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Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 10 (solution)
Posted on 2012/04/09
Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 10
Posted on 2012/04/08
Across
1 very good; excellent (5-4)
6 to do something in a particular way or for a particular reason (3)
8 a small, bitter, egg-shaped black or green fruit, used as food and for making oil (5)
9 the power exerted by a horse in pulling (10)
12 a place where sick people go to get better (8)
15 the process of sending out a signal or message using radio, TV, or similar equpiment (12)
17 an estimate (13)
19 firm, hard, or difficult to bend (5)
21 a device used to measure how hot or cold something is (11)
25 conjunction used for comparing two things (2)
26 an adjective used to indicate there is just one thing, and no others (4)
27 a mark that is difficult to remove, especially one made by a liquid such as coffee, blood, ink, etc (5)
29 the final part (3)
30 a salty body of water (3)
31 to move from one place to another (2)
33 an examination of how two or more things are similar (10)
36 auxiliary verb (2)
37 a strong protest or objection (6)
Down
1 the part of a room that you stand on (5)
2 liquid water coming from the sky (4)
3 at a particular time in the past or the future (4)
4 one of the little bones in your mouth that you use for eating and talking (5)
5 a particular way of thinking about a problem or subject (9)
6 the number of years someone has lived, or something has existed (3)
7 without stopping or interruption (10)
10 a little sticker from the post office that lets you mail a letter (5)
11 opposite of no (3)
13 opposite of crooked (8)
14 a place where a river or stream falls down a rock or over a cliff (9)
16 caring and feelnig sorry about someone’s problems (11)
18 a part of the inside of a building that has its own walls, floors, and ceiling (4)
20 idea (7)
22 to decay by a gradual, natural process (3)
23 the first day of the work week (6)
24 a piece of electronic equipment that lets you listen to programs (5)
27 a part inside a plant or animal that is shaped like a bag and contains liquid or air (3)
28 the part of your body that connects your hand to your body (3)
30 unhappy (3)
32 a straight, narrow beam of light (3)
34 a preposition used to show what a part belongs to or comes from (2)
35 opposite of yes (2)
Idiom Focus: Animal Idioms 16
Posted on 2012/04/07
Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.
horse around: rough or noisy play
Example:
The lifeguard kicked out the boys who were horsing around on the diving board.
horse of a different color: something totally separate and different
Example:
You’re planning on going to State U. instead of Harvard? That’s really a horse of a different color.
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Writing Assignment: At a Church (Solution)
Posted on 2012/04/07
1. Where is this picture taken?
This picture is taken inside a church.
2. What are the people doing?
The people are sitting and listening to the man talk.
3. Who is the man in the front?
The man in the front is the pastor (minister).
4. What is he doing?
The pastor is talking.
5. What kind of benches are the people sitting in?
The benches that the people are sitting in are called pews.
6. What is the wooden lectern behind the man called?
The wooden lectern behind the man is called a pulpit.
7. What kind of book might the people have with them?
The people might have a Bible with them.
8. What kind of book might be in the people’s seat?
A hymnal (songbook) might be in the pew.
9. What kind of music might there be in a church service?
In a church service there might be piano music, or organ music, or choir music.
10. What kind of songs do the people sing?
The songs that the people sing are called hymns. Sometimes they also sing praise songs.
11. Who else might sing in church?
The choir might sing in church, or maybe a soloist.
12. What part of the church are the people in?
The people are in the part of the church that is called the sanctuary.
13. If you need help finding a seat, whom can you ask?
If you can’t find a place to sit down, you can ask an usher for help.
14. What do people do when they go to church?
When people go to church, they sing songs, read the Scriptures, pray, and listen to the pastor talk.
15. What can you read at a church to help you follow the different parts of a service?
You can read a bulletin to help you follow the different parts of a church service.
16. Who does most of the talking at a church service?
The pastor does most of the talking at a church service.
17. What is the pastor’s talk usually called?
The pastor’s talk is usually called a sermon.
18. What is it called when people give money to the church?
When people give money to the church, it is usually called an offering.
19. What does the pastor often do at the end of the service?
At the end of the service, the pastor often gives a short blessing, or benediction.
20. What might the people do after the service?
After the service, the people might have fellowship together, eating doughnuts and drinking coffee, or even having a potluck dinner.
