slavelle
New member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2011
- Member Type
- English Teacher
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- Ireland
- Current Location
- Ireland
Hi all,
I'm a lurker who has decided to register. I'm applying for a CELTA course and have been set some pre-interview tasks to complete. I'm quite nervous because I will be returning to education after a small gap. However, I've done lots of research and am very committed.
I wonder if people would mind looking over my answers and give thoughts or clarifications where required? I'm worried I'm overlooking some glaring errors.
Thanks in advance. If I'm breaking rules here, please feel free to move the thread or delete it.
Part A.
Correct the following statements and explain your choice:
(1) Speaker A: Have you got any money?
Speaker B: Yes, I've been to the bank yesterday.
My answer: Yes, I went to the bank yesterday. I went (past simple) means a certain time in the past, or a place in a sequence of events. I've been (present perfect) means an unspecified time.
(2) Speaker A: Is John ill? He's lost a lot of weight.
Speaker B: Yes, he's rather slender these days, isn't he?
My answer: Yes, he's rather skinny/thin these days, isn't he? "Slender" has positive connotations (a model's build is "slender", for example). Since Speaker A enquires if John is ill, the context is not positive.
(3) Speaker A: Why didn't you answer the phone?
Speaker B: Because I had a bath.
My answer: Because I was having a bath. "I had a bath" in the past means it's over and done with. "I was having a bath" means the person was in the bath when Speaker A rang and that is why they could not answer the phone.
Part B
Correct the following text:
My corrections:
Part C
Comment on the difference in meaning (not grammar) in the following:
(1) If I had the money, I'd buy a new car / If I have the money, I'll buy a new car.
My answer: "If I had" (second conditional) means that the person does not have the money for a new car, and the situation is defined by unreality. "If I have" (first conditional) suggests the possibility of the person having the money to purchase a new car.
(2) The house was very isolated / The house was very secluded.
My answer: "Secluded" suggests hidden or private; "isolated" suggests alone. A house in the city surrounded by high walls and trees could be described as secluded, but not "isolated".
(3) Give me a hand with this bag, will you? / Could you give me a hand with this bag, please?
My answer: The first statement implies familiarity with the person whom you are asking for a favour. The second is politer and more formal.
I'm a lurker who has decided to register. I'm applying for a CELTA course and have been set some pre-interview tasks to complete. I'm quite nervous because I will be returning to education after a small gap. However, I've done lots of research and am very committed.
I wonder if people would mind looking over my answers and give thoughts or clarifications where required? I'm worried I'm overlooking some glaring errors.
Thanks in advance. If I'm breaking rules here, please feel free to move the thread or delete it.
Part A.
Correct the following statements and explain your choice:
(1) Speaker A: Have you got any money?
Speaker B: Yes, I've been to the bank yesterday.
My answer: Yes, I went to the bank yesterday. I went (past simple) means a certain time in the past, or a place in a sequence of events. I've been (present perfect) means an unspecified time.
(2) Speaker A: Is John ill? He's lost a lot of weight.
Speaker B: Yes, he's rather slender these days, isn't he?
My answer: Yes, he's rather skinny/thin these days, isn't he? "Slender" has positive connotations (a model's build is "slender", for example). Since Speaker A enquires if John is ill, the context is not positive.
(3) Speaker A: Why didn't you answer the phone?
Speaker B: Because I had a bath.
My answer: Because I was having a bath. "I had a bath" in the past means it's over and done with. "I was having a bath" means the person was in the bath when Speaker A rang and that is why they could not answer the phone.
Part B
Correct the following text:
You must'nt worry about me, the course is great and I'm happy with my accomodation. I think I'll definately stay here until June. My teacher's names are Sue and John; they are very professional and the lessons are interesting. My landlady's got a beautiful dog, it's name is Ginger.
My corrections:
You should not worry about me: the course is great and I'm happy with my accommodation. I think I'll definitely stay here until June. My teachers' names are Sue and John; they are very professional and the lessons are interesting. My landlady's got a beautiful dog; its name is Ginger.
Part C
Comment on the difference in meaning (not grammar) in the following:
(1) If I had the money, I'd buy a new car / If I have the money, I'll buy a new car.
My answer: "If I had" (second conditional) means that the person does not have the money for a new car, and the situation is defined by unreality. "If I have" (first conditional) suggests the possibility of the person having the money to purchase a new car.
(2) The house was very isolated / The house was very secluded.
My answer: "Secluded" suggests hidden or private; "isolated" suggests alone. A house in the city surrounded by high walls and trees could be described as secluded, but not "isolated".
(3) Give me a hand with this bag, will you? / Could you give me a hand with this bag, please?
My answer: The first statement implies familiarity with the person whom you are asking for a favour. The second is politer and more formal.