American English Refresher

What’s in The News? Where Did Apple Trees Originate From?

Speaking Practice. Pastimes and Hobbies!

English Grammar. Adjectives and Personality Words!

The apple tree is a deciduous tree in the rose family best known for  its sweet, fruit, the apple. It is cultivated worldwide as a fruit tree.  The tree originated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestor is still  found today. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and  Europe, and were brought to North America by European colonists. Apples  have religious and mythological significance in many cultures, including  Norse, Greek and European Christian traditions.

Apple trees are large if grown from seed. Generally apple trees are  propagated by grafting onto root stocks, which control the size of the  resulting tree. There are more than 7,500 known varieties of apples,  resulting in a range of desired characteristics. Different varieties are  bred for various tastes and uses, including cooking, eating raw and  cider production. Trees and fruit are prone to a number of fungal,  bacterial and pest problems, which can be controlled by a number of  organic and non-organic means.

Worldwide production of apples in 2014 was 84.6 million tons, with  China accounting for 48% of the total. When cultivated, the size, shape  and branch density are determined by root-stock selection and trimming  method. The leaves are alternately arranged dark green-colored simple  ovals with serrated margins and slightly downy undersides.

Roger: What do you do in your spare time?

Barry: Oh, nothing special. I read… watch TV… go to the movies.  Roger: Don’t you have any hobbies, like reading or things like that?  Barry: No, I don’t have any hobbies. How about you?

Roger: I have just one—photography. It’s expensive, but it’s a lot of fun.

Spare time = Leisure time or extra time or free time.

Nothing special = No particular thing. I read. . . watch TV … go to the movies.

Reading… A compound noun.

How about you? = Do you have any hobbies?

What are personality adjectives? Personality adjectives are used to  describe a persons personality or character. Everyone has a different  personality. It is important to study and learn personality adjectives.  Describing objects and people is easier with the proper vocabulary. We  often use adverbs “so, very, really and quite” to emphasize adjectives.  Often we use a prefix to create the opposite meaning of a word.

I like my best friend because she is always so positive!

He is a creative person in his job!

She is always frank when she shares her opinion!

It is a friendly cat. Simon is always close to me!

He is so funny. I really like his movies!

There are many words used to describe personalities. The examples  above are meant to help you with grammar, pronunciation and intonation.

Learn more here  https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-30-pdf-version/ 

What’s in The News? What is a Heat Wave?

Speaking Practice. Comparing with Adjectives at The Shop!

English Grammar. What are Comparative Adjectives?

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which  may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate  countries. While definitions vary, a heat wave is measured relative to  the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for  the season. Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider  normal can be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside  the normal climate pattern for that area.

The term is applied both to hot weather variations and to  extraordinary spells of hot which may occur only once a century. Severe  heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths  from hypothermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of  air conditioning. A heat wave is considered extreme weather, and a  danger because heat and sunlight may overheat the human body.

In the United States, definitions also vary by region; however, a heat  wave is usually defined as a period of at least two or more days of  excessively hot weather. In the Northeast, a heat wave is typically  defined as three consecutive days where the temperature reaches or  exceeds 90 °F (32.2 °C), but not always, as this ties in with humidity  levels to determine a heat index threshold. The same does not apply to  drier climates. A heat storm is a Californian term for an extended heat  wave. Heat storms occur when the temperature reaches 100 °F (37.8 °C)  for three or more consecutive days over a wide area (tens of thousands  of square miles). The National Weather Service issues heat advisories  and excessive heat warnings when unusual periods of hot weather are  expected.

Jean: I think this material is much prettier than that, don’t you?

Lois: Well, I don’t know. I like them both. Why do you like that one better?

Jean: Well, the design is more interesting and the colors are brighter. And it’s not as expensive, either.

Lois: Oh, I see what you mean. And besides, these colors are more becoming to you.

Jean: Do you really think so? I’ll buy it, then.

I think this material…This is an opinion offered by someone.

Much prettier… “Much” is a common intensifier for comparative  adjectives and adverbs. Other examples are much harder, much more  difficult, much less useful, etc.

A lot… Used to intensify an adjective. A lot prettier, a lot more practical, a lot more expensive.

Don’t you?… The rising intonation indicates a true question,  requiring­ an answer.  I like them both or I like both of them… Both  variants are correct.  I see what you mean… I understand why you like  it.

What are “Comparative adjectives?”. They are words used to compare  two objects. In other words, when we compare two nouns! Comparative  adjectives help determine which noun is “bigger, smaller, nicer etc”.  Two syllable words are modified by adding a suffix.

