Narrative Tenses
Complete the rule: We use the past continuous to refer to a) temporary/fixed or changing states and situations, or b) an action that happened before another action in the past.
a) temporary/fixed or changing states and situations. (e.g., "I was living in Italy for a few months.")
Choose the correct form: "Minimalism refers to design / designing things in a simple way."
designing (Verb + preposition + -ing)
What is the phrasal verb for "to put something in the rubbish because you don't want it"?
throw it out (or throw away)
Change this direct request to a polite indirect request: "Explain the alarm system to her."
"Could you please explain the alarm system to her?" (or "I wonder if you could explain...")
Explain the phrase: What does it mean to "unwind"?
To relax after stress or work by doing something enjoyable or calming.
Fill in the blanks: I ________ (buy) these boots while I ________ (travel) around New Zealand.
bought / was travelling
What is the difference in meaning between: "I stopped to think" and "I stopped thinking"?
"Stopped to think" = paused an action to think. "Stopped thinking" = changed a habit (no longer think).
Match the phrasal verb to the definition: "to make somewhere neater by putting things in the right place"
tidy it up
Fill in the blank: "I love a range of gadgets from my Xbox to my laptop, but I could live without all of them ________ my phone."
except for (or apart from)
Translate from Russian: Translate this phrase into English: "перезарядить батарейки, любимые воспоминания".
Recharge one's batteries, cherished memories
Fill in the blanks: The shopkeeper ________ (listen) to me playing and he asked me, "Are you a professional?"
had listened
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition and translate the sentence: "I'm not a big fan ____ clutter, I prefer a tidy home."
of
Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb: "When you leave the house, don't forget to ________ the alarm system."
turn on (or set)
Fill in the blank: "I use my phone all the time. I ________ use it in bed!" (Use a word to show emphasis/surprise).
even
Give a synonym/definition: stare at the screen
to be glued to screen
Correct the mistake in this sentence: "I was wanting to buy a motorbike for years, but I hadn't been able until my twenties."
"I had wanted to buy..."
Unscramble to make a correct sentence: to / succeeded / persuade / They / people / stop / collecting / useless / stuff
They succeeded in persuading people to stop collecting useless stuff. (succeed in + -ing; persuade + to-infinitive)
What do you do when: "the temperature changes and the heating is too low?"
turn it up
Look at the rule: We use apart from / except for to say that something is not included. We usually follow it with a ________.
noun (or noun phrase/pronoun)
Complete the sentence: "If you spend too much time on social media, it might ________ your mental health."
take a toll on (to have a negative effect on someone or something over time).
Make a sentence using Past Perfect and Past Simple about a time you lost something and then found it.
(Example: "I had looked everywhere for my keys before I found them in my jacket.")
Complete the sentence with your own idea: "I can't do without ________ because..."
(Example: "I can't do without my phone because I use it for work.")
Explain the difference between "pick up" and "put away". Give an example for each.
Pick up = to lift something (or collect someone). Put away = to put something back in its proper place. (e.g., Pick up your clothes and put them away.)
Create a polite phone message: You need to leave a message for your boss saying you'll be late. Use at least 2 phrases from the "How to..." box.
(Example: "Hi, this is [Name]. I'm calling because I'll be late. Could you let the team know? You can reach me on my mobile. Thanks.")
Translate this into English using at least two phrases from the list: "Если ты не отключишься от телефона, ты пропустишь возможность отдохнуть."
"If you don't unplug / take a digital detox from your phone, you will miss out on the chance to unwind."