Showing posts with label Vocabulary and Idioms. Show all posts

QIPPOW Quotes Idiom Proverb Phrasal Verb of the Week 15-03-15

QIPPOW : Quotes, Idioms, Proverbs & Phrasal Verbs of the Week 15-03-2015

Continue Reading "QIPPOW Quotes Idiom Proverb Phrasal Verb of the Week 15-03-15"

QIPPOW-8-3-15 Quotes, Idioms, Proverbs, & Phrasal Verbs

Quotes, Idioms, Proverbs, & Phrasal Verbs of the Week:

Quote: If you count your assets, you will always show a profit.
Idiom: To put one's foot in it.
Proverb: it takes three generations to make a gentleman.
Phrasal verb: to leaf through something.

Continue Reading "QIPPOW-8-3-15 Quotes, Idioms, Proverbs, & Phrasal Verbs"

QIPPOW-2-3-15 Quotes, Idioms, Proverbs, & Phrasal Verbs

Quotes, Idioms, Proverbs, & Phrasal Verbs of the Week:

Idiom: A stumbling block
Quote: Appreciation can make a day even change a life. Your willingness...
Proverb: A rolling stone gathers no moss
Phrasal verb: to launch into something

Continue Reading "QIPPOW-2-3-15 Quotes, Idioms, Proverbs, & Phrasal Verbs"

How Tsunamis Occur: Subtitled Video + Matching Exercise

In this blog post you will find the following resources explaining how tsunamis occur.

1. A subtitled video by National Geographic.

2. An exercise where you have to match the explanations from the video with their corresponding pictures.

3. A printable worksheet with the same activity.

4. Links to various videos on the web explaining the same phenomenon.

5. Links to printable worksheets and further web resources.

2.

3.

4.a. This is a great slideshow explaining how the tsunami in Sri Lanka happened created by the BBC and the source of the pictures in the matching exercise. You can also download the presentation in a pdf file. Click here.

4.b. This another video especially designed for kids. It's very well presented.

4.c. A video from the CNN

5.a. A complete report on Japan's tsunami here.

5.b. A complete nice graphic here.

5.c. Worsheets (some of them are free.) 1 Some interesting worksheets 2 A crossword puzzle 3 A wordsearch puzzle 4 Word scramble game 5

6. Photo source

Continue Reading "How Tsunamis Occur: Subtitled Video + Matching Exercise"

FCE Vocabulary Open Cloze on Body and Clothes Description

This is an open cloze exercise dealing with vocabulary

related to body/appearance and clothes description.

Have a look at some of the words you will find in the article:

Adjectives: unshaven, greasy, old-fashioned, patched, double,flabby,frayed

Nouns: face-lift, chin, lapels, stains, plastic surgery, pimples, face-lift, wig

As you read the article, (or after you've completed the exercise) pay attention to what the adjectives describe: either body, genearl appearance, or clothes. (Remember you can double-click on any word to get a definition from answer.com) Good luck!

Answers:

(1) pimples (2) bags (3) greasy (4) frayed (5) face-lift (6) creame (8) patched

Continue Reading "FCE Vocabulary Open Cloze on Body and Clothes Description"

10 English Idiomatic Expressions Related to the Body

These are the idioms we are going to study today:

1. to be head and shoulder above the rest

2. to wear one's heart on one's sleeve.

3. to have a good head for somtehing

4. to lose face

5. by the skin of one's teeth

6. to be a pain in the neck

7. to not have the heart to do something

8. to put one's foot in it

9. to keep sb at arm's length

10. in the blink of an eye

Quiz 1 (Wait a few sec until the quiz loads...)

Quiz 2 (Wait a few sec until the quiz loads...)

Fill iln the blanks with one part of the body to complete the idiomatic phrase.

Continue Reading "10 English Idiomatic Expressions Related to the Body"

Focus on Phrasal Verbs: Suicide Alert System on Facebook

The focus of this exercise is on "phrasal

verbs" as presented in Newsy's video report

"New Suicide Alert System on Facebook".

Here're the phrasal verbs we are going to work on:

set up : to establish a new company, organization, system, way of working, etc.

fill sth out: to write the necessary information on an official document.

reach out: to offer help and support to someone.

team up: to join another person, or form a group with other people, in order to do something together

look after sb/sth: to take care of or be in charge of someone or something

track sth/sb down: to find something or someone after looking for them in a lot of different places

Now watch the video and fill in the blanks with the corresponding phrasal verb.