Learn more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-29-pdf-version/

What’s in The News? Tornado, Twister or Whirlwind?

Speaking Practice. Rush Hour! Bus or Taxi?

English Grammar. Compare Adjectives to Determiners!

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with  both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare  cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as  twisters, whirlwinds or cyclones. The word cyclone is used in  meteorology to name a weather system with a low-pressure area in the  center around which winds blow counterclockwise in the Northern  Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern. Tornadoes come in many shapes  and sizes. Most tornadoes have wind speeds less than 110 miles per hour,  are about 250 feet across, and travel a few miles before dissipating.

Various types of tornadoes include the multiple vortex tornado,  land-spout and waterspout. Waterspouts are characterized by a spiraling  funnel-shaped wind current, connecting to a large cumulus cloud. These  spiraling columns of air frequently develop in tropical areas close to  the equator, and are less common at high latitudes. Other tornado-like  phenomena that exist in nature include the gust-nado, dust devil, fire  whirls, and steam devil.

Joyce: Should we take a taxi or a bus to the meeting?

Bill: We’d better take a bus. It’s almost impossible to find a taxi during rush hour.

Joyce: Isn’t that a bus stop over there?

Bill: Yes… Oh, oh! There’s a bus now. We’ll have to run to catch it.

Joyce: 0.K.… Oh, no! We just missed it.

Bill: Never mind. There’ll be another one in ten minutes.

Should we…? = Do you think we should…? (Will is never used for this meaning.)

Take a taxi or a bus…? = What form of transportation should we use?

We’d better… = We ought to.

It would be wise to… = A smart or intelligent idea.

Rush hour = The time of day when most people are going to or from work.

Isn’t that…? A negative question expresses an expectation of a positive answer.

Bus stop. = A compound noun.

Oh, oh! = An exclamation expressing alarm or sudden caution.

Oh, no! = An exclamation expressing sudden disappointment, shock, or discouragement.

Never mind! = It doesn’t matter or don’t concern yourself.

Determiners are words that appear before a noun. This is to help  understand what the noun refers to. The main idea is to understand  determiners and the role they play in English. Remember that a word is  just a word until we give it a job. There are many determiners in  English. “A, an, the” are all determiners. “This, that, these, those”  are all determiners. Quantifiers “Few, all etc”. Possessives “My, your,  it’s etc”. Cardinal numbers as well. Do not confuse determiners with  adjectives. There are many more rules on this subject! Ask your teacher  for a further explanation and worksheets to help you better understand  determiners.

Learn more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-28-pdf-version/

What’s in The News? Hurricane, Typhoon or Tropical Cyclone?

Speaking Practice. Shopping for Gloves

English Grammar. What is “Active and Passive Voice?”

A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized  by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation,  strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce  heavy rain. Depending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone  is referred to by different names, including hurricane, typhoon,  tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression, and simply cyclone.  A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and  northeastern Pacific Ocean, a typhoon occurs in the northwestern  Pacific Ocean, and a cyclone occurs in the south Pacific or Indian  Ocean.

Tropical cyclones typically form over large bodies of relatively warm  water. They derive their energy through the evaporation of water from  the ocean surface, which ultimately re-condenses into clouds and rain  when moist air rises and cools to saturation. They are far less common  south of the Equator, mainly because the African easterly jet, warmer  waters, and areas of atmospheric instability, which gives rise to  cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean and Americas, occur in the Northern  hemisphere, and because vertical wind shear is much stronger south of  the equator, which typically prevents tropical depressions and potential  storms from developing into cyclones.

Saleslady: Can I help you?

Gloria: Yes, I’m looking for a pair of white gloves. I think I wear size six.

Saleslady: The white gloves are on this counter. Let’s see… here’s a size six. These are very nice, and they’re washable, too.

Gloria: Oh, I’ll try them on. Hmmm… they seem to fit. How much are they?

Saleslady: Five dollars.

Gloria: All right. I’ll take them.

Saleslady: That’ll be five ­twenty with the tax.

Can I help you? or May I help you? = Is the way a sales clerk normally approaches a customer with an offer of assistance.

Size six. Women’s gloves are usually available in quarter sizes (6, 6  1/4, 6 1/2, 6 3/4, etc.). Most women wear a size between 6 and 8.

The white gloves are on this counter. = The sales counter or glass counter.

Let’s see. = An expression used when a person wants to think  something over, to ponder, to make a choice or decision, or to look for  something.

