THE PASSIVE

Passive voice is formed by…

Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle

When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:

Peter builds a house (active)

A house is built by Peter (passive)

Remember passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action.  In the example My bike was stolen, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know, however, who did it.

Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice, as the following example shows, A mistake was made. In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not blame anyone (e.g. You have made a mistake.).

As always, you can go to 'Grammar' to see, download and/or print a document on the passive voice plus an overview on the active/passive 

And now, time to practise!!!!

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Exercise 5 (A page with lots of practice!!!)

Exercise 6

Exercise 7 (A game)

LET'S PRACTISE PAST TENSES!

Don't forget that 'practice makes perfect'!  and you seem to have some problems using the different past tenses together in the proper way so, why don't you try these exercises? Remember that the best way to learn is practice, practice, practice ;)

In case you are stuck or just want to have a look at how to use them before trying, just go to 'Our Bits and Bobs' to see, download and/or print the theory.

Good luck!

Exercise 1 - Past simple or past continuous? A story

Exercise 2 - past simple or past continous? A story

Exercise 3 - Past simple or past continuous? A dialog

Exercise 4 - Past simple or past continuous? A story

Exercise 5 - Past simple or past continuous? A story

Exercise 6 -  Past perfect or Past simple? Sentences

Exercise 7 - Past perfect or Past simple? A story

Exercise 8 - Past simple or Past Perfect? Matching exercise

Exercise 9 - Past simple, past continuous or past perfect? Sentences

Exercise 10- Past simple, past continuous or past perfect? Sentences

Exercise 11 - Narrative sentences - A story

CHEATERS vs INSPIRING PEOPLE

Cheaters never win, and winners never cheat ... unless you are one of these athletes. Who are some of the biggest cheaters in sport history? Have a look at this video and you will discover! You will also find the stories you read in class, and probably, a surprise at the end of the video!

 

Fortunately, there are some inspiring people, like Rick Hyot and his father, Dick. What makes them especial is the fact that Rick suffers from cerebral palsy since birth. They have competed together in several events, including marathons and triathlons. During competition Dick pulls Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat in the front of a bicycle, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they ran. The Hyots did not finish the 2013 Boston Marathon, the last marathon they have run together. They had about a mile to go when two bombs exploded near the finish line, and were stopped by officials along with thousands of other runners still running the race. They were not injured.

This is their official page 

 Watch the video to know more about them, even though it's in original it has subtitles, remember that this is good listening practice!

BURNS NIGHT

Robert Burns was a famous poet who lived in the 18th century (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796). He wrote in English and in the Scots language, and is the author of the poem “Auld Lang Syne”, which means “days gone by”. The poem was turned into a song and in the English-speaking world is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve or on various other occasions when people say farewell. Robert Burns also wrote many compositions dedicated to Scotland, for example “Scots Wha Hae”, which used to be Scotland’s national anthem.

On 25th January, the poet’s birthday, the Scottish people celebrate Burns Night. This is a celebration when the Scots share a traditional supper, recite Burns’ poetry and drink whisky. One of the most typical dishes served on this occasion is haggis, a kind of savoury pudding. Scottish music is often played, and for more formal parties, it is customary for a piper to play the bagpipe.
The first supper was held in memoriam at Burns Cottage by Burns's friends, on 21 July 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death; it has been a regular occurrence ever since.

- In 2009, 9 million people around the world attended a Burns Supper to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth.

- The first Burns Supper held outside of Scotland was thought to have taken place in Oxford in 1806.

Auld Lang Syne is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as being one of the top three most popular songs in the English language. Click here to listen to the song

Did you know that the shortest commercial flight takes place in Scotland and it lasts around 47 seconds? You can find more unusual facts about Scotland on this video:

EXAM PRACTICE

Do you want to practice before the day of the exam? Remember you can go to our 'Exam Practice' section where you'll find exercises with their key so you can work on your own. You can download and/or print them.
And remember you need a password, if you have forgotten or lost it, don't worry! Ask your teacher for it.

Good luck!

EXAM

Just a kind reminder!!!!

Group C (17-19h)

24th January - Use of English and Reading

25th January - speaking

29th January - writing and listening

31st January - speaking

Group D (19-21h)

24rd January - Speaking

25th January - Speaking

29th January - Use of English and Reading

31st January - Writing and listening



GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

ADJECTIVES -ED/-ING

Remember that we use -ed adjectives to talk about how a person feels and we use -ing adjectives to talk about the cause of that feeling. Go to 'Grammar' for a more accurate explanation. There you'll also find a list with the most common ones.

Watch this video to compare


And now try these exercises

- Exercise 1
- Exercise 2
- Exercise 3
- Exercise 4
- Exercise 5