Part 1: How to use the Passive Voice in English

The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action or the object of the action, not the person who does it.

Structure:

Subject + be (in the correct tense) + past participle (+ by + agent)

• Present simple: The noodles are cooked in hot water.

• Past simple: The noodles were eaten quickly.

• Future: The noodles will be cooked in five minutes.

Key Rules:

1. Use “be” + past participle.

2. You can add “by + agent” if you want to say who does the action, but often it is not necessary.

   • The noodles are eaten (by the student).

3. The passive is often used in instructions, recipes, or processes because the doer is not important.

   • Water is boiled. The powder is added.

Part 2: How to use Sequencers

Sequencers show the order of steps in instructions. They help make explanations clear and logical.

Common Sequencers:

• First – to show the first step.

• Second – to show the next step (you can also say “Firstly, Secondly…”).

• Next / Then – middle steps.

• After that – to show what comes later.

• Finally – to show the last step.

Examples:

• First, open the packet. Next, pour the noodles into the pot. After that, add hot water. Finally, wait for three minutes.

Part 3: 10 Simple Commands for Making a Pot Noodle

(Imperative form = verb first, no subject “you.”)

1. Open the packet.

2. Put the noodles into the pot.

3. Tear open the sauce or seasoning sachet.

4. Sprinkle the seasoning into the pot.

5. Boil some water.

6. Pour the boiling water into the pot.

7. Stir the noodles well.

8. Cover the pot with the lid.

9. Wait for three minutes.

10. Enjoy your noodles.

Part 4: 5 Things That Need Instructions

1. A vending machine.

2. A washing machine.

3. A smartphone (setting it up).

4. A TV remote control.

5. A coffee maker.

Verbs like marry, discuss, and enter are sometimes called "monosemous verbs," meaning they have only one core meaning (unlike polysemous verbs like run or take). In reality, very few verbs in English are truly monosemous, as new meanings and uses evolve over time. However, there are verbs that are generally used with just one clear sense in everyday English. Here are some examples: 

1. Celebrate – to acknowledge a happy or significant event with joy.

2. Praise – to express approval or admiration.

3. Welcome – to greet someone warmly and hospitably.

4. Help – to assist or aid someone.

5. Bless – to confer good wishes or approval.

6. Thank – to express gratitude.

7. Encourage – to give support, confidence, or hope.

8. Applaud – to show approval or praise by clapping.

9. Smile – to smile (express happiness or friendliness).

10. Trust – to believe in the reliability or goodness of someone.

English Lesson: Comparing World Economies

Part 1: How to Use Comparatives and Superlatives

In this part, we’ll learn how to use comparatives and superlatives to compare the economies of the USA, UK, India, China, and Japan.

Comparatives

• Bigger: The USA has the bigger (larger) GDP than India.

• More expensive: The UK is more expensive than India for living.

Superlatives

• Largest: The USA has the largest (biggest) GDP in the world.

• Most developed: The USA is the most developed (advanced) country based on GDP per capita.

Part 2: 10 Metrics to Measure an Economy

These are the 10 key metrics we’ll use to measure the economies of the USA, UK, India, China, and Japan:

1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced in a country.

2. GDP Growth Rate: The rate at which a country’s GDP is growing or shrinking.

3. Unemployment Rate: The percentage of people actively seeking work.

4. Inflation Rate: The rate at which prices for goods and services rise.

5. Interest Rates: The cost of borrowing money, usually set by the central bank.

6. Trade Balance: The difference between a country’s exports and imports.

7. Public Debt: The total amount of money the government owes.

8. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investments made by foreign entities in the country’s economy.

9. Consumer Confidence Index (CCI): A measure of how optimistic consumers are about the economy.

10. GDP per Capita: The GDP divided by the population, showing the average economic output per person.

Part 3: Present the Raw Data Using the Metrics

Here’s the raw data using the metrics for the USA, UK, India, China, and Japan. The adjectives in brackets will help students with comparatives and superlatives.

USA:

• • GDP: $26.7 trillion (largest, biggest)

  • GDP Growth Rate: 2.9% (moderate)

  • Unemployment Rate: 3.5% (low)

  • Inflation Rate: 3.4% (moderate)

  • Interest Rates: 5.00% (relatively high)

  • Trade Balance: - $1.0 trillion (negative, trade deficit)

  • Public Debt: 120% of GDP (high)

  • FDI: $400 billion (largest, most)

  • Consumer Confidence Index (CCI): 104 (strong, optimistic)

  • GDP per Capita: $70,000 (highest, richest)

UK:

• • GDP: $3.07 trillion (smaller, lower)

  • GDP Growth Rate: 4.1% (moderate)

  • Unemployment Rate: 3.6% (low)

  • Inflation Rate: 10.1% (high)

  • Interest Rates: 4.25% (moderate)

  • Trade Balance: - $100 billion (negative, trade deficit)

  • Public Debt: 100% of GDP (moderate, high)

  • FDI: $120 billion (moderate)

  • Consumer Confidence Index (CCI): -30 (low, pessimistic)

  • GDP per Capita: $45,000 (moderate)

India:

