START: LEARNING

INTERCAMBIOIDIOMASONLINE
ENGLISH MADE EASY

WWW.INTERCAMBIOIDIOMASONLINE.COM | Marc Andrew Huckle

 Contents Page

1. About me PAGE. 3
2. Method PAGE. 4
3. How to learn English PAGE. 5
4. Starting off (vocabulary) PAGE. 8
5. Use images to improve your English PAGE. 14
6. Improving prepositions PAGE. 15
7. False friends PAGE. 18
8. Español to English (key phrases) PAGE. 19
9. Courses PAGE. 20

Full ebook available with the purchase of a course at www.appf.es

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About me

My name is Marc Andrew Huckle. I am a qualified English (ESL) teacher with a

Ba (Hons) Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from Birmingham City
University. I have been teaching English since 2007 and have been working in
Spain since 2010. During this time I have worked in a Primary School where I
wrote a bilingual curriculum and now I am Head of Studies in a successful
language school. I am also a certified Cambridge examiner and invigilator.

I live in Albacete, Spain with my wife and two young children. I speak advanced
level Spanish to best support my students and I am also the creator of an
online course at https://www.appf.edu.es/cursos-idiomas-b1-b2.html

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Method: START Methodology

Our method put it into a simple acronym to be able to remember: START

See it, say it and check pronunciation

Try it (and translate it) in a context

Apply it and use it in phrases

Review it and remember it

Test it by using it in another context related to the exam

Focus on what you need to know. Learn how to achieve it. WORK ON IT!

*An important thing to remember is that you should not directly translate. The
best method for using language is to use the resources that you have at your
disposal. This language will be simpler than in your native tongue but that is
understandable. DO NOT TRANSLATE or appear to be doing so or YOU WILL
NOT PASS EXAMS. Cultural and linguistic differences influence language and
you need to take them into account.

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How to learn English

The best way to learn a language is through its use. Though this may sound
obvious it is the only way to do it. The most important things to remember are
DON´T BE AFRAID OF MAKING MISTAKES. Mistakes are normal when learning a
language and they are part of the process. It is important to have a guide when
learning a language and a person who can CORRECT MISTAKES quickly.

Start with your interests

The best thing to do, instead of thinking of separate words such as come across
is to start with the vocabulary that you are likely to have contact with.

Use the words in a context

It is essential to use new vocabulary in a context or situation that you can later
refer back to.

Learn them as a short phrase

Many people don´t realize it, but learning a short phrase is much easier to
remember that random words because these phrases have more meaning.

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Relate words to existing knowledge

The best way to increase vocabulary is to relate words to

synonyms/antonyms/similar expressions.

Group words

If you sort and arrange words into groups you find them easier to recall.

Colour code vocabulary

If you colour code vocabulary based on specific verbs, prepositions or topics it

can be easier to remember them, especially if you consider yourself a visual
learner.

Games and challenges

It is very useful to test yourself on vocabulary and see what you can recall
when put in a real life situation or under pressure.

Recall

An important issue is the time between instances that we recall a word, repeat
and recycle language frequently.

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There are numerous methods to be able to develop out language database.
Notice that they are simple and can be related to everyday activities, keep it
simple and do what you enjoy.

1. Think in English – this will improve fluency.

2. TV – watch movies with subtitles, write down and research new vocabulary
and expressions. The film will give it relevance (it is also a good idea to see
things that you have already seen in your own language).
3. Games – playing games such as taboo or boggle are a great way to improve
vocabulary and can be easily adapted according to level. The fun side of it
makes it a much more interesting way of picking up new vocabulary.
4. Word linking – word association and word grouping are great methods of
expanding vocabulary and relating new vocabulary to already known words.
5. Read – reading is a great way of learning new vocabulary. Even if it is at a
basic level (children´s books) it is great reinforcement.
6. Music – listening in general is an essential part of language learning but it is
essential in the acquisition of new vocabulary. Music is great as it is
repetitive and easy to remember due to the rhythm and rhyme.
7. Images – describe images and see where you have gaps in your knowledge.
8. Shower conversations (I say the shower because it is a personal space) –
think over or act out everyday conversations to see where you have mental
blocks or missing links in vocabulary. That can be as simple as going blank or
finding it hard to recall words. In short it means talk to yourself or think in
English to see where you are likely to stumble when you want to converse.

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Starting off

An important part of learning a language is where to begin. Believe it or not,

Spanish and English are very similar. You should start off by looking at the
similarities between the languages, in use of vocabulary or grammar.

