FIRST CERTIFICATE IN

ENGLISH

Preparation Course
Students Booklet

Cambridge Institute
Plaza de Espaa 6,
28013
917 587 556

Format of the FCE exam

Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) is an exam for people who need to prove they can use
everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level for work or study purposes. It
consists of five papers. Each contributes 20% of the total marks available: Reading, Writing, Use of
English, Listening, and Speaking.

THE READING

TEST

(1

HOUR)

You will need to demonstrate ability to read and understand information in fiction and non-fiction
books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
PART 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE

In this part, there is an emphasis on detailed understanding of a text, including the expression of
opinion, attitude, purpose, main idea, detail, tone and gist. Candidates are also tested on their ability
to recognize meaning from context and follow text organization features, such as exemplification,
comparison and reference.
PART 2: GAPPED TEXT

It consists of one text from which seven sentences have been removed and placed in jumbled order
after the text, together with an eighth sentence which does not fit in any of the gaps

PART 3: MULTIPLE MATCHING

In this part, there is an emphasis on locating specific information and detail, and recognizing opinion
and attitude, in one long text or a group of short texts. Part 3 consists of one long text or up to six
shorter texts, preceded by 15 questions. Candidates are required to locate the specific information
which matches the questions

THE WRITING

TEST

(1

HOUR AND

20

MIN)

You will have to produce two different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a
report, a review or an essay.
PART 1

This part tests the candidates ability to respond to a letter or email, and accompanying notes.
PART 2

Part 2, candidates have a choice of tasks. Questions 24 are general questions, based on a range of
topics, such as health and fitness, sport, music and so on. The tasks for questions 24 may include
any of the following task types: an article, an essay, a letter, a report, a review, a story.

Set texts

Set texts for Cambridge English: First until December 2013:

1.
2.

William Thackeray: Vanity Fair (Black Cat or any edition)

Mary Stewart: This Rough Magic (OUP)
The texts are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and are suitable
for Cambridge English: First candidates. Other editions of these books may be available.
However, teachers and candidates should be aware that the language level in other editions
may be less accessible.

USE

OF

ENGLISH ( 45

MINUTES)

PART 1

Candidates have to choose which one of the four words or phrases in the set fills the gap correctly.
For Nigel Portman, a love of travelling began with whats (0) .. a gap year.
A called B named C referred D known
Part 2

In this part, as there are no sets of words from which to choose the answers, candidates have to
think of a word which will fill the gap correctly.
Lake Titicaca, often known (0) as.. the holy lake, is situated in South America on the border
between Bolivia and Peru.
PART 3

It consists of a text containing 10 gaps. At the end of some of the lines, and separated from the text,
there is a stem word in capital letters. Candidates need to form an appropriate word from given stem
words to fill each gap.
The Real Walkers Company offers a (0) selection...of small group SELECT walking holidays.
PART 4
It consists of eight questions. Each question contains three parts: a lead-in sentence, a key word,
and a second sentence of which only the beginning and end are given.
A very friendly taxi driver drove us into town.
DRIVEN
We were driven into town by a very friendly taxi driver.

LISTENING: (40

MINUTES )

You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including
news programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements.
PART 1
A series of short, unrelated recordings of approximately 30 seconds each. You have to listen to the
recordings and answer one multiple-choice question per text. Each question has three options (A, B
or C). You have to practice listening for general meaning (gist), detail, function, purpose, attitude,
opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.
PART 2
A monologue or recording with two or more speakers lasting approximately 3 minutes. To answer the
questions, you have to complete the sentences on the question paper with information you hear on
the recording. You have to practice listening for detail, specific information, stated opinion.
PART 3
A series of statements and short related monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. You listen
to the recordings and choose which statement best matches what each speaker says. You have to
practice listening for general gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic,
place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.
PART 4
A monologue or recording with two or more speakers which lasts approximately 3 minutes. You have
to listen to the recording and answer seven multiple-choice questions. Each question has three
options (A, B or C). You have to practice listening for opinion, attitude, gist, main idea, specific
information.

SPEAKING : (14

MINUTES )

The FCE Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two
examiners. One of the examiners conducts the test (asks you questions, gives you paper with things
to talk about, and so on) and the other examiner listens to what you say and takes notes.
PART 1
Its a conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks questions and you may have to give
information about yourself, talk about past experiences, present circumstances and future plans. You
will need to practice giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion about various
topics, and you will have to do so for 3 minutes.
PART 2
The examiner gives you a pair of photographs to talk about and you have to speak for 1 minute
without interruption. The questions you have to answer about your photographs are written at the top
of the page to remind you what you should talk about. When you have finished speaking, your
partner then has to answer a short question from the examiner about your photographs. For
succeeding in this part you will need to practice talking on your own about something: comparing,
describing, expressing opinions.

PART 3
Its a conversation with the other candidate. The examiner gives you some pictures and a task to do.
You have to talk with the other candidate and make a decision together (e.g. which things in the
pictures are most important/most difficult etc.) For this part you will need to practice exchanging
ideas, expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing, suggesting, interacting
cooperatively, reaching a decision together, etc. This conversation between you and your partner
must last 3 minutes.
PART 4
Further discussion with the other candidate about the same topic as the task in Part 3, so you will
have to practice expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing for about 4 minutes.

DOS & DONTS

AT

FCE

READING
DOs

Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts if they are given; they are there to help
you.
Read through each text before you answer the questions to get an overall impression
and understanding of it. This includes Part 2, the gapped-text task.
Remember, the missing word(s) may be part of an idiom, fixed phrase or collocation, so
always check the words around the gap carefully. (Part 2)
Remember, the missing sentence has to fit the context and the development of the text,
so always check that the completed paragraph makes sense in the text as a whole.
(Part 2)
Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting it.
(Part 2)2)

DON'Ts

Don't try to answer any questions without referring carefully to the text.
Don't spend too much time on any one part of the paper.
Don't forget to record your answers on the separate answer sheet.
Don't assume that you have found the correct answer if the same word appears in the
text as well as in an option. (Parts 1 and 3)

WRITING
DOs

Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.

Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and information.
Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.
Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can write about.
Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.

DONTs

Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper.

Don't copy too many words and phrases from the question paper - try to use your own
words.
Don't mix formal and informal language.
Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter.
Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.
Don't answer Question 5 if you havent read one of the books.
Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit.

USE OF ENGLISH
DOs

Read the words following the gaps in Parts 1 and 2 as they may have an effect on the
answer.
Make sure that any verb you write in a gap in Part 2 agrees with its subject.
Write between two and five words as your answer in Part 4.
Remember that the base word at the end of each line in Part 3 might have to change
into a negative or a plural.
Check your spelling in all parts of the test.
Make sure that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet accurately.

DON'Ts

Don't write the answers to any of the examples on your answer sheets.
Don't choose your answer in Part 1 before you have read all the options.
Don't write out the full sentence when answering the questions in Part 4.
Don't leave the base word at the end of the line in Part 3 unchanged.
Don't decide on your answer before reading the whole of a sentence in all parts.
Don't give alternative answers for any questions.
Don't change the word given in any way in Part 4.

LISTENING
DOs

Listen to and read the instructions throughout the test. Make sure you understand what
you are listening for and what you have to do.
Use the preparation time before each recording is played to read through the question
and think about the context.
Use the information on the page to help you follow the text.
Look carefully at what is printed before and after the gap in Part 2 and think about the
kind of information that you are listening for.
Write only the missing information on the answer sheet. (Part 2)
Write your answers as clearly as possible.
Check that your idea of what the correct answer is when you first hear the recording is
confirmed when you hear it for the second time.
Answer all the questions - even if you're not sure.
Make sure you have transferred your answers accurately to the answer sheet.

DON'Ts

Don't rephrase what you hear in Part 2; write down the word(s) or figure(s) that you hear
on the recording.
Don't complicate your answer by writing extra, irrelevant information. (Part 2)
Don't spend too much time on a question you are having difficulty with as you may miss
the next question.
Don't rush to choose an answer based on an isolated word or phrase - concentrate on
the overall meaning. (Parts 1, 3 and 4)

SPEAKING
DOs

Make sure you are familiar with the focus, function and procedures of each part of the
test.
Practise speaking English as much as possible in groups and in pairs, both inside and
outside the classroom.
Listen carefully to the instructions and questions during the test and respond
appropriately.
Speak clearly, so that both the interlocutor and assessor can hear you.
Use all the opportunities you're given in the test to speak, and extend your responses
whenever possible.
Ask for clarification of instructions or a question if you're not sure.
Be prepared to initiate discussion as well as responding to what your partner says.
Make full use of the time so that the examiner who is listening hears plenty of your
English.

DON'Ts

Don't prepare long answers in advance, or learn and practise speeches.

