Sunday, September 30, 2012

EXERCISES (gerund, simple form or infinitive)

Verbs Followed by Gerunds (-ing)... 
Practice: Gerunds and Infinitives


A new student has recently arrived from your country. The following sentences give her advice to help her be more successful in her college work. Choose either the gerund (-ing) or infinitive (to...) form of the verb that completes each sentence.
1 .     Don't forget _______ before a text.  
 to study
 studying

2 .     Offer _____ other students.  
 to help
 helping

3 .     Allow your teacher ________ difficult problems.  
 to explain
 explaining

4 .     Consider ________ to a tutor for extra help.  
 to go
 going

5 .     Finish ________ all your homework each night.  
 to study
 studying

6 .     Practice ________ the exercises every day.  
 to do
 doing

7 .     Avoid _________ to the bar too often.  
 to go
 going

8 .     Learn _______ quickly.  
 to read
 reading

9 .     Refuse _______.  
 to cheat
 cheating

10 .     Get used ________ questions in class. [Hint]
 to ask
 to asking

11 .     Don't expect your friends _______ with your homework.  
 to help
 helping

12 .     I suggest _________ to the professor's office hours.  
 to go
 going

13 .     Let others ______ you with your grammar. [Hint]
 to help
 helping
 help

VERBS FOLLOWED BY GERUND OR INFINITIVE


Verbs Followed by Gerunds

9 = verb followed by a gerund OR a noun + an infinitive
13 = verb followed by a gerund OR an infinitive with a difference in meaning
14 = verb followed by a gerund OR an infinitive with little difference in meaning
admitHe admitted cheating on the test.
advise [9]The doctor generally advised drinking low-fat milk.
allow [9]Ireland doesn't allow smoking in bars.
anticipateI anticipated arriving late.
appreciateI appreciated her helping me.
avoidHe avoided talking to her.
begin [14]I began learning Chinese.
can't bear [14]He can't bear having so much responsibility.
can't helpHe can't help talking so loudly.
can't seeI can't see paying so much money for a car.
can't stand [14]He can't stand her smoking in the office.
cease [14]The government ceased providing free healthcare.
completeHe completed renovating the house.
considerShe considered moving to New York.
continue [14]He continued talking.
defendThe lawyer defended her making such statements.
delayHe delayed doing his taxes.
denyHe denied committing the crime.
despiseShe despises waking up early.
discussWe discussed working at the company.
dislikeShe dislikes working after 5 PM.
don't mindI don't mind helping you.
dread [13]She dreads getting up at 5 AM.
encourage [9]He encourages eating healthy foods.
enjoyWe enjoy hiking.
finish [13]He finished doing his homework.
forget [13]I forgot giving you my book.
hate [14]I hate cleaning the bathroom.
imagineHe imagines working there one day.
involveThe job involves traveling to Japan once a month.
keepShe kept interrupting me.
like [14]She likes listening to music.
love [14]I love swimming.
mentionHe mentioned going to that college.
mindDo you mind waiting here for a few minutes.
missShe misses living near the beach.
need [13]The aquarium needs cleaning.
neglect [14]Sometimes she neglects doing her homework.
permit [9]California does not permit smoking in restaurants.
postponeHe postponed returning to Paris.
practiceShe practiced singing the song.
prefer [14]He prefers sitting at the back of the movie theater.
propose [14]I proposed having lunch at the beach.
quit [13]She quit worrying about the problem.
recallTom recalled using his credit card at the store.
recollectShe recollected living in Kenya.
recommendTony recommended taking the train.
regret [13]She regretted saying that.
remember [13]I remember telling her the address yesterday.
reportHe reported her stealing the money.
require [9]The certificate requires completing two courses.
resentNick resented Debbie's being there.
resistHe resisted asking for help.
riskHe risked being caught.
start [14]He started studying harder.
stop [13]She stopped working at 5 o'clock.
suggestThey suggested staying at the hotel.
tolerateI tolerated her talking.
try [13]Sam tried opening the lock with a paperclip.
understandI understand his quitting.
urge [9]They urge recycling bottles and paper.

