Adjective + Preposition

This is an important topic in which candidates often make mistakes. It's just a matter of learning the patterns and then it will be easy for you to remember the right preposition for each adjective you use in your spoken language and mostly in your writing.

1. She was jealous of her friend because she had a better dress.
2. The waste paper bin was full of crumpled sheets of paper.
3. This computer is capable of producing sophisticated graphics.
4. The town is especially famous for its elegant architecture.

If you use this prepositions properly, you will enhance your writing.

1. I felt very ashamed of making such a stupid mistake.
2. Are you aware of any reason why he should be late?

First Day in Advanced 6

Today was the first class in advanced 6. This is the last month I'll be in the Británico and after that I'm thinking of studying at home before getting the FCE which is going to take place in december. There is an FCE exam practice course that prepares students to get ready for the exam and it lasts a month as far as I know, but I'm not very interested in it, since I'm more inclined to study on my own in order to get the most of some self-study books I'm going to buy. Some of my classmates are pretty excited too, we're about to finish this course that has taken us nearly 3 years.

FCE - An Article

Many people dream of being famous. Which would you prefer: to be famous, or to be successful but not so well-known?

The writer of the best article will be invited to appear on the TV programme: The Next Millionaire.

Write your article.

Beyond Fame and Success

The lure of being famous is so great among people that perhaps no one would pass up the opportunity of becoming famous. Success is other word that people long to achieve. Actually, both of them are positive; however, being famous has some negative aspects to consider.

First, celebrities are continuously in the public eye, and whenever they get involved in a scandal, the gossip is widely disseminated by the tabloids. In addition to that, the paparazzi are so desperate to get a picture of famous people that they don't care to invade their privacy. This could be really disturbing and annoying for anyone.

On the other hand, being successful means having accomplished all that you had proposed in life, but doesn’t ensure you’re going to be famous. Although you’re not a very well-known person, it’s satisfying and encouraging to have achieved a high position in the job you love because you made all your effort. So, despite the advantages of being famous, I prefer to be successful instead.

word count: 168

FCE - An Essay

You have had a class discussion on how interested young people are in health and fitness. Now, your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinions on the following statement:

Young people generally don't pay enough attention to their health and fitness.

Health and Fitness

Nowadays, health and fitness is a matter of great importance. Health problems caused by our sedentary lifestyles are very common these days, especially in young people who generally don’t pay enough attention to it. As a consequence of this, ignoring the negative effects on their daily lives can lead to a not very favourable result.

Young people tend to spend too much time in front of a computer late at night and don’t have enough sleeping hours. What is more, they usually have a small breakfast before going to their daily activities and at the end of the day they feel stressed because they lack of energy which was not supplied by a decent breakfast or meal during the day.

However, a big percentage of young people are interested in getting fit. They care about their diet and go to a gym or do any sort of exercises which keeps them in shape.

Whatever your age, it’s important to get enough exercise. So think about joining a gym or go for a regular walk or run.

word count: 176

FCE - A Letter

This is a reply to a friend who is thinking of visiting your country and has asked you to advise her where to go, what to see and what is the best way to get there.

Dear Valerie,

I’m very glad to hear that you’re thinking of visiting my country this summer. You can enjoy striking countryside and scenery in many parts of the country, although Peru's climate varies considerably by region and altitude.

If you want somewhere where weather is temperate, I’d advise you to go to Canta, in the northeast of Lima. It’s a typical village where you can find some nice waterfalls scattered throughout the land as the Velo de la Novia in the highest part of the territory.

If you want to see wildlife, there is no question that Manu is the best bet. I'm sure you will love to see the dolphins in the rivers and many monkey species.

The most common route to get to Canta, starting from Lima is via the Panamericana Norte Highway, heading to the Avenida Universitaria to then exit through Carabayllo entering a road that will take you to the northeast, towards Canta.

I hope you enjoy your holiday and have good weather!

Best wishes,

Altair

word count: 170

FCE - A Story

Writing task:

You have decided to enter a short story competition in an English-language magazine. The competition rules say that the story must end with these words:

That one meeting made it a day I will never forget.

And here it goes my own composition for this writing task in advanced 4.

Tittle

At the age of eight, I clearly remember my father getting ready to go through a thick forest to visit my grandmother. It was a sunny morning in Requena, a village in Ucayali. I just was thrilled about the idea of having that adventure that I got ready as soon as he told me to go with him.

