We Speak With CONFIDENCE

We Speak With CONFIDENCE

Friday, April 17, 2020

Past Tense of Irregular Verbs

You will recognize grammar mechanics. In the past tense, we talk about events in the past (yesterday, last week, etc.) Many past tense verbs are irregular. These videos will help you to continue to build vocabulary.

 The Past Tense
English Instructor

 Irregular Verbs
Learn English

Irregular Verbs - Past Tense & Past Participles
Learn American English

ESL Irregular Verbs (Listen & Repeat)
#1
#2
#3

Irregular Verbs Song, Max the Cat
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Five Minute English
Look at this quiz.
http://www.5minuteenglish.com/jan21.htm

Now, play this game. Read the instructions. Be sure to look at the verb list.
ESL Blues

Here is another game: Speed Word
http://www.manythings.org/wbg/verbs_past1-sw.html

Here is a basketball game. It helps with reading and irregular verbs.
http://www.marks-english-school.com/games/b_past.html

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Irregular Plurals

Irregular plurals must be memorized.


Look at this video.
Burke's English

Here is a matching game. Play with a friend. Read and follow the directions.
http://www.manythings.org/wbg/irr_plurals1-mw.html

Here is another game.
http://www.what2learn.com/irregular-plurals-of-nouns/

This will help you build vocabulary.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Preposition Games and Videos




You will be able to read vocabulary for your English level. Review prepositions of location:

http://www.manythings.org/b/e/2225

Now, find another lesson on manythings.org.

These videos also review prepositions.  
English Anyone - Directions, Location & Movement

English Anyone - Where?

Tutor Tunes

Now, look at another Tutor Tune.

Judy Garland sings Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  The song is from the movie The Wizard of Oz.  More people in the world have seen this movie than any other film.  You should see it too!
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Where is Otis Redding?  He's Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.
"Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay"

Where does Jordin Sparks want to be?  She wants to be Next to You.
"Next to You"

Play these games:

http://www.marks-english-school.com/games/mes-prepositions_01.html

http://www.marks-english-school.com/games/b_prepmed.html


Now, find a new game on Mark's English School.com.

Look at these three sites.  Tell your teacher about other lessons, songs, or games that you like.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

There Is / There Are

You will recognize these frequently used words. Use "there is" for one item. (singular nouns) Use "there is" for non-count items. (non-count nouns) Use "there are" for many items. (plural nouns) Take this quiz. The computer will tell you the correct answer.

http://a4esl.org/q/h/9807/km-thereisare.html

Now, study another lesson here on Activities for ESL Students.


Here is another exercise. This program will teach you the right responses.

English Zone

Try and find a new lesson on English Zone.com.


Read this story, Dan's Kitchen.  If you want the meaning of a new word, click on the words in bold. Take the quiz at the end of the story.

http://fog.ccsf.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/lfried/quiz.cgi?quiz=danskitchen


Somewhere is a famous song from the musical play West Side Story. The words (lyrics) say: "There's a place for us."

Listen to the song from the popular TV show Glee. Copy & paste the links for each song.
Glee

Barbra Streisand, an American superstar, sings Somewhere.
Barbra Streisand

Here is Somewhere from the movie West Side Story starring Natalie Wood.
"West Side Story"

Here is more music from the movies. The film is The Chronicles of Narnia. The singer is Carrie Underwood. She is very famous and popular. The song is There's a Place for Us.
Carrie Underwood

Narnia

Here are two good ideas to improve English. Listen to music in English and read the lyrics (words). Watch English movies with closed captions on. West Side Story and The Chronicles of Narnia are two movies which millions of people love. Knox Porter likes them too. You should see them.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Comparing Adjectives

 
Click on this link.  Review adjectives.



 

Counters

 Some books call these words COUNTERS.

 Other books call them QUANTIFIERS.

All, Most, Many, Some, A few, and A couple are plural.

One is singular.

None is singular or plural.



What are Quantifiers?
http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-quantifiers.php

This link has the grammar exercise.  Answer the questions now.
http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-exercise-quantifiers.php

My English Pages:  Learn English Grammar Online also has study pages on reading and listening.  Find more study pages on this website.

Common Nouns: Countable or Uncountable?

Count nouns are nouns that we can count individually, one by one.  They can be singular or plural.

Noncount nouns are too difficult to count.  Examples:  liquids, hair, love.   They are singular.





Study the link.  Take the quiz.  You will build vocabulary.
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/uploads/ressources/grammar/05_determiners_articles/02_countun/01.htm


Articles: a, an, the

It is very important to use articles in sentences. You must if you want to do well on the next quiz. Look at the links.

 http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/uploads/ressources/grammar/05_determiners_articles/04_genspe/01.htm

English Anyone

You need to think about articles in this link.
http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/uploads/ressources/grammar/05_determiners_articles/05_defendef/01.htm

There is a quiz on Count / Noncount nouns in the link below. When you finish, look at Dave's ESL Cafe. Click on 'stuff for students.'
http://www.eslcafe.com/quiz/count1.html

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Infinitives

Many words take the infinitive form.  Use an infinitive after try, need, plan, like, and love.

An infinitive is to + the simple form of the verb.

Mr. Porter will try to teach with technology.
He loves to see students learn English.
 


Watch English Instructor:  Infinitives
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PghHPubYv1g

Here is a link on gerunds & infinitives.  Take the grammar quiz.
http://www.englishbaby.com/lessons/grammar/gerunds_vs_infinitives?page=1

When you finish, look at English, baby!   You can build vocabulary.  Look at the English forums and chat rooms. There are downloads for listening.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Adverbs of Frequency


You will recognize frequently used words. Now, let's recognize the grammar mechanics of adverbs of frequency.

English Instructor

This video will help your build vocabulary and read with confidence.  At 8:35 adverbs of frequency are shown.
English Anyone


Now, use this link to play the game, Hangman.

http://www.manythings.org/vocabulary/games/k/words.php?f=adverbs_of_time_1

Next, find a new game on Many Things.org.


Listen to popular songs. They use adverbs of frequency. This will build your vocabulary and improve your reading.

Always by Atlantic Starr
"Always"

Sometimes by Britney Spears
"Sometimes"

Never by Justin Bieber
Listen to the future tense. "I will never say never. I will fight to the end."
"Never"
 
Two of Billy Joel's songs use adverbs of frequency.
"Honesty is hardly ever heard. I can always find someone to say they sympathize."
"Honesty"

"She's always a woman to me."
"She's Always A Woman to Me"

Adverbs of Frequency Quiz:

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/adverbs-frequency_quiz.htm

English Club has lessons, games, videos, and chat.  Continue on this website to study your English.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

SENTENCE SCRAMBLE: Word Order Exercises

Scramble means mixed up; confused. In SCRAMBLED SENTENCES, the words of a sentence are mixed up. You will need to move the words around. Your goal is to make a good sentence. Get ready to THINK!

Example:                                   for you thank using website this

The words make this sentence. Thank you for using this website.

Click on these links.
http://www.tolearnenglish.com/english_lessons/word-order-exercises


http://a4esl.org/q/j/ck/wo-01.html


 'Scrambled' and 'jumbled' are synonyms.  They are two different words with the same meaning.  Both words mean mixed up.

http://www.englishclub.com/esl-games/jumbledwords.htm


http://gamestolearnenglish.com/falling-clouds/

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Turn Your Radio On

Listen to the radio in English. Below is information about popular stations in Atlanta. Spend 30 minutes a day listening to the radio. 

FM Radio

B98.5, soft rock
http://b985.com/

Kiss 104.1, R&B oldies
http://kiss1041fm.com/

Kicks 101.5, country
http://www.wkhx.com/

90.1/WABE-FM, news/talk/classical
http://www.pba.org/

Fish 104.7, Christian pop
http://www.thefishatlanta.com/

106.7, True Oldies
http://www.wyay.com/

Q100, top 40
http://www.q100atlanta.com/

97.1/The River, classic rock hits
http://971theriver.com/


AM Radio

750/WSB-AM, news/talk> (Also on 95.5 FM)
http://wsbradio.com/

640/WGST, news/talk
http://www.wgst.com/main.html

680/The Fan, sports talk
http://www.680thefan.com/

790/The Zone, sports talk
http://www.790thezone.com/

Use the radio to improve your English.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Read and Listen To the News

You will comprehend the content of the news. Look at United Press International. Choose a story. Read the material for information. Click on "listen." You can hear the same story you read.
http://www.upi.com/

Each story on the Voice of America site has a transcript and MP3 in slower English for non-native speakers.
http://www1.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/

You will like the news in 'special English.'

Friday, February 21, 2014

Golf Game: Simple Present Tense

Objective:  You will write sentences that convey (give) clear communication in present tense.