Don't try to dominate your partner or interrupt them abruptly during the Speaking test.
Don't leave long or frequent pauses.
Don't worry about being interrupted by the examiner. This shows you have spoken
enough. The tests have to keep to the time limit for administrative reasons.

Common Proofreading Symbols

Symbol

Meaning

Example

insert a comma

The mayors brother I tell you is a crook.

apostrophe or single
quotation mark

I wouldnt know where to put this base.

insert something

I know it in fact, everyone knows it.

use double quotation marks

My favorite poem is Design.

use a period here

This is a declarative sentence

delete

The elephants trunk is is really its nose.

transpose elements

He only picked the one he likes.

close up this space

Jordan lost his favorite basket ball.

a space needed here

I have only threefriends: Ted, Raoul, and Alice.

begin new paragraph

I knew it, I said. I thought so, she replied.

no paragraph

I knew it, I said.

Hes no good.

Common Proofreading Abbreviations

Abbreviati
on

Meaning

Example

Ab.

a faulty abbreviation

She had earned a Phd along with her M.D.

Agr.
See also
P/A and S/V

agreement problem:
subject/verb or
pronoun/antecedent

The piano as well as the guitar need tuning.

The student lost their book.

Awk.

awkward expression
or construction

The storm had the effect of causing

millions of dollars in damage.

Cap.

faulty capitalization

We spent the Fall in Southern spain.

CS

comma splice

Raoul tried his best, this time that wasn't good enough

DICT

faulty diction

Due to the fact that we were wondering

as to whether it would rain, we stayed home.

Dgl

dangling
construction

Working harder than ever, this job

proved to be too much for him to handle.

- ed

problem with
final -ed

Last summer he walk all the way to Birmingham.

Frag

fragment

Depending on the amount of snow we get this

winter and whether the towns buy new trucks.

problem in parallel
form

My income is bigger than my wife.

P/A

pronoun/antecedent
agreement

A student in accounting would be wise to see

their advisor this month.

Pron

problem with
pronoun

My aunt and my mother have wrecked her car

The committee has lost their chance to change things.
You'll have to do this on one's own time.

Rep

unnecessary
repetition

The car was blue in color.

R-O

run-on sentence

Raoul tried his best this time

that wasn't good enough.

Sp

spelling error

This sentence is flaude with two mispellings.

-s

problem with final -s

He wonder what these teacher think of him.

STET

Let it stand

The proofreader uses this Latin term to indicate that

proofreading marks calling for a change should be ignored
and the text as originally written should be "let stand."

S/V

subject/verb
agreement

The problem with these cities are leadership.

verb tense problem

He comes into the room, and he pulled his gun.

wordy

Seldom have we perused a document so verbose,

so ostentatious in phrasing, so burdened with too many
words.

||

T
Wdy

WW

wrong word

What affect did the movie have on Sheila?

She tried to hard to analyze its conclusion.

What is a collocation?
A pair or group of words that are often used together. It sounds natural to native speakers but
students of English have to make a special effort to learn them as they are difficult to guess.
Some collocations are fixed, meaning that they have only one word, for example: take a photo.
No other word is possible there to express a similar meaning, however, some others are more
open and many different words can be used to give a similar meaning as in: keep to the rules or
stick to the rules.

Collocations can be found in:

adjectives and nouns
The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.
nouns and verbs
The lion started to roar when it heard the dog barking.
noun and noun
Let's give Mr Jones a round of applause.
verbs and adverbs
I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left.
verbs and expressions with prepositions
At first her eyes filled with horror, and then she burst into tears.
adverbs and adjective
Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?

Intensifying adverbs:
In English we can used very or very much in different ways using words like highly, utterly,
bitterly, deeply. All this words collocate with other specific words and other combinations sound
unnatural.

Highly: likely, unlikely, unusual, successful, competitive, profitable, effective,

controversial, recommended. (Its used with some probability words likely, unusual-.
With the exception of highly controversial, it usually combines with very positive
words. Extremely can also be used with all the opposite adjectives except
recommended)
Absolutely/Utterly: ridiculous, stupid, impossible, wrong, alone appalled, convinced,
devastated, miserable. (Absolutely and utterly slightly formal- combine with adjectives
with very extreme meanings where we cant used very. We say absolutely or utterly
exhausted but not very exhausted, whereas we say very tired but not absolutely or
utterly tired. Often, but not always there words have negative connotations)
Bitterly: disappointing/disappointed, resent, criticize, regret, complain, cry, weep
(carries a feeling of deep sadness, used slightly more in writing than in conversation)
Deeply: ashamed, concerned, shocked, committed, moved, affected, hurt (feelings),
regret, care, religious, unhappy. (collocates mainly with words associated to feelings,
used slightly more in writing than in conversation)
Ridiculously: cheap, expensive, easy, low, high, long, short, small, large, early.
(suggests something extreme, which seems unbelievable or unreasonable)

Strongly: oppose, influence, believe, deny, recommend, support, condemn, suggest,

feel, argue, object (collocates with verbs particularly those that relate to having an
opinion.

Make

Do

Take

Pay

arrangements for
a change
a choice
a comment
a contribution
decision
an effort
noise
excuse
friends
an improvement
a mistake
a mess
money
trouble
room
a phone call
progress
a difference

your best
nothing
business
damage
harm
experiment
exercises
a favour
your hair
your homework
the ironing,
the cooking,
the shopping,
the washing
some work

a holiday
a trip
a train/bus
a risk
an interest
photos
a chance
advantage of
action
measures
break
a look
a rest
an exam
notes
a seat
someones place
someones
temperature

attention
your respects
tribute
a fine
by credit card
cash
interest
pay someone a
compliment
pay someone a
visit
pay the bill
pay the price

Come

Go

Get

Save

come close
come complete
with
come direct
come early
come first
come into view
come last
come late
come on time
come prepared
come right back
come second
come to a
compromise
come to a
decision
come to an
agreement
come to an end
come to a
standstill
come to terms
with
come to a total of
come under
attack

go abroad
go astray
go bad
go bald
go bankrupt
go blind
go crazy
go dark
go deaf
go fishing
go mad
go missing
go on foot
go online
go out of business
go overseas
go quiet
go sailing
go to war
go yellow

get a job
get a shock
get angry
get divorced
get drunk
get frightened
get home
get lost
get married
get nowhere
get permission
get pregnant
get ready
get started
get the impression
get the message
get the sack
get upset
get wet
get worried

save electricity
save energy
save money
save one's strength
save someone a
seat
save someone's life
save something to a
disk
save space
save time
save yourself the
trouble

Classifiers

A swarm of bees
A bag of flour
A pair of scissors
A box of matches
A pair of sunglasses

A basket of fruit
Bucket of water
Bunch of flowers
Cup of tea
Flock of sheep/birds

Gust of wind
Herd of cattle
Jug of milk
Flight of stairs
Loaf of bread

Carafe of wind/water
Item of luggage
Pack of cards
Pair of tweezers
a pad of paper
Piece of
equipment/cake
Pot of honey
Puff of smoke

School of whales/fish
Slice of cake/bread
Range of hills
Sack of potatoes
Spoonful of sugar
Spot of bother
Team of helpers
Tin or can of beans
Tube of toothpaste

A heap of work (=a lot

of )
a ball of string
a bar of chocolate
a bottle of water
a bunch of carrots
a cube of sugar

Verbs followed by prepositions

Verbs followed by in:

Absorbed in something (especially absorbed in her work/a book)
Confide in someone
Be engrossed in something
Implicate someone in something
Involve someone in something
Result in something
Specialize in something
Succeed in something
Verbs followed by for:
Account for something
Allow for something (to take into consideration)
Apologize for something/someone (on their behalf: Let me apologize for Jack.)
Blame someone for something
Care for something/someone
Cater for something/someone
Charge someone for something (make them pay for it)
Count for something (especially: I count for nothing in this company)
Earmark something for a particular use
Pay for someone/something
Verbs followed by of:
Accuse someone of something
Convict someone of something
Remind someone of something
Suspect someone of something
Verbs followed by with:
Acquaint someone with something
Associate something with someone
Charge someone with something
Clutter with something (especially passive: The room was cluttered with boxes)
Coincide with something
Collide with something
Comply with something
Concern with something (usually passive: be concerned with)
Confront someone with something
Confuse someone/something with someone/something
Cram with something (especially passive: be crammed with)
Deal with someone/something
Discuss something with someone
Face with something (especially passive: be faced with)
Ingratiate oneself with someone
Meet with something (especially: meet with an accident)
Pack with something (especially: be packed with)

Plead with someone

Provide someone with something
Tamper with something
Trust someone with something

Verbs followed by from:

Bar someone from a place
Benefit from something
Derive something from something
Deter someone from something
Differ from something
Distinguish one thing from another thing (also distinguish between two things)
Distract someone from something
Exempt someone from something
Expel someone from a place
Refrain from something
Resign from something
Result from something
Stem from something
Suffer from something
Translate one language from/into another language
Verbs followed by on:
Base something on something
Blame something on someone
Centre something on something (usually passive: be centered on)
Concentrate something on something
Congratulate someone on something
Decide on something
Depend on someone/something
Elaborate on something
Impose on someone
Insist on something/someone doing something
Pride oneself on something
Verbs followed by against:
Insure something against something
Protest against something
Verbs followed by about:
Argue about something
Be concerned about something (be worried about)
Boast about something
Decide about something
Dream about something
Protest about something
Verbs followed by out:
Phase something out
Verbs followed by at:
Glance at something
Guess at something
Hint at something
Marvel at something
Verbs followed by to:
Answer to something (especially: answer to a description)
Appeal to someone (beg)

It appeals to me ( I like the idea)

Apply oneself to something. (This rule doesnt apply to you)
Attend to something said/heard
Attribute something to someone
Commit oneself to something (especially passive: be committed to)
Confess to something
Devote oneself to something
Prefer one thing to another thing
React to something
Refer to something (This number refers to the next page)
Refer someone to someone (The doctor referred me to a specialist)
Be resigned to something
Resort to something (meaning make sure it is done)
Subject someone to something (stressed: subject)
Succeed to the throne
Be used to doing something

 FCE Grammar reference

State verbs

We dont usually use the continuous with state verbs. These are commonly:

Verbs which express opinions, feelings or knowledge, e.g. assume, believe, disagree, hate, hope,
know,
like, love, prefer, realize, regret.

Verbs which describe appearance, e.g. appear, look, seem, resemble.

Verbs which describe senses, e.g. feel, smell, taste.

There other verbs: belong, consist, contain, cost, have, own.

Would + infinitive and used to + infinitive

These are used to talk about things which happened repeatedly in the past but dont happen now:
When I was small, my mother would read to me in bed. While she was reading to me, my father
used to wash up the dinner things.

- Use USED TO, not WOULD to talk about past states which no longer exist: There would be a
grocers opposite the bus station, but theres a supermarket there now.

- USED TO only exists in the past.. (Note: The negative is didnt use to) e.g. He didnt use to be so
short-tempered. The question form is Did she use to? Did you use to enjoy when you were a kid,
because I hated it?

- Use the past simple when you say how many times you did something: Charlie used to be a very
successful tennis player. He won the junior championship three times.

The present perfect tenses

We use the present perfect with time adverbs that connect the past to present: just, already, since,
so far, up to now, yet, today (when it is still the same day), this morning (when it is still the same
morning): Have you seen any good films lately? Britain has only won the World Cup once so far.
Have you had any interesting phone calls this morning?

 Expressing purpose, reason and result

Express
es

Phrases

purpose

So (that)

with the
purpose of /
with the
intention of

So as / In
order

reason

because
/ since / as

in case

otherwise

because
of / due to / owing
to

Foll
owe
d by
A
clau
se

Positio
n

Examples

Betwee
n
clauses

He always dresses
smartly so (that)
people notice him.

verb
+
-ing

Teresa got up early

with the intention of
studying before going
in to university.

Carla came home

early so as not to
have an argument
with her parents
Dieter goes to the
gym every day to
keep fit
We'd better postpone
the meeting till after
lunch because / since
/ as Fatima has been
delayed.
Because / As / Since
he was feeling ill, he
spent the day in bed.

infini
tive

infini
tive

For this
reason

Consequent
ly/as a
consequenc
e/ as a
result

A
clau
se

nou
n/
verb
+
-ing
A
sent
enc
e

result

A
sent
enc
e

at the
beginnin
g of the
sentenc
e (more
emphati
c) or
between
clauses

After the
main
clause

at the
beginning of
the sentence or
after the main
clause

Take your mobile with

you in case you need to call
me.

Candice always
writes things down otherwise
[= because if she doesn't) she
forgets them.

All flights have

been cancelled because
of/ due to / owing to the
bad weather.

at the
beginnin
g of the
sentenc
e and
referring
to the
previous
one

Someone called
me unexpectedly. For this
reason I was late for the
meeting.

at the
beginnin
g of the
sentenc
e and
referring

Ranjit injured
himself in training
yesterday. As a
consequence, he won't
be taking part in the
match today.

After the
main
clause

to the
previous
one. As
a
conseq
uence
and as
a result
can also
be used
at the
end of
the
sentenc
e

Keiko didn't write

a very good letter of
application. She was
rejected as a result.

Spelling rules for affixes and inflections (-ed, -ing)

Affixes are either prefixes [syllables added before the word: dispose, propose) or suffixes (syllables
added after the word: expectant, expectancy, expectation). In the CAE exam spellings must be
correct for the answer to be considered correct. Below are some spelling rules when adding affixes.

Double the final consonant when you add -ed,-ing, -er, and -est to:

A one-syllable word which ends in consonant-vowel-consonant: run runner, clap-clapping (but

bend bending, strange- stranger, bad badly, etc). But final w, x and y never doubled: flowed,
taxing.

Verbs of two or more syllables which end in consonant-vowel-consonant and the final syllable is
stressed: occurs-occurrence, forget-forgetting, admit-admittance (but forgetful, developing)

Verbs which end in L after one vowel in British English (in American English they may not double):
travel-traveller, cancel-cancellation.

Dont double the final consonant when:

There are two final consonants: correspond-correspondence.

If there are two vowels before the final consonant: disappear-disappearance.
The verb ends in a vowel: interfere-interference
The stress is not on the final syllable: deepen-deepening.

Change Y to i:

In words which end in Y after a consonant, the Y becomes I when a suffix is added: happyhappiness, try-trial/tries, study-studious, family-familiar, rely-reliance.

But not these exceptions:

i becomes Y with ing: lie-lying, die-dying

Dry-drier / drily but dryness, shy shyness / shyly; day-daily

Drop the e:

If there is a consonant before it and the suffix begin with a vowel (-er, ed, -ing, -ance, -ation):
nonsense-nonsensical, amaze-amazing, sane-sanity.

Note these exceptions: words ending in ce, -ge, -ee: noticeable, knowledgeable, disagreeable.

The final e is not dropped when the suffix begins with a consonant: safe-safety, arrangearrangement, disgrace-disgraceful (exception: argue-argument).

Adding prefixes

When a prefix is added (before the word), the spelling does not change: dis-, un- and ir-:appointdisappoint, satisfied-dissatisfied, truthful-untruthful, necessary-unnecessary, relevant-irrelevant.

Note: Use il-, im- and ir- (not IN-) before words beginning with L, M, P or R: illegible, immodest,
impractical, irresponsible.

NO, NONE, NOT

No

It means NOT ANY or NOT EVEN ONE. It can be used with countable or uncountable nouns: I have
no idea of what youre talking about. There were no cars on the road at that time of the morning.

Its used with comparative words and different: The traffic is no worse than it was at the same time
yesterday. I had to work late every evening last week, and so far this week has been no different.

None

Its a pronoun and means NOT ONE, NOT ANY or NO PART OF. It can be used with countable
nouns, uncountable nouns and other pronouns. It is most commonly followed by OF: None of my
friends, knows/know its my birthday today. None of the milk in the fridge is fresh.

It can also be used without a noun: How much coffee do we have? None. (at all). We need to buy
some more bananas; there are none left.

Note: In formal written English NONE is considered to be a singular word and is followed by a
singular verb: None of my colleagues speaks Spanish. However, in everyday speech plural verbs
are more commonly used: None of this mornings flights have been delayed.

Not

Its mainly used to make verbs negative and is often contracted to nt. You havent answered my
question. Shoe told me not to phone her after 10pm.

It can also make a word or a phrase negative: Not many people voted in yesterdays election. Not
everyone can win the lottery.

Infinitives and verb + -ing forms

The ing form of the verb is used after:

Some verbs which express likes and dislikes, e.g. dislike, enjoy, loathe, (dont) mind, (can`t) stand:
She cant stand getting stick in a traffic jam. But note the following exceptions:

hate/like/love/prefer are usually followed by the ing form but are sometimes followed by the to
infinitive (see below).
ing form but are sometimes followed by the to infinitive (see below)
would + hate/like/love/prefer is always followed by the to infinitive (see below).

Certain verbs, e.g. admit, appreciate, avoid, can`t help, consider, delay, deny, finish, imagine,
involve, keep, mind, miss, postpone, prevent, report, resist, risk, suggest: The prime minister has
just finished speaking.

Verbs followed by the infinitive and the ing form

A small number of verbs can be followed either by the infinitive or by the ing form.

