B2 TEENS AND ADULTS

 

BOOK KEYNOTE 4

KEYNOTE ADVANCED

INTERACTIVE B2

FOCUS B2

WORDREFERENCE DICTIONARY





TOPICS B2

Revisión de todos los tiempos verbales (presente, pasado, futuro) en forma simple y avanzada (perfecto, continuo, perfect continuo)

Uso avanzado de las formas pasivas en diferentes tiempos

Condicionales tipo 1, 2, 3 y mixtos

Uso de “wish”, “if only” y expresiones de deseo y arrepentimiento

Oraciones con “although”, “despite”, “in spite of” y otros marcadores de contraste avanzado

Frases con “so that”, “in order that” para expresar finalidad

Uso de “should have”, “could have”, “might have” para expresar hipótesis en pasado

Verbos modales avanzados (must, may, might, should, ought to, have to, can’t, need to) en diferentes contextos

Reported speech avanzado (estilo indirecto en diferentes tiempos y contextos)

Estructuras de preguntas de estilo indirecto y interrogativas complejas

Uso de los conectores lógicos avanzados (moreover, therefore, in addition, as well as, not only... but also)

Frases condicionales con “if” y “unless” en diferentes tipos de oraciones condicionales

Uso de “it is (high) time”, “it’s no use”, “it’s worth” + gerundio o infinitivo

Frases con “too” y “enough” para expresar límites y adecuación

Estructuras con “either... or”, “neither... nor”

Uso avanzado de “can”, “may”, “might”, “must” en diferentes matices

Frases con “as long as”, “provided that”, “on the condition that” para condiciones

Expresiones idiomáticas y modismos avanzados

Frases con “not only... but also”, “both... and”, “either... or” en contextos complejos

Uso del infinitivo y gerundio en verbos que cambian significado con cada uno

Estructuras de énfasis con “it is (was) ... that” y similares

Frases de modo con “as”, “like”, “such as” en contextos variados

Uso de la voz activa y pasiva en diferentes formas y tiempos

Técnicas de coherencia y cohesión en escritos formales e informales

Análisis y uso de la puntuación avanzada para textos escritos

Introducción a las estructuras de “it seems”, “it appears”, “it is believed” y expresiones formales e impersonales

Uso de “would”, “used to”, “be used to” y “be getting” para diferentes contextos de acción habitual y progresiva

Uso de cláusulas adverbiales y adjetivales complejas

Frases con “so” y “such” para énfasis y descripción detallada

Técnicas de argumentación y crítica en textos académicos y formales


CONVERSATION TOPICS

Talk about a time you changed your opinion on something important.

 

Discuss the role of technology in modern relationships.

 

Share a personal experience with failure and what you learned.

 

Should governments invest more in public transportation? Why or why not?

 

Describe a place you would love to live and explain why.

 

Argue for or against the use of surveillance cameras in public spaces.

 

Talk about a film or book that influenced your worldview.

 

Share your thoughts on work-life balance in your country.

 

What environmental issues are most relevant today?

 

Discuss the impact of social media on mental health.

 

Explain a tradition that is disappearing in your culture.

 

Describe a moment that changed your life.

 

Debate the positives and negatives of online learning.

 

Have you ever challenged a rule or system? What happened?

 

What advice would you give to someone moving to a new city?

 

Argue about the importance of learning languages.

 

Discuss your views on fast fashion and sustainability.

 

Are celebrities good role models? Give reasons.

 

Talk about an achievement you are especially proud of.

 

Is it better to work for yourself or someone else? Why?

 

Discuss how climate change affects your country.

 

What are your expectations for the future of education?

 

Debate whether money brings happiness.

 

Have you ever been involved in a community project?

 

Should parents limit children’s screen time? Explain.

 

Talk about a controversial law in your country.

 

Discuss how travel broadens your mind.

 

Argue advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.

 

Is privacy in the digital age possible?

 

What is the most important skill for a job nowadays?

 

Share your opinion on remote work.

 

Should animal testing be allowed?

 

Talk about the impact of globalisation.

 

Debate reasons for and against banning homework.

 

Describe a time you faced a moral dilemma.

 

Do you think science fiction predicts the future?

 

Argue which technology has changed life most.

 

Is there a generation gap in your family? Explain.

 

How would you solve a social problem in your town?

 

Discuss media bias and fake news.

 

Should public transport be free?

 

What value does volunteering offer?

 

Debate about standardized tests in education.

 

Discuss your favorite way to spend time alone.

 

Is it better to rent or buy a house? Discuss.

 

Should students choose their curriculum?

 

Talk about the benefits of learning from mistakes.

