Our+Diary

Today we learn how we can made questions with or without "wh" words, what kind of answer is that and how to made questions with the verb "to be", We answer a little exercise about questions, and we played a very fun game; it was about to try to know a personality that we couldn't see by questions and clues.
 * Saturday November, 13, 2010**
 * The topics we studied were:**
 * 1. Uses of the simple present tense.**
 * 2. Rules of conjugation for the simple present tense.**
 * 3. Affirmative, Negative and Interrogative forms of the simple present tense.**
 * IMPORTANT: THE FILES CAN BE FOUND BY DOING CLICK on "Administrar wiki" and then CLICK on "Files".**
 * SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6th 2010 (second part)**

Definition:

In here, Arturo, Diana and Carmen will look for three different definitions for the word "diary" on the internet.

Entry 1

Miriam is ging to register the first enry in our diary by commenting on the topic studied or reviewed. If there is any homework, she will add it as well so all those who couldn't come today will have access to the same information. What do you think about this?

Entry 2. Tuesday 25, August, 2009

Today __it__ was a very funny day__.__ Itzel worked with us in the classroom__. and__ we listened a song from Queen; it was fun__ny__ because we could read the lyrics, and we could learn many things that we didn`t know about that song. The class was very interesting, I enjoy it a lot, and I think that everybody did __it (as well)__. After that, we went to the multimedia lab, where we could check the wikispace that Sergio will be working with. It's a very interesting webpage, and a very useful tool that will help us __to__ learn more about __e__nglish. The wikispace is very easy to manage, it's a tool that will help us to share our expiriences about __e__nglish on __the I__nternet. __O__n it, we can __put (add/wrtie/upload/place)__ information about __e__nglish, or any tip about a good page that will help us to develop any of our __habilities__. I like that class, it was different as it used to be, it was more __dinamic__ and __i__ enjo__y__ it. (As you can see, I am not a good writter, so forgive me for the errors) - **//Very well done. Don`t worry, the only way to improve is by giving our best effort and if mistaken, being humble enough to learn from it.//**

Entry 3. Tuesday 8, September, 2009 Today the class was strange, because__,__ it was interesting, but at the same time__,__ it was a little confusing. We studied what __a gerund an adjective were, w__e saw the different uses __taha__ we can give them, and als__e__, we lear how to __obtein__ them from a noun, or in the __oder way aroud__, to __obtein__ a noun, from an adjective. The topic was very interesting, and the teachers __explainit__ very well. I __understand__ very well. I hope we can do another excersise in order to __understan better__ the concept. I think that __all of we enjoy__ the class, it was very funny, and __i__ think it was very understandable. At the __begining__, it was a little confusing, but later, we saw that the concept was very similar __than in__ Spanish, so, it was easier to understand. That was what we did in class today. See you.

P.D.: Well, first I want to ask you that if there is any error, of course there is, let me know, so I can correct it. P.D2: Remember that you have to bring the biography of a member of your __famly__, friend or teacher. It must have the brainstorm at the back of the sheet. It's for __t__hursday.

Entry 4. Thursday, September 9, 2009.

Today we worked with the material Eli asked us to bring to the class. We worked in teams. The problem was that not everybody brought the material required to work. That was not cool. On the other hand, we enjoyed the activity very much. We wer eible to practice our oral production. With Sergio, we studied the way in which we express our feelings or emotions. What scares us, that which causes us to stress, the things that make us happy, etc. We studied useful and common phrases su as: 1. I like it when __something happens.__ Ex. I like it when it rains. 2. I hate __verb + ing__ Ex. I hate going to the beach is summer time. 3. It really stresses/makes me happy/scares me __when someone does something__. Ex. It really excites me when a person jumps off the bungee. 4. I find __something/verb + ing__ entertaining/amusing/stressing. Ex. I find SCUBA diving very amusing. I find Mariana very interesting.

We also stud__y__ed new vocabulary.

In the end we were interviewing some of our famous classmates in order to collect information and write a note for a TV programme, radio show, internet blog, magazine, newspaper, etc.

I had a good time.

Entry 5. Thursday, September 16, 2009.

