First Speaking Test Part 3

Describing pictures

Watch this video clip of part 3 of the First Speaking Test and make a note of the modal verbs and thier functions.
Decide who spoke the most and who you think was the better candidate.
Write a list of adjectives that you heard them using during the test.

Click here to go to the link

FCE Use of English Part 4

Use of English Practice - Part 4 - Word Transformation

Have a go at resolving these questions from FCE Use of English Part 4.

Rewrite the sentences so that they have the same meaning as the example given. Use the modal verb provided. Use the hint if you are stuck.

Also try the second exercise in the second link below. This time remember to change between active and passive voice in order to maintain the significance of the original sentence.

Click here to go to the link

http://www.autoenglish.org/FCEUse/ReportedSpeechTransformations.htm

Modals for Deduction

Modals – deduction (present)

Read the grammar reference below and then try the exercise from the link below

 

Modals – deduction (present)

We use modal verbs to say how sure we are about something.

1 must

We use must when we feel sure that something is true because there’s very strong evidence.

• He must live near here because he comes to work on foot. We don’t know where he lives but we’re sure it’s not far away.
• Come inside and get warm – you must be freezing out there.
• You’re a zookeeper? That must be very interesting.

Notice that must is followed by an infinitive without ‘to’.

2 might, may, could

We use might, may or could to say that we think something is possible but we’re not sure.

• Did you hear that? I think there might be a burglar downstairs. She’s not sure there’s a burglar but she thinks it’s possible.
• We’ll try to get there early but we may arrive late if there’s a lot of traffic.
• Don’t put it up there. It could fall off and hit someone.

Might, may and could are also followed by an infinitive without ‘to’.

3 can’t

We use can’t when we feel sure something is not true.

• It can’t be a burglar. All the doors and windows are locked. He doesn’t know it’s not a burglar but he feels sure it’s not.
• It can’t be far away now. We’ve been driving for hours. Where’s the map?
• Really? He has to work on Christmas Day? He can’t feel very happy about that.

Like the other verbs, can’t is followed by an infinitive without ‘to’.

Remember that all of these modal verbs – must, might, may, could and can’t have other uses. These are covered in another section.

- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/modals-deduction-present#sthash.aCsc5svX.dpuf

Click here to go to the British Council link

Changes to FCE

Changes to First Certificate 2015

Have you been asking yourself how First test papers are changing for 2015?

Check out the official Cambridge English website for updated details on the changes to test papers for the year 2015.

Click here to see changes to First Certificate

Delexical Verbs

Delexical Verbs

Sometimes you transfer verbs from your first language into English language, but they can be false friends or incorrect for the context.

This commonly happens with verbs such as make, do and have, for example.
Do you make a shower or have a shower?

Practise your knowledge of these verbs with the exercises in the link below.

British Council English Grammar - Delexical Verbs

Verbs and Prepositions

Verbs and Prepositions

Do you know which preposition to use after each verb?

Try this fun exercise from British Council.

Choose a preposition for each question and type your answer. Then check your final score or press HELP for a clue.

Click here to go to the British Council link

Welcome!

Here, you will find instructions, if any, regarding your homework and advice for your personal development.

Please check this page regularly as well as when asked to. I may also often refer you to my Homepage where you can find many useful and interesting links and news updates about English language and the school.

Happy studying!