to”, then we follow the same rules we follow with the
verb "to be" (in Present Continuous).

® Without to be: If we don’t use the verb "to be" before “get used to”, then we follow the rules of all the other
verbs (except with "to be" and modals).

Notice that “get used to” is almost always used in the Present
Continuous or in the Past Simple tense because we either speak about
a habit we are getting/acquiring (un hábito que estamos adquiriendo) or
about a habit we used to have (un hábito que antes teníamos).

Let’s see some examples:

She got used to doing her homework after lunch every day.
Affirmative
Ella se acostumbró a hacer sus deberes todos los días después de comer.
They didn’t get used to waking up early.
Negative
Ellos no se acostumbraron a despertar pronto.
How can you get used to that?
Questions
¿Cómo puedes acostumbrarte a eso?
Answer No, I didn’t. Yes, I did.

Notice: We are conjugating “get”

Watch a video about “used to”.
directly: got is the past tense of get.

Grammar practice exercise

Fill the text with the correct form of:

used to to be used to to get used to

Example: I’m used to getting my hands dirty in the garden.

Changes: things aren’t what they 1 ………………………. be!

As I am at home more than my husband I 2 ………………………….. doing things my own way in the house.
He 3 ………………………….. express strong opinions about cleaning, cooking and shopping but I told him
if he wasn’t at home for much of the week he would have to 4 ………………………….. someone else making
the decisions.
There is a reason for his interest in domestic issues. My husband 5 ………………………….. work from home
so he spent a lot of time in the house. It was strange and it took a long time for us to 6 …………………………..
74 seeing each other throughout the day. But like all things we got into a routine and I 7 …………………………..
sharing house jobs and relying on him to cook some meals. He 8 ………………………….. make a fantastic
lasagne. Now his job has changed and he is away all day. I am still 9 ………………………….. the quiet in the
house and he is 10 ………………………….. me doing things my way on the home front!

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Vocabulary

Adjectives ending in –ing and –ed

Compare these two sentences:

He’s bored. This book is boring.

Él está aburrido. Este libro es aburrido.

Notice that in Spanish in both cases we use the same word “aburrido”, but in English we use
two different words: bored/boring.
Bored: describes how a person feels. In Spanish we use “está” aburrido/a.
Boring: describes how an object or a person is. In Spanish we use “es” aburrido/a.

Here we have a list of adjectives that end in –ed and –ing with a slightly different meaning.

Adjective Meaning Example Adjective Meaning Example

que te That is a very annoying
I was annoyed by the noise.
annoyed molesto annoying molesta, sound.
Estaba molesto con el ruido.
molesto Ese es un ruido muy molesto.
Confuso
(idea) / They are confused. Confuso, It is a confusing situation.
confused confusing
confundido Están confundidos. poco claro Es una situación confusa.
(personas)

That is a very depressing city.

She is depressed.
depressed deprimido depressing deprimente Esa es una ciudad muy
Ella está deprimida.
deprimente.
We are very excited to hear
the news. Your trip sounds exciting.
excited emocionado exciting emocionante
Nos ha emocionado escuchar la Tu viaje suena emocionante.
noticia.
It was a fascinating
I was fascinated by his story. experience.
fascinated fascinado fascinating fascinante
Me fascinó su historia. Fue una experiencia
fascinante.
He was very frustrated after
the fight. I find it very frustrating.
frustrated frustrado frustrating frustrante
Él estaba muy frustrado Lo encuentro muy frustrante.
después de la pelea.
The mouse was frightened que te It is a very frightening film.
frightened asustado by the cat. frightening asusta, te Es una película que da mucho
El ratón fue asustado por el gato. da miedo miedo.
We are very interested in
that new technique. The show wasn’t interesting.
interested interesado interesting interesante
Estamos muy interesados en esa El show no fue interesante.
nueva técnica.
que te The food was very satisfying.
He is never satisfied.
satisfied satisfecho satisfying satisface, La comida fue muy buena
Él nunca está satisfecho.
gratificante (nos llenó).
estar en impresio-
I was shocked by the accident. The accident was very 75
estado de nante,
shocked El accidente me dejó en estado shocking shocking.
shock / horrible,
de shock. El accidente fue espantoso.
horrorizado espantoso

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 Test

Choose the correct form of the adjective for each gap.

1. I was more ………………………….. after the explanation than I 6. I try not to get …………………….. when I can’t do something.
was before I heard it. A. Frustrated.
A. Confused. B. Frustrating.
B. Confusing. C. Both.
C. Both.
7. Who is the most ………………………….. in the class?
2. I try not to let ………………………….. noises bother me. A. Interested.
A. Annoyed. B. Interesting.
B. Annoying. C. Both.
C. Both.
8. …………………………..HYHU\RQHLVYHU\GLIÀFXOWWRGR
3. The weather is …………………………... $6DWLVÀHG
A. Depressed. B. Satisfying.
B. Depressing. C. Both.
C. Both.

4. Why aren’t you more …………? I thought you’d be happy. 9. I was …………………. with the news of the bomb.
A. Excited. A. Shocked.
B. Exciting. B. Shocking.
C. Both. C. Both.

5. ,GRQ·WNQRZZK\HYHU\RQHÀQGVKLPVR…………………………... 10. It was clear to see he was a ………………………….. man.

A. Fascinated. A. Frightened.
B. Fascinating. B. Frightening.
C. Both. C. Both.

Listen to the list of adjectives ending in –ing and –ed.

Vocabulary practice exercise

Translate the following sentences:

1 La película no fue muy interesante.

2 Creo que su historia (de ella) es fascinante.

3 Ellos no están muy emocionados.

4 Puede ser frustrante.

5 Creo que está frustrado.

6 Esa música molesta.

7 No fue una experiencia muy gratificante.

8 Él no es aburrido.

9 Él está interesado en tu oferta.

10 La situación es deprimente.

11 No creo que esté deprimida (ella).

76
12 Estoy satisfecho con los resultados.

13 Ella está molesta con la visita.

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Reading
My first job
I remember, quite well, when I got my first job. I I remember that in the new city I used to go jogging
was 14 years old. Mr. Thomas, our neighbour, came with Keno, my dog, every Sunday. Keno didn’t have
over to ask my father if I could wash his car. He had any trouble getting used to our new place because
an Aston Martin, a very expensive car, and I was we had a bigger garden and he enjoyed playing
delighted with the proposal. outside with my brother Mike and my sister Rachel.