Today I was drunk because yesterday I was drinking, I just hiked in the morning because the weather was cool to walk and today I have a hangover, because yesterday I went to a party to celebrate the Mexico´s Independence day. In the party I was with a couple of friends of my age, but as it was a ticket party (by ticket party I mean that you have to pay a fee and get music, drinking, food and a little nice hat for it). Well as I was telling, this ticket party allows you to meet people of different ages, in the party there were elders (of 40 years old) and young people just as me. Actually the first girl I talk, looked like my age, he was thirty so I nicely left her telling her I was going to the bathroom, the second girl I meet was nice but left early and didn’t take me time to ask her phone. The last girl I meet was gorgeous, and because of it she has a boyfriend, which started a fight with me, just because I kissed her. First he pushed me, and while I was falling to the floor, my friends came to rescue me and start fighting with the boyfriend´s friends. Then I have a blackout, I don’t know it it happened because of the high level of alcohol in my veins.

When I woke up I was sitting in a my car, but in the back seats, so i get angry because they didn’t ask me if they can drive my car, I hate when they don’t ask if they can use my stuff, i can´t imagine that, one of them driving my car, while all they were drunk).


 * Entry 6**. Thursday, September 17, 2009.

In the English class we were just working in two items. First we wrote down a little essay, about the person that each one interviewed the last class. In my case, I wrote a paragraph. We must have used things like. The paragraph I have written is the follow:
 * · I hate it when…
 * · I enjoy it when…
 * · I can´t stand it when…
 * · I can´t stand the idea of (//being in jail//).
 * · I´m afraid of //(dog size rats).//
 * · I find it (situation) very embarrassing.
 * · I find it very funny when….

//THE LITTLE STORY OF ANA HUNTER// //Ana Hunter is a young veterinarian who enjoys it when she has the opportunity to crack the laughter out of her, one of that situations is simply to listen Polo Polo. By the way, the situation that made her feel alive is just to stay at home and see her fish. She loves it when she takes a hike and her mind is in blank, that is good because it helps her to avoid stress. Although, she can´t stand the idea of see roach and it depress her when the things she try to do, she can´t.//

Next we checked a list of situations that were on the book, after that we put them in order, and add some that we considered necessary to put. In my case those were:
 * · //Drivers who don´t respect the lights.//
 * · //Dogs that poo in front of my door. (Especially when that dog is a Great Dane)//
 * · //Dropping litter in the street.//

Today we did the pages 28-31. We talked about mishaps with Gael. Something important was learning the diference between "miss" and "lose": lose is just for things that belong to you. We worked about antisocial behaviors with Itzel and we practiced skim reading. The homework for thursday is:
 * Entry 7**. Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
 * Writing about a mishap that happened to us or to somebody else
 * Correcting the biography.
 * Answering the reading test for Itzel'proyect (the test is here, on the wiki).


 * Entry 8** Thursday, September 24, 2009.

We learned the difference between past continuous and past perfect continuous.


 * Past Perfect Continuous**

FORM [had been + present participle]

Examples:

•You had been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived. •Had you been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived? •You had not been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived.



We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two weeks" are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. However, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in the past.


 * Past Continuous**

FORM [was/were + present participle]

Examples:

•You were studying when she called. •Were you studying when she called? •You were not studying when she called.



Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.


 * Past Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous**

Past Continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Past Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference.

Examples:

•He was tired because he was exercising so hard.

//This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he was exercising at that exact moment.//

•He was tired because he had been exercising so hard.

//This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he had been exercising over a period of time. It is possible that he was still exercising at that moment OR that he had just finished.//

//"AND"// we build the follow sentences:

When Janine looked out of the window… 1. she saw that it had been raining… 2. she saw that it was raining… A. she took her umbrella. B. she hoped it wouldn´t rain again that day. Solution (1-B) and (2-A)

Tom´s mother opened the door… 1. she knew that he was there… 2. she knew that he had been there… A. because his best shoes were gone. B. because of the loud music coming from his room. Solution (2-A) and (1-B)

A saw… 1. that they had been swimming… 2. that they were swimming… A. because they were still wet. B. so I jumped into the pool too. Solution (2-B) and (1-A)

**Entry** **9**. Monday, September 28, 2009

Today we had a very good class. We read a text in which a man explains why he didn't want to buy a PC, he's a writer and he prefers to write by hand, and then his wife types it and marks what is wrong. At the end of the text he wrote some very good points, not only about computers but also about new technologies. For instance: He said that the new tools should use as the same amount or less energy, and you don't need to invest more time learning to use this new tool.

