We take a look at the Aptis Test Practice Questions part 2 We could cook dinner. ____ , we could buy some take away food. Although Therefore On the other hand The answer is: On the other hand, we could buy some take away food. Another answer might be: We could cook dinner. However, another idea (suggestion) is that we could buy some take away food. Laurence English Teacher Please contact me if you need extra English lessons.

We take a look at the Aptis Test Practice Questions He is single. He never ____ . marrying married marries The answer is He never married. We could also say, for example, She is single because she never wanted to get married. Laurence English Teacher Please contact me if you need extra English lessons.

10 English expressions that include numbers Part 2 There are many expressions in English that have numbers in them. Here are five more examples that are commonly used. You can see in the short dialogues between John and Fiona how the expressions might be used in everyday situations. 6. To get forty winks Meaning: to have a short period of sleep Example John: “I feel really tired this afternoon.” Fiona: “You should try and get forty winks before we go out this evening.” 7. To not give two hoots Meaning: When you aren’t concerned at all about something Example John: ”Do you know that the boss doesn’t like the way you’re working?” Fiona: “Well, I couldn’t give two hoots what she thinks about me.” 8. Two of a kind Meaning: Two people are similar in the way the behave. Example John: “Have you noticed how Peter and Mary are always saying bad things about other people in the office?” Fiona: “I wouldn’t worry about them. They’re two of a kind.” 9. To be in two minds Meaning: to be undecided or unsure about something Example John: “Do you think we should sell the car and buy a new one?” Fiona: I’m in two minds about that. Maybe we should wait till next year and save some money and then get a really good car.” 10. To be on cloud nine Meaning: to be very happy about something Example John: “The boss just told me that I’ve been promoted to office manager.” Fiona: “That’s great, John. You must feel like you’re on cloud nine.” Over to you now Can you imagine a situation where one of these expressions might be used? Which expressions do you think are informal and that you wouldn’t say to your boss or teacher? Don’t forget to leave some comments and maybe suggest some other number-based expressions that other students might find useful. See you soon!

10 English expressions that include numbers There are many expressions in English that have numbers in them. Here are five examples that are commonly used. You can see in the short dialogues between John and Fiona how the expressions might be used in everyday situations. 1. To be a million miles away Meaning: To be distracted and not paying attention. Example John: “So, what do you think about my idea?” Fiona: “I’m sorry. What did you say? John: “Were you not listening?” Fiona: “I was a million miles away thinking about something important.” 2. To be dressed to the nines Meaning: To be dressed very smartly or elegantly. Example Fiona: “Is that a new suit you’re wearing? You’re really dressed to the nines today. What’s the special occasion?” John: “I’ve got an important meeting with new clients today and I want to impress them.” 3. To give three cheers Meaning: A way to congratulate someone, Example John: “Let’s give three cheers for Fiona for winning the salesperson of the year award. John: “Hip hip.” Everyone else in the room says: “Hooray” As you can see from the above example, whenever someone says, “Three cheers” it is normal to then say, “hip hip” and “hooray” three times. It’s good fun and super friendly. (Hooray is used by a group of people to congratulate someone.) 4. To be six feet under Meaning: An informal way to say that someone has died. Traditionally, a person is buried six feet below the surface of the ground. Example John: “I haven’t seen our old neighbour, Jim, for a long time. Do you know if he’s OK?” Fiona: “I’m sorry to tell you that Jim is six feet under. He died last month.” 5. That makes two of us Meaning: To be in complete agreement with someone Example John: “I’m really fed up with the way that Mary is behaving in the office.” Fiona: “That makes two of us. I’m also unhappy with her behaviour.”

Two meanings of "Cheers" in English

Most people know that English speaking people say "Cheers!" when they are drinking and want to wish their friends good health. People usually touch their glasses together, or "clink" them as they say "Cheers!".

Another very popular use of the word "Cheers" is to say thank you in an informal way. For example, if you ask someone for directions and they seem like a friendly person to you, then you could say "Cheers" instead of "Thank you".

If you would like help with informal everyday English as people speak it in the UK, then please email me.

"Cheers!"

Laurence

Are you planning a business trip to London? What are the best newspapers to read?

If you're planning to visit the UK soon there are a few very important newspapers to read online.

For a left of centre pro-socialist newspaper you need to read the Guardian. The Guardian is one of the most widely read UK newspapers in the world. It's anti- Brexit and pro-Labour/ socialist government.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk

For a more conservative and right-wing opinion then the Daily Mail is interesting to read. It is very pro-Brexit and a supporter of the current Conservative Party government. It is also a good source of information about pop, movie and TV stars in the UK.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html

Whatever you're choice, these two newspapers are a good indicator of how people in the UK think today.

Contact me if you would like help preparing for a business trip or interview.

Laurence

Who is the best British or American movie actor of all time?

There have been many amazing and inspiring  British or American movie actors. Some of my favorites are:

British: Sean Connery (the original James bond and he's also Scottish like me!)

American: Johnny Depp ( such a versatile and charismatic actor. Brilliant in Pirates of the Caribbean)

Who are your favorites?

Best wishes

Laurence

What's the weather like today where you live?

Hi everyone,

In the UK where I live, talking about the weather is almost a daily obsession.

So, what's the weather like now where you live?

Right here in the south of England it's cloudy and it looks like it's going to rain.

So over to you now.