With no difference in meaning: begin, cant bear, cease, convince, continue, hate, intend., like, love,
propose, start: I`ve just started to learn / learning to ski. He had intended to leave / leaving the party
before midnight.
Note: With the verbs like, love, hate there can be this slight difference in meaning:

I like to clean my car every week. (=focus on the result of the activity)

I like cleaning my car every week. (=focus on the activity itself, i.e. I enjoy cleaning it)

With different meanings:

Verbs expressing perception (infinitive without to)

1. We saw the plane take off. (=focus on the result of the activity.)
2. We saw the plane taking off (=We saw only part of the process.)

forget

1. I forgot to phone my brother. (= I didn`t phone him)

2. I`ll never forget phoning my sister that night. (=I phoned her and I recall it well.)

remember

1. Tom remembered to close the windows before he left. (=He did something he had to do; he
didn`t forget.)
2. Tom remembered closing the windows before he left. (=He recalled doing it.)

go on

1. He won his first race when he was seven and went on to break the world record.
(=Breaking the World record was something he did later.)
2. He went on walking even though he was exhausted. (=He didnt stop walking)

mean

1. I`m sorry, I didn`t mean to be rude. (=intend)

2. If we want to catch the early train, it`ll mean getting up at 5.00. (=involve)

regret

1. I regret to inform you that you have not passed the test this time. (= be sorry about
something you are about to say often because it is bad news.
2. He now regrets taking the day off work. (= He wishes he hadn`t taken the day off.)

stop

1. Wed better stop to look at the map (=stop what you are doing in order to do
something else)

2. Theres nothing you can do about it, so stop worrying. (=finish worrying)

1. Ive been trying to repair my computer all morning (=attempt something difficult)
2. Have you tried kicking it? (=do something which might solve a problem)

try

Other uses of the ING form:

as an adjective: that was a really interesting film

as a noun: (the subject or object of a verb): Driving can be very tiring, especially late at
night.
As part of a participle clause or phrase
After a preposition: Thank you all for being here. What wrong with lending him my car?

Relative clauses

Relative clauses contain a main verb and begin with a relative pronoun (that, which, who / whom,
whose) or a relative adverb (when, where, why)

Use that, who, whom, whose to refer to people: Max is the boy whose father is a firefighter. A
firefighter is someone who puts out fires. The firefighter that rescued me was only 19 years old.
Note: whom is formal and is used mainly with prepositions: the person to whom this letter is
addressed is in Madrid.
Use that and which to refer to things: The tree that was blown down in the storm was over a hundred
years old. The book which won the prize was written by a 19 year old girl.
Use when to refer to times: The weekend is a time when many people relax.
Use where to refer to places: The place where they live is in the middle of nowhere.
Use why to refer to reasons: The reason why Im late is that my flight was cancelled.
Relative clauses can be at the end of the sentence, or can be embedded in another clause: Madrid
is the city where I grow up. Madrid, where I grow up, is the capital of Spain.
There are two main types of relative clauses: identifying (or defining) and non-identifying (or nondefining):
The relative pronoun in an identifying relative clause defines the noun which immediately precedes
it, and is therefore essential to the meaning of the sentence: The couple who brought me up were
not my real parents. (The relative clause tells us which couple)
Non-identifying relative clauses add additional information, but are not essential to the meaning of
the sentence: The hotel, which has a hundred bedrooms, is on the outskirts of the city.
Another type of non-identifying clause is a comment clause. In these we use which to introduce a
comment on a previous clause or phrase: It had been raining non-stop for the 24 hours, which is
why I didnt go out. We were stuck in the traffic jam for 3 hours, which I found really frustrating.

Notes: In writing, non-identifying relative clauses are separated from the main clause by commas.
My car, which is 7 years old, has already run 2,000 km. In speech, slight pauses are used to show
that a relative clause is non-identifying.
Notes: the pronoun that cannot be used instead of who or which to introduce a non-identifying
relative clause.

Prepositions in time expressions

Use at:

With points of time: at four oclock, at dawn, at midday.

With short periods which we think of as points: Im always short of money at the end of the month.
With mealtimes: We can discuss it at lunch tomorrow.

(Note: We can also say: We can discuss it over / during lunch tomorrow)

With the weekend, Christmas and Easter: What are you doing at the weekend? (Note: in American
English: What are you doing on the weekend? Is also possible.)
With night when talking about nights in general, not a particular night: The traffic noise makes it
difficult for me to sleep at night. (See in the night below, under parts of the day.)
Use in:

For periods of time: in 2006, in March, in the autumn.

For parts of the day: Sam always goes shopping in the morning. (but Sam always goes shopping on
Saturday morning. See below.)
Note: we use at night when talking about nights in general (see above) and in the night to mean
during a particular night: The pavement was wet this morning because it had rained in / during the
night.
To say the period of time before something happens or how long something takes: Ill call you back
in 20 minutes. In six months time Ill have finished university. Clara managed t do all her homework
in just 20 minutes.
Use on:
For particular dates, days or parts of days: Im going on holiday on July 22nd. Were having a party
on Saturday if youd like to come. We always go bowling on Friday nights.
With occasion: Tatiana has visited us on several occasions in the past.

Conditionals

1st conditional

Form

If / unless + present simple / continuous tense will/may/must, etc + infinitive

Use

To talk about very possible or probable situations in the present or future: If you miss the last train
home, you can always stay at my place.

2nd conditional

Form

If / unless + past simple / continuous tense would/could/might + infinitve

Use

To talk about less possible or improbable situations in the present or future: If I got the job, Id have
to move to Bristol.
To talk about imaginary situations or events in the present: If I had more money, Id travel first class
on the train. (Im imagining having more money, contrary to the facts: I dont have much money. I
dont travel first class on the train.)

3rd conditional

Form

If / unless + past perfect simple or continuous tense would have / could have / might have + past
participle (been, done, eaten, etc.)

Use

To talk about imaginary situations or events I the past: If you had been born in the 19th century, you
would have travelled to work by horse (imaginary, contrary to the facts: you werent born in the 19 th
century; youre imagining a journey to work in the 19th century.)

In all types of conditional sentence the conditional clause (starting with if / unless) is understood and
therefore often omitted: How would you communicate with someone whose language you couldnt
speak? Id use sign language.

If one part of the sentence speaks about the present / future and the other part about the past, 2 nd
and 3rd conditionals can be mixed:

If I hadnt met Julia when I was travelling in Bulgaria last year (3rd conditional) we wouldnt be
married now (2nd conditional.)

Anastasia would never have bought such an expensive book (3rd conditional), if she wasnt studying
the subject for her PhD (2nd conditional.)

Other conditional structures

If it werent / wasnt / hadnt been for + noun: If it werent for Karols sense of adventure, we wouldnt
have mounted this expedition.

If + noun / pronoun + were to + infinitive (formal): If the company were to lower the fares, wed have
more money for other things.

Other uses of conditionals

You can:

Give advice using if I were you + I would + infinitive: If I were you, Id take the laptop as hand
luggage.
Make criticisms or strong requests using:
If you would + infinitive would + infinitive
If youd stop making so much noise, perhaps wed all be able to enjoy the programme.
Make polite formal requests using the following (listed from quite formal to very informal):
o Id appreciate it if you would / could: Id appreciate it if you could hand in the report by
Thursday. (Note: this form can also be used for making polite complaints or criticisms: Id
appreciate it if youd make less noise!)
o If youd be so kind as to + infinitive (- will + infinitive): if youd be so kind as to close the
window.

At, in and on to express location

Use at:

When a place is thought of as a point, not an area (including at home, at school, at work, at
university): Ill meet you at the airport when you arrive.
To talk about an event involving a number of people: Tina met Joe at Charlies wedding.

For addresses: She lives at Number 11, Abbey Road.

Use in:

When a place is thought of as somewhere with an area or space: Gary lives in a small flat at the top
of a tower block.
For cars and taxis: Lets talk in the car.
Normally with in class, in hospital, in prison, in court: He studied for a law degree while he was in
prison.
With people or things which form line: Wait in the queue!
For the world: Its the tallest building in the world.

Use on:

To talk about a position in contact with a surface: Weve hung that picture you gave us on the wall
above the fireplace. She lay on the beach soaking up the warm spring sunshine.
To talk about a position on something thought of as a line, e.g. a coast, a road, the outskirts, the
edge, etc: Keyhaven is a small village on the south coast. There were huge traffic jams on the
motorway yesterday evening.
With means of transport apart from cars and taxis (see above): Hi Karen Im on a train and Ill be
getting to you about six. OK?
For technology: Ive seen him on television. Im afraid shes on the phone at the moment.

With left and right: Youll find the post office on your left just past the supermarket.
With lists: Ill put sausages on the shopping list.
With premises, farm, floor and island: Its on the fifth floor.

Articles

The indefinite article a / an

A/an is used for something general or non-specific, or when we refer to something for the first time:
have you got a bicycle? (= any kind of bicycle) Hes a good gymnast. (= one of many). Theres a
tennis club in our town.