Answers:
1) is teaming up 2) reach out 3) look after 4) fill out 5) track it down 6) set up

Newsy Video's Trasncript

Definition from "Cambridge Dictinary Online"
Photo Source

Continue Reading "Focus on Phrasal Verbs: Suicide Alert System on Facebook"

Parts of the Body - Interative Vocabulary Quiz 1

In this lesson we are going to learn and/or revise the following parts of the body:

adam's apple     ankle   armpit     back    - big toe-    wrist  bottom     breast   calf  cheek   chest   elbow                    
waist  mouth fist   fingernail  forearm   forehead  little toe   heel     hip    knee    knuckles    jaw     lip      little finger
shoulder    stomach    thigh     throat   elbow  thumb      tummy navel/belly button      nose     nostril      palm       shin

(Please wait a few secs until the quiz loads...)

1.Adam’s Apple 2.Ankle 3.Armpit 4. Back 5.Big toe 6.Bottom

7. Breast/s 8.Cheek 9.Chest 10.Fist 11.Fingernails 12.Forearm

13.Forehead 14.Heel(s) 15.Hip(s) 16.Knee 17.Knuckles 18.Jaw

19.Lip 20.Little finger 21.Little toe 22.Mouth 23.Stomach 24.Thigh

25.Throat 26.Thumb 27.Belly button/ navel 28.nose 29.Nostrils 30.palm

31.Shin 32.Elbow 33.Wrist 34.waist

Continue Reading "Parts of the Body - Interative Vocabulary Quiz 1"

News Video and Comprehension Quiz on "Danger of Japan's Nuclear Plants"

In this lesson we are going to:

Learn some vocabulary

Pratice listening skills by watching a Newsy Video on a debate about the danger of Japan's Nuclear Plants and

Work on a true/false quiz to check understanding

Vocabulary focus

These are some of the phrases you will hear in the video:
(remember you can double-click on any word and a message with its definition will pop up)

nuclear power plant -- cooling system -- declare a nuclear emergency -- evacuate their homes -- operated by Tokyo Electric Power -- nearby turbine building -- radioactive leak -- to cool down the Fukushima reactor-- restore power to the plant -- the possibility of some sort of core meltdown -- a string of volcanic islands -- US Air Force planes brought coolant -- release radioactive vapor to decrease pressure.

According to these phrases what seems to be the key issue with Japan's Nuclear Plants?

Now, let's watch the video:

Answer:

The cooling systems of some nuclear plants have failed, part of the reactors could consequently melt down and release radioactive substances.

Read the transcript here to check your answers.

Photo Credit

Continue Reading "News Video and Comprehension Quiz on "Danger of Japan's Nuclear Plants""

Open Cloze Exercise on Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami 2011

This is an open cloze exercise based on a news article about Japan's Tsunami.

The words you will need to complete the gaps with are:

aftershocks: small quakes after a main shock

epicenter: the point on the Earth's surface directly above an earthquake

offshore: away from or at a distance from the coast

shaken : past participle of "shake" => to move backwards and forwards or up and down in quick, short movements, or to make something or someone do this.

slam to (cause to) move against a hard surface with force and usually a loud noise.

spawn to cause something new, or many new things, to grow or start suddenly.

stretch: to spread over a large area or distance.

sweep away :to remove and/or take in a particular direction, especially in a fast and powerful way.

death toll: the number of people who die because of an event such as a war or an accident.

tremors : a slight earthquake.

widespread: existing or happening in many places and/or among many people.

Now select the most appropriate word for each gap.

Answers:

1. spawned
2. slammed
3. sweeping away
4. widespread
5. toll
6. fears
7. offshore
8. aftershocks
10. stretch
11. shaken
12. tremors
11. epicenter

Continue Reading "Open Cloze Exercise on Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami 2011"

13 Killed in a Christian-Muslim Clash: Crossword Puzzle

In this blog post we are going to learn some vocabulary related to a recent event in Cairo where 13 people were killed in a Christians-Muslims clash this week.