I’ll try them on. = “Try on” is a separable two ­word verb meaning to test the fit or appearance of a garment by putting it on.

How much are they? = How much do they cost?

Five ­twenty = Five dollars and twenty cents ($5.20).

Great subject! Students learn active voice at the earliest stages of  English. Passive voice is usually taught at the pre-intermediate or  intermediate levels. However, students should be introduced to passive  voice at the earliest stages of English study. Why? To stress the  importance of both the verb “To Be” and “Participle 2“ verbs. Why is  this important?

Learn more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-27-pdf-version/

What’s in The News? The Nobel Prize in Physiology

Speaking Practice. Three Cats, Two Dogs and A Canary!

English Grammar. English Words, Words, Words.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, administered by the Nobel  Foundation, is awarded once a year for outstanding discoveries in the  fields of life sciences and medicine. It is one of five Nobel Prizes  established in 1895 by Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of  dynamite. Nobel was personally interested in experimental physiology and  wanted to establish a prize for progress through scientific discoveries  in laboratories. The Nobel Prize is presented to the recipient’s at an  annual ceremony on 10 December, the anniversary of Nobel’s death, along  with a diploma and a certificate for the monetary award. The front side  of the medal provides the same profile of Alfred Nobel as depicted on  the medals for Physics, Chemistry, and Literature; its reverse side is  unique to this medal.

Alfred Nobel was born on 21 October 1833 in Stockholm, Sweden. He was a  chemist, engineer and inventor who amassed a fortune during his  lifetime, most of it from his 355 inventions of which dynamite is the  most famous. He was interested in experimental physiology and set up his  own labs in France and Italy to conduct experiments in blood  transfusions. Keeping abreast of scientific findings, he was generous in  his donations to Ivan Pavlov’s laboratory in Russia  and was optimistic  about the progress resulting from scientific discoveries made in  laboratories.

English is a rich language in so many ways. The English language  starts with simple words. The verb “To be” is just the beginning of your  English learning adventure. Nouns are next. Vocabulary is needed to be  able to speak about different subjects. Remember that words are just  words until we decide to use them in a certain way. Below are common  examples of different ways we use the same word.

Noun: I am going to buy some paint.

Noun with a suffix: I just bought this interesting painting.

Gerund: My friend likes painting.

Adjective with suffix: It is a paintable surface.

Verb: They will paint the house next week.

Verb with a prefix: We must repaint the house next week.

Compound noun: I just bought a paintbrush.

Job or profession: She is an artistic painter.

Idiomatic Phrase: I always paint my face in the morning!

Idiomatic Phrase: Let me paint a picture for you!

Idiom: We are going to paint the town red tonight!

Learn more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-26-pdf-version/

What’s in The News? The American Industrial Revolution!

Speaking Practice. Mailing Letters and Questions with Do and Would!

English Grammar. What are Superlative Adjectives?

The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing  processes in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and  1840. This transition included going from hand production methods to  machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes, the  increasing use of steam power, the development of machine tools and the  rise of the factory system.

Textiles were the dominant industry of the Industrial Revolution in  terms of employment, value of output and capital invested; the textile  industry was also the first to use modern production methods. The cotton  gin invented by The American Eli Whitney is credited for the beginning  of the American Industrial Revolution.

The Industrial Revolution marks a major turning point in history;  almost every aspect of daily life was influenced in some way. In  particular, average income and population began to exhibit unprecedented  sustained growth. Some economists say that the major impact of the  Industrial Revolution was that the standard of living for the general  population began to increase consistently for the first time in history,  although others have said that it did not begin to meaningfully improve  until the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Dean: Do you mind if we stop by the post office? I have to mail these letters and I don’t have any stamps.

Carol: Oh, I have some. We don’t need to go all the way to the post office.

Dean: That would save time. Can you let me have two airmail stamps and one regular one?

Carol: Here you are. Are you sure that’s enough?

Dean: Yes, that’s fine. Now all we have to do is find a mailbox.

Do you mind if we stop by the post office…? = Is it all right with you…? or Do you have any objection…?

Do you mind stopping by the post office? Stop with the suffix “ing” verb pattern.

Would you mind stopping by the post office? A question with “would”.

These examples are different ways to say the same thing! Often the verb “do” and the modal verb “would” are used similarly.

What are “Superlative Adjectives?”. They are words used to compare a  subject or object to a group! They are adjectives used to describe a  lower or higher quality. We often do not compare a subject or object  with another when referring to the best or the worst! Below are a number  of examples in different forms. Please note that adjectives are either  regular or irregular. Use the word “Most” before three syllable  superlative adjectives.

