What is going on in the U.S. right now?
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.
It seems like the world is upside down right now. Multiple countries, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have all announced advisories against traveling to the U.S. right now because people are experiencing challenges at the border. A Canadian woman was detained in a cold jail cell for 12 days as she tried to renew her work visa at the U.S.-Mexican border. A French citizen was denied entry after border officials searched his phone and found text messages disparaging Trump. You can read more about it in this issue of Conde Nast Traveller: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/which-countries-have-issued-travel-advisories-for-the-us
In addition, since Trump took office in January, 62,530 federal workers have lost their jobs, he signed an executive order to dismantle the department of education, and for some weird reason, he has set his sights on conquering Greenland.
But wait! There’s more. There are so many bad things happening, I can’t even list them all in one newsletter, and it makes my head spin. I strive to focus on language learning and creating a positive experience for my subscribers by prioritizing education over politics. But it breaks my heart to see what is happening in my home country. I’m grateful that I don’t live there anymore, but I weep for the millions of people that are being affected and wish I could do more.
On the bright side, you can practice your reading skills by clicking on the links provided above and read the different articles.
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.
- Maximum (n, adj)
- Means (n)
- Measurement (n)
- Medium (n)
- Melt (v)
- Military (n, adj)
- Mineral (n)
- Minimum (n, adj)
- Minister (n)
- Minor (adj)
Study this set with this quizlet
Grammar Tip
Language Level – B1
Infinitive or Gerund?
The last few weeks we have been reviewing Gerunds and Infinitives and how to use them.
Remember, both gerunds and infinitives are verbs that function as a noun (instead of a verb) in a sentence.
Gerunds end with -ing
Infinitives begin with to
There are lots of different “rules” when it comes to knowing whether you use a gerund or an infinitive, so the best approach is to break it down into smaller parts and keep practicing.
We are going to continue this series and watch this video that explains using the gerund or infinitive after ENJOY:
Let’s Practice!
Put the verb into the correct form:
- ____________ a quiet cup of coffee in the morning is my favorite way to start the day.
- She spent the afternoon __________ the sunshine at the park.
- He’s really __________ learning how to play the guitar.
- We talked for hours and ___________ each other’s company.
- __________ good food with friends always lifts my spirits.
- I hope _________ my vacation without any interruptions.
- She brought a book _________ during the long flight.
- We planned a picnic ___________ the beautiful weather.
- They worked hard all week _________ a relaxing weekend.
- He wants _________ every moment of his retirement.
Writing Tip
Language Level – B2
Use the vocabulary words to write out complete sentences to practice your new vocabulary. Challenge yourself by using the word in two different sentences.
Tip: Research has shown that we remember things better when we write them down by hand (typing/texting) doesn’t count. Writing your sentences by hand will deepen your practice.
Weekly Challenge
Language Level – C1
Podcasts are a fun way to listen to native English speakers and pick up vocabulary and common phrases. Here’s one to try:
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