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Learn English online with the largest online English school and learning section! Highly qualified teachers can help guide you through. For schools or individual study. Thousands of English tests and exercises. Statistics, Language Teaching tips and an English Library, TV and more. Make this part of your school website.

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Maybe vs May be – Grammar Shorts - Test-English

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Learn the difference between ‘Maybe’ and ‘May be’ in this quick Grammar Shorts lesson. Clear chart + exercise with instant feedback!

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Maybe vs. May be | A common mistake in written English, even for native speakers

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Modals of Possibility - May, Might and Could - Learn English Grammar

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May and might: What's the difference?

May and might are similar modal verbs that can often be used interchangeably, although with subtle differences in meaning. However, on some other occasions, only one of them can be used. In this lesson, we'll help you understand their differences so that you can use them correctly.

We can use both may and might

To indicate possibility in the future

We can use may or might + infinitive to indicate possibility in the future: to say that maybe something will happen or someone will do something.

We use may not or might not + infinitive when we want to express negative possibility in the future: to say that maybe something will not happen or someone will not do something.

To speculate about the present

We can also use may or might + infinitive to speculate about the present: to say that maybe something is true.

We use may not or might not + infinitive to say that maybe something is not true in the present.

In everyday conversation, the difference between may and might when we express future possibility and when we speculate is very small, and many people use them interchangeably. However, using may instead of might suggests a stronger possibility that something will happen.

To give, deny, or ask for permission

We use may and may not to give and not give someone permission to do something. Might is not used in this context.

You might sit anywhere you like.

We can also use may in questions to ask for permission.

While using might in this context is grammatically possible, it is not standard and sounds very unusual. Might is rarely or never used to ask for permission in modern English.

Common mistake!

Note that after may or might, we use an infinitive without to.

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May and might: What's the difference? - Test-English

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Master 'may' vs 'might' in English grammar with clear explanations, examples, and interactive exercises for A2 level learners.

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Past Simple or Past Continuous? | English Grammar Quiz 📝 | English Test

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Past simple exercises - regular verbs elementary level esl. Beginners exercises

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REGULAR VERBS PRONUNCIATION  (23 06 2013)

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Regular Past Tense Verbs | Simple Past Tense Rules, Examples, And Pronunciation Practice

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Using A few, Few, A little, Little in English Grammar and Example Sentences

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Few - little exercises. Grammar exercises: quantifiers, quantity

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Few - little: quantifiers exercises. A few, a little, fewer, less.Free grammar exercises online. Quantity words. Interactive exercises for esl

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The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, so the date of Lunar New Year is different each year. However, it is usually in January or February. As well as being celebrated in China, Lunar New Year is also an important festival in many other places, including Vietnam, Singapore and Korea.

Each year is named after one of 12 animals. A traditional story explains how this came to be. One day, the Emperor decided to have a race for all the animals in the country. Unfortunately, only 12 animals actually managed to get to the race. The Emperor rewarded them by naming the 12 years of the lunar calendar after them. The first to finish was the rat, so the first year is named after him. The other eleven, in order, were the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

A family celebration

Different places celebrate in slightly different ways, but Lunar New Year is very much a family celebration wherever it takes place. The younger generation greet their parents and grandparents with good wishes for the year ahead and show their respect for the older generation. In Korea this is called sebae. The young people kneel on the ground and bow deeply.

Older members of the family give younger ones cash presents, traditionally in small packets. Red packets are used in China and Vietnam, as red is a lucky colour. Nowadays, many people send money electronically too. It is lucky to send money in certain amounts, for example using the number eight, which in Chinese sounds like the word 'prosper'.

Traditional food

Traditional foods which are eaten at Lunar New Year often have another meaning. For example, in China, many people eat fish dishes because the Chinese word for 'fish' sounds similar to 'surplus', meaning you will have plenty.

In Korea, people serve a special soup. Thin pieces of rice cake are boiled in a clear soup with slices of beef and vegetables. The rice cake pieces are round and may represent coins and money. It is said that eating this soup at New Year makes you one year older. People joke that if you have two bowls of soup, you'll be two years older!

A traditional Vietnamese food is square rice cake, wrapped in leaves. It's stuffed with pork and vegetables and takes many hours to prepare, so many people buy the cake instead of making it.

Other traditions

There are many other Lunar New Year traditions. For example, in Vietnam, people believe that the first person to enter their home in the New Year will decide their fortune for the year ahead. They are careful to invite someone who is kind, well behaved and successful.