 Yet, you will think you are playing golf!http://www.eslfast.com/eslread/ss/s196.htm

http://www.marks-english-school.com/games/g_present.html

When finished, look for a new activity on Mark's English School.com.

You had to read to complete the last activity. Now you will read for meaning.  You will also build vocabulary.  Read The Rude Golfer. The story is in two parts.   Then complete these tasks:  vocabulary, yes / no questions, CLOSE, Crossword, and dictation.

 1.  http://www.eslfast.com/eslread/ss/s195.htm
2.
http://www.eslfast.com/eslread/ss/s196.htm

After you finish, read another story on ESL Fast.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Let's Build Vocabulary

Password is a famous game show. You will read vocabulary. Learners will recognize ordinary words. Get ready to identify similarities and differences. 
"Password"

You will recognize frequently used words with Rachael Ray, Regis Philbin, and Neil Patrick Harris.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Here's Help With CONTRACTIONS

"CONTRACT" means to make smaller. 2 words are put together. A smaller word is made. That is a CONTRACTION. That's what a contraction is. The apostrophe ( ' ) takes the place of the missing letters.

English Anyone
This lesson has tips (ideas) on contractions. 



Here are flashcards. This will help you to continue to build vocabulary.
TIME

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Adjectives That Compare




Look at this video from English Instructor. Is it a good video? Is it better than other videos? Or, is it the best video on this blog?
English Instructor

Now look at this video on superlatives. You will continue to build vocabulary.
English Instructor: Superlatives

This video is a song by the boy group named 98 Degrees. Listen to The Hardest Thing. Listen for the lyrics (words): "there is no turning back."

"The Hardest Thing"

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Simple Present Tense


You will recognize the grammar mechanics and sentence structure of present tense.

English Anyone
This video is on verbs.
 English Anyone - verbs

These videos are on the verb to be.  This is not easy.  Look at these twice (two times.)
English Anyone - to be

Burke's English

 Review verbs on the website below. Take the test. The computer will check your answers.

http://www.eslpartyland.com/quiz-center/bepresent.htm

ow, find more lessons on ESL Party Land.

Sailing is a song with many verbs in the present tense.
 "Sailing"

Music: "Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady"

TIME EXPRESSIONS

Once = 1 time
Twice = 2 times

Lionel Ritchie sings "Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady"

Copy and paste both links. How does the singer describe emotions?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjfq0Fr85Yg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frr4YZCp2p0

Present Continuous Tense


In this tense, we talk about an action that is happening now. Some books call this tense "Present Progressive." You will recognize grammar mechanics and sentence structure.

Online Learning: Present Simple vs. Present Continuous / Grammar Explanation. This video will help.
English Grammar Training

This reviews both Simple Present and Present Continuous.  Take the quiz.
5 Minute English

Watch these cartoons.
Road Runner: Present Continuous

Road Runner: Present Progressive


Bob Dylan wrote a famous song: Blowin' in the Wind. Watch this video with lyrics.
Bob Dylan

Now watch Peter, Paul and Mary sing Blowin' in the Wind.
Peter, Paul & Mary

James Taylor sings Getting to Know You
This song has 6 lines which use present continuous tense.
"Getting To Know You"

It is raining.  Gene Kelly tells his girl:  "The sun is shining all over the place."  Then he sings Singing in the Rain.  Look, he's dancing in the rain.  Once I had a student who said he had seen this movie 50 times!
"Singing in the Rain"

Elton John sings I'm Still Standing.  Look for 6 lines which use present continuous tense.
"I'm Still Standing"

Bruce Springsteen sings Dancing in the Dark.  Look for 12 examples of present continuous tense.
"Dancing in the Dark"

Take this quiz. Use the correct verb to write sentences with proper meaning. This site will check your answers.
http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verb-tenses_present-continuous_quiz.htm

Next, find a new lesson on English Club.com. Use this site to review grammar, verbs, and tenses.

Writing Good Questions

Wh- questions
 
This link has a chart.  It explains question words.  Take a look.
http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/wh-question-words.htm

Now, look for a new activity on English Club.

Here are songs which ask questions.  Enjoy.

Who's That Girl?
 Who's That Girl?

What's Going On?    Marvin Gaye sings a question in the present continous tense.
What's Going On?