My car is the fastest!

Your car is the slowest!

His building is the tallest!

Her blue skirt is the shortest!

My wife is the happiest woman in the world!

Your project is the simplest ever!

Learn more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resourc

What’s in The News? Why is it Important to Eat Fruit and Vegetables?

Speaking Practice. Having Things Done and I Wonder if?

English Grammar. Modal Verbs of Probability Present and Future!

Eating fruit provides health benefits — people who eat more fruits  and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a  reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients vital  for health and maintenance of your body.  Most fruits are naturally low  in fat, sodium, and calories. None have cholesterol. Fruits are sources  of many essential nutrients that are under-consumed, including  potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid). Diets rich  in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Fruit sources  of potassium include bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and  apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice.

Dietary fiber from fruits, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps  reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease.  Fiber is important for proper bowel function. Fiber-containing foods  such as fruits help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.  Whole or cut-up fruits are sources of dietary fiber. Vitamin C is  important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and  wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Folate (folic acid) helps the  body form red blood cells. Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits  as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease,  including heart attack and stroke.

Steve: Excuse me. I wonder if you can help me.

Mike: Sure. What is it?

Steve: I want to have my hair cut, but I can’t find a barber shop.

Mike: I know where one is. Come on—I’ll show you.

Language Notes

I wonder if… A polite introduction to a request for assistance.

Some other examples:

I wonder if you could show us how to get there.

I wonder if you would mind moving over one, so my friend and I can  sit together. I wonder if you can tell me where I can find a barber  shop.

Sure! What is it? = What is it you would like me to do?

Have my hair cut = Have someone cut my hair.

Other ways to use have:

I had my shoes shined just before I came. We’re going to have our  house painted next year. You should have that window repaired before the  rainy season begins.

Barber shop = A compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.

I know where one is = I know where the barber shop is located.

Modal verbs are one of my favorite subjects. They are often  considered one of the most important parts of the English language. The  diverse usage of Modal auxiliary verbs makes them extremely useful and  yet complicated for some students. Modal auxiliary verbs are just that;  Auxiliary Verbs. In perfect speech, they are always used with another  verb.

Modal verbs are used to refer to time, manners, ability, desire,  wants, politeness and more. Modal Auxiliary Verbs also help us to  express doubt, fear, commitment and assumptions.

Learn more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-24-pdf-version/

What’s in The News? Keeping Waters Clean in America!

Speaking Practice. Talking about The Weather!

English Grammar. Compare “Modal Verbs of Probability” to Adverbs.

The Harpster brothers—Abe, Aaron, and Andy—own Evergreen Farms, one  of the largest dairy operations in Pennsylvania: 2,700 milking cows on  6,500 acres along with fields of grass, corn, and alfalfa to feed them.  Their other claim to fame is the farm’s pristine Spruce Creek, where  presidents from Eisenhower to Carter and other notables including the  owner of the Chicago Cubs and Grammy Award-winning singers have come to  fish for rainbow trout.

“We live here, drink the water here, and breathe the air here, and  try to do the best for our people, our cows, and our land. We expect to  pass this farm down through the generations of our families,” explains  Andrew Harpster. “I may not be a scientist, but I’ve learned enough to  know that everything is connected,” he adds. “If we don’t do it right,  for example, the manure we spread on our corn fields can run off into  Spruce Creek, damaging our trout habitat, and from there into the  Juniata River, which flows into the Susquehanna and then 200 miles  downstream into the Chesapeake Bay.”

Karen: Brrrr! I’m cold. I thought it was supposed to get warmer today.

Ed: Yeah, I thought so, too. That’s what the weatherman said.

Karen: It must be the wind that makes it so cold. I’m freezing!

Ed: Me, too. Let’s go inside.

Karen: O.K. It’s no fun standing out here, even if the sun is shining.

Generally, when we use “Present Perfect” exact time references are  not used or are not important. Understanding the “Present Perfect” is a  must to fully understand “Modals of Probability” in the past. However,  with a combination of “Modals” and “Present Perfect”, we can refer to  specific time in the past as speculation. In other words, we sometimes  use “Modals of Probability” with “Present Perfect” to refer to a  possible fact in the past without being absolutely positive the event  took place. In other words, we “Speculate, Assume or Guess” at what  occurred in the past.  Examples might be: May have “May’ve”, Might have  “Might’ve”, Could have “Could’ve”. These are all examples of an event in  the past that we are not absolutely sure about. “May”, “might” and  “could” in the following examples are fully interchangeable.

