Listening/Dictation

Listen and fill in the missing words

 

 

Modern English Words and Slang Terms

New English words, slang terms and figures of speech for conversations. Not sure how to use them? Don’t worry, we’ve included definitions and examples of how to use them in a sentence.

Earworm 

A song or tune that, once you’ve heard it, is stuck in your head.
Use it: “That new Taylor Swift song is such an earworm!”

Staycation

Spending your holiday in your hometown rather than travelling abroad. Often spent relaxing around the house or doing activities in the local area.
Use it: “I’m having a staycation this summer, as I’m trying to save money.”

Webisode

An episode or series created exclusively for online viewing. This can be part of a web series or used to promote a television series.
Use it: “There’s a new Breaking Bad webisode online, have you seen it?”

Crowdfunding

Funding a project or business venture by asking a large number of people (typically online) to invest a small amount of money – usually via websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo.
Use it: “We raised enough money to launch our business using crowdfunding.”

Glamping

Glamorous camping! Avoiding any rough conditions with luxurious facilities and accommodation, such as a yurt or cabin.
Use it: “We’re going to be glamping at Glastonbury this year.”

Lookalike

Something or someone that closely resembles something else, often used to describe someone who looks very similar to a celebrity.
Use it: “Have you seen the Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes over there?”

Handover

This word has a more political significance, in terms of gaining land or ownership. However, its modern usage is commonly in the workplace: The act of passing over control or responsibility to another person while you are off work on holiday or leaving a job.
Use it: “I’ll send my notes in a handover email so you can continue the project while I’m away.”

Meh

When something is a little uninspiring or dull. Also a word you could use to describe your lack of interest or indifference. It’s basically a verbal shrug.
Use it: “The film was a bit meh.”

Binge-watch

Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually with a DVD box set or using online streaming.
Use it: “I’m planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!”

Bae

An affectionate term for a girlfriend or boyfriend, short for babe or baby. Some say it’s an acronym for ‘before anyone else’.
Use it: “See you later, bae.” 
                                                                                                                     From Pearson 

Writing a Cover Letter

The Body

Place Prepositions with Pokémon Go

The European Day of Languages - 26 September

"The European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on 26 September. It's a day to encourage language learning for young and old. This year's European Language Day is also an opportunity to highlight the huge value of Europe's cultural diversity. Europe's nations are always at their strongest and most prosperous when we are open and outward-facing, willing to embrace other ways of life, and when we welcome those who can contribute to our societies. By pausing to celebrate the dozens of languages spoken across our communities we can send a powerful message: that Europe is a place where all backgrounds are welcome and individuals of every heritage can feel at home. Hundreds of events have been organized by schools, universities and cultural establishments to mark the day. I would like to send my best wishes to all those taking part." (Message from Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland)

Language Trivia 

Language Quiz 

Zero

0 is zero and in British English, it’s sometimes known as nought.
In telephone numbers, room numbers, bus numbers and dates (years), we say oh.
Here are some examples:

• The meeting is in Room 502 (five oh two)
• You need to take Bus 205 (two oh five)
• She was born in 1907 (nineteen oh seven)
• My telephone number is 07781 020 560 (oh double seven eight one oh two oh five six oh OR zero seven seven eight one zero two zero five six zero)

For football scores we say nil: ‘The score was three-nil (3-0) to Barcelona’.
American English uses various words for sports scores: The Yankees are winning three nothing/ three zero/ three zip.

For tennis scores we say love: ‘The score was thirty love. (30-0)
For temperatures we say zero: ‘It’s zero degrees celsius today (0°)
The decimal point (Notice that in English we say decimal point, and not a dot as in internet addresses). 

In British English, zero and nought are used before and after a decimal point. American English does not use nought.

Oh can be used after the decimal point.
Here are some examples:

• 0.05       zero point zero five OR nought point nought five
• 0.5%      zero point five per cent OR nought point five per cent.

• 0.501     zero point five zero one OR nought point five nought one OR           nought/zero point five oh one

NOTE: 0.6 = point six

                                                                                                                http://englishwithatwist.com/2013/04/09/how-to-say-zero-in-english/