With my father’s approval, I accepted immediately. I also used to play basketball on Saturdays at school.
It was an easy job to do. Mr. Thomas gave me the I was one of the tallest in the class, so they asked me
car shampoo, a couple of rags and a small cordless to join the team as soon as they saw me.
vacuum cleaner. The car wasn’t too dirty, but he
wanted to have it gleaming. After I received my first I didn’t have as many friends as I had had when we
payment, I went with my friends to the cinema and lived in the small city, but the few I had became very
spent all the money. close friends.
My best friend was Fred. He was the first of my
About a year later, my father got a new job in a
friends to get a car as he was a year older than the
different city and we had to move. It was easy for me
rest of us.
to get a job as a pizza delivery boy because there was
a take away pizza restaurant near our house. He used to have a very nice old pick-up truck. It
was fun to go with him and our other friends to
I decided to start saving the money I was earning.
basketball matches in the pick-up truck. After the
At first, I didn’t put it in the bank because I was too
matches we used to go to a small restaurant to
young to withdraw money, so I used to keep it in a
have lunch. It wasn’t fancy, but the food used to be
shoe box under my bed. My mother didn’t like the
delicious. I hear it is bad now.
idea of having my money there because she thought
somebody could steal it. When I turned 16 I got my driver’s license, and I
went to the bank with my shoe box and opened my
In the new city I had to go to a new school. In the
first bank account. My mother sighed with relief:
beginning, it wasn’t easy getting used to it because
My money hadn’t been stolen. By then I had saved a
it was very big –it had over 1.000 students- and my
lot of money, but I wasn’t rich.
classmates all already knew each other.
I had many different jobs before I graduated from
I never got used to our new neighbours, the Zegers,
college: waiter, bartender, receptionist, dog walker,
because they weren’t as friendly as Mr. Thomas and
but the one I enjoyed the most was the first one:
his family.
washing a luxury car and dreaming one day it would
be mine.

Vocabulary
Come over (v.): ir de visita a casa de alguien. Shoe box (n.): caja de zapatos.
Be delighted: estar encantado. Classmates (n.): compañeros de clase.
Approval (n.): aprobación. Know each other (v.): se conocían.
A couple (n.): un par. Have trouble (v.): costarle a alguien hacer algo.
Rag(s) (n.): trapo(s) Join (v.): participar, formar parte.
Cordless: sin cables. As soon as (adv.): tan pronto como.
Vacuum cleaner (n.): aspirador. See: ver.
Dirty (adj.): sucio. Close friends (n.): amigos íntimos.
Gleam (v.): brillar/ brillante (n.) Turn (v.): cumplir años.
Payment (n.): pago. Driver’s license (n.): carnet de conducir.
Spend: gastar, pasar el tiempo. Sigh with relief: respirar aliviado.
Move (v.): mudarse, mover(se). Hadn’t been stolen (v.): no había sido robada.
A pizza delivery boy (n.): un repartidor de pizzas. Waiter (n.): camarero.
Take-away (adj.): para llevar a casa. Bartender (n.): barman.
Withdraw (v.): sacar dinero del banco. Receptionist (n.): recepcionista. 77
Keep(ing) (v.): guardar. Dog Walker (n.): paseador de perros.

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 Reading comprehension

7. How did they use to get to matches?

After reading the text choose the best answer for each question. $,Q)UHG·VSLFNXSWUXFN
B. In his car.

1. 'LGKHVDYHWKHPRQH\IURPKLVÀUVW 4. What did he think of the new 8. How did his mother feel when he
ever job? neighbours? opened an account?
A. Yes. A. Friendly. A. More relaxed.
B. No. B. Unfriendly. B. Surprised.
C. A little. C. Kind.

2. Why did they move to a different 5. What did he use to do with the dog? 9. What was his childhood dream?
city? A. Go jogging. A. To be rich.
A. For his father’s job. B. Play in the garden. B. To own a luxury car.
B. For his job.
C. To be near a pizza restaurant. 6. Why did he use to play basketball? 10. Which word best describes the
A. Because he was really good. narrator of the story?
3. Why didn’t he put the money in a A. Friendly.
bank? B. Because he was tall.
B. Lazy.
A. He didn’t trust them. C. Hardworking.
B. He couldn’t take it out when he
wanted.

Listening
Listening comprehension
Listen to the conversation about bad habits and answer the questions below. After listening to
the conversation, at least twice, answer the questions.

1. What has B given up? 5. :KDWDQQR\LQJKDELWGLGWKHÁDWPDWHPHQWLRQ"

A. Drinks. A. Snoring.
B. Crisps. B. Humming.
C. Cigarettes. C. Tapping.

2. How does the friend feel about it? 6. What did one of them used to do as a child?
A. Proud. A. Hit her sister.
B. Amazed. B. Copy her sister’s movements.
C. Doesn’t think it will last. C. Repeat everything she said.

3. What new habit has B developed? 7. What did her mother do to solve the problem?
A. Eating crisps. A. Feed them in different rooms.
B. Drinking more. B. Feed them at different times.
C. Chocolate.

4. How old was the burger and chip friend when he started 8. Where has this whole conversation taken place?
having cardio problems? A. At one of their homes.
A. 22. B. In the street.
B. 23. C. At a bar.
C. 26.
78
Watch a conversation between two people talking about past habits (used
to/be used to/get used to).

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Writing & recording

Writing a congratulation letter

Read this sample of a semi-formal letter of congratulation.

Your address
How to write a letter (formal) or note
January 15, 2011
Recipient’s address (informal) of congratulation
Dear Lisa, ® Write the letter/note immediately after
Please accept our congratulations on your recent learning of someone’s success. A late
promotion. message could sound fake.

We just heard the news today from Susan Simmons ® Explain in one sentence the purpose of the
who called me up to tell me the details. As you can letter/note.
imagine, we are all very excited to hear that you ® Express your approval and discuss the
are going to be the new bank manager. We know importance of the achievement.
that you have worked very hard to get promoted
and think you really deserve it. ® End the letter/note by restating your
congratulatory message.
We have always supported your promotion
knowing that you have got tremendous talent and ® Finish with "Best Wishes" or "Yours Truly."
drive to get where you want. We are sure you are ® Add your name. Include your title if you are
going to do a wonderful job in your new position. writing a formal letter.
Once again Lisa, our sincere congratulations on
your new position.
Best Wishes, Watch a video about how to write a
Margaret and Rob Sinclair congratulation letter.

Now you write

Instructions

Write a short and informal congratulatory note to a

friend who has just graduated from university. In English we say congratulations
ON not congratulations FOR.
Compare your text to this example:

Seville, March 22, 2011

Vocabulary
Dear Fabian,
To hear the news (v.): conocer las noticias.
Congratulations on your law degree! Drive (n.): garra, empeño.
I'm sure this is the first step of a very successful Deserve (v.): merecer.
career as you are a very talented and hard To do a good (wonderful) job (v.): hacer
working person. un buen (maravilloso) trabajo.
Position (n.): puesto de trabajo, cargo
I hope you can make time to have dinner with me Once again (adv.): nuevamente.
next week to celebrate. Restate (v.): volver a decir lo mismo con
Once again Fabian, my sincere congratulations otras palabras.
on your degree. Law degree (n.): licenciatura en Derecho.
Step (n.): paso. 79
Best Wishes,
Marco Santana

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 Discuss a situation
A friend of yours is in hospital. You are going to visit him/her and want to take something for him/her. These
are the options:

Decide which one would be the most suitable and explain why. Record yourself with your opinions. The recording
80 must be, at least, between 1 and 2 minutes.

Important: use the Useful Language worksheet and the vocabulary and grammar already studied in the course
to help you.

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 Unit 7. Celebrities

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

Verbs followed by –ing 3UHÀ[HVDQGVXIÀ[HV When Claire met a Listening quiz Read this description
IRUPRU,QÀQLWLYH Vocabulary practice celebrity Now you write
Test exercise Reading comprehension Record your answers
Useful Vocabulary

Grammar
Verbs followed by –ing form or Infinitive

He likes playing football.

He likes to play football.

The verb “like” can be followed by a verb in the –ing form (playing) or by a verb in infinitive (to play) without
too much difference in meaning.