In Korea, families often play traditional board games together, such as yunnori. In this game, teams take it in turn to throw four specially shaped sticks into the air. They move around the board depending on how the sticks fall.

In China, many people have firecrackers, which burn and make a loud bang. They watch street performances, where acrobatic dancers dress up as a lion or a dragon. They dance, accompanied by music and drums.

People celebrate Lunar New Year in many different ways, but all the celebrations are about wishing everyone the very best for the year ahead. What do you wish for next year?

Discussion

Language level

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The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, so the date of Lunar New Year is different each year. However, it is usually in January or February. As well as being celebrated in China, Lunar New Year is also an important festival in many other places, including Vietnam, Singapore and Korea.

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Chinese New Year - A2 English reading test - Test-English

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A2 Reading comprehension test. Read the following text about the Chinese New Year and chose the correct answers for the questions.

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How Is Chinese/ Lunar New Year Celebrated?

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The Lunar New Year in 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrated by millions around the world, this is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year.

In 2025, Lunar New Year falls on January 29, kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival.

As we move from the energetic and dynamic Year of the Dragon, 2025 brings the Snake's wise and intuitive energy. The Snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, offers opportunities for personal growth and change.

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar.

Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world, particularly in Asian countries like China, shown here (Beijing).

This festival is celebrated worldwide, particularly in Asian countries like China. Festivities include red decorations, elaborate meals, thorough cleaning of homes, and visiting family.

A major tradition involves lighting firecrackers, originating from the legend of the monster Nian.

Who was the Monster Nian?

According to legend, Nian was a terrifying beast with sharp teeth and horns, living deep in the sea. Every Lunar New Year's Eve, Nian would come ashore to wreak havoc in the villages.

One year, the villagers discovered that Nian feared the color red and loud noises. To protect themselves, they hung red decorations and lit firecrackers to scare the monster away. The strategy worked, and Nian was driven back to the sea.

This story explains two important traditions-hanging red decorations and lighting firecrackers-representing victory over evil and a fresh start to the year.

Why Is 2025 the Year of the Snake?

The Chinese Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. In 2025, we enter the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the zodiac cycle.

According to Chinese mythology, the order of the zodiac animals was decided by a Great Race hosted by the Jade Emperor. The Snake, clever and strategic, coiled around the Horse's hoof, managing to finish the race ahead of the Horse and claim sixth place.

Unlike the bold and outgoing Dragon, the Snake represents calmness and introspection. These traits are seen as essential for guiding one's life with wisdom and grace.

For those born in a Snake year, 2025 is their Ben Ming Nian-a year traditionally believed to bring bad luck due to a conflict with Tai Sui, the God of Age.

What Are People Born in the Year of the Snake Like?

Snakes are known in the zodiac for their wisdom, intuition, and mystery. Naturally strategic, they are excellent problem-solvers and skilled communicators.

To protect themselves from the bad luck of their Ben Ming Nian, those born in the Year of the Snake are encouraged to wear red throughout 2025. Red underwear, socks, or accessories are thought to ward off misfortune.

Though their zodiac year may bring challenges, these obstacles often lead to greater wisdom and personal growth for Snakes.

If Snakes Are Unlucky This Year, What About My Zodiac Sign?

Each zodiac sign has a unique relationship with the Year of the Snake. If you're unsure of your zodiac sign, you can easily find it with an online zodiac calculator (or using the one below).

Some signs, like the Ox and Rooster, are compatible with the Snake. These signs share values like patience and hard work, making for a smooth year ahead.

However, for signs like the Pig and Monkey, 2025 could pose some challenges. The Pig's laid-back nature and the Monkey's playfulness may clash with the Snake's more strategic and serious approach.

Preparing for the Lunar New Year

The phrase Guo Nian, meaning "celebrating the new year" in Chinese, evokes warm feelings of family reunions.

In China, the Lunar New Year is marked by Chun Yun, the world's largest human migration, as millions travel to reunite with their families weeks in advance.

Red is the dominant color for decorations, which include red lanterns, paper cuttings, Spring Festival couplets, and strings of chili peppers. These are all designed to ward off Nian and invite good fortune.

New clothes, especially for children, add excitement to the holiday. Wearing new red clothes on New Year's Day symbolizes a fresh start and invites good luck.

On the 28th day of the last lunar month, families do a thorough house cleaning to sweep away any lingering bad luck, making way for a fresh beginning. But there are some taboos to keep in mind...

What Not to Do: 3 Common Taboos

1. Do not clean until the fifth day: Sweeping, taking out the trash, or even doing laundry before the fifth day could wash away your newfound luck.

2. Avoid sharp objects: Using scissors or knives could "cut" the flow of wealth and success. This is also why most barbershops in China close during the holiday.

3. Don't break ceramics or glass: Breaking something is believed to shatter your connection to good fortune. If this happens, say the phrase Sui Sui Ping An to pray for peace and safety.

Lunar New Year's Eve: The Reunion Dinner

At the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations is the reunion dinner on Lunar New Year's Eve, which falls on January 28, 2025.

This meal features dishes with special meanings. Dumplings, shaped like gold ingots, symbolize wealth. Fish, whose Chinese name sounds like the word for "surplus," represents abundance. Noodles signify longevity.

In northern China, people traditionally eat dumplings and noodles, while in the south, Nian Gao (sticky rice cake) is a must-have, symbolizing rising fortunes.

The reunion dinner is a time when families feel closest to one another.

New Year's Day: Family Visits

The first and second days of the Lunar New Year are reserved for visiting family and friends. A key part of this tradition is the exchange of Hong Bao (red envelopes), which carry good wishes.

In the past, the gesture behind the red pockets was more important than the amount of money inside. Nowadays, unfortunately, the focus has shifted more toward the amount rather than the goodwill it represents.

When visiting, it's customary to bring gifts, such as fruits or beverages, and exchange greetings like Gong Xi Fa Cai (wishing you prosperity) and Guo Nian Hao (happy new year).

Day 3: Temple Visits

In many Chinese cities, the local temple serves as a spiritual center. The third day of the new year, January 31, 2025, is traditionally a day for visiting temples.

People visit to make offerings, seek blessings from deities, and consult fortune-tellers about the year ahead. This is also a time to pause and reflect spiritually as the new year begins.

Day 5: Welcoming the God of Wealth

The fifth day of the new year is dedicated to welcoming Cai Shen, the God of Wealth. Households hang images of Cai Shen to invite wealth and prosperity for the year ahead.

Nowadays, some people even change their phone or computer wallpaper to a picture of Cai Shen for a modern twist on this tradition.

Day 15: The Lantern Festival

The Lunar New Year celebrations conclude with the Lantern Festival, falling on February 12, 2025, which marks the first full moon of the lunar year.

In 2008, the Lantern Festival was listed as an intangible cultural heritage element.

Known as Yuan Xiao Jie in Chinese, this festival is famous for its Yuan Xiao (sweet rice balls), whose round shape symbolizes family unity and togetherness.

Cities are illuminated with spectacular lantern displays and lively dragon dances, bringing a joyful end to the new year festivities and ushering in hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

Lunar New Year Around the World

Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries beyond China. In Korea, Seollal involves honoring ancestors and eating rice cake soup, while in Vietnam, Tết is marked by decorating homes with peach blossoms and giving lucky money to children.

Lunar New Year is celebrated globally with regional festivities like the renowned San Francisco parade.

Cities like New York, San Francisco, and London also host parades featuring dragon dances, fireworks, and lantern festivals, welcoming the new year with excitement and good fortune.

Each country has its own traditions, but the core values remain the same-family, food, and hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

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Lunar New Year 2025: A Guide to the Year of the Snake

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Celebrate the Year of the Snake! Explore Lunar New Year 2025 traditions, zodiac insights, and tips for a joyful and prosperous celebration.

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What Is Cyber Security | How It Works? | Cyber Security In 7 Minutes | Cyber Security | Simplilearn

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Technology

In this B1+ Upper-intermediate Vocabulary Lesson about Technology, you will learn common terms and verbs used to talk about devices, technologies, applications, the internet, and the people who use them. Check the pictures and read the definitions and examples below.

Computers, devices, and the Internet

1 AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the sophisticated technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence, allowing them to make decisions, solve problems, and learn from data. A 2 gadget is a device that is used to perform a specific function or task, often one that is innovative and ingenious, and a 3 smart device is a type of electronic gadget capable of connecting and sending information to other devices via the internet or other wireless protocols.

Smart devices enable us to communicate with others wherever we happen to be.

4 Wearable technology, or wearable devices, are electronics that can be worn on a person's body. A 5 VR (virtual reality) headset is a type of wearable technology that a person wears over their eyes, which allows them to experience images and sounds produced by a computer as if they were part of real life, and a VR game is a game that you play immersed into a 3D world using a VR headset.

An 12 app is a program on your phone or computer that does a certain job, like a game, a music or photography app, etc. The most popular apps on our phones are social network apps like Facebook, Twitter, etc. A 13 social network is