Paragraph: At a Church Service
When you go to a church service, you are often welcomed at the door by greeters, or an usher. They can help you to find a seat in the sanctuary, and will give you a bulletin for the service. The bulletin has the order of the service, and it often has announcements and other useful information for the congregation (the people attending the church service). Sometimes people are engaged in quiet contemplation before the service starts, but other people like to say hello to their friends. Many times the organist or pianist will play a short piece of music just before the services starts. This short piece of music is called a prelude. Then the church service starts: sometimes with a prayer, sometimes with a song, sometimes with a responsive reading or a call to worship. After that, several songs or hymns are sung. Then it is time for prayers to be said. After prayers come some announcements, and an offering is taken. Then the choir sings, followed by a brief prayer, and the pastor gives his sermon. After the sermon generally comes another brief prayer, and a closing hymn. Finally, the pastor dismisses the congregation with a blessing, or benediction.
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Writing Assignment: At a Church
Posted on 2012/04/06
Vocabulary
pastor
minister
sermon
Bible
hymnal
hymn
sing
pew
usher
offering
offering plate
bulletin
aisle
pulpit
choir
sanctuary
organ
organist
piano
pianist
choir director
service
fellowship
cross
pray
prayer
communion / Lord’s supper
Lord’s prayer
creed
benediction
1. Where is this picture taken?
2. What are the people doing?
3. Who is the man in the front?
4. What is he doing?
5. What kind of benches are the people sitting in?
6. What is the wooden lectern behind the man called?
7. What kind of book might the people have with them?
8. What kind of book might be in the people’s seat?
9. What kind of music might there be in a church service?
10. What kind of songs do the people sing?
11. Who else might sing in church?
12. What part of the church are the people in?
13. If you need help finding a seat, whom can you ask?
14. What do people do when they go to church?
15. What can you read at a church to help you follow the different parts of a service?
16. Who does most of the talking at a church service?
17. What is the pastor’s talk usually called?
18. What is it called when people give money to the church?
19. What does the pastor often do at the end of the service?
20. What might the people do after the service?
Paragraph: At a Church Service
Have you ever been to a Christian church service? What was it like – inspiring, interesting, boring? Were there a lot of people attending? Write a brief paragraph describing a time you attended a church service, or some other religious service if you haven’t been to a Christian church.
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Grammar Basics: Unit 32 – must (Solutions)
Posted on 2012/04/06
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must be” and one of the following verbs.
Example:
Your sister had a new baby? Congratulations! You must be (hungry, happy, tired)! ==> You must be happy!
- Jack worked all night. He must be tired.
- It must be windy. I see everyone is using an umbrella.
- Class is canceled today. Mrs. Smith must be sick.
- John just sits on the couch and sighs. He must be bored.
- Mary gets straight As every semester. She must be very smart.
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must” and one of the following verbs.
Example:
Everything in Susie’s room is pink. She must (hate, like, know) the color pink. ==> She must like the color pink.
- Miss Brown teaches two kindergarten classes every day. She must have the patience of Job.
- Tom studied for six hours last night. He must know all the material well enough for the test by now.
- The Jones have a large vegetable garden. They must eat plenty of fresh vegetables in the summer.
- Jane used to have long hair, but now it’s short. She must have gotten a haircut.
- Jack seems to know so much. He must read a lot.
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must” and one of the following verbs.
Example:
You are going to Disneyworld for your vacation? You must (take, give, bring) a lot of pictures. ==> You must take a lot of pictures.
- Hospital visiting hours are over. You must go home now.
- All passengers must have their passports ready when going through Customs.
- In most states, you must be 21 to drink alcohol.
- You must sign this form before submitting it to the office.
- You must do your homework if you want to pass the test.
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must” or “must not”.
Example:
Jack never goes out after work. He (must / must not) like socializing. ==> He must not like socializing.
- Matt rides a bike every day, even in the winter. He must not have a car.
- Jane has the flu. She must not feel very well.
- Tom works at the zoo. He must like animals.
- Grandpa needs a magnifying glass to read the paper. He must not see very well.
- Mary’s pie has won a blue ribbon at the county fair. She must be a good cook.
Grammar Basics: Unit 32 – must
Posted on 2012/04/05
“must” is used with another verb in its infinitive form. “must” does not change for either person or count.
Pattern:
I / you / he, she, it / we / they “must” + V (inf. form)
The negative “not” comes between “must” and its verb:
“must not” + V (inf. form)
“must” is used in two different ways:
1 – to indicate something that we believe to be true
2 – to indicate that doing something is an obligation or necessity
1 – must: belief that something is true
In this sense, it is very similar to “probably”:
John dislikes driving, so I think he must take the train to work. (I think he probably takes the train to work, since he dislikes driving.)
You haven’t eaten all day? You must be hungry! (You are probably hungry!)