The –ing form after "like" indicates that “he likes playing football in general".

The infinitive after "like" (to play) indicates that “he likes to play football in a specific moment”.

Compare these two sentences:

He always liked playing football. Would you like to play football tomorrow?
A él siempre le gustó jugar al fútbol (generic). ¿Te gustaría jugar al fútbol mañana? (special occasion).

There are no rules for knowing when a verb is followed by a verb in the –ing form or 81
by a verb in the infinitive. You have to memorize these verbs and, in particular, practice
with them in spoken English.

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 If we analyse the verbs followed by –ing or the infinitive we find that there are three groups of verbs:

1. List of verbs usually followed by the –ing form

NOTE: Usually means frequently, but not always. Therefore at times these verbs will
be followed by a verb in the infinitive.

Verb Example

admit They admitted going there.

admitir Admitieron haber ido allí.

appreciate (+ object) We appreciate you doing that.

apreciar Apreciamos que (tú) hagas eso.

avoid I avoid seeing him.

evitar Evito verlo.
He burst out crying when I told him the truth.
burst out (crying/laughing) Se echó a llorar cuando le dije la verdad.
romper a llorar, reírse a carcajadas He burst out laughing when he saw me.
Se rió a carcajadas cuando me vio.
consider We considered buying that house.
considerar, plantearse Nos planteamos comprar esa casa.
contemplate They contemplated selling it.
contemplar, considerar Consideraron venderla.
delay I delayed telling the truth.
retrasar, posponer Pospuse contar la verdad.
deny He denied stealing my purse.
negar Negó haber robado mi cartera.
detest I detest working on Saturdays.
detestar Detesto trabajar los sábados.
dislike We dislike walking back home.
no gustar No nos gusta caminar de vuelta a casa.
endure She won't endure having an operation.
soportar, aguantar Ella no soportará una operación.
enjoy I enjoy coming here.
disfrutar Disfruto viniendo aquí.
escape We escaped running.
escapar Escapamos corriendo.
face He can’t face watching the rubbish on television.
enfrentarse, soportar No puede soportar ver los programas basura en la televisión.
She fancies living there. (would + fancy normally found in 1st
fancy
person interrogative)
gustar
A ella le gusta vivir allí.

feel like I don't feel like going there.

tener ganas No tengo ganas de ir ahí.
82
finish We finish working at 6 pm.
terminar Terminamos de trabajar a las 6 pm.

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 Verb Example

forgive Forgive me for interrupting.

perdonar Perdonarme por interrumpir.

give up He gave up writing every day.

renunciar Renunció a escribir todos los días.

can't help I can't help talking in class.

evitar No puedo evitar hablar durante la clase.

imagine We couldn't imagine living with her.

imaginar No nos podíamos imaginar viviendo con ella.

involve That involved calling a lot of people.

suponer, involucrar Eso suponía llamar a mucha gente.

keep on You should keep on trying.

continuar Deberías continuar intentándolo.

leave off I'm going to have to leave off writing for a while.
dejar, parar Voy a tener que dejar de escribir.

mention She never mentioned selling it.

mencionar Ella nunca mencionó haberlo vendido.

mind I don't mind you coming here.

importar No me importa que vengas aquí.

miss You missed meeting the new Head of Studies.

perder, errar, librarse Te perdiste conocer al nuevo jefe de estudios.

postpone He always postpones/puts off helping me.

aplazar, posponer Siempre pospone ayudarme.

practise I haven't practised playing guitar for a while.

practicar No he practicado la guitarra durante un tiempo.

put off He put off signing the contract several times.

aplazar, posponer Aplazó/Pospuso la firma del contrato varias veces.

resent I resent coming here.

molestar, sentar mal Me sienta mal / me molesta venir aquí.

resist He couldn't resist saying something.

resistir Él no pudo resistir decir algo.

risk I don't want to risk losing you.

arriesgar No quiero arriesgarme a perderte.

can't stand We can't stand listening to you.

no soportar No soportamos escucharte.

suggest They suggested flying to Rome.

sugerir Sugirieron volar a Roma.
83
understand I understand why being good is important.
entender, comprender Comprendo por qué ser bueno es importante.

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 2. List of verbs that can be followed by the –ing form or infinitive

Some of these verbs change their meaning.

Verb Meaning–ing Meaning with infinitive

If there is an object we use the infinitive.
If there is no object we use –ing.
advise I don't advise you (object) to come here on
aconsejar I don't advise coming here on Sundays.
Sundays.
No aconsejo venir aquí los domingos.
No te aconsejo que vengas aquí los domingos.
If there is an object we use the infinitive.
If there is no object we use –ing.
allow He doesn't allow you (object) to smoke in
permitir He doesn't allow smoking in his room.
his room.
No permite fumar en su habitación.
No te permite fumar en su habitación.

There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
be accustomed to
estar acostumbrado a He isn't accustomed to giving information. He isn't accustomed to give information.
No está acostumbrado a dar información. No está acostumbrado a dar información.

There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
be committed to
comprometerse She is committed to doing that. She is committed to do that.
Ella está comprometida a hacer eso. Ella está comprometida a hacer eso.
There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
can’t bear
no poder soportar They can't bear having an operation. They can't bear to have an operation.
No pueden soportar una operación. No pueden soportar una operación.
There is not too much difference in
There is not too much difference in
meaning between the –ing form and the
meaning between the –ing form and the
begin infinitive, but this is strongly dependent on
infinitive.
empezar the verb that follows.
When you begin talking, I'll leave.
When you begin to talk, I'll leave.
Cuando empieces a hablar me marcharé.
Cuando empieces a hablar me marcharé.
There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
continue
continuar You should continue reading. You should continue to read.
Deberías continuar leyendo. Deberías continuar leyendo.
If there is no object we use –ing. If there is an object we use the infinitive.
forbid
prohibir They forbade smoking. They forbade me (object) to smoke.
Prohibieron fumar. Me prohibieron fumar.
We use –ing form when we refer to actions We use the infinitive when we refer to pending
forget in the past. actions.
olvidar I'll never forget working with you. I always forget to take the garbage out.
Nunca me olvidaré de haber trabajado contigo. Siempre me olvido de sacar la basura.
It means to continue. It means a change in the activity.
go on
continuar You can go on talking. She was angry and went on to call me.
Puedes continuar hablando. Estaba enfadada y fue a llamarme.
There is not too much difference in meaning when using –ing or the infinitive.
hate
odiar I hate doing the homework. I hate to do homework.
Odio hacer los deberes. Odio hacer los deberes.
Complete events/actions which are heard
84 We refer to an action that continues over time.
hear from beginning to end.
oír I heard her making a lot of noise.
I heard her make a lot of noise.
La escuché (que estaba) haciendo mucho ruido.
La escuché hacer mucho ruido.

