Boost Your English: Core Skills Development

Posted on Sep 1, 2025 in English

Contextual Vocabulary Practice

Use each sentence to help you understand the meaning of each underlined word or phrase.

  1. Take a piece of fruit to munch on during your commute. (eat)
  2. If you like to eat meat, trim all visible fat. (cut off)
  3. Use “lite” dairy products which are low-fat and better for your health. (not fatty)
  4. Cut down on portion size so you don’t eat too much unhealthy food. (Eat smaller portions)

“There Is” or “There Are” Exercises

Complete each sentence or question with a form of there is or there are.

  1. Is there anything in the fridge?
  2. Are there any cookies?
  3. I hope there is no chocolate in this cake. I’m allergic.
  4. Is there anything to eat in this house? I’m hungry.
  5. There are eggs in the fridge. We could make an omelette.
  6. I don’t think there are any vegetables on the menu.
  7. There is too much sugar in this coffee.
  8. Is there enough lettuce to make a salad?

Conversational Context & Responses

Use the conversation to help you choose the correct response.

  1. “Where are you off to?” (I’m going to work.)
  2. “Do you lift weights?” (No way.)
  3. “Does your daughter play golf?” (Yes. She’s crazy about golf.)
  4. “How often do you play tennis?” (I don’t. I’m a couch potato.)

Using “Can” and “Have To”

Complete the sentences with can or have to.

  1. Vicky can’t come for dinner tonight. She has to finish a report for her boss.
  2. I can meet you at 6:00. I don’t have to work late tonight.
  3. My brother can’t play soccer today. He has to go to the doctor.
  4. I want to see a movie, but I have an exam tomorrow. I have to study tonight.

Listening Practice: “Can” or “Can’t”

Now listen carefully and check can or can’t. Then listen again and repeat.

  1. Can
  2. Can’t
  3. Can
  4. Can’t
  5. Can
  6. Can’t

Simple Present vs. Present Continuous

Complete the sentences. Use the simple present tense or the present continuous.

  1. How often do you go running?
  2. I’m sorry. Paul is studying right now.
  3. I’m going to the track this afternoon.
  4. I lift weights three times a week.
  5. Tim is cooking lunch. Can he call you back?
  6. How often do you play the guitar?
  7. I play tennis every day.

Vocabulary Reinforcement

Practice the new vocabulary. Complete each statement.

  1. I hardly ever exercise, and I usually don’t feel healthy. I’m really (b. out of shape)
  2. I generally try to eat healthy foods. I avoid (a. fatty foods)
  3. My son has a real sweet tooth. He loves (b. candy)

Brooke Ellison: Abilities and Obligations

Read the article again. Complete each statement with can, can’t, or has to.

  1. Can’t walk.
  2. Has to use a wheelchair.
  3. Can breathe without a special machine.
  4. Has to get up early every day.
  5. Can use a computer.
  6. Can use a calculator.
  7. Can’t use her hands.
  8. Can read her e-mail.

Listening: Adverbs of Frequency

Listen carefully. Check the box to complete each statement. Then listen again to check your work.

  1. She never eats breakfast.
  2. Tony usually goes swimming on Mondays.
  3. He almost always eats healthy food.
  4. She daily goes running.

Selecting Appropriate Responses

Choose the best response.

  1. “Why don’t we go to the pool next week?” (Sorry, I can’t. I have to study.)
  2. “Why don’t we have dinner together tonight? How about at eight?” (Sure. Sounds great.)
  3. “What are you doing here?” (I always have lunch here on Saturdays.)

Personal Information & Habits

Answer the questions with real information.

  1. How often do you go to your English class? (three times a week)
  2. Are you going to your English class tomorrow? (No, I am not.)
  3. What do you usually do on weekends? (I usually study.)
  4. What are you doing this weekend? (I’m staying home.)