 

How can people stay motivated with long-term goals?

 

Should everyone have access to free healthcare?

 

Is economic growth always positive?

 

Discuss ways to reduce stress in daily life.







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TALKING ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE DONE EVERY DAY

WARM-UP. SHARE WITH THE GROUP THE THINGS YOU DO EVERY DAY. USE LINKING PHRASES AND WORDS IN THE EXPLANATION. EXAMPLE: IN THE MORNING, VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, I WAKE UP AND STRETCH….. AFTER THAT, WHEN IT IS 8 AM, I PREPARE BREAKFAST… THEN….

ASK EACH OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR DAILY ROUTINE. USE WH QUESTION WORDS AND PHRASAL VERBS FOR SOME ACTIVITIES… EXAMPLE: WAKE UP, TURN IN… SIT BACK, SIT AROUND….

NOW, THINK OF 4 ACTIONS PEOPLE DO EVERY DAY IN GENERAL. THESE ACTIVITIES WILL BE WRITTEN ON THE SCREEN OR BOARD. LET’S CHANGE THESE SENTENCES INTO THEIR PASSIVE FORM. EXAMPLE: I BRUSH MY TEETH – MY TEETH ARE BRUSHED BY ME

THINK OF ACTIONS YOU DO EITHER AT WORK, SCHOOL OR EVEN AT THE ACADEMY… CHANGE THESE SENTENCES INTO PASSIVE VOICE. E.G: I’M STUDYING ENGLISH --- ENGLISH IS BEING STUDIED BY ME…

STUDENTS: ASK EACH OTHER QUESTIONS IN PASSIVE VOICE ABOUT THE ACTIONS EACH ONE OF YOU DOES. EXAMPLE: IS THIS LESSON PAID ENOUGH ATTENTION BY US? YES, OF COURSE. 



THINK OF FACTS AND INFORMATION YOU’VE HEARD FROM RECENTLY. INTRODUCE THEM BY USING IT IS SAID, IT IS BELIEVED THAT, IT IS THOUGHT THAT…. EXAMPLE: AIDS CURE IS ABOUT TO BE RELEASED IN THE YEARS TO COME--- IT IS SAID THAT AIDS CURE IS ABOUT TO BE LAUNCHED IN THE YEARS TO COME or…. AIDS CURE IS ABOUT TO BE RELEASED VERY SOON…. 

PASSIVE VOICE IN SONGS

GRAMMAR EXERCISES

1. Manufacturing and Consumer Products

Prompt: In your opinion, how important is it that everyday products like smartphones or clothing are made ethically? Discuss the production process in your country.
Passive Voice Examples to Use:

  • Smartphones are assembled in factories with strict quality controls.

  • Clothes are dyed using chemicals that are banned in some countries.
    Follow-up Questions: Are cheap products worth the environmental impact? What changes should be made?

2. Daily Routines in the Workplace or School

Prompt: How do routines in your job or studies make life easier or more frustrating? Describe a typical day without mentioning who does the tasks.
Passive Voice Examples to Use:

  • Meetings are held every Monday morning.

  • Homework is graded and returned within 48 hours.
    Follow-up Questions: What tasks are avoided at all costs? How could routines be improved?

3. Environmental Rules and Conservation Efforts

Prompt: To what extent are environmental laws effective in protecting nature? Give examples from your city or country.
Passive Voice Examples to Use:

  • Plastic bags are banned in many supermarkets.

  • Trees are planted along rivers to prevent flooding.
    Follow-up Questions: What rules are ignored the most? Should fines be increased for violations?





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WARM-UP VIDEO


Future Continuous: Painting Tomorrow's Action-Packed Scenes

WARM-UP---  "Imagine tomorrow at this exact time (e.g., 2 PM). What will everyone be doing? Think of busy, ongoing actions!"

 jot down 3-5 predictions about:

  • Themselves (e.g., "I will be eating lunch.")

  • Classmates (e.g., "Maria will be working on her computer.")

  • Famous people or news events (e.g., "The president will be giving a speech.")



  1. In pairs, share predictions and ask follow-up questions: "What will you be doing at 8 PM tomorrow? Why?"

    "Future Chain Story"

    Objective: Practice "will be + -ing" through creative, ongoing future narratives in a group chain.

    Instructions:

    1. Divide students into groups of 4-6. Give each a prompt like: "At 10 AM tomorrow in Medellín..." or "During the big party next weekend..."

    2. First student starts: "At 10 AM tomorrow, I will be drinking coffee in a café."

    3. Next student adds and continues the action: "While you will be drinking coffee, Maria will be dancing salsa outside."

    4. Chain continues around the group (3-5 rounds), focusing on simultaneous/ongoing actions. Encourage "while" or "as" connectors.


