Foreword

Basic Practical English is a program designed for the process

of teaching-learning American English. It is assumed that the
learners have no previous knowledge of this language. This
program is made of eight levels that will help students develop oral
and written communications skills to an intermediate-advanced
level.
Basic practical English follows the functionalist approach, that
is, English is taught according to the communicative functions of the
language. According to this, the language is presented in contexts
similar to those people find in everyday life. We believe that
teaching is most effective when learners are gradually introduced to
situations where they use the language to perform communication
functions. The progress of learning is focused on the integration of
skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
This book is based on a long experience in the teaching of
English as a foreign language to children, teenagers and adults. We
hope to make a contribution to education and personal growth,
since English is a tool for the communication and understanding of
culture, science, technology, entertainment and people.
As soon as you get into this course you will notice the
difference, we expect from the students a lot of effort that is :
Readings, Listening, Writing, Speaking and Comprehension at least
three times more the hours expended in our institution.
The Author:
Carlos E.Garcia

1
 UNIT 1

There Is - There Are ( Something Exists )

There is a car in the garage

There are two cars in the garage

There are many cars in the parking lot.

There are a lot of cars in the parking lot

2
There is a bottle in the picture

There are three bottles in the picture

There are six dogs in the picture

3
 Asking about something( Is There—Are There )

Is there a bottle in the picture?

Yes, there is.

Are there three bottles in the picture?

Yes, there are.

there three dogs in the picture?

No, there aren't. There are six.

Are there many cars in the parking lot?

Yes, there are many.

4
Are there some chairs in the classroom?
Yes, there are some.

Is there a computer in the

classroom?.
No, there isn't any.

Is there a board in the classroom?

Yes, there is one.

How many chairs are there in the picture?

There are four chairs.

How many coins a re there in the picture?

There are seven coins.

How many dogs are there in

the picture?
There are fifty four dogs.

5
 Showing Materials

There is a lot of water in the pool.

There is some money in the picture.

There is some water in the glass.

There is a loaf of bread in the picture.

There are two loaves of bread in the picture.

6
There is some coffee in the cup

There are: a cup of coffee, a piece of

cake, a glass of water, and a glass of
juice in the picture.
Asking questions
Q: How much coffee is there in the kitchen?
A: There is very little.

Q: How much orange juice is there in the refrigerator?

A: There are two bottles of orange juice.

Q How much bread is there on that table?

A: There are three loaves of bread.

Q: How much sugar is there on that corner?

A: There is a lot of sugar. (There is a lot)

Q: How much flour is there in that bakery store?

A: There isn't any.

Q: Are there some students at the basketball court?

A: No, there aren't any. (There are no students)

7
 Describing My Home
I live in a big apartment. The living room is very big, so I have plenty
of room for parties and meetings with my friends. There are three
bedrooms and two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. There is a
balcony where I can sit and look at the city. There is a parking lot where
each tenant has the right to park a car. Visitors have to park outside.

Questions
1. How many bedrooms are there in the apartment?
2. How many bathrooms are there in the apartment?
3. Is there a balcony in the apartment?
4. Is there a garage for the apartment?
5. Is the room big or small?
6. What is the Difference between parking lot and Garage ?

Exercises
answer the following questions:

1. How many bedrooms are there in your house?

2. How many people are there at your school?
3. Are there many cars in San Fernando?.
4. Is there a police station in San Fernando?
5. Is there a supermarket on this street?
6. Is there a movie theater in this city?
7. How much sugar is there in your house?
8. How much coffee is there in your house?
9. How many books are there in this bookshelf?
10. Are there many people at the conference?
11. How much chocolate is there in the kitchen?
12. How many employees are there at this company?

8
 UNIT 2
Places to Go or to Visit in a city

A: Where is the bookstore?

B: It's on the corner?

A: Where is the hospital?

B: It's on Caracas Avenue.

A : Where is a supermarket?
B: There is one next to the pharmacy.

A: Where are the schools?

B: Here is one, there is other one.

Store is a general Word.

A bookstore sells books.
A shoe store sells shoes.
A clothing store sells clothes.
A candy store sells candy.

9
Dialogue:
Martin and Richard are on Bolivar Street.
Richard: Hi. Martin? What are you doing?
Martin: I'm looking for a hardware store. I need some tools
to fix our house.
Richard: There is a big hardware store on Caracas Avenue,
opposite the hospital.
Martin: I need to buy a German dictionary. Where can I find
a bookstore?
Richard: There are two bookstores on Comercio street, and
another one on Miranda avenue.
Martin: Thanks, Richard. Good bye.
Richard: Bye._____________________________________
A: Where is the post office?
B: It´s across the street.___________________
A: What street is the city Hall on?
B: It's on Miranda Avenue near Lazo Marti High School.

Practice
Work with a partner. Ask for locations of places in the city, Use
the following words:
bus station, police station, post office, bank, library, bookstore, shoe
store, pharmacy, fire station, restaurant, church, zoo, park, hotel,
elementary school, high school, college, university, movie theater,
museum, movie, bridge, Airport, others.

10
 Asking about Destination
Pamela: Hi, Liz. Where are you going?
Liz: To the post office.
Pamela: Where's that?
Liz: It's on Colombia street. Why don't you come along?
Pamela: OK

Use to the + place to give destination.

