Material Unit [L3]

1. Gerund as a noun & Infinitive of purpuse

Gerund: a verbs as a noun

We can sometimes use the gerund form of a verb (-ing) to act like a noun, often as the subject of a sentence. La forma en -ing pot fer la funció de substantiu, sovint com a subjecte de la frase.

Swimming is a great form of exercise.
Living in a capital city can be very expensive.

Infinitive of purpuse

We can use the infinitive form of a verb to express purpose or reason for doing something. La forma de l'infinitiu es pot fer servir per expressar un propòsit o raó per fer alguna cosa.

They sent an email to the company to complain.

Do you see the difference in the following two sentences? In one, "reading" is a gerund (noun). In the other, "reading" is a present participle (verb).

My favourite occupation is reading.
My favourite niece is reading.

In #1, "reading" is a gerund (like a noun):

main verb	complement
My favourite occupation	is	reading.
My favourite occupation	is	football.

In #2, "reading" is a present participle (verb):

auxiliary verb	main verb
My favourite niece	is	reading.
My favourite niece	has	finished.

EX 1

2. Prepositions, adjectives, too & enough

We use the gerund form of a verb after prepositions. Utilitzem la forma de gerundi d'un verb després de preposicions.

I was annoyed with him for arriving so late.

We use to + the infinitive form of a verb after adjectives. Fem servir to+ infinitiu desprès d'adjectius.

She was scared to go into the exam room.

We also use the infinitive after an adjective or adverb + enough or after too + adjective or adverb. També fem servir l'infinitiu desprès d'un adjectiu o advervi + enough o after too + adjectiu o adverb.

He's driving too fast to see the road signs.
The room isn't dark enough for me to go to sleep.

3. Verb + gerund or infinitive

Verb + gerund or infinitive

When we use two verbs together in a sentence, the second verb will be either a gerund or an infinitive.

They enjoy being with each other (verb + gerund)
I really want to go out today. (verb + to infinitive)

These are some of the common verbs which take the gerund. We form the negative by putting not before the gerund.

admit, advise, avoid, can't help, can't imagine, can't stand, complete, consider, discuss, dislike, don't mind, enjoy, finish, give up, imagine, keep, mention, mind, miss, practise, recommend, report, resist, risk, suggest

I miss going to parties with him.
Do you enjoy meeting new people?
I can't stop eating chocolate!

These are some of the common verbs which take to + the infinitive. We form the negative by putting not before to + infinitive.

afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, beg, choose, dare, decide, demand, deserve, expect, fail, hesitate, hope, intend, learn, manage, mean, need, offer, prepare, pretend, promise, refuse, seem, threaten, wait, want, wish, would like.

Would you like to come to the cinema with us?
She promised to make dinner to this evening.
I didn't attempt to run the London marathon.

Some verbs (e.g. begin, hate, like, love, prefer and start) take the gerund or the infinitive with no change in meaning.

I love learning French. / I love to learn French.

However, there are some verbs, such as forget, go on, mean, regret, remember, stop and try, which can take either the gerund o 'to + infinitive' but with different meanings.

remember	+to infinitive	Not forget
remember	+ gerund	Have a memory of something in the past

I must remember to buy some pizza for dinner.
I remember travelling abroad for the first time.

4. Describing & comparing photos

Tips & Key phrases

Fact and conjecture

• You can describe what you see, but also make guesses about things.

As you can see ...
It / They seem(s) to be ...
It looks like.
It He / She / They might/could be ...

Unknown words

• If you don't know how to describe something, say so or ask.

I can't tell exactly what that is...
I don't know what you call this / these ...
What do you call this / these things?

Comparing and contrasting

• Describe similarities and differences.

The thing they have in common is that they both ...
Both photos show ...
They're similar in that ...
This one ... this one. However, on the other hand ...
Here..., whereas here ...
This is more / less / not as ... as ...

Relating to your experience

• Take any opportunity to talk about your own experience or opinion of the topic.

Personally I have / haven't been in this type of situation.
I'd like / I wouldn't like / I prefer
If I was in this situation I'd ...
When I see this it makes me feel ...

Talking about feelings

• Don't only describe the physicall aspects of the photos. Say how people might be feeling and why.

I'd say / gues that he / she / they is / are feeling ... because ...
It / They / He / She look(s) ...
Maybe / Perhaps because ...

Example 1

Example 2

5. Description of a place

In a description of a place, you give both general and specific details about a specific location.

Example task:

Write a description of the place where you live and say what you like about it.

A Get ideas

Think of a place to write about that you know well.
Think of details about the place, e.g. exact location, type of place, what you can do there, what special features it has.
Brainstorm for ideas for each detail.

B Plan

Choose the best ideas from your notes.
Organize your ideas into a paragraph plan. Group similar ideas together in the same paragraph.

Paragraph I Introduction: name, size, location
Paragraph 2 Description of the place and activities there
Paragraph 3 Places nearby and activities there
Paragraph 4 Conclusion: say what you like about it

C Write

start with a general introduction

give examples where appropriate

use appropriate linking words and phrases

use the present simple to describe the place

use colourful, descriptive adjectives

use a variety of short and complex sentences

I have lived in St Ouen in north-west Jersey, which is Britain's most southern island, since I was born. St Ouen is a tiny seaside town with beautiful sandy beaches.

What I like. about St Ouen is that it's compact and has a very close community. We help each other out a lot, and visitors find our community spirit impressive. Although it' sa great place for thrilling watersports like sailing and windsurfing, in general, it's a peacefultown.

Whenever I want a lively night out, I go to St Helier in the south of the island. St Helier is a scenictown where you can find numerous trendy clubs and restaurants.

My hometown of St Ouen has got to be one of the best places in the world to live. It combines exciting activities in a picturesque environment, with a livelier lifestyle availably in nearby St Helier.

for descriptions of a place.

Remember, when describing the features of a place, use the present simple as you are talking generally about the place.
Use descriptive adjectives to give the reader a clear picture of the place.
Focus on two or three main details — don't try to cover everything about the place.
Include ideas that will appeal to a general reader and give them a good idea of the kind of place you're describing.

Preparing to write:

Think about the answers for questions 1-8.

What's the place and where is it?
Is it well known for any reason?
Describe the atmosphere there.
What are the people like?
What can you see and do there during the day? is there any nightlife?
Are there any interesting places nearby? If so, what can you see or do there?
When is the best time to go?
In general, why would you recommend this place?

Site:	Cursos IOC - Batxillerat
Course:	Llengua estrangera Anglès I (Bloc 2) ~ gener 2020
Book:	Material Unit [L3]

Printed by:	Usuari convidat
Date:	Sunday, 28 April 2024, 7:49 AM