DESCRIBE WHAT YOU THINK YOU WILL BE DOING 2, 5 AND 10 YEARS FROM NOW




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HOW MUCH CAN YOU UNDERSTAND FROM THIS VIDEO??


Reflections on last experiences --- challenges and lessons learned

Warm-up Experience: Sharing Past Travel Experiences

  1. Think and Pair: Take 2 minutes to think about a memorable trip you took recently. What were some challenges you faced? What did you enjoy?

  2. Share with a partner: Use these prompts to guide your conversation:

    • What did you do during the trip?

    • Did you run into any problems? How did you deal with them?

    • Did anything unexpected come up? How did you handle it?

    • What lessons did you learn from the experience?

  3. Group discussion: After pairs share, discuss as a group common phrasal verbs or expressions you used to describe your experiences (for example: looked up, ran into, gave up, got through).


  1. Look back on
    Meaning: Recordar o reflexionar sobre el pasado.
    Example: I often look back on my childhood with great fondness.

  2. Run into
    Meaning: Encontrarse con alguien inesperadamente o enfrentar un problema.
    Example: During my trip, I ran into some difficulties with the hotel booking.

  3. Get through
    Meaning: Superar una situación difícil.
    Example: It was a tough time, but I managed to get through it.

  4. Give up
    Meaning: Rendirse o abandonar algo.
    Example: I almost gave up learning English, but then I found a great teacher.

  5. Take on
    Meaning: Aceptar un desafío o responsabilidad.
    Example: I decided to take on a new project at work last year.

  6. Set off
    Meaning: Empezar un viaje o una aventura.
    Example: We set off early in the morning to avoid traffic.

  7. Make up for
    Meaning: Compensar por algo negativo.
    Example: I missed the first lesson, but I made up for it by studying extra.

  8. Break down
    Meaning: Fallar o tener problemas mecánicos o emocionales.
    Example: Our car broke down in the middle of the trip.

  9. Look up
    Meaning: Buscar información o mejora en la situación.
    Example: When I was lost, I looked up the directions on my phone.

  10. Carry on
    Meaning: Continuar haciendo algo.
    Example: Despite the challenges, we carried on with our travel plans.



Individual work: DESCRIBE A PAST EXPERIENCE YOU REMEMBER WAS GOOD OR BAD... USE THE PAST SIMPLE

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM A BAD EXPERIENCE YOU HAD AT WORK, HOME OR SCHOOL?

ASK EACH OTHER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ---- DISCUSS


INTERVIEW: ask your partner these questions and wait for their response. DISCUSSION TOPICS

  • Can you describe a time when you ran into an unexpected problem during a trip or project? What happened, and how did you deal with it?

  • Have you ever had to give up something important? What made you decide that, and how did it affect you?

  • Tell me about a situation where you had to get through a difficult period. What strategies did you use?

  • Have you ever looked back on a past experience and wished you had acted differently? Why?

  • Can you share an experience where you took on a responsibility that you weren’t sure you could handle? How did it go?




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Accomplishments by Deadline: Future Perfect Simple


WARM-UP. THINK OF ACTIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU WILL HAVE DONE IN THE FUTURE.... FOLLOWING THE PROMPTS BELOW:

  • By next Friday...

  • By the end of this month...

  • By my next birthday...

  • By December 2026...




DESIGN YOUR PLAN FOR THE NEXT YEARS.... EXAMPLE: I'LL HAVE COMPLETED THIS COURSE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR... USE PROMPTS SUCH AS BY NEXT YEAR, BY 2030 TO TALK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE TIMELINE. MENTION THREE PLANS

THINK OF 3 EVENTS THAT WILL HAVE TAKEN PLACE AT A POINT IN THE FUTURE.... EVENTS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU BUT WITH THE SOCIETY, COUNTRY, THE WORLD.. EXAMPLE: COMPANIES WILL HAVE RELEASED MORE CUTTING-EDGE IPHONES BY 2030

Students work in pairs. Give or write this question frame on the board:

  • What will you have done by…?

Step 1 – Think (2–3 min)
Each student secretly chooses 3–4 future times, for example:

  • by next Friday

  • by the end of this month

  • by 2030

  • by your next birthday

They also think of possible answers:

  • I will have finished…

  • I will have visited…

  • I will have learned…

Each student tells the class about their partner:

  • “By 2030, Ana will have finished her degree.”

  • “By next year, she will have improved her English.”

