You at Your Very Best!

Activity one
Answer the Questions with your teacher. Remember to take notes of all of
your mistakes on
the class notes page . It is very important to review all new words and
expressions!
1. How long have you been studying English for?
Three months for financial market.
2. Can you remember when you first started learning?
Yes. I studied English in class always. My first course was in 2003 until
2004 - two years.
I finished to level four the "Wizard Course" in 2004.
3. What are you main goals in studying English?
I need talk in my work everyday.
4. What do you find the most difficult and why ?
My vocabulary is very poor and I think here am shy. Here I don't need
writing very well.
5. How do you think you can overcome these difficulties?
Speaking, I need learning how speaking usually.
In my work all colleagues speaking English very well.
6. Are you committed to learning at least 5 new words per day?
Yes, I'm.
7. Do you feel you dedicate enough time in learning English?
Yes, enough now.
8. What do you think you can change with you current study method?
I need talk only in English.
9. If you had to set a date to have at least a 30% improvement from where
you are now , when would it be?
Well, three months.
10. State 5 main difficulties you believe you have in English?
pronounced
vocabulary
verbal tense
anxiety
meaningless repetitions

Activity 2
Read the article and answer the questions that follow after each tip!
Everyone can speak English clearly
The first thing you should know is that everyone can speak English with a
clear pronunciation, everybody has a mouth, a tongue and lips. Everyone
can speak every language because there is no difference between human;
we are all born with the same mechanism.
Questions
1. Do you agree with the first tip?
Yes, I do.
2. Which words do you find it difficult to pronounce??
Month / tongue
English environment
If you really want to improve your English pronunciation, you should be
surrounded by English Every day, which means the best thing is to be in a
place where we talk only in English, like the USA or Britain or Australia...
If you can't have this situation, you can do it by listening to English
everyday, you can listen to English radio, or TV, you can also have some
CD's in English...
1. How often do you put yourself in an English speaking environment?
Everyday.
2. Do you listen to some form of English every day?
Yes, I'm.
3. How much time daily can you put aside for English ?
Four or five hours everyday.
4. On a scale of one to ten , what is the level of importance on this tip ?
Ten
5. What did you rate it this way ?
I don't know..

Listen and don't speak

This is one of the biggest differences between children and adults, you
should find the solution to this problem to not only improve your English
pronunciation but also your global English learning which means English
grammar, English speaking...
When someone talks to you or to someone else in English you should not
speak at the same time, you should listen, focus on his speaking, his English
intonation, which words he stress, which words he doesn't stress...
Never speak when listening to English, always focus on listening first,
speaking will come later!
Questions
1. Do you try to listen to English ?
Yes. I do.
2. Would you consider yourself a good listener?
Yes. I'm.
3. Do you think you can listen to English a little more during your week?
Yes. I do.
4. Would you like to have songs and videos in your class?
Yes. Thats great.
5. What do you think of the importance of this tip on a scale of one to ten?
Ten.
6. What is the difference between question number five here and on
question 4 of the previous tip.
Do you like it and how much you like it.
Learn English subconsciously
You must know that you will learn English if you try, you will speak English
like a native speaker if you don't stop, but the problem is always the time.
Never try to learn English in a short time, listen always to English and be
sure that you will speak it one day, you don't know exactly when but you will
learn it.
Always listen to English and don't try anything else, you will learn English
subconsciously, believe me!
Questions
1. Do you listen to English subconsciously?
Yes. I do.
2. If not , do you think you can start doing this? If you think that you cant do
it on a daily basis do you think you can imagine this?

I read many works in English and only translate really necessary.

3. What have you done wrong in the past while studying English? If you
could start all over again from the start, what would you do differently?
I don't know. Now I need!
4. On a scale of one to ten how would you rate this tip? Why?
Good.
I need to speak very fast in my work.
Focus on listening
If you want to learn English or to improve you English pronunciation without
listening to English pronunciation, stop right now!!
You can improve your pronunciation without knowing what is really
pronunciation, and you can't know what is English pronunciation if you don't
listen to English.
Questions
1. What is the difference between this tip and the tip above?
When you don't listen, you don't speak.
2. Why did the author make this tip?
Listen more!
3. Do you feel that this tip is helpful ? Why or why not?
Yes, I do.
4. On a scale of one to ten how would you rate this tip and why?
Ten.
5. Can you put this tip into your daily routine?
Yes, I do.
Speak slowly
Never try to speak fast, always try to speak English slowly at the first time,
you will get faster subconsciously without doing anything, you should
pronounce each word correctly, that's the goal!
Questions
1. Do you think that speaking quickly is better than speaking slowly and
clearly?
I hate don't speak.