1. First watch the video. (you can follow the link to read the transcript)

Trasncript

2. Do the crossword puzzle. The words selected are part of the news video report.

Crossword Puzzle Game Hints

(the sound of) the shooting of a gun
the crime of intentionally starting a fire in order to damage or destroy something, especially a building
a time when something suddenly begins, especially a disease or something else dangerous or unpleasant
an idea, thought or plan which was not originally intended but is thought of at a later time
a particular government or a system or method of government
surrounded by an army
a fight or argument between people
bullets fired towards you from different directions
a person who believes strongly in political or social change and works hard to try and make this happen
when a group of people go into a public building and refuse to leave or allow normal activities to continue there until a situation that they are complaining about is changed
a way in which emotion or energy can be expressed or made use of

Continue Reading "13 Killed in a Christian-Muslim Clash: Crossword Puzzle"

Difference Between 'Take Off', 'Put On', and 'Wear'.

Difference between 'take off', 'put on', and 'wear'.

Let's see these words' definitions first:

1. Take off: to remove, especially clothes.

Example: She was so tired, she didn't even take off her clothes to go to bed.

2. Put on: to clothe oneself , to cover part of the body with clothes, shoes, make-up or something similar.

Example: I was so cold I had to put on two pair of socks to go out.

3. Wear: to have clothing, jewellery, etc. on your body/ to carry one's hair in a particular way.

Example: He doesn't like wearing wearing/Janet never carries her hair loose.

Complete the sentences by selecting the appropriate verb either "take off", "put on", or "wear"- in the correct from.

If you've found this useful, please share it with your friends!

Continue Reading "Difference Between 'Take Off', 'Put On', and 'Wear'."

Apple iPad 2's New Features: Vocabulary and Comprehension Quiz

Apple has recently launced its new tablet and the whole world has gone mad about it! So I thought you might be interested in learning a bit about the product and of course "English" vocabulary related to it.

Watch this video about Apple iPad 2's new features by Newsy and do the vocabulary and comprehension quiz that follows.

The first part of the quiz (a matching exercise) deals with vocabulary; the second one is a true/false quiz to check your understanding.

Please wait a few secs until the quiz loads

If you've found this lesson useful, please share it with your friends!

Continue Reading "Apple iPad 2's New Features: Vocabulary and Comprehension Quiz"

Difference Between "Switch" ,"Match" and " Fit"

"Suit", "match", and "fit" are "synonyms" used in different contexts, so they are commonly confused.

Let's see what each of them mean:

Suit: (related to colour or style of clothes) to go well with; to make someone look good

Example:
You should wear trousers more often - they suit you.

Match: (related to colours, designs or objects) to be similar or look well/attractive together

Examples

Those two colours don't match.

These striped curtains don't match the cushions.

Fit: to be the right size or shape for someone or something.

Examples:

That dress fits you perfectly.

It won't fit into the room. The bed is way to big.

Suit, match, fit quiz:

Choose the appropriate verb in the correct form (Past Simple, Simple Present, Present Continuous, etc)

Answers:

1. suit 2. matched 3. suit 4. matching 5. suits 6. suits 7. matched tie 8. fit 9. suit

10. match.

If you've found this lesson useful, please share it with your friends!

Continue Reading "Difference Between "Switch" ,"Match" and " Fit""

Should the USA Intervene in Libya? Vocabulary + Comprehension Quiz

Should the Usa Intervene in Libya?

There's been a controversy around the globe about whether the USA should or should not intervene in Libya's crisis. So, here's a news report by Newsy on the topic. But before we move on, let's work on some vocabulary. Then watch the video and do the comprehension exercise.

Vocabulary

Step down: to abandon, abdicate, give up power.

Step in: to become involved, interfere

Stand back: to stay away, to keep one's distance

Follow through: to achieve, to reach a goal, to accomplish

Meddle with: to interfere, to intrude into people's lives without being asked.

Grapple with: to struggle, to try to deal with something difficult.

Now do the comprehension quiz,

(Wait a few secs until the quiz loads)

Continue Reading "Should the USA Intervene in Libya? Vocabulary + Comprehension Quiz"

SocialEyes: Video Chat with your Facebook Friends!

Video News plus Listening Quiz

SocialEyes is a great solution for videochatting with your friends on Facebook. So, if you want to
improve your English, practice speaking with your world wide friends from Facebook don't hesistate to give
it a try!

In the meantime, learn a bit more about SocialEyes by watching Newsy Video and then do the quiz that follows.

Enjoy and don't forget to share it with your friends!

Continue Reading "SocialEyes: Video Chat with your Facebook Friends!"

Rubber Ducks Help Researches Learn More About Ocean Currents

On this blog post: news article on how an accident helped researchers learn more about the currents in the Pacific Ocean. Reading + FCE Open Cloze

"It's amazing what a duck can teach you."