In A Little Help From My Friends, the Beatles asked:
      What would you think if I sang out of tune?
      What do I do when my love is away?
A Little Help from My Friends

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
This song also asks:  When will they ever learn?
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

Where Is Love? This one song asks 12 questions. In under 4 minutes you will have a good review of question words.
Where is Love?

Why Can't We Be Friends?
Why Can't We Be Friends?

How? John Lennon asks 12 questions. 'How' is the question word for all of them.
How?

The next two songs are from the movie Les Miserables.
Who Am I? A man, Jean Valjean, asks 13 questions in one song.
Who Am I?

Do You Hear the People Sing?   The singers ask 6 different questions.
Do You Hear the People Sing?

Take this test. You will write questions that convey (give) clear communication.

http://a4esl.org/q/h/9704/dg-wh.html

Play this game. It is on question words. Follow the directions.

http://a4esl.org/q/f/y/yz93fck.htm

Now, find a new lesson on Activities for ESL Students:
a4esl.org.

Future Tense

You will recognize grammar mechanics using future tense. Copy and paste the links.

First you are going to watch this video from.
English Instructor

Then you will review with this link: "Going to" and "Will" Grammar Lesson.
English Grammar Training

You will listen to the song I Will Survive, which uses future tense.
Gloria Gaynor

Next you will listen to Whitney Houston sing: I Will Always Love You.
Whitney Houston

I Will Always Love you was written by Dolly Parton. Listen and read.
Dolly Parton

Now you will listen to Celine Dion sing My Heart Will Go On, from the movie Titanic.
Celine Dion

Coldplay sings  I Will Fix You.
Coldplay

Simon and Garfunkel sing and make promises for the future by saying:  "I will ..."  Listen to Bridge Over Troubled Water.
hPaul Simon
Now you will review with this video

http://www.manythings.org/b/e/3912

When finished, look at Many Things.org. Find another lesson on grammar, vocabulary, or listening and speaking.

Singular and Plural Expressions

You will be able to recognize grammar mechanics. Look for regular and irregular plurals. Continue building vocabulary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC3X6cOzhLY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEQDOHcUXaE

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Simple Past Tense

You will recognize and pronounce frequently used words in the past tense. In the simple past tense, we talk about events in the past (yesterday, last month, etc.) Regular past tense verbs end with -ed.

Review these four videos daily for one week.

Pronunciation of the Final 'ed' of Past Tense Verbs
http://www.manythings.org/b/e/4426

How to Pronounce 'ed' Endings
http://www.manythings.org/b/e/4365


How to Say -ed endings in English


[t], [d], or [Id] ? Pronunciation of Past Tense




Quiz: Simple Past Review
http://a4esl.org/q/f/x/xz39met.htm

Be sure to find other lessons on Many Things.org and Activities for ESL.


Look at this cartoon: Road Runner Grammar. Copy & paste the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3PrjDh89sQ&feature=related


Now take this quiz. It reviews present, past and future tenses.
http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/grammar/verbs/quiz236.html


Both of these songs have many verbs in the past tense.

Yesterday, Once More by the Carpenters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR1v3MZcHDw

Yesterday, by the Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G6IxcmgblA&list=UUQGYtNKeLTbUFcYLT1MaTEw&index=1

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Feelings and Emotions

Continue to build vocabulary about feelings and emotions.

http://www.manythings.org/b/e/4470

After watching, find a new lesson on Many Things.org.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Two Zoos

These websites are basic reading materials. Read them for information.

The San Diego Zoo is located in the state of California.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/kids/

Joan Embry from the San Diego Zoo was on The Tonight Show.  Get ready to laugh!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbIxzigxfQw&list=PL194245C6955E1324&feature=endscreen&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4KLW0ZobH4

The National Zoo is in Washington, DC.
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/

Zoo Atlanta opened in 1889. The size is 40 acres. 1300 animals live there. This is a good place for you to visit.  Take your family or friends.

http://www.zooatlanta.org/

If you know a child, look at these together.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

A Big Picture: Austin, TX and Boston, MA

Two Cities


These cities are good places to live in the USA. Read about them. Try to comprehend (understand) the content of the text (sentences.)

Austin is a city in the state of Texas. Copy and paste the links.
http://www.austintexas.org/visitors/plan_your_trip/

Many a Texas man has sung about The Yellow Rose of Texas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT0SgcYI1Qg


Boston is in Massachusetts.

