Category: Class

Singular-Only Nouns

There are some nouns that are always in singular form. They are uncountable and do not have a plural form.

We do not use the articles – a/an before them but if they are particular we can use the article – the.

They are used with singular verbs.

Examples:

advicebaggagehomework
informationluggagefurniture
knowledgedusttraffic

My homework was very easy.

The luggage is heavy.

Their information was helpful.

Special case: 

Some of these nouns end in -s and -ics they may be mistaken for plural nouns. They are in the singular and they are used with singular verbs. 

Examples:

mathematicsaerobicsmeasles
physicspoliticsmumps
economicsnewsprogress

Physics is my favorite subject..

His progress was slow.

Measles is a serious disease.

The History of the Michelin Star

B1 – Intermediate

A Michelin Star is awarded to outstanding restaurants. As a result, restaurants around the world strive to earn this. They take into account the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef as represented in the dining experience, value for money, and the consistency between inspector’s visit.

The origins of the Michelin Guide trace back to the turn of the 20th century. Surprisingly, its inspiration has very little to do with cuisines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on the history of the Michelin Star.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-history-of-the-michelin-star-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the origin of the Michelin Star?
  2. What do you think about how getting or losing of a star affects a restaurant dramatically?
  3. Have you been to any Michelin Star restaurants? How was your experience? Would you recommend this restaurant? Why or why not?
  4. If you haven’t been to such restaurants, would you consider going there? Why or why not?
  5. What do you think should be considered when giving or taking a star away?
  6. What’s your opinion on a Michelin inspector’s job?

Test 293

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Test 307

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Inventing Languages

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Language is a tool for connecting people. Throughout history, words have come and gone, evolving with the times.

Pop culture has invented and introduced some interesting new words or new languages. We see them created and distorted for cinematic effect much to the enjoyment of the audience. Language construction started a long time ago and has since then been practiced by people either to communicate more effectively, as part of the changing times, or as an artistic expression.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript in the link below to learn more about inventing languages.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2022/ep-220113

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some other reasons people invent new languages or new words in a language?
2. Would you be interested in learning an unusual, fictional language? Why or why not?
3. How can we keep a language from dying or disappearing?
4. What are other languages that you would want to learn?
5. Why can learning languages be difficult to do?
6. What are some effective ways to easily learn a language?

Minister Swims for Hours after Helicopter Crash

B1 – Intermediate

A Madagascar police minister was lucky enough to be one of the few to survive after their helicopter crashed into the Indian Ocean. He was one of only two men to survive the accident by swimming for so many hours.

Read the lesson about Serge Gelle’s incredible story of survival. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2112/211227-survival-swim-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this story?
  2. What do you think about the two men?
  3. Have you ever been involved in an accident? Share your experience.
  4. Share an experience where you have ‘beaten the odds’.
  5. When a situation is very difficult and hopeless, what do you try to do?

Test 299

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Lickable TV Screen

B1 – Intermediate

Has this ever happened to you? You were watching TV and you saw a very delicious dish/food on the screen and you wished you could taste it?

Japanese professor Homei Miyashita has invented a TV screen that can imitate food flavors. Images you can taste indeed!

Read the lesson about lickable TV screen below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2112/211230-lickable-tv-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this invention?
  2. How helpful is this technology?
  3. What other technologies would you like to see in televisions?
  4. How important is TV to you?

Extreme Weather

B1 – Intermediate

There is nothing we can do to prevent natural calamities from occurring. In 2021, we have seen many unusual natural disasters that happened in new places. This must be a sign that our weather is becoming more and more extreme.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about extreme weather in 2021.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/extreme-weather-in-2021-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some examples of extreme weather you have experienced in your country last year?
  2. What do you think of this/these occurrence/s?
  3. Why do you think this is happening?
  4. Is there anything we can do about extreme weather? Explain.
  5. How prepared is your country for natural calamities? Elaborate.

Test 316

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