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Reading

Storytelling - Simple Past Tense

Average: 3.5 (86 votes)

When we talk about past events we usually use the simple past tense. Read this famous children's story and change the simple tense verbs (in orange) to the simple past tense:

Jack and the Beanstalk

Once upon a time there _live_ a poor widow and her son Jack.

All they _have_ was a cow called Daisy.

When the cow _stop_ giving milk, Jack's mother _tell_ him to take their cow to the market and sell it.

Summer Blockbusters

Average: 4.5 (21 votes)

(Paragraph 1) It's a Hollywood trend for major film studios to release big-budget movies in the summer.

(Paragraph 2) A blockbuster is a lavishly produced film that has or is expected to have wide popular appeal and financial success. They usually have well-known actors, the strong possibility of sequels and are heavily advertised for months before they are released.

(Paragraph 3) The top three summer blockbusters of all-time are Marvel's The Avengers (2012), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).

In the news: Metallica

Average: 3.4 (29 votes)

The organisers of Glastonbury festival have ended months of _1_ over who will headline the Pyramid Stage on Saturday, by announcing that Metallica are to fill the spot. _2_ began circulating the other week when Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis said the final headliners were "one of the biggest-selling bands in the world".

About EC

Average: 3.9 (23 votes)

Our first school was established in Malta _1_ 1991 and quickly became one of the country's leading English language schools. Today, we help more than 45,000 students _2_ year reach their language goals in 18 breathtaking destinations around _3_ world.

Culture Lesson: Easter

Average: 3.8 (32 votes)

As we enter the Easter period, let's take a look at its meaning and traditions.

What is Easter?

Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Christians believe, according to the Bible, that Jesus came back to _1_, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. It is said that Jesus _2_ on Good Friday and rose from the dead on Easter Sunday.

Synonyms and vocab

Average: 3.9 (31 votes)

As you read through this text, pay attention to the orange words:

My Day

Well, I had a full day, today. First I woke up early and took my dog for a walk before I tidied up my apartment and did some laundry.

April Fool's Day

Average: 3.9 (37 votes)

April 1st in many countries is commonly known as April Fool's Day. Are you familiar with the tradition? As you read through the text pay attention to the bold words. Do you know what they mean?

In the news: Oscar Pistorius

Average: 4.4 (21 votes)

Read through this text about South African athlete Oscar Pistorius, who is currently on trial in Cape Town.

_1_ for the South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius will open the case for the defence in Pretoria on Friday.

Year of the Horse

Average: 4.4 (25 votes)

According to Chinese zodiac, 2014 is the year of the horse. The previous horse years were 2002, 1990 and 1978. People born in the year of the horse are said to be a bit like horses.

"Horse personalities" are said to be very active, ambitious, multi-taskers and fond of exercise. On the other hand, negative aspects of horses are they may be impatient, greedy and unconcerned with the problems of others.

Cultural Lesson: St. Patrick's Day

Average: 3.8 (18 votes)

Saint Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday _1_ every year on 17 March, the death date of the most commonly-recognised patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. A patron saint is a saint who is believed to _2_ a particular place or type of person.