Examples: to the university to the pharmacy
to the office to the concert
to the gym to the hospital
to the restaurant to the park

Exceptions:
Home to school
To work to church

Practice
Answer the following questions.
1. Where is your grandfather going?
2.Where is Mr. Jackson going?
3. Where is Mrs. Walker going?
4. Are you going to the hospital?
5. Are the students going to the theater?
6. Is Dr. Garcia going to his office?
7. Is your sister going to the concert?
8. Is your mother going home?
9. is Mrs. Ramirez going to church?
10. Is your boss going to the office?
11
 My city
I live in a small city. I go to work by car, but I walk to the park. There
are a hospital, a library, a museum, a pharmacy, a bank, a super-
market, an elementary school, and a hotel. There are some cars on
the streets.

Practice. Complete the sentences with the following words: next,

right, corner, between, library: opposite, left, school.

Example: Where is the museum? It's on the right .

1. Where is the supermarket? It's on the____________

2. Where is the restaurant? It's_____________ the bank.
3. Is there a hotel in the city? Yes, there's one _______ to the
pharmacy.
4. Where is the library? It's next to the______________
5. Where is the hospital? It's on the ___________________
6. Where is he pharmacy? It's_______ the hotel and the hospital.

Is there a museum here? Yes, there is. It's next to the___________

12
Practice
Work with a partner. Ask and answer question about locations
in your city.

Writing. Select a city and write a paragraph according to the

model.

Valencia is a city in Carabobo.

Carabobo is a state in Venezuela.
Carabobo is on the Caribbean sea.
Valencia is a big city.
Asking for help in your English class

I don't understand. Please speak more slowly and loudly

Can I borrow a pen?
Can I have a piece of paper?
Can I lend you my pencil sharpener?
Can you lend your car to me, please?
Asking for information in your English class
A: What does town mean?
B: It means small city .
A: How do you say ____________in English?
B: ___________________
A: How do you pronounce this word?
B:__________________

13
 Locating things

The ball is on the box.

The ball is under the box.

The ball is next to the box.

The ball is behind the box.

The ball is in front of the box.

The ball is between the boxes.

The ball is among the boxes.

The ball is in the box.

14
 Dialogue:
Nancy: Tom, where are my keys? I need to go to the
supermarket.
Torn: Look in your bag.
Nancy: They're not in my bag.
Torn: Then, look on the table
Nancy: They're not there. I don't know where they are.
Torn: Maybe they are in the drawer.
Nancy: Oh, yes. They're here.

Practice
Work with a partner. Ask and answer question about object at
home or at work.
Practice.
Answer the following questions.
1. is there a lamp in your bedroom?
2. is there a picture on the wall ?
3. Are there some students on the street right now?
4. Is there a wallet in your pocket?
5. Are the many children in your family?
6. Are there many police officers among the people?
7. Is there a pharmacy opposite the supermarket?
8. Is there a grocery store in this neighborhood?
9. Where is your book?
10. Where is your mother's umbrella?
11. Where are my keys?
12. Where is your brother's computer?

15
 UNIT 3
Shopping in a Supermarket
Nancy Sawyer is a busy woman. She's a homemaker. She also
studies Business Administration at Southern Technical University.
She's at home right now. She's studying for a big test, and she
doesn't have time to go to the store. She calls her husband at work.
Silvia, he receptionist, answers.

Silvia: Good afternoon, Highlife Travel Agency.

May I help you?

Nancy: Tom Sawyer, please. This is his wife calling.

Silvia: He's on the other line. Can you hold, please?

Nancy: Sure!

Tom: Hello. This is Tom Sawyer speaking.

Nancy: Hi, honey.
Tom: Hi. How's everything?
Nancy: Fine. I'm studying for my test.
Torn How is it going?
Nancy: OK, but we need some things from the
supermarket. Can you stop there on
your way home, please ?
Torn: Sure.
Nancy: We need one kilo of beef, two liters of milk,
a dozen eggs, and some fresh vegetables for a salad.

16
 Identifying countable and non countable nouns

Countable nouns

Countable nouns have singular and plural forms.

a pencil - one pencil an apple - one apple

3 pencils 4 apples

an orange a person – one person

3 oranges 4 people

17
Noncountable nouns
Noncountable nouns have a singular form only. They do not use
a or an.

a piece of cheese some sugar a packet of sugar

Some bread. a slice of bread two slices of bread

Two loaves of bread

A cup of coffee a lot of coffee nine cups of coffee

18
 Some water three glasses of water

There is a lot of water in the pool

Examples with Noncountable nouns

1. I need some money.

2. This company needs a lot of money.
3. My brother has five coins in his pocket.
4. I need a lot of water to clean my house.
5. The janitor needs five buckets of water to clean this floor.
6. I don't have much time for this project.
7. Mr. Shaw has a lot of time to prepare a report.
8. There is a lot of light in this room.
9. My brother has little money. He needs a job.
10. How much money do you need? I need a lot.
11. How much time do you need for this project? I need two weeks.
12. How many bottles of oil do you have? I have four bottles.
13. How much beef do you eat? I eat three kilos of beef.
14. How much milk do you want to buy? Two liters.