The Today Show visited Boston. Watch this video: Taking in the Sights of Boston.

http://www.today.com/video/today/50821122/#50821122

http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/

Dave Loggins sings:  Please Come to Boston.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT0SgcYI1Qg


Read about Atlanta. Find someplace new to visit. Take your family or friends.

http://www.atlanta.net/


Read and listen to more about Boston, plus other cities.

http://www.elllo.org/english/Points/PT06-Cities.html

Continue listening on Elllo.org. Find a new topic.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Who is More Famous? Jennifer Lopez?

Let's comprehend English. A good way is to watch movies in English. Use closed captions in English. This will make you a better independent reader.


Rent the video The Wedding Planner, starring Jennifer Lopez. First look at the preview. 
The Wedding Planner

Enjoy a movie in English!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Geography Features

You will continue building vocabulary. The video, Physical Features of the Earth, reviews geography features. Enjoy the pictures.
Physical Features of the Earth

Look at the Appalachian Trail in Georgia:
Hike the Appalachian Trail

Now see Georgia's second highest mountain.
Rabun Bald

You should plan a trip to the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia.

Or plan a trip to all 50 states.  Play the game Know Your States.
http://jimspages.com/States.htm

View this video to explore the Mississippi River.
Explore the Mississippi River

Look at geography features.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Death Valley


Death Valley National Park is the largest park in the continental 48 states.
 Learn about Death Valley. Read the material for information.

National Geographic

http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/death-valley-national-park-outdoor-pp2-guide-cid8944.html


Now watch the video: Have You Ever Had to Adjust to a Hot Climate? Take the video quiz. The computer will check your answers.

http://elllo.org/video/0876/V891KatiaClimate.htm

Next, find a new lesson on Elllo.org.

Who is More Famous? Meg Ryan?

Watching movies is a great way to learn English. Use the subtitles. Make sure they are in English. This will help you read independently. You will build your vocabulary.

I recommend You've Got Mail, starring Meg Ryan. Rent this and watch. First watch the trailer.
 


 

"You've Got Mail"

Work on comprehending (understanding) spoken English with this listening activity on DVD Movie Rentals.
http://www.esl-lab.com/like1/like1.htm

Find more activities on ESL Lab.com.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Seeing Eye Dogs

 
The Seeing Eye: New Beginnings

Watch the video to learn more about this topic. 
New Beginnings

Now, read and listen to a story. The family trains dogs for blind people. Follow the directions.
http://www.elllo.org/english/0001/003-Matt-Dogs.htm

Next, listen to a new story on Elllo.org.

Glacier National Park


Now look at this video from Glacier National Park in the state of Montana. Look at all the different landforms.
Scenery

To improve your English, you must DREAM BIG.   This song is for my students.
"Dream Big"

This video is from The Today Show (NBC News). Jenna Bush Hager visits Glacier National Park.
"The TODAY Show"

This videos are from the CBS News program, Sunday Morning. Watch Glacier National Park.
"CBS Sunday Morning"
nature -Montana's Glacier National Park

Monday, March 15, 2010

Breeds of Dogs

 
Continue building vocabulary. Review breeds of dogs in the United States. 
The Most Popular Dog Breeds

Now, read and listen to a story about Mary's dog. What breed is her dog?
Take the quiz. The computer will check your answers.
http://www.elllo.org/english/0351/380-Mary-Dogs.htm

Next, find another story on Elllo.org. Read. Listen. Follow the directions.

Below are two stories about dogs.  You will read for meaning.  Complete the five activities.  They will help you build vocabulary. 

City Council Passes New Dog Barking Law
 http://www.eslfast.com/eslread/ss/s117.htm

The Park That Went to the Dogs
http://www.eslfast.com/eslread/ss/s285.htm

This site, ESL Fast, has 365 stories.  Read one each day.  In one year you will be a better reader.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Video to Build Vocabulary and Reading

Between the Lions is a TV show. It is funny. It teaches basic reading, pronunciation, and grammar skills. You will learn letters and sounds, repeated vocabulary, and definitions. There are also stories. If you have a child, between four to seven years old, watch with your child.

Look at the Between the Lions website. Copy and paste this link.

http://pbskids.org/lions/

This show is on WGTV, Atlanta channel 8, at 1:00 p.m.

http://www.gpb.org/

Between the Lions is also on WPBA, Atlanta channel 30, at 6:00 a.m. You might want to record this program. Watch it later.

http://www.pba.org/

Wednesday, April 29, 2009