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Aspinall ELT » Recent Topics http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ English Language Tuition en-US Sun, 20 May 2012 14:47:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://aspinallelt.com/forum/search.php aspinallelt on "Homework (11)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=4081#post-4295 Fri, 04 May 2012 11:29:38 +0000 aspinallelt 4295@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Add a preposition! 1 - She wasn't short, she wasn't tall; she was average height. 2 - What are you going to buy Hania her birthday? 3 - The police are looking a tall, black man who was seen standing outside the bank just before the robbery took place. 4 - The teacher asked the class to do the exercise the bottom of page 12. 5 - As a child I was always ashamed my parents because they were uneducated. 6 - I was always very good Geography when I was at school. 7 - My uncle specializes in . 8 - We arrived Gorzów at 3.30 in the morning. 9 - I didn't see you the party on Saturday. 10 - There was a lot of coughing the performance of Moniusko's 'Fairy Tale' symphony. 11 - He saw her as the most attractive womanthe world. 12 - Simon is completely useless sports. Writing: If you won the lottery, what would you spend your money on? aspinallelt on "New Telephone English Audiobook" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2036#post-2143 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:56:57 +0000 aspinallelt 2143@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Do you want to improve your telephone English skills & knowledge? Find out how here: <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Learn-telephone-English-Audiobook-/270840621034?pt=Non_Fiction&hash=item3f0f5be7ea#ht_500wt_1203" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Learn-telephone-English-Audiobook-/270840621034?pt=Non_Fiction&hash=item3f0f5be7ea#ht_500wt_1203</a> The free podcast is here: <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ielts-guide/id385753873" rel="nofollow">http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ielts-guide/id385753873</a> gopobo on "Questions considering English grammar" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3763#post-3963 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:45:53 +0000 gopobo 3963@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hello, I've got some things to ask you about the English grammar. Here they are: Is the following structure correct: "I will order a pizza, shall I?" I'm not sure about the use of "will" here. I've got some transformations sentences, as well. You're a trainee for three months and then you become a junior employee. My version is: You become a junior employee once you have been a trainee for 3 years. The question is if "once" is followed by -ing form of the verb or by perfect. The next one is similar: Work for us for over a year and we'll consider promoting you. We'll only consider promoting you once... you have been working for us for a year/you are working for us for a year. Answers and explanations are much appreciated. Thank you. aspinallelt on "Homework (10)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3899#post-4105 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:35:21 +0000 aspinallelt 4105@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi all, This is a useful activity for IELTS writing task 1: Which of these words is the opposite in meaning from the others in the group? • Gradually • Bit by bit • Suddenly • Step by step • Steadily Which of these words is the opposite in meaning from the others in the group? • Steeply • Sharply • Dramatically • Rapidly • Gradually Which of these words is the opposite in meaning from the others in the group? • Stable • Unchanged • Fluctuating • Static • Steady Which of these words is the opposite in meaning from the others in the group? • Fall • Decline • Decrease • Diminish • Grow Which of these words is the opposite in meaning from the others in the group? • Go up • Climb • Rise • Increase • Come down aspinallelt on "Homework (7)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3324#post-3510 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:56:47 +0000 aspinallelt 3510@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Choose the correct preposition. 1) I'm sick and tired waiting for you. 2) He hasn't drank ages. 3) Micky is good running. 4) I'm looking my glasses. Has anyone found them? 5) They dream moving to Belize. 6) This song was written Morrisey. 7) You can look the word in a dictionary. 8) I can't come to the cinema. Don't wait me. 9) She had problems reading the recipe. 10) The police car chased the thieves the streets. Writing: Where is the best place to bring up a child? A city or in the countryside? aspinallelt on "Homework (9)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3682#post-3881 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:05:45 +0000 aspinallelt 3881@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Select an appropriate word to fill the gap and make a common idiom: answer choices: rags, pie, music, shoulder, drop 1. All these promises these politicians make are just in the sky. 2. The small amount of money donated is just a drop in the compared to the large sum of money needed. 3. I had to face the all by myself although I was not the only responsible for the problem. 4. They had had a dispute yesterday. That's why she gave him the cold . 5. He has been successful in his life. He went from to riches. Writing: Today’s food travels thousands of miles before it reaches customers. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative trend? Dr Sen Lin on "Increasing of the older people proportion is the double-bladesword to society" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2086#post-2247 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:37:23 +0000 Dr Sen Lin 2247@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. Does this trend have more positive or negative effects on the society? At present, the proportion of older people is increasing steadily in many countries, such as Germany, Japan and China. This trend has both positive and negative effects on the society. Depending on the particular situation, it may have different impacts on the entire country. Positive effects of the greater proportion of older people are obvious. Since they have more experience of human life, older people have fewer motivations than younger people to commit criminals. The increasing of older people will keep the society in a much more stead situation. Moreover, the wisdoms of life lead the older people to solve all the affairs better and more efficiently. Furthermore, out of work, those older people will have a greater opportunity to breed the third generation. At the particular aspect, the proportion of older people has positive effects on the society. However, the negative effects are also obvious. Older people have less vigor and strength than younger ones. So the proportion of older people may affect the manufactures, which require those. Less younger people means less labor force. The deduction of labor force will definitely have negative effects on the society whose manufacture is mainly relied on the labor force, such as in China. Nevertheless, it may not have badly affection on the society such as in German. In a word, it is superficial to simply say that the trend has more positive or negative effects on the society. In some country, which manufacture is mainly based on the labor force from younger people, the increasing of older people means the damage to the supporter of the economy. On the other hand, developed countries requiring the steadily will take the older people as one positive factor toward the entire society. aspinallelt on "Homework (8)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3391#post-3586 Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:17:16 +0000 aspinallelt 3586@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Finish the answers using the correct forms of to be (am, are, is). Example: Is he a doctor? - No ____________. Answer: Is he a doctor? - No, he is not. or No, he isn't. No, he's not. 1) Are they new to the school? - No, . 2) Is your hotel room big? - Yes, . 3) Are you from France? - Yes, . 4) Is your car green? - No, . 5) Are the DVDs in this case? - Yes, . 6) Is Sarah in his room? - No, . 7) Are you rugby fans? - Yes, . 8) Is Tom's mother in the lounge? - Yes, . 9) Are Pete and Sue at home? - No, . 10) Is the singer ugly? - Yes, . Writing: Hospitals should always provide free medical services. To what extent do you agree? deepika on "How telecommuting affect our family and environment?discuss." http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3292#post-3478 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:16:22 +0000 deepika 3478@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Since the utilization of telecommunication skills replace the daily commute to the work place center,it is far more likely to operate the businesses across multiple time zones by the employer and it is true that employee can enjoy flexible working hours which could be have a direct impact on their family settings.Not only working peoples are seems to be have a good work -life balance,but also it has been more environmentally benign. Firstly,it is true that having unsocial working time periods is not going to confirm intimacy between family members,specially between parents.Widening gulf between parents and children is inevitable due to the hectic pace of modern life and wasting time in roads because it chock-a -block with traffic.Thanks to the innovative technology now people can work from their homes using latest information technology diverting them from so many bottle-necks and tailbacks on the roads.This is more family-friendly as working men and women are able to manage their time properly while balancing family matters and work place.The additional time which can be saved by modern practice of telecommuting is more likely to spend for the child care and adult care at home. Secondly,there seems to be much more beneficial effects on environment owing to the environmental friendly qualities they create.The one of best of them is reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere due to the less driving and reduction of fuels need to burn for energy.This protects our surrounding from being overwhelmed and ensure constant journey of all species on the Earth.This would be the best solution for the ozone layer depletion ,shrinking natural resources and bio diversity loss.The detrimental phenomina just like global warming and extreme weather events are less likely to happen because of the newly introduced information technology skills. To sum up,telecommuting has plus points in family life and environment. deepika on "What is the best place for bringing up a child?A city or a countryside?Discuss ." http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3315#post-3501 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:40:19 +0000 deepika 3501@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Some people tend to go on the idea with that children should be brought up in a city while others argue it is better to facilitate their upbringing with countryside.To the my point of view ,it would be more wiser to let them to grow up in a urban area since it might be able to reduce some chaotic situations when it comes to their education,economic strength and life-long interpersonal skills. In first place,it would be more advisable to get enormous opportunities provide by the major city landmarks rather than spoiling the student life over rural areas because it is very obvious nowadays possible causes of urban drifts.Most of the parent's aspiration is the academic success of their offspring.The ever changing ,dynamic urbanized areas are seems to be play an essential role in educational sector owing to higher expertised knowledge relating to the academic fields.The innovative technology is more likely to distribute in populated areas compared to the remote places.It is quite possible to spur successful academic growth due to the economic viability of city areas which could be one of catalyst to the driving force of education. The knowledge-based economies are far more productive in comparison with other economies which has been created underdeveloped areas. The children who have grown in cities are able to get better job opportunities because they can depend on the economic stability of more developed places. And it is true that rapid urbanization has erased its boundaries when it applies to the day to day activities in flourished areas which offer state-of-art facilities to its dwellers. In second place,children are seems to be socialized and tend to be blended with other cultures where community spirit is built.At the childhood age anybody could get their future life shaped up by living in a mixed society.Not only this is going to be much more beneficial in their adult life ,but also it gives everybody tremendous potential in their personal life setting when they would want to be creative in decision making.The interpersonal skills that could be created by making company with different cultures ,is the corner stone of healthy journey of a society. To sum up,it is a better attempt to make all opportunities to bring up the children in highly urbanized area rather than make it happen in a rural area. deepika on "Nowadays children have too much freedom. Do you agree or disagree?" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3309#post-3495 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:42:39 +0000 deepika 3495@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Having too much liberty as a child is an obvious thing in modern living due to the wide variety of reasons.Among of them ,the most outstanding matter is the poor parenting practices which could be led to moral destruction of the children who have been victims of today's quickly evolving global society while other factors could not be underestimated.I tend to go on with the idea that they have much more free life style these days. Firstly,the offspring of ever changing community are more vulnerable to social illnesses such as youth delinquency,drug abuse and crimes because they are out of shadows of parents compared to the past generations where sound intimacy between parents and children had been.The lack of concentration on the activities of younger generation,lay a heavy burden on guardians.The vast majority of both parents had to accept new working culture due to the current economic climate.Although we are able to tap in to new sources of income,it is quite probable to deteriorate physical and emotional well-being of children.we can not expect tolerable standards of discipline from the children.They are more likely to adapt to a new international culture through the media owing to massive globalization.Educating them from everyday experience of family company is far from being met since almost younger people are not enjoying close-knit family wealth at present the face of enormous freedom. Secondly,large percentage of parents are drifting in to divorces ignoring the direct effect on their children.The victims of this type of tragedies do what ever they want because nobody is with them to guide in right path.Some of offspring are trapped in dead -end problems owing to the more liberal society.The majority of school children are now obsessed with social networking sites and unprotected sex behaviours since numerous web pages explosion where latest information technology can access.It is very easier to get dating with even unfamiliar people and they are far more likely to be a prey of an sexual predator. Thirdly ,it is more obvious that tasting freedom is one of best thing children can have through out their life time because it triggers innate characteristics which need to be get in shaped ,due to the being more -informed these days.Decision making is more easier with the freedom of the life and they are able to come in to their own.A good example of this,when i was younger i never had a liberty in my life because of tough parenting.That is why now i feel very nervous when i make right decisions of my life.There might be a huge impact of adult life if younger generation is under the influence of poor genetics . To sum up,these days children are enjoying their lives as much as possible rather than past time periods although there are some drawbacks and plus points deepika on "The advantages and disadvantages of zoos" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3269#post-3455 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:52:28 +0000 deepika 3455@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Zoos are playing an essential role in wildlife conservation at present.However,nobody can ignore about some drawbacks of zoos. In first place,despite having some similarities,the differences between artificial zoos and natural habitats are pronounced.It is far more likely to loss natural instinct to hunt within zoos boundaries.It is better idea that zoos to drop their captive breeding and to pour their resources back into protection of wildlife habitats and conservation of endangered species.What is more,these captive breeding projects is seems to be incur huge costs and encounters massive problems with re-introduction to nature habitats.It is