Grammar Basics: Unit 29 – will, Part II

Posted on 2012/03/27
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Many ESL students are confused about “will” and “going to.” Both are used to indicate future events. But their connotations are slightly different.

going to:”going to” is used when a person has already decided to do something. After you have made your plans to do this or that, you use “I’m going to …” when you tell somebody about your future.

will:”will” is used at the moment you have made your decision. For example, someone might say, “The phone is ringing.” You could respond, “Don’t worry, I’ll get it.” You would not say, “I’m going to get it,” because you did not make your decision until the phone started to ring.

Another example: Someone asks, “Who wants to go with me to the store after lunch?” Up until now you had not considered doing that. But after someone asks you, you think that it would be something you are interested in doing. So you decide to go along, and you respond, “I will.”

If some other person asks you (even only 5 minutes later), “What are you doing after lunch?” you would then respond: “I am going to the store.” You would not say, “I will go to the store.” Why? Because your decision was already made before the other person asked.

Here are some more situations where “will” is used instead of “going to”:

Person A: It’s cold in here.
Person B: I’ll turn up the heat.

Person A: We need some more milk and eggs.
Person B: I’ll go to the store later today and pick some up.

Person A: I’m bored. I think I’ll go for a walk.


i will make you a sandwich

 Person A: You look hungry. I’ll fix you a sandwich.

Person A: The roads are so snowy and icy today, I don’t think we’ll go to the museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise: In the following sentences, choose either “will” or “going to” to make an appropriate sentence.

Example:

I’m tired, so I think I (will / am going to) go to bed. ==> I’m tired, so I think I will go to bed.
A: What are you doing tomorrow night?
B: We (will / are going to) go out for dinner and watch a movie. ==> We are going to out for a dinner and watch a movie.

1. It snowed a lot overnight. I (will / am going to) shovel the driveway before I go to work.

2.  A: I have a ton of work to do.
B: That’s all right. We (will / are going to) help you.

3. I’m confused. I think I (will / am going to) ask Sam to explain these instructions to me.

4. A: Have you done your homework yet?
B: No, I (will / am going to) do it later, I think.

5. I’m tired. I think I (will / am going to) skip exercising today.

6. A: (Will you do / Are you going to do) anything this weekend?
B: No, I (will / am going to) stay home and get caught up on my reading.

7. Someone’s at the door. (Will you / Are you going to) answer it?

8. A: What are you doing after lunch?
B: I (will / am going to) go ice skating. Want to come?

9. Mother likes flowers, so I think we (will / are going to) get her a colorful bouquet for her birthday.

10. A: This room’s a mess.
B: Don’t worry – I (will / am going to) clean it up.

11. Do you know how expensive that wine is? If we buy that for the party, it (will / is going to) cost a fortune!

12. A: We’re having a potluck this Saturday.
B: Okay. I (will / am going to) bring a salad.

13. I’ve finished reading my library books. I think I (will / am going to) return then and get some more.

14. A: Why are you baking so many cookies?
B: I (will / am going to) gift wrap plates of cookie and give them away as presents.

15. We didn’t get a Christmas tree this year. We (will / are going to) get one next year, okay?

16. A: The car’s low on gas.
B: I (will / am going to) fill it up on my way to the store.

17. I’m hot. I think I (will / am going to) go swimming to cool off.

18. A: The plants need watering.
B: I (will / am going to) do it as soon as I’m done washing these dishes.

19. I (will / am going to) give you a call tomorrow, okay?

20. A: I have a taste for pretzels.
B: I (will / am going to) bake some.

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Education Focus: Spring Break

Posted on 2012/03/26
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Rubbing Lincoln's nose for good luck
This week, many schools are on Spring Break.  Traditionally, Spring Break used to be called Easter Vacation, and it occurred closer to the Easter holiday – either the week before or the week after Easter.  But the date of the Easter holiday varies from year to year, so in recent years Spring Break was moved to a more permanent place in the school calendar:  generally, the third or fourth week of March, making it more or less coincide with the middle of the spring semester.

So, one of the chief functions of Spring Break is to give both students and teachers a short rest before they head into the last half of the semester.  Some take the opportunity to go on a vacation and get out of town for a few days.  Others like just being able to stay around the house and sleep in, especially since they might have had several exams the week before.  Some high school students might use Spring Break to check out a few colleges that they’re considering attending.  Still others might combine education with relaxation and make it Spring Break a family field trip:  one year we went to Springfield, Illinois to learn about Abraham Lincoln and visit his home, as well as learn some things about the American Civil War.  Older students, like college students, frequently use Spring Break as an excuse to go someplace sunny and warm, like Florida, and have fun with other college friends.  Graduate students might have to spend their entire Spring Break in the library, studying for comprehensive examinations, or qualifier exams – I’ve done that, too!