After the reading we talked a little about technological inovation the influence of this changes in our daily life. We also did a reading comprehension quiz, we had to read first the article and then find the appropiate word. Here are the right answers: 1. In the fist paragraph the author mentions that he is _ to energy corporations. //b) related// 2. A "literary cottage industry" means that ... //a)... he works at home// 3. How many reasons does the author mention not to buy a computer? //a) 4// 4. According to the author, computer's haven't replaced books yet. TRUE 5. The author is attached to his type writer. TRUE 6. The author thinks only "things" are being replaced by inovations. FALSE 7. He thinks that owning a computer will make him a better writer. FALSE 8. He wants to work alone. FALSE

Also we did a short vocabulary exercise in which we replace the words in one text with other words with the same meaning. 1. became unable to find my way --> got lost 2. Hit my foot and almost fell --> bang my feet 3. dropped from my glass --> spilled 4. was unable to find --> lost 5. slept too much --> over slept 6. entered --> got on 7. behind time for --> late for 8. stopped working --> broke down 9. hadn't brought my mobile from home --> left my mobile at home 10. slid with my feet --> sliped 11. knocked my head hard --> banged my head 12. use all my petrol and didn't have any left --> ran out of gas 13. kept myself out --> locked by myself out 14. became unable to move --> got stuck on bad traffic 15. failed to catch --> missed

This reading comprehension exercises are like the exam that we are going to have.

That's all. See you.

**Entry** **10**. Monday, October 12, 2009

Today was a difficult day because we checked the exam, maybe some of us didn´t get the best grades but to know our mistakes will help us to be better. I suppose that the listening exam was the most confused for us. the conclusion is: we need to practice.

**Entry 11. Tuesday, October 13, 2009**

This day we started with a controversial activity, we had to talk about the other gender want and need. We got interesting anwers:

Thursday October 13th DIARY Group 512 In the last class with Gael, we checked some exercises about passive forms using have • The passive form have + object + past participle is used to talk about something we pay other people to do for us. We made some exercises using this form. One of them was THE CAST AWAY. “Last year’s vacation didn’t come out so well, because you ended up lost in a far away island for one whole year! However, you’ve been luckily rescued and you’ve got back home, where there are lots of things you need take care of after such a long absence! Make a list of all the things you need get/have done!” There was an example: 1. “I really need (want) to have my hair cut” and my examples were 2. I really need to have my clothes washed 3. I need to have my services payment made 4. I need to have my pets fed (after one year, they might be dead) 5. I need to have my car fixed 6. I need to have the lawn mowed 7. I need to have my house cleaned As you can see, everyone talks about a service you pay other people to do for you

Check again page 47, practice 1 and 2

• We use get + object + past participle when it was difficult to have something done After many years of trying, he finally got his book published We didn’t talk enough about the passive form using get.

Later, with Itzel, we checked the Complaint Letter. We agreed with a format in order to have a formal Complaint Letter

1. Background This section describes the situation; e.g. • I am writing to inform you that the goods we ordered from your company have not been supplied correctly. • I attended your exhibition Sound Systems 2009 at the Fortune Hotel (22-25 January) and found it informative and interesting. Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the event was spoiled by a number of organizational problems. • I am a shareholder of Sunshine Bank and I am very concerned regarding recent newspaper reports on the financial situation of the bank. Your company is listed as the auditor in the latest annual report of the bank, so I am writing to you to ask for an explanation of the following issues. • I am writing to inform you of my dissatisfaction with the food and drinks at the 'European Restaurant' on 18 January this year.

