Love is...

Invasive species in Florida

Burmese pythons have been putting many of Florida's fauna at risk. For more read this article in Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Science.

Just click on the researchers of Florida University who are holding the python.

Are the UK, Great Britain and England the same to you? Have a look.

             
                                                    CLICK THE THIRSTY QUEEN

IF CLAUSES

If clauses are used when we refer to hypothetical situations. The types are used depending on the possibility of the situation taking place (Type I - most probably; Type II - not so certain; Type III - merely speculating about a situation which has already happened and cannot be changed). Have a look at these three examples:

1. If John studies harder, he will pass the year. (There is a great chance of happening).

2. If John studied harder, he would pass the year. (It means John doesn't study that much but there is still the chance of changing that situation).

3. If John had studied harder, he wouldn't have failed the year. (Sorry! Too late. John failed the year because he didn't study. The situation wouldn't take place, and we're only speculating on an impossible future).

Some further explanation and examples can be found if you click the smiley.

EXERCISES

MISTAKES TO BE AVOIDED - COMPOSITION

Structure:

• Introduction does not give a clear idea of the topic your are going to write about;
• Introduction does not make any reference to the statement you were supposed to comment;
• Long explanation or definition of something which is not requested;
• Examples (that support your point of view) appear in the conlcusion when they should appear in the development;
• Lists and lists of things without any connectors to create a logical speech;
• Conclusion has specific details when it should have a global idea of the text you wrote.
• TOTAL DISRESPECT FOR THE LIMIT OF WORDS.

Spelling and grammar

• diference when it's always with double FF
• whith/ wit  instead of with
• it's and its (it's= it is É  and its= seu/ sua for thigs or animals)
• spiecies when it's species (never specie, it's always with S)
• disapear when it's always disappear  PP
• polution when it's pollution LL
• don't do nothing (wrong) do nothing or don't do anything
• wich instead of WHICH
• belive when it's believe

Rewriting sentences

A. Rewrite each sentence so that it has a similar meaning and contains the word in bold.

1) Debra visited both the castle and the museum. (too)
2) Jill was the only person who came late. (except)
3) Although I said it was raining, it isn't. (fact)
4) Karen hurt her elg, so she couldn't play tennis. (since)
5) My opinion is that smoking is bad for you. (view)
6) I ate the chocolate cake and the apple pie. (as well as).
7) Daniel played in goal, in his brother's place. (instead)
8) Finally, I'd like to thank the head teacher, Ann Coles. (in)

B. Rewrite each sentence beginning has shown. Do not change the meaning.
1) Although it was snowing we went out for a walk.
  Despite...
2) Some experts think that prices will fall, but others disagree.
  While...
3) Even though they were losing at half-time, City won in the end.
  Despite...
4) Despite the heat, Diana wore her winter clothes.
  Although...
5) Whereas last summer was good, this summer it's rained all the time.
  Last summer was good...
6) James had a headache, but he still read until late.
  In spite of...
7) Although Jon hadn't studies, he did well in the test.
  Jon hadn't studied...

Tips to write well (in English, of course)

The introduction

• Tell the reader the question you’re answering;
• Give your answer upfront;
• Briefly explain the reasonsfor your answer/ explain the reasons for your point of view (‘I have answered this way because/ This is my point of view mainly because …’);

The body

•  Focus each paragraph onone idea that supports your answer;
• Use the first sentence in each paragraph to explain the point of that paragraph;
• Use the rest of the paragraph to amplify your point, support it with evidence, qualify it, or give examples (avoid huge lists, make sure the examples are clear and logical);
•  Link your paragraphs by—opening with words like‘But’, ‘Also,’ and ‘Moreover’; or opening with words like‘This’, ‘That’, ‘These’,‘Those’; or echoing the last words of the preceding paragraph (try not to repeat the same words, unless it's an intention to emphasize some ideas).

The conclusion

•  Keep your conclusion short;
• Summarise your answer, but restate it freshly;
•  End powerfully; consider:

􀂄 suggesting the next step
􀂄 ending with a good quote
􀂄 linking to the introduction
􀂄 listing the reasons your answer is right
􀂄 leaving the reader with a powerful image
􀂄 mentioning the implications of your answer
􀂄 ending with a slightly different angle on your answer

EDITING

• replace repeated words by synonyms;
• vary the beginning of the paragraphs;
• prefer short to longer sentences;
• careful with pronouns (is it clear what they refer to?);
• be coherent in the verb tenses used;
• avoid using similar sounds one after the other.

                                                                                           (adapted from Write Better English)

Sustainability

Clear, objective speech.
Powerful metaphors.

Al Gore on climate changes

Great creativity

Very interesting talk on how creativity is a powerful tool in convincing people to become environmentally-friendly.

Weekday vegetarian

EXERCISES WITH CONNECTORS

JOIN EACH PAIR OF SENTENCES USING THE CONNECTOR IN BRACKETS.
MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES.

1. Dave smokes. He seems to be in good health. (although)
Although he smokes, he seems to be in good health.
2. I couldn't sleep. I was tired. (although)
Although I was tired, I couldn't sleep.
3. Max didn't notice the sign. It was right in front of him. (even though)
Even though the sign waa right in from of Max, he didn't notice it.
4. Kate never learnt Spanish. She lived in Spain for many years. (although)
Although she lived in Spain for many years, she never learnt Spanish.
5. Joe is a millionaire. He hates spending money. (despite)
Despite being a millionaire, Joe hates spending money.
6. Although he has got an English name, he is in fact German. (despite)
Despite having an English name, he is in fact German.
7. In spite of her injured foot, she managed to walk to the village. (although)
Although she injured her foot, she managed to walk to the village.
8. I decided to accept the job although the salary was low. (in spite of)
In spite of the low salary, she decided to accept the job.
9. We lost the match although we were the better team. (despite)
Despite being the better team, we lost the match.
10. Although she was tired, she went to work. (but)
She was tired but she went to work.


SOLUTIONS AT THE END OF THE WEEK.