-Curt Ebbesmeyer, oceanographer

In 1992 thousands of rubber ducks and other toys went overboard during a storm in the

Pacific Ocean. The toys have since been found all over the world; and scientists around the

world have used the incident to gain a better understanding of ocean currents.

You can find a timeline of their voyage around the globe from 1992 until 2007 here

Watch this video and do the quiz that follows.

Open Cloze Task

Answers here.

Open Cloze Part Two

Link to this blog
Here's a <a href="http://englishdailyworkout.blogspot.com/2011/03/rubber-ducks-ocean-currents.html" target="_blank">Nintendo D Sells Out, but Causes Eye Strain: Vocabulary Quiz and Listening Practice</a>.

Rubber Ducks Photo Source

Continue Reading "Rubber Ducks Help Researches Learn More About Ocean Currents"

Money-Related Vocabulary: Crossword Puzzle Game

In this crossword puzzle game we are going learn vocabulary related to your time, money and other resources.

Manage Your Money crossword puzzle game hints:

1. A person who buys goods and services.
2. A message that persuades consumers to buy a product or service.
3. Temporary fashion or product.
4. Various forms of communication that advertisers use.
5. Manufacturer's written promise to repair or replace product.
6. Taking items from a store without paying for them.
7. Amount of money you earn or receive regularly.
8. Goods and services on which you spend your money.
9. A plan for using your money.
10. A method of payment where you can buy now and pay later.

Manage Your Money crossword puzzle game » crossword maker

Continue Reading "Money-Related Vocabulary: Crossword Puzzle Game"

2-Minute Update on Libya's Crisis - Video News + Quiz

Watch the video about Libya's Crisis.

Then read the following news excerpts and decide which of them are dealt with in the video. (The excerpts are not present in the video. They have been taken from different sources but the information is the same)

(Double-click on any word to get a dictionary definition)

1. "The current crisis in Libya has two potential outcomes, Clinton told the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, a transition to a peaceful democracy or descent into chaos and civil war." (the Telegraph)

2. "The UN General Assembly has unanimously suspended Libya's membership in the Human Rights Council because of violence against protesters." (ITN News)

3. "We are moving ships closer to Libya in case they are needed," said Colonel David Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman. He said planes were also being repositioned closer to Libya, where Gaddafi remains defiant in the face of intensifying pressure from the West and from his own people to end his decades-long rule." (Yahoo News)

4. "The recent surge in oil has pushed up gasoline prices in the U.S. by nearly 20 cents per gallon in the past week. That's the sharpest increase since September 2008, when Hurricane Ike shut down Gulf Coast refineries, according to the Oil Price Information Service. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina sent prices soaring about 45 cents per gallon in one week." (CBS News)

5. "Violence and chaos in Libya have triggered an exodus of more than 140,000 refugees to Tunisia and Egypt, a U.N. official said Tuesday, as aid workers warned the situation at the Tunisian border has reached crisis point." (MetroNews)

Link to this blog
Here's a <a href="http://englishdailyworkout.blogspot.com/2011/03/2-minute-update-on-libyas-crisis.html" target="_blank">Nintendo D Sells Out, but Causes Eye Strain: Vocabulary Quiz and Listening Practice</a>.

Continue Reading "2-Minute Update on Libya's Crisis - Video News + Quiz"

Handheld Nintendo 3D Sells Out after Launch, But Causes Eye Strain

Handheld Nintendo 3D Sells Out after Launch, But Causes Eye Strain.

Vocabulary Lesson and Quiz + Listening Practice

In this lesson we are going to learn some new vocabulary and practice listening with a news report.

1. Have a look at the following words and see if you already know their meanings:

slated - handheld - release - sold out - loophole - blur - eye soreness - acolytes - retailers - outlets

2. Do the following quiz matching the words with their corresponding definitions.

3. Watch the news report by Newsy and fill in the blanks with the words from 2.

Link to this blog
Here's a <a href="http://englishdailyworkout.blogspot.com/2011/02/nintendo-3d-sold-out-eye-strain.html" target="_blank">Nintendo D Sells Out, but Causes Eye Strain: Vocabulary Quiz and Listening Practice</a>.

Tech news report by Newsy.

Continue Reading "Handheld Nintendo 3D Sells Out after Launch, But Causes Eye Strain"

Home