• • GDP: $4.5 trillion (growing, smaller)

  • GDP Growth Rate: 7.0% (high, fast)

  • Unemployment Rate: 7.5% (higher)

  • Inflation Rate: 6.7% (moderate)

  • Interest Rates: 6.5% (moderate)

  • Trade Balance: - $30 billion (negative, trade deficit)

  • Public Debt: 85% of GDP (moderate)

  • FDI: $60 billion (moderate)

  • Consumer Confidence Index (CCI): 110 (strong, optimistic)

  • GDP per Capita: $2,100 (low)

China:

• • GDP: $17.7 trillion (second-largest, biggest)

  • GDP Growth Rate: 5.0% (moderate)

  • Unemployment Rate: 5.0% (low)

  • Inflation Rate: 2.1% (low)

  • Interest Rates: 3.25% (relatively low)

  • Trade Balance: + $500 billion (positive, trade surplus)

  • Public Debt: 60% of GDP (moderate)

  • FDI: $170 billion (large)

  • Consumer Confidence Index (CCI): 120 (strong, growing)

  • GDP per Capita: $12,000 (moderate)

Japan:

• • GDP: $4.9 trillion (third-largest, big)

  • GDP Growth Rate: 1.0% (slow)

  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5% (very low)

  • Inflation Rate: 0.8% (low)

  • Interest Rates: 0.1% (very low)

  • Trade Balance: + $40 billion (positive, trade surplus)

  • Public Debt: 260% of GDP (highest, very high)

  • FDI: $10 billion (low)

  • Consumer Confidence Index (CCI): -5 (low, uncertain)

  • GDP per Capita: $40,000 (high)

Part 4: 3 Opinion Questions About the Lesson

1. Which country do you think has the strongest economy? Why?

2. Do you believe GDP per capita is the best indicator of a country's economic development? Why or why not?

3. In your opinion, which country is most likely to face economic challenges in the future? Why?

Conclusion

In this lesson, we compared the economies of five major countries: the USA, UK, India, China, and Japan, using key metrics like GDP, growth rate, unemployment, inflation, and GDP per capita. We practiced using comparatives and superlatives to understand the differences between these economies. By analyzing the data, we gained insight into how each country is performing economically and what challenges they might face.

Part 1: First and Second Conditionals in Negotiation

Conditionals are useful in negotiations because they help express possibilities, consequences, and hypothetical situations. Two important conditionals are the first conditional and the second conditional.

First Conditional

The first conditional is used for real or possible situations in the future. It follows this structure:

If + present simple, will + base verb

Examples:

• If you pay today, we will ship your order tomorrow.

• If we don’t receive the materials on time, we will delay the shipment.

In negotiations, the first conditional helps express firm conditions and consequences.

Second Conditional

The second conditional is used for hypothetical or less likely situations. It follows this structure:

If + past simple, would + base verb

Examples:

• If we had more stock, we would ship it today.

• If you ordered earlier, we would not have this problem.

The second conditional is useful in negotiations to show flexibility or hypothetical options.

Part 2: Client and Supplier Negotiation

Client: Hi, John. I’m calling about my shipment. We need it by next Friday. Can you confirm the delivery date?

Supplier: Hi, Sarah. I understand your urgency, but we are facing some delays. If we receive the raw materials tomorrow, we will start production immediately.

Client: That sounds risky. If you start production tomorrow, will you be able to ship by Friday?

Supplier: If everything goes smoothly, we will ship by Thursday. But if there are any issues, it might take longer.

Client: That’s concerning. If the shipment arrives late, we will lose an important contract.

Supplier: I understand. If we had received your order a week earlier, we would have been on schedule.

Client: I see. But if you could speed up production, we would still meet the deadline.

Supplier: If we worked overtime, we might finish earlier, but that would increase costs.

Client: If we covered the extra cost, would you guarantee the shipment by Friday?

Supplier: If you agree to a 10% increase, we would prioritize your order.

Client: That’s quite a lot. If we agreed to 5%, could you still guarantee the deadline?

Supplier: If you agree to 7%, I will make sure your shipment arrives by Friday.

Client: Alright, we have a deal. If you deliver on time, we will place more orders in the future.

Supplier: That sounds great. I’ll send you the updated agreement now.

Client: Thank you, John. I appreciate your help.

Supplier: My pleasure, Sarah. Looking forward to working together.

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition or an adverb (or both) that creates a new meaning, different from the original verb.

For example:

• Look (regular verb) → Look up (to search for information)

• Take (regular verb) → Take off (to remove clothes OR when a plane leaves)

Phrasal verbs are very common in English, and they are used in both spoken and written communication.

How to Use Phrasal Verbs

1. Some phrasal verbs are separable → The object can go between the verb and preposition/adverb.

   • Example: She turned the TV off. / She turned off the TV.

2. Some phrasal verbs are inseparable → The object must go after the whole phrase.

   • Example: I am looking after my little brother. (NOT: I am looking my little brother after.)

3. Some phrasal verbs do not need an object

   • Example: The plane takes off at 10 AM.

10 Common Phrasal Verbs with Examples

Wake up

Stop sleeping

I wake up at 7 AM every day.