omnipresent that extensive collection of most popular animals ensure a healthy flow of visitors to zoos thus can lead to huge earning records.there are some arguments about the massive business prospects which has been created.It is far from friendly to direct them as business tool and we have no right to restrict them to artificial zoos. In second place,it is undeniable that the functions of zoos are more striking when it comes to protection and conservation of wild animals who are more prone to the extinct.The untiring efforts of researchers are tend to explore new approach of conservative methods towards the animals which has been put in to jeopardy.The most reliable ways of conservation of these type of animals are far from danger now thanks to speeding up of these huge projects.Nevertheless,in educational prospect zoos function is unforgettable owing to it facilitate the time and space for the students as well as adults who are in a great passion for wildlife animals.Anybody can have a look at wide variety of animals which they can not access throughout their lifetime.Not only we can give a sound value for them but also,we can enjoy a magical day out in today's fast-paced world To sum up,while zoos are more beneficial in variety of ways some drawbacks of zoos are inevitable. deepika on "Advantages and disadvantages of online shopping" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3235#post-3421 Mon, 19 Mar 2012 04:18:50 +0000 deepika 3421@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Internet shopping is one of trend today's fast-paced evolution of information technology.While it gives reasonable living conditions it might be a nightmare for some people in this quickly evolving global society. In first place, there seems to be far more attractive benefits of e-buying which could be led to enormous plus points when it applies to the day to day life.It might be the best remedy for the crippled enviromental illnesses such as bio diversity loss and depleting ozone layers because it facilitates carbon -free world due to the less driving for the shopping purposes.Nevertheless it is more likely to reduce road congestion in rush hour.Being a internet shopper creates more convenient opportunity to the buyer and it seems to be consume less time while shopping around.People can enjoy the the digitized wealth of electronic age due to the vast expansion of electronic shopping. In second place, it is undeniable that this type of shopping is seems to be reliable these days.It is very omnipresent that phishing attacks are more frequent with the internet shopping.The majority of people are swindle out of great deal of money owing to the this sort of buying.Not only being a victim of internet hazard ,but also it leads to more redundancies in job sector.This seems to be far less reliable technology which confirm job security these days.The innovative technology is more likely to be far less friendly with job hunters due to the lack of telecommunication skills they required in information technology sector and there is an extensive dying -out of traditional shops due to the wide expansion of internet shopping takes place. To sum up,there is no debate that while we enjoy the shopping via internet,drawbacks of this facilitated system of shopping is inevitable. deepika on "Advanced consumerism is a good or bad trend?Discuss both views ." http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=3117#post-3303 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:49:31 +0000 deepika 3303@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ At present,we are drowning in a free market liberalism which is lead to low serotonin societies meanwhile it creates high impact on our emotional renaissance.According to the my point of view, there are some drawbacks and plus points. Firstly,it would be very hard to deny that ideas spill over one economy to other is not striking. When China innovate Americans benefits.This creats a long lasting bridge over nations rather than geographically isolated countries poorly perform their character in open trade sector.The emerging nations such as China and India are seems to be tower over economy in near future thanks to the advanced consumerism.It is true that rising tide lifts all boats.It seems to be industrialised nations and non-industrialised nations benefit well due to the advanced consumerism.People who are living in the margins on the society are going to be raised out of poverty owing to more job opportunities are being made. Secondly,it is damaging enough to our societies because of all things are now seems to be based on consumerism.People who are sound trend spotters are aiming high profits from the new trend.The vast majority of people are now victims of those people who cant escape from new disease of advanced consumerism.We are unable to maintained a proper serotonin levels due to the stressful situations it creats.The large percentage of people's basic needs are far from being met .Most of social illnesses just like jevenile delinquency,poverty and unemployment are direct results of advanced consumerism. To sum up,it is omnipresent that advanced consumerism has advantages and disadvantages. aspinallelt on "Homework (6)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2385#post-2566 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:31:42 +0000 aspinallelt 2566@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Add the prepositions: I'm Peter and I live Germany. summer I like to travel Italy, because the weather and the people there. Last summer I took a plane Munich to Rome. the airport we went to our hotel bus. We stopped a small restaurant for a quick meal. The driver parked the bus the restaurant. Nobody could find the bus and the driver, so we waited the restaurant one hour. The driver was walking the