Words with an -able ending

1. abominable
2. adaptable
3. adjustable
4. admirable
5. adoptable
6. adorable
7. alterable
8. amortizable
9. biodegradable
10. cable
11. comparable
12. computable
13. culpable
14. curable
15. degradable
16. durable(s)
17. evitable
18. favourable
19. habitable
20. implacable
21. improbable
22. inalterable
23. inevitable
24. innumerable
25. irritable
26. miserable
27. notable
28. rentable
29. sociable
30. utilizable
31. variable(s)
32. vulnerable

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Words with an -al ending
All of the following words are adjectives and/or nouns.
1. abdominal
2. accidental
3. accidental
4. actual
5. actual
6. adverbial
7. anal
8. animal
9. arsenal
10. arterial
11. artificial
12. asexual
13. astral
14. austral
15. autumnal
16. aval
17. axial
18. banal
19. cabal
20. canal
21. cantal
22. capital
23. cardinal
24. carnal
25. caudal
26. causal
27. central
28. cereal
29. ceremonial
30. continental

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Words with an -ar ending

1. altar
2. articular
3. auricular
4. auxiliar
5. circular
6. cultivar
7. insular
8. irregular
9. lar
10. lunar
11. nuclear
12. ocular
13. peculiar
14. perpendicular
15. polar
16. pulsar
17. popular
18. rectangular
19. regular
20. similar
21. singular
22. solar
23. tabular
24. talar
25. uvular
26. vallar
27. valvular
28. vascular
29. vulgar

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Words with an -ible ending

1. audible
2. combustible
3. comestible
4. compatible
5. destructible
6. flexible
7. fusible
8. horrible
9. incompatible
10. incombustible
11. indestructible
12. inflexible
13. intangible
14. irresistible
15. irreversible
16. ostensible
17. reversible
18. sensible
19. tangible
20. terrible

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Words with an -or ending
All of the following words are adjectives and/or nouns.

1. actor
2. auditor
3. candor
4. clamor
5. conductor
6. doctor
7. exterior
8. factor
9. favor
10. furor
11. honor
12. horror
13. humor
14. inferior
15. interlocutor
16. labor
17. labrador
18. mayor
19. monitor
20. motor
21. pastor
22. posterior
23. rector
24. rumor
25. sector
26. superior
27. supervisor
28. terror
29. vigor

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English-to-Spanish loanwords
Be careful with pronunciation!

1. airbag(s) 27. parking

2. antivirus 28. picnic(s)
3. audiovisual 29. polo(s)
4. backup 30. pop[2]
5. banjo(s) 31. pub(s)
6. bit(s) 32. punk(s)
7. byte 33. radar
8. camping 34. rail
9. chat(s) 35. rally
10. chip(s) 36. rifle(s)
11. clip(s) 37. ring
12. club(s) 38. robot(s)
13. collie 39. rock[3]
14. convoy 40. rugby
15. doping 41. shock(s)
16. email(s) 42. shorts
17. gag(s) 43. show(s)
18. gene(s) 44. software
19. hangar 45. sprint(s)
20. iceberg 46. surf
21. input(s) 47. test(s)
22. jumbo 48. unisex
23. magnate(s) 49. whisky
24. modem 50. windsurfing
25. motocross 51. yuppie
26. multimedia 52. zoo(s)

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Images

Images are a powerful tool in the learning of a language to elicit speaking and
also to give inspiration to improve vocabulary and grammar structures,

Speaking activities with images

 photos
 drawings (teachers own or found on the internet)
 paintings
 Puzzles (arrange to make out the image)
 illustrations
 symbols
 Jumbled images (need to be put into order)
 cartoons and comics
 flashcards
 collages
 Partial images (need to be completed be the students)
 picture stories
 magazine ads
 Newspaper and website illustrations
 Video clips (or still)

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Prepositions

Prepositions can be confusing, especially when there are false friends involved.
For Spanish speakers ´to think in something ´or ´to depend of something´ can
easily slip into speech as when they are translated literally, they are perfectly
valid. This interference of ´native language´ is well documented and needs to
be tackled a.s.a.p. But my question is this, how do we get students to
understand prepositions? And also, more than that is it necessary for them to
understand them? As with most language, we need to start off with the most
frequently used forms, give them context and use them enough so that they
can sink in. It is important for students to have an understanding of word
classes and know what a preposition is, what type of preposition they are using
and also the basic meaning behind each preposition. It is good to chunk
prepositions, for example, looking at all the uses of ´at´ and allowing students
to get to grips with it before moving on to the next one. A great way to do this
is by making prepositions very visual and using examples. I generally link
prepositions to concepts, such as, back representing the act of returning, out
to demonstrate removal. I have incorporated useful tips into this post to help
out.

As I have said previously, it is important to state the different types of

preposition and to reinforce them through examples. They can be
incorporated into almost any classroom activity, whether it be reading,
listening, writing or speaking. They can be used in matching, skim reading,
speaking games and listening skills tasks and can be made fun. I think it is
important to have a visual link to prepositions; therefore I like to use
diagrams (see below) to relate tasks to during class time.