http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/gerund_list.htm

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

CAUSATIVE FORM


Form
Have + object + verb  (past participle) - have something done
Have + object + infinitive -- have someone do something

Meaning
1.       We use causative when arranging for someone to do something for us.
·         They had their car repaired. (They arranged for someone to repair it)
Compare: They repaired their car.
(They did it themselves)
·         had my hair cut yesterday. (I went to the hairdresser)
Compare: I cut my hair yesterday.
(I cut it myself)
2.       We use causative when someone does something to us.
·         Bill had his money stolen.
3.       We can use have someone do something to talk about giving instructions or orders (more common in American English).
·         had my assistant type the report.
·         I'll have my lawyer look into it.


1 Formation

The Causative Form is used when we don´t do something ourselves, but we arrange for someone else (usually an expert) to do it for us.

Subject
   +   
Have/Get
   +   
Object
   +   
Past Participle 
He

had

his car

serviced

2 Verb forms in the Causative Form

In the next table there are a few examples of the causative form in diferent verb forms.

Verb forms
Active Voice
Causative Form
Present Simple
We paint the house every year.
We have the house painted every year.
Present Progressive
Beth is washing her car.
Beth is having her car washed.
Past Simple
He typed three letters yesterday.
He had three letters typed yesterday.
Future "Will"
We will install the lights next week.
We will have the lights installed next week.
Present Perfect Simple
The girls have repaired their bicycles.
The girls have had their bicycles repaired.
Modal verbs
You should fix the leakage in the tank.
You should have the leakage in the tank fixed.
Imperative
Clean the table, please.
Have the table cleaned, please.

CAUSATIVE EXERCISES

http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=1759

Monday, September 24, 2012

GETTING A JOB


Job Interview Questions About You
·         What is your greatest weakness? - Best Answers
·         When you're asked what your greatest weakness is, one option is try to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned into a strength i.e. you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is done on time and your work will be close to perfect.
·         Non-Essential Skills
·         An alternative approach is to analyze the key skills and strengths required for the position you are interviewing for and then come up with an honest shortcoming which is not essential for success in that job. For example if you are applying for nursing job, you might share that you are not particularly adept at conducting group presentations. In this case it will be critical to underscore your strength in one to one communication with patients while providing an example of your difficulty with presentations to large groups.
·         Skills You Have Improved
·         Another option is to discuss skills that you have improved upon during your previous job, so you are showing the interviewer that you can make improvements, when necessary. You can sketch for employers your initial level of functioning and then discuss the steps you have taken to improve this area and then reference your current, improved level of skill.
·         If you use this strategy be sure not to mention anything that you improved upon that is related to the job for which you are interviewing. You don't want your qualifications for the job to be questioned.
·         Note that the term "weakness" isn't used in the sample answers - you always want to focus on the positive when interviewing.
·         Sample Answers
·         When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.
·         Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills.
·         I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little too much time checking it. However, I've come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.
·         I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense.
·         Sometimes, I spend more time than necessary on a task, or take on tasks personally that could easily be delegated to someone else. Although I've never missed a deadline, it is still an effort for me to know when to move on to the next task, and to be confident when assigning others work.
·         I had difficulty with calculus during college, but I persevered with tutoring assistance and extra effort and completed 2 levels with a B minus average.
·         I've learned to make my perfectionism work to my advantage at work. I am excellent at meeting deadlines, and with my attention to detail, I know my work is correct.
·         I used to like to work on one project to its completion before starting on another, but I've learned to work on many projects at the same time, and I think it allows me to be more creative and effective in each one.

·         What is your greatest strength? - Best Answers
"What is your greatest strength?" is one of the easier interview questions you'll be asked. When you are asked questions about your strengths, it's important to discuss attributes that will qualify you for the job. The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for.
Sample Answers
·         When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.
·         I have exceeded my sales goals every quarter and I've earned a bonus each year since I started with my current employer.
·         My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work.
·         I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.

