Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Emphatic Stress

 Emphatic stress


Choose the correct option

1. In English you don't have to / have to change the word order to change the meaning.

2. In the sentence "I was extremely tired", 

the standard stress is on the word "extremely" / "tired".

3. We often place emphatic stress on adjective / intensifiers

4. You can / can't choose to place stress on adjectives.

5. When we say "so happy: we must stress so / happy.

6. In the sentence "she's so happy that she can't stop smiling", we can / can't leave out the word "that".

7. Emphatic stress can / can't express a negative meaning.

8. It is / isn't always adverbs that receive emphatic stress.


Practice


A) It was very cold. (standard stress)

B) It wasn't really. (emphatic stress)

A) Yes it was! (contrastive stress) 

B) I thought it was cold, but not extremely cold.

A) It was absolutely freezing cold. (emphatic stress) It was so cold that I couldn't move my fingers. (standard stress)


A) He's a terrible liar.

B) Really? I thought he was telling the truth.

A) Never! He always lies. He's a terrible liar.

B) Okay. I'll remember that.


A) What on earth made you do that?

B) I thought it would make you happy.

A) I don't believe that at all. It made extremely angry!

B) Okay. Then I'm extremely sorry.



Emphatic modals


(exercise 2b)

In each question, underline the modal (in gray italics) if you think it would be appropriate to stress or emphasise it. 

1.I don't have much time, but I suppose I could do it if it's really necessary. 
2.can help you with that if you like. 
3.shall be seeing him tomorrow, do you want me to give him a message? 
4.Cinderella! You shall go to the ball! 
5.But you must remember to leave before midnight. 
6.As a rule, drivers must keep to the speed limit at all times. 
7.You should ask your teacher if you can have an extension. 
8.should have told you earlier about this, but I forgot. 
9.may have left it at home, but I was sure I had brought it. 
10.By the way, I might be a bit late this evening; I'm meeting a client.


Tuesday, October 28, 2025

IELTS essay skills


Exercise 1: Cars and city centers

(Topic: Ban cars from city centers)

Reorder the following sentences to form a well-structured paragraph:

A. Cars produce harmful gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can damage the environment and people's health.
B. One strong reason to ban cars from city centers is to reduce air pollution.
C. For example, a study in London found that air pollution levels dropped by 30% after restrictions were placed on cars in central areas.
D. Therefore, banning cars can make city centers cleaner and healthier places to live and work.

1 (Topic sentence) _A__

2 (Development sentence) ___

3 (Example giving sentence) ___

4 (Concluding sentence) ___


Exercise 2: Children and mobile phones

(Topic: Children should not use mobile phones at a young age)

Reorder the following sentences to form a well-structured paragraph:

A. For instance, many teachers report that students who are on their phones frequently have more trouble focusing in class and working with classmates.
B. Giving mobile phones to young children can negatively affect their mental development.
C. As a result, allowing children to use phones at a young age could harm their ability to learn and communicate effectively.
D. When children spend too much time on phones, they may have fewer face-to-face interactions and become less socially skilled.

1 (Topic sentence) ___

2 (Development sentence) ___

3 (Example giving sentence) ___

4 (Concluding sentence) ___


 

Exercise 3: Physical education in schools

(Topic: Physical education is as important as academic subjects)

Reorder the following sentences to form a well-structured paragraph:

A. Many children today spend too much time sitting, either at desks or in front of screens, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
B. This shows that making physical education a regular part of the school day can support both physical health and academic success.
C. For example, schools in Finland that include daily exercise sessions report lower rates of childhood obesity and better overall student concentration.
D. Physical education is essential because it helps students stay healthy and active.