2. Problem Cause: 1. On 14 October 2009 we placed an order with your firm for 12,000 ultra super long-life batteries. The consignment arrived yesterday but contained only 1,200 batteries. 2. Firstly, I had difficulty in registering to attend the event. You set up an on-line registration facility, but I found the facility totally unworkable. 3. You sent us an invoice for $10,532, but did not deduct our usual 10% discount. 4. We have found 16 spelling errors and 2 mislabeled diagrams in the sample book. Effect: 1. This error put our firm in a difficult position, as we had to make some emergency purchases to fulfill our commitments to all our customers. This caused us considerable inconvenience. 2. Even after spending several wasted hours trying to register in this way, the computer would not accept my application. 3. I am therefore returning the invoice to you for correction. 4. This large number of errors is unacceptable to our customers, and we are therefore unable to sell these books. 3. Solution • I am writing to ask you to please make up the shortfall immediately and to ensure that such errors do not happen again. • Could I please ask you to look into these matters? • Please send us a corrected invoice for $9,479 • I enclose a copy of the book with the errors highlighted. Please re-print the book and send it to us by next Friday. 4. Warning (optional) • Otherwise, we may have to look elsewhere for our supplies. • I'm afraid that if these conditions are not met, we may be forced to take legal action. • If the outstanding fees are not paid by Friday, 30 October 2009, you will incur a 10% late payment fee. 5. Closing • I look forward to receiving your explanation of these matters. • I look forward to receiving your payment. • I look forward to hearing from you shortly. Politeness The tone of complaint letters should not be aggressive or insulting, as this would annoy the reader and not encourage them to solve the problem. In addition, questions such as 'Why can't you get this right?' should not be included. The content should contain enough details so that the receiver does not have to write back requesting more. Legal action is not normally threatened in the first letter of complaint, unless the situation is very serious. My Complaint letter

Municipio Libre 366 Sta. Cruz Atoyac Del. Benito Juárez Tel. 56013004 Ext. 19 y 20 21 October 2009 To whom it may concern Easy Lingua:

Complaint about Portuguese course I am writing to complain about the Portuguese course offered by your company which I purchased three months ago. I am dissatisfied with the product and service that I have received for a number of reasons. Firstly I paid for one course with my credit card and it was charged twice for the same course. I was told that I would receive the course within seventy-two hours; however in fact it took more than three weeks to arrive. Once I had gotten the course at home, I realized that your company had sent the wrong one, Italian instead Portuguese. I received the correct course, just two weeks later. According to your advertisement I would be able to speak a new language in twenty-eight days, regardless of to complete the course agenda, it took almost thirty days, four hours a day to finish the exercises, it was difficult to follow the course and honestly I cannot understand Portuguese native speakers so far. Furthermore, your advertisement promised that I would receive top quality CDs and cassettes, but I have noticed some background noise that makes difficult to follow Portuguese pronunciation. Finally, I have discovered that the twenty-four hour helpline with qualified teachers is not real due to telephone numbers and web pages do not exist anymore. Due to the discomfort and inconvenience, I request my money back to the amount of 295 euros P&P. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Lourdes Vega N. Lourdes Vega Navarrete

We checked some complaint letters, and we realized that the main problems were: • Cultural differences • Grammar • Phrasal verbs • Euphemisms • Some letters were too emotional • Some letters were written using contractions


 * Sorry, I will up load the file in order to have a better visualization of the letter format**


 * ** __Women think about men__ ** **Women think about men** ||
 * ** They Need… ** || ** They Want… ** ||
 * To be care || Competition ||
 * || To seem stronger in company of other men ||

This activity brought a large discussion about each one think. But it was funny. What do you think? You can writing what you want on this wiki!!! We started to work in the module 4 on work book, this module is about the same topics; we told about the differences between men and women, physical and psychological differences, and we answered the exercises in the page 40 after reading the text that is in the pages 40 and 41. We to find main ideas in it, to explaining this ideas and then we found synonyms for some words that were in the text, based in the context. After this exercises Itzel told us more about the extensive reading project, she showed us some books and materials that we could choose in order to participate in the project. The format that we will have to answer every week will be uploaded to the wiki. Itzel gave us her e-mail, she said that you could write her if you have any doubt (alax.bah@hotmail.com ). We wish this project help all of us.
 * ** Men think about women ** **Men think about women** ||
 * ** They Need… ** || ** They Want… ** ||
 * To be (or feel) loved || Clothes ||
 * To be listened || Looking nice ||
 * To talk a lot ||  ||
 * To be the attention center ||

**Entry** **12**. Thursday, October 22, 2009 Thursday we cheked the topic have/get something done. We use the structure **have/get something done** when we want to say that we ask someone else to do something for us. Compare:


 * Jill repaired the roof. (She repaired it herself)


 * Jill had the roof repaired. (She arranged for somebody else to repair it)


 * **Tense** || **have/get something done** ||
 * **Present Simple** || **I //__have/get__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * **Past Simple** || **I //__had/got__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * **Present Continuous** || **I'//__m having/getting__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * **Past Continuous** || **I //__was having/getting__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * **Present Perfect** || **I //__have had__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * **Past Perfect** || **I //__had had__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * **will** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**I //__will have__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**must** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**I //__must have__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**be going to** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">**I'//__m going to have__// my hair //__cut__//.** ||

Have is a common causative verb. Instead of doing something ourselves, we "have" someone else do it instead. It has the following form: The verb "to have" + object + past participle. For example: - I had my jacket cleaned yesterday. - Did you have your computer fixed?
 * Have**

Sometimes we use have as a causative verb when we intend to perform the action ourselves. For example: - When will the report be ready? I'll do it by tomorrow morning. - When will the report be ready? I'll have it done by tomorrow morning.

