Verbs followed by infinitives /gerunds

Advanced 1 was launched this past saturday. The first topic was verbs followed by infinitives and gerunds.

I´ll post a couple of links regarding this grammar point.

Verbs followed by infinitives: 

Here´s a link with a list of common verbs followed by infinitives: http://www.myenglishteacher.net/CommonverbssFollowedbyanInfinitive.html

Here´s a list with examples (very interesting): http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/infinitive_list.htm

As for gerunds, here´s a link: http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/gerund_list.htm 

To practice using gerunds and infnitives (combined) go to: http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/index.htm

If you are interested in videos explaining infinitives and gerunds go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHmMzCicqiY&noredirect=1

There are other videos you can access in youtube. Happy learning!

Any comments??

VOA: Using the Internet and social media to search for a job

Are you unemployed (without a job)? Here´s a new way to seek for (look for) a working position:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cdrlU5eX6Y

Pay attention to what you put in social networks! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38jlJNRBCX8 
Young job-seekers, beware of what you post in the internet!

What do you think of such reports? Make comments!

Real conditions

"When I have a fever, I usually take medecine"
This is an example of a real condition (later you will learn about unreal or imaginary conditions). 
You use the simple present to talk about these conditions. For more practice go to: http://www.englishpage.com/conditional/presentconditional.html

Happy learning!!

the ing form

Hey guys: Learning English can be tough sometimes. But that´s ok. Here´s some help on gerunds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGPSBGLN3EY 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4gh14qUyyI&feature=related 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PoPL-FLTkM 

http://www.eslcafe.com/grammar/gerunds_form_and_use01.html

http://www.eslcafe.com/grammar/gerunds_form_and_use02.html

http://www.eslcafe.com/grammar/gerunds_verbs_followed_by_gerunds.html

Can you come up with a story using gerunds. I bet you can!! good luck!

More on Permanent vrs Temporary situations

This link will give you practice on the present continuous tense: http://www.eslcafe.com/grammar/present_continuous_tense03.html

This link will give practice on the simple present tense: http://www.eslcafe.com/grammar/simple_present_tense03.html

Happy Learning!!!

Facundo Cabral

The news of the killing of Facundo Cabral made me feel really sad. I spent a lot of time liking (clicking like) comments in facebook and reading reports of his death.
I bet my sister must be very sad as well, since she was a fan of Facundo Cabral´s. In fact, she was the one who introduced me to his music and insight about life.
Rest in peace Facundo Cabral.
Here´s just an internet article about this gruesome crime: http://news.yahoo.com/folk-singer-facundo-cabral-killed-guatemala-135907288.html

Verbs followed by infinitives /gerunds

Hello guys!
In our English class, we have started studying verbs followed by infinitives and gerunds.
Let´s discuss infinitives first. In the sentence: Nancy can't stand to work the late shift. The main verb (work) is in the infinitive form : to work.
For more practice go to: http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/infinitive_list.htm

There are other verbs followed by a gerund (ing) for instance: The doctor generally advised drinking low-fat milk. after advised notice the verb is in the -ing form. For more practice go to: http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/gerund_list.htm

This is more than what you actually studied in class. But if you allow me to advise you: go over these links. Later you will study this verb forms in more English levels, anyway. why not going over them now?
Start learning them now (verb followed by gerund)

Verb be

here´s a link about verb be in all its forms: 
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/to_be.htm
http://www.english-zone.com/verbs/be-intro1.html 
http://english-zone.com/verbs/be-01.html 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7ffJ8QVveQ 

Permanet vrs Temporary Situations

Hello everyone
In English, when we want to talk about permanet situations such as everyday activities or hobbies, we use the simple present tense:
I work Monday through Friday. I always have breakfast.
We also use the simple present tense to describe facts or general truths:
The sun always rises in the east.

When you want to talk about temporary situations, use the present progressive:
I am staying at a hotel because my house is being repaired.
go to this link for more practice: http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs1.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs2.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDuZNqIeURA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejsxEl_5j6k&feature=related

VOA

It´s been a while since I last made an entry in this blog. So here it goes.

I strongly believe that, by using technology in class and at home, students can benefit greatly as they are exposed to more content which helps them develop language skills necessary to cope with English usage.

Therefore, I want to give this website which I think is right up your alley. It´s VOA (Voice of America). It has material for English learners called: VOA Special English. Check it out:

http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/

My Students at Ficohsa

Hello guys (Ficohsa)
This is my first entry in this blog. This is for you.
First of all, I want to congratulate you for taking an English course such as the one you are taking. I know you know it´s hard because of your obligations at work. but I am glad that you´re there in class everyday (well, almost everyday).

Learning English, or any language for that matter, is not an easy thing to do. it requires effort, time dedication and most importantly motivation. I hope you keep up studying and don´t lose sight of your goaL which is to master a second language. Soon you´ll realize that you´re understading more and therefore you will engague in more social activities. learning a second or third language gives you that chance. I bet this is a benefit you want to get out of it.
so, keep up the good work.
yours,
Mr. I