As a follow up to being asked about your greatest strengths, you may be asked about how your greatest strength helped your performance on the job. When you respond, relate your strengths to both the job description and your ability to perform at work.
Sample Answers
·         My greatest strength is my ability to work with many different people. I enjoy learning from everyone I meet, and in this position I believe that will enhance my ability to perform on the team.
·         My greatest strength is my ability to focus on my work. I'm not easily distracted, and this means that my performance is very high, even in a busy office like this one.
·         My greatest strength is my ability to focus on the job at hand. I'm not easily distracted from the big picture.
·         My organizational skills are my greatest strength. I'm capable of keeping many projects on track at the same time.

Persistence
I work really hard, and I don't give up easily. :)
—Guest mzjoe
It's Me
I am the strength of my life because I have a sense of responsibility, confidence, self motivation, a good work ethic and my smile.
—Guest Shankar
Team Work
My greatest strength is creating friendly environment and creating an environment where the team can concentrate to solve the problem on time.
—Guest divya
Peace of Mind
My greatest strength is that I am calm and can maintain peace of mind even in times of distress.
—Guest AYUSHI
Devotion and People Skills
If I can find even one thing I like about an environment, I find a reason to be dedicated to the enrichment of that environment and all in it. I tend to be very good with people, and more often than not I'm motivated and driven to succeed by positive interaction with those around me.
—Guest Tiffany O
Hardworking Team Player
I am a hardworking team player and a fast learner. I am bilingual, speaking both English and French. I am a problem solver.
—Guest Jules
The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why, in many cases, it is still important to dress professionally for a job interview, regardless of the work environment.
What's the appropriate dress code for an interview? You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but, a great one. In general, the candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.
Here's more on what to wear to an interview for professional, casual and startup companies, when you want to make the best impression.

How to Dress for a Professional Interview:

Men's Interview Attire
·         Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey)
·         Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
·         Belt
·         Tie
·         Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
·         Little or no jewelry
·         Neat, professional hairstyle
·         Limit the aftershave
·         Neatly trimmed nails
·         Portfolio or briefcase
Here are examples of interview clothes for men:
·          
Women's Interview Attire
·         Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
·         The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
·         Coordinated blouse
·         Conservative shoes
·         Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)
·         No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
·         Professional hairstyle
·         Neutral pantyhose
·         Light make-up and perfume
·         Neatly manicured clean nails
·         Portfolio or briefcase
What Not to Bring to the Interview
·         Gum
·         Cell phone
·         Ipod
·         Coffee or soda
·         If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule)
·         Cover tattoos
Interview Attire Tips
·         Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly.
·         Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.
·         If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time.
·         Polish your shoes.
·         Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.
Additional Interviewing Resources
How to Dress for Success 
How to dress for an interview including advice on what, and what not, to wear on a job interview, appropriate interview attire, how to impress a prospective employer, business vs. business casual attire, and tips on dressing for success.
Interview Questions and Answers 
The key to successful interviewing is to review these typical interview questions and prepare your answers. Also be ready with questions for the interviewer - here's a list.
Most Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common interview mistakes job seekers make and how to avoid them.
Winning Interview Skills 
So, you’ve landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job!
Now what?
Job Interview Tips
·         Avoid Interview Mistakes
·         What to Wear for an Interview
Interviewing Advice
·         Interview Etiquette
·         Winning Interview Skills
·         Interview Blunders

