Level

1 2 3 4 5

Language Function:

reading, discussion, vocabulary,

phrasal verbs

Grammar

Past Simple or Present Perfect

Read and translate the text

Myths and facts: The best way to learn a foreign language is to go to What is the meaning of these words?
a foreign country
work in the classroom and at home
A lot of people seem to think that being in a foreign country means
that you automatically learn the countrys language well. Perhaps the
most standing out people who believe in this common-sense truth
are European parents who pay a lot of money to send their children to
language schools in England, expecting that they will come back
speaking fluent English.
Fact:
Most immigrants in America dont speak English very well, even after
living there for 20 years. Many of them have been making the same
basic mistakes for decades for example, saying things like He
make tea? instead of Did he make tea? or I help you instead of I
will help you
In addition, being in a foreign country often forces you to say
incorrect sentences, because it forces you to speak, even if you make
a lot of mistakes.
By making mistakes, you strengthen your bad habits, and after a
couple of years of saying things like He make tea?, its really hard
to start speaking correctly. It is important to remember that native
speakers will not correct your mistakes. Instead, they will try to be
nice and try to understand you, no matter how bad your grammar is.
The advantages of going abroad are:
- easy access to native speakers that you can speak with
- the opportunity to perfect your listening skills
- the opportunity to learn useful everyday words which are not
frequently heard on TV or in movies, e.g. Kleenex, ATM, carpool,
parking space, deli, cereal.
All things considered, learning in your own country will be a safer
(and cheaper) option than going abroad, assuming you can
motivate yourself and can find opportunities to speak in the language
youre learning. After youve learned to speak the language fluently,
you can go abroad to polish your listening skills and make your
vocabulary a bit more native-like.

seem
foreign
perhaps
stand out
common-sense
expect
fluent
instead
force
strengthen
couple
really
native speaker
no matter
advantages
abroad
access
opportunity
perfect
skill
useful
frequently
ATM
carpool
deli
cereal
consider
safe
option
assume
polish

.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................

Find the Mistake and explain WHY

Past Simple or Present Perfect

Example:
Sentence: He lived in that house since 1999.
Correction: He has lived in that house since 1999.

Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

What languages do you speak?

Do you think English is a difficult language to learn?
How often do you practice your English?
What are the things you like most and least about
English?
Why do you study English?
What country is the best place to study English?
How happy are you with your English level?
What's the best way to learn a language?
Why is English so important?
Do you worry about making mistakes in English?
What do you on your own to improve your English?
How do you learn new vocabulary in English?
Which activities do you find most helpful in English
class?
Which activities do you find least helpful in English
class?
Do you think learning English with a native English
speaker is a good idea?

1. Did you finish that job yet? I haven't seen the finished
product.
2. Tom worked in our company for 10 years. He started
in 2000.
3. They've lived in New York for 10 years before they
moved in 1987.
4. I saw that film three times in my life.
5. How long did you have your current car? When did
you buy it?
6. She has known Tom for fifteen years. They have met
in Paris.
7. Jason has wanted to go to Disneyland since he has
been a child.
8. I have gone to San Francisco in 1993. I've been there a
total of three times.
9. He went to lunch but should be back soon.
10. The criminals have committed three crimes. They have
committed the first crime at 10 o'clock last night.

ask out: ask for a date.

"Nancy has a new boy friend. Joe asked her out last night."
back up: confirm a story, facts, or information.
"If you don't believe me, talk to Dave. He'll back me up."
back up: make a "protection" copy to use if there are problems with the original.
"When my computer crashed, I lost many of my files. It's a good thing I backed them up."