Other uses:

To refer to someones job or function: She used to be a hotel receptionist.

To mean one: I have a sister and two brothers. My grandfather lived to a hundred.
The definite article the

The is used when we know what is being discussed, e.g. it may be something specific, it may have
been mentioned before, or there may be only one of it: When is the furniture arriving? (= the local
college, the only one)

We also use the with plural countable nouns to refer to something known, to something specific or to
something that has been mentioned before: Grades are given according to accuracy and creativity.
The grades range form A-F.

No article

With plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns with a general meaning: Cats chase mice.
Pollution is ruining our towns and cities.
In certain phrases which relate to places, institutions or situations: Did you go to university? (= Were
you a student?) What did you do in class today? (= What did you learn?)
Other similar phrases: be in / go to church, court, hospital, prison; be at / go to sea, school,
university, work; be at / go home.


The Use of Commas

If a sentence starts with a clause introduced by whereas, while, though, although and even though,
even if, despite, etc, a comma is used to separate the first clause from the rest of the sentence:
Even though I felt ill, I thoroughly enjoyed the party.

No comma is used if these clauses come after the main clause: I thoroughly enjoyed the party.

However and nevertheless are followed by and sometimes also preceded by commas: I enjoy going
to the gym. However, I cant stand running. I enjoy going to the gym. John, however, cant stand it.

Comment adverbials

Express how certain the speaker is about something. Some common adverbs: certainly, definitely,
possibly, probably, undoubtedly: Shes definitely happier now than she was when she first arrived in
the country.

Express the speakers attitude or opinion about what they say.

Some common adverbs: frankly, personally, unfortunately, surprisingly: I, personally, would only
emigrate if I was sure it would improve my standard of living.

Some common adverbial phrases: in my opinion, quite honestly, generally speaking, to my surprise:
Quite honestly, I dont think you should have given him so much money.

Express the speakers opinion of their or someone elses actions: cleverly, kindly, mistakenly,
strangely, foolishly, etc. (These adverbs depend on the action taken and therefore it is not possible
to provide a list of the most common ones): The government has mistakenly, I think, put restrictions
on immigration from certain countries. (i.e. I think the governments action is a mistake): Strangely, I
havent heard anything from her since she moved house. (I.e. I think her failure to communicate is
strange.

Comment adverbials are often placed at the beginning of the sentence: Frankly, if I could choose, Id
leave Manchester and migrate back to the country.

However they can also be placed:

In the middle position in the sentence (between the subject and the adverb): She was unfortunately
extremely late for the appointment.
Or at the end of the sentence: Demetrio is thinking of emigrating to Australia, apparently.
NOTE: In writing, comment adverbials are usually separated from the rest of the sentence by
comma when used at the beginning or the end of the sentence.

 COHERENCE: TRANSITION WORDS

Below is a list of commonly used transition expressions, divided roughly according to meaning.
Addition:
Moreover, furthermore, in addition, also, incidentally, by the way, further, too, again, more important,
next, first, second, etc., firstly, secondly, etc., in the first place, in the second place, etc., last, lastly,
finally, either, as well.
Contrast:
However, yet, in contrast, on the other hand, in any case, on the contrary, still, otherwise, actually, all
the same, at any rate, at the same time, nevertheless, notwithstanding, instead, in spite of this,
anyway, by contrast, in reality, whereas.
Comparison:
Likewise, similarly, in the same way, whereas, in like manner.
Cause, result, purpose:
Therefore, thus, hence, consequently, after all, to be sure, for this reason, accordingly, then,
knowing this, naturally, of course, with this object, with this end, to this end, because of this, with this
in mind, in many cases, by this means, in this way, as.
Example, restatement:
For example, for instance, more specifically, in particular, indeed, namely, specifically, to illustrate, in
other words, in fact, that is, in brief, in short, to summarize, in conclusion.
Time:
afterwards, later on, soon, meanwhile, in the meantime, next, immediately, then, later, at length,
eventually, at the same time, in the same instant, today, nowadays, in the beginning, to begin, in
time, in future, finally, initially, subsequently, simultaneously.
Place:
Here, there, nearby, beyond, further on, opposite, on the opposite side, on the right, on the left,
behind, in back.
Concession:
Although it is true that, granted that, I admit that, it may appear that, naturally, of course.
Summary, Repetition, or Conclusion:
as a result, as has been noted, as I have said, as we have seen, as mentioned earlier, in any event,
in conclusion, to conclude, in brief, finally, in other words, in short, in a word, on the whole, therefore,
in summary, to summarize, to sum up, in a nutshell, all in all.
Chronological:
Presently, the next day, before, during, at length, soon, afterward, after, when, afterward, by that
time, since, while, meanwhile, at that moment, next, from then on, first, within an hour, soon, at last
later, earlier, second, then.

Spatial:

A little farther on, next to Y, in the next room, at the center of the table, at that altitude, across the
way, between those cities, about a centimeter, to the right, beyond this area, just to the left.
When what you have presented leads up to, or supports, or makes a case for what you are
about to say:
Therefore, Thus, Hence, Consequently, We can see from the previous that, Because of the previous
[sentence, paragraph, line of reasoning, three points ...] we can see that [or, it is rational to believe
that, or it is reasonable to hold that]... In light of this we can see that
When you have given your conclusion first and want to then give your evidence, support,
justification for it:
The evidence for ... is, The reason(s) for ... is (are), One can see this because, This can be seen
because, This is supported by.
When you are going to "contradict" what has been said before [or contradict what you are
about to say]:
However, But, Nevertheless, In spite of this [or, in spite of the fact that ...,] Despite [the fact that ..., ]
Unfortunately that does not.... Paradoxically, Contradicting that is, While it may seem that.... On the
other hand, The apparent implication is that ... , but; While it may be that..., ; The previous does not
imply/demonstrate/show; We cannot reasonably deduce/infer/assume from this that... ; Although x, y
.... ; While it is the case that..., still.... While it is the case that..., it is not the case that (or it is not true
that, or it is not to be inferred that, or it does not imply that....)
To link together similar things (whether ideas or reasons):
You can just number them; The following n things: [and then number them, or not number them -whichever seems more appropriate]; Similarly, In the same vein, Along with, Accompanying that,
Also, And, Additionally, In addition, Then too, Besides, Moreover, Further, Furthermore.
To say that something is true in "both directions"
Conversely, The converse is also true, And vice versa
To say it is true in only one direction:
The converse is not true, This only goes in one direction, This is only true in this direction.

To explain something further:

For example, Examples of this are, To clarify ... To say this in another way, In line with that...

To change topics:
Moving on to a different point, considering something totally different now, let me digress for a
moment, returning from the digression, returning to the above point about, related to.

 Reports

Useful Language

To begin reports:

The purpose/aim/intention of this report is to examine/assess/ evaluate the suitability of... for .../the
advisability of (+ ing)/the performance of....
As requested, this is a report concerning/regarding the matter/subject of
This report contains the assessment of... which you requested/asked for,
This report outlines the advantages and disadvantages of...

To end reports, Summarizing:

To conclude/To sum up/In conclusion...,

On the basis of the points mentioned above/On the whole, it would seem that

The only/obvious conclusion to be drawn from these facts is that...

Recommending:

It is (therefore) felt/believed/apparent/obvious (that)... would be ideal for

It would (not) be advisable/advantageous/practical/wise to

I (strongly) recommend/would suggest (that)

My/Our recommendation is that... should be....

I recommend that the best course of action would be ...

A successful report should consist of:

a) an introductory paragraph which clearly states the purpose and content of the report;
b) a main body in which the relevant information is presented in detail under suitable subheadings; and
c) a conclusion which summarizes the information given, and may include an opinion and/or
suggestion/recommendation

 Layout of Reports

To: ...............

From: .........

Subject: .....

Date. ............

Introduction

Paragraph 1
State the purpose and content of your proposal or report

Main body

Paragraphs 2-3-4 (5)*

Present each aspect under separate subheadings
Recommendations
Paragraph 5
Provide some ideas and things that can be done to improve or carry out what you have previously talked about.
Conclusions
Final Paragraph
General assessment/conclusion/opinion
* The exact number and division of paragraphs will depend on the specific instructions for each
report task

 Articles

An article, in general, is a piece of writing for publication in a magazine, newspaper, brochure,

leaflet, etc. It may be formal or informal in style, depending on its intended readership. Hs purpose may be to
provide information, describe a place/event/experience, etc, present an opinion or balanced argument, offer
advice/suggestions, etc.

There a/e certain specialized types of articles, however. These include:

1) news reports, which are brief, factual pieces of writing written for publication in newspapers,
describing important current events in a formal, impersonal style;

2) reviews, which are specialized articles written to describe, discuss and/or evaluate a film, book,
theatrical performance. TV series, etc. Such pieces are usually published in a magazine or newspaper.

