English Language Skills: Grammar, Vocabulary, and Communication

A Personal Update and Language Practice

A Letter from Melody

Hi Mary,

Sorry I haven't written before, but I've been very busy with my exams. Thanks for your email. I liked your photos very much!

I'll tell you a bit about myself. I like surfing the internet, watching TV, and listening to music. My favorite sport is climbing, so I often go climbing with my friends at the weekends.

I live in a big house with my family. I've got one brother; he is twenty-three years old. I also have four dogs.

Write back soon and tell me more about you.

All the best,
Melody

Vocabulary Building

Common Adjectives and Their Antonyms

• Honest (Dishonest)
• Rational (Irrational)
• Legal (Illegal)
• Interesting (Uninteresting)
• Patient (Impatient)
• Reliable (Unreliable)
• Sincere (Insincere)
• Mature (Immature)
• Friendly (Unfriendly)
• Responsible (Irresponsible)

English Grammar Focus

Mastering Future Tenses

Will vs. Going To

• Don't worry. Go back to bed. I'll call the doctor.
• It's all right. I will borrow Tom's bike.
• Oh yes, I'm going to a rock concert.
• I will open it for you.
• I have asked... I am going to shop for Christmas presents.

Future Time Clauses

• I won't speak to him until he apologizes.
• When my parents ask, I'll tell them the truth.
• As soon as the lights are off, we'll bring in the cake.
• He will lock the doors before he leaves.
• The film will start after everyone is quiet.

Other Future Forms

• By the end of June, I will have finished my exams. (Future Perfect)
• He is playing tennis at 6:00. (Present Continuous for Future)
• I saw a lovely scarf. I will buy it for Liz. (Spontaneous decision with 'will')
• When I finish school, I will open my own shop. (Future with 'will' after a time clause)
• I'll see you when you finish your exam. (Future with 'will' after a time clause)
• This time next week, we will be flying to America. (Future Continuous)

Conditional Sentences & Future Forms Practice

Complete the sentences with the correct future form:

• I won't go to the party if you don't come.
• If he helps, I will finish.
• If the phone rings, I won't answer.
• Will you pay by card?
• If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.
• If you tell him, he won't believe you.
• If you don't ask, you won't know.

Prepositions and Adjectives

Prepositions with "Talk"

You can talk:

• to someone
• on the phone
• about something
• with someone

Describing People: Adjectives

Tom is so:

• Dishonest
• Patient
• Good-looking
• Rational
• Open-minded
• Illegal