Grammar
Write a sentence using past perfect continuous.
“She had been studying for hours before the exam started.”
What does “call it a day” mean?
To stop working on something for the day or decide to stop. “Let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.”
Linker to contrast ideas
However, On the other hand, Although, Nevertheless
Which global event, held every four years, features sports and promotes international cooperation?
The Olympic Games – Summer and Winter Games alternate every two years.
What is the difference between “I will have finished by then” and “I’ll finish by then”?
“I will have finished by three o’clock” implies an action that will be completed before a future point; “I’ll finish by three o’clock” is more general, less formal, sometimes with less emphasis on the exact moment of completion
Use “look forward to” + verb in a sentence.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting your team.”
What are some common linking devices used to show cause and effect?
Common cause-effect linkers: because, due to, as a result, therefore, consequently, thus.
What is the official language of Brazil?
Portuguese
Form a mixed conditional: present result of past action.
“If I had studied harder, I would have a better job now.”
What does “to run into (someone)” mean in informal speech?
To meet someone unexpectedly. “I ran into my old teacher at the grocery store.”
Inversion for emphasis: “Never have I…” etc.
“Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset.” (Adds drama/formality)
In which country would you find the Day of the Dead (“Día de los Muertos”), and what does it celebrate?
It’s a holiday to honour and remember deceased loved ones with altars, offerings, and celebrations.
Rewrite this sentence into passive voice: “They believe that the law was broken by her.”
“It is believed that the law was broken by her.” / “She is believed to have broken the law.”
Use “come up with” in a phrase.
“We need to come up with a better strategy for next quarter.”
Discourse markers for summarising
“To sum up…”, “In conclusion…”, “All in all…”
Which famous British author wrote 1984 and Animal Farm?
George Orwell
Explain and give an example of 4 future forms in context.
Future simple: I’ll call you later.
Going to: I’m going to visit Italy this summer.
Present continuous (for arrangement): I’m meeting my boss at 10.
Future perfect: I will have finished the report by tomorrow.
Idiom with “water” that means “calm down.”
“Don’t worry – it’s just water under the bridge.” → Meaning: forget past arguments or problems; they’re no longer important.
What’s the difference between “on the contrary” and “in contrast”? Give an example for each.
“On the contrary” is used to directly contradict what was just said.
“People say she’s unfriendly. On the contrary, she’s very kind.”
“In contrast” is used to compare two different ideas or situations.
“In contrast to city life, the countryside is peaceful and quiet.”
Which country has the most official languages?
South Africa – It has 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English.