19
 Countable vs Noncountable

Countable Noncountable
People Information
Boy Money
Girl News
House Meat
Bridge Love
Door Beauty
Window Plastic, jewelry
Thing Water, juice
Vegetable Lightning
Vehicle Milk, bread
Journey Sugar, flour
Coin Machinery
Fact Wood, scenery
Bag Food, fruit
Job Baggage, luggage
Storm Cash, fun
Suggestion Clothing, clothes
Machine Evidence, violence
Hobby Land, shopping
Country Harm, health
Garment Travel, transport
Garden Homework, housework
Bedroom Traffic, weather
Doctor Knowledge, research
Student Luck, leisure
Passenger Stuff, equipment
Check-up Permission, progress
Book Time
Hour Behavior, advice

20
 Expressing quantities
A bottle of ketchup. Irregular plurals
A can of beans. 1 loaf -> 2 loaves
A bag of potato chips. 1 dozen -> 2 dozens
A loaf of bread.
Two pounds of sugar.
A quart of milk. Equivalences (USA)
A dozen eggs. 1 gallon = 3,78 liters.
A box of cereal. 1 pint = 0,47 liters.
A package or sausages. 1 quart = 0,94 liters.
Two litters of water. 1 pound = 0,453 kilogram.
1 mile = 1482 meters.
1 yard = 0,914 meters.
English System
1 inch = 2,54 centimeters.
2 pints (pt) = 1 quart (qt)
1 foot = 30,48 centimeters.
2 quarts = 1 half
4 quarts = 1 gallon
16 ounces (oz) = 1 pound (lb)

Dialogue:
A: We need some bread.
B: OK. How about two loaves of bread?
A: That's fine. We also need some milk.
B: Ok. How about a quart of milk?
A: No. We need a half gallon of milk.

21
 Asking for help in locating food in the supermarket

Shopper: Excuse me, madam. Where's the spaghetti?

Manager: It's in aisle 3B, across from the rice.
Shopper: And where are the tomatoes?
Manager: They're over there, next to the Peppers.
Shopper: And the margarine?
Manager: It's in aisle 1A, next to the milk.
Shopper: Thank you.

22
 Practice
Ask and answer question about the location of thing in the
supermarket (see page 22)
Example:

Mayonnaise / 4A / bananas
A: Excuse me, Sir. Where's the mayonnaise?
B: It's in aisle 1A, next to the bananas.
A: Thank you.
B: You're welcome

1. Flour / 3A/ coffee 6. Sugar / 3A / rice

2. Margarine / 1A / milk 7. Cereal / 3A /soup
3. Grapes / over there / 8. Frozen food / 1A / cheese
oranges 9. Onions/ over there /
4. Cake / 1 A / bread potatoes
5. Hot dogs / over there / 10. Soft drinks / over there /
sausage corn

Asking for a favor

Eleanor: See you later, Nancy. I have to go to the supermarket.

Nancy: Eleanor, can you do me a favor, please?
Eleanor: Sure. What is that?
Nancy: I need two kilograms of sugar and a dozen eggs.
Eleanor: Anything else?
Nancy: No, that's all. Thanks.

23
Pronunciation
1. Apples, oranges, grapes, and pears.
2. Flour, sugar, rice, and cereal.
3. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and corn.
4. l need, some soup, some onions, and some bananas.
5. We need four apples, two cans of beans, a liter of milk, and a
bag of potato chips.
6. Little Red Ridding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf
7. I need some soaps
8. I want to watch soap operas
9. I prefer to eat Noodle soup
10. Cow, beef, Meat, Flesh

Interaction
You are going to the supermarket. You meet a friend on the street,
Your friend asks you for a favor, use the model on page 21.

24
 UNIT 4
Talking about residence, work, and school

Peter Hudson lives in Washington, but he comes from Venezuela

originally. He works at the Inter-American Development Bank on
New York Avenue. He also teaches computer programming at
Georgetown University. Peter is a Virtual Classroom coordinator. He
coordinates online courses. He helps people in American countries.

Use the simple present tense to talk about a person's daily life

1. Peter Hudson lives in Washington.

2. He works at the Inter-American Development bank.
3. He teaches computer programming.
4. He helps people in American countries.
5. He coordinates online courses
6. Lily Cadena lives in Rochester, Minnesota.
7. She works at the Mayo Clinic.
8. Nancy Sawyer works at home.
9. She takes care of her home and family.
10. She studies Business Administration at Southern Technical
University.
11. Peter Sawyer fixes cars.
12. Maria Conte cooks.
13. She makes a terrific spaghetti sauce.
14. My mother watches TV every day.
15. Mrs. Johnson speaks very well.

25
Pronunciation
/Z/ /S/ /IZ/
Lives Works Teaches
goes helps fixes
Has makes washes
studies takes watches
drives speaks relaxes
listens cooks dances
cleans practices
calls
plays
reads
swims
Practice
Make sentences according to the example.