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 Verb Meaning–ing Meaning with infinitive

There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
intend
tener intención de We intended staying there. We intended to stay there.
Tuvimos intención de quedarnos allí. Tuvimos intención de quedarnos allí.
It refers to the style in which something was
It refers to the result of the study.
learn learnt.
aprender He learned to swim very well.
He learned swimming when he was very young.
Aprendió a nadar muy bien.
Aprendió a nadar cuando era muy joven.
There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
like
gustar I like walking in the rain. I like to walk in the rain.
Me gusta caminar bajo la lluvia. Me gusta caminar bajo la lluvia.
There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
love
amar, encantar I love eating chocolate. I love to eat chocolate.
Me encanta comer chocolate. Me encanta comer chocolate.
If there is an object we use the infinitive.
If there is no object we use –ing form.
permit They permitted me (object) to touch the
permitir They permitted touching the objects.
objects.
Permitían tocar los objetos.
Me permitieron tocar los objetos.
There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
prefer
preferir I prefer coming here. I prefer to come here.
Prefiero venir aquí. Prefiero venir aquí.
There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
propose
proponer He proposed using a new method. He proposed to use a new method.
Propuso utilizar un nuevo método. Propuso utilizar un nuevo método.
It refers to an action in the past that we
We use to give bad news.
regret regret having done.
lamentar I regret to tell you that we aren't leaving.
I'll always regret doing that.
Lamento decirte que no nos vamos.
Siempre lamentaré haber hecho eso.
We use the –ing form when we talk about We use the infinitive when we refer to
remember past actions. pending actions.
recordar I remember running very fast. I must remember to run every day.
Recuerdo haber corrido muy rápido. Debo recordar (que debo) correr todos los días.
Complete events/actions which are seen
We refer to an action that continues over time.
see from beginning to end.
ver She saw you walking.
She saw you walk.
Ella te vio caminando.
Ella te vio caminar.
There is not too much difference in meaning between the –ing form and the infinitive.
start
empezar You should start doing something. You should start to do something.
Deberías empezar a hacer algo. Deberías empezar a hacer algo.
We use the infinitive when the action stops
We use -ing to indicate that we quit a habit.
stop in order to do another action.
parar, dejar de She stopped smoking last June.
She stopped to call me.
Ella dejó de fumar el pasado mes de junio.
Ella se detuvo para llamarme.
It refers to lessons or subjects of study.
It refers to the study’s result. If there is an
teach She teaches standing on her head, because object we use the infinitive. 85
enseñar she is a yoga teacher.
She taught me to read well.
Ella enseña a hacer el pino porque es profesora
Ella me enseñó a leer bien.
de yoga.

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 Verb Meaning–ing Meaning with infinitive

It means that we attempt something by chance. We can use –ing or the infinitive when we
try to try to do something with intention.
I tried calling her four times but I didn't
intentar succeed in getting through to her. You should try to do/doing it.
Intenté llamarla cuatro veces, pero no tuve éxito. Debes intentar hacerlo.
Complete events/actions which are watched
We refer to an action that continued over time.
watch from beginning to end.
observar, mirar, ver He watched you playing football.
He watched you to play football.
Él te vio jugando fútbol.
Él te vio jugar al fútbol.

3. List of verbs that can be followed by the infinitive

® Afford (permitirse) ® Guarantee (garantizar) ® Promise (prometer)

I can’t afford to buy caviar. The company guarantees to pay The insurance company
No puedo permitirme comprar caviar. for the training. promised to cover the cost.
La empresa garantiza el pago de la La compañía aseguradora prometió
® Agree (estar de acuerdo) formación. cubrir todos los costes.
I agree to do whatever I can to
help. ® Hesitate (dudar) ® Refuse (rechazar)
Estoy de acuerdo en hacer todo lo Never hesitate to do the right He refused to lend a hand.
posible para ayudar. thing. Rechazó echar una mano.
No dudes en hacer lo correcto.
® Aim (tener el objetivo de) ® Seem (parecer)
I aim to be the best in my class. ® Manage (gestionar, apañárselas) It seemed to be another
Mi objetivo es ser el mejor en mi They managed to finish the ordinary day when the trouble
clase. preparations before she arrived. began.
Se las apañaron para terminar los Parecía ser otro día más cuando
® Decide (decidir) preparativos antes de que ella llegase. empezaron los problemas.
I have decided to ignore rude
people. ® Offer (ofrecer) ® Want (querer)
Yo he decidido ignorar a la gente I offered to pay for the taxi. She wanted to shine above the
maleducada. Ofrecí pagar el taxi. rest.
Quería brillar sobre los demás.
® Demand (pedir) ® Prepare (preparer)
She will demand to know what He is prepared to go all the way.
is going on. Está preparado para llegar hasta el
Ella querrá saber qué está pasando. final.

Watch a video about the verbs followed by infinitive and –ing form.

Test
1. If you can’t sleep try ……… 4. He agreed …………. the 7. I remember ……….. to him 10. I demanded ….... the
a cup of chamomile tea work before he went home. but I don´t remember where. manager after the waiter
before bed. A. to do. A. to talk. spoke to me so rudely.
A. to make. B. doing. B. talking. A. to see.
B. making. B. seeing.
5. I resent you ..…. I didn’t 8. Would you mind ………….
2. My boss offered me ……… help much. me up after work? My car 11. She always seems …. two
LQWKHRIÀFHLQ1HZ<RUN A. to say. broke down yesterday. steps behind everyone else.
A. to work. B. saying. A. to pick. A. to be.
B. working. B. picking. B. being.
6. I promised ……………. them
86 3. Don’t forget …… call your informed of any changes. 9. I admit ………… the cat 12. I fancy ……… a take away
parents when you get home. A. to keep. out of the house by mistake. curry tonight, don’t you?
A. to call. B. keeping. A. to let. A. to get.
B. calling. B. letting. B. getting.

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Vocabulary

Prefixes and suffixes

An English word can consist of three parts:

For example:
® The root is the base element of the word.
prefix root suffix unhappiness
® A prefix is a word element that is placed before
the root. A prefix changes the word's meaning or un happy ness infelicidad
makes a new word.
® A suffix is a word element that is placed after the
root. The suffix changes the word's meaning as
well as its function.

Some common prefixes:

Nouns Meaning Translation Example

They forgot to put in the antifreeze and the car got damaged.
Anti- against contra Antifreeze
Olvidaron poner el anticongelante y el coche se dañó.
His face was deformed.
De- opposite opuesto Deform
Su cara estaba deformada.
not, negativa, We disagreed about her payment.
Dis- Disagree
opposite of opuesto Nosotros no estuvimos de acuerdo acerca de su pago.
In- im- It has been impossible to see him.
not no Impossible
il- ir- Ha sido imposible verlo.
He is an intermediate student.
Inter- between entre Intermediate
Él es un alumno de nivel intermedio.
I like to see films with subtitles.
Sub- under debajo Subtitle
Me gusta ver películas con subtítulos.
They were unfriendly to foreigners.
Un- not no Unfriendly
Eran poco amistosos con los extranjeros.

Some suffixes:

Nouns Meaning Translation Example

-able That is not feasible.
can be done posible Feasible
-ible Eso no es viable.
She has a wooden ring.
-en made of hecho de Wooden
Tiene un anillo de madera.
You have to be careful.
-ful full of lleno de Careful
Tienes que tener cuidado.
-ion act, acción, He showed no emotion.
Emotion
-tion process proceso No mostró ninguna emoción.
You are hopeless.
-less without sin Hopeless
Eres un inútil.
action or acción o Com- There is no commitment in this company.
-ment 87
process proceso mitment No hay compromiso en esta empresa.
state of, condición o Sadness was in the air.
-ness Sadness
condition of estado La tristeza estaba en el aire.

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 Listen to the list of the most common prefixes and suffixes.