During the journey everything seemed to go well, when suddenly some clouds gathered over the forest and it started to drizzle, however, we kept on walking. Once we arrived in a little cottage, I was so tired that I got slept while my father went out to hunt.

Later when I woke up, I realized that I was alone. At that time, I was so frightened that I decided to look for him around the cottage. A woman came to me and told me that she knew where my father was. I followed her, but couldn’t see her face. Then my father appeared with a little deer on his shoulders. That one meeting made it a day I will never forget.

word count: 179

FCE - A Review

This was the writing task I did in advanced 2, Let me know if you found any mistake.

Writing task:

You have seen this announcement in your local English-language newspaper.

Have you eaten at a local restaurant? If so, why not write a review for our Food section, telling other readers what the restaurant and its food is like?

San Caferino Restaurant

I love Italian food, especially pasta, so I decided to try San Caferino which is on 2 de Mayo Avenue.

For me, first impressions count, and when I got into the restaurant, it made me feel comfortable as though it was home. The lighting was harmoniously arranged, everything was neat and tidy. The waiters were welcoming and hospitable, and not cold as is often the case in some of the city’s more popular restaurants.

As I was eating a tasty starter with and special friend, we managed to sample the specialty of the house and I must say that it was easily the most delectable Italian dish I have ever tried.

My friend and I felt that we were given really good value for money, because the meal came to about $20 per person which we thought was very reasonable.

In my opinion, the things that made it the most enduring experience were definitely the warm atmosphere and the quality of service. I highly recommend visiting it.

word count: 167

FCE - An Article

I regret I'm not good at giving titles to my compositions so here you have an article sample I presented in advanced 3. As always, let me know if you found any grammar slip, I'll be very grateful.

Title

We are responsible for the future of our planet; however, over the last fifty years the Earth has experienced changes that have terrible effects on the present. One of them is the global warming and the other is relevant to natural resources’ depletion.

From my perspective, one way to reduce atmospheric pollution is by investing great amounts of money in scientific research in order to find and develop an alternative energy source, for example solar panels. Just a few countries have this technology widely spread because it is quite expensive.

The second big problem is about the depletion of natural resources as wood from rainforests. It seems that there is no serious agreement on this issue, and therefore, in perhaps twenty years time; people will have to buy fresh artificial air to survive.

I personally think that we are not ready to handle with these and many other problems, but all is not lost and we can enhance the life quality our children will have by looking for ways to not waste energy.

word count: 171

FCE - An Application Letter

This is a simple application letter I presented as part of the writing task in advanced 3. Please, if you found any mistake, just let me know.

Dear Mr Reid,

I am writing to apply for the position of sports supervisor which I saw advertised on the internet.

I am a 24-year-old student from Peru. I am currently doing a course in teaching methodology and I have an advanced command of English. I regret I have had no experience of this kind of work; however, I have worked as a teacher in a music academy aimed at children.

I am interested in doing this job since it would give me the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and greatly enrich my cultural background. I think I would be a suitable candidate for this job as I am a very caring and good-natured person.

Could you please tell me what salary you are offering for this job? I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience. Please contact me to provide references if you have any further queries.

Yours sincerely,
Altair

FCE - An Email

This is my own answer to the writing task in advanced 1. There were four points to deal with and it was written in a slightly informal register.

Hi Laryssa,

Thanks for your email. I’m thrilled at the idea that you're coming to Lima. Personally, I think the best time to come is at the beginning of the year when things are cheaper.

If you want to meet young people, I recommend that you visit a university campus. It would be great too if you come to my neighbourhood, so I could organise a small party. The weather is slightly warm, so you should bring just light clothes, sunglasses and some hats to avoid a sunburn.

Thanks for inviting me to spend time with your friends I’m eager to meet them. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun together. I’ll take you to meet many places in my town I'm sure you will enjoy. Let me know when you’re coming!

Best wishes,

Altair

Writing Session - Intermediate 12

Este es mi penúltimo writing de intermedio 12, creo que los errores nunca van a faltar, pero ahi vamos.

Title

It's certainly true that having a baby is a godsend and every human being has the right to be a parent. Nowadays, new fertilisation techniques make it possible for women to have babies in their fifties, or even sixties. Should they be allowed to have children at this age?

One point in favour of this is the fact that older couples will give their children much better education than younger ones, because they are experienced and mature enough to handle with every situation, and therefore the baby will grow up enjoying the stability of a healthy and solid family.

