Category: Class

Cleft Sentences

A cleft sentence is used to connect something that is already understood to a new information. A cleft sentence is a single message that is divided (cleft) into two clauses, allowing for the focus to be on the new information.

It-Cleft Sentences

The it-clauses is the most common type of cleft clause. The detail that follows it is the information that the listener should focus on. The clause after the it-clause is linked by that. It also has information that is already understood. In informal situations when it is the object of the verb, that is omitted.

Examples:

A: The Joneses’ house was burglarized two nights ago, did it?

B: No. It was the Sandlers’ house that was burglarized!

Old information: a house was burglarized

New information: it was the Joneses’ house

A: They’ve visited Paris, haven’t they?

B: No, it was Madrid (that) they visited!

Old information:  they visited a place

New information: it was Madrid

Is it Taylor Swift’s concert that you are attending this weekend?

Old information: you are attending a concert

New information: Taylor Swift’s concert?

Who is used and not that if the focus is the personal subject. In informal situations when it is the object of the verb, who is omitted.

It was my sister who (or that) they gave the present to. 

Also: It was my sister they gave the present to.

A plural verb is used when a plural subject is the focus. It + be stays singular.

It’s the priests who were officiating their wedding.

In the it-clause, negative structures are used.

It wasn’t the American singer who won the award.

Wh-Cleft Sentences

For a Wh-cleft sentence, it is introduced by what. Why, where, how, etc. can also be used sometimes. The old information can be found in the wh-clause. The new information, on the other hand, can be found in the next clause.

A: I don’t know what to tell them. I don’t know what they want to talk about.

B: What they want to talk about is sports.

Old information: talking about what they want to speak about

New information: they want to talk about sports

A: The dishes in this restaurant aren’t very delicious.

B: What you need to do is order their specialty.  

Old information: there is something wrong with the dishes in the restaurant

New information: you need to order their specialty

Test 815

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Introductory Clauses

An introductory clause is a dependent clause that provides context for the independent clause. Introductory clauses start with adverbs such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, until, when, etc. Then, a comma is used to separate the introductory clause from the main clause. 

Sentence Structure

Introductory clause > comma (,) > main clause.

Examples:

If you want to close the deal, you must be patient with these clients.

Because our dog kept getting sick, we brought her to the veterinarian.

Introductory Phrases

An introductory phrase is not a complete clause but it sets the scene, time, or condition for the main action of the sentence. The different introductory phrases are prepositional, appositive, participial, infinitive, and absolute phrases.

Examples:

1. introductory prepositional phrases

Under the starry sky, they promised eternal love for each other.

2. introductory appositive phrase

A kind and obedient daughter, Elizabeth is the apple of the eye of her parents.

3. introductory participial phrase

Walking regularly, my grandparents stay healthy even in their advanced age.

4. introductory infinitive phrase

To be able to go home early, you must be very efficient in doing all your tasks.

5. introductory absolute phrase 

The snow falling heavily, the children went back inside their house.

Introductory Words

Words such as however, still, furthermore, and meanwhile are some common introductory words. These words connect one sentence to the next.

Examples:

The teacher graded the students’ exams. Meanwhile, the students read quietly.

All of the dishes looked appetizing. Still, the skills of chef was put to test.

No Comma Required

Some introductory elements do not need a comma. At times, the subject of a sentence looks like an introductory element when it is actually not.

Here are cases where a comma is not required:

  1. After a prepositional phrase with less than five words
  2. After a restrictive appositive phrase
  3. When separating the subject and the predicate

All of the sentences below seem like they need a comma after the opening segment, (marked with an x), but the first part of the sentence is actually the subject and not an introductory clause.

Gerund and infinitive phrases that function as subjects are easily confused with nonessential introductory phrases.

Examples:

Enduring intensive training for and winning the ice skating competition [x] is one of the biggest accomplishments in Alexandra’s life.

To plan a trip without doing research and planning ahead of time [x] is not advisable.

Losing as much weight and sticking to her healthy habits [x] are some of her New Year’s resolutions.

Trevi Fountain Fee for Tourists

B1 – Intermediate

Rome has a new rule for people who want to see one of its most famous sights — the Trevi Fountain.

Tourists will need to pay a small amount to be near the Trevi Fountain because there have been way too many visitors who cause problems in the area.

The city hopes this change will help protect the beautiful fountain and make the experience nicer for everyone. Residents of Rome do not have to pay this fee.

Read the full article here to learn more about this decision and how it will work:

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251222-trevi-fountain-fee.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “burgeoning” mean in this sentence? “One reason for the new measure is to address the burgeoning numbers of sightseers who are flocking to the sight.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression.
  2. What does the word “ambiance” mean? “Large crowds and people vying for selfies have diminished the ambiance of the historic fountain.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression.
  3. What does the phrase “fundamental right” mean? “The mayor said: ‘We believe that culture is a fundamental right of citizenship.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the idea of paying to see a famous landmark? Why or why not?
  2. How do fees at tourist attractions influence people’s behavior?
  3. Can limiting access to landmarks improve their preservation?
  4. How does “overtourism” affect a city’s culture and daily life?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “Culture is a fundamental right“.

Food Improve Moods

B1 – Intermediate

Many people do not think about the fact that what they eat can affect how they feel.

Recent research shows that some foods might make our mood worse, while other foods could help support good mental health.

Experts have found a connection between diets with too much ultra-processed foods and a higher tendency to feel depressed or anxious.

They suggest choosing whole, natural foods to support a more positive state of mind.

Read the full article from the link below to learn more about how food can influence your emotions.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251229-mood-food.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “corroborate” mean in this sentence? “Related research from Professor Felice Jacka at Deakin University in Australia corroborated Ms Kirkpatrick’s findings.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  2. What does the word “probiotic” mean? “Dr. Jacka said fermented, probiotic foods may influence brain-related biology and lead to more positive moods and enhanced learning.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  3. What does “fermented” mean? “Ms Kirkpatrick also advised people to increase their intake of high-fibre and fermented foods.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Some researchers claim that diet can significantly influence mental health. Do you agree or disagree?
  2. How easy is it to eat less processed food in your country?
  3. Does the food you eat affect your mood or mental state? Why or why not? Give example situations.
  4. Can a healthy diet replace other ways to improve mood, like exercise or therapy? Share your opinion.
  5. How important is proper diet for you? Why?

Rise in Household Waste over Holiday Period

B1 – Intermediate

The holiday season is a time when people celebrate with family and friends. Many people buy gifts, prepare special food, and decorate their homes. Because of this, there are more trash during the holidays. A lot of waste comes from food packaging, gift wrapping, and unused items. This situation can have a negative effect on the environment if people are not careful. Learning how to reduce, reuse, and recycle can help protect the planet amidst holiday celebrations.

Read the full article to learn more about how holiday waste affects the environment and what simple actions people can take to reduce it.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260101-holiday-waste.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “get-together” mean? “There are many holidays around the end of the year. These involve parties, family get-togethers, and the giving of gifts.”
    Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  2. What does “household waste” mean? “The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by 25 per cent over the holiday period.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  3. What does “experience over stuff” mean? “She said one idea was to buy ‘experiences over stuff’.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed the same problem with garbage in your country during the holidays?
  2. Did you and your family create a lot of waste last holiday season?
  3. How do you avoid producing waste during celebrations?
  4. What are the recycling rules like in your city? Are they easy to follow?

Families Choose Homeschooling to Educate Their Children

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, more parents have started to choose homeschooling instead of traditional public schools. Even though homeschooling is still not officially allowed by law, many families are quietly teaching their children at home. This is especially true for parents who are unhappy with long school hours, heavy exam pressure, and a school system that treats all students the same. These parents want more flexible schedules, learning that fits their child’s needs, and less academic stress. This trend shows that people are beginning to question how education should change in a fast-changing society.

Watch the video to learn more and be ready to answer the discussion questions.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “oversight” mean? “Homeschooling is growing in all three of our states and each one has its own rules, but they don’t all have the same oversight.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  2. What does “wellness check” mean? “Parents must demonstrate that the child is learning and allow the school district to perform a wellness check.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  3. What does “under the auspices” mean? “A couple was accused of abusing their daughter for years and keeping her in a dog cage under the auspices that she was being homeschooled.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What problems in traditional schools might cause parents to choose homeschooling?
  2. Do you think homeschooling is a good solution for families who are unhappy with the public school system? Should the government allow homeschooling if parents believe it is better for their children? Share your insights.
  3. Share your opinion on this, “When parents choose to educate a child elsewhere than at school, they are responsible for the educational outcomes of the child. The board of education is not required or authorized to monitor the outcomes of the child.”
  4. What are your personal thoughts on homeschooling?
  5. How could the rise of homeschooling affect children’s social skills and future opportunities?

Test 726

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Comparative Clauses

A comparative clause is a type of subordinate clause that is used in order to express the difference, similarity, or a higher/lower degree of one thing over another. It follows a comparative adjective or adverb and introduced by a specific subordinating conjunction. 

Types

1. Equivalence (Equality)

    To express similarity, use the “as…as”. 

    Examples: 

    They are as driven as the other team is.

    You have practice as consistently as you can to improve your speaking skills.

    2. Non-equivalence (Inequality)

    To express difference, use “more…than“, “less…than“, or the suffix “-er”.

    Examples:

    The new policy is more lenient than the previous one was.

    She is less scared than she was the first time.

    The new products are larger than the other ones.

    3. Sufficiency & Excess

    To indicate degree, use “enough…to” or “too…to“.

    Examples:

    The paint should be enough to cover the whole wall.

    The article was too long to read.

    Key Features

    1. Ellipsis (Reduction)

      To avoid being redundant, the part of the clause that repeats the main verb is omitted.

      Full: She is prettier than I am.

      Elliptical (formal): She is prettier than I.

      Elliptical (informal): She is prettier than me.

      2. Substitute Verbs

      To maintain a clause structure, the verb that will be repeated is replaced by “do”.

      Examples: 

      They win more than we do. [Not: They win more than we win.]

      She talks faster than I do. [Not: She talks faster than I talk.]

      3. Ambiguity

      A heavy ellipsis makes a sentence ambiguous.

      Unclear: She likes ice cream more than him.

      Meaning 1 [ellipsis of “does”]: She likes ice cream more than he likes ice cream.

      Meaning 2 [ellipsis of “she likes”]: She likes ice cream more than she likes him.

      Clear statement: She likes ice cream more than he does. (Meaning 1)

      Reduced Adjective Clauses 

      Adjective Clauses 

      An adjective clause or relative clause is used to modify or describe a noun. They are composed of a subject and a verb and are dependent clauses, which means that they do not mean anything without the main clause which is an independent clause. An adjective clause begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, that, and which. 

      Reduced Adjective Clauses 

      A sentence is reduced when the same subject in the main clause and the adjective clause are the same. Adjective clauses use relative pronouns like who, which, or that. The reduced adjective clause is the adjective phrase. It does not contain a subject. An adjective phrase neither have a subject nor a verb. What it has is a present participle (base verb + ing) for the active voice or a past participle for the passive voice.

      Rules for Reduction

      An adjective clause can only be reduced if the relative pronoun (who, which, that) is the subject of the clause. 

      1. If the clause has a be-verb (is, am, are, was, were), omit both the relative pronoun and the be-verb. 

      Examples: 

      Full: The child who is crying there is her daughter.

      Reduced: The child crying there is her daughter.

      Full: The building that was constructed last year collapsed because of the earthquake.

      Reduced:  The building constructed last year collapsed because of the earthquake.

      2. For active voice, omit the relative pronoun and change the main verb to the -ing form (present participle). 

      Examples:

      Full: Students who study in good universities have a lot of opportunities.

      Reduced: Students studying in good universities have a lot of opportunities.

      Full: The person who called you yesterday was from the bank.

      Reduced: The person calling you yesterday was from the bank.

      3. For passive voice, delete the relative pronoun and the be-verb and keep the past participle.

      Examples:

      Full: The thief that was caught in the other town committed many crimes.

      Reduced: The thief caught in the other town committed many crimes.

      Full: The dishes that were prepared earlier are ready now.

      Reduced: The dishes prepared earlier are ready now.

      What It Can Turn Into

      1. Simple Adjective 

        The relative pronoun and the be-verb are deleted and the adjective is retained and is placed before the subject.

        Example:

        Full: An employee who is motivated has a lot of enthusiasm.

        Reduced: A motivated employee has a lot of enthusiasm.

        2. Prepositional Phrase

          The relative pronoun and the be-verb are deleted and the prepositional phrase is retained.

          Examples:

          Full: The pizza that is inside the refrigerator is not mine.

          Reduced: The pizza inside the refrigerator is not mine.

          Full: The person who is in her mind all the time is him.

          Reduced: The person in her mind all the time is him.

          3. Appositive Phrase 

          The relative pronoun and the be-verb are deleted and the appositive phrase is retained.

          Examples:

          Full: Madrid, which is the capital of Spain, has a population of over 3.4 million.

          Reduced: Madrid, the capital of Spain, has a population of over 3.4 million.

          Full: Marta, who is the CEO, delivered a speech during the board meeting.

          Reduced: Marta, the CEO, delivered a speech during the board meeting.

          Common Mistakes

          1. Deleting the Relative Pronoun When It is Necessary

          Only remove relative pronouns like “who,” “which,” or “that” if they are followed by a be-verb (which is also deleted) or if the object of the clause is the pronoun.

          Correct (Full): The woman who helped their family is so benevolent.

          Correct (Reduced): The woman helping their family is so benevolent.

          Incorrect: The woman helped their family is so benevolent.

          2. Improper Verb Construction in Participle Forms

          To reduce an active adjective clause, the present participle (the “-ing” form) is used. For a passive adjective clause, the past participle (the “-ed” or third form verb) is used.

          Present participle:

          Correct: Families traveling together create wonderful memories.

          Incorrect: Families travel together create wonderful memories.

          Past participle:

          Correct: The new managers hired last week introduced themselves to their teams today.

          Incorrect: The new managers hire last week introduced themselves to their teams today.

          3. Misplacing the Reduced Clause

          In order to avoid confusion or misrelated clauses, the reduced adjective clause must be immediately followed by the noun it modifies.

          Correct (Full): The window which is in her bedroom needs a curtain.

          Correct (Reduced): The window in her bedroom needs a curtain.

          Incorrect: The window needs a curtain which is in her bedroom. = The curtain is in the bedroom, not the window.

          4. Reducing Clauses with a Subject After the Relative Pronoun

          A clause cannot be reduced if the relative pronoun is followed by another subject.

          Correct: Does he know the old lady whom I was waving at?

          [“Whom” is followed by the subject “I”, hence, it cannot be reduced.]

          Incorrect: Does he know the old lady I was waving at? 

          5. Changing the Meaning with Commas

          The sentence’s meaning can drastically change if commas are misused with reduced clauses.

          The couples getting married should register at the city hall.

          [Only those couples who are getting married]

          The couples, getting married, should register at the city hall.

          [Means all couples got married]

          6. Attempting to Reduce Certain Pronouns or Adverbs

          Clauses cannot be reduced if they start with “whose”, “where”, “why”, or “when”.

          Incorrect: We know a company he can work.

          Correct: We know a company where he can work.