I called the Petersons, but no one answered. They must not be home. (They are probably not home.)
There are several newspapers on the neighbor’s driveway. They must be on vacation. (They are probably on vacation.)
2 – must: something is an obligation or necessity
You must be quiet in the library.
All drivers must stop at a red light.
If you want dessert, you must finish your dinner.
It’s quiet hours now in the dormitory. You must not play loud music.
Note: “must not” can be contracted: “mustn’t”
You mustn’t play loud music.
Note: We can also use “have to” in the positive sentences above:
You have to be quiet in the library.
All drivers have to stop at a red light.
If you want dessert, you have to finish your dinner.
For the negative, use “should not”:
It’s quiet hours now in the dormitory. You should not play loud music.
If we need the past tense, we use “had to” and not “must”:
You had to be quiet in the library.
All drivers had to stop at a red light.
If you wanted dessert, you had to finish your dinner.
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must be” and one of the following verbs.
Example:
Your sister had a new baby? Congratulations! You must be (hungry, happy, tired)! ==> You must be happy!
- Jack worked all night. He must be (hungry, happy, tired).
- It must be (cold, raining, windy). I see everyone is using an umbrella.
- Class is canceled today. Mrs. Smith must be (sick, hungry, short).
- John just sits on the couch and sighs. He must be (busy, hot, bored).
- Mary gets straight As every semester. She must be (dumb, very smart, tall).
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must” and one of the following verbs.
Example:
Everything in Susie’s room is pink She must (hate, like, know) the color pink. ==> She must like the color pink.
- Miss Brown teaches two kindergarten classes every day. She must (know, have, like) the patience of Job.
- Tom studied for six hours last night. He must (know, write, see) all the material well enough for the test by now.
- The Jones have a large vegetable garden. They must (drink, wash, eat) plenty of fresh vegetables in the summer.
- Jane used to have long hair, but now it’s short. She must (have, be, seem) gotten a haircut.
- Jack seems to know so much. He must (write, read, talk) a lot.
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must” and one of the following verbs.
Example:
You are going to Disneyworld for your vacation? You must (take, give, bring) a lot of pictures. ==> You must take a lot of pictures.
- Hospital visiting hours are over. You must (go, leave, stay) home now.
- All passengers must (eat, have, read) their passports ready when going through Customs.
- In most states, you must (have, be, am) 21 to drink alcohol.
- You must (close, look, sign) this form before submitting it to the office.
- You must (do, listen, work) your homework if you want to pass the test.
Exercises: Complete the sentences. Use “must” or “must not”.
Example:
Jack never goes out after work. He (must / must not) like socializing. ==> He must not like socializing.
- Matt rides a bike every day, even in the winter. He (must / must not) have a car.
- Jane has the flu. She (must / must not) feel very well.
- Tom works at the zoo. He (must / must not) like animals.
- Grandpa needs a magnifying glass to read the paper. He (must / must not) see very well.
- Mary’s pie has won a blue ribbon at the county fair. She (must / must not) be a good cook.
Culture Focus: Easter
Posted on 2012/04/04
This Sunday is Easter. Even though Easter is the day on which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, many people in the U.S. observe it as a secular holiday celebrating the arrival of spring. Due to its connection to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the date of Easter is tied closely to the Jewish holiday of Passover, and so is based on the lunar calendar. Since Passover is celebrated in conjunction with the full moon, the Church decided to celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (the day in the spring when day and night are of equal length). Consequently, the date of Easter is not fixed, but jumps around from year to year. In particular, this year Easter falls on April 8.
The main figure in a non-religious celebration of Easter is the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny brings children a basket full of colored eggs, chocolates (particularly rabbit-shaped chocolate), jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, marshmallow eggs, and other sweet things that give dentists nightmares 🙂 ! Oftentimes, a cuddly stuffed animal or other toy will be included in the Easter basket. It is also somewhat customary to dress up in a new Easter dress and hat (or bonnet) (girls) or pants, suitcoat, and tie (boys) as the winter clothes are put away and exchanged for the new, fresh fashions of spring.
Most people do not do Easter decorations, but it is traditional to get a white lily known as an Easter lily (Latin name: Lilium longiforum). These flowers are very fragrant, and the white color symbolizes purity.
Other Easter traditions include eating a special dinner, generally ham or lamb. Most stores are closed on Easter, but a number of restaurants remain open, so some people prefer to go out to eat instead of cooking an elaborate dinner at home.
Grammar Basics: Unit 31 – can and could (Solutions)
Posted on 2012/04/04
Exercises: Using the given clues, write sentences using “can.” If there is a question mark, make a question using “can.”