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Prepositions of time

(GENERAL) In: parts of the day (in the morning), weeks (in 2 weeks), months (in
4 months, in June), years (in 6 years, in 1999), decades and centuries (in the
1900´s)

(MORE SPECIFIC) On: days (on Monday), weekends (on weekends), birthdays
(on my birthday)

(VERY SPECIFIC) At: hours (at 18:30), weekends (at the weekend)

Prepositions of place and movement

Prepositions of movement and position are a difficult concept to grasp with

only theory. They need to be practical. Teachers should not be afraid to
experiment with their students and do practical activities. These activities can
include team building tasks, outdoor activities etc. It all depends on the
amount of time and resources available to the teacher.

In: a country (in Spain), a city (in Albacete), an area or neighbourhood (in the
city centre)

On: a street (on Main Street), a distinct place (on the corner)

At: a specific location (at the cinema), an address (at 43 Windsor Street)

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Verb/adjective/noun + preposition

Matching words + prepositions can be a fun activity and it is a great

opportunity to add a sense of competition into the classroom. I particularly like
to include prepositions into classroom challenges and encourage students to
experiment with them. Here is a game that I have made. What can be really
confusing is where no preposition is necessary but the word has a synonym or
equivalent with a preposition. These subtle differences need to be looked at.

Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs can Beverly tricky but they are all about context, students don´t
really need to understand how to manipulate them until C1 level (in my
humble opinion) so it is important to give students the context to be able to
use phrasal verbs and link them to certain situations. A good way to give
context is to link phrasal verbs to their synonyms (e.g. get into = start liking
something). Students need to practice them little and often to be able to relate
them to contexts.

Fixed expressions

A fixed expression is a form of expression that has more meaning than the
words on their own. It is a standard way of expressing an idea or a concept,
and we usually use them in certain situations.

Example: on the other hand, no matter what…

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False friends

English and Spanish are very similar and some words are almost the same, but you need to be aware
that there are some words that despite being very similar have very different meanings

Spanish English Correct word

Argumento Argument (discussión) plot

Discusión discussion (conversación) argument

Ropa rope (cuerda) clothes

Asistir assist (ayudar) attend

Atender attend (asistir) serve, see to

Actual actual (verdadero) real

Corriente current (actual) normal, everyday

Actualmente actually (de hecho) currently

Carpeta carpet (alfombra) folder

Compromiso compromise (acuerdo) obligation

Contester contest (competir, revisar) answer

Practicar (deporte) practice (sport) do sport

Disgust disgust (dar asco) worry

Embarazada embarrassed (avergonzado) pregnant

Nervioso (que no para) nervous (ancioso) (a) fidgit, energetic

Introducir introduce (presenter) insert, put in

Éxito exit (salida) success

Soportar support (help) put up with

Suceso success (éxito) occurrence, event

Realizar realise (dares cuenta) do, carry out

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Español to English (key phrases)
Darse por vencido – give up I can´t do this, I give up!

Tener ganas de – be eager (infinitive) I am eager to go on holiday

Estar a punto de – be just about to I was just about to say that

Simper que – as long as I will go to the party as long as you come with me

Para que – so that I worked a lot so that I could go home early

Con el fin de – in order to I am going to study in order to pass the exam

En cuanto/tan pronto como – as soon as As soon as I met you I was in love

Para cuando – by the time By the time I was home, the dinner was ready

Apetecer – feel like/fancy I fancy going to watch a movie at the cinema

Tener algo bajo control – have something under control I have it all under control

Por si acaso – just in case Let´s study phrasal verbs just in case

Meterse en un lio – get into trouble we got into trouble for speaking in class

Merecer la pena – be worth (ing) it was worth studying in the end

Acabar (gerundio) – end up (ing) did you end up going out?

Tener sentido – make sense yes, that makes sense

Por tu cuenta – by yourself, on your own You shouldn´t study on your own, work together

Estar dispuesto a – be willing (infinitive) I am willing to do it all

Llevarse bien con alguien – get along with I get along with my brother

Enterarse de algo – find out about something I found out about the party yesterday

Aguantar algo – put up with It is difficult to put up with the noise

Pillar el tranquillo - learn how to do I am slowly learning how to do it

Darse igual – not mind I don´t mind doing the exercises

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Courses (through www.appf.es)

We have courses available for the preparation of Cambridge ESOL exams

available. These courses are 100% online; exams focussed and have a high pass
rate. They count with live lessons (Google Hangouts) and native bilingual
tutors. All of the exam advice is translated into Spanish and each course
includes a FULL EBOOK.

B1 – Getting to grips with the B1

If you want to get the B1 (PET certificate) the easy way, this course is for you. It
is mobile ready and easy to navigate. You will count on the support of a tutor
to guide you through the course.

https://www.appf.edu.es/cursos-idiomas-b1-b2/curso-preparacion-pet.html

B2 – Getting through the B2

To pass the B2 (FIRST certificate) in the space of a month, you are in the right
place. The course is easy to use and very content heavy. You can study it using
only your mobile phone or laptop and you count on the support of a tutor.

https://www.appf.edu.es/cursos-idiomas-b1-b2/curso-preparacion-first-
certificate-b2.html

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