WHAT THINGS WILL HAVE CHANGED IN THE FUTURE , IN THE YEARS TO COME?









GO TO DISCUSSION TOPICS


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Busy Schedules Ahead: Future Continuous Tense

The Future Continuous (will be + -ing) describes actions in progress at a specific future time, like "At 8 PM tomorrow, I will be eating dinner while watching TV." Perfect for planning daily routines, meetings, or parallel future events!


Next Week's Packed Schedule: Future Continuous

Next Monday at 9 AM, I will be catching up on emails while sipping coffee. By noon, my team will be brainstorming new project ideas in the meeting room. That afternoon, we will be rolling out the updated app version that fixes all the bugs.berlitz

At 6 PM, I will be picking up my kids from soccer practice as they will be finishing their training session. Dinner time will be hectic—Mom will be cooking while I will be setting the table. Later that evening, around 8 PM, the whole family will be chilling out watching our favorite series.englishvedas

Tuesday looks even busier. In the morning, I will be heading off to a client presentation, hoping to seal the deal. By lunchtime, colleagues will be digging into sandwiches during our quick break. That night, friends will be showing up for game night—we will be playing until midnight!ef

The week will be flying by with back-to-back tasks, but I'm excited. By Friday, we will be wrapping up loose ends before the weekend break. (198 words)perfect-english-grammar

Phrasal Verbs Used: catching up (ponerse al día), rolling out (lanzando), picking up (recogiendo), setting the table (poniendo la mesa), chilling out (relajándose), heading off (saliendo), sealing the deal (cerrando el trato), digging into (comiendo con ganas), showing up (apareciendo), wrapping up (terminando).berlitz







SPEAKING. ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. DISCUSSION TOPICS.

  • What will scientists be discovering about climate change by 2050?talkenglish

  • Which countries will tourists be visiting most in the next decade?perfect-english-grammar

  • What will people be celebrating during the next World Cup?lovetolearnenglish

  • How will artists be creating music when AI takes over?talkenglish

  • What will historians be teaching about social media in 50 years?lovetolearnenglish

  • Which traditions will cultures be preserving despite globalization?perfect-english-grammar

  • What will chefs be cooking with as space tourism grows?talkenglish

  • How will languages be evolving with global internet use?lovetolearnenglish

  • What will museums be displaying from today's technology?perfect-english-grammar

  • Which holidays will the world be adopting from other cultures?

GO TO DISCUSSION TOPICS

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Understanding Advice and Obligation: Using Should and Ought To







Dialogue 1
A: You should keep up with your studies if you want to pass the exam.
B: Yeah, I know. I ought to buck up and stop procrastinating.
A: Exactly, don’t put off your work until the last minute.
B: I’ll try harder — I don’t want to fall behind.
A: That’s the spirit!


Dialogue 2
A: You ought to cut down on sugar; it’s not good for your health.
B: I should, but it’s hard to break away from sweets.
A: Maybe you can slow down gradually instead of stopping suddenly.
B: Good idea. I should stick to that plan.
A: You’ll feel better in no time.


Dialogue 3
A: You should call off the meeting if the manager is sick.
B: I agree, we ought to hold off on major decisions until he’s back.
A: Right, no point in rushing into anything important.
B: Let’s wait and see how things go.
A: Patience pays off.


Dialogue 4
A: I think you should look into other job options.
B: Maybe, I ought to branch out and try something new.
A: Sometimes you have to take a leap to grow.
B: True, staying put isn’t always the best choice.
A: Exactly, don’t be afraid to move forward.


Dialogue 5
A: You ought to get on top of your finances before they spiral out of control.
B: I should cut back on unnecessary expenses.
A: That’s smart. You also should set aside money for emergencies.
B: Yeah, I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew.
A: You’re making a wise choice.



USE SHOULD OR OUGHT TO IN THESE SITUATIONS

  1. He has a headache.

  2. She twisted her ankle.

  3. They caught a cold.

  4. The back pain is getting worse.

  5. He feels dizzy and weak.

  6. She has trouble sleeping.

  7. The child has a fever.

  8. His eyes are red and sore.

  9. She complains about stomach pain.

  10. He has a persistent cough.

  11. She feels very stressed.

  12. He’s been coughing for days.

  13. She has a rash on her arm.

  14. He feels tired all the time.

  15. She cut her finger while cooking.




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TALKING ABOUT POSSIBILITIES AND CONDITIONS: IF and UNLESS



 if:

  1. If it rains, we will stay indoors.

  2. If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.

  3. If they arrive early, we can start the meeting.

  4. If you are tired, you should rest.

  5. If he calls, tell him I’m busy.

  6. If the traffic is bad, we will be late.

  7. If I see her, I’ll give her the message.

  8. If you need help, just ask.

  9. If it’s sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach.

  10. If the restaurant is closed, let’s find another one.

Unless:

  1. I won’t go unless you come with me.

  2. You can’t enter unless you have a ticket.

  3. Unless it stops raining, we can’t play football.

  4. She won’t forgive you unless you apologize.

  5. You won’t improve unless you practice every day.

  6. The shop is closed unless it’s a holiday.

  7. You won’t pass the test unless you study.

  8. We can’t start unless everyone is here.

  9. They won’t help unless you ask for it.

  10. I won’t eat this unless I’m really hungry.

 if and unless :

  1. I will go if you come, unless it rains.

  2. If you don’t call me, I won’t wait unless you explain.

  3. We will leave if the bus arrives, unless it’s too late.

  4. If she studies, she will pass unless there’s an emergency.

  5. If he invites you, come unless you’re busy.

  6. I won’t eat that if it’s cold, unless I’m starving.

  7. If it snows, school will close unless the weather clears.

  8. You can stay if you want, unless you have somewhere else to go.

  9. If they help, we can finish early unless there are problems.

  10. I’ll join the party if you’re there, unless something important comes up.


If you want to learn English fast, you need to practice every day. Unless you practice regularly, you won’t improve. You won’t understand grammar unless you study carefully. Learning a language requires patience and dedication.

If you listen carefully in class, your skills will improve. If you ask questions when you don’t understand, you will learn faster. You will not make progress unless you stay motivated. Unless you speak often, your pronunciation won’t get better. If you make mistakes, don’t give up. Unless you take risks, you will miss chances to improve. Learning takes time and patience, but it is very rewarding.

Keep practicing and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. If you keep at it, you will see results. Unless you try, you’ll never know what you can achieve. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process.



DISCUSS...

  1. Should students get less homework? Discuss what might happen if they have more or less homework.

  2. Is traveling important for personal growth? Talk about what happens if someone never travels.

  3. Should schools start later in the morning? Explain what would happen if school hours change.

  4. Is it necessary to learn a second language? Discuss the benefits if someone learns another language.

  5. Should people eat less fast food? Explain what could happen unless people change their eating habits.

  6. Is technology helping or harming social relationships? Talk about what would happen if people didn’t use smartphones.

  7. Should children have screen time limits? Discuss what could happen unless parents set rules.

  8. Is climate change the biggest problem facing the world? Explain what might happen if no action is taken.

  9. Should sports be mandatory in schools? Discuss what happens if students don’t participate in physical activities.


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Advanced Connectors for Emphasis and Choice: Using 'Not Only... But Also', 'Both... And', and 'Either... Or

READING

Raising children is a challenging but rewarding experience. Parents must balance both discipline and affection to help their kids grow into responsible adults. A good parent is not only understanding but also consistent with rules. Children need clear guidelines both at home and at school to feel secure.

In parenting, decisions are often difficult. You may have to choose either to be strict or to give more freedom, depending on the child’s personality. Sometimes, parents find that being too strict can harm the relationship, but not only does too much freedom cause problems, but it also may lead to bad habits.

Communication plays a vital role. Children should feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Parents need to listen actively and react with patience. It is important to encourage both academic efforts and emotional development.

Raising children takes teamwork; parents, teachers, and caregivers must work together. They have to support each other and make decisions not only based on what is easy but also on what is best for the child’s future. Raising children is never easy, but with love, patience, and balance, parents can provide a safe and happy environment.


QUESTIONS

1.       How can parents balance both discipline and affection when raising children? 

2.       What are the challenges parents face when they have to choose either to be strict or give more freedom? 

3.       Why is it important for children to be comfortable expressing both their academic efforts and emotions? 

4.       What do parents need to do not only at home but also at school to help children feel secure? 

 5. How do parents, teachers, and caregivers work together not only to support children but also to make the best decisions for their future?




MORE EXAMPLES...

With not only... but also

She not only called off the meeting but also postponed the deadline.

The company not only increased salaries but also improved working conditions.

He not only cleaned up the kitchen but also washed the car.

They not only set up the equipment but also tested it thoroughly.

The author not only wrote the book but also illustrated the cover.

 

With either... or

You can either sign up online or register in person.

He will either take the bus or catch a taxi.

We will either have the meeting today or postpone it until next week.

You should either apologize now or face the consequences later.

They will either choose the red design or go with the blue one.

 

With both... and

She loves both hiking and swimming during the summer. 

The project requires both creativity and technical skills.

They support both local businesses and community events.

He speaks both English and French fluently.

This course covers both theory and practical applications.

EXERCISE

LISTEN AND PRACTICE

EXERCISE MATCHING


LET'S DISCUSS!

With either...or

Do you prefer to study either in the morning or in the evening?

Will you either travel by train or by bus for your next trip?

Can we either meet for coffee or have a video call?

Should we either start the project now or wait until next week?

Do you want to watch either a movie or a documentary tonight?

 

With both...and

Are you interested in learning both English and French?

Do you enjoy both reading books and watching films?

Is it important to balance both work and relaxation in life?

Have you visited both the mountains and the beach on your vacations?

Do you like both coffee and tea in the morning?

 

With not only...but also

Have you not only finished your homework but also revised for the test?

Is your friend not only kind but also very funny?


MAKE SENTENCES USING THE CORRELATIVE CONJUCTIONS ABOVE AND THESE PHRASAL VERBS AND IDIOMS. USE OTHER VERBS IF POSSIBLE

ZERO IN ON

CALL IN SICK

COMMUTE

WREAK HAVOC (ON)

SET SOMEBODY TO DO SOMETHING

COME DOWN WITH

UTTER


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TALKING ABOUT PAST HABITS AND STATES: USED TO vs WOULD

Used To vs Would

Both used to and would talk about past habits or repeated actions that no longer happen.

 

Used To

Used to is for past habits, repeated actions, and past states (situations or feelings that were true before but not now).

 

It works with action verbs and state verbs.

 

Example with past habit:

I used to play soccer every weekend.

 

Example with past state:

She used to live in New York.

 

Would

Would talks about past repeated actions or habits, like used to, but NOT past states.

 

It only works with action verbs (things someone does).

Would is more common in storytelling or reminiscing.

 

Example:

 

When I was a child, I would visit my grandparents every summer.

 

You cannot say:

 

I would know (wrong) for a past state; use "used to know" instead.

 

Differences Summary:

Used to covers actions and states.

 

Would covers only repeated actions, not states.

 

Would usually comes after the time frame has been established or is understood.

 

Examples Together:

I used to be shy, but now I’m confident. (past state)

When I was a kid, I would ride my bike every day. (repeated action)

We used to have a dog when I was young. (past state)

Every summer, we would go to the beach. (repeated action)


BE USED TO AND GET USED TO

MORE EXPLANATION ON YOUTUBE

LISTEN AND PRACTICE THESE DIALOGUES


MAKE SENTENCES USING WOULD, GET USED TO, BE USED TO, AND USED TO AND THESE VERBS

 

Get over (recover from something)

Look forward to (anticipate something with pleasure)

Put up with (tolerate, endure)

Give up (stop doing something)

Take after (resemble a family member)

Run into (meet someone unexpectedly)

Break down (stop working or lose control emotionally)

Make up (reconcile after a disagreement)

Carry on (continue doing something)

Cut down on (reduce the amount of something)

 

Examples with used to, be used to, and would:

 

I used to give up easily, but now I always finish what I start.

She is used to getting over difficulties quickly.

When we were kids, we would run into friends at the park every day.

He used to look forward to summer holidays as a child.

They are used to putting up with long working hours.

I would make up stories to entertain my friends.

We used to carry on playing even when it was raining.

She is used to cutting down on sugar to stay healthy.

My brother used to take after my dad in his love for sports.

When cars would break down, we had to wait for hours.


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Expressing Alternatives and Negations with Either...Or and Neither...Nor

READ THE FOLLOWING COMIC STRIPS





READ THE DIALOGUE:

A: I’m thinking about what to eat. Either I’ll get pizza or maybe sushi.

B: I’m not hungry. I want neither pizza nor sushi tonight.

 

A: That’s surprising! Do you want either coffee or tea instead?

B: Neither, thanks. I’m more into juice or water. You choose either.

 

A: Alright, I’ll go get either coffee or tea. By the way, did you catch up on the latest episode of that show?

B: No, I haven’t. I neither have time nor energy to watch TV these days.



A: I get that. Work has been stressful. Have you tried winding down after work?

B: I’ve tried, but I either fall asleep too early or I can’t relax at all.

 

A: Either way, you should try to get some rest. It’s important.

B: Yeah, I agree. Neither rest nor work seems balanced right now.

 

A: Have you thought about going on a weekend trip? Either the mountains or the beach could help.

B: I wish I could. Unfortunately, neither my schedule nor my budget allows it.

 

A: If only things were different. Either we set off early on Friday or we won’t enjoy much time there.

B: Exactly. Neither of us wants to feel rushed.

