English Tutoring

For this class we have the following goals: To review "had better" and "would rather". To identify and apply the Passive Voice. Review "Had better" and "would rather" exercise The Passive Voice Video   Video 2 Use of Passive Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action. Example: My bike was stolen. In the example above, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know, however, who did it. Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice, as the following example shows: Example: A mistake was made. In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not blame anyone (e.g. You have made a mistake.). Form of Passive Subject + finite form of  to be  + Past Participle (3rd column of  irregular verbs ) Example: A letter was written. When rewriting active sentenc...

For this class we have the following goals: To identify and apply the use and form of the expressions "would rather" and "had better". What's the difference between would rather and had better? Would Rather Would rather is used when there is a preference. After would rather, we use the infinitive without to.  I would rather stay at home than go to a movie. It means....... (I prefer staying at home)   I would rather leave. (I would like to leave.)   Contracted Would - I'd, He'd, She'd, We'd, You'd, They'd She'd rather stay with me than go out with you.  They'd rather play with the baby than change its diaper.  Would rather in negative form is written WOULD RATHER NOT or I'D RATHER NOT. I  would  rather  not  repeat  what my colleagues said during that debate. So  I  would  rather  not  discuss the work programme at this point. Had Better  We use had better when we give ...

For this class we have the following goals: To identify and apply comparatives and superlatives. What are comparatives and superlative verbs? VIDEO COMPARATIVE ADJECTIVES Comparative adjectives are used to compare differences between the two objects they modify ( larger, smaller, faster, higher ). They are used in sentences where two nouns are compared, in this pattern: Noun (subject) + verb + comparative adjective +  than  + noun (object). The second item of comparison can be omitted if it is clear from the context (final example below). EXAMPLES My house is  larger  than hers. This box is  smaller  than the one I lost. Your dog runs  faster  than Jim's dog. The rock flew  higher  than the roof. Jim and Jack are both my friends, but I like Jack  better . ("than Jim" is understood) SUPERLATIVE ADJECTIVES Superlative adjectives are used to describe an object which is at the upper or lower limi...

For this class we have the following goals: To review and apply all the conditionals. Answer the following questions: EXAMPLES: What is the conditional of these sentences? If I had gone to the supermarket, I would have had the ingredients for the cake. If I were a chef, I would prepare the cake quickly. If I press this button, the water boils. If I read the preparation, I will know how to bake the cake. USES Which is the conditional that talks about a possible result from something you do in the present? Which is the conditional that talks about a result from something you do and it is 100% true? Which is the conditional that talks about a possible result from something you did in the past and it is a regret? Which is the conditional that talks about a possible result from an imaginary situation? STRUCTURE (REVIEWING THE AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCES) Which is the conditional that is written with past perfect + would + present perfect? Which is the conditional t...

For this class we have the following goals: To identify and apply the second and third conditional. Use of the Second and Third Conditional Video The Second Conditional The second conditional uses the  past simple  after if, then 'would' and the infinitive: if + past simple, ...would + infinitive (We can use 'were' instead of 'was' with 'I' and 'he/she/it'. This is mostly done in formal writing). It has two uses. 1.  First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true. Maybe I'm imagining some dream for example. If I  won  the lottery, I  would buy  a big house.(I probably won't win the lottery) If I  met  the Queen of England, I  would say  hello. She  would travel  all over the world if she  were  rich. She  would pass  the exam if she ever  studied .(She never studies, so this won't happen) 2. Second, we can ...

For this class we have the following goals: To identify and apply the simple future "will" and the zero and first conditional. Use of Future Simple Video The simple future refers to a time later than now, and expresses facts or certainty. In this case there is no 'attitude'. The simple future is used: To predict a future event: It  will rain  tomorrow. With I or We, to express a spontaneous decision: I'll pay  for the tickets by credit card. To express willingness:  I'll do  the washing-up. He'll carry  your bag for you. In the negative form, to express unwillingness: The baby  won't eat  his soup. I  won't leave  until I've seen the manager! With I in the interrogative form using "shall", to make an offer: Shall I open  the window? With we in the interrogative form using "shall", to make a suggestion: Shall we go  to the cinema tonight? With I in the interrogative form using "shall", to as...