Regardless of what one chooses to do, Spring Break gives everyone a chance to “recharge their batteries,” so to speak, and prepare themselves for the remainder of the semester.  But whether you are a student on Spring Break, or a working person, I hope that you enjoy the nice spring weather that is starting to arrive after a long winter!

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Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 8 (solution)

Posted on 2012/03/26
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crossword puzzle solution

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Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 8

Posted on 2012/03/25
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crossword puzzle

 
Across
1 a large farm animal used for producing milk and meat (3)
2 a track that has been made deliberately or made by many people walking over the same ground (4)
6 a piece of electronic equipment that lets you listen to programs (5)
9 a conjunction used to join two words, phrases, etc referring to things that are related in some way (3)
10 relating to money or the management of money (9)
12 the part of the body that you see with (3)
13 the reflexive form of “one” (7)
14 a person (5)
15 completely correct in every detail (5)
17 a statement that is not strong enough to express how good, bad, etc something really is (14)
18 the use of painting, drawing, sculpture, etc to represent things or express ideas (3)
19 a strong, alcoholic drink made from sugar (3)
20 a statement that is in exaggerated terms (13)
23 a place where alcoholic drinks are served (3)
24 to do something more than is suitable or natural (6)
25 the dried brown leaves that are smoked in cigarettes, pipes, etc (7)
29 a preposition used to indicate towards a higher place or position (2)
30 to reverse an action; to open or unwrap (4)
32 to decay by a gradual, natural process (3)
33 a word used to refer to the second of two people or things, which is not the one you already have or the one you have already mentioned (5)
34 a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant (5)
35 the feeling that something is definitely true, or definitely exists (6)

Down
1 the ability to behave in a sensible way and make practical decisions (11)
2 a round, metal container that is used for cooking, usually one with a long handle and a lid (3)
3 a small metal container in which food or drink is sold (3)
4 typical of or relating to men or boys (4)
5 a picture or set of words that is intended to persuade people to buy something (13)
6 a regular repeated pattern of sounds or movements (6)
7 the number below the line in a fraction (11)
8 a way in which two or more people or things are not like each other (10)
10 lacking or exhibiting a lack of good sense or judgment (7)
11 a helper (9)
16 something that you mention or add later because you did not think of it or plan it before (12)
18 a strong desire to achieve something (8)
21 an adverb used when emphasizing the degree or amount of something by saying what the result is (2)
22 the feeling of wanting something that someone else has (4)
26 a preposition used to what by means or method someone uses to do something (2)
27 the process of looking after someone, especially because they are ill, old, or very young (4)
28 opposite of in (3)
31 a smooth, thick liquid that is used to make machines run easily or is burned to produce heat (3)
33 a preposition used to show what a part belongs to or comes from (2)

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Idiom Focus: Animal Idioms 14

Posted on 2012/03/24
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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.

go whole hog:    do something completely or thoroughly

Example:

Once Andrew decides to take up a project, he goes at it whole hog.  That’s what I appreciate about him.

hit the bull’s-eye:    reach the main point, get to the heart of a matter

Example:

The newspaper really hit the bull’s-eye with their editorial criticizing the governor’s plan to raise taxes.

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Writing Assignment: At a Concert (Solution)

Posted on 2012/03/24
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at a concert

1.    Where is this picture taken?
This picture is taken in a concert hall, or a large auditorium designed for musical performances.

2.    What do you see on stage?
On stage there is a piano (a concert grand piano), a man sitting at the piano, several chairs, and a number of music stands.

3.    What do you call the man who gives instruction to the musicians?
The man who gives instructions to the musicians is called a conductor, or a director.

4.    Whom do you see on stage?
On the stage we see a man sitting at the piano (a pianist).

5.    What is he doing?
The man is playing the piano.

6.    Who is listening to the pianist?
The audience (the concertgoers) are listening to the pianist.

7.    Where are the people listening to the pianist sitting?
They are sitting in seats on the main floor, as well as in the gallery (balcony) and box seats.