Vocabulary practice exercise

A. Translate the following sentences:

1 A ella no le gusta ver películas con subtítulos.

2 Es un reloj (de pared) de madera.

3 Él no estaba de acuerdo con su jefe.

4 Es imposible estudiar con tanto ruido.

La amabilidad es importante cuando se hacen

5
negocios.

6 Tienes que tener más cuidado.

7 Él no tiene miedo.

8 Peter es muy irresponsable.

9 Eso es muy improbable.

10 Ella es tan infeliz.

B. Attach the suffix or prefixes to the correct word to make a new word.

1. 'LV ~  ~ A. responsible

2. ,U ~  ~ B. helpful

3. ,QWHU ~  ~ C. personal

4. 6XE ~  ~ D. content

5. 8Q ~  ~ E. national

6. ,P ~  ~ F. contract

7. Act ~  ~ G. QHVV

8. Reason ~  ~ H. IXO

9. Sick ~  ~ I. PHQW

10. Success ~  ~ J. OHVV

88
11. Hope ~  ~ K. LRQ

12. Content ~  ~ L. DEOH

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Reading
When Claire met a celebrity
Claire was a 23 year-old student who worked part- ‘To see me? Wow, it was becoming difficult for her to
time as a waitress in a nice Italian Café near the beach breathe,’ she couldn’t even answer.
in Florida.
‘Do you know what is the best time to surf at this
All she knew about celebrities was what she had seen beach?’ he asked whilst sipping his coffee.
on television or on the cover page of glossy magazines
She then realized he looked a bit younger and
sold at supermarkets that she never bought. With one
thinner than George Clooney, but it didn’t really
exception: George Clooney. She just loved him and
matter because he was just as good-looking.
was always saying to her friends that she wanted to
meet him. ‘Five o´clock for sure,’ she answered trying to sound
cool.
One Sunday afternoon, as she was getting ready to go
home, she saw a red Lamborghini park right in front She wasn’t a surfer herself, but she remembered
of the Café. The door opened and a good–looking hearing her boyfriend, who was an experienced
dark-haired man jumped out of the car. When he surfer, saying that.
started walking towards the Café, some young and
Because of the excitement of meeting a celebrity, she
very excited women started running towards him.
found herself doubting what to say to him next.
When they reached him they began asking for his
autograph. He appeared to be calm and friendly. Time passed very quickly and she lost the chance to
have a longer conversation when he suddenly said:
‘He must be used to it,’ Claire thought.
‘Thank you very much. The cappuccino was delicious
She didn’t have too much time to think about who
and you are gorgeous,’ and he disappeared leaving a
the handsome man was because as soon as he got rid
five dollar tip.
of the crowd he entered the Café and started staring
at Claire who was then pulling down the blinds at the It had been like a film, a dream; it couldn’t be true
opposite side of the bar. that she had seen George Clooney in person.
‘Could I have a cappuccino, please?’ As soon as he left, Claire phoned her best friend
Margaret.
Claire realized that she was the only one at the bar
because her other two co-workers were in the office ‘I saw him for a couple of minutes and then suddenly
behind the bar cashing up. he disappeared saying that I was gorgeous! She
said screaming. Can you believe it?’ she a s k e d
‘Yes, of course,’ she answered as she rushed to the
Margaret.
coffee machine.
‘What? George Clooney? Really?
‘Sorry to bother you right before closing
No, I can’t. Are you going to see
time,’ he added.
him again?’
‘No problem,’ she said.
Then, her two coworkers came
She didn’t know what to say as she out from behind the bar where
started thinking the person in they supposedly were doing the
front of her looked very much cashing up and, as soon as they saw
like George Clooney. Claire, they started laughing loudly.
‘Quiet day, isn’t it?’ he ‘Why are you laughing?’ she asked
said, trying to start a them.
conversation as she ‘Smile, you’re on candid camera,’
served the coffee. they replied.
‘Well it’s quiet now, but it And then the look-alike
wasn’t this morning. Midday George Clooney
on Sundays is one of our appeared again behind
busiest times because we the bar along with the
offer brunch.’ television crew. He was a
‘I should have known, double from a television show.
shame, I would have Melissa, one of her coworkers, 89
come here earlier to see had decided to trick her and had
you.’ helped to set up the joke.

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 Vocabulary
Part-time (adj.): a tiempo parcial. I should have known: debería haberlo sabido.
Beach (n.): playa. I would have come here earlier: habría venido
Glossy magazine (n.): revista de papel más temprano.
couché. Breathe (v.): respirar.
She just loved him: A ella le encantaba. Even (adv.): incluso, ni siquiera.
As she was getting ready to go home: cuando It didn’t really matter: no importaba.
se estaba preparando para ir a casa. For sure (adv.): con toda seguridad.
Lamborghini (n.): coche italiano de lujo. Try to sound cool: intentar parecer “guay”.
Right in front (adv.): justo delante. Surfer (n.): surfista.
Dark-haired (adj.): de pelo oscuro. Find herself doubting: Encontrarse dudando.
Jump out (v.): saltar fuera. Next: a continuación.
Towards (pre.): hacia. Lose the chance: perder la oportunidad.
Excite(d) (adj.): emocionado. Have a longer conversation: de tener una
Reach (v.): alcanzar. conversación más larga.
Autograph (n.): autógrafo. Suddenly (adv.): repentinamente.
He must be used to it: debe estar Tip (n.): propina.
acostumbrado a ello. It had been like a film: había sido como una
Handsome (adj.): guapo (hombre). película.
Get rid of (v.): se deshizo de la multitud. As soon as he left: en cuanto se marchó.
Stare (v.): mirar fijamente. Scream (v.): gritar.
Pull down (v.): bajar las cortinas, persianas. Supposedly (adv.): supuestamente.
Blinds (n.): persianas. Do the cashing up (v.): hacer caja.
Realise (Brit)- realize (Amer) (v.): darse cuenta. Loudly (adv.): muy alto, fuerte.
Co-worker (n.): compañero de trabajo. Candid camera: programa de televisión de
Rush (v.): ir corriendo. cámara oculta.
Bother (v.): molestar. The look-alike: el parecido.
Right before: justo antes. Along with: conjuntamente con.
Midday (n.): mediodía. Double: un doble.
Brunch (n.): desayuno-comida. Set up (n.): preparada.

Reading comprehension

Read the text and choose the correct answer from the options.

1. Did Claire usually buy glossy magazines? 6. Why did Claire think he might not be
A. Yes. George Clooney?
B. No. A. Because of his looks.
B. Because of his behaviour.
2. What did the man do before he
entered the café? 7. Why didn’t Claire mind who he was?
A. Flirted with some girls. A. Because he was kind.
B. Signed his name. %%HFDXVHKHZDVJRRGORRNLQJ
3. What were Claire’s coworkers doing 8. How did Claire know what the best
while she was serving the man? time to surf was?
A. Doing taxes. A. She liked the sport.
B. Checking the contents of the till. B. Her boyfriend surfed.
4. Why is midday busy on a Sunday? 9. What did he leave Claire?
A. They serve a meal. A. Some money.
90 B. They offer extra coffee. B. His phone number.
5. Why couldn’t she breathe? 10. Who set Claire up?
$%HFDXVHKHZDVÁLUWLQJZLWKKHU A. Margaret.
B. Because she was holding her breath. B. Melissa.