small park the restaurant which we did not know. So we were very angry him. But my holidays were great. We sat campfires and went dancing the early mornings. Writing: Which do you enjoy more? Doing something you have not tried before or doing something that you are skilled at? aspinallelt on "BBC Podcast" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2522#post-2705 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:36:37 +0000 aspinallelt 2705@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ file:///Users/richaspinall/Desktop/BBC%20News%20-%20RBS%20doubles%20annual%20loss%20in%202011,%20fourth%20since%20bailout.webarchive Podcast link: <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ielts-guide/id385753873" rel="nofollow">http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ielts-guide/id385753873</a> aspinallelt on "Homework (5)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2303#post-2480 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:39:00 +0000 aspinallelt 2480@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ 1) The driver at the traffic lights, so the police car chased him. (not/to stop) 2) The budgie flew away because Jim the window. (not/to close) 3) When we came home, Frank the ceiling yet. (not/to paint) 4) Eric his friends, so he was alone on Saturday evening. (not/to invite) 5) I Olivia for three years before I met her in Spain. (not/to see) 6) He told me that he his brother the other day. (not/to speak) 7) Lisa the book, so she didn't understand the film. (not/to read) 8) The Smiths the new camera, so they could spend the money on new furniture. (not/to buy) 9) I didn't find my keys because I under the bed. (not/to look) 10) We enough, so we lost the match. (not/to practise) Writing: Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people's lives. • automobiles • bicycles • airplanes aspinallelt on "Homework (4)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2088#post-2250 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:39:45 +0000 aspinallelt 2250@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ 1) The words by the teacher today. (to explain - Simple Present) 2) We a letter the day before yesterday. (to send - Simple Past) 3) This car . It's too old. (not/to steal - will-future) 4) This street because of snow. (already/to close - Present Perfect) 5) A new restaurant next week. (to open - will-future) 6) He to the party yesterday. (to invite - Simple Past) 7) The blue box . (can/not/to see - Simple Present) 8) I the book by my friend last Sunday. (to give - Simple Past) 9) The dishes by my little brother. (not/to wash - Present Perfect) 10) I by Robert. (not/to ask - will-future) Writing: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People pay too much attention to the less important things in life and fail to see the larger issues. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion. aspinallelt on "Homework (3)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2057#post-2216 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:49:11 +0000 aspinallelt 2216@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Choose the correct phrases and form a Conditional sentence - type I, II or III. Mind the position of the if-clause and negations. 1) If I to London, I'll visit the zoo. 2) If it , we'd be in the garden. 3) If you a lighter jacket, the car driver would have seen you earlier. 4) We TV tonight if Peter hadn't bought the theatre tickets. 5) She wouldn't have had two laptops if she the contract. 6) If I was/were a millionaire, I in Beverly Hills. 7) You would save energy if you the lights more often. 8) If we had read the book, we the film. 9) My sister could score better on the test if the teacher the grammar once more. 10) They on time if they hadn't missed the train. Writing: In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What are your opinions on this? aspinallelt on "Homework (2)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2056#post-2210 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:15:55 +0000 aspinallelt 2210@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Put in the correct preposition. Example: He concentrates __ physics. Answer: He concentrates on physics. 1) My friend is good playing volleyball. 2) She complains bullying. 3) They are afraid losing the match. 4) She doesn't feel working on the computer. 5) We are looking forward going out at the weekend. 6) Laura dreams living on a small island. 7) Andrew apologized being late. 8) Do you agree staying in a foreign country? 9) The girls insisted going out with Kerry. 10) Edward thinks climbing trees this afternoon. Writing: Should poor countries continue to receive International Aid? Give your views in not less than 250 words. aspinallelt on "Homework 2012 (1)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2055#post-2208 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:58:14 +0000 aspinallelt 2208@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi all! Happy new year! Here is this week's homework: Complete the following sentences with both, neither or either. 1 __________ cars are very expensive. 2 __________ of us wanted to go to the restaurant. 3 Would __________ of you like to come out in the car? 4 She's __________ sociable and sensitive. 5 He plays __________ tennis nor squash. 6 I haven't seen __________ of those pots for ages. 7 __________ of my brothers work in the city. 8 __________ of them want to go bowling. Correct the mistakes in the following sentences. 1 I haven't seen neither of them since last week. 2 She speaks either Spanish nor French. 3 I like either of them. 4 She's either intelligent and witty. 5 Both of them is married. 6 I don't like both jackets. 7 Either of them came to our party. 8 I want to buy either bags! Writing: 250-300 words. 