Interview Dining Tips:
·         Are you really nervous? Check out the restaurant ahead of time. That way you'll know exactly what's on the menu, what you might want to order and where the rest rooms are located.
·         Be polite. Remember to say "please" and "thank you" to your server as well as to your host.
·         Is the table full of utensils? My British grandmother taught me an easy way to remember what to use when. Start at the outside and work your way in. Your salad fork will be on the far left, your entree fork will be next to it. Your dessert spoon and fork will be above your plate.
·          
·         Liquids are on the right, solids on the left. For example, your water glass will be on the right and your bread plate will be on the left.
·         Put your napkin on your lap once everyone is seated.
·         Remember what your mother spent years telling you - keep your elbows off the table, sit up straight, and don't talk with your mouth full!
During the Meal:
·         Don't order messy food - pasta with lots of sauce, chicken with bones, ribs, big sandwiches, and whole lobsters are all dangerous.
·         Don't order the most expensive entree on the menu.
·         Do order food that is easy to cut into bite-size pieces.
·         The polite way to eat soup is to spoon it away from you. There's less chance of spilling in your lap that way too!
·         Break your dinner roll into small pieces and eat it a piece at a time.
·         If you need to leave the table, put your napkin on the seat or the arm of your chair.
·         When you've finished eating, move your knife and fork to the "four o'clock" position so the server knows you're done.
·         Remember to try and relax, listen, and participate in the conversation.
To Drink or Not to Drink:
·         It's wise not to drink alcohol during an interview. Interviewing is tough enough without adding alcohol to the mix.
After the Meal:
·         Put your napkin on the table next to your plate.
·         Let the prospective employer pick up the tab. The person who invited you will expect to pay both the bill and the tip.
·         Remember to say "thank you." Consider also following-up with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.
·         Electrician Interview Questions
·         How many years have you been working in the industry? How and where did you receive your training?
·         Describe some recent projects you have worked on.
·         Describe the electrical systems you have worked on and are familiar with.
·         Do you specialize in any specific areas of electrical work?
·         What do you do to protect yourself from electrical accidents or injuries?
·         Describe a time when you had a problem you could not figure out and you had to find a solution on your own.
·         If you were in a room with 3 light switches and the room next door had 3 light bulbs, how would you find out which 3 switches controlled the 3 bulbs if you could only go in the next room once?
·         What does "PPE" stand for? How important is safety on the job?
·         What is CSA approval?
·         What does a fuse or breaker do? What are the differences between the two?
·         What does "14-2" mean?
·         Engineer Interview Questions
·         Tell me about the most challenging engineering project that you have been involved with during past year.
·         Describe the most challenging written technical report or presentation that you have had to complete.
·         Describe an experience with a difficult client. How did you handle the situation? What would you have done differently?
·         Tell me about your greatest success in using logic to solve an engineering problem at a previous job.
·         Give me an example of a time when you applied your ability to use analytical techniques to define problems or design solutions.
·         What checks and balances do you use to make sure that you don't make mistakes?
·         Do you have any patents? If so, tell me about them. If not, is it something you see yourself pursuing in the future? Why or why not?
·         What engineering skills have you developed or improved upon during the past year?
·         Which software packages are you familiar with? What is the most interesting thing you know how to do with one of these packages?
·         What are you doing to stay up-to-date with the latest technology?

More Interview Tips:
Job Interview Etiquette Tips
Review these job interview etiquette tips for before, during and and after a job interview, to ensure that your job interview etiquette is up to speed and you're making the best impression on the interviewer.

·         How will your greatest strength help you perform? - Best Answers
·         How would you describe yourself? - Best Answers
·         Describe a typical work week. - Best Answers
·         Describe your work style. - Best Answers
·         Do you take work home with you? - Best Answers
·         How many hours do you normally work? - Best Answers
·         How would you describe the pace at which you work? - Best Answers
·         How do you handle stress and pressure? - Best Answers
·         What motivates you? - Best Answers
·         Are you a self motivator? - Best Answers
·         What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers
·         What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? - Best Answers
·         Tell me about yourself. - Best Answers
·         What has been the greatest disappointment in your life? - Best Answers
·         What are you passionate about? - Best Answers
·         What are your pet peeves? - Best Answers
·         What do people most often criticize about you? - Best Answers
·         When was the last time you were angry? What happened? - Best Answers
·         If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently? - Best Answers
·         If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?Best Answers
·         Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? - Best Answers
·         Give some examples of teamwork. - Best Answers
·         More teamwork interview questions. - Best Answers
·         What type of work environment do you prefer? - Best Answers
·         How do you evaluate success? - Best Answers
·         If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it? - Best Answers
·         Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. - Best Answers
·         Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it. - Best Answers
·         More job interview questions about your abilities. - Best Answers
·         More job interview questions about you. - Best Answers