What is more they are established people, in economic and psychological terms, so they are better able to educate and teach their children.

On the other hand, older people are more prone to getting a disease, and therefore, the child is at risk to experience less time with their parents in case they decease.

Writing Session - Intermediate 12

This was the last writing task I presented before finishing intermediate 12, it's a film review.

One film that I really enjoyed was Saving Private Ryan, which is an American war film set during the invasion of Normandy in World War 2. It was directed by Steven Spielberg in 1998 and starred Tom Hanks as Captain John Miller and Matt Damon as Private James Ryan.

The film begins when Miller is informed that three of four brothers have all died and that their mother will receive all three notices on the same day, so he is ordered to find Ryan, who is still alive. Miller assembles six rangers from his company to accomplish the task.

As the story unfolds, one of his men is fatally wounded by a sniper; however, despite the misgivings of his men he did not give up and after struggling against German defenses they finally find Ryan. There is quite a lot of action and suspense, and also the location is really suitable.

One thing that can be boring sometimes is the dialogue, but in general the film is worth watching and is aimed for all audiences, especially those who like war films.

Let's Improve Our English Skills through LIVEMOCHA

Livemocha es un comunidad en internet de aprendizaje e intercambio idiomático. Hace unos meses atrás una amiga de Turkía me habló de este sitio y no dudé en registrarme y probar. El concepto que más me gusta de esta red social es que uno puede inscribirse en cursos gratuitos de muchos idiomas, enviar ejercicios hablados y escritos que podrán ser revisados por usuarios nativos del idioma que uno está aprendiendo. Además, uno puede ayudar a otros que están aprendiendo Español, también revisando y corrigiendo los ejercicios que envían. Pero sin duda lo mejor, en mi opinión, es la posibilidad de solicitar una conversación por medio de una venta de chat a cualquier persona de habla inglesa. Lo he probado y ahora mantengo amistad con varias personas de diferentes lugares, con los cuales siempre chateo en inglés. Una muy buena manera de practicar nuestro inglés escrito. Los animo a que prueben este sitio y vean si es de su agrado.

First Day In Intermediate 12

Hi folks, today was my first I12 class, in fact it was the 3rd day but I did not attend on Friday neither Monday. Some familiar faces from the previous cicle and a new teacher whose name I don't remember.
In spite of feeling that I have forgotten a lot of vocabulary and essential grammar, I am fairly excited about this cicle because it is the last one before passing to the advanced level course. It is challenging, and I think it will certainly enrich my knowledge of the english language.


Looking back to the basic courses, I realise that I definitely need to check previous topics I might have missed and most of the time I wrongly think it's unimportant. Key points that are really useful when writing and speaking.


Everyone knows about the scholarships the Británico anually gives to the students who get an "A" mark in the FCE examination and bring them the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom. I encourage all of you, myself included, to have this as one of our major goals in life. Not only for the fact of visiting a new country, but also for being able to improve ourselves as human being.

Writing Session Intermediate 8

Hello, here it goes my composition for the writing session, it obviously has many mistakes that were properly corrected by the teacher.

Title: A Taugh Day

Last year during my finals at university I spent all night revising till 3 o'clock in the morning because i was going to be examined on economics, so after a couple of hours I felt really tired and slowly I fell asleep.

Some hours late I woke up bleary-eyed, got dressed and had a light breakfast. Despite the rush-hour traffic I finally arrived 10 minutes late and then I run as fast as I could, however, to my surprise all my classmates were getting out of the classroom.

At first it really terrified me because I thought everyone had already finished the exam, but after asking to my friends about the exam I felt so excited that I nearly cried, the exam was actually next week.

Okay, at this point I can easily recognize almost all the grammar slips I made and this is the fixed version of my compo, I hope not to miss anything!

Last year(,) during my finals at university(,) I spent all night revising till 3 o'clock in the morning because i was going to be examined on economics, so after a couple of hours I felt really tired and slowly I fell asleep.

Some hours late I woke up bleary-eyed, got dressed and had a light breakfast. Despite the rush-hour traffic I finally arrived 10 minutes late and then(,) I run as fast as I could, however, to my surprise all my classmates were getting out of the classroom.

At first(,) it really terrified me because I thought everyone had already finished the exam, but after asking (to) my friends about the exam(,) I felt so excited that I nearly cried, the exam was actually next week.

(...) → a missing punctuation sign or word.
(...) → an incorrect word written.


If you found any other mistake, please let me know!