Mastering Advanced English Grammar Structures
Connecting Ideas: Linkers of Contrast
In Spite Of / Despite
- In spite of / Despite having very little money, they are very happy.
- I enjoyed the film in spite of the silly story.
- Despite living in the same street, we hardly ever see each other.
Although / Even Though
- Although my foot was injured, I managed to walk home.
- I got very wet even though I was only out for five minutes.
Grammatical Inversion for Emphasis
Common Inversion Structures
- Hardly had… when…
- Little did subject…
- Rarely have subject…
- Not
Contemporary Perspectives: Media, Justice, and Well-being
Reality TV: Entertainment or More?
Reality shows are a very popular form of entertainment on TV nowadays. There are dozens of different types of programs, such as singing contests, cooking competitions, or living in the jungle.
Firstly, people at home can choose which types of program they want to watch, depending on what they are interested in. Some people like watching singing or cooking competitions, while others prefer watching programs about building houses or travelling around the world. In
Read MoreMastering English Modal Verbs: Usage and Syntax
Ought To: Duty and Expectation
It signifies duty or an expectation for something to happen.
Examples
- I think I ought to tell him. (I think I should tell him.)
- She ought to pass the exam. (It is expected she will pass the exam.)
Syntax
- Affirmative: subject + ought to + verb
- Negative: subject + ought not to / oughtn’t to + verb
- Question: ought + subject + to + verb?
- Short Answer: Yes, subject + ought / No, subject + oughtn’t
Should: Advice and Opinion
Used to give advice or an opinion.
Examples
- You should have
English Language Practice: Vocabulary & Grammar Exercises
Vocabulary Practice
Part 1: Matching Words with Definitions
- Murder: to kill somebody intentionally
- Hijack: to take control of a plane illegally
- Kidnap: to capture an innocent person and hold them prisoner
- Forge: to make a false copy of a document
- Witness: to see a crime being committed
Part 2: Choosing the Best Answers
- Stand up for: If my little brother has problems with bigger kids, I always stand up for him.
- Set up: The neighbours are going to set up a residents’ group to stop vandalism.
- Take up: My parents
Essential English Vocabulary: Character & Media Terms
English Vocabulary: Personality & Character Traits
Positive & Neutral Traits
- Friendly, Gregarious, Outgoing = amigable, sociable, extrovertido/a
- “She’s outgoing and friendly when meeting new people.”
- Confident, Self-confident, Secure = seguro/a, confiado/a
- “He gave a very confident presentation.”
- Enthusiastic, Passionate = entusiasta, apasionado/a
- “He’s always enthusiastic about new projects.”
- Private, Reserved = reservado/a, poco expresivo/a
- “She’s quite reserved with people she doesn’t
Writing Examples: Biographies, Travel, and Formal Letters
Notable Figures and Their Impact
Maria Montessori: A Visionary in Education
Maria Montessori (born in Italy in 1870) was a woman who forever changed education. She became one of the first female doctors in her country, an impressive achievement for her era.
Physically, Maria Montessori was not very tall, but she possessed a strong and elegant presence. She had dark hair, which turned gray over the years, and she usually wore it tied back in a simple style. Her face was serious, with expressive eyes