A successful article should consist of:

an eye-catching title or headline which suggests the topic of the article that follows;

an introduction which clearly outlines the topic(s) to be covered;

a main body of several paragraphs in which the subject is developed in detail

a conclusion which summarizes the topic and/or offers an opinion, comments, recommendations,
etc.

Useful clues to write an article

Before you start writing, it is important to decide:

where the article is intended to appear (e.g. magazine, leaflet, etc)

who the intended readers are (e.g. the general public, fellow students, etc)

what the purpose of writing is (e.g. describe, inform, advise, etc)

These abovementioned three factors will determine the style, language and arrangement of your
article

The style of the article may be formal or semi-formal, depending on the intended readership; however, in all
articles/news reports/reviews you should avoid extremely vivid description, over-emotional or over-personal
writing, and simplistic vocabulary.

Use suitable descriptive, narrative or argumentative techniques, and expressions which are consistent with
the purpose of the article. Appropriate use of linking words/expressions and a wide range of vocabulary will
make your writing more interesting.

Select and organize the ideas and information you will present in each paragraph carefully, and begin each
paragraph with a clear topic sentence.

Points to consider
1.

An article usually has a brief title: this should attract the readers attention and indicate what the article is

about. Articles may also have subheadings before each paragraph.

2.

Depending on the topic of the article and the type of publication and its readership, you may need to use
formal, impersonal language, or informal language.

3.

Articles may be written for a wide variety of purposes and can be descriptive, narrative, discursive, etc. The
techniques, style and expressions used should be appropriate to each kind of writing.

4.

Articles for leaflets and brochures are usually informative and/or descriptive, and are written for advertising
purposes, or to provide readers with information, advice or suggestions. They should be clear, avoiding
extremely vivid description and over-emotional, over-personal or simplistic language

5.

Select and organize the ideas and information you will present in each paragraph carefully. Begin each
paragraph with a clear topic sentence.

Article Writing Format

Title/Headline

Introduction
Paragraph 1
State the topic of the article

Main Body
Paragraphs 2-3-4-5*
Development of the topic - each new aspect should be presented in a separate paragraph with a
clear topic sentence

Conclusion
Final Paragraph
Summary of the topic and/or opinion/comments/ recommendations)

The exact number of paragraphs will depend on the specific requirements of each writing task.

 Reviews

A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine, newspaper, etc., giving a

brief description or evaluation of a film, book, play, tv/radio program. It may be formal or semi-formal in style,
depending on its intended readership, and is usually written using present tenses.

A successful review should consist of:

an introduction which mentions the title, type of book/play/film etc the setting (when/where), the theme,
the main characters.

a main body of two more paragraphs containing the main pints of the plot (without revealing the
ending), and evaluating such features as the acting, writing style, direction, characters, etc.

a conclusion which includes an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation,

usually

with justification.

You may also be asked to give reasons why someone should see the film/play or read the book, how it
has influenced you. Note that the number and length of paragraphs varies depending on the topic.

Useful Language

To begin reviews:

This well-written/informative/fascinating/thought-provoking book is

The fill/book/play is set in/tells the story of /is based on

The film/play stars/is directed by/is the sequel to

To explain the plot:

The plot revolves around .../involves .../focuses on .../has an unexpected twist.

The story begins with .../unfolds/reaches a dramatic climax when.

Evaluating various features:

The play/film/series has a strong/star-studded/mediocre cast.

The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak/disappointing/unconvincing.

The plot is grippinq/dramatic/fascinatinq/suspense-filled/fast-movinq.

The plot is far-fetched/predictable/confusing/dull/unimaginative.

The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane.

It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively written/directed.

To end reviews:

You should definitely see/read/Dont miss it/ You might enjoy

All in all, it is well worth seeing / reading, since

On the whole, I wouldnt recommend it, in view of the fact that

It is a classic of its kind/it is sure to be a hit/best-seller

Review Writing Format

Title/Headline

Introduction
Paragraph 1
Background: type of story, setting, theme, main characters.

Main Body
Paragraph 2
Main points of the plot
Paragraph 3
Comments on various features e.g. acting, plot, characters, etc.
Paragraphs 4-5*
Explanation, reason/example

Conclusion
Final Paragraph
Overall assessment of work/recommendation

writing task.

* The exact number and division of paragraphs will depend on the specific requirements of each

 Letter of application

A formal letter of application is written when applying for a job or a place on an

educational course. A job application usually includes educational/professional
qualifications, details of previous experience as well as the applicant's qualities and
skills. Previous experience should be presented in a clear order using linking words
such as: currently, before this, subsequently, prior to this, following, whereupon, etc.

Useful Language: Applying for Jobs

To begin letters:

I am writing to apply for the post/position of... advertised in yesterday's ...

I am writing in connection with/with regard to the vacancy in your Sales Department, as

advertised in The Times on/of 14th October.

Experience/Qualifications:
I am currently/At present I am employed/working as...
I was employed as (position) by (company) from (date) to (date).
During this time, I held the position of .../was responsible for .../my duties included...
I have received training in .../completed an apprenticeship, etc...

My qualifications include .../I am presently studying/attending a course

I am due to take my final examinations in June...
I have/hold/obtained/was awarded a degree/diploma/certificate in...
I have successfully/recently completed a course in (subject) at (place).

To end letters:

I enclose/Please find enclosed my CV/references from

I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience/as soon as possible.

I would be available for an interview at any lime/until the end of June/etc.

I would be pleased / happy to supply you with any further information/details

Please contact me should you have any further questions/queries.

Letter of application Writing Format

Introduction

Paragraph 1

State reason(s) for writing

Main Body

Paragraphs 2-3-4-5*

Education & qualifications, previous experience, personal qualities, suitability

Conclusions

Final Paragraph

Closing remarks

Full name

* The exact number and division of paragraphs and the order of presenting information
will depend on the specific instructions for each letter-writing task.

Letter of complaint

A formal letter of complaint is written to complain about a problem which has arisen

(e.g. faulty merchandise, rude staff, inaccurate information, etc). It should explain the reasons for
the complaint, and usually includes a suggestion/request/ demand concerning what should be done
(e.g. refund, compensation, etc).

Mild or strong language can be used depending on the writer's feelings and the

seriousness of the complaint, but abusive language must never be used.

Mild Complaint:

I am writing to complain about a factual error in yesterday's newspaper.

I hope that you will give this matter your prompt attention.

Strong Complaint:

I am writing to express my strong disapproval concerning the offensive behavior of an

employee at your company's Winchester Road branch. I demand a full, written apology or I
will be forced to take legal action.

The nature of the complaint should be clearly stated in the first paragraph. Each aspect
of the topic should be presented in a separate paragraph containing a clear topic
sentence. Each complaint should be supported by dear justification.

Useful Language
To begin letters

Mild complaint:
I am writing to complain about/ draw your attention to (the problem of )... express my
disappointment/dissatisfaction with ...

Strong complaint:
I am writing to express my annoyance/extreme dissatisfaction with /anger at /protest about
I regret to/feel I must inform you how appalled/shocked I was ...

To end letters:
Mild complaint
I hope/trust this matter will be dealt with/resolved as soon as possible, receive your
immediate attention, not be treated lightly.
I feel that you should .../I am entitled to compensation/a refund/a replacement.
Strong complaint
I (must) insist on .../insist (that)/demand .../warn you that...
Unless this matter is resolved .../Unless satisfactory compensation is offered ...
I will have no choice but to/I will be forced to take further/legal action.

Letter of complaint Writing Format

Introduction

Paragraph 1

State reason(s) for writing

Main Body

Paragraphs 2-3*

State complaint(s) with justification.

Paragraphs 4-5*

Suggest what should be done

Conclusions

Final Paragraph

Closing remarks

Full name

* The exact number and division of paragraphs and the order of presenting information
will depend on the specific instructions for each letter-writing task.

PHRASAL VERBS

Verb

Meaning

ask someone out

invite on a date

ask around

ask many people the same

question

add up to something

equal

back something up

reverse

back someone up

support

blow up

explode

blow something up

add air

break down

stop functioning (vehicle,

machine)

break down

get upset

break something
down

divide into smaller parts

break in

force entry to a building

break into something

enter forcibly

break something in

wear something a few

times so that it doesn't
look/feel new

break in

interrupt

break up

end a relationship

break up

start laughing (informal)

break out

escape

break out in
something

develop a skin condition

bring someone down

make unhappy

bring someone up

raise a child

bring something up

start talking about a

subject

bring something up

vomit

call around

phone many different

places/people

I need to break these shoes in

before we run next week.