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Listening
3. :KHUHZDVWKHÀUVWFRXQWU\WKH\ 8. How many years has he been
Listening quiz went on tour to? married?
A. Japan. A. Four.
B. Finland. B. Fourteen.
After listening to the
interview twice answer 4. How did they learn their instruments? 9. How many children does he have?
$6HOIWDXJKW A. Two.
the questions below.
B. Classically trained. B. Three.
5. Why is their music popular? 10. What is his favourite hobby?
1. What’s the name of the band? A. Because they sound like the Beatles. A. Waving.
$7KH*UHHQ(\HG0RQNH\V B. It’s melodic. %6XUÀQJ
%7KH6WUHDPOLQHG0RQNH\V 6. Where does Fred live? 11. Who is the next album dedicated to?
A. London. A. Fans.
2. How old were they when they B. Liverpool. B. Family.
became famous?
$7ZHQW\WKUHH 7. Where does he like to go on holiday? 12. What is the name of the interviewer?
B. Twenty. A. Somerset. A. Alex Chable.
B. Italy. B. Alex Cable.

Watch a conversation between two people using verbs followed by infinitive or –ing form.

Writing & recording

Read this description
My name is Ryan Rosen; I was born on July 6th, 1985 in Birmingham. My mother is English and my father
is African American. I’m 6.3 feet, dark-haired and brown-eyed. I weigh 177 pounds. I have an apartment in
London, but as I work as a model I’m always travelling and I can’t spend much time at home. When I’m back in
the UK, my girlfriend and I usually visit my parents and my sisters in Birmingham. We usually meet for lunch on
Sundays. I like playing sports and dancing. Two years ago I won a tango competition in Buenos Aires.

Now you write

Writing a personal description
Instructions
® You can say where you were born or
alternatively use the expression “I come Write a description about yourself. Mention your
from…” name, age, what you do, where you live and what your
® In the Present Simple tense say where you hobbies are.
live and what you do.
® Use the verb “to be” to say your age, height
Compare your text to this example:
and weight and “have” for colour of the eyes
My name is Cristina and I’m 32 years old. I'm a
and hair.
programmer and I come from Almería. I live in Madrid
® Remember to use “as” (not "like") when now with my husband in a flat in Las Rozas. We don’t
mentioning your profession or job. For have children, but want to have at least two. I work for an
example: I work as a sales person. IT company not too far away from home. My husband
® Try to always link one sentence to the next is an engineer. He also works for an IT company, but
one with connectors such as: but, and, when. not in programming. We both like skiing and therefore
® Use “like doing” when speaking about a hobby. we try to go to the mountains almost every weekend.
There we enjoy meeting up with friends and going out
® Keep it simple.
for dinner.

Vocabulary 91
Watch a video about writing a IT company: empresa de telecomunicaciones.
personal description. Both (adj.): ambos.

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 Record your answers

Your teacher has asked to give a presentation of

a famous person or a celebrity. Choose one and
answer the following questions to prepare the
presentation.

® Who is your favourite celebrity or famous

person? Why?
® What does he/she do?
® Why is he/she famous?
® Can you describe him/her physically?
® Have you ever met him/her? If so, where
and what happened?
® Describe his/her personality
® What are the pros and cons of being a
celebrity?
® Would you like to be famous? Why or why
not?

Now, please record yourself answering the

following questions. The recording must be, at
least, one minute.

Important: do not answer the questions with “yes”

or “no”. The exercise requires full sentences. Do
not read your answers. Use the Useful Language
worksheet and the vocabulary and grammar
already studied in the course to help you.

Useful Language

Personality

fun honest childish moody

easygoing nice mean nosy

patient sociable bad-tempered cheeky

kind caring selfish rude

affectionate thoughtful thoughtless arrogant

mature witty close-minded dependable

generous trustworthy unreliable stubborn

92 friendly down-to-earh fussy tight-fisted

good-tempered shy

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 Unit 8. Talents

Grammar Vocabulary Reading Listening Writing & recording

Modal verbs Prepositions Super powerful rice Listening comprehension Text organisation
Test Vocabulary practice cooker LXP warranty Now you write
exercise Reading comprehension Describe a photo

Grammar
Modal verbs
Modal verbs are so named because they change the mode or aspect of the verb, as opposed to the tense. Study
this example:

I water my flowers every day.

Riego mis plantas todos los días.

The verb is “to water” and it’s in the present tense.

Now, compare:

I MUST water my flowers every day, otherwise they’ll dry up.

Debo regar mis flores todos los días, de lo contrario se secarán.

MUST is the modal verb. We have not changed the tense- we are still talking in the Present Simple tense - but
we have changed the mode or aspect of the verb “to water”. Here you have a list of modal verbs:

Modal verbs Translation Example

She can work with us.
Can puedo
Ella puede trabajar con nosotros.
I could do it.
Could podía, podría
Yo podría hacerlo.
It may be too late.
May puede que
Puede que sea demasiado tarde.
It might not work.
Might puede que / podría (less probable may)
Puede que no funcione/Podría no funcionar.
Sirve para formar el futuro I’ll help you with your homework.
Will
y ofrecerse a hacer algo Te ayudaré con tus deberes.
We would bring it if we could.
Would Sirve para formar el condicional
Lo traeríamos si pudiéramos.
Shall we have a coffee?
Shall Sirve para formar el futuro y hacer sugerencias
¿Nos tomamos un café?
You should read more.
Should debería/s
Deberías leer más.
He must stay longer. 93
Must debo/ debes
Debe quedarse más tiempo.
She ought to go to school tomorrow.
Ought to debería/s
Ella debería ir al cole mañana.

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 Modal verbs have certain peculiarities too. For example:

® They do not take "-s" in the third person. Examples:

She can work here.
Ella puede trabajar aquí.

® We usually don’t use modal verbs in the past or in the future. Examples:

They will can sing tomorrow. I musted do my homework yesterday.

Incorrecto: Ellos cantarán mañana. Incorrecto: Yo debí hacer mis deberes ayer.

Though would, could, should and might sometimes be used as past tenses of will, can, shall and may.

After modal verbs we use the infinitive without “to”, except in the case of “ought to”. Study these examples:

They could read (infinitive without to) the book. You ought to read (infinitive with to) more.
Ellos pudieron leer el libro. Deberías leer más.

Types of modal verbs

® Degrees of certainty ® Degrees of freedom and obligation

h Complete certainty (positive or negative): h Strong obligation:

They will come tomorrow. You must do as I tell you.
Ellos vendrán mañana. Debes hacer lo que te diga.

I won’t cook next week. h Prohibition:

No cocinaré la semana que viene. You must not park your car here.
No debes aparcar tu coche aquí.
h Probability/ possibility: They can’t call now.
We may go to Paris. No pueden llamar ahora.
Puede que vayamos a París.
h Recommendation:
He should be here any moment. You should try to do it anyway.
Debería llegar en cualquier momento. Deberías intentar hacerlo de todas maneras.
h Weak probability: h Permission:
I might buy a car. Can I borrow your pen?
A lo mejor compro un coche. ¿Me dejas tu bolígrafo?
May I ask you something? (More formal than "can")
¿Puedo preguntarte algo?
h Ability:
He can dance and sing very well.
Él sabe bailar y cantar muy bien.

Remember “ought to” is the only modal verb which is

followed by infinitive + to. For example:
You ought to turn right.
Debes girar a la derecha.