30-40 minutes: Education is very important. How can children who are disinterested in study be motivated to learn? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. aspinallelt on "Homework (8)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2049#post-2198 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:06:02 +0000 aspinallelt 2198@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi everyone, Here is the next homework. As always, the writing question is at the bottom of the page: Rewrite the complete sentence using the adverb in brackets in its correct position. Example: I play tennis on Sundays. (often) Answer: I often play tennis on Sundays. 1) He listens to the radio. (often) 2) They read a book. (sometimes) 3) Peter gets angry. (never) 4) Dave is very friendly. (usually) 5) I take sugar in my coffee. (sometimes) 6) Ramon and Lucas are hungry. (often) 7) My dad goes for a walk in the evening. (always) 8) Ben helps his father in the kitchen. (usually) 9) They watch TV in the afternoon. (never) 10) Sarah smokes. (never) Writing: If you could change one important thing about your country, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. aspinallelt on "Homework (7)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2048#post-2194 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:31:55 +0000 aspinallelt 2194@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi all, Here is an exercise about the passive. Just write the passive answers below each active sentence. The writing question is at the bottom of the page. 1) Julia rescued three cats. . 2) The students handed in the reports. . 3) Maria crashed into the blue car. . 4) Alex learned the poem. . 5) Steven has forgotten the book. . 6) The mechanic has not repaired the DVD recorder. . 7) They play handball. . 8) Sue puts the rucksack on the floor. . 9) The girls had lost the match. . 10) The teacher is not going to open the window. . Writing: What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. aspinallelt on "Homework (6)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2043#post-2181 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:04:47 +0000 aspinallelt 2181@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi all, Here is the homework and as usual, there is a writing task at the end: Fill the gaps with somebody, anybody, nobody, something, anything and nothing. 1 I can hear........................................at the door. 2 Does........................................want to go to the cinema? 3 A: What are you doing on Saturday? B: ......................................... 4 Can........................................tell me the capital of Indonesia? 5 "Would you like........................................to eat?" 6 The film was in German so I couldn't understand.................................they said. 7 I'm sad because........................................remembered my birthday. 8 As it's your birthday you can order.................................you like from the menu. 9 Oh no!........................................'s eaten my chocolate cake 10 Poor thing! We have to do........................................to help. 11 ........................................can do this sudoku. It’s impossible. 12 I don’t know........................................about comic books. 13 This box is empty. There’s........................................inside it. 14 Is there........................................decent on TV tonight? 15 You look upset. Is........................................the matter? Writing: Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school.  Discuss both views and give your opinion. 250-300 words (30-40 minutes) aspinallelt on "Homework (5)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2042#post-2173 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:21:18 +0000 aspinallelt 2173@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi guys, Here is this week's homework. It might be quite easy for some of you, so I have added a writing question as well. This week, the grammar is about articles: Are you shopping for ___ health club to join so you can get in shape? a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed Shop wisely! You could end up choosing ___ wrong club and losing more money than pounds. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed You may find out too late that ___ health clubs aren't for you. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed ___ San Diego fitness experts recommend thoroughly checking out several health clubs before you join one. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed First, know what you want and need in ___ fitness facility, and don't pay for what you'll never use. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed If you only want exercise classes, ___ exercise studio without weight machines and locker rooms may work for you. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed If you're looking for ___ place to only do bodybuilding, you'll be happy in a basic gym. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed You may be in ___ market for a full-service health club; then, make sure it offers lots of activities. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed Look for a place near your house, and check out ___ exercise instructors and personal trainers. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed They should be educated in physical education or certified by ___ organization such as the American Council on exercise. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed Certified instructors have at least some knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, injury prevention and ___ cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed You should evaluate ___ equipment and make sure fitness machines are modern and in working order. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed Try to talk to other members of the club. Find out what they believe are ___ advantages and disadvantages there. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed Look in ___ locker room, workout room, and shower--everywhere should be clean. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed ___ locker room sanitation is usually a good indication of how clean other areas are. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed Finally, before you sign ___ agreement to join, read the contract carefully. a. a b. an c. the d. no article is needed Writing: Please try and write between 250-300 words and you have 30-40 minutes Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes it is better not to tell the truth. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. aspinallelt on "Homework (4)" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2041#post-2163 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:14:46 +0000 aspinallelt 2163@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi all. This week's homework is a bit early. Good luck! 1. He was sitting __________________ in his seat on the train. (comfort) 2. There was a __________________ light coming from the window. (green) 3. He was acting in a very __________________ way. (child) 4. This word is very difficult to spell, and even worse, it's __________________. (pronounce) 5. He's lost his book again. I don't know where he has __________________ it this time. (place) 6. You shouldn't have done that! It was very __________________ of you. (think) 7. He didn't pass his exam. He was __________________ for the second time. (succeed) 8. Some of the shanty towns are dreadfully __________________ . (crowd) 9. The team that he supported were able to win the__________________ . (champion) 10. There is a very high __________________ that they will be late. (likely) 11. I couldn't find any __________________ in his theory. (weak) 12. He wants to be a __________________ when he grows up. (mathematics) 13. You need to be a highly trained __________________ to understand this report. (economy) 14. There were only a __________________ of people at the match. (hand) 15. She arrived late at work because she had__________________ . (sleep) 16. The road was too narrow, so they had to __________________ it. (wide) 17. He was accused of __________________ documents. (false) 18. They had to __________________ the lion before they could catch it. (tranquil) 19. He needed to __________________ the temperature. (regular) 20. I think that you should __________________ . It may not be the best thing to do. (consider) 21. There was a three-hour __________________ because of the strike. (stop) 22. You need a _______________of motivation, organization and revision to learn English.(combine) 23. I try not to go to the supermarket at 5pm because it's __________________. (practice) 24. It is very __________________ to run air-conditioning with the door open. (economy) 25. His __________________ has been expected for the last half an hour. (arrive) 26. She looked at her __________________ in the mirror. (reflect) 27. I told him my plan but he wasn't very __________________ . (receive) 28. She had no __________________ of going to see him. (intend) 29. He spent half an hour __________________ himself with the building. (familiar) 30. Failing her driving test was a great __________________ to her. (appoint) 31. He decided to study __________________ at university. (journal) 32. The film was __________________ good. (surprise) 33. There was the need for __________________ construction when the fighting stopped. (war) 34. I don't like him at all. He's so __________________ . (satisfy) 35. The company has over 500 __________________ . (employ) 36. The new manager was very efficient and __________________ . (business) 37. It really isn't mine. I think that you are __________________ . (take) 38. The rate of __________________ in Brazil has been rising steadily. (employ) 39. With the real plan, the rate of __________________ in Brazil has fallen. (inflate) 40. She looked at him __________________ , and started to cry. (happy) 41. The party was __________________ , everything went wrong. (disaster) 42. The film was so __________________ that we left before the end. (bore) 43. The film was terrible, I felt really __________________ . (bore) 44. I think that there has been a __________________ , I didn't order this. (understand) 45. The bacteria are so small that you need a __________________ to see them. (scope) 46. Have you seen that new __________________ ? He's very funny. (comedy) 47. The event was totally __________________ . It was terrible. (organise) 48. I arrived late for work because I had __________________ . (sleep) 49. There is a small __________________ explaining the new traffic code. (book) 50. He was __________________ . He wouldn't change his mind. (compromise) aspinallelt on "Homework of the week (2) + writing extra" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2040#post-2156 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:40:52 +0000 aspinallelt 2156@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi all. Here is the next exercise for you to complete Here is a nice little exercise to test 'make' & 'do.' I know this never makes sense but just try and use your intuition and experience to complete the exercise: 1. If you set up a business, it's generally to _______ money. 2. I can't give the answer right away. I'll have to ______ some research. 3. I'm very pleased with the result. You ______ a great job! 4. When I ________ a mistake, my teacher corrects me and explains why. 5. What are you studying? I'm __________ a degree in history. 6. You'll have to work hard if you want to ________ progress. 