Edward / student //go /South America High School Edward is a

student. He goes to South America High School

Ramon / travel agent // live / San Fernando

Carlos Ascanio / doctor //work / Central Hospital
Juliana / student //go / South America High School
Sebastian / mechanic //fix / cars
Carmen Conte / cook // make / spaghetti sauce every day
Isis Lugo / homemaker // take care of / her family
Yovalyk / student // study/ Business Administration
Christina / restaurant cashier // live and work / San Fernando
Alberto / computer programmer // create / Web sites
26
 Talking about a person's schedule ( Timetable)

Ramon (work) Monday-Friday 8:00 am — 5:00 pm

(teach) Saturday 9:00 am — 12:00 noon
Christina (work) Tuesday-Saturday 1:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Tom (work) Monday-Friday 8:00 am — 5:00 pm
Maria (work) Tuesday-Saturday 2:00 pm — 10:00 pm
(teach) Saturday 8:00 — 11:45 am
Edward (class) Monday-Friday 7:00 am — 11:50 am
Nancy (class) Monday-Friday 7:00 am — 11:30 am

1. Sarai works on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and

Friday
2. She works Monday through Friday.
3. She works from 8:00 to 5:00.
4. She teaches Computer programming on Saturday morning.
5. Fabiola works Tuesday through Saturday.
6. She works from 11:00 to 8:00
7. Oriana has class Monday through Friday.
8. She has class from 7:00 to 11:30.
9. Sebastian works Monday through Friday.
10. He works from 8:00 to 5:00.
Practice
Make sentences about a person's schedule

Practice
Complete the following sentences about yourself. Tell your
classmates about you schedule.

27
 1. l work at_________
I go to ___________________

2. I work ______trough ________

I have class

3. I work on , , and
I have class

4. I work from _____ to _______

I have class

Asking about a person's schedule

She She She

Does she work on Monday? Yes, she does No, She doesn't.

Examples

A: Does Torn work at the Travel Agency?

B: Yes, he does.

A: Does he work on Saturday?

B: No, he doesn't.

A: Does Nancy study Business Administration?

B: Yes, she does.

A: Does she have class at night?

B: No, she doesn't.

A: Does Maria work on Friday?

B: Yes, she does.

A: Does she work in the morning?

B: No, she doesn't.

28
Practice
Work with a partner. Ask and answer question about people's schedules.

Finding out when a person can do something

Their days off A day off is a day you

Torn Saturday Sunday don't work or go to
school.
Maria Sunday Monday
Nancy Saturday Sunday
Christina Sunday Monday

Asking for and giving an opinion

Pamela: Do you like "Cala"?

Liz: Yes, it's an interesting program. Do you like the Inter
commercial?
Pamela: No, it's a boring commercial.

Richard: Do You like Judo?

Carlos: Yes, it's an excellent sport. It helps people become
stronger.

Dennis: Do you like Miami?

Peter: Yes, it's a marvelous city. It's clean and beautiful.

Eleanor: Do you like the new Italian restaurant?

Maria: Yes, it's a great restaurant. They make a terrific
spaghetti sauce.

29
Practice
Work with a partner. Give an opinion. Use one of these adjectives:
good, great, terrific, excellent, awful, dumb, silly, marvelous, awe-
some, interesting, beautiful, bad, boring, relaxing.

Talking about time and TV schedules

Edward: When is the basketball game on?
Richard: At 7:00 on Channel 57.

Tom: What's on at 8:00?

Nancy: The news on Channel 16 and "Golden
Kitchen" on Channel 71.

A: What time is the "Bourne identity" movie on?

B: At 9:00 on Chanel 41.

A: What are the names of two music programs?

B: MTV and So you think you can dance.

A: What are the names of two sports programs?

B: Meridiano TV and Sport Center.

Practice
Work with a partner. Ask and answer questions about time and TV
schedules.

30
 UNIT 5
Giving Instructions ( Imperative way )

Good afternoon, everyone. Iam Maria Conte. I

come from : Italy, and I like to cook Italian food.

My favorite dish is spaghetti with mushroom
sauce. My favorite sauce is the Milan Sauce.

Let's make it together.

First, pour three tablespoons of oil into a large frying pan. Next, slice two onions.
Put the onions and some garlic in the oil. Cook the onions and garlic for three
minutes. Now add 500 grams of sliced mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms, on-
ions, and garlic for ten minutes.

Next, add one small can of tomato paste, one large can of tomatoes, and two
cups of water. Finally, season the sauce with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

Now cock the sauce for one hour over low heat, and you have the Milan Sauce.
Serve the sauce on spaghetti with parmesan cheese.

Use the imperative form to give instructions.

The imperative form is the same as the base form of the verb.

Giving instructions

1. Slice two onions with a big knife.

2. Put the onions in the oil.

3. Cook the onions for three minutes.

4. Add 500 grams of sliced mushrooms.

5. Season the sauce.

31
 Prepositions for and with
Cook the onions for three minutes.
Cook the sauce for one hour.
My favorite dish is spaghetti with mushroom sauce.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
We can make the Milan sauce with Maria.
Practice
Read each sentence aloud with the correct preposition. Use for or with.
1. Maria cooks the Milan Sauce___________ an hour.
2. She seasons the sauce ________ oregano.
3. Richard plays tennis __________ Edward.
4. They play _________ two hours on Saturday.
5. Liz goes to the pool _________ Pamela.
6. They swim ______ an hour.
7. Maria relaxes __________ an hour after the class at the community
college.
8. Nancy studies ________ two hours every evening.
9. Then she relaxes ______Tom.
Prepositions
Complete each sentence with the correct preposition. Use: in, on, at, to, Df, for, with.
1. Gabriel Hastings teaches computer programming ____________
Georgetown University ________ Wisconsin Avenue _________ Washington.
2. He goes ________ the university every Saturday morning.
3. Maria Conte teaches _______the community college. „
4. She makes the Milan Sauce ________ every new class.
5. She pours three tablespoons ________ oil into a large frying pan.

32
1. She puts the onions _______the pan.
2. She cooks the onions _______ three minutes.
3. She seasons the sauce _______salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
4. Dr. Foster works _______the hospital.
5. He lives _______San Fernando.
6. He works _______some nurses.
7. Helen goes _______school Monday through Friday.
8. Mr. Rodriguez lives _______ 25 Miranda Avenue.
9. Pamela lives _______ Indepence Street.
10. The cook adds two cups _______water _______the sauce.
Pronunciation
Repeat the instructions
• Use margarine. Don't use butter.
• Buy sausage. Don't buy winners.
• Buy fresh tomatoes. Don't buy canned tomatoes.
• Use fresh juice. Don't use frozen juice.
 Use a small onion. Don't use a large onion.

Asking about quantity and number

Use how many with plural for countable nouns.
Use how much with Non countable nouns.

Maria Conte is cooking. She is making the spaghetti with the Milan Sauce
and a salad.

A: What does Maria need?

B: She needs some oil.
A: How much does she need?
B: A small bottle.

33
 A: What does Maria need?
B: She needs some fresh tomatoes.
A: How many does she need?
B: Two.

A: What does Maria need?

B: She needs some large onions.
A: How many does she need?
B: Two.

A: What does Maria need?

B: She needs some lettuce.
A: How much does she need?
B: A head.

Practice
Work with a partner. Ask and answer questions using what, how much, or
how many.
Meals
Breakfast = the meal you eat in the morning
1. Lunch = the meal you eat at noon.
Dinner = the meal you eat in the evening.
Supper = the meal you eat in the evening

What do you eat for breakfast?

2. Does your country have a special breakfast dish or food?
3. What do you eat for lunch?
4. What do you eat for dinner

34
 UNIT 6
Talking about routine activities

Use the simple present tense to talk about daily or routine

activities

The Sawyers are a busy family.

I'm Torn Sawyer. I work at Highlife Travel Agency. I

don't work in the yard during the week. I work in the
yard on the weekend.

I'm Nancy Sawyer. During the week, I study Business

Administration. I don't have class on Saturday. On the
weekend, I cook and study.

I'm Peter Sawyer. I work at the Apure Garage

during the week. I don't work on Saturday. On the
weekend, I take care of the family cars.

We don't clean the apartment during the week. We don't have time,
On Saturday, we share the housework and the yard work.

During the week, our children, Sophie and

Joyce, wash the dishes. They help in the
kitchen, and they study. They don't do the
laundry, and they don't wash the cars or the
dog.

35
 Asking about a person's routine activities
Do I Yes, I do. No, I don't.
You study on the you you
we weekend? we we
they they they
Does he Yes, does. No, he doesn't.
He
she she
she

A E
A: Do the Sawyers share the A: Do You have class on holi-
housework? days?
B: Yes, they do B: Yes, I do.

B
A: Do they clean the apartment A: Do you have class during the
during the week? week?

B: No, they don't. B: No, I don't.

F
A: Does Nancy study during the A: Do Sophie and Joyce study
week ? during the week?
B: Yes, she does. B: Yes, they do.

C G

A: Does she clean the A: Do you work on the

weekend?
apartment during the week?
B: No, I don't.
B: No, she doesn't.
D H

36
Practice

and answer questions about the Sawyers' activities during the week
and on the weekend.

Sawyers / share the housework / weekend.

Sawyers/ clean the apartment / week.
Peter / take care of the family cars / Saturday.
Sophie and Joyce / do the laundry / week.
Joyce / clean the apartment / week.
Nancy ana Torn / cook / weekend.
Peter / go to work/ week.
Toni / work in the yard / week.
Sophie / study / weekend.
The children / go to school / weekend.

Practice

Work with a partner. Find out if your partner does these things.

Do you study on the weekend?

Do you cook during the week?
Do you clean the house during the week?
Do you do the laundry during the week?
Do you go to the supermarket on the weekend?
Do you watch TV during the week? •
Do you listen to music during the week?
Do you read a newspaper during the week?
Do you run or jog during the week?
Do you play volleyball or basketball on the weekend?
Do you swim on the weekend?
Do you play chess on the weekend?
Do you visit your friend on the weekend?

37
 Asking about when people do things

A typical Saturday

Morning Afternoon Evening

Nancy cooks and clean studies Reads; listens

to music
Tom cooks works in the reads; watches TV
Yard

Peter takes care of the Studies goes out with

family cars friends

Joyce cleans the Studies goes out with

partment; does friends
the laundry

Sophie cleans the plays with reads or studies;

apartment friends watches a little TV

A B

A: When does Nancy cook? A: When do Peter and Joyce

study
B: She cooks in the morning.
B: They study in the afternoon.

A : When do the Sawyers relax?

A: When does peter take the
family care of cars? B: On Saturday evening. Saturday
evening.
B: On Saturday morning.
Saturday morning.

A: Do you go out on Saturdays?

B: Yes, I do.
A: When do you go out?
B: B: In the evening.
38
Interaction

Work in a group of four or five. Find out how many people in your group
do these things. Find out when. One person reports to the class.

In our group, four people

1. Do you read a newspaper? read a newspaper. Three
2. When do you read the newspaper? read the newspaper in the
3. Do you listen to the radio? morning and one in the
4. When do you listen to the radio? evening. Three
5. Do you work with a computer? people work with
6. When do you work with a computer? computers in the
afternoon.

Making and accepting suggestions

Joyce: I'm hungry.

Nancy: Me too. Let's get something to eat
Joyce: Good idea. Why don't we go to the
Italian restaurant?
Nancy: Fine with me.

Edward: I'm thirsty.

Richard: Me too. Let's get something to drink
Edward: Sounds good to me. Why don't we go
to a diner?
Richard: OK with.

Practice
Work with a partner. Make and accept suggestions .

39
 Ordering food in a Restaurant

Waiter: Good afternoon. Would you like to order now?

Harry: Yes. I'd like a slice of plain pizza .
Waiter: And you, madam?
Eleanor: I'd like a slice of sausage pizza.
Waiter: And you, sir?
Tom: I'd like spaghetti, please.
Eleanor: A glass of water, please.
Tom: Orange soda for me.
Harry: A cup of coffee, please.
Waiter: Anything else?
Harry: No, thanks. That's all.

1. A plain pizza has only cheese on it.

2. A pizza with sausage on it is a sausage pizza.
3. A pizza with mushrooms and sausage is a mushroom and
sausage pizza.
4. A pizza with everything on it is a combination pizza.

Pronunciation
Repeat these sentences
1. Would you like to order now?
2. I'd like a pizza.
3. I'd like a slice of pizza.
4. I'd like a slice of sausage pizza.
5. We'd like a pizza.
6. We'd like a sausage pizza.
7. We'd like a large sausage pizza.

Practice
Work with a partner. Take turns being the waiter or waitress. Order for
yourself.

40
 Talking about prices

$ 1.00 a dollar
one dollar
$.70 seventy cents
$ 1.05 a dollar five
one dollar and five cents
$ 8.75 eight seventy-five
eight dollar and seventy-five cents € 2.00 two euros
Bs 80.00 eighty bs

A:How much does a small plain pizza cost?

B: It costs $ 6.00.

A: How much is a medium sausage pizza?

B: $ 10.00.

A: How much does this computer cost?

B: It costs $ 900.

A: How much is this bottle of A: How much is it?

milk? B: $ 10.00.
B: It's $ 2.00.

41
 UNIT 7
Inviting Someone to do Something

Richard: Hey, Christina. I have two tickets to the

baseball game. Would you like to go?
Christina: Sorry, Richard. I don't feel well. Maybe
some other time.
Richard: OK. I hope you feel better soon.
Christina: Thanks.

Pamela: Hey, Liz. I have two tickets for

the rock concert. Would you like to go?
Liz: Sounds great.
Pamela: OK. I'll pick you up at 7:00.
Liz: See you then.

Practice.
Work with a partner. Accept or refuse your partner's invitation.

1. Basketball game /sorry.

2. Baseball game / great
3. Rock concert /great
4. Movies / sorry
5. Party / great
6. Birthday party / sorry.
7. Mass at the Church
8. Business meeting
42
 Describing Health Problems

My head hurts. I have a headache.

My tooth hurts. I have a toothache.

My ear hurts. I have an earache.

My back hurts. I have a backache.

My stomach hurts. I have a stomachache.

My throat hurts. I have a sore throat.

Richard: What's the matter, Christina?

Christina: I have a headache.
Richard: I'm sorry to hear that.

43
 Describing health problems; requesting something

I have a stuffy nose. I need some nasal spray.

I have a headache. I need some aspirin.
I have a cough. I need some cough drops.
I have a sore throat. I need some tea and honey.
I have a fever. I need some tea with lemon.

Richard: Hi. How's everything?

Christina: Not too good. I have a cold.
Would you get me some
cold medicine?
Richard: Sure. Right away.

Practice

Practice with a partner. You are at home. You don't feel well. A
friend comes to visit. Ask him/her to get you something you need.

1. Cold / orange juice.

2. Headache / aspirin
3. Fever /tea with lemon
4. Cough / cough drops
5. Sore throat / tea with honey
6. Backache / aspirin
7. Stuffy nose / nasal spray
8. Broken Leg / a cast
9. Red eyes / Eyes drops

44
 Showing concern; Giving and Reacting to Advice

A: I'm getting a cold.

B: You should drink plenty of liquids.

A: I'm getting the flu.

B: You should go home and get some rest.

I
You
He
She . Should stay home and rest
We
They She should take her medicine

Martin: You don't look very well, Patrick. Are you OK?
Patrick: No, I'm not. I have a terrible toothache.
Martin: Maybe you should go to the dentist.
Patrick: Yeah. Maybe I should.

Nancy: You don't look very well, Joyce. Are you OK?
Joyce: I'm OK. I'm just tired.
Nancy: Maybe you should get some rest.

45
Pronunciation
Pronounce these sentences
1. Maybe you should go home.
2. Maybe you should go to the doctor.
3. Maybe you should go to the dentist.
4. Maybe you should drink some tea with lemon.
5. Maybe you should drink some tea with home.
6. Maybe you should relax.
7. Maybe you should work out.

Practice

Work with a partner. He or she will tell you what the matter is. Offer
him / her some advice.
1. Have a bad headache / take some aspirin
2. Have a toothache /go to the dentist
3. Ok: just tired / go home and sleep
4. Getting a cold / drink some orange juice
5. Have a sore throat/ drink tea with honey
6. Fine: just tired / get some rest
7. Getting the flu /go home and sleep

46
 UNIT 8
Seasons and Weather ( Albert Higgings )

Albert Higgins is a flight attendant for Future Airlines. Albert likes his job
because he likes to travel and to work with people. Last month he
was in South America. He was in Brazil and Colombia. Last week
he was in Vienna. Right now he is in San Fernando at the home
of his friends, the Sawyers.

Peter: How was the flight, Albert?

Albert: Difficult. The weather was bad, and we were late
getting into Maiquetia. I'm sure the passengers weren't
happy about that flight !
Joyce: Mr. Higgins, do you like your job?
Albert: Sure, Joyce. Today was just a bad day.
Joyce: Why do you like it?
Albert: I like to work with people, and I like to travel.
Joyce: What's your favorite place?
Albert: That's a hard question. I like South America. I go to
Colombia and Brazil a lot. The people are very nice,
and I like the weather there. It's always warm. I like
Vienna, a very nice city. Of course, I like Venezuela too. I
don't like Quebec City In the winter.
Joyce: Why not?
Albert: It's too cold. I hate cold weather.
Joyce: I love winter. I love to ice skate, Cross Country and Skiing.

47
 Talking about the past

I
He
Was in Vienna last week.
she
We Were
You
They

Albert Higgins was in South America last month. Last

week he was in Vienna.

Linda Ramirez was in Puerto Rico last week. Yesterday

she was in New York City.

Useful expressions

yesterday last night

last week
weekend
morning Saturday
afternoon month
evening summer
year

48
Practice
Name Yesterday Last week Last month

Carlos Caracas Vienna Colombia, Brazil

Luis New York Puerto Rico Mexico
The Duran San Fernando Valencia Minneapolis
Dennis Rochester New York Caracas
Rafael Dallas Boston Dallas

Interaction

Find out where your classmates were yesterday and last week

Talking about the seasons and the weather

Use in + (the) + seasons
Use in + months

March, April, and May A: What's the weather

are spring months in like in the spring?
New York B:It's warm.

June, July, and August A: What's the weather

are summer months in like in the summer?
New York
B: It's hot.

September, October, A: What's the weather

and November are fall
months in New York like in fall?
B: It's cool.

December, January, A:What's the weather

and February are like in winter?
winter months in New B: It's cold.
York

49
 Talking about normal weather patterns

1. It's always hot in San Juan in the summer.

2. It's usually warm in New York in the spring.
3. It's sometimes cool in Paris in September.
4. It's almost never hot in New York in October.
5. It's never hot in Vienna in the winter.

A: is it hot in your city in the winter?

B: No, it isn't. It's never hot in the winter.

A: Is it cool in your city in the spring?

B: Yes, it is. It's sometimes cool.

Expressing frequency

50
 Practice

Work with a partner. Ask and answer questions about the

weather in some cities.

Expressing likes and dislikes

Like + noun Like + verb

I like winter.
I like cold weather. I like to skate.
I like summer. I like to go to the beach.
I like hot weather. I like to fish.

A: Do you like winter?

B: Yes, I do.
A: What do you like to do in winter?
B: I like to skate.

A: Do you like December?

B: Yes, I do.
A: What do you like to do in
December?
B: I like to meet and eat with
members of my family.

A: Do you like January?

B: No, I don't .

Practice

Practice with a partner. Find out if he/she likes the seasons. Find
out what he/she likes to do. Report back to the class.

51
 Asking and Giving Reasons

Tom: Do you like winter?

Albert: No,-I don't. I hate it.
Tom: Why do you hate it?
Albert: Because I don't like cold weather.

Richard: What's your favorite sport?

Albert: Judo.
Richard: Why do you like it?
Albert: Because it helps me be a better
person.

Pamela: What's your favorite city? Maria:

Mia mi.
Richard: Why do you like it?
Albert: Because it's beautiful and clean.

Practice

Complete the following sentences

1. Pamela likes her English class because ______________

2. Tom likes to travel because ________________
3. Joyce doesn't like to cook because _______________
4. Edward doesn't like winter because _______________
5. Joyce likes fall because _________________
6. I don't like to wash because ________________

52
 UNIT 9
How was your weekend

It's Monday afternoon and Albert Higgins is on his way to Simon

Bolivar Airport. His flight leaves for Colombia at 2:00 pm. He's
talking to Linda Ramirez, another flight attendant for Future Airlines.
She is Venezuelan. She was born in Valencia. She lives in Dallas
now.

Linda: How was your weekend, Albert?

Albert: It was nice. I went to visit some friends in San
Fernando. We went to a basketball game and
to a party. I met a lot of new friends. What about
you? Where you in Caracas all weekend?
Linda: Yes, I was. I went to a movie. I saw "Fast &
Furious 5". It was amazing.
Albert: Next time if we are both in Caracas for a
weekend, you should come to San Fernando
with me and go horse ridding. Piranha fishing and
rosted beef.

53
 Asking about the past
I I I wasn't.

You you you

Was we we Was we

they In Caracas? Yes, they No, they

he he
He
were She Were she
she weren't
thuey

A: Was Linda Ramirez in Caracas all weekend?

B: Yes, she was.

A: Was she in the hotel all weekend?

B: No, she wasn't.

A: Were you at school yesterday?

B: No, I wasn't. I was sick.

Practice
Name
Last weekend I Last summer Last December
Albert Higgins San Fernando Vienna Brazil
Linda Ramirez Caracas Bogota Mexico
the Mendoza San Fernando Miami Valencia
Dennis Rochester San Fernando Rochester
Rafael Dallas Los Angeles Dallas

1. Was Linda Ramirez in New York City last weekend?

2. Were the Mendozas in Miami last summer?
3. Was Albert Higgins in Tokyo last weekend?
4. Was Linda Ramirez in Bogota last summer?
5. Was Dennis in Valencia last summer?
6. Was Rafael in Dallas last summer?

54
 Talking about where and when people were born

I was born in San Fernando. Use on when you give

I was born in June. the full date.
I was born in 1978.
BUT
I was born on June 21, 1978.

Immigration Officer: Where were you

born?
Linda Ramirez: : I was born in Valencia,
Venezuela.
Immigration Officer: When were you born?
Linda Ramirez:: I was born on June
21,1978.

Pronunciation

Repeat these questions

1. Were you born in Brazil?

2. Where were you born?
3. Were you in Miami last summer?
4. Where were you in December?
5. Were you at home last weekend?
6. Where were you last night?

55
Practice

Name Place of birth

Miguel Cabrera Maracay
April 18, 1983
Gustavo Dudamel Barquisimeto January 26, 1981
Fernando Botero
Colombia April 19, 1982
Lionel Messi
Argentina June 24, 1987
Rafael Nadal
Spain June 3, 1986
Albert Einstein
Germany March 14, 1879
Simon Diaz August 8, 1928
Venezuela
Roger Federer August 8, 1981
Switzerland
Luis Aparicio April 29, 1934
Maracaibo
Romulo Gallegos August 2, 1884
Caracas
March 6, 1928
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Colombia

Ask and answer questions about when and where the famous
people in the chart were born.

A: Where was Romulo Gallegos born?

B: He was born in Caracas.
A: When was he born?
B: On August 2nd, 1884.

Talking about the past

A: Albert was in San Fernando last weekend.

B: He met the Sawyers' friends.
A: He went to a basketball game and to a party.
B: He had a nice weekend.

Linda Ramirez was in Caracas last weekend.

She went to a movie.
She saw "Fast and Furious 5".
56
 UNIT 10

What are you doing this weekend?

Rafael and Melissa Rivero live in San Fernando. Rafael is Venezuelan,

and Melissa is Canadian. Melissa is an English teacher. She was born in
Toronto, and her parents still live there. Eighteen years ago, she went to
Caracas to teach English. She met Rafael Rivero, a young Civil Engineer,
there. They were married two years later. Their children were born in
Caracas. Vanessa is 13, and Carlos is 11. Rafael's mother is a widow and
lives with them.

The Riveros are going to the United States next month. First they are
going to Toronto to visit Melissa's mother and father. Then they are going
to New York and Dallas. In Dallas, they are visiting Harry Pearson and his
family. Harry lived with them in Caracas last august.
It's Friday evening. The Riveros are having dinner.

Melissa: What are your plans for the weekend, Rafael?

Rafael: I have to go to the office tomorrow morning. I have a lot
ofwork. What about you, dear?
Melissa: I have to go to the travel agent. What are you doing this
weekend, Carlos? Can you help clean the house?
Carlos: I guess so, but I have to study for my exams, too. I'm
going over to Sandra's house tomorrow afternoon.
Melissa: What about you, Vanessa?
Vanessa: I have a dentist appointment, but I'd like to go to the
travela gent with you. I want to answer Roberto's letter
too.

57
 Talking About Future Plans

Use the present continuous + a future time expression

to talk about future plans.

Useful expressions
Next means the coming one.

next Wednesday
next week
next month
next December
next Winter
next year

A: Where are the Riveros going?

B: To the United States.
A: When are they going?
B: Next month.

Practice
Take turns asking and answering questions about the future plans of the
character in the following chart.

Where When
Who
1 the Riveros United States next month
2 Albert New York City next'week
3 Christina Brazil next December
4 Tom Greenhaed Dallas next month
5 Jenniffer Vienna next year
6 Richard and Christina Vancouver next summer
next month
7 Maria Rome

58
 Talking About plans for this Week

Day Week
today
this week
this morning
this weekend
this afternoon
this Friday
this evening
this Sunday morning
tonight
This means the present one
Tomorrow
tomorrow morning
tomorrow afternoon
tomorrow evening
tomorrow night

A: What are Melissa and Vanessa doing tomorrow?

B: They are going to the travel agent.

A: What is Carlos doing tonight?

B: He's going out with friends.

A: What are you doing this weekend?

B: Nothing. I'm staying home.
A: Well, have a nice weekend.
B: OK. You too.

Practice

Work with a partner. Ask and answer question about plans for this weekend

59
 Talking about Marital Status and Family

We're married. We met in I'm single.

Caracas. We were married there,
too.

A: Are you married? Useful vocabulary

B: No, I'm single.
A: Do you have any brothers and Widowed
sisters? a widow (female)
B: Yes, I have two. One
a widower (male)
brother and one sister.
A: What are their names? divorced
B: Patricia and Pedro.

A: Are you married?

B: Yes, I am.
A: Do you have any children?
B: Yes, I have three. Two boys and a girl.
A: What are their names and how old are they?
B: Roberto is 12, Patricia is 10, and Esteban is 7.

60
 BASIC PRACTICAL ENGLISH

Book 2

INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE SCHOOL—VENEZUELA

Apure State — ILSV

61