Structures:

94 To make affirmative sentences, ask questions, answer questions and

make negative sentences we follow the same pattern as that used for
auxiliary verbs (for example do/does/did).

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Affirmative sentences

Structure: Examples:

Subject + modal verb + main verb + object She must drive to work. Ella debe ir en
subject modal verb main verb object coche al trabajo.

Questions

Structure: Examples:

Modal verb + subject + main verb + object Should we do it? ¿Deberíamos

modal verb subject main verb object? hacerlo?

Answers:

Structure: Examples:

Yes, subject + modal verb

No, subject + modal verb + not
Yes, I should Sí, deberíamos.
No, I shouldn't No, no deberíamos.
Yes/No subject modal verb + not
Negative sentences

Subject + modal verb + not + main verb + object

Example:

They couldn’t do it. Ellos no pudieron

subject modal verb + not main verb object hacerlo.

Negative questions

Modal verb + not + subject + main verb + object?

Example:

Can’t I go?
¿No puedo ir?
modal verb + not subject main verb?

1. “Can” and “could” cannot be used in the future. We cannot say, for example: I will can.
Therefore, we must substitute “can/could” for “to be able to” (ser capaz de). For example:
I won’t be able to go tomorrow. (No podré ir mañana).
They will be able to travel tomorrow. (Ellos podrán viajar mañana).

2. “Must” cannot be used in the past. We cannot say, for example: We musted study. 95
(Nosotros debíamos estudiar). In this case we substitute “must” for “had to”. For example:
We had to study. (Nosotros tuvimos que estudiar).

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Watch some videos about the modals verbs in English.

Test
A. Answer yes, no, or, not sure to the questions below:

1. She can play the violin very well. Is she a good 6. It would be better if you coloured it red. Is it as good as
musician? it can be?
A. Yes. A. Yes.
B. No. B. No.
C. Not sure. C. Not sure.
7. 6KDOO,JHW\RXDUHÀOO"+DVDVHFRQGGULQNEHHQVHUYHG"
2. I could pass that exam. Has she passed it?
A. Yes.
A. Yes.
B. No.
B. No.
C. Not sure.
C. Not sure.
8. She should study harder. Is she studying as hard as
3. John may have arrived by now. Has John arrived yet? possible?
A. Yes. A. Yes.
B. No. B. No.
C. Not sure. C. Not sure.
9. You must carry your passport at all times. Is an ID card
4. They might win if they listen to their captain. Are they
a possible substitute?
good enough to win?
A. Yes.
A. Yes.
B. No.
B. No.
C. Not sure.
C. Not sure.
10. You ought to reserve a table as lunch time is always
5. I will complain in the morning. Has she complained yet? busy. Is the restaurant’s policy, reservations only?
A. Yes. A. Yes.
B. No. B. No.
C. Not sure. C. Not sure.

B. Choose the best modal verb for the space:

1. The doctor …………………… change the appointment to 6. Peter really …………………………. be kinder to his sister as
Friday if that is better for you. she is younger than him.
A. should. A. should.
B. could. B. may.

2. Don’t hit the dog as it …………………………. bite you! 7. The company ………………………….ÀQGWKHFKHDSHVWÁLJKW
A. ought to. available, it’s their job.
B. may. A. should.
B. would.
3. …………………………. I get us a drink?
8. I ……………………….GRXEOHFKHFNWKHGHSDUWXUHWLPHLI,
A. Shall.
were you.
B. Will.
A. may.
B. would.
4. He …………………………. come and visit us over the
ZHHNHQGLIKHÀQLVKHVKLVZRUN 9. I ……………………. let you know as soon as I hear anything.
A. might. A. could.
B. shouldn’t. B. will.
96
5. I ………………………. update my driving license, it’s expired! 10. I …………………………. speak German if that helps.
A. can’t. A. should.
B. must. B. can.

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Vocabulary
Prepositions
Preposition Example Preposition Example
For
About This book is about robots. This pencil is for drawing.
para (destinatario
acerca de / sobre Este libro va sobre robots. Este lápiz es para dibujar.
/ uso / propósito)
Above The shelves are above the TV. From They come from the
encima de / por Las estanterías están sobre la de (origen / Netherlands.
encima de televisión. remitente) Son de los Países Bajos.
Across The restaurant is across the
In It’s in the box.
en frente de / Street.
en Está en la caja.
cruzando El restaurante está cruzando la calle.
In front of
After I’ll do it after you. It’s in front of you.
en frente de /
después Lo haré después de ti. Está en frente de/delante de ti.
delante de
Against Don’t fight against them. Inside It’s inside the box.
contra No luches contra ellos. dentro de Está dentro de la caja
You should work more instead of
Instead of
Along We went along that road. going on holiday.
en vez de/ en lugar
a lo largo de Fuimos a lo largo de ese camino. Deberías trabajar más en vez de ir de
de
vacaciones.
Into
Among We were among many people. Please, get into the car.
en / a / (movimiento
entre (en medio de) Estuvimos entre mucha gente. Por favor, métete en el coche.
de entrar)
Like
Around You must go around the corner. She looks like me.
como / parecido /
alrededor de Debes ir alrededor de la esquina. Ella se me parece.
igual que
The tournament will take place
At Near The church is near my office.
at the hotel.
en el / la cerca de / junto La iglesia está cerca de mi oficina.
El torneo tendrá lugar en el hotel.
You have to leave before noon.
Before Next to They are next to me.
Tienes que marcharte antes de
antes a lado Ellos están a mi lado.
mediodía.
Behind Go behind me. Of The history of Spain.
detrás de / atrás de Ve detrás de mí. de (posesivo) La historia de España.
Below The temperatures are below zero. On The book is on the table.
debajo de / abajo de Las temperaturas son bajo cero. sobre / en El libro está en/sobre la mesa.
Beside She is beside me. Outside It’s very cold outside.
al lado de / junto a Ella está a mi lado. fuera de Hace mucho frío fuera.
There is a box in between the Over The lamp hangs over the table.
Between
chair and the table. encima de / por La lámpara cuelga por encima de
entre
Hay una caja entre la silla y la mesa. encima de la mesa.
By Written by Shakespeare. Since I have been living here since 2007.
por Escrito por Shakespeare. desde Llevo viviendo aquí desde el 2007.
During I was there during the summer. Through You have to go through that door.
durante Yo estuve allí durante el verano. a través Debes ir a través de esa puerta.
Available all mornings, except 97
Except Fridays. To We’ll go to Rome.
excepto / salvo Disponible todas las mañanas, a (destinación) Iremos a Roma.
excepto los viernes.

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 Preposition Example Preposition Example

Toward/towards Let’s go towards the river. With I go with him.

hacia Vayamos hacia el río. con Voy con él.
Within It should be done within these hours.
Under/underneath The cat is under the table.
dentro de Debe ser hecho dentro de este espacio de
debajo de El gato está debajo de la mesa.
(distancia/ tiempo) tiempo.
Until Open until 10 p.m. Without He did it without thinking.
hasta Abierto hasta las 10 p.m. sin Lo hizo sin pensar.

Listen to the list of prepositions in English.

Vocabulary practice exercise

Translate the following sentences:

1 ¿Acerca de qué es este libro? (¿De qué va este libro?)

2 Me gusta caminar a lo largo de la playa.

3 El banco está cruzando la calle.

4 Él está detrás de mí.

