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ENGLISH ACTIVITIES Ekaterina Petrykina

UNIT 1
ACTIVITY 1 (BASIC LEVEL)
Underline the relative pronoun and find the noun that is referring to.
1. They are men who are ambitious.
-Relative pronoun: who
-Noun referred to: men
2. The salesman noticed the potatoes that he planted.
-Relative pronoun: that
-Noun referred to: potatoes
3. It is worth buying stocks which increase in value.
-Relative pronoun: which
-Noun referred to: stocks
4. The guests whom we invited a week ago just arrived.
- Relative pronoun: whom
-Noun referred to: guests
5. The flight that was supposed to leave at 5 is still delayed.
-Relative pronoun: that
-Noun referred to: flight
6. The patients whose lives are in danger need those drugs.
-Relative pronoun: whose
-Noun referred to: patients
7. The bus which has just arrived is scheduled to leave for Phoenix.
-Relative pronoun: which
-Noun referred to: bus
8. Rebecca noticed the tourists who were gathered around the statue.
-Relative pronoun: who
-Noun referred to: tourists
9. The milk that Jane bought seems to be fresh.
-Relative pronoun: that
-Noun referred to: milk
10. The contractor whom we hired did not show up today.
-Relative pronoun: whom
-Noun referred to: contractor

ACTIVITY 2 (BASIC LEVEL)


Choose the possessive pronouns or adjectives that best complete each sentence.
1.(My/Mine) brother planted a beautiful apricot tree in (our/ours) front yard.
2.Annalisa finished (her/hers) homework early, but Julissa did not do (her/hers) until later.
3.The little boy who lives next door played with (him/his) toys.
4.The furniture belongs to my mother. It is(her/hers).
5.(Our/Ours) family enjoys spending time together.
6.Jenny's dad trimmed the branches off the tree. It looked bare without all of (it/its) branches.
7.You must remember to clean (your/yours) room before you go to the party.
8.Mr. and Mrs. Rochester bought a plant for (their/theirs) house.
9.The bicycle over there is (him/his), but this one right here is (my/mine).
10.Angela likes to wear (her/hers) hair long, while Peggy prefers to wear (her/hers) short.
ACTIVITY 3 (BASIC LEVEL)
Make the question that can be answered with these sentences and underline the
interrogative pronouns.
1.It's on January: when is it?
2.To the cinema:where did they go?
3.There are a lot of them:how many of them are there?
4.They are mine:whose are they?
5.It's a new show on town:what is it?
6.Because it is going to rain: why is it going to rain?
7.I'm sixteen years old:how old are you?
8.A lot of famous people: who are they?
9.I'm all right, thank you:how are you?
10.They are going to study: what are they gong to study?

ACTIVITY 4 (ADVANCED LEVEL)


Put in myself/yourself/ourselves etc. or me/you/us etc.
1.Amy had a great holiday. She enjoyed herself.
2.It's not my fault. You can't blame me.
3.What I did was really bad. I'm ashamed of myself.
4.We've got a problem. I hope you can help us.
5.Can I take another biscuit? Of course. Help yourself!
6.You must meet Sarah.i 'Il introduce you to her.
7.Don't worry about us. We can take care of ourselves.
8.Don't worry about the children. I'll take care of them.
9.I gave them a key to our house so that they could let themselves in.
10.Express yourself!

ACTIVITY 5 (ADVANCED LEVEL)


Add an indefinite pronoun to complete each sentence.
1.I put my soda down on the table, but someone moved it!
2.The party is going to be great! Everyone will be there.
3.Does anyone have change for a dollar so I can buy a soda?
4.I was disappointed because no one that I invited came to the party.
5.Rachel was so popular that everyone wanted to sit next to her.
6.Someone left the freezer open, and the ice cream melted.
7.The teacher said I could bring cupcakes for everyone in the class.
8.Henry was surprised that someone sent him a birthday card in the mail, but did not sign
the card.
9.That painting is so simple; anyone could have painted it.
10.The teacher passed the math tests out to everyone, and the room was suddenly quiet.
11.Anyone can bake a cake like Grandma Anna. Hers are the best!
12.Has anyone seen my blue notebook? I can't find it anywhere!
13.Someone called my house, but they hung up without saying a word.
14.The third question on the test was so difficult that no one could answer it.
ACTIVITY 6 (ADVANCED LEVEL)
Compare the use of the following pronouns. Try to find the difference in meaning and explain
it briefly.
1."A friend of mine has come." suggests that among the person's acquaintances, one
friend has arrived. "My friend has come." indicates a specific friend, possibly well-known to
the listener.

2."I can do it on my own." implies independence, while "I can do it by myself."


emphasizes doing something without assistance. The latter may have a slightly stronger
sense of solitude.

3."We help ourselves." implies individual members of a group taking care of their own
needs. "We help each other." emphasizes mutual assistance within the group.

4."I said nothing." means the absence of speech. "I didn't say anything." implies a lack of
verbal expression, emphasizing the idea that no words were spoken.

5."Anybody would have passed." suggests a positive outcome for everyone.


"Nobody would have failed." emphasizes the absence of failure, implying success for
everyone in the given context..

UNIT 2
ACTIVITY 1. REGULAR AND IRREGULAR VERBS (BASIC LEVEL)
Make a list of 15 regular verbs and 15 irregular
Regular Verbs:
Walked
Talked
Played
Jumped
Cooked
Looked
Called
Visited
Helped
Listened
Danced
Worked
Cleaned
Smiled
Hiked
Irregular Verbs:
Go
Eat
Have
Do
Say
Make
Take
Come
See
Know
Swim
Sing
Write
Run
Speak

ACTIVITY 2. PRESENT SIMPLE (BASIC LEVEL)


Ask Lisa questions about herself and her family. Write the questions.
1.You know that Lisa plays tennis. You want to know how often.
How often do you play tennis?
2.Perhaps Lisa's sister plays tennis too. You want to know: Does your sister play tennis
too?
3.You know that Lisa reads a newspaper every day. You want to know which one:
Which newspaper do you read every day?
4.You know that Lisa's brother works. You want to know what he does:
What does your brother do for work?
5.You know that Lisa goes to the cinema a lot. You want to know how often:
How often do you go to the cinema?

ACTIVITY 3. PRESENT CONTINUOUS (BASIC LEVEL)


Put the verb into the correct form, positive (I'm doing etc.) or negative (I'm not doing etc.).
1.Please don't make so much noise. I am trying (I/try) to work.
2.Let's go out now. It isn't raining (it/rain) anymore.
3.You can turn off the radio. I'm not listening (I/listen) to it.
4.Kate phoned me last night. She's on holiday in France. She's having (she/have) a great
time and doesn't want to come back.
5.I want to lose weight, so this week I'm not eating (l/eat) lunch.
6.Andrew has just started evening classes. He's learning (he/learn) Japanese.
7.Paul and Sally have had an argument. They're not speaking (they/speak) to each other.
8.I am getting (l/get) tired. I need a rest.
9.Tim isn't working (work) today. He's taken the day off.
10.I am looking (I/look) for Sophie. Do you know where she is?
ACTIVITY 5. PAST CONTINUOUS (BASIC LEVEL)
Use your own ideas to complete the sentences.Use the past continuous.
1.Matt phoned while I was having a shower.
2.The doorbell rang while ... I was cooking dinner.
3.The car began to make a strange noise when ... I was driving to work.
4.Jessica fell asleep while she ... was watching a movie.
5.The television was on, but nobody ... was watching it.
Now talk about what you were doing by these times:
1.(at 8 o'clock yesterday evening) I was playing cards with my friends.
2.(at 5 o'clock last Monday) : I was finishing up some work.
3.(at 10.15 yesterday morning): I was having a meeting with my colleagues.

ACTIVITY 6. PRESENT PERFECT (BASIC LEVEL)


Read the situations and write sentences using present perfect:
1. Jack is driving a car, but he's very nervous and not sure what to do.
You ask: Have you driven a car before?
He says: No, this is the first time I have driven a car.

2. Ben is playing tennis. He's not good at it and he doesn't know the rules.
You ask: Have you played tennis before?
He says: No, this is the first time I have played tennis.

3. Sue is riding a horse. She doesn't look very confident or comfortable.


You ask: Have you ridden a horse before?
She says: No, this is the first time I have ridden a horse.

4. Maria is in Almería. She has just arrived and it's very new for her.
You ask: Have you been to Almería before?
She says: No, this is the first time I have been to Almería

5. Lucas is playing a guitar. He plays it quite good.


You ask: Have you played the guitar before?
He says: Yes, I have played the guitar before.

ACTIVITY 7. PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS (ADVANCED LEVEL)


Put the verb into the present continuous (I am -ing) or present perfect continuous
(I have been -ing).
1. Maria have been learning (Maria/learn) English for two years.
2. Hello, I have been looking (I/look) for you. Where have you been?:
3. Why have you been looking(you/look) at me like that? Stop it!
4. Linda is a teacher.She has been teaching (she/teach) for ten years.
5. I have been thinking(I/think) about what you said and I've decided to take your advice.
6. 'Is Paul on holiday this week?'No, he is working.'(he/work) .'
7. Sarah is very tired.She has been working (she/work) very hard recently.
Now, put the verb into the more suitable form, present perfect simple (I have done)
or continuous (I have been doing).
1. Where have you been. Have you been playing (you/play) tennis?
2. Look! Somebody has broken that window.
3. You look tired. Have you been working hard?
4. 'Have you ever worked in a factory?' 'No, never.'
5. 'Liz is away on holiday.' 'Is she? Where has she gone?
6. My brother is an actor. He has appeared in several films.
7. 'Sorry I'm late.' 'That's all right. I haven't been waiting long.'

ACTIVITY 8. PAST PERFECT (ADVANCED LEVEL)


For each situation, write a sentence ending with never ... before. Use the verb in
brackets.
1. The man sitting next to you on the plane was very nervous. It was his first
flight. (fly) He had never flown before.
2. Somebody sang a song. I didn't know it. (hear)
Somebody sang a song. I had never heard it before.
3. Sam played tennis yesterday. He wasn't very good at it because it was his first
game. (play)
Sam played tennis yesterday. He wasn't very good at it because he had never played
before.
4. Last year we went to Mexico. lt was our first time there. (be there)
Last year we went to Mexico. It was our first time there. We had never been there
before.

Now, put the verb into the correct form, past perfect (I had done) or past simple (I did).
1. 'Was Paul at the party when you arrived?' 'No, he went (go) home.'
2. I felt very tired when I got home, so I went straight to bed.
3. The house was very quiet when I got home. Everybody had gone to bed.
4. Sorry I'm late. The car broke down on my way here.
5. We were driving along the road when we saw a car which had broken down, so we
stopped to help.

ACTIVITY 9. PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS (ADVANCED LEVEL)


Read the situations and complete the sentences.
2. I had been waiting for 20 minutes when I realized that I was in the wrong restaurant.
3. Sarah had got a job in a factory. Five years later, the factory closed down.
4. The orchestra had been playing when a man in the audience suddenly started shouting.

2. We were good friends. We had known each other for years.


3. John and I went for a walk. I had difficulty keeping up with him because he had been
walking so fast.
4. Sue was sitting on the ground. She was out of breath. She had been running.
5. When I arrived, everybody was sitting round the table with their mouths full. They had
been eating.
UNIT 3
ACTIVITY 1 (BASIC LEVEL)
Write a description of the most important points covered on the video. Use your
own words and try to use simple sentences with complete meaning.

This text describes how a small apartment in Hong Kong transforms into 24 different rooms,
show us the innovative design of architect Gary Chang. Hong Kong, being densely
populated, faces a scarcity of space, influencing Gary's architectural philosophy. Despite the
limited space, Gary decided to keep his small apartment, where he grew up with his family.
The apartment, covering only 330 square feet, is efficiently designed, earning the nickname
"domestic transformer."

Gary achieved this transformation using a sliding wall system, allowing him to create various
room configurations. The apartment includes surprising features like a linen closet, a soaker
bathtub, and a pull-down hidden bed. Using mirrors contributes to the illusion of more space
and enhances the ecofriendliness of the design by reflecting light.

The text emphasizes how Gary's apartment is bathed in warm golden light through tinted
windows, creating a cheerful atmosphere even in gloomy weather. The sliding walls enable
quick changes from one room to another, with tracks on the ceiling and wheels on the floor.
Gary strategically places mirrors to make the tracks less noticeable.

In Gary's design, the disappearance of the bed is crucial to optimize the limited space. After
a good night's rest, the text mentions heading to the compact kitchen located behind the TV,
showcasing effective space utilization. The final room, a screening room with a hammock,
adds to the multifunctionality of the apartment.

Gary Chang's domestic transformer is presented as a technological marvel in the bustling


Hong Kong skyline, demonstrating eco-friendly possibilities even in small spaces.
Overall, the text highlights the creativity and efficiency in utilizing every inch of available
space in the apartment.

ACTIVITY 2 (BASIC LEVEL)


Make a list of 10 nouns related to “interior furniture of a house”. Then make an
easy definition of each of them.
1.Sofa: A large, comfortable seat for more than one person, typically with a back and
armrests.
2.Table:A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used for various purposes
such as dining or working.
3.Bookshelf:A set of shelves used for storing books, often with additional space for
decorative items.
4.Bed:A piece of furniture designed for sleeping, typically consisting of a mattress and a
frame.
5.Wardrobe:A large cupboard or cabinet used for storing clothes, shoes, and other personal
items.
6.Chair:A seat typically designed for one person, with a backrest and, often, armrests.
7.Lamp:A device for giving light, consisting of a source of illumination and a shade to diffuse
or direct the light.
8.Dresser:A piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothes and other personal belongings,
often with a mirror.
9.Couch:Similar to a sofa, a couch is a comfortable piece of furniture designed for seating.
10. Coffee Table:A low table placed in the living room, often used to serve drinks or display
decorative items.

ACTIVITY 3 (ADVANCED LEVEL)


Write an essay explaining the most striking differences you find when comparing
the 1976’s floor and the one of Gary Chang in 2006.

ACTIVITY 4 (ADVANCED LEVEL)


Make a list of 10 nouns related to “rooms and interior spaces of a house”. Then
make an easy definition of each of them.
1.Living Room:A comfortable space in a house designed for relaxation, socializing, and
entertainment, often equipped with sofas, chairs, and a television.
2.Bedroom:A private space in a house dedicated to sleeping and personal activities, typically
containing a bed and other furniture.
3.Kitchen:A room used for cooking and food preparation, usually equipped with appliances
like a stove, refrigerator, and sink.
4.Bathroom:A room containing a toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower, designed for personal
hygiene and grooming.
5.Dining Room:A designated area in a house for eating meals, often furnished with a dining
table and chairs.
6. Study or Office:A room equipped with a desk and suitable furniture, designed for work,
studying, or conducting business.
7. Closet:A small room or space used for storing clothes, shoes, and other personal items.
8.Hallway:A narrow passage connecting rooms in a house, often serving as an entrance or
providing access to various areas.
9.Attic:A space or room located under the roof of a house, typically used for storage or as an
additional living area.
10.Basement:A room or area below ground level in a house, often used for storage, laundry,
or as an additional living space.

1. Which of these features do you think are an essential part of a home? Which are not
essential?
⋅ a garden
⋅ a balcony
⋅ a swimming
⋅ a garage
⋅ a patio / terrace
⋅ more than one bathroom
⋅ a fireplace
⋅ central heating
⋅ carpeted floors
⋅ a dining room
⋅ lots of space
⋅ shutters
⋅ a beautiful view
⋅ a basement / family room

2. Can you match these words describing types of house to their definition?

1. apartment - c) a house which is part of a bigger building


2. bungalow - b) a house with no stairs, on one level
3. castle - g) a house which was built to keep the inhabitants safe
4. cottage - a) a small house in the country
5. flat - c) a house which is part of a bigger building
6. loft apartment - c) a house which is part of a bigger building
7. semi-detached - e) a house which is joined to another house on one side
8. palace - h) a house which was built for rich or grand people
9. penthouse - i) a house which is on the top of a tall building
10. detached - d) a house which is not joined to another house
11. studio - k) a small one-roomed flat
12. terraced - f) a house which is joined to other houses on two sides / a house which is
part of a line of houses

ACTIVITY 1. FUTURE WITH PRESENT CONTINUOUS (BASIC LEVEL)

What is going to happen in these situations? Use the words in brackets and the
continuous form to talk about future.
1. There are a lot of black clouds in the sky. (rain)
It's going to rain.
2. It is 8.30. Tom is leaving his house. He has to be at work at 8.45, but the journey takes
30 minutes. (late)
3. There is a hole in the bottom of the boat. A lot of water is coming in through the hole.
(sink)
4. Lucy and Chris are driving. There is very little petrol left in the tank. The nearest petrol
station is a long way away. (run out)
5. Robert has a very difficult exam tomorrow and haven't studied much. (fail)
6. Maria is texting his boyfriend and at the same time driving home. (have an accident)

1. It's going to rain.


2. Tom is going to be late.
3. The boat is going to sink.
4. They are going to run out of petrol.
5. Robert is going to fail the exam.
6. Maria is going to have an accident.
ACTIVITY 2. FUTURE WITH WILL (BASIC LEVEL)

Put in will or won't depending on each sentence:

1. Can you wait for me? I won’t be long.


2. Don't ask Amanda for advice. She won't know what to do.
3. I'm glad you're coming to see us next week. It will be good to see you again.
4. I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. It won't happen again.
5. You don't need to take an umbrella with you. I don't think it will rain.
6. I've got some incredible news! You won't believe it.

ACTIVITY 3. CAN, COULD AND WILL BE ABLE TO (BASIC LEVEL)

Complete the sentences using can or (be) able to. Use can if possible; otherwise use (be)
able to.

1. Gary has traveled a lot. He can speak five languages.


2. I haven't been able to sleep very well recently.
3. Nicole can drive, but she doesn't have a car.
4. I used to be able to stand on my head, but I can't do it anymore.
5. I can't understand Mark. I've never been able to understand him.
6. I can't see you on Friday, but I will be able to meet you on Saturday morning.

ACTIVITY 4. FUTURE CONTINUOUS AND FUTURE PERFECT (ADVANCED LEVEL)

Put the verb into the correct form, future continuous or future perfect. Remember
you only can use will be (do)ing or will have (done).
1. Don’t phone between 7 and 8.We’ll be having dinner then. (we / have)
2. Phone me after 8 o’clock....dinner by then. (we / finish)
3. Tomorrow afternoon we’re going to play tennis from 3 o'clock until 4.30. So at 4
o'clock, ... tennis. (we / play)
4. A: Can we meet tomorrow? B: Yes, but not in the afternoon. ... (I / work)
5. B has to go to a meeting which begins at 10 o’clock. It will last about an
hour. A: Will you be free at 11.30? B: Yes, ... by then. (the meeting / end)
6. Ben is on holiday and he is spending his money very quickly. If he continues like this, ...
all his money before the end of his holiday.
(he / spend)
7. Do you think ... the same job in ten years} time? (you / still / do)
8. Lisa is from New Zealand. She is travelling around Europe at the moment. So
far she has travelled about 11000 miles. By the end of the trip, ... more than
3,000 miles. (she / travel)
9. If you need to contact me, ... at the Lion Hotel until Friday. (I / stay)
10. A: ... Laura tomorrow? (you / see)
B: Yes, probably. Why? A: I borrowed this DVD from her. Can you give it back to her?
1. Don’t phone between 7 and 8. We’ll be having dinner then.
2. Phone me after 8 o’clock. We'll have finished dinner by then.
3. Tomorrow afternoon we’re going to play tennis from 3 o'clock until 4.30. So at 4 o'clock,
we will be playing tennis.
4. A: Can we meet tomorrow? B: Yes, but not in the afternoon. I will be working.
5. B has to go to a meeting which begins at 10 o’clock. It will last about an hour. A: Will
you be free at 11.30? B: Yes, the meeting will have
ended by then.
6. Ben is on holiday and he is spending his money very quickly. If he continues like this,
he will have spent all his money before the end of his
holiday.
7. Do you think you will still be doing the same job in ten years' time?
8. Lisa is from New Zealand. She is traveling around Europe at the moment. So far she
has traveled about 11000 miles. By the end of the trip,
she will have traveled more than 3,000 miles.
9. If you need to contact me, I will be staying at the Lion Hotel until Friday.
1. A: Will you see Laura tomorrow? B: Yes, probably. Why? A: I borrowed this DVD from
her. Can you give it back to her?

ACTIVITY 5. COULD DO AND COULD HAVE DONE (ADVANCED LEVEL)

Complete the sentences. Use could or could have + a suitable verb.


1. A: What shall we do this evening? B: I don't mind. We could go to the cinema.
2. A: I spent a very boring evening at home yesterday. B: Why did you stay at home? You
... out with us.
3. A: Have you seen this job advertised in the paper? You ... for it.
B: What sort of job? Show me the advertisement.
4. A: How was your exam? Was it difficult? B: lt wasn't so bad. It ... worse.
5. A: I got very wet walking home in the rain last night. B: Why did you walk? You ... a taxi.
6. A: Where shall we meet tomorrow?
1. A: What shall we do this evening? B: I don't mind. We could go to the cinema.
1. A: I spent a very boring evening at home yesterday. B: Why did you stay at home? You
could have gone out with us.
3. A: Have you seen this job advertised in the paper? You could have aplied for it.
B: What sort of job? Show me the advertisement.
4. A: How was your exam? Was it difficult? B: It wasn't so bad. It could have been worse.
5. A: I got very wet walking home in the rain last night. B: Why did you walk? You could
have taken a taxi.
6.A: Where shall we meet tomorrow? I could go to your house
UNIT 4
ACTIVITY 1. ADJECTIVE OR ADVERB (BASIC LEVEL)
Put in the correct word (adjective or adverb)
1. Two people were seriously injured in the accident.
2. The driver of the car had serious injuries.
3. I think you behaved very selfishly.
4. Tanya is terribly upset about losing her job.
5. There was a sudden change in the weather.
6. Everybody at the carnival was colorfully dressed.
7. Linda usually wears colorful clothes.
8. Alejandra fell and hurt herself really badly.
9. Alberto says he didn't do well at school because he was badly taught.
10. Don't go up that ladder. It doesn't look safe.

Now think about three adjectives and adverbs formed with –ly and write a sentence with
each of them:
-Yesterday I watched a sad movie. / Sadly, I have to say goodbye.
-The concert was incredibly loud, causing everyone to cover their ears.
-She spoke softly to the scared child, trying to calm him down.

ACTIVITY 2. SOME ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS RULES (BASIC LEVEL)


Put in good or well depending on each sentence:
1. I play tennis but I'm not very good.
2. Your exam results were very good.
3. You did well in your exams.
4. The weather was good while we were away.
5. I didn't sleep well last night.
6. Alexandra speaks German well. She's good at languages.
7. Our new business isn't doing very well at the moment.
8. I like your hat. It looks good on you.
9. I've met her a few times, but I don't know her well.

Now write one sentence with each of these words late, lately, hard and hardly.
1. He arrived late to the meeting, apologizing for the delay.
2. Lately, I've been feeling more energetic and motivated.
3. She worked hard to achieve her goals and succeeded in her endeavors.4. The task was
so challenging that she could hardly complete it on time.

ACTIVITY 3. COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS (BASIC LEVEL)


Some of these sentences need a/an. Correct the sentences where necessary. Put a
tick when correct.
1. Gisell goes everywhere by bike. She hasn‟t got car.
→ She hasn’t got a car.
2. ✓ Helen was listening to music when I arrived.
3. We went to a very nice restaurant last weekend.
4. ✓ I brush my teeth with toothpaste.
5. ✓ I use a toothbrush to brush my teeth.
6. Can you tell me if there's a bank near here?
7. ✓ My brother works for an insurance company in Frankfurt.
8. ✓ I don't like violence.
9. Can you smell paint?
10. We need petrol. I hope we come to a petrol station soon.
11. ✓ I wonder if you can help me. I have a problem.
12. ✓ I like your suggestion. It’s a very interesting idea.
13. Laura has an interview for a job tomorrow.
14. ✓ I like volleyball. It’s a good game.
15. ✓ Karina doesn't usually wear jewelry.
16. Eva was wearing a beautiful necklace.

Now write one sentence with each of these adjectives some, any, many, few, much
and little.

1. I have some books to read over the weekend.


2. Is there any milk left in the refrigerator?
3. There are many students in the classroom.
4. I have a few friends coming over for dinner.
5. She has much experience in the field of research.
6. Please add a little salt to the soup for flavor.

ACTIVITY 4. SOME SINGULAR AND PLURAL RULES (ADVANCED LEVEL)


Complete each sentence using a word from section number 4. Sometimes you need a or
some.
1. My eyesight isn't very good. I need (glass)
→ My eyesight isn’t very good. I need glasses.
2. A species is a group of animals or plants that have the same characteristics.
3. Footballers don't wear trousers when they play. They wear shorts.
4. The bicycle is a mode of transport.
5. The bicycle and the car are modes of transport.
6. I want to cut this piece of material. I need scissors.
7. A friend of mine is writing a series of articles for the local newspaper.
8. There are a lot of American TV shows shown on TV in Britain.
9. While we were out walking, we saw many different species of birds.

Now write one sentence with each of these nouns audience, committee, company,
family, firm, government, staff or team.

1. The audience was captivated by the mesmerizing performance.


2. The committee will convene to discuss the proposed changes.
3. The company introduced innovative solutions to boost productivity.
4. Our family enjoys gathering for Sunday dinners.
5. The firm specializes in sustainable energy technologies.
6. The government is implementing policies to address environmental concerns.
7. The staff diligently worked on the project to meet the deadline.
8. The team celebrated their victory with a well-deserved break.

UNIT 4 WORKING WITH PUBLIC INTERIOR SPACES

EDUCATIONAL 2013 BOY WINNER: SCHOOL FACILITY (Joey Ho Design).


The main points of the text are:

- Adults encourage children to learn, but they just want to have fun.
- Joey Ho demonstrated this with a 7,500-square-foot space where good-natured imagination
is paramount.
- The color palette is fresh, almost Scandinavian, mixing powder blue, white, and light blonde
wood.
- Many elements allow children to interact with the adult world, such as dual-height
washbasins and a scaled-down, professional-looking stainless steel kitchen.
- If children need to speak to the staff behind the reception desk, a small staircase brings
them to eye level.
- The central piece of the lunchroom is a structural column styled as a tree, supporting a
"tree house" on the mezzanine level.
- When the teacher says it's time to come down, just take the slide.

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE


2013 BOY WINNER: COMMON SPACE (Ajax Law and Virginia Lung Design)

- The 78,500-square-foot cinema draws inspiration from books.


- Design directors Ajax Law Ling Kit and Virginia Lung incorporated book-themed elements
into the design.
- The cashiers' desks in the lobby resemble stacks of paper, though they are made of milled
solid surfacing.
- Posters for the films are displayed on tall planes of white powder-coated metal, resembling
pages bound into a script.
- Structural columns are covered in marble with vertical striations reminiscent of the cut
pages of a hardback book.
- Long, skinny, tubular light fixtures hang from the ceiling like branches of a tree, referencing
the origin of paper from trees.
- The ceiling is painted black, enveloping a hallway off the lobby, adorned with snippets of
dialogue from "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" in various colors and typefaces.

HEALTHCARE
2013 BOY WINNER: HEALTHCARE (Merge Architects)

- Principal Elizabeth Whittaker faced budget constraints while renovating a 100-year-old


storefront on a suburban Main Street.
- Despite the low budget, Whittaker innovated by gutting the 3,500-square-foot space to
accommodate various dental facilities, including ortho bays, exam rooms, offices, labs, and a
media bar.
- A standout architectural feature is a sculpted surface that channels sunlight into the ortho
bay through skylights. It consists of translucent white polycarbonate strips supported by
curved ribs of CNC-cut plywood.
- Sink cabinets were integrated into the wall where the polycarbonate and plywood features
end.
- To create a welcoming atmosphere, gray faux suede upholsters banquette cushions in the
waiting room, while friendly green wall graphics aid in way-finding, resulting in satisfied
patients.

RETAIL 2013 BOY WINNER: BAKERY/CAFÉ (Alan Chan Designer)

- The tea salon targets local customers who aspire to an international standard of service
and style, as well as foreign tourists visiting the surrounding neighborhood.
- Alan Chan's concept for the 860-square-foot tea salon is based on the five Chinese
cosmological elements: metal, wood, earth, water, and fire.
- Design elements such as cherry furniture, granite flooring, and a circular pond filled with
carp reflect these cosmological elements.
- Full-height glass enhances the historic architecture and creates visual connections between
the three function zones: the street-front shop, a Zen-style courtyard for relaxation, and a
room with an oversized teak table for tea sipping, lined with Hans Wegner chairs.

OFFICE 2013 BOY WINNER: FIRM'S OWN OFFICE (Carey Ryder Team)

- The firm expanded its office space to 60,000 square feet by annexing two defunct
restaurants located below its original space.
- The expanded space features two broad storefronts, allowing for a lively view of staff
activities.
- Managing director Jordan Goldstein's layout emphasizes spatial drama, with a reception
desk facing a feature wall displaying a topographical map of the capital in oak fins.
- A double-height atrium was created by removing a rectangular section of concrete slab,
with a floating staircase ascending through it.
- On the upper level, designers have more freedom to move around, with numerous meeting
rooms scattered throughout the open-plan studios to facilitate collaboration among small
groups.
Activity 2
Using your computer, look for as much information as you can (images, plans, sections,
texts, etc.) and talk with your partner about the following topics. Then, write a short answer
for each of the questions.
To get in touch with public spaces vocabulary, you can find words related to the spaces and
furniture for each type of project:

1. Main Parts of the Project: Identify and list the key components or sections of the project.
This could include architectural features, functional areas, or specific design elements.

2. Most Important Idea of the Project: Reflect on the overarching concept or theme behind
the project. Consider what message or purpose the design intends to convey.

3. Colors and Materials: Evaluate the choice of colors and materials used in the project.
Discuss how they contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality.

4. Deficiencies: Identify any aspects of the project that you perceive as lacking or needing
improvement. This could include design flaws, practical shortcomings, or aesthetic
weaknesses.

5. Opinion about Furniture: Share your thoughts on the furniture selection and layout within
the project. Consider factors such as comfort, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.

6. Cost Considerations: Assess whether you believe the project would be expensive to
execute. Consider factors such as the scale of the project, the complexity of the design, and
the quality of materials.

7. Designer Team: Discuss the capabilities and reputation of the designer team behind the
project. Consider their experience, design philosophy, and past successes.

8. Relevant Projects: Research and identify other projects completed by the same designer
team. Determine whether any of these projects are noteworthy or relevant to the current
discussion.
Activity 3
To get in touch with public spaces vocabulary, look for 10 words related to the spaces and
10 words related to the furniture of those types of projects. Work in
pairs and choose one type per group.

1. EDUCATIONAL Spaces:
- Classroom
- Library
- Auditorium
- Playground
- Gymnasium
- Cafeteria
- Laboratory
- Hallway
- Office
- Restroom

Furniture:
- Desk
- Chair
- Table
- Bookshelf
- Whiteboard
- Computer
- Podium
- Locker
- Cubicle
- Sofa

2. ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE Spaces:


- Gallery
- Museum
- Theater
- Cinema
- Concert hall
- Art studio
- Exhibition hall
- Lobby
- Stage
- Ticket booth

Furniture:
- Seat
- Screen
- Display case
- Stage curtain
- Lighting fixture
- Sound system
- Sculpture stand
- Display pedestal
- Seating arrangement
- Projection screen

3. HEALTHCARE Spaces:
- Waiting room
- Examination room
- Operating room
- Recovery room
- Intensive care unit (ICU)
- Laboratory
- Pharmacy
- X-ray room
- Nurse station
- Reception area

Furniture:
- Hospital bed
- Examination table
- Chair
- Medical cart
- Privacy curtain
- IV stand
- Waiting room chair
- Reception desk
- Medical cabinet
- Treatment chair

4. RETAIL Spaces:
- Dining area
- Kitchen
- Counter
- Bar
- Display area
- Checkout
- Storage room
- Restroom
- Entrance
- Patio

Furniture:
- Table
- Chair
- Barstool
- Booth
- Display rack
- Cash register
- Refrigerator
- Shelves
- Menu board
- Trash bin

5. OFFICE Spaces:
- Cubicle
- Conference room
- Meeting room
- Reception area
- Workstation
- Break room
- Copy room
- Mailroom
- Lobby
- Storage closet

Furniture:
- Desk
- Chair
- Conference table
- Filing cabinet
- Bookshelf
- Office chair
- Printer
- Coffee table
- Sofa
- Office partition

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