Example:
Tom / sing well ==> Tom can sing well.
She / speak Italian / not ==> She can’t speak Italian.
John / poker / ? ==> Can John play poker?
- Walter can drive a car.
- We can’t come to the party.
- I can ice skate.
- Can you swim?
- Bill can go to the picnic.
- Can we go on vacation this summer?
- They can’t buy a house.
- Can you shut the window?
- Sally can cook dinner.
- Tim can’t stay up late.
Exercises: Determine whether to use “can” or “could” with the given verb in the following sentences.
Example:
I wasn’t busy, so I (come) to the party. ==> I wasn’t busy, so I could come to the party.
Dan is sick. He (go, not) to the football game. ==> Dan is sick. He can’t go to the football game.
- After eating a whole pizza, James was full. He couldn’t eat another bite of food.
- Louis is blind. He can’t read that book.
- Mark is in high school, so he can attend summer camp this year.
- We couldn’t go swimming at the outdoor pool because there was a thunderstorm.
- We have finished packing, so we can leave on our trip as soon as you’re ready.
- John didn’t finish his homework in time, so he couldn’t go skiing with us.
- On a clear day, you can see forever.
- We had an extra seat in the car, so we could give Mary a ride to the train station.
- If you’re tired, you can take a quick nap before dinner.
- The weather was nice, so we could go camping at the state park last weekend.
Grammar Basics: Unit 31 – can and could
Posted on 2012/04/03
“can” is used to indicate the ability to do something. It is used with a verb in the infinitive form:
can + V (inf.) …
Examples:
I can play the piano.
Shelia can ride a bike.
The twins can play chess.
We can go to the museum tomorrow.
Note: “can” is the same, regardless of person and number. First person singular, third person plural – it doesn’t matter :).
To make a question, switch the order of “can” and its subject:
Can you play the piano?
Can Jack ride a bike?
Can they play checkers?
To negate, put “not” between “can” and its verb: “can not”, which is written as one word ==> “cannot”
I cannot lift this heavy suitcase.
They cannot come because of bad weather.
Sam cannot speak Chinese.
Note: “cannot” is usually contracted to “can’t.” Thus we have:
I can’t lift this heavy suitcase.
They can’t come because of bad weather.
Sam can’t speak Chinese.
All the examples we’ve given thus far use “can” or “can’t” in the present or future tense. To speak of ability in the past tense, we use “could” (“could not” or “couldn’t” for the negation):
The neighbors were noisy, so I couldn’t sleep at all last night.
James could eat a whole pizza when he was a teenager.
They could stay up all night when they were in college.
Other Notes:
1) Sometimes “can” / “can’t” is used for permission rather than ability:
You can’t use your cell phone in the library.
Tom can’t go visit Becky. He has to whitewash the fence.
Can I have a drink of water?
2) In asking permission, “could” is a more polite form to use than “can”:
Can I have a drink of water? ==> Could I have a drink of water?
Can my friend sit here? ==> Could my friend sit here?
Can you open the window? ==> Could you open the window?
Exercises: Using the given clues, write sentences using “can.” If there is a question mark, make a question using “can.”
Example:
Tom / sing well ==> Tom can sing well.
She / speak Italian / not ==> She can’t speak Italian.
John / poker / ? ==> Can John play poker?
- Walter / drive / a car
- We / come / to the party / not
- I / ice skate
- You / swim / ?
- Bill / go / to the picnic
- We / go on vacation / this summer / ?
- They / buy a house / not
- You / shut / the window / ?
- Sally / cook / dinner
- Tim / stay up / late / not
Exercises: Determine whether to use “can” or “could” with the given verb in the following sentences.
Example:
I wasn’t busy, so I (come) to the party. ==> I wasn’t busy, so I could come to the party.
Dan is sick. He (go, not) to the football game. ==> Dan is sick. He can’t go to the football game.
- After eating a whole pizza, James was full. He (eat, not) another bite of food.
- Louis is blind. He (read, not) that book.
- Mark is in high school, so he (attend) summer camp this year.
- We (go, not) swimming at the outdoor pool because there was a thunderstorm.
- We have finished packing, so we (leave) on our trip as soon as you’re ready.
- John didn’t finish his homework in time, so he (go, not) skiing with us.
- On a clear day, you (see) forever.
- We had an extra seat in the car, so we (give) Mary a ride to the train station.
- If you’re tired, you (take) a quick nap before dinner.
- The weather was nice, so we (go) camping at the state park last weekend.