8.    How many balcony levels are there?
There are four levels of balconies.

9.    How are the people dressed?
The people are dressed formally.

10.    Who helps the people find their seats?
An usher helps the people find their seats.

11.    What kinds of music can you hear at a concert?
At a concert you can hear all types of music:  classical music, jazz, rock music, popular music, folk music, etc.

12.    How can the people know what music is being played?
The people can know what music is being played by reading the concert program.

13.    What is a break during a concert called?
A break during a concert is called an intermission.

14.    Why is there usually a break in the middle of the program?
There is usually a break in the middle of the program so the musicians can get a rest, and the audience can get up and stretch their legs, use the restroom, etc.

15.    What does the musician play as a special request after the end of the listed program?
After the end of the listed program, the musician will often play a special request, called an encore.

16.    What does the audience do to show they like the performance?
The audience claps their hands (applauds) to show they like the performance.  Applause helps the musician to know his performance is appreciated.

17.    What sign might you see in the lobby if there are no more tickets available?
If there are no more tickets available, you might see a “SOLD OUT” sign in the lobby.

18.    What do you call a musician’s first performance?
A musician’s first performance is called a debut.

19.    Where are the good seats usually located?
The good seats are usually located in private booths (box seats) in the balcony, or in the front rows near the stage.

20.    Where are the cheap seats usually located?
The cheap seats are usually located in the uppermost balcony, or in the very back of the auditorium.

Paragraph:  At a Concert

When I was in college, I took piano lessons for a couple of years.  My piano teacher also happened to play violin in the civic orchestra in the city where my university was located.  One time she had some extra complimentary tickets for one of the orchestra’s upcoming concerts, so when she asked me if I would be interested in going, I said yes, and gratefully accepted the free ticket.

The concert hall in which the orchestra performed was located in the downtown, in an old but stately auditorium.  I got there shortly before the concert was supposed to begin and located my seat.  Shortly after this, the members of the orchestra began coming in, one by one, and taking their place.  I looked for my music teacher, and saw her seated among the other violinists.  Then the musicians readied themselves and the first clarinetist played a note, by which all the other members tuned their respective instruments.  When everyone was properly tuned, then the conductor came on stage and ascended the podium.  He brought the orchestra to attention by rapping his baton on his music stand, and the concert began.  The repertoire of the orchestra had classical music, which I enjoyed, and it seemed like every musical piece that they played evoked some vivid scene in my mind.  Before I knew it, the concert was over, bringing to a close an enjoyable Friday evening.  It was time to go home.

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Writing Assignment: At a Concert

Posted on 2012/03/23
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at a concert

Vocabulary

auditorium
concert hall
stage
lobby
musician
gallery
balcony
aisle
usher
director
conductor
piano
pianist
music
music stand
conductor
intermission
ticket
program
encore
applause
debut
repertoire
sold out
box seat
general admission

1.    Where is this picture taken?
2.    What do you see on stage?
3.    What do you call the man who gives instruction to the musicians?
4.    Whom do you see on stage?
5.    What is he doing?
6.    Who is listening to the pianist?
7.    Where are the people listening to the pianist sitting?
8.    How many balcony levels are there?
9.    How are the people dressed?
10.    Who helps the people find their seats?
11.    What kinds of music can you hear at a concert?
12.    How can the people know what music is being played?
13.    What is a break during a concert called?
14.    Why is there usually a break in the middle of the program?
15.    What does the musician play as a special request after the end of the listed program?
16.    What does the audience do to show they like the performance?
17.    What sign might you see in the lobby if there are no more tickets available?
18.    What do you call a musician’s first performance?
19.    Where are the good seats usually located?
20.    Where are the cheap seats usually located?

Paragraph:  At a Concert

Have you ever been to a concert?  How was it?  What kind of concert was it?  Did you go alone, or with some friends?  Write a paragraph describing your visit to a concert.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 28 – will, Part I (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/03/23
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Exercise: Change the following sentences from simple present to future tense using “will”:

They go swimming at the pool. ==> They will go swimming at the pool.
He doesn’t sing in the shower. ==> He won’t sing in the shower.