7. Stop ________ fun of my accent - it's not my fault! 8. It doesn't have to be perfect - just ______ your best. 9. I've got a toothache. I'm going to ring the dentist to ___________ an appointment. 10. It's not always easy to _________ business with people of different nationalities. Writing: Here is a writing question for anyone who is studying IELTS, TOEFL, CPE or who just wants to do some writing practice. Spend about 30/40 minutes and try to write between 250-350 words: “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position. Enjoy!! aspinallelt on "Homework of the week!" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2039#post-2147 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:07:52 +0000 aspinallelt 2147@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Hi all! I hope you're all well. This week I am trying a little experiment to see if I can help you all at the same time! As you know, I am a little bit obsessed with prepositions because in English, they are so complicated. Below is a short text about McDonald's. What you need to is add prepositions to each sentence. There may be more than one! 1. The first McDonald’s restaurant was opened Dick and Mac McDonald the 15th May 1940. 2. The best selling products their restaurant were hamburgers. 3. So the McDonald brothers thought a way to produce hamburgers more quickly. 4. This was introduced 1948 and became known the Speedee Service System. 5. The first franchised McDonald’s restaurant was opened 1953, and today you can find McDonald’s restaurants more than 100 countries. 6. The meats the burgers vary the culture the country. 7. Franchisees and future managers McDonald’s restaurants are trained Hamburger University, which is located Oak Brook, a suburb Chicago. 8. McDonalds is also known its sponsorship various international sport events. Good luck everyone and don't forget to do your homework! Rich xxx Kevin on "range of technology available to individuals today" http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2038#post-2145 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:58:08 +0000 Kevin 2145@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Some people believe that the range of technology available to individuals today is increasing the gap between rich people and poor people, while others say that technology has the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion. It is highly true that technology has drastic impact on people live worldwide. While there are many people firmly believe that technology widen the gap between poor and rich people , others think different .In my opinion technology could improve the poor people living . Technology could increase the gap between poor and rich people . For many years , it has been very often that many people in developed countries , could improve their lives through access technologies which not found in third world. For example , people who have phone can contact quickly and ask about last prices to buying or selling and it leads to earning more money .By contrast people who do not have such devices still in their previous condition . On the other hand , we cannot negate what technology has brought for many remote areas and deprived people to higher standard of living . This can be seen from using new technologies to increasing products in poorer countries which many people died because of lack of nutrition . In addition , while in the past many poor people because of low awareness or poor sanitation had low life expectancy , now due to many health care messages appear in television or cell phone which now is affordable for middle-class or low –class families the death poll has been reduced . And it can be viewed that technology improved life expectancy even in poor people . To sum up , although we can see some gap between poor and people created by technology , but in many cases I can say that technology closes the standard live of poor people to rich one . Kevin on "Traffic congestion is becoming a huge problem for many major cities ." http://aspinallelt.com/forum/topic.php?id=2037#post-2144 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:50:54 +0000 Kevin 2144@http://aspinallelt.com/forum/ Traffic congestion is becoming a huge problem for many major cities .Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce traffic in big cities . One of the most challenging problem in our today ‘s cities is traffic congestion . This is obvious from the number of vehicles on our roads and the amount of pollution they cause. Some measures such as developing public transportation , equipping roads and increasing public awareness could be taken to reduce this problem . It is highly true that today highly in use of private cars in most cities leads to more concentration of vehicles in cities . To tackle this , public transportation should be enhanced and equipped more conveniently to encourage people to use them . Some non-based road transportation like train , and subway could effectively reduce the number of cars -which drive only for moving few people . Road condition is also very significant to lower traffic crowded . In Europe , for example , most cities are still designed for the old modes of transport . Therefore , no wonder that traffic in such roads are still very high in most places .More over roads need to be equipped with more signs to avoid drivers from more mistakes . Last but not least , people ‘s awareness play key role in traffic problems . Many people due to lack of knowledge about traffic cause severe traffic problem . In this case , some useful advertising and programs could be very useful to aware of people about traffic congestion . To sum up , traffic jam caused serious problems throughout the world . Some measure as mentioned above could be taken to reduce the amount of high density traffic .