5 No lo vi (a él) durante el invierno.

6 Me gustaría comer fruta en lugar de cenar.

7 El gato se metió en la caja (movimiento de entrar- meterse: get).

8 Te quiero desde que te vi por primera vez.

9 Mi padre no es como yo.

10 Vamos hacia ese camino.

Reading
Super powerful rice cooker LXP warranty

The super powerful rice cooker uses cutting–edge LXP has a three year warranty for this appliance
technology and is designed for domestic and which should commence from the original date of
professional use. purchase at retail.
It can only be used on flat and clean surfaces. If the appliance exhibitss a defect,
LXP will repair or replacee it without
You shouldn’t use the appliance without reading
abour. You
charging for parts and labour.
the instructions first.
must bring in or ship thehe product,
Electric shocks may occur if the plug makes contact prepaid and insured, to ann authorised
with water. LXP Service Center. You u might
be required to prove the
Should you have any questions regarding the
date of original purchase so
operating instructions, you can call us on 922 33
you should bring or attach ch
45878, between 9.00 and 16.00 weekdays, or write
98 to customer services at lxpclientservice@mail.
the receipt of purchase.
com.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Vocabulary
Rice cooker (n.): máquina que cocina arroz Purchase at retail (n.): compra en tienda.
(arrocera). Exhibit (v.): mostrar.
Cutting –edge technology (adj.): tecnología Repair (v.): reparar, arreglar.
innovadora. Replace parts (v.): sustituir las piezas.
Designed (adj.): adecuado. Labour (v.): mano de obra.
Flat (adj.): plano. Bring in (v.): llevar.
Appliance (n.): aparato. Ship (v.): enviar, transportar.
Electric shock (n.): shock eléctrico. Insure (v.): asegurar.
Plug (n.): enchufe. Be required (v.): ser requerido.
Warranty (n.): garantía. Original purchase (n.): compra-venta original.

Reading comprehension 5. Can you contact someone 8. Are repairs free of charge?
if you need help when using A. Yes.
the product? B. No.
Read the text and answer the questions. A. Yes.
B. No.
9. Will you have to pay if
1. Can you use the rice 3. Is it necessary to read the 6. Is there a time limitation the product is not insured?
cooker at home? instructions before using it? À[HGWRWKHZDUUDQW\" A. Yes.
A. Yes. A. Yes. A. Yes. B. No.
B. No. B. No. B. No.
10. How can you prove date
2. Should you keep it on an 4. What must you do to 7.:LOO/;3À[WKHSURGXFWLI of purchase?
uneven surface? avoid an electric shock? any faults are found? A. Showing the product.
A. Yes. A. Keep the plug dry. A. Yes. B. Showing the receipt.
B. No. B. Wear rubber soled shoes. B. No.

Listening
Listening comprehension
Listen to the conversation
and answer the questions.

1. :KDWFRORXULVWKHÀUVWVKLUW"
A. Green.
B. Grey.
5. What does the friend recommend 8. What does the friend say a short
2.'RHVKHWKLQNWKHÀUVWFRORXULV when buying shoes for work? KDLUFXWUHÁHFWV"
suitable for his friend? A. Choose something dynamic. A. Control and discipline.
A. Yes. B. Choose something comfortable. B. Control and dedication.
B. No.
6. How could the wrong shoe impact 9. Who says body language and
3. Why does he recommend buying work? personal presentation are important in
the same shirt in different colours? A. Upset your boss. business?
A. Because the style suits her. %0DNHV\RXIHHOOHVVFRQÀGHQW A. Human research.
B. Because it’s cheap. B. Human resource.
7. What does the friend hate people
4. What shoe options are given? doing with their hair? 10. How much of a role do they play?
$$KHHORUDÁDW A. Cutting it severely. A. A little one.
B. A heel or a sandal. B. Playing with it. %$VLJQLÀFDQWRQH
99

Watch a video about two people using modal verbs in a conversation.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

 Writing & recording
Text organisation
Your English teacher has asked you to write a short story. The title of your story should be: Why I should go to
Paris and not Lisa? Try to use modal verbs whenever possible. Read this example:

Why should I go to Paris and not Lisa?

® Introduction: A week ago, Lisa and I
participated in a raffle to raise money to build a
new school in our neighbourhood.

® Description of main events: Lisa and I went

to the raffle on Saturday morning. It was very
exciting as there were many good prizes like,
an IPAD. A lot of people participated, I think
about 200. Everything was okay until Lisa won
the first prize: 3 days in Paris in a five-star hotel.

® Your feelings: I thought it was very unfair.

I should go to Paris and not Lisa because I
bought the tickets to participate in the raffle
and gave one to her. Besides, Lisa was in Paris
last year and I have never been there.

® Conclusion: If there is a raffle next year, I’ll make

sure I go alone.

Watch a video about text organisation.

Vocabulary
Raffle (n.): rifa.
Raise (v.): recaudar.
To build (v.): construir.
Neighbourhood (n.): vecindario, barrio.
Exciting (adj.): emocionante.
Prize(s) (n.): premios.
Unfair (adj.): injusto.
I have never been there: yo nunca
he estado allí.
To make sure (v.): asegurarse.

Follow this order:

® Introduction: You should mention who did what, when and where.
® Description of the main events: You should say what is happening or
happened.
® Description of your feelings: You should express how you feel or felt
100 about the events.
® Closing: You should write a final paragraph with a conclusion.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

Now you write
Instructions:

Your English teacher has asked you to write a short story (about 100 words). Organise your text following the
order stated above. The title of your story will be: 'Why should my sister earn more money than I do?' Try to
use modal verbs whenever is possible. Compare your text to this example:

Why should my sister earn more money than I do?

My sister studied for about 10 years to become a doctor. I studied for 5 years to become a nurse. About two
years ago I sent my CV to a Hospital in Birmingham. I went there for an interview. I was lucky and I got the
job. At the beginning my salary was about 1,500 Euros. Now it has increased to almost 3,000 Euros.

Meanwhile my sister is working as an intern in a public hospital in our hometown and earning about
1.500 Euros. She is older than me and she earns the same as I did when I started working three years ago.
The problem is that in our city doctors don’t earn much. After studying so many years I think she should
earn at least what I earn. I would like to help her, but it’s
not possible. On the other hand, she has a home near my Vocabulary
parents, and I’m far away from home and I don’t have so
many friends nearby. Be lucky (v.): tener suerte.
Meanwhile: mientras tanto.
Next time I go back home I will ask her to apply for a job in Intern: becario, persona en prácticas en
my hospital in Birmingham. Perhaps she will get lucky too. una empresa.

Describe a photo
Look at the following picture and describe it. Record your description and send it to your teacher. The recording
must be, at least, one minute.

101
Important: use the Useful Language worksheet and the vocabulary and grammar already studied in the course
to help you.

© Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, S. A. (UNIR)

ENGLISH B1.1
Preparatory course for the certification test in English
Language level B1 according to the descriptors of the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

ENGLISH B1.1 includes:

Student’s Book
Rules and exercises on grammar, vocabulary,
listening, reading and writing.

Virtual Classroom
All the content from Student’s book plus extra
audiovisual material (class listening material
and video master classes). Answer key to the
tests and exercises included.

Key Booklet
Answers to all the tests and exercises included
in the book.

www.unir.net