 

A: Well, let’s just try to make the best of it. After all, either enjoying a small break or just relaxing at home is better than nothing.

B: True. Neither of those options is perfect, but both can be good.


Vocabulary:

Catch up on – ponerse al día, actualizarse

Example: Did you catch up on the latest episode of that show?

¿Te pusiste al día con el último episodio de ese programa?

 

Wind down – relajarse, tranquilizarse después de un esfuerzo

Example: Have you tried winding down after work?

¿Has intentado relajarte después del trabajo?

 

Set off – partir, iniciar un viaje

Example: Either we set off early on Friday or we won’t enjoy much time there.

O partimos temprano el viernes o no disfrutaremos mucho tiempo allí.

 

Get on – llevarse bien con alguien

Example: I don’t really get on with my family.

No me llevo bien con mi familia.

 

Get over – superar (una situación difícil)

Example: We just have to learn and get over our mistakes.

Solo tenemos que aprender y superar nuestros errores.

 

Make the best of – aprovechar al máximo

Example: Let’s try to make the best of it.

Intentemos aprovecharlo al máximo.


EXERCISES 1, 2, and 3


WRITTEN AND ORAL PRACTICE


Make a sentence with either ... or using:

give up / carry on

 

Make a sentence with neither ... nor using:

show up / turn up

 

Make a sentence with either ... or using:

set off / head back

 

Make a sentence with neither ... nor using:

look after / take care

 

Make a sentence with either ... or using:

pick up / drop off

 

Make a sentence with neither ... nor using:

break down / calm down

 

Make a sentence with either ... or using:

check in / check out


Make a sentence with either ... or using:

Stock up (on) .... run out (of)

 

Make a sentence with neither ... nor using:

turn on / turn off


DICTATION - reading exercise... EITHER OR... NEITHER NOR...


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EXPRESSING WISHES AND REGRET: wish, if only

READ THIS DIALOGUE AND PRACTICE. PAY ATTENTION TO THE PHRASAL VERBS AND EXPRESSIONS WITH WISH AND IF ONLY THAT APPEAR IN IT

 

A: I really messed up the exam yesterday. I wish I had studied more.

B: If only I hadn’t spent so much time watching TV. We should have cracked on with studying earlier.

 

A: Sometimes I think about going back in time to turn things around.

B: I wish we had asked for help when we were stuck. I was totally out of my depth.

 

A: Remember when we gave up too easily on that project? If only we had kept trying.

B: I wish I had spoken up more during meetings. My shyness held me back.

 

A: Stress has really been building up lately. I wish I could relax more.

B: If only we could wind down and forget about work for a while.

 

A: I just want to move on from these regrets.

B: Me too, but I guess we have to learn and get over our mistakes.

 

A: I wish I had taken more chances in life.

B: If only life came with a rewind button!


New verbs:

Crack on - Continuar, seguir adelante

Example: We should have cracked on with studying earlier.

Deberíamos haber seguido adelante con el estudio antes.

 

Turn around - Cambiar una situación (mejorar)

Example: I sometimes think about going back in time to turn things around.

A veces pienso en volver atrás en el tiempo para cambiar las cosas.

 

Give up - Rendirse, abandonar

Example: Remember when we gave up too easily on that project?

Recuerda cuando nos rendimos demasiado fácil con ese proyecto.

 

Build up - Acumular, aumentar (tensión, estrés)

Example: Stress has really been building up lately.

El estrés realmente se ha acumulado últimamente.

 

Wind down - Relajarse, calmarse

Example: Taking a weekend trip could help us both wind down.

Un viaje de fin de semana podría ayudarnos a relajarnos.

 

Get over - Superar

Example: We have to learn from mistakes and get over them.

Tenemos que aprender de los errores y superarlos.


WISH / IF ONLY



EXERCISE 1, 2, 3


USE IF ONLY OR I WISH... in the following situations:

 

1.       1. You didn’t get a good grade in the test.

 

I wish I had studied harder for the test.

If only I hadn’t missed so many classes.

 

2.       2. You don’t have enough money for something you want.

3.     3.   You’re stuck in a boring job.

4.       4. You live far away from your family.

5.       5. The weather is bad on your vacation day.

6.       6. You regret not taking an opportunity.

7.       7. You didn’t learn a skill when you had the chance.

8.      8.  You want to go back and change something.

9.       9. You feel tired and wish to relax.

10.  10. You are frustrated with someone’s behavior.

11.   11. You want to speak a language fluently.




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First Conditional

Used for real and possible future situations.

 

Structure:

If + present simple, will + base verb

 

Examples:

 

If it rains, I will stay at home.