Look after

Take care of

She looks after her younger sister.

Give up

Stop trying

He gave up smoking last year.

Put on

Wear clothes

It’s cold. Put on your jacket!

Turn on

Start a machine

Can you turn on the TV?

Turn off

Stop a machine

Please turn off the lights before leaving.

Take off

Remove clothes OR a plane leaves

He took off his shoes. / The plane takes off at 9 AM.

Find out

Discover information

I need to find out what time the train leaves.

Hurry up

Be quick

Hurry up, or we’ll be late!

Run out of

Have no more of something

We ran out of milk. Let’s buy some.

Both phrases express anticipation for future communication, but there are subtle differences in tone and emphasis:

1. "We look forward to hearing from you again soon."

   • This is a more general and neutral way of expressing anticipation for any future communication. It suggests that you expect to receive a response or contact, but does not specify whether it will be a reply to something or just a new communication.

2. "We look forward to hearing back from you again soon."

   • This phrase is typically used when expecting a response or follow-up to something specific. It implies that there has already been previous communication, and you are waiting for a reply or further action. "Hearing back" specifically suggests a reply or response.

In short:

• "Hearing from you" is broader and more general.

• "Hearing back from you" implies a response or follow-up to a prior exchange.

Both must and have to can express obligation or necessity. We use must when the speaker makes a personal decision to do something. 'I must remember to change my password.' We use have to when the speaker is talking about a decision made by someone else. 'I have to change my password every 12 weeks because it's company policy.' Ask a question about obligation with 'Do I have to ...?' NOT ' Must I ...?'

Travel is mainly used as a verb: I like to travel by plane.

There are some exceptions such as business travel , travel arrangements and travel agents.

Don't say: Did you have a good travel?

Do say: Did you have a good journey/trip/flight?

Journey is the period spent travelling to your destination.

Trip is a short visit with a specific purpose e.g. a business trip).

Elementary

1. Simple Present Tense: Used for habits and general truths (e.g., "I eat breakfast").

2. Simple Past Tense: Used for completed actions (e.g., "I visited my friend").

3. Present Continuous Tense: Used for ongoing actions (e.g., "I am studying").

4. Articles: Understanding definite (the) and indefinite (a, an) articles.

5. Basic Prepositions: Common prepositions of place and time (e.g., in, on, at).

6. Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensuring subjects and verbs match in number (e.g., "He runs" vs. "They run").

Intermediate

1. Present Perfect Tense: Connecting past actions to the present (e.g., "I have lived here for five years").

2. Future Forms: Understanding “will” vs. “going to” for future plans (e.g., "I will call you" vs. "I am going to visit").

3. Modal Verbs: Ability, permission, and obligation (e.g., can, could, must, should).

4. Comparatives and Superlatives: Comparing two or more things (e.g., "taller" vs. "the tallest").

5. Conditional Sentences: Basic if-clauses (e.g., "If it rains, I will stay home").

6. Relative Clauses: Adding information about nouns (e.g., "The book that I read").

Advanced

1. Passive Voice: Emphasizing the action rather than the subject (e.g., "The cake was eaten").

2. Advanced Conditional Sentences: Mixed conditionals and more complex forms (e.g., "If I had known, I would have gone").

3. Subjunctive Mood: Expressing wishes, demands, or hypotheticals (e.g., "I suggest that he be on time").

4. Complex Sentence Structures: Using subordinating conjunctions (e.g., although, because).

5. Inversion: For emphasis or in conditional sentences (e.g., "Had I known...").

6. Reported Speech: Reporting what someone else said (e.g., "She said that she was tired").

Each level builds on the previous one, allowing students to develop a comprehensive understanding of English grammar.

1. Understanding "Enough"

"Enough" is used to indicate sufficiency or adequacy. It shows that there is a sufficient amount of something to meet a requirement.

• Structure: [Adjective/Adverb + enough]

• Example:

  • Adjective: "She is old enough to vote."

  • Adverb: "He runs fast enough to win the race."

Usage: Use "enough" after an adjective or adverb to show that something meets the necessary condition.

2. Understanding "Too"

"Too" is used to indicate excessiveness. It shows that there is more than what is needed or wanted, often resulting in a negative consequence.

• Structure: [Adjective/Adverb + too]

• Example:

  • Adjective: "The water is too hot to drink."

  • Adverb: "She talks too quickly for me to understand."

Usage: Use "too" before an adjective or adverb to express that something is more than what is acceptable or desired.

3. Comparison of "Enough" and "Too"

• "Enough" means sufficient:

  • "I have enough money to buy a car." (Sufficient money)

• "Too" means excessive:

  • "I have too much money to spend all at once." (Excessive money)

4. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with "enough" or "too."

1. This box is ___ heavy for me to lift.

2. She is not tall ___ reach the top shelf.

3. The soup is ___ salty for my taste.

4. We have ___ chairs for everyone at the table.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using "enough" or "too."

1. The movie was boring. (too)

2. He is smart. He can solve the problem. (enough)

5. Conclusion

Remember:

• Use "enough" to indicate sufficiency.

• Use "too" to indicate excessiveness.