 

1 (Topic sentence) ___

2 (Development sentence) ___

3 (Example giving sentence) ___

4 (Concluding sentence) ___




Find some errors

 

Old buildings are fascinating because they told the story of the past. Many of these buildings is made of strong materials like stone and brick, which have help them survive for many year. Some old building was once homes, while others used for important events, like church or castle. When you visited these buildings, you can saw the detail of their architectures, such as tall window, wooden door, or carved decoration. The buildings is often very large, and it take a lot of work to maintain it. People doesn't always realizes how many history they surrounded by. This buildings holding memories from past, and it tells us about the differents period in history. By look at it, we can learning how peoples lived and worked in past.

 

Now look at the italicised words. Can you change them to improve the writing

Old buildings are fascinating because they told the story of the past. Many of these buildings is made of strong materials like stone and brick, which have help them survive for many year. Some old building was once homes, while others used for important events, like church or castle. When you visited these buildings, you can saw the detail of their architectures, such as tall window, wooden door, or carved decoration. The buildings is often very large, and it take a lot of work to maintain it. People doesn't always realizes how many history they surrounded by. This buildings holding memories from past, and it tells us about the differents period in history. By look at it, we can learning how peoples lived and worked in past.

 

Use the gaps to write you corrections

Old buildings are fascinating because they ______ the story of the past. Many of these buildings ___ made of strong materials like stone and brick, which have _____ them survive for many _____. Some old ________ ____ once homes, while others ____ used for important events, like ______ or ______. When you _______ these buildings, you can _____ the _______ of their ___________, such as tall ________, wooden _______, or carved _________. _______ buildings ___ often very large, and it _____ a lot of work to maintain _____. People _______ always ______ how ______ history they _____ surrounded by. _____ buildings _______ memories from ___ past, and ____ ______ us about the ________ _______ in history. By ______ at _____, we can ______ how ______ lived and worked in ____ past.



You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones.

How important is it to maintain old buildings?

Should history stand in the way of progress?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Most nations around the world have at least some, or possibly many, old buildings. There are temples, churches and houses in their cities, villages and surrounding areas. These buildings have historical significance. It is very important to maintain these. It does not mean progress should stop.

Preserving certain old buildings is important for several reasons. These structures provide an insight into the history of our countries. They show us how people many centuries ago lived their lives. Without them, we could only learn by books. It would undoubtedly be sad if this were the only way to see them. Many of these buildings are very beautiful. Take the many religious buildings. There are churches and temples we see around the world. Many of these buildings provide important income to a country. Many tourists visit them in great numbers.

This certainly does not mean that modernization should be discouraged. I believe old buildings can be protected in tandem with progress. In many circumstances we see old historic buildings being renovated. Their original character is maintained. They are used for modern purposes. In no way does history hinder progress. It is the opposite. We study and learn about our history. We understand more about the world we live in. This helps us to build a better future.

I believe it is very important to protect and preserve old buildings. We can learn about our history. Others from other countries can learn about their history. Such knowledge can help us to understand how to modernise our countries in the best way.



Most nations around the world have at least some, or possibly many, old buildings ____ ___ temples, churches and houses in their cities, villages and surrounding areas ____ have historical significance. __ ___ _______, it is very important to maintain these, ____ this does not mean progress should stop.

Preserving certain old buildings is important for several reasons. ____, these structures provide an insight into the history of our countries, show___ us how people many centuries ago lived their lives. Without them, we could only learn by books, and it would undoubtedly be sad if this were the only way to see them. Many of these buildings are ____ very beautiful. Take ___ ______ the many religious buildings ___ __ churches and temples ____ we see around the world. ___ ____ this, ___ on a more practical level, many of these buildings provide important income to a country ___ many tourists visit them in great numbers.

_____, this certainly does not mean that modernization should be discouraged. I believe ___ old buildings can be protected in tandem with progress. ___ _____, in many circumstances we see old historic buildings being renovated _____ maintaining their original character, ____ being used for modern purposes. ___, in no way does history hinder progress, ___ ___ ____ it is the opposite. ___ studying and learning about our history, we understand more about the world we live in, ___ this helps us to build a better future.

