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vocabulary

Extreme Adjectives

Average: 2.2 (192 votes)

Extreme adjectives are words that give extra emphasis to the subject they describe: For example, "funny" is a normal adjective expressing that something makes us laugh, but "hilarious" is an extreme adjective which shows that something makes us laugh a lot. In other words, "hilarious" means "very funny".

The Most Depressing Day of the Year

Average: 3.3 (9 votes)

Just Chillax - New English Words

Average: 3.5 (10 votes)

Last week we looked at how the English language is constantly evolving and new words are added to the dictionary every year.

Here are some more words that have been added in recent years; some of which are frequently used as well as some that you cannot believe have made it into mainstream language! Can you match the words to their meanings?

Past Participle Irregular Verbs

Average: 3.6 (54 votes)

Check your understanding of irregular past participle verbs.

Example: Do

Present Simple: do - "Where do you live?"
Past Simple: did - "Where did you go yesterday?"
Past Participle: done - "Has he done all his homework?"

Choose the correct word

Average: 1.7 (174 votes)

Choose the correct missing word in each of these ten sentences.

How many did you get correct? Which ones did you get wrong? Tell us in the comments box below

Here are three words that feature in the sentences and may be new to you. Please ask if you have any other questions about vocabulary or the meaning of these sentences.

By Chris

Much / many / a lot of / some

Average: 3.4 (186 votes)

How much do you remember about countable and uncountable nouns? Can you remember when you use:

  • Much
  • Many
  • Some
  • A lot of

Here is a review quiz. In some cases, you may think that both answers are possible, but think about the meaning of the sentence very carefully and you will change your mind!

If you have any questions, post them at the bottom of this lesson. Good luck!
Lesson by Caroline Devane

Upper Intermediate Reading - Illegal Downloading

Average: 1.8 (173 votes)

Satire: Witty language to convey insults or scorn. It's a way of criticising people or ideas in a humorous way, or a piece of writing or play which uses this style.

A while ago I posted a lesson based on a satirical article about Facebook. Here's another one, for your amusement, about illegal downloading! Read the article and try and complete the gaps with the correct words. Right, I’m off to listen to Spotify...
Lesson by Caroline Devane

Visiting Cape Town - Mixed Prepositions Quiz

Average: 2.8 (18 votes)

After last year's World Cup in South Africa, Cape Town is becoming a more and more popular destination for English learners. The whole planet got to see what an amazing city it is, and now people really want to check it out for themselves.

Students are attracted to this area because of its culture, nature and climate. Cape Town is a fascinating city that travellers soon fall in love with.

Advanced / Proficiency Level Reading

Average: 3.2 (15 votes)

This article, written by professional funny man David Mitchell, discusses whether young people should still be taking gap years. Do you think a gap year helps you grow as a person, or do you, like the writer, think it is just a waste of money? Read the article carefully then answer the true or false questions at the end. Let me know your opinion.
Lesson by Caroline Devane

A Gap Year: A yearlong break from study taken by some students on leaving school before starting university, often spent gaining work experience or travelling.

Idiom of the day: Keep an eye on

Average: 1.7 (165 votes)

Today we take a look at the idiom keep an eye on.

Definition

  1. To watch closely or carefully.
  2. To watch over attentively; mind.

When we keep an eye on someone or something, we watch it carefully.

Example Sentences: