d With a parmer, complete four sentences about the school where you are learning English.
We have to use uniform everyday
We must do the homework after school
We don't have to go to school at weekends
We mustn't cheat in an exam: is the most important rule for me.
b Read about Max, a British journalist who did an intensive Spanish course. Then cover the article and
answer the questions.
1 What reputation do the British have?
They have a reputation for being bad at languages.
2 What experiment did Max's newspaper want to do?
They wanted Max to learn a new language in a month.
3 Why did Max choose to learn Spanish?
Because he would like to visit Spain and Latin America.
4 Where did be do the course? How long was it?
In London for one month.
5 What did he find easy and difficult about Spanish?
Easy: Vocabulary: Some words are similar to English words.
Difficult: Grammar: the verbs change for each person; pronunciation
***a bit
We only use a bit before negative
adjectives and adverbs,
e.g. a bit difficult. a bit slowly.
5 SPEAKING
a How well do you think you could do
Max's four tests in English? Why?
I think I could order a drink and a sandwich quite well
b Talk to a partner.
HAVE YOU EVER...
• spoken to a tourist in English? When? Why?
Yes, I have. I spoke to a Canadian tourist in English who went to Scotiabank to change
dollars
• had to speak in English on the phone? Who to? ¿What about?
Yes, I have. I had to speak in English on the phone to a Canadian costumer of the bank
where I work. I spoke to the customer about your bank account
• seen a film or video clip in English? Which? Did it have subtitles? How much did you
understand?
Yes, I have. I saw a science fiction film called ARRIVAL in English without subtitules, but
I didn’t understand not much.
• read a book or magazine in English? Which one(s)?
Yes, I have. I read The Rolling Stone magazine in English. It is a music magazine.
• asked for directions in English in a foreign city? Where? What happened?
No, I haven’t.
• used an app or website to improve your English? Which one?
Yes, I have. I used an app called DUOLINGO to improve my English.
• learnt another foreign language? How well can you speak it?
No, I haven’t.
6 WRITING
A formal email. Write an email asking for information.
I am writing to ask for information about your language courses. I am especially interested in
an intensive course of two or three months. I am 43 and I work in a Canadian bank. I can read
English quite well, but I need to improve my listening and speaking. The book I am currently
studying is 'pre-intermediate'.
I have looked at your website, but there is no information about intensive courses next
summer. Could you please send me information about dates and prices? I would also
like some information about discount. If possible I would like to study with my nephew who
is going to visit England in his next holidays.