4 Answers to "Did you use to XXX". "Yes, I did", "No, I didn't", and 2 more...

I USED TO

It isn't as easy as it sounds.  For example let's talk about Bill.  Here's some background about Bill:

• Bill was born in Texas.
• Bill has never lived in Europe.
• Bill recently moved to California.  
• He has been to Japan, but only once.

Now let's ask Bill 4 questions using "use to":

1. Did you use to live in Texas?               Yes, I did.
2. Did you use to live in Europe?               No, I didn't.
3. Did you use to live in California?               No, I still do.
4. Did you use to visit Japan?               No, only once.

#1 and #2 should be easy enough for everyone to answer.  But there are two special conditions about "I used to".  

* "I used to" means that I don't anymore.  So #3 must be NO!  I still do.  I do now. 

* "I used to" means that it was regular.  So #4 must be NO!  I only did it once.  Never regularly. 

So try making a few questions using "Did you use to XXXX", and try making some answers for yourself!

     

My TV deserves an article! Or at least tell me who's TV you're talking about.

Do you see a problem with the following sentences?

1. Please turn on TV.
2. Yesterday I watched new movies.
3. Let's go to Chinese restaurant for lunch on Saturday.

Hopefully these sentences sound a bit strange if you say them out loud to yourself.  Although the message is mostly clear, there is some potential for confusion if you speak like this.  The first thing I think when I hear these sentences is...

1. Which TV?
2. What new movie? How many movies?
3. Which Chinese restaurant?

If you use a noun like TV, movie, or restaurant, you need to tell me WHICH ONE!  Even if there's just one TV in the room, I promise, I will freeze for a moment and try to think about which TV you mean.  This one?  That one?  My TV?  My mother's TV?  I know it's stupid, but that's how it is.  

So if you use a noun, you need to give me some detail.  Please say:

• a TV
• The TV
• This TV
• His TV
• 17 TVs
• Bill's TV

Or something like that.  Please clarify or there may be a little confusion.  Now, try those 3 sentences again and see if you can make them a bit more natural.

Studying for the TOEIC Exam? Practice Grammar with TOEIC Part 5

Today we'll look at a TOEIC study book review.  "Tactics for TOEIC" - I use this book almost exclusively with my intermediate to advanced level students.  We have often seen students improve about 100 points after going through this book in class.

 I like this book because it is a whole package at a very reasonable price (for an English textbook).  It looks nice, has good packaging, and comes with everything you need to study by yourself or in class with your private teacher.  It comes with:

* A Textbook with a lot of good advice for students
* 4 CDs for the textbook and practice tests
* 2 Practice Tests with answer keys
* A transcript booklet so that you can see what is on every CD.

The key feature of this book is the format of the textbook.  As you (hopefully) know, the TOEIC test has 7 parts.  The book has 28 chapters, 4 chapters for each part of the TOEIC test.  Each chapter has 2 key points to help you prepare for the TOEIC test.  It starts off pretty easy, but gives INVALUABLE advice to help you improve your score.

For Students:  The key point of this book is that you learn the techniques in the book and NOT focus on the new vocabulary so much.
As a very nice grammar practice, take a look at the practice part 5. Cover the answers and just look at the question.  1. Try to find what kind of word will fit.  Is it a noun/verb/adjective, etc.?  2.  Try to imagine a word that fits in the situation.
This is a good practice to see how well you know your grammar.

For Teachers:  Don't be lazy!  While your students are doing a timed exercise, be proactive and go through the same section as your student and write out key vocabulary on another sheet of paper for your them.  In class make sure your students know the 2 key points of every chapter.  After the timed exercises is a good chance to go back and emphasize any vocabulary that you think it is important for your students to know.

Improve your English Listening Skills with Dictation

How to improve your listening:

DICTATION 

(But You're Probably Doing it Wrong)

Dictation is a pretty well known and effective technique.  BUT many people don't get the most out of it.  Basically dictation is when you listen to something and then write it down.  If you follow these steps, however, you're guaranteed to improve a bit more quickly.

Steps to practice dictation effectively:

1. Play 1 sentence from your CD or MP3.

One sentence only.  A lot of people try to do too much.  It's better to focus and get this one thing right.

2. Write that 1 sentence down.

Even if you didn't catch every word, you'll probably get a few of the content words. 

3. Check your what you've written; correct it, and try to guess what the missing words might be.

Most people don't do this extra step.  But it's useful to see how well you can understand what a real, complete, correct sentence should look like.  Give it a try.

4. Listen to the CD again to check it.  Were you right?

Again, most people don't do this.  Do it and confirm that your mind isn't tricking you.  Listen carefully!  Don't trust yourself from 5 minutes ago!

5.  Finally, check the written audio script and see if you were right.

At this point, you're 1 sentence practice has probably cost you a few minutes.  But it's worth it!

If you've followed these steps, I promise that your listening skills will develop more quickly than if you had just listened to something and written it down and moved on without checking.

Using these steps you are not just listening to content words, but also learning to catch the tougher, faster, function words too.