By using the causative the second sentence takes attention away from the doer of the action, and gives more attention to the action being done. It sounds polite and professional. Get is often used instead of have. For example: - I got my computer fixed - I had my computer fixed. These two sentences mean the same thing. - I got my jacket cleane. - I had my jacket cleaned. These two sentences mean the same thing.
 * Get**

Causative verbs are often used with negative experiences. In these situations it's more common to use have. For example: - I had my wallet stolen. (I didn't actually cause my wallet to be stolen - someone stole my wallet from me) - She had her window smashed.

Later we started to review the letters with itzel and ours <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">team partners.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">How to make a formal english letter?

Rules for Writing Formal Letters in English
In English there are a number of conventions that should be used when writing a formal or business letter. Furthermore, you try to write as simply and as clearly as possible, and not to make the letter longer than necessary. Remember not to use informal language like contractions.

Addresses:
The return address should be written in the top right-hand corner of the letter. The inside address should be written on the left, starting below your address.
 * 1) Your Address**
 * 2) The Address of the person you are writing to**

Date:
Different people put the date on different sides of the page. You can write this on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to. Write the month as a word.

Salutation or greeting:
If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try to find out a name. If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married and single women.
 * 1) Dear Sir or Madam,**
 * 2) Dear Mr Jenkins,**

**Ending a letter**:
If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way. If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way. Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature. If you think the person you are writing to might not know whether you are male of female, put you title in brackets after your name.
 * 1) Yours Faithfully**
 * 2) Yours Sincerely**
 * 3) Your signature**

Content of a Formal Letter
The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an enquiry, complain, request something, etc. The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter should contain the relevant information behind the writing of the letter. Most letters in English are not very long, so keep the information to the essentials and concentrate on organising it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding too much. The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to take- to refund, send you information, etc.
 * First paragraph**
 * Last Paragraph**

Abbreviations Used in Letter Writing
The following abbreviations are widely used in letters:
 * **asap** = as soon as possible
 * **cc** = carbon copy (when you send a copy of a letter to more than one person, you use this abbreviation to let them know)
 * **enc.** = enclosure (when you include other papers with your letter)
 * **pp** = per procurationem (A Latin phrase meaning that you are signing the letter on somebody else's behalf; if they are not there to sign it themselves, etc)
 * **ps** = postscript (when you want to add something after you've finished and signed it)
 * **pto //(informal)//** = please turn over (to make sure that the other person knows the letter continues on the other side of the page)
 * **RSVP** = please reply

Sample #1
6123 Farrington Road Apt. B11 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 January 11, 2005 Taylor, Inc. 694 Rockstar Lane Durham, NC 27708

Dear Human Resources Director: I just read an article in the //News and Observer// about Taylor's new computer center just north of Durham. I would like to apply for a position as an entry-level programmer at the center. I understand that Taylor produces both in-house and customer documentation. My technical writing skills, as described in the enclosed resume, are well suited to your company. I am a recent graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology in Atlanta with an Associate's Degree in Computer Science. In addition to having taken a broad range of courses, I served as a computer consultant at the college's computer center where I helped train users to work with new systems. I will be happy to meet with you at your convenience and discuss how my education and experience match your needs. You can reach me at my home address, at (919) 233-1552, or at krock@devry.alumni.edu.

Sincerely, Admer Valdivieso

Sample #2
6123 Farrington Road Apt. G11 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 January 11, 2005

Taylor, Inc. 694 Rockstar Lane Durham, NC 27708 Dear Ms. Jones: I am seeking a position in your engineering department where I may use my training in computer sciences to solve Taylor's engineering problems. I would like to be a part of the department that developed the Internet Selection System but am unsure whether you have a current opening. I expect to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University in June and by that time will have completed the Computer Systems Engineering Program. Since September 2000, I have been participating, through the University, in the Professional Training Program at Computer Systems International in Raleigh. In the program I was assigned to several staff sections as an apprentice. Most recently, I have been a programmer trainee in the Engineering Department and have gained a great deal of experience in computer applications. Details of the academic courses I have taken are included in the enclosed resume. If there is a position open at Taylor Inc., please let me know whom I should contact for further information. I look forward to hearing from you soon. I may be reached at my office (919-866-4000 ext. 232) or via email (Brock@aol.com). Sincerely, Admer Gallegos.