 

If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

 

If we leave now, we will catch the bus.

 

Exercises:

Complete the sentences:

 

If she _______ (call), I _______ (answer) the phone.

 

If they _______ (not / hurry), they _______ (miss) the train.

 

If I _______ (find) your keys, I _______ (call) you.

 

Second Conditional

Used for hypothetical or unlikely present or future situations.

 

Structure:

If + past simple, would + base verb

 

Examples:

 

If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.

 

If he were taller, he would play basketball.

 

If we had more time, we would visit more places.

 

Exercises:

Complete the sentences:

 

If she _______ (be) here, she _______ (know) what to do.

 

If I _______ (have) a car, I _______ (drive) to work.

 

If they _______ (live) closer, we _______ (see) them more often.

INVERSIONS

First Conditional (Should + subject + infinitive)

Should you need help, just call me.

 

Should it rain tomorrow, the event will be canceled.

 

Should they arrive early, we will start the meeting.

 

Should you see him, tell him to call me.

 

Should she be late, we will wait for her.

 

Should we finish on time, we will go for lunch.

 

Should you have any questions, please ask.

 

Should it snow tonight, schools will be closed.

 

Should I change my plans, I will inform you.

 

Should they not agree, we will find another solution.

 

Second Conditional (Were + subject + to + infinitive)

Were I to win the lottery, I would travel the world.

 

Were she to move here, she would get a job easily.

 

Were they to know the truth, they would be upset.

 

Were we to start earlier, we could finish on time.

 

Were you to ask him, he might help you.

 

Were he to study more, he would pass the exam.

 

Were she to drive, she would avoid the bus.

 

Were I to see him, I would tell him.

 

Were they to invite us, we would attend.

 

Were you to take advice, you might improve.

 

Third Conditional (Had + subject + past participle)

Had I known, I would have told you.

 

Had she arrived earlier, she would have seen the show.

 

Had they studied harder, they would have passed the test.

 

Had we left sooner, we would have caught the train.

 

Had he apologized, she would have forgiven him.

 

Had I remembered, I would have brought the book.

 

Had you told me, I would have helped.

 

Had they listened, they wouldn’t have made that mistake.

 

Had we been informed, we would have prepared better.

 

Had she taken the medicine, she would have recovered faster.




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13/11/2025

TALKING ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES DISABLED PEOPLE FACE




DOES STELLA INSPIRE YOU? WHY? WHY NOT?

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS?








EXAMPLES:

I wish I had studied harder.

(Ojalá hubiera estudiado más.)

Aquí se lamenta no haber estudiado lo suficiente en el pasado.

 

She wishes she had gone to the party.

(Ella desearía haber ido a la fiesta.)

Se refiere a un deseo que no se cumplió en el pasado.

 

They wish they had bought that house.

(Ellos desearían haber comprado esa casa.)

Expresa un arrepentimiento por una acción que no hicieron.

 

He wishes he had told the truth.

(Él desearía haber dicho la verdad.)

Expresa un arrepentimiento o lamento pasado.

 

I wish I hadn’t eaten so much.

(Ojalá no hubiera comido tanto.)

Es un deseo de haber actuado diferente en el pasado.




AN IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION


WERE I YOU ... WERE I TO BE YOU...

Were I to be you is a correct but formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to express a hypothetical or imaginary situation in English. It is equivalent to saying if I were you. This structure uses the subjunctive mood, which is properly used for hypothetical situations that are not true or real.

 

For example:

 

Were I to be you, I would take the opportunity. (formal)

If I were you, I would take the opportunity. (common)

 

Both are grammatically correct and mean the same thing, but the first is less common in everyday conversation. Generally, if I were you is the standard and more natural way to express advice or hypothetical situations in modern English.

 

The key difference:

 

If I were you uses the subjunctive mood for imagined or unreal situations.

Were I to be you is a formal inversion of the same subjunctive meaning.

In everyday speech and writing, people usually prefer if I were you because it sounds more natural and is easier to understand.

Were I you, I would take the opportunity.

Were I you, I would tell him the truth.

Were I you, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for help.

Were I you, I would consider changing jobs.

Were I you, I would study more before the exam.


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06/11/2025

IRREGULAR PLURALS





Elf




Genus
Curriculum and syllabus
Focus - Foci /foukai/

Diagnosis - diagnoses 
Vita - vitae

Codex - codices

Oasis /ou - 'ei - sis/  Oases /ou 'AI siz/


New Words to consider learning



Cactuses is also common in English. Cacti /kaktai/






LET'S RECAP: PLURAL RULES





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