1. Bob will eat an apple every day.
2. The tailor will fix the broken zipper.
3. The band will march in the parade.
4. She will bake twelve different kinds of cookies for Christmas.
5. He won’t clean the basement in the spring.
6. We will paint the house on the weekend.
7. Tom will write for the newspaper.
8. The children won’t watch TV after school.
9. Jack will graduate from college next month.
10. Mary will take pictures at the party.
11. John will bring hot dogs and hamburgers.
12. They will buy drinks for everyone.
13. He won’t read 10 books a month.
14. You will wash the car next week.
15. The bank will open at 9 o’clock.
16. Susan will fill up the coffee pot.
17. The mailman will drop off a package.
18. We won’t buy stamps at the post office.
19. They will have a birthday party on Friday.
20. I will study history as often as I can.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 28 – will, Part I

Posted on 2012/03/22
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“will” is used to indicate future tense:

Yesterday he sang.
Today he sings.
Tomorrow he will sing.

“will” is easy to use. It must have a verb (in the infinitive form) that goes along with it. Also, “will” doesn’t change for either person or number:

will + (inf. verb)

I will _____
You will _____
He / She / It will _____
We will _____
You will _____
They will _____

To form a negative, put “not” immediately after “will,” but before the infinitive verb:

I will not _____
You will not _____
He / She / It will not _____
We will not _____
You will not _____
They will not _____

“will” may also be contracted: will ==> ’ll

I will _____ ==> I’ll
You will _____ ==> You’ll
He / She / It will _____ ==> He’ll / She’ll / It’ll
We will _____ ==> We’ll
You will _____ ==> You’ll
They will _____ ==> They’ll

“will not” is contracted a little differently, though: will not ==> won’t

I will not _____ ==> I won’t
You will not _____ ==> You won’t
He / She / It will not _____ ==> He / She / It won’t
We will not _____ ==> We won’t
You will not _____ ==> You won’t
They will not _____ ==> They won’t

We can also use “think … will” to indicate something we are fairly ( about 75%, for example) certain is going to happen.

(Noun – often, a pronoun) + think + (noun, pronoun) + will + (inf. verb)what do you want to be when you grow up

I think it will snow.
She thinks the children will like that movie.
They think he will be a fireman when he grows up.

We use “don’t think….will” to express that something is unlikely:

I don’t think it will rain on our parade.
He doesn’t think the library will be open on Sundays.

Sometimes, we use “will not” / “won’t” to indicate something that is unlikely to happen. It means the same thing as “don’t think…will”.

Tom thinks the economy won’t improve until next year.
They think the store won’t have any apples.

Exercise: Change the following sentences from simple present to future tense using “will”:

They go swimming at the pool. ==> They will go swimming at the pool.
He doesn’t sing in the shower. ==> He won’t sing in the shower.

1. Bob eats an apple every day.
2. The tailor fixes the broken zipper.
3. The band marches in the parade.
4. She bakes twelve different kinds of cookies for Christmas.
5. He doesn’t clean the basement in the spring.
6. We paint the house on the weekend.
7. Tom writes for the newspaper.
8. The children don’t watch TV after school.
9. Jack graduates from college next month.
10. Mary takes pictures at the party.
11. John brings hot dogs and hamburgers.
12. They buy drinks for everyone.
13. He doesn’t read 10 books a month.
14. You wash the car next week.
15. The bank opens at 9 o’clock.
16. Susan fills up the coffee pot.
17. The mailman drops off a package.
18. We don’t buy stamps at the post office.
19. They have a birthday party on Friday.
20. I study history as often as I can.

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Culture Focus: Vernal Equinox

Posted on 2012/03/21
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Spring has sprung ~ the first flower of springToday, March 21, is the vernal, or spring, equinox.  It is called the equinox because night and day are of equal length.  It marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere.  Winter is officially over, although that doesn’t mean that we can’t get snow after today.  It is unlikely, but there have been times in the Chicago area where we’ve had snow as late as the first week in April, actually.  Of course, weather depends on a particular location, especially on latitude.  The further north you go, the more likely you are to have winter-like weather despite the calendar telling you it’s spring.

Some people do “spring cleaning.”  People like to take advantage of the nicer weather by opening the windows and get some fresh air after having things all buttoned up again the cold all winter.  Spring cleaning gives people the chance to put away their winter clothes, boots, snow shovels, etc.  If you have children, it might be a time of going through their clothes, discarding what has become too small and assessing which new clothes may need to be purchased.  It’s a time to clean the windows so the bright spring sunshine is able to come in.  In the old days where people had area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, it was also a time to take the rugs outside for a beating to get rid of the winter dust and dirt, and give them a good airing so they would smell fresh.  Because of all the work associated with these tasks, the term “spring cleaning” has come to represent a thorough, complete cleaning.

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