“She might have worked yesterday, I am not sure”.

“She may have worked yesterday, I am not sure”.

“She could have worked yesterday, I am not sure”.

In all three examples, these three Modal verbs have the same meaning.  Compare to the adverbs “Maybe and Possibly” with past simple.  One  simple method that can be used to learn this is “Grammar Bridging”. To  “Grammar Bridge” is when we study a higher level grammar element using a  comparison in grammar at a lower level.

Learn more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-23-pdf-version/

What’s in The News? Physical Activity and Your Daily Routine!

Speaking Practice. Discussing a News Story!

English Grammar Review. “Prefix, Suffix, Affix” New Words in English!

Daily exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. If you  make time for running, jogging or walking daily, you are doing it right!  Many of us cannot seem to find the time for these activities. That  should not stop us from trying to stay fit. A proper diet should also be  part of your daily routine. It can be as simple as walking alone or  with friends and family. Take the time to establish your physical daily  fitness routine and stay healthy.

Choose activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. Fitting  activity into a daily routine can be easy — such as taking a brisk 10  minute walk to and from the parking lot, bus stop, or subway station.  Or, join an exercise class. Keep it interesting by trying something  different on alternate days. Every little bit adds up and doing  something is better than doing nothing.

Make sure to do at least 10 minutes of activity at a time, shorter  bursts of activity will not have the same health benefits. For example,  walking the dog for 10 minutes before and after work or adding a 10  minute walk at lunchtime can add to your weekly goal. Mix it up. Swim,  take a yoga class, garden or lift weights. To be ready anytime, keep  some comfortable clothes and a pair of walking or running shoes in the  car and at the office.

What is an “Affix?”. An “Affix” is a letter or letters added to a  root word to change it’s meaning. Prefix and suffix are terms used to  further describe an affix. In other words “Affix” is a word used to  describe both a “Prefix and Suffix”. A “Prefix” is placed before a word.  A “Suffix” is placed after. New words are created from root words. Many  words have both a “Prefix and Suffix”. There are many forms and  specific reasons for adding letters to words. The main idea is to create  other words with different definitions in English. Below are a just few  examples. Check your dictionary for prefixes and suffixes to better  understand this subject.

Read more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-22-pdf-version/

What’s in The News? Unusual Coral Reefs Discovered in The Pacific Ocean.

Speaking Practice. At the Bank.

English Grammar. Prepositions of Time: after/later/on/in/at

Scientists had long believed that the waters of the Central and  Northeast Pacific Ocean were inhospitable to certain species of deep-sea  corals, but a marine biologist’s discovery of an odd chain of reefs  suggests there are mysteries about the development and durability of  coral colonies yet to be uncovered.

Scientist Amy Taylor of Florida State University (FSU), in  collaboration with researchers from Texas A&M University, found the  reefs during an autonomous underwater vehicle survey of the  sea-mountains of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

“I’ve been exploring the deep sea around the Hawaiian Islands since  1998, and have seen enough to know that the presence of the reefs at  these depths was definitely unexpected,” Amy Taylor said.

Some ocean areas, such as the North Atlantic and South Pacific, are  particularly fertile habitats for deep-sea reefs, but a combination of  factors led scientists to believe that finding these coral colonies was  exceedingly unlikely in the deep waters of the North Pacific.

The researchers suggest potential reasons for the improbable success  of these hardy reefs. Among them, higher concentrations of chlorophyll  in the areas of reef growth suggest that an abundance of food may  provide the excess energy needed for calcification.

While there are reasons why we do what we do in English, often there  is no reason at all. Common phrases or expressions are created by  people. Most from the past. Phrases or time expressions are often  referred to as “Colloquial Speech or Collocations”. Is there “always” a  reason for what we say in English? Short answer: NO! The main idea is to  learn time expressions by heart. Study, Practice and Speak English with  common phrases to speak and understand others. Here are brief  explanations and examples. Have fun!

Use after + phrase, and use later alone (at the end of a sentence or phrase).

     I’ll call you later.  

     I’ll call you after I get home from work.  

     First he bought a new car. Two weeks later, he bought a new motorcycle.  

    He bought a new motorcycle two weeks after he bought a car.  

You can say “later + time period” to refer to an unspecified time in the future, for example:

     I’ll finish the project later this week.  

    We’ll go on vacation later this year.

Read more here https://larisaenglishclub.com/pdf-resources/larisa-english-club-21-pdf-version/