2

FORM <span style="color: #800000; font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">[has/have + past participle]
Examples:

You have seen that movie many times. Have you seen that movie many times. You have not seen that movie many times.

=
We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the Present Perfect with specific time expressions such as: yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that moment, that day, one day, etc. We CAN use the Present Perfect with unspecific expressions such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc.=====

=
I have been to France. =====

=
I have been to France three times. =====

=
I have never been to France. =====

=
A: Have you ever met him? =====

=
If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past Perfect when "before" or "after" is used in the sentence. The words "before" and "after" actually tell you what happens first, so the Past Perfect is optional. For this reason, both sentences below are correct.=====

=
Then, among the group, said examples of businesspersons who have made a fortune, like Carlos Slim and Bill Gates; people who have won an award recently, like Tigres del Norte; people that we know and have won a competition, and more people. =====

=
After this exercise, in little teams, we talked about amazing achievements, many sort of achievements, from an outstanding sporting achievement to the invention of an important piece of technology, like internet, when we finished this activity, we listened some people talking about an achievement that each thought important, and they explained why that achievement is important. =====

Of course, we have to read in English, if we want it.
Class 29/10/2009 Sergio made us a song of Jet, we did an exercise to listen and fill in the blanks for complete the song, worked in pair to compare the answers then compared whit all group, then Sergio explained perfect tenses. We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the Present Perfect with specific time expressions such as: yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that moment, that day, one day, etc. We CAN use the Present Perfect with unspecific expressions such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc. Example: The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. It is best to associate Present Perfect with the following topics: You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the experience of..." You can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain experience. The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event. Example: > //This sentence means that you have had the experience of being in France.// // Maybe you have been there once, or several times. // We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time. Example: We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You cannot mention a specific time. Example: We often use the Present Perfect to say that an action which we expected has not happened. Using the Present Perfect suggests that we are still waiting for the action to happen. Example: We also use the Present Perfect to talk about several different actions which have occurred in the past at different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are possible. Example: When we use the Present Perfect it means that something has happened at some point in our lives before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important. Sometimes, we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience. We can do this with expressions such as: in the last week, in the last year, this week, this month, so far, up to now, etc. Example: "Last year" and "in the last year" are very different in meaning. "Last year" means the year before now, and it is considered a specific time which requires __ [|Simple Past] __. "In the last year" means from 365 days ago until now. It is not considered a specific time, so it requires Present Perfect. Example: > //I went to Mexico in the calendar year before this one.// With [|Non-Continuous Verbs] and non-continuous uses of [|Mixed Verbs], we use the Present Perfect to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect. Example: Although the above use of Present Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs. The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Example: Examples:
 * Present Perfect **
 * FORM ** [has/have + past participle]
 * USE 1 Unspecified Time Before Now **
 * I **have seen** that movie twenty times.
 * How Do You Actually Use the Present Perfect? **
 * TOPIC 1 Experience **
 * I **have been** to France.
 * TOPIC 2 Change Over Time **
 * You **have grown** since the last time I saw you.
 * TOPIC 3 Accomplishments **
 * Man **has walked** on the Moon.
 * TOPIC 4 An Uncompleted Action You Are Expecting **
 * James **has not finished** his homework yet.
 * TOPIC 5 Multiple Actions at Different Times **
 * The army **has attacked** that city five times.
 * Time Expressions with Present Perfect **
 * ** Have ** you **been** to Mexico **in the last year**?
 * NOTICE **
 * I **went** to Mexico **last year**.
 * USE 2 Duration From the Past Until Now (Non-Continuous Verbs) **
 * I **have had** a cold for two weeks.
 * ADVERB PLACEMENT **
 * You have **only** seen that movie one time.
 * ACTIVE / PASSIVE **
 * Many tourists **have visited** that castle. // Active //
 * That castle **has been visited** by many tourists. // Passive //

