Welcome to ESOL Study!

Using English is the best way to improve your English! Please sing with the songs and write comments.

Please suggest songs and topics you like.

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Thursday, May 30, 2024

I hope you return!

 Friday, May 31 is the LAST DAY for current students to register for Summer Classes.

I plan to teach.  We will probably focus on directions, travel, and getting jobs.  If the majority of students in the Summer class already took class this spring, we will have more opportunities to have conversations.


What are you going to do this summer?

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

You better....

 .Listening ESL Lab-Picnic Preparations

When we want to say a strong "good" to compare things, we use better.  This website is better than that one.  I like chocolate better than vanilla.  Vegetables are better for you (healthier) than pork.

You better _______ (verb) is common to hear, but it is not good formal English.  It's supposed to be you had better, but the had is often 'd and that 'd often disappears.  You'd better is a threatening way to say you must.  If you don't do something you'd better do, there will be consequences.

What had we better do?

Is it a good idea or a bad idea to date many people before you get engaged?  Do you agree with this mother?  Why?

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Memorial Day -- NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY!!

On Memorial Day, we remember people who died in military service.  We also often shop, have barbecues, and go to outdoor pools and water parks.  Many outdoor pools open on Memorial Day.

Do you like to shop?
  


Springfield Mall Sales 




Leesburg Outlet Sales

Fair Oaks Sales

Things to Do for Families with Children


At the end of the day, many military units play "Taps" at bedtime.  "Taps" is often played at military funerals.  It's rare to hear lyrics except in Boy Scouts.  "Safely Rest" (not "Bob Good Night") is usually the last line.



One of my students suggested the following song as a tribute to military families.  
Can you find which word is not spelled correctly?





What are you doing for memorial day?  (I plan to relax!)

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Longer...




Can you take photographs that show comparisons?

What are your best attributes?  Write about two of your friends.  Who is taller?  Who is younger?  Who is funnier?  Who is farther away?

Friday, May 17, 2024

Monday, May 13, 2024

You don't have to say...



(Please let me know if the Spanish lyrics are wrong or inappropriate...)

Side by Side: have to

Reepworld Health: Medicine labels

Do you have to take any medicines?  Do any of your children take medicine?  Do you take vitamins?

Have to vs. Has to vs. must





Must is always must _____(base verb)  Must doesn't change.  It doesn't need an s with he, she, or it.  Must not means something is prohibited.  You must not _________ (base verb) is a strong way to say DO NOT _______(base verb) (You must not hurt my other students. She must not drink whiskey in our class.)  In the US, we rarely use must in a question.  We use have to or has to _____(base verb) instead.

Don't have to_______(base verb)/Doesn't have to ______(base verb) means something is no obligation.  Do ____ or don't do ________= NO PROBLEM.  It's your choice.  (Example: You don't have to wear a blue shirt to class.)

  Have becomes has with he she or it, but only in positive statements.  Use have with does or doesn't.  It's common to forget that you have to use "have" with "does" or "Do"

I have to study./I don't have to study./ What do I have to study?
He has to study./He doesn't have to study.? What does he have to study?

  Have to acts just like have in simple present. Here's some practice.



What do you have to do?  What are some things you must not do?  What are some things you don't have to do?

Friday, May 10, 2024

Happy Mother's Day!






(English teacher note:  capitalize "I," and use a ' for I'm.)






What is your mother like? Describe her. If it won't make you sad, please tell me at least three nice things about your mother

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Long Dialog -- Mechanic

 


Did you ever fix anything?  What?

Are you a mechanic?

Do you have a good mechanic?


Friday, May 3, 2024