New Reading list-Headway examples

Link
http://elt.oup.com/student/headway/dyslexicfriendly?cc=us&selLanguage=en

Headway Reading--The Wonders of our Universe Vocabulary list below:
PreIntermediate Reading Number 12

https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/1hNXiCQo9Ni3S1z1aCQO-LGOHiXbyY0-XlXAMh1Lvres/edit

Reading Practice and Vocabulary Building -Rong Chang reading site

Link
http://www.rong-chang.com/reading.htm

Open link below for reading instruction and exercise
https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/1W2vy9dk7yfMuyFFib21I-QEKoji3W0AKlCIqpy3aVl0/edit

Grammar Notes on Articles-Many examples

Articles by Carrie Friend
https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/131AQXobFnNw14xebjElh5hdyNKDrejQVUXRJTNAi9Tg/edit

PM1 WRITING ASSIGNMENT - NOV. 27, 2012--Due next Wednesday Dec. 5, 2012

Open Document at this link and follow instructions.  It has a list of topics for an essay and some notes to remember.  Be sure to choose ONLY ONE topic to write about.

https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/1jBvCPZIQFQdoIHWApc3SwJrFtDu1JVJPwXsSo1SY6OU/edit

Academic Writing points Review-Sentence order, Linking words, etc.

Overall Link
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/index.php?page=academic-reading-exercises

Putting sentences in order
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/index.php?page=academic-reading-exercises

Function of sentences
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/index.php?page=recognising-the-structure-of-academic-articles

Linking words
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/index.php?page=linking-words-2


Academic reading and writing exercises
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/index.php?page=academic-reading-and-writing-exercises

New Writing topics
http://www.pearsonlongman.com/ae/marketing/sfesl/generaltopics.html#Change

Writing Tips-diagrams, various types of essays
http://www.eslflow.com/academicwritng.html

Paragraph Parts-test your skill

Paragraph parts
http://english-zone.com/index.php?ID=13

Prepositions-Good website

Purdue Writing Lab - Prepositions

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/594/1/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/594/02/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/594/03/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/594/04/

Relative Pronoun Exercise - that/what and which /where

link to google doc
https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/1DFhLWVpHdLgmL5cdP9nc1Uo5C-wpwae-78WwNfoA7GI/edit

Nov. 5 Relative Clause quiz

Link
http://esl.about.com/od/printablequizzes/a/p_relative1.htm

Reading and Listening Practice website

Website
http://esl-bits.net/listening/NEWindex.htm

You can combine practice reading and listening with this site.  There are many listenings with the transcripts to choose from.  There are various levels and times.

Relative Clause Exercises October 27, 2012

Exercises

https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/1fVLnJK96z_ZRiVZFEUmlLOp_FDCl5Vm2_SB4AMHYFdo/edit

http://www.bnv-bamberg.de/home/ulrich.koch/flg/englischinteraktiv/what-which.htm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/relative-clauses/exercises?08

http://www.esltower.com/GRAMMARQUIZ/intermediate/relative%20pronoun.htm

http://www.eflnet.com/grammar/relpronoun.php

http://baladre.info/english/sedaviwebfront/relative2.htm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/tests/relative-clauses-4

http://www.ingleslid.com/exercise18.htm

https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/1sPIng_aG60hk-3xIyE57zvA1KZxm7d1Exz00pzlKIRg/edit

Relative clauses

Links
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/relative-clauses/exercises?04

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_grammar.htm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/relative-clauses

http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/elt-adjective-clauses-mixed2.html

http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g31-relative-clause-gap-fill-exercise.php

Use of Articles--Exercises

Exercises
http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/english-article-no-article1.html

http://a4esl.org/q/h/9901/cw-articles.html

http://www.learn4good.com/languages/evrd_grammar/article_ex.htm

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/artikel.htm

Writing websites, including IELTS and IELTS Blogs

websites

http://www.academicenglishcafe.com/academic-writing-topics.html

http://www.goodluckielts.com/IELTS-essay-topics.html

Note:  the following blog link is for personal use only--not to be used in a database in other sites
http://www.ielts-blog.com/ielts-preparation-tips/writing-tips/9-ielts-writing-tips-from-phuong-how-to-get-band-7/

http://www.ieltshelpnow.com/academic_writing_test_2.html

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/ielts-writing-task-1/

Academic Word List

List Linkhttp://www.englishvocabularyexercises.com/AWL/index.htm

New academic writing site-review of topic sentences etc.

website
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/index.php?page=academic-reading-and-writing-exercises

Notes on writing paragraphs: Topic, supporting, concluding and transition sentences.

