The Godfather
Each week, I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
The Godfather is a 1972 American epic gangster film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo’s best-selling 1969 novel. The Godfather is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, as well as a landmark of the gangster genre. Read more about this iconic film here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather
Vocabulary
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.
- Notion (n)
- Numerous (adj)
- Obey (v)
- Object (v)
- Objective (n, adj)
- Obligation (n)
- Observation (n)
- Observe (v)
- Obtain (v)
- Occasionally (adv)
Study this set with this quizlet
Grammar Tip
Language Level – B1
Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with one or two small words (prepositions or adverbs) that create a new meaning. The meaning often isn’t clear from the words alone!
For example:
look after = to take care of
→ She looks after her younger brother after school.
give up = to stop doing something
→ He gave up smoking last year.
Some common phrasal verbs and their meanings:
turn on → to start a machine or device
→ Please turn on the lights.
find out → to discover or learn something
→ I found out the answer online.
get up → to rise from bed
→ I usually get up at 7 a.m.
Using phrasal verbs correctly makes your English sound more fluent and natural.
Let’s practice!
Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence below: (turn on, get up, find out, look after, give up)
- I usually __ at 6:30 every morning.
2. Can you __ the TV? The game is starting!
3. She promised to __ her neighbor’s cat while they’re away.
4. He wants to __ smoking because it’s bad for his health.
5. I need to __ all of the options before deciding.
6. Don’t __! You’re doing great—just keep trying.
7. The kids __ early so they won’t be late for school.
8. I forgot to __ the oven, and the food didn’t cook!
Listening and Reading Tip
Language Level – B2
American movies are a great way to practice your English! Watch this video about The Godfather, turn on the CC and follow along to practice reading and listening:
Weekly Challenge
Language Level – C1
Here’s a great podcast discussing Mel Robbins’ Five Second Rule. So you can practice advanced English while diving deeper into business leadership practices:
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