Smart People
Each week, I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language. You are welcome to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
There are smartphones, smart TVs, and smartwatches, but what makes a person smart? Is it a high IQ? Is it common sense or street smarts? Does it require a college degree, proficiency in multiple languages, or self-awareness? This week, we'll explore the many facets of smart people.
Vocabulary
Language Level - B2
We continue to add to our vocabulary words from the Oxford 3000.
A list of 3000 words someone should know if they are taking the CEFR (Common European Framework Reference) language tests.
- Rate (v)
- Raw (adj)
- Reach (n)
- Realistic (adj)
- Reasonable (adj)
- Recall (v)
- Recover (v)
- Reduction (n)
- Regard (v, n)
- Regional (adj)
Study this set of vocabulary words with this Quizlet.
Grammar Tip
Language Level - B1
Verb conjugation means changing the verb to show when the action happens—past, present, or future.
There are two types of verbs in English:
There are two types of verbs:
-
Regular verbs: These verbs add -ed in the past.
➤ Example:
- Base form: create
- Past: created
- Present: create / creates
- Future: will create
-
Irregular verbs: These verbs change completely and don’t follow a rule.
➤ Example:
- Base form: think
- Past: thought
- Present: think / thinks
- Future: will think
Tips:
- Use "will" + base verb to form the future.
- Add -s to the verb in the present tense for he, she, or it.
Let's Practice!
Complete each sentence with the correct verb form (past, present, or future) using the verb in parentheses.
- Albert Einstein ___________ many theories that changed science. (create)
- Marie Curie ___________ two Nobel Prizes for her work in chemistry and physics. (win)
- Tomorrow, our class ___________ a project about smart inventors. (start)
- Steve Jobs ___________ the iPhone in 2007. (introduce)
- Ada Lovelace ___________ the first computer algorithm in the 1800s. (write)
- I ___________ a documentary about smart people tonight. (watch)
- My friend always ___________ interesting questions about technology. (ask)
- They ___________ new ideas to improve education. (share)
Reading and Listening Tip
Language Level - B2
Watch this video that claims "Watch This for 4 Minutes and You'll Outsmart 90% of People (it's that simple)" to practice your listening and reading skills.
Weekly Challenge
Language Level - C1
Read this article from Psychology Spot - The 7 Characteristics of a Highly Intelligent Person, According to Science.
It uses C1 level vocabulary and sentence structure to challenge your English skills.
https://psychology-spot.com/highly-intelligent-person-characteristics/
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