Writing Paragraphs

1.  Topic Sentence:

 Main idea of paragraph.

                Topic + controlling idea (what you have to say about the topic)

                For example,  Young people (topic) spend too much time on the internet. (what you have to say about the topic)

2.  Supporting Sentences:

                Details, examples, reasons to support the topic sentence.  (usually at least 3)

3.  Conclusion Sentence:

                Repeat the idea of the topic sentence in a different way.

                For example,  Young people waste their time on the internet  and may not have time for other activities.

4.  Transition Sentence: 

                They say or give a clue about the idea of the next paragraph.  These can be part of a concluding sentence.

                For example,  Although young people waste their time on the internet, they can be gaining knowledge.  (my next paragraph will be about getting good information on the internet)

                Another example,  Not only do young people waste their time on the internet, but they also waste money on new technology. (my next paragraph will be about how young people spend money on technology)

Essay topic for Sept. 18--Vancouver

Write an essay about Vancouver.

Vancouver is a popular city for tourists.  There are many things to see and do here.  You can visit many beautiful natural sites, shop at many locations or eat food from around the world.

First paragraph:  natural sites
Second paragraph:  shopping
Third paragraph:  restaurants (international, etc.)

An example for topic sentence for first paragraph for natural sites:

If you love nature, Vancouver is the perfect city to visit. (Topic Sentence)

Supporting sentences:
You can enjoy the beautiful natural old forest and a walk around the seawall in Stanley Park.  You can scare yourself to death walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or you can hike up or take a cable car up to the top of Grouse Mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of Vancouver below.

Concluding and transition sentence:
When you want a change from all that natural beauty, you can take some time to shop.
(first part is concluding and repeating the idea of nature from topic sentence; the second part introduces the topic of the next paragraph - shopping)


If you love nature, Vancouver is the perfect city to visit.You can enjoy the beautiful natural old forest and a walk around the seawall in Stanley Park.  You can scare yourself to death walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or you can hike up or take a cable car up to the top of Grouse Mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of Vancouver below.  When you want a change from all that natural beauty, you can take some time to shop.

Here are examples of transition sentences from paragraph 1 (nature) to 2 (shopping):

Not only can you visit beautiful sites, but you can also shop.

Nature sites are wonderful, but you might enjoy a change like shopping.

When you are finished enjoying nature, you can always go shopping.

Here are examples of transition sentences from paragraph 2 (shopping) to 3 (restaurants):

After a day of great shopping you may be hungry.

When all your fantastic shopping is done, you might want to find a restaurant.

All that shopping can make you hungry.

A busy day of shopping is over and you need to eat.

Reading and Listening

Reading and listening
http://esl-bits.net/

Reading and Comprehension Exercises

Readings
http://englishforeveryone.org/Topics/Reading-Comprehension.htm

Writing Assignment August 29, 2012

Write an essay on the topic below.

15. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer. 

Writing Good Introductions-August 28, 2012

Good Introductions:

1.  Write two general statements about the topic to introduce it.
2.  Write your thesis sentence or opinion.

See Examples below:

PM1 WRITING CLASS -- Introduction Paragraphs

7. How do movies or television influence people's behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

Movies and television are popular all around the world.  Almost every country has television stations and makes movies.  Since so many people watch movies and television, they are affected by them in three different ways, namely, behaviour, fashion style and purchases (things that they buy).

Movies and television are popular all around the world.  Almost every country has television stations and makes movies.  Since so many people watch movies and television, they are affected by them in three different ways, namely, behaviour, and purchases (things that they buy).  In addition, television, especially, has an influence on what people believe through the news.  (In this paragraph we have added an additional area of influence, which is what people believe because of the news that they watch)

8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. 

Almost every household has at least one television and more likely, two or more.  Since television began the  forties, watching tv has been a constant source of entertainment for families.  Some people believe that television has destroyed communication among friends and family, but I disagree.  I think tv can bring families together, encourage speaking with each other and bring new friends into a family.

9. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. 

Living in small towns or big cities are choices people make in their lives.  The quality of life can depend on where people live.  Some people like the activity and glamour of a big city, but I prefer the peace of a small town. 

12. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Museums hold the history of a country within a building.  A museum is a mirror for a country and its culture.  People want to visit museums to know the history and culture of people where they are visiting.

13. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. 

English learning on BBC site

BBC WEBSITE
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/

WRITING TOPICS FOR PM1 - TOEFL AND IELTS TYPE

Writing Topics
http://unrestrictedarea.com/esl/compositiontopics.html

Writing Exercise--Number 46--Do you agree-- Face-to-face communication is better than other types. Make sure to write a general statement in the introduction about the topic, and then one about your opinion, then give three reasons and examples to support this opinion.(usually 3 sentences in introduction)  Three middle paragraphs with about 5 sentences each.  Then the conclusion has 3 sentences--you repeat the ideas in the introduction in different words and your opinion again.

Scroll down my blog to IELTS Writing Link and open writefix.com for more information about writing 250 word essays--much information on how to write introductions, middle paragraphs and conclusions.    This is a very good link to study and use all the time.

Relative Clauses-Rules and Exercises

Exercises
http://www.e-grammar.org/relative-clauses/

Gap fill exercise
http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g31-relative-clause-gap-fill-exercise.php

Clause Match exercise
http://www.esltower.com/GRAMMARQUIZ/intermediate/relative%20pronoun.htm

Various exercises, including creating non-defining clauses
http://www.onestopenglish.com/grammar/grammar-reference/nouns-and-phrases/relative-clauses-in-english-tips-and-activities/152834.article

The ego4u  website with rules and tests
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/relative-clauses

Short easy exercise--choose correct relative pronoun
http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/elt-adjective-clauses-mixed2.html

Englisch-Hilfen exercise and rules site
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_grammar.htm

using english website--good for all grammar
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_grammar.htm

Relative Clause exercise-Vancouver Island paragraph
https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/19ithS7k46MoVb1DGCvvbohuSzFlw9qM0abzlGDyiP-k/edit?hl=en_US

Good website to practice reading

Here is a good website for short readings, which are good for practicing reading and getting more vocabulary words.
1.  Click on Reading on the left side menu
2.  Choose one of the reading sites on the main page--for example, 365 days or 100 readings--these are short and they have vocabulary with them, as well as exercises to do.  These are all free.
3.  My advice is to choose one reading for each week.  Read the same one 4 nights (or more).  You will remember the vocabulary better and improve your English writing by English reading.

Here is the link:
http://www.rong-chang.com/

GOOD IELTS and Writing Website

For those interested in IELTS practice, this is a good site for Task 1 and Task 2--it has example essays, topics, and how to write for IELTS.

website
http://writefix.com/

Basic Essay layouts for Task 2 of IELTS exam
http://writefix.com/?page_id=1764

For and Against

Notes
http://esl.about.com/od/intermediatewritin1/a/persuasive_writing.htm

Monday, July 9-10, 2012 Writing Exercise and Answers

Monday, July 9-12, 2012 Writing Exercise and Answers

CONJUNCTIONS

Using ‘but, although, however, even though’

He is a good friend.  We do not meet often.

1.  He is a good friend but we do not meet often.
2.  We do not meet often but he is a good friend.
3.  He is a good friend; however we do not meet often.
4.  He is a good friend.  However, we do not meet often.
5.  We do not meet often; however, he is a good friend.
6.  Although he is a good friend, we do not meet often.
7.  He is a good friend; although we do not meet often.
8.  We do not meet often; although, he is a good friend.
9. Even though he is a good friend, we do not meet often.
10.  Even though we do not meet often, he is a good friend.


It rained a lot.  We enjoyed the holiday.

1.  It rained a lot but we enjoyed the holiday.
2.  Even though it rained a lot, we enjoyed the holiday.
3.  It rained a lot; however, we enjoyed the holiday.
4.  Although it rained a lot, we enjoyed the holiday.
5.  We enjoyed the holiday; even though, it rained a lot.
6.  It rained a lot.  However, we enjoyed the holiday.
7.  We enjoyed the holiday; however, it rained a lot.
8.  It rained a lot; although, we enjoyed the holiday.
9.  We enjoyed the holiday but it rained a lot.
10.  We enjoyed the holiday; although, it rained a lot.