The TV station broke in to

report the news of the
president's death.
My boyfriend and I broke up
before I moved to America.
The kids just broke up as soon
as the clown started talking.
The prisoners broke out of jail
when the guards weren't
looking.
I broke out in a rash after our
camping trip.
This sad music is bringing me
down.
My grandparents brought me
up after my parents died.
My mother walks out of the
room when my father brings
up sports.
He drank so much that he
brought his dinner up in the
toilet.
We called around but we
weren't able to find the car part
we needed.
I called the company back but
the offices were closed for the
weekend.

call someone back

return a phone call

Example
Brian asked Judy out to dinner
and a movie.
I asked around but nobody
has seen my wallet.
Your purchases add up to
$205.32.
You'll have to back up your car
so that I can get out.
My wife backed me up over
my decision to quit my job.
The racing car blew up after it
crashed into the fence.
We have to blow 50 balloons
up for the party.
Our car broke down at the
side of the highway in the
snowstorm.
The woman broke down when
the police told her that her son
had died.
Our teacher broke the final
project down into three
separate parts.
Somebody broke in last night
and stole our stereo.
The firemen had to break into
the room to rescue the children.

call something off

cancel

call on someone

ask for an answer or

opinion

call on someone

visit someone

call someone up

phone

calm down

relax after being angry

Jason called the wedding off

because he wasn't in love with
his fianc.
The professor called on me for
question.

We called on you last night but

you weren't home.
Give me your phone number
and I will call you
up when we are in town.
You are still mad. You need to
calm down before you drive
the car.

not care for

someone/something

not like (formal)

catch up

get to the same point as

someone else

check in

arrive and register at a hotel

or airport

check out

leave a hotel

look at carefully, investigate

look at (informal)

check
someone/something out
check out
someone/something

cheer up

become happier

cheer someone up

make happier

chip in

help

clean something up

tidy, clean

come across
something

find unexpectedly

separate

become sick

volunteer for a task or to

give evidence

originate in

rely on

draw a line through

consume less

come apart

come down with

something

come forward

come from
somewhere
count on
someone/something

cross something out

cut back on
something

cut something down

make something fall to the

ground

cut in

interrupt

I don't care for his behaviour.

You'll have to run faster than

that if you want to catch up
with Marty.
We will get the hotel keys when
we check in.
You have to check out of the
hotel before 11:00 AM.
The company checks out all
new employees.

Check out the crazy hair on

that guy!
She cheered up when she
heard the good news.
I brought you some flowers to
cheer you up.
If everyone chips in we can
get the kitchen painted by
noon.
Please clean up your bedroom
before you go outside.
I came across these old
photos when I was tidying the
closet.
The top and bottom come
apart if you pull hard enough.
My nephew came down with
chicken pox this weekend.

The woman came forward with

her husband's finger prints.

The art of origami comes from

Asia.

I am counting on you to make

dinner while I am out.
Please cross out your old
address and write your new
one.
My doctor wants me to cut
back on sweets and fatty
foods.
We had to cut the old tree in
our yard down after the storm.
Your father cut in while I was
dancing with your uncle.

cut in

cut in

start operating (of an

engine or electrical device)

cut something off

remove with something

sharp

cut something off

stop providing

cut someone off

take out of a will

cut something out

remove part of something

(usually with scissors and
paper)

beat up, ransack (Br.E.,

informal)

do again (N.Amer.)

do away with
something

discard

do something up

fasten, close

dress up

wear nice clothing

drop back

drop in/by/over

move back in a
position/group
come without an
appointment
take someone/something
somewhere and leave
them/it there

do
someone/something
over

do something over

drop
someone/something off

pull in too closely in front of

another vehicle

drop out

quit a class, school etc

eat out

eat at a restaurant

end up

eventually reach/do/decide

fall apart

break into pieces

fall down

fall to the ground

fall out

separate from an interior

fall out

(of hair, teeth) become

loose and unattached

understand, find the answer

figure something
out

fill something in

to write information in
blanks (Br.E.)

fill something out

to write information in
blanks (N.Amer.)

fill something up

fill to the top

find out

discover

The bus driver got angry when

that car cut in.

The air conditioner cuts in

when the temperature gets to
22C.
The doctors cut off his leg
because it was severely
injured.
The phone company cut off
our phone because we didn't
pay the bill.
My grandparents cut my father
off when he remarried.

I cut this ad out of the

newspaper.

He's lucky to be alive. His shop

was done over by a street
gang.
My teacher wants me to do my
essay over because she
doesn't like my topic.
It's time to do away with all of
these old tax records.
Do your coat up before you go
outside. It's snowing!
It's a fancy restaurant so we
have to dress up.
Andrea dropped back to third
place when she fell off her bike.

I might drop in/by/over for tea

sometime this week.

I have to drop my sister off at

work before I come over.

I dropped out of Science

because it was too difficult.
I don't feel like cooking tonight.
Let's eat out.
We ended up renting a movie
instead of going to the theatre.
My new dress fell apart in the
washing machine.
The picture that you hung up
last night fell down this
morning.
The money must have fallen
out of my pocket.
His hair started to fall out when
he was only 35.
I need to figure out how to fit
the piano and the bookshelf in
this room.
Please fill in the form with your
name, address, and phone
number.
The form must be filled out in
capital letters.
I always fill the water jug up
when it is empty.
We don't know where he lives.
How can we find out?

discover

get something
across/over

communicate, make
understandable

get along/on

like each other

get around

have mobility

get away

go on a vacation

get away with

something

do without being noticed or

punished

get back

return

get something back

receive something you had

before

retaliate, take revenge

get back into

something

become interested in
something again

get on something

step onto a vehicle

get over something

recover from an illness,

loss, difficulty

get over something

overcome a problem

finally find time to do

(N.Amer.: get around to
something)
meet (usually for social
reasons)

find something out

get back at
someone

get round to
something

get together

get up

get out of bed

get up

stand

give someone away

reveal hidden information

about someone

give someone away

take the bride to the altar

ruin a secret

give something to someone

for free

return a borrowed item

give something
away
give something
away
give something
back

give in

reluctantly stop fighting or

arguing

give something out

give to many people

(usually at no cost)

We tried to keep the time of the

party a secret, but Samantha
found it out.
I tried to get my point
across/over to the judge but
she wouldn't listen.
I was surprised how well my
new girlfriend and my sister got
along/on.
My grandfather can get around
fine in his new wheelchair.
We worked so hard this year
that we had to get away for a
week.
Jason always gets away with
cheating in his maths tests.
We got back from our vacation
last week.
Liz finally got her Science
notes back from my roommate.
My sister got back at me for
stealing her shoes. She stole
my favourite hat.
I finally got back into my novel
and finished it.
We're going to freeze out here
if you don't let us get on the
bus.
I just got over the flu and now
my sister has it.
The company will have to close
if it can't get over the new
regulations.
I don't know when I am going to
get round to writing the thank
you cards.
Let's get together for a BBQ
this weekend.
I got up early today to study for
my exam.
You should get up and give the
elderly man your seat.

His wife gave him away to the

police.
My father gave me away at my
wedding.
My little sister gave the
surprise party away by
accident.
The library was giving away
old books on Friday.
I have to give these skates
back to Franz before his
hockey game.
My boyfriend didn't want to go
to the ballet, but he finally gave
in.
They were giving out free
perfume samples at the
department store.

give something up

quit a habit

give up

stop trying

go after someone

follow someone

go after something

try to achieve something

go against
someone

compete, oppose

go ahead

start, proceed

go back

return to a place

go out

leave home to go on a
social event

go out with
someone

date

go over something

review

go over

visit someone nearby

go without
something

suffer lack or deprivation

grow apart

stop being friends over time

grow back

regrow

grow up

become an adult

grow out of
something

get too big for

grow into
something

grow big enough to fit

hand something
down

give something used to

someone else

hand something in

submit

hand something out

to distribute to a group of
people

give (usually unwillingly)

hand something
over

hang in

stay positive (N.Amer.,

informal)

hang on

wait a short time (informal)

hang out

spend time relaxing

(informal)

hang up

end a phone call

prevent from doing/going

hide an emotion

hold
someone/something
back
hold something
back

I am giving up smoking as of
January 1st.
My maths homework was too
difficult so I gave up.
My brother tried to go after the
thief in his car.

I went after my dream and now

I am a published writer.
We are going against the best
soccer team in the city tonight.
Please go ahead and eat
before the food gets cold.
I have to go back home and
get my lunch.
We're going out for dinner
tonight.
Jesse has been going out
with Luke since they met last
winter.
Please go over your answers
before you submit your test.
I haven't seen Tina for a long
time. I think I'll go over for an
hour or two.
When I was young, we went
without winter boots.
My best friend and I grew
apart after she changed
schools.
My roses grew back this
summer.
When Jack grows up he wants
to be a fireman.
Elizabeth needs a new pair of
shoes because she has grown
out of her old ones.
This bike is too big for him now,
but he should grow into it by
next year.
I handed my old comic books
down to my little cousin.
I have to hand in my essay by
Friday.
We will hand out the invitations
at the door.
The police asked the man to
hand over his wallet and his
weapons.
Hang in there. I'm sure you'll
find a job very soon.
Hang on while I grab my coat
and shoes!
Instead of going to the party we
are just going to hang out at
my place.
He didn't say goodbye before
he hung up.
I had to hold my dog back
because there was a cat in the
park.
Jamie held back his tears at
his grandfather's funeral.

hold on

hold onto
someone/something

wait a short time

hold firmly using your hands

or arms

hold
someone/something up
keep on doing
something
keep something
from someone
keep
someone/something out

rob

continue doing

not tell

stop from entering

keep something up

continue at the same rate

let someone down

fail to support or help,

disappoint

let someone in

allow to enter

take care of

think less of, consider

inferior

try to find

be excited about the future

look after
someone/something
look down on
someone
look for
someone/something
look forward to
something

look into something

investigate

look out

be careful, vigilant, and take

notice

look out for

someone/something

be especially vigilant for

look something over

check, examine

look something up

search and find information

in a reference book or
database

look up to someone

have a lot of respect for

make something up

invent, lie about something

make up

forgive each other

make someone up

apply cosmetics to

mix something up

confuse two or more things

pass away

die

pass out

faint

pass something out

pass something up

pay someone back

give the same thing to

many people
decline (usually something
good)
return owed money

Please hold on while I transfer

you to the Sales Department.
Hold onto your hat because it's
very windy outside.
A man in a black mask held the
bank up this morning.

Keep on stirring until the liquid

comes to a boil.

We kept our relationship from

our parents for two years.

Try to keep the wet dog out of

the living room.
If you keep those results up
you will get into a great college.
I need you to be on time. Don't
let me down this time.
Can you let the cat in before
you go to school?
I have to look after my sick
grandmother.
Ever since we stole that
chocolate bar your dad has
looked down on me.
I'm looking for a red dress for
the wedding.

I'm looking forward to the

Christmas break.
We are going to look into the
price of snowboards today.
Look out! That car's going to hit
you!
Don't forget to look out for
snakes on the hiking trail.
Can you look over my essay
for spelling mistakes?

We can look her phone

number up on the Internet.

My little sister has always

looked up to me.
Josie made up a story about
why we were late.
We were angry last night, but
we made up at breakfast.
My sisters made me up for my
graduation party.
I mixed up the twins' names
again!
His uncle passed away last
night after a long illness.
It was so hot in the church that
an elderly lady passed out.
The professor passed the
textbooks out before class.

I passed up the job because I

am afraid of change.
Thanks for buying my ticket. I'll

pay for something

pick something out

choose

indicate with your finger

point
someone/something out

be punished for doing

something bad

put something down

put what you are holding on

a surface or floor

put someone down

insult, make someone feel

stupid

put something off

postpone

pay you back on Friday.

That bully will pay for being
mean to my little brother.

I picked out three sweaters for

you to try on.
I'll point my boyfriend out
when he runs by.
You can put the groceries
down on the kitchen counter.
The students put the substitute
teacher down because his
pants were too short.
We are putting off our trip until
January because of the
hurricane.

extinguish

assemble

tolerate

put clothing/accessories on
your body

meet unexpectedly

drive a vehicle over a

person or thing

run over/through
something

rehearse, review

run away

leave unexpectedly, escape

run out

have none left

send something
back

return (usually by mail)

set something up

arrange, organize

set someone up

trick, trap

shop around

compare prices

show off

act extra special for people

watching (usually boastfully)

sleep over

stay somewhere for the

night (informal)

sort something out

organize, resolve a problem

stick to something

continue doing something,

limit yourself to one
particular thing

put something out

put something
together
put up with
someone/something

put something on

run into
someone/something
run over
someone/something

switch something
off
switch something
on

take after someone

take something
apart
take something
back

stop the energy flow, turn off

start the energy flow, turn

on

resemble a family member

purposely break into pieces

return an item

I don't think I can put up with

three small children in the car.

Don't forget to put on your new

earrings for the party.

I ran into an old school-friend

at the mall.

I accidentally ran over your

bicycle in the driveway.
Let's run over/through these
lines one more time before the
show.
The child ran away from home
and has been missing for three
days.
We ran out of shampoo so I
had to wash my hair with soap.
My letter got sent back to me
because I used the wrong
stamp.
Our boss set a meeting up with
the president of the company.
The police set up the car thief
by using a hidden camera.
I want to shop around a little
before I decide on these boots.
He always shows off on his
skateboard
You should sleep over tonight
if the weather is too bad to
drive home.
We need to sort the bills out
before the first of the month.
You will lose weight if you stick
to the diet.

The light's too bright. Could you

switch it off.

We heard the news as soon as

we switched on the car radio.
I take after my mother. We are
both impatient.

take off

start to fly

take something off

take something out

remove something (usually

clothing)
remove from a place or
thing

take someone out

tear something up

pay for someone to go

somewhere with you
rip into pieces

The neighbours put the fire out

before the firemen arrived.
I have to put the crib together
before the baby arrives.

He took the car brakes apart

and found the problem.

I have to take our new TV back

because it doesn't work.
My plane takes off in five
minutes.
Take off your socks and shoes
and come in the lake!

Can you take the garbage out

to the street for me?
My grandparents took us out
for dinner and a movie.

I tore up my ex-boyfriend's
letters and gave them back to
him.

think back

think something
over
throw something
away
turn something
down
turn something
down

remember (often + to,

sometimes + on)

consider

dispose of

decrease the volume or

strength (heat, light etc)

refuse

When I think back on my

youth, I wish I had studied
harder.
I'll have to think this job offer
over before I make my final
decision.
We threw our old furniture
away when we won the lottery.

Please turn the TV down while

the guests are here.

I turned the job down because

I don't want to move.

turn something off

stop the energy flow,

switch off

turn something on

start the energy, switch on

turn something up

increase the volume or

strength (heat, light etc)

turn up

appear suddenly

try something on

sample clothing

try something out

test

use something up

finish the supply

wake up

stop sleeping

warm
someone/something up

increase the temperature

warm up

prepare body for exercise

wear off

fade away

work out

exercise

work out

be successful

work something out

make a calculation

Your mother wants you to turn

the TV off and come for dinner.
It's too dark in here. Let's turn
some lights on.
Can you turn the music up?
This is my favourite song.
Our cat turned up after we put
posters up all over the
neighbourhood.
I'm going to try these jeans on,
but I don't think they will fit.
I am going to try this new
brand of detergent out.
The kids used all of the
toothpaste up so we need to
buy some more.
We have to wake up early for
work on Monday.
You can warm your feet up in
front of the fireplace.
I always warm up by doing situps before I go for a run.
Most of my make-up wore off
before I got to the party.

I work out at the gym three

times a week.
Our plan worked out fine.
We have to work out the total
cost before we buy the house.

 Tips for Spanish speakers

Write longer sentences by joining ideas together.

Use a range of different tenses.
Bring your piece of writing to a definite end, for example by including a
conclusion or a proper ending.
Use a variety of adverbs in your writing to add interest.
Be careful with false friends ; words that are confused with similar words in
Spanish.
Make your writing as interesting and descriptive as you can.
Remember to use a suitable closing expression when writing a letter.
Try to avoid using the word beautiful all the time there are many other
adjectives you can use in English.
Make a paragraph plan before you start writing your answer. Then write your
answer clearly and always leave a line between paragraphs.
Check your use of capital letters.
Check the tenses you use in conditional sentences.
Be careful to spell words with ` silent letters correctly.
Try to be ambitious. Use a range of vocabulary especially different adjectives.
Remember that some nouns are uncountable and have an `s on the end.
Remember to write in the same style throughout an article or essay.
Make sure you use the right linking word in sentences.
Check the negative prefixes you use in word formation.
Revise common verb noun collocations.
Make sure you start each answer well, as a positive first impression is very
important.
Check the word order in direct and indirect questions.
Make your writing clear and informative when writing a report.
Use a wider range of language in the exam, even if it is not always accurate.
Be careful to check for any missing punctuation in your writing.
Try to use phrasal verbs in informal writing.
Remember to use consistently formal language in a Part 2 letter of application.
Learn some appropriate phrases and expressions that you could use in an
informal letter or email.
When writing a story, try to think of an interesting and descriptive opening to
catch the attention of the examiner and to set the scene.
Remember to cover all three points needed in a letter of application. Start a new
paragraph for each point and try to explain each point thoroughly.
When writing an article, engage the readers interest by bringing your writing to
life.
Learn some phrases with all that you can use to impress the examiner.
When writing a sentence, check that the verb agrees with the subject.
Be careful not to miss out any preposition in your sentences.
Be careful to choose the right word for what you want to say.