Mascots
I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language each week. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
Mascots are an essential part of college and professional sports in America. They get the crowd cheering for their team. They perform silly dances during a time-out so you don’t get bored and they shoot t-shirts into the stands.
Reading Tip
Language Level – B2
Learn why mascots are so important in this article: https://ponirevo.com/why-are-sports-team-mascots-so-important/
Listening Tip
Language Level – B1
Watch a few minutes of this video showcasing the funniest moments of the MLB’s Phillies Fanatic. Listen to the commentators as you watch.
Grammar Tip
Language Level – B2
Subject Complements – A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and identifies or describes the subject.
A linking verb is a verb used to re-identify or to describe its subject. For example:
(In this example, the linking verb is “is.” It links the subject “Jack” to “a teacher,” which re-identifies the subject.)
(Here, the linking verb is “seems.” It links the subject to “disappointed,” which describes the subject.)
Examples of subject complements:
(The linking verb is “is” (i.e., the verb “to be”). The subject complement identifies the subject “Ben.” It is a noun.)
(The linking verb is “will be” (i.e., the verb “to be”). The subject complement describes the subject “He.” It is an adjective.)
(The linking verb is “am” (i.e., the verb “to be”). The subject complement identifies the subject “I.” It is a pronoun.)
Let’s Practice!
Identify the subject complement in each of the sentences below:
- Pablo is extremely intelligent.
- Shyla eventually became my best friend.
- After our disagreement on the first day of school, Jenny became my friend for life.
- Paula is a good dancer.
- Known as “the father of the Texas blues,” Blind Lemon Jefferson was a popular entertainer in the 1920s.
- The gift Karen gave her brother was a hamster.
- Buck grew up in Oklahoma and became an expert horse rider before reaching his 18th birthday.
- By the second month of the drought, the river had run dry.
Vocabulary Tip
Language Level – B2
We continue to add to our vocabulary words from the Oxford 3000.
A list of 3000 words someone should know if they are taking the CEFR (Common European Framework Reference) language tests.
- Concerned (adj)
- Conduct (v, n)
- Confidence (n)
- Conflict (n,v)
- Confusing (adj)
- Conscious (adj)
- Conservative (adj, n)
- Consideration (n)
- Consistent (adj)
- Constant (adj)
Study these words with this quizlet.
Each week new words are added to the same quizlet, so all of the B2 level words will be in one list for practice.
Weekly Challenge
Language Level – B2
Use the words listed below to fill in the blanks in the text.
Note: Not all words are used.
about on gives carries suggests up
tells advises remarkable surprising sign
created sparked visions insights despite
The Mystery of Ancient Inks
In recent years, researchers have been fascinated by the discovery of ancient inks used in manuscripts and artworks. These inks, some of which are over 2000 years old, have turned 1 __ in various archaeological sites around the world. The composition of these inks often 2 __ clues about the methods and materials used by ancient civilizations.
One particular ink found in an Egyptian tomb was made using a mixture of soot and gum. It had been blended with a unique metal, which 3 __ that it was used for special documents or ceremonial purposes. “The complexity of the ink’s composition is truly 4 __,” says Dr. Emily Carson, a chemist specializing in historical artifacts. “It shows a high level of skill and knowledge of materials.”
These ancient inks have 5 __ interest among historians and chemists alike. They provide 6 __ not only into the writing practices of the past but also into the cultural and trade connections of the time. In some cases, the ink’s resilience through the centuries is a 7 __ of the advanced techniques used in its creation.
Interestingly, the ability of these inks to withstand the test of time has puzzled many researchers. 8 __ exposure to harsh environments, many of these inks have remained remarkably intact, preserving the history written with them.
Questions?