___ _______, I believe ___ it is very important to protect and preserve old buildings ___ we can learn about our history ___ can others from other countries. Such knowledge can ____ help us to understand how to modernise our countries in the best way.


Most nations around the world have at least some, or possibly many, old buildings such as temples, churches and houses in their cities, villages and surrounding areas which have historical significance. In my opinion, it is very important to maintain these, but this does not mean progress should stop.

Preserving certain old buildings is important for several reasons. Firstly, these structures provide an insight into the history of our countries, showing us how people many centuries ago lived their lives. Without them, we could only learn by books, and it would undoubtedly be sad if this were the only way to see them. Many of these buildings are also very beautiful. Take for example the many religious buildings such as churches and temples that we see around the world. Not only this, but on a more practical level, many of these buildings provide important income to a country as many tourists visit them in great numbers.

However, this certainly does not mean that modernization should be discouraged. I believe that old buildings can be protected in tandem with progress. For example, in many circumstances we see old historic buildings being renovated whilst maintaining their original character, and being used for modern purposes. Also, in no way does history hinder progress, and in fact it is the opposite. By studying and learning about our history, we understand more about the world we live in, and this helps us to build a better future.

To conclude, I believe that it is very important to protect and preserve old buildings as we can learn about our history as can others from other countries. Such knowledge can also help us to understand how to modernise our countries in the best way.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The IELTS Speaking Exam

 Kahoot quiz


Warmer


In this part you have to speak for 1-2 minutes about a topic.


1.



Look at the topic below for one minute. You may make notes if you wish

Talk about yourself having a healthy lifestyle.

Please say:

  • What stops you from having a healthy lifestyle?
  • What are the disadvantages of not having a healthy lifestyle?
  • What can you do in order to have a healthier lifestyle?

 Listen to a model answer



2.



Look at the topic below for one minute. You may make notes if you wish

Describe a place you visited when you were a child.
You should say:

  • where it is
  • when you went there
  • what you did there

and explain why you would, or would not, like to return to this place again.


Listen to a model answer


Practice for a while. When you're ready, record yourself speaking for one minute on your cell phone.


Listen back - is there anything you can improve?



3.



Look at the topic below for one minute. You may make notes if you wish

Describe a charity which is important to you.
You should say:

  • What the charity does
  • Why you are interested in this charity
  • How this charity raises money

and explain whether you think it is important for people to get involved in charity work.


Listen to a model answer


Practice for a while. When you're ready, record yourself speaking for one minute on your cell phone.


Listen back - is there anything you can improve?


yourself 

Part 2

one or two

for 1–2 minutes

with the examiner

a written task card

Two-way

introduces 

concepts 


Part 1


Introduction and interview

Examiner __________ him/herself and checks your name.

The examiner then ask you general questions about ___________ and a range of familiar topics..4–5 minutes  


Part 2


Individual long turn

Examiner gives you __________. 

You have 1 minute to think (take notes) before you have to speak ___________.

Examiner asks _________ questions at the end of your talk.

3–4 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time)


Part 3


__________ discussion 

Discuss __________ more abstract issues and ________ which are thematically linked to the topic of your talk in __________.

4–5 minutes






Speaking practice test - part 1 questions

Topic

Questions

Your home town or village

What kind of place is it?

What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?

What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?

Would you say it’s a good place to live? (Why?)

Your accommodation

Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?

How long have you lived there?

What do you like about living there?

What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking test part 2: candidate task card

Describe something you own which is very important to you. You should say:

  • where you got it from
  • how long you have had it
  • what you use it for; and 
  • explain why it is important to you.

You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Rounding off questions

Tell me

  • is it valuable in terms of money?
  • would it be easy to replace?

 

IELTS practice Speaking test - part 3

Topic

Questions

How people’s values have changed

What kind of things give status to people in your country?

Have things changed since your parents’ time?

The role of advertising

Do you think advertising influences what people buy?




Speaking test part 1: questions

Topic

Questions

Personal work or studies

Are you a student or do you work?

What is your place of work like?

