Week 10 Simple Past vs Present Perfect Review

A. We use the simple past with actions that happened and ended in the past. The time is specific or understood from context

-I ate sushi last night
-We saw a movie yesterday
-I practiced karate when I was a child

B. We use the present perfect  for actions that happened before the present, sometime in the past, but we don't say when specifically

-My mother has visited Mazatlan before
-I haven't been to Tokyo
-She has met Tom Cruise once

When did the action happen? We don't know. We use the present perfect to describe life events.

C. We also use the present perfect for actions that started in the past and continue in the present (unfinished actions)

-I have worked in Hubbell for 5 years
-We have studied English since 2012
-I have worked hard this year

Here we emphasize time progress. Actions that have occurred for a period of time. Notice the difference:

- I married my wife in 2010 (Simple past: action that happened in the past)
- I have been married since 2010 (Present perfect: action that started in the past and continues today)

Watch these videos:

And take Quiz 19:

Week 9 Unreal Conditional in the Past

 

Please watch these videos:

Now take Quiz 17:

Quiz 18: Talk about an important decision you took in your life. What might have happened if you hadn't taken that decision? Please record your answer. 

Week 8. A Revival in American Manufacturing, Led by Food Craft Makers

Listen to the story and answer the questions. Listen to the audio at least three times before you read the transcript.

Audio Transcript:

Quiz 15:

Quiz 16: What are the advantages for a company and for its workers of manufacturing high-end products?

Week 7 Non Profit Hospitals Sue Poorest Patients

Listen to the audio at least three times before answering the questions on Quiz 13.

Transcription:

Quiz 14: What do you think about charity and philanthropy? Traditionally,  Non Profit Organizations have focused on meeting the immediate needs of the homeless, the poor, and other marginalized groups by providing them with food, clothing and shelter. Nowadays, these organizations are trying to tackle the roots of these problems. Have you ever been involved in philanthropy? In what ways? If not, what's a cause that you would support? Record your answer on quiz 14:

Week 6. Passive Voice and the Manufacturing Process

Passive Voice

 

Please watch this video:

Now take Quiz 11:

 

Manufacturing Processes

Please describe the manufacturing process to produce one of your company's products. Use the same style and structure as in "How a Bolt Is Made." Quiz 12:

Week 5. Rejection Therapy

Listen to this article about Rejection Therapy and then answer the questions. Try to listen to the audio at least three times before you read the transcription. Quiz 9:

Transcription:

Someone said that it is dangerous to always be on the safe side. Do you agree? Talk about an experience when faced your fears. Record it on Quiz 10:

Week 4 Gerunds and Infinitives

Uses of the Infinitive

1. Use the infinitive (to play, to walk, to eat, etc.) after some verbs such as need, plan, promise, want, would like, pretend, learn, hope, forget, decide, among others. 

- My mom wants to buy a new car

-I hope to finish this report by 5pm

2. Use the infinitive after adjectives (beautiful, smart, tall, etc.):

-It's easy to make a sandwich

-It's difficult not to eat chocolate (negative infinitive)

-It's important not to fight with your friends (negative infinitive)

3. Use the infinitive to indicate a reason, a purpose:

-I went to S-Mart to buy milk

-My mom stayed home to rest

Now take Quiz 7:

Uses of the Gerund

Use a gerund after certain verbs such as dislike, enjoy, feel like, spend time, keep on, etc.:

-On our next vacation we will spend time lying on the beach

-My friend feels like cooking pizza

Use a gerund after prepositions:

-I'm happy about visiting my friends in Oaxaca

-My mom is afraid of walking on the street at night

Use a gerund as a subject:

Waking up late on Sunday is great

Camping in the forest makes me feel alive

Now take Quiz 8: