be accustomed to doing sth = be used to doing sth / noun e.g. I am used to getting up early.
get used to doing sth or noun e.g. Did you get used to getting up early? I am getting used to working late. I finally got used to my boss’ complaints.
Past habit (that no longer exists!)
used to + verb e.g. We used to go to the beach everyday when we were kids. We didn’t use to go to the beach everyday when we were kids. Did we use to go to the beach everyday when we were kids?
TWO MORE WAYS TO EXPRESS PAST HABITS 1. Past Simple 2. Would + verb e.g. We went / we would go / we used to go to the beach everyday when we were kids.
NOTE: “Would” is not used with stative verbs! e.g. He used to be a teacher.(not “would”!)
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Haste makes waste!”
“Haste makes waste” is a common phrase which means that if you try to do something in a hurry, you will probably waste time, money and effort. I couldn’t agree more with what this statement expresses.
In our days, the lifestyle and the way we live pushes us to hurry to get to work, to drive, to walk, to eat or to do everything quickly without thinking about the consequences which will arise later. For example, due to the fact that we do things quickly, a lot of waste has been created which destroys the planet. We don’t think about recycling, but we use the things once and we throw away all of them, afterwards. That wrong mentality is responsible for the increase of the amount of waste in landfills and the gradual death of our planet.
Another example is that when we go out to a restaurant or a bank or to the supermarkets, we demand a fast service, but we don’t realize that the result will be some hasty service of bad quality.
Moreover, in our everyday life another example could be the way we drive. We drive very fast and thoughtlessly. So, this way of driving leads to the accidents and destruction of our cars. In addition, we put our life and the lives of other people at risk due to our carelessness and we lose money in order to fix the damage.
In conclusion, I totally agree with the above statement. You have to schedule what you have to do, to put everything into order and not to hurry without important reason. It is better to be safe than sorry!
More and more people are spending time working abroad these days. They go in search of better pay and work experience. Also many people enjoy experiencing a different culture for a period of time. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad and state your personal opinion.
Nowadays, numerous people move abroad due to various reasons. The most important reason is to look for a good job. It goes without saying that there are many benefits of living and working away from the home country. However, working in other countries also involves certain disadvantages.
Firstly, I would like to refer to the positive aspects of working in a foreign country. The first one is that a person who is employed in a foreign country will be able to grab more employment chances than in their home country. So, they will get knowledge and experience which can be useful to build up a career in a better way. Moreover, they will be paid much better than in their own country. So, they will be able to help their family and improve their living conditions. Another benefit of working abroad would be to experience a different culture. Living abroad gives them a chance to see another way of life in a way that they can’t experience when they just travel through a place. Also, getting to know the new country where they are working, seeing a different way of life and experiencing, the way the other people do daily things such as how they behave or the way they talk to each other would help them to improve their knowledge of the country’s language and customs.
On the other hand, as it is said, the beginning of something new is always the most difficult part. So, leaving their hometown also poses difficulties. First of all, when they live and work in a new country, they are unable to speak their native language; therefore, they are forced to learn that country’s language. In addition, the traditions are different from their country, so it’s difficult for them to follow their home country traditions. Furthermore, sometimes working abroad can be dangerous. Occasionally, employers abuse foreigners! This mainly happens because the foreigners don’t know the country’s language very well to communicate efficiently, so that fact makes it easier. Also, there is no one to ensure them that they will find a job which fits their qualifications. Last but not least, they have to take into account the financial circumstances under which they will work there because they will probably have to pay higher taxes or a private insurance for medical attention.
In conclusion, travelling in other countries to work entails both positive and negative aspects. However, it seems to me that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I could say that all the above difficulties can be overcome and that traveling abroad for work is really worth it!
1.If your teacher makes a mistake, is it better to correct the teacher orignore the mistake? Use reasons to support your response.
In my opinion, we should correct the teacher. There are many reasons for that.
First of all, all the students will listen to the correct answer. Otherwise, the other students will believe that it is the right one because it was said by our teacher.
Another reason is that, it will be an opportunity to start a discussion among students and teacher in order to broaden their horizons.
In addition, the teacher will appreciate that I paid attention on what she said.
For all the above reasons and many more, I believe that we have to correct the teacher and not to ignore a mistake, which could even be accidental.
2. Is it better to take chances in life or play it safe?
I believe that it is better to take risks in life. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, if someone takes chances in life he leads an interesting life.
Secondly, when you take risks you never know what future has store for you. It could be something positive, for example, a good job or a romantic relationship!
So, I think we should get every chance that arises!
3. Is it better to have a career that pays a lot of money but keeps you away from your family or a career that does not pays so much but allows you time with your family? Use reasons to support your response.
I consider it is better to have a career that doesn’t pay so much but allows me time with my family. There are many reasons for that.
One of them is that, when you are far away from your family, you suffer, because you miss the care and warmth of your family.
Another reason is that I wouldn’t need the money I gained because I would be lonely without my family. I would have no-one to spend it on.
4. Do you make decisions quickly or take your time making them? Use details and examples to support your response.
Irrespective of the discussion, I believe that we should consider them carefully before taking them.
The first reason is that by devoting time to reflect on a decision, you make a safer choice. For example, I gave it serious thought before leaving my job for another one.
The second reason is that if you don’t take the necessary time to think things over, you run the risk of choosing the wrong option, which will probably affect your life but also, people around you, for instance your family or colleagues.
5. Do you think children should always obey their parents, or are there times when it is not necessary for children to obey?
In my opinion, the children should always obey their parents. There are many reasons for that.
One of them is that, the obedience shown by a little child is very important. If they follow their parents’ rules they will be very successful when they grow up. Only with discipline and self-control do you succeed in life professionally and personally.
In this way, I believe that the parents are responsible for teaching their children to obey to them, by using rules and advice.
1. I try to take advantage of every chance I meet. 2. I am influenced by horror films and I have nightmares at night! 3. I have to work diligently in order to achieve my aims. 4. I sat in a shaded place to rest after 2 hours of running. 5. I contribute to the decrease of the exhaust fumes by getting about on foot. 6. A major feature of a devastated area is the lack of water. 7. The company that I have sent an application to is internationally acclaimed. 8. We have already sent the invitation to the prominent author “…”. 9. Last night I didn’t sleep due to the anxiety I had. 10. After 5 years of hard work, he managed to have his own house. 11. This book gives advice ti parents on discipline. 12. These days a lot of people live under difficult circumstances. 13. She noticed that the night life was thriving. 14. He has a respectable family. 15. The old man who lives next to me has an enormous amount of money. 16. I came up with an innovative idea in the meeting. 17. Many companies search various ways of attracting potential customers. 18. Research demonstrates that many young people are disappointed with their job. 19. This road has been under construction for over a year. 20. She became rich due to a bequest of $5.000.000. 21. Next year I am going to implement the rules of a healthy lifestyle. 22. The instructions I have to follow are very strict. 23. I am trying to convince her to come with me, but she doesn't want to do so. 24. The polling is decided to start at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. 25. I have doubts whether she tells me the truth or not.
1. Do you prefer to take essay exams or multiple choice exams?
I prefer to take multiple choice exams. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, I believe that it is easier to find the correct answer, because you have three or four options and the correct answer is one them.
Secondly, you don’t need to spend much time in order to justify your response.
For these two reasons, I find the multiple choice exams more manageable!
2. Would you prefer to take a trip by plane or by train?
I love the route by train! There are many reasons for that.
First of all, I could sit and relax. Otherwise, I could meeting other people and have fun!
In addition, I would have a chance to take a look at the spectacular scenery which I couldn’t do if I travelled by plane.
For the above reasons and many more, I find the trip by train more interesting!
3. Would you like to live in a big city or a small town?
I would like to live in a small town. There are many reasons for that.
One of them, is that I could get about without using a car and going whenever I want. I love walking, so, a small town is ideal for me. In this way, I would avoid the traffic!
Furthermore, in a small town I would have an easy life, with more friendly people and a closer circle of friends.
To sum up, the above reasons are the most important ones, but there are many more!
4. Do you think it is better to study alone or study with friends?
In my opinion, it’s better to study alone for many reasons.
Firstly, when you study alone you can concentrate better on your work because there isn’t anyone to disturb you.
Moreover, you can have a break whenever you want, without having to follow the others’ programme. Therefore, you can function independently.
For these two reasons, I believe that it’s more effective to study alone than to study with other!
5. Do you prefer to play sports or watch sports?
I prefer to play sports for many reasons.
First of all, you can keep fit and healthy. Otherwise, the life we lead is sedentary.
Additionally, you can have fun by acquainting other people. Team sports, especially, enhance cooperation and develop new friendships.
So, playing sports, instead of watching them, is fulfilling and intriguing!