‘So, because, since’

He lived in France for many years.  He speaks French well.
           Cause--------------------------------------------Effect
He lived in France for many years so he speaks French well.
Since he lived in France for many years, he speaks French well.

He speaks French well.  He lived in France for many years.
           Effect---------------------------------------------Cause
He speaks French very well because he lived in France for many years.
He speaks French very well since he lived in France for many years.
Note:  Cause and effect is another way of saying what happened (effect) and why it happened (cause).
Exercise:
Join the two sentences in as many ways as you can using cause---effect and effect---cause structure (pattern)—first put a “c” after the cause sentence and “e” after the effect sentence.
For example---The picnic was cancelled. (e)  It started to rain. (c)

1.  She went home.-e  She was tired. c
She went home because she was tired.
She was tired so she went home.
She went home since she was tired.
Since she was tired, she went home.

2.  We did not enjoy our holiday. e The weather was bad. c
Since the weather was bad, we did not enjoy our holiday.
We did not enjoy our holiday since the weather was bad.
The weather was bad, so we did not enjoy our holiday.
We did not enjoy our holiday because the weather was bad.


3. He worked hard.c He passed all his exams. e
He worked hard so he passed all his exams.
Since he worked hard, he passed all his exams.
He passed all his exams since he worked hard.
He passed all his exams because he worked hard.

4.  I enjoy history lessons.e  I like the teacher.c
I like the teacher so I enjoy history lessons.
Since I like the teacher, I enjoy history lessons.
I enjoy history lessons because I like the teacher.
I enjoy history lessons since I like the teacher.

5.  It started to rain. c We stopped playing tennis.e
It started to rain so we stopped playing tennis.
We stopped playing tennis because it started to rain.
We stopped playing tennis since it started to rain.
Since it started to rain, we stopped playing tennis.

6.  Carrie stopped for lunch.e  She was hungry.c
Carrie stopped for lunch because she was hungry.
Since Carrie was hungry, she stopped for lunch.
Carrie was hungry so she stopped for lunch.
Carrie stopped for lunch since she was hungry.

7.  Serge’s student visa expired.c He went back to Russia.  e
Serge went back to Russia because his visa expired.
Serge went back to Russia since his visa expired.
Since Serge's visa expired, he went back to Russia.
Serge's visa expired so he went back to Russia.

8.  The Vancouver downtown concert was cancelled. e There was a riot the night before.c
The Vancouver downtown concert was cancelled because there was a riot the night before.
The Vancouver downtown concert was cancelled since there was a riot the night before.
There was a riot in Vancouver the night before so they cancelled the downtown concert.
Since there was a riot in Vancouver the night before, they cancelled the downtown concert.

9.  Tom slept in.c  He was late for class.e

10.  The police arrested John Smith.  e He stole cars.c

11.  John’s daughter rarely sees her father.e  John works late every night.c

12.  They arrived late. e The airplane was delayed for mechanical problems. c



14.  My tire went flat.c I called a tow truck.e
My tire went flat so I called a tow truck.
I called a tow truck because my tire went flat.
I called a tow truck since my tire went flat.
Since my tire went flat, I called a tow truck.

15.  The traffic was crowded. c I was late for work. e

Because of + a noun  (NOT a clause—subject and verb)
For example, I was late for work because of the crowded traffic.  NOT:  I was late for work because of the traffic (subject) was (verb)  crowded.

Can you make any of the sentences above into because of sentences?

15.  I was late because of  the crowded traffic.
14.  I called the tow truck because of  my flat tire.
13.  They went to the park because of the beautiful day.
12.  They arrived late because of the airplane’s mechanical problems.
       They arrived late because of  the delay of the airplane for mechanical problems.

Sentences 11, 10, and 9 cannot be changed to ‘because of’ sentences.

8.  They cancelled the downtown Vancouver Concert because of the riot the night before.
7.  Serge went back to Russia because of his expired visa.
6.  Carrie stopped for lunch because of her hunger.
5.  We stopped playing tennis because of the rain.
4.  I enjoy history lessons because of  the teacher. 
3.  He passed all his exams because of his hard work.
2.  We did not enjoy our holiday because of the bad weather.
1.  She went home because of  her tiredness.

Conjunction Exercises

Conjunction Exercises for Writing Class

And & But

Instructions: Choose the correct answer.

Q1 - In winter, it is cold ____ wet.

and
but

Q2 - I couldn't really afford it, ____ I bought it.

and
but

Q3 - It was a very long day ____ I was tired by the end of it.

and
but

Q4 - It's an old black ____ white film.

and
but

Q5 - It was an easy test ____ I failed.

and
but

Q6 - She tried hard ____ managed to do it.

and
but

Q7 - The dog looks friendly ____ he's dangerous.

and
but

Q8 - I didn't like the idea ____ agreed to do it.

and
but

Q9 - My application was late ____ they rejected it.

and
but

Q10 - It cost a lot of money ____ I was very disappointed because it didn't work properly.

and
but

Q11 - He's a fair ____ unpleasant man.

and
but

Q12 - I was grateful for their help, ____ a bit embarrassed at having to ask to borrow the money.

and
but

As

Instructions: Choose the correct answer.

Q1 - As I was tired, I went home.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q2 - I tripped as I was going up the steps.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q3 - The thief was caught as there was a camera on the building.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q4 - We waved goodbye as they left.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q5 - We watched TV as we had nothing to do.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q6 - As we got near the end of the race, we started feeling exhausted.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q7 - I am going to sell it as I don't use it much.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q8 - I watched with horror as he dropped it.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time as'.

Q9 - The phone rang as I arrived.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time'.

Q10 - We went out for dinner as I hadn't bought anything to eat.

'As' means 'because'.
'As' means 'at the same time'.

Although, Though, Despite and However

Q1 - She went out ____ the rain.

although
despite
Either could be used here.

Q2 - She went out ____ it was raining.

although
despite
Either could be used here.

Q3 - She went out ____ the fact that it was raining.

although
despite
Either could be used here.

Q4 - ____ she didn't like it, I enjoyed it a lot.

Though
Although
Either could be used here.

Q5 - It was good, ____ expensive.

though
despite
Either could be used here.

Q6 - I was late. _____, the others were all on time.

Although
However
Despite

Q7 - ____ I was late, the others were all on time.

Although
However
Despite

Q8 - They managed it ____ I wasn't there.

although
despite
however

Q9 - They managed it ____ the fact that I wasn't there.

although
however
despite

Q10 - ____ tired, he managed to finish it on time.

Though
Despite
Either could be used here.

Q11 - ____ hard she tried, she still couldn't manage it.

However
Despite
Though
Although

Q12 - 'You did it!'

'I didn't enjoy it much, though.'
'I didn't enjoy it much, although.'

Q13 - ____ of the opportunity, no one bothered.

Despite
In spite
Although
Though

Because or Because Of ?

Instructions: Choose the correct answer to complete the sentence

Q1 - We stopped playing tennis ....... the rain

because of
because

Q2 - It was all ........ her that we got into trouble

because
because of

Q3 - We had to hurry indoors ...... it was raining

because of
because

Q4 - I am late ....... the traffic

because
because of

Q5 - We didn't arrive until seven o'clock ........ the traffic was terrible

because
because of

Q6 - She found the exam easy ........ she had worked hard during the course

because of
because

Q7 - He can't drive ........ his illness

because of
because

Q8 - The restaurant closed down ........ the recession

because
because of

Q9 - He found working in Japan very difficult ......... the language problem

because
because of

Q10 - He's very difficult to understand ......... his accent

because of
because

Q11 - They moved to Liverpool ......... her job

because
because of

Q12 - There have been a lot of problems in Britain ........ mad cow disease

because of
because

Q13 - They came to London ........ he got a job there

because of
because

Q14 - He crashed his car ........ he was driving too fast

because
because of

Q15 - He lost his driving licence ......... he was convicted of drinking and driving

because of
because

Q16 - She could only eat a salad in the restaurant ...... she is a vegetarian

because of
because

Q17 - The newspaper was prosecuted ........ an article about the Government

because
because of