2. Do you feel you talk too fast?

Yes. I do. Very fast.
I have very problems because this.
3. Do you think that if you talk slower people will understand you better?
Yes. I do.
I think this all the time.
4. When do you think you can put this tip into action?
Monday morning.
5. On a scale of one to ten how would you rate this tip?
Thousand....
Practice English
Always practice your English, read out loud, speak English with your friends,
practice English everyday, this will help you to know the correct way to
stress syllables.
Questions
1. Do you always try to find a way to practice English?
No, I don't.
2. Have you ever thought about how much money you have invested in your
English ? How much do you think?
yep.
3. After thinking about the money spent do you think you can put more
effort into your practicing English ?
yep
4. On a scale of one to ten how would you rate this tip? Speak out loud
ten
Never be quiet, always speak out loud, this helps you a lot if you are shy
when you speak English.
Questions
1. Do you feel shy to speak English in public?
Yes. I do.
2. Why do you think you feel shy ?
Because my collegues spoke very well.
3. Do you feel shy if people see you speaking in English ? If so why do you
think you feel shy ? Do you worry about what others think?

Yep. I don't worry, but I don't like not know.

Record yourself speaking English
And compare your speaking with a native speaker, you will see the mistakes
you've done, you will improve your English pronunciation.
Questions
1. Do you think this tip is useful?
yep
2. Have you ever thought about recording your own voice?
nop
3. Now think of two follow up questions to ask yourself and answer your
teacher
ok
Have some English friends
You should have some friends with the same goal as you, friends trying to
learn English, you should practice your English with them, tell them if you
find something useful to improve your English or if you find a new method,
they will also tell you, they help you when you get bored, it's really one of
the best things to improve your English
Basic Questions related to your English Studies:
1. How do your organize yourself before an English class?

2. Do you have a notebook that you use to write your notes?

yep
3. Do you have a special file saved on your computer to save new articles
and classes ?
yep
4. Do you think you can send at least three short emails to your teacher
during the week?
yep
5. How would you consider your dedication to your English studies?
Very good
6. What would you recommend to add to your classes?
Talks about current events.
Activity 3

Choose the Correct Answer

1 Phone me as soon as you get ...........
in house

to home

at home

home

2 We often ............. at this hotel when we're here on business

live

rest

stay

remain

2 Everyone came to the meeting ............ Pablo and Karen.

except

exclude

expect

apart

3 Shops lose millions from ............

Robbing

shoplifting

pickpocketing

shoplifting

4 The conference centre is two kilometres ..........

from here

away far away from here

at a distance away from here

5 Kristin doesn't speak French and ............ Jorge.

so does

so doesn't

yet does

neither does

6 Tomorrow will be mild with the possibility of a few ............ in the

afternoon.
Showers

rain

hail

colder

7 His presentation was very unprofessional and he had no ....... of winning

the contract.
Luck chance

opportunity occasion

8 This cheque is not valid without your .............

Name firm sign

signature

9 I parked my car but didn't have any money for the ..............
parking meter

park meter parking machine automatic parking

10 She works ............. industrial design engineer.

Like as an as the same
11 I can't find my office keys .............
nowhere

somewhere everywhere anywhere

12 You can only do your best - everyone has their .............

Ends limits borders

edges

13 Send the offer by courier if the customer wishes, - ........... just send it
by normal post.
so

although

despite

otherwise

14 Her boss wouldn't ......... her attend the seminar.

Allow let

permit

admit

15 My boss .......... me to be in the office by 8 o'clock each morning.

Counts

claims

waits

expects

16 Our company is very ........... about punctuality and insists that we

always get to work on time.
Strict

precise

exact

straight

17 They started having problems at an early ............ of the project.

Stage

period

part

minute

18 We have a beautiful ............ of the mountains from the top floor of

our office.
Sight

vision

look

view

19 I don't live in the centre, I live on the .............. of the city.

Background

distance

horizon

outskirts

20 We were late for the meeting and decided to .......... a taxi.

Order

command

require

ask

21 ........... the bad economic conditions, our sales figures were very
good.
Although

Despite

Even However

22 Shall we take the car or shall we go ............. foot?

With at

on

by

Activity 4
Take a look at the basic preposition rules and so the exercises that follow.
PREPOSITIONS OF PLACE
1 ) AT - IN ON
General Information:
AT

ON

We use at for a point:

We use on for a surface:
at the window - at the entrance - at the door
on the wall - on the
ceiling - on the floor - on a
page at the end of the street - at
the station - at the top
on a cover
Bill is waiting for you at the bus stop.
the notice board?

