Mini-test answers (for the over fifteens only)

Complete the following sentences using the right tense

1. I often (travel) abroad.
A: I often travel abroad.

The present simple is used in english to talk about habits.
Abroad refers to everything outside the country you are or live in.

2. I (arrive) in London yesterday.
A: I arrived in London yesterday

Yesterday refers to the past. When something takes place in the past and is clearly referred to as taking place in the past, you should use the past tense and NOT the present perfect. ;-)

3. It (rain) since I got here but i expect the weather to get better soon.
A: It's been raining since I got here but I expect the weather to get better soon.

If it is raining in the present or has only just stopped raining, then you should not use the past tense. The action is taking place in the present, but you are looking towards the past, so use the present perfect progressive.
'It's been'... is a contraction of 'it has been'. Always, try and contract. Not contracting is in a way similar to shouting...!

4. I think I (go) clothes shopping while I'm here. Maybe, I (go) tomorrow.
A: I think I'll go clothes shopping while I'm here. Maybe, I'll go tomorrow.

After expressions of doubt and certainty, such as maybe, perhaps, possibly, I think, I hope, I'm sure, I don't think, .... if you are speaking about the future, simply use the future tense.
'I'll go'... is a contraction of I will go. Shall is very rarely used when speaking in the future in modern english! Shall is more usually found in questions such as... Shall we go? or What time shall I call her?

5. I (leave) on Friday at 2 PM.
A: I'm leaving on Friday at 2 PM.

When talking about set plans in the future, use the present progressive and not the future simple. The use of the future simple would mean you had not thought about your plans before speaking!
'I'm' is a contraction of 'I am'. Again, try and contract. Not contracting is in a way similar to shouting...!

Complete the following sentences using the right preposition or postpostion

6. She's looking ......... Alex everywhere. She needs him to sign some urgent papers.
A: She's looking for Alex everywhere. She needs him to sign some urgent papers.

'To look for somebody' is used and not to search like in French.
Please note the structure 'I need somebody to do something'. The same with want and would like.

7. Cathy's always very busy. She has four children to look ......... .
A: Cathy's always very busy. She has four children to look after.

'To look after' means 'to take care of' in this context.
Please note busy is pronounced bizy and not beuzy!

8. What are you listening ........ ?
A: What are you listening to?

To listen to something... and NOT to listen something...
Please note questions are properly asked in English, whereas in French, people often ask a question by changing their intonation on an affirmative sentence. In English, 'You are listening to what?' will refer more to a sense of surprise than to a question!

9. I need to work ........ my english. These irregular verbs are driving me nuts.
A: I need to work on my english. These irregular verbs are driving me nuts.

To work on a project, for a company, in a department, as a teacher...
'To drive somebody nuts' is a familiar expression which means 'to make somebody go crazy'.

10. My english teacher is quite good fun. She's making it enjoyable ........ learn.
A: My english teacher is quite good fun. She's making it enjoyable to learn.

to+ a verb, for+ a noun. I live in France for the excitement. I often go back to England to visit my family.


Obviously, these are just a few brief corrections. If you wish to find out more, you can either take lessons with us or e-mail us about your case. We will be more than happy to recommend other solutions, grammatical books or to help in any way we can. We also provide private lessons for adults. Please, do not hesitate to contact us in this case.