Example: We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous. Example: You can also use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as "for two weeks." Without the duration, the tense has a more general meaning of "lately." We often use the words "lately" or "recently" to emphasize this meaning. Example: Remember that the Present Perfect Continuous has the meaning of "lately" or "recently." If you use the Present Perfect Continuous in a question such as "Have you been feeling alright?", it can suggest that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have you been smoking?" can suggest that you smell the smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you can see, smell, hear or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this tense incorrectly. It is important to remember that [|Non-Continuous Verbs] cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for [|Mixed Verbs] cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use [|Present Perfect]. Examples: The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Example: Examples: NOTE: Present Perfect Continuous is less commonly used in its passive form. Examples: The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past. Example: With [|Non-Continuous Verbs] and some non-continuous uses of [|Mixed Verbs], we use the Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past. Example: Although the above use of Past Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs. Unlike with the [|Present Perfect], it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with the Past Perfect.Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary. Example: If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past Perfect when "before" or "after" is used in the sentence. The words "before" and "after" actually tell you what happens first, so the Past Perfect is optional. For this reason, both sentences below are correct. Example: If the Past Perfect is not referring to an action at a specific time, Past Perfect is not optional. Compare the examples below. Here Past Perfect is referring to a lack of experience rather than an action at a specific time. For this reason, Simple Past cannot be used. Examples: The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Example: Examples: Example: We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two weeks" are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the [|Present Perfect Continuous] ; however, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in the past. Example: Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect. Example: If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday," many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous rather than the Past Perfect Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past Continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Past Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference. Example: > //This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he was exercising at that exact moment.// It is important to remember that [|Non-Continuous Verbs] cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for [|Mixed Verbs] cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Past Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use [|Past Perfect]. Examples: The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Example: Examples: NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common. Reference: · http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage
 * Present Perfect Continuous **
 * FORM ** [has/have + been + present participle]
 * You **have been waiting** here for two hours.
 * USE 1 Duration from the Past Until Now **
 * They **have been talking** for the last hour.
 * USE 2 Recently, Lately **
 * Recently, I **have been feeling** really tired.
 * IMPORTANT **
 * REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs **
 * Sam **has been having** his car for two years. // Not Correct //
 * Sam **has had** his car for two years. // Correct //
 * ADVERB PLACEMENT **
 * You have **only** been waiting here for one hour.
 * ACTIVE / PASSIVE **
 * Recently, John **has been doing** the work. // Active //
 * Recently, the work **has been being done** by John. // Passive //
 * Past Perfect **
 * FORM ** [had + past participle]
 * You **had studied** English before you moved to New York.
 * USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in the Past **
 * I **had** never **seen** such a beautiful beach before I went to Kauai.
 * USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Past (Non-Continuous Verbs) **
 * We **had had** that car for ten years before it broke down.
 * IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect **
 * She **had visited** her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
 * MOREOVER **
 * She **had visited** her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
 * HOWEVER **
 * She never **saw** a bear before she moved to Alaska. // Not Correct //
 * She **had** never **seen** a bear before she moved to Alaska. // Correct //
 * ADVERB PLACEMENT **
 * You had **previously** studied English before you moved to New York.
 * ACTIVE / PASSIVE **
 * George **had repaired** many cars before he received his mechanic's license. // Active //
 * Many cars **had been repaired** by George before he received his mechanic's license. // Passive //
 * Past Perfect Continuous **
 * FORM ** [had been + present participle]
 * You **had been waiting** there for more than two hours when she finally arrived.
 * USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past **
 * They **had been talking** for over an hour before Tony arrived.
 * USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past **
 * Jason was tired because he **had been jogging**.
 * Past Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous **
 * He was tired because he **was exercising** so hard.
 * REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs **
 * The motorcycle **had been belonging** to George for years before Tina bought it. // Not Correct //
 * The motorcycle **had belonged** to George for years before Tina bought it. // Correct //
 * ADVERB PLACEMENT **
 * You had **only** been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived.
 * ACTIVE / PASSIVE **
 * Chef Jones **had been preparing** the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years before he moved to Paris. // Active //
 * The restaurant's fantastic dinners **had been being prepared** by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris. // Passive //

**MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23th, 2009** Today we answered an exercise about unusual achievements and perfect tenses, and **we did a mock-exam**. You can find it here, in the wiki. **Please, print it, answere it and bring it for class** this thursday. I've uploaded the homework too (an exercise about use and no-use of articles).