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Vocabulary

How to write a CV

Average: 1.5 (214 votes)

Lots of our students study English to improve their job prospects, and when you’re applying for a job it is highly likely that you will need to submit a CV. Here’s an article about how to make a really excellent CV, followed by some true or false questions to check your understanding. I hope you find it helpful!
Lesson by Caroline Devane.

Body parts

Average: 3.1 (11 votes)

We learn words such as ‘arm’ and ‘leg’ in our first English classes.

But can you remember the smaller, less obvious parts of the body.

In each sentence is a scrambled body part.

All you need to do is unscramble the word to find the body part.
Lesson by Caroline

In the news: Madonna

Average: 2.6 (8 votes)

So, Madonna wants to move back to London despite the fact that she said she never wanted to live here again. Hmmmmmmm, I’m not sure how I feel about that! Read through this article and see if you can fit the missing words into the correct gaps. Do you think people should be entitled to visas just because they are celebrities?
Lesson by Caroline

Find the ten mistakes in this letter

Average: 3.5 (22 votes)

Here’s a letter from Caroline with a difference. Rather than a true or false or vocabulary exercise there are ten mistakes in the text. Some of them are grammar related; some are to do with the meaning of the text. See if you can find them. Good luck!
Lesson by Caroline

Caroline's Letter

Music is a really important part of my life.

Take Phrasal Verbs

Average: 3.6 (14 votes)

We all know that phrasal verbs are one of the most difficult things to learn in English, so here’s a quiz to see how well you remember some of the ones beginning with ‘take’.

Remember, Phrasal Verb = verb + preposition.

For each sentence, chose the correct phrasal verb. Good luck!
Lesson by Caroline

Very Strange Chocolate

Average: 3.4 (8 votes)

Anyone I've ever taught will know how much I love chocolate. But they may not know, that I also love the British sandwich spread Marmite. Especially on toast with cheese...

However, I’m not sure how I feel about this new invention, marmite chocolate! Read this article and see if you can fit in the missing words. Can you think of any other ‘very peculiar’ food combinations?
Lesson by Caroline

Why do we say 'get the upper hand'?

Average: 2.8 (35 votes)

To Get The Upper Hand

If you get the upper hand, you take a dominant position.

There is still some question as to where this saying comes from, but it is generally acknowledged that the phrase originated from American children in playgrounds.

In order to determine who gets first choice of player for their teams when playing baseball, one team captain grabs the bat at the bottom, and then the other captain takes hold above the first’s hand.

Why do we say 'excuse my French'?

Average: 2.5 (37 votes)

Excuse my French

This phrase is used in conversation when someone swears or curses, and is a request for forgiveness for using taboo language.

Of course, both the speaker and the listener are very much aware that whatever was said was in English and not French.

The expression originates from the 19th century, and was used literally.

10 Quick Preposition Questions

Average: 3.7 (24 votes)

Learning prepositions is not easy! There are so many rules and exceptions to follow. The best option is look at how prepositions are used in full sentences rather than looking at them on their own.

The more time you spend reading, listening and speaking English, the easier it becomes to use prepositions

Minnie Driver

Average: 3 (7 votes)

Today we are going to focus on vocabulary. I’ve written a list of words and their definitions above the article. All you need to do is decide which word completes which gap.