What do you like about your job?

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

Free time

Do you have a lot of free time?

Do you spend your free time outside?

What sort of things do you like doing outside?

Is there a free time activity you would like to try in the future?

Animals

Do you like animals?

Do you have any animals in your home as a pet?

Did you have a pet when you were a child?

Would you like to have a pet in the future?

 

 

Speaking test part 2: candidate task card

Describe a special event or festival that you liked.

Say:

  • what the event was
  • where it was
  • what happened

and say why you liked it.

Rounding off questions

Did the other people also enjoy this event? 

 

Part 3

Topic

Questions

A special event or festival that you liked

Why do you think celebrations are important in society?

Do you think celebrations are experienced differently by the different generations?

International events

Do you think International events help to promote cooperation and collaboration between countries?

Do you think international sporting events are more popular with the older or younger generation?

Do you think we will see changes in the future to international events? And if so, what sort of changes might we see?

 

 

Modals and their functions

             










How many modal verbs are there?


















              Probability   Ability    Permission    Prohibition    Suggestion     Obligation   Request




Can

Could

May

Might

Must

Shall

Should

Will

Would




practice








Classic errors:


You really must to go to bed now.

You don’t can park here.

 You always should keep your PIN in a safe place



We often use phrases like these instead of modals:


Have to
Need to
Don't need to / needn't / needn't have
Ought to
Be able to
Be supposed to
Manage to
Be bound to
Had better
Used to
Be used to



There are lots of variations of these. For example, "be bound to" could be: be certain to, be likely to, be unlikely to, be sure to, etc.


Write it down

 

I’m sure to ____________________________________________ before the end of the year.

I’d better ______________________________________________ before the end of the year

I haven't managed to ___________________________________ yet this year.

I don't need to __________________________________________ before the end of the year.

I ought to have __________________________________________ this year

I ought to _______________________________________________ before the end of the year







MODALPASTPRESENTFUTUREUSAGE
be able to***Shows ability
I am / was / will be able / unable to do that.
be supposed to***Shows expectation
I am / was supposed to / not supposed to do that.**
be to***Shows strong expectation
I am / was to be / am not be there by noon / till noon.**
can / could**Shows ability or possibility—negative too 
I can / can't do that. I could / couldn't do that (tomorrow).
*Shows permission or lack of permission (informal, speaking only) 
You can / can't have that.
could*Request—formal 
Could you do that?
**Shows suggestions 
You could do / have done that. Couldn't you do / have done that?
**Shows limited certainty—under half 
They could be/ have been there.
**Shows impossibility—negative 
The keys couldn't be / have been there.
had better*Shows advisability 
I had better / better not do that.
have got to*Shows necessity or lack of necessity 
I have got / haven't got to do that.
have to***Shows necessity or lack of necessity
I have got/ had / will have to do that.
I don't have/ didn't have / won't have to do that.
may*Formal request / permission 
May I have that? You may have that.
**Shows limited certainty—under half
I may/ may not do that later.**
might*Formal request 
Might I have that?
**Shows limited certainty—under half
I might do that/ I might not do that.**
must**Shows strong necessity
I must take the car.**
**Shows prohibition
You must not take the car.**
*Shows very high certainty 
You must be tired after your journey.
ought to**Shows advisability
I ought / ought not to do that.**
**Shows high certainty
I ought to feel better tomorrow.**
shall**Formal question/suggestion
Shall I do that?**
should**Shows advisability
I should / should not do that**
**Shows high certainty
I should feel better tomorrow.**
used to*Repeated action in the past 
I used / used not to do that regularly.
will**Shows certainty / willingness
I'll / wont be there
I'll / won't do it.
**Formal request
Will / won't you do that?**
would**Formal request
Would you do that?**
**Shows preference
I would rather/ would rather not do that.**
*Repeated action in the past.
I would do that years ago.
**Shows advisability—negative
I wouldn't do that (if I were you).**


Talking about ability

Modal past practice