Have you seen the notice on

IN
We use in for an enclosed space:
in the garden - in the house - in London - in the
water
in her bag - in a row - in a town
There is nobody in the room. She lives in a small
village.
Special Information:
AT
1. We say that someone is at an event:
2. We say at with
buildings when we say where
the event (film, concert,...) takes
place:
at a party - at a pop concert - at a conference - at
a meeting
Where were you yesterday? At the
cinema.
Tom is at a party.
The meeting took place at the
headquarters.
3. We say at someone's house:
is a part of our

4. We say at for a place which

journey:
We were at Bill's house last Thursday. We stopped at a very nice village.
Does the train stop at Nashville?
ON
1. We use on with small islands:

2. We say that a place is on the

coast / on a river / on a road:
She spent her holiday on a small island.
London is on the river Thames.
Portsmouth is on the south coast of
England.
IN

1. We say in when we talk about a building

itself.
2. We usually say in with towns and
villages:
The rooms of Tom's house are small.

His parents live in York.

Note these expressions:

AT
at home - at work - at school - at university - at college - at the station - at
an airport - at the seaside - at sea (on a voyage) - at reception - at the
corner of a street - at the back / front of a building / cinema / group of
people, etc. - arrive at with other places or events
IN
in the newspaper - in bed - in hospital - in prison - in the street - in the sky in an armchair (sit) - in a photograph - in a picture - in a mirror - in the
corner of a room - in the back / front of a car - arrive in a country or town
ON
on a farm - on the left - on the right - on the ground floor - on the first,
second,... floor - on the way - on the chair (sit) - on the radio - on television on a horse - on the corner of a street - on the back / front of a letter / piece
of paper etc.
2) TO - INTO - BY
TO

INTO

We say go / come / travel / fly / walk /

return / drive / have been etc. to a place or event: We say go into / come
into etc. = enter a room /
building etc.:
Last year we flew to London. We went to work
at seven.
He opened the door and went
into the room.
BY
We say by to say how we travel:
We went to Paris by plane. I usually go to work
by bike / by car / by underground / by bus
BUT:
we say on foot
we cannot use by if you say my car / the train / a
taxi
Then use in for taxis and cars.
Then use on for bike / public transport.

FILL IN THE CORRECT PREPOSITION IN, AT OR ON:

1.The headquarters of the United Nations is. New York.
ON
2. In the most countries people drive.. the right.
ON
3. I usually buy a newspaper.. my way to work.
ON
4. Last year we had a lovely skiing holiday the Swiss Alps.
AT
5. San Francisco is the west coast of the United States.
ON
6. She spends most of the day sitting ..the window.
ON
7. The report about the accident was the .front page of the
newspaper. AT
8. In the theatre we had seats the front row.
9. Write the name and address the front page of the envelope.
ON
10. It's dangerous to play football ..the streets.
ON
11. I'll meet you .the corner of the street at 10.
AT
12. We got stuck in a traffic jam .the way to the airport.
ON
13. Look at the horses. that field.
14..the end of the street is a path to our house.
ON
15. Do you want sugar your coffee?

IN

ON
IN

FILL IN THE AT, ON, IN, TO, OR BY:

1. I must go.. the bank today to change money.
TO
2. He has just returned France.
TO
3. She arrived ..the airport at 6.
4. Have you ever been ..Ireland?
5. They got the car and drove off.
IN
6. We drove. the party ..Tom's car.
TO / IN
7. Get ..the train. It's going to leave.
8. The man chased by the police ran the shop.
TO
9. The bird flew..the room through the window.
IN
10. He has never been. a football match.
11. We usually go to work ..car.
12. We drove the cinema ..a taxi.
TO / ON
13. They like to travel ..plane.
14. Does the train stop ..York?
15. What time did you arrive .school?

AT
AT

ON

TO
BY
BY
IN
AT

Small Talk
It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or
damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and
specific examples to explain your answer.
Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your
generation different from your parents' generation? Use specific reasons and
examples to explain your answer.
Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in
class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the
talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details
to support your choice.
Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what
person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate
it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either
to go on vacation
to buy a car
Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend's two choices and
explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons
and details to support your choice.
The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century
will bring? Use examples and details in your answer. What are some of the
qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your
answer.
Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular.
Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. In your country,
is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more
need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat
their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your
opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons
and examples to support your answer.
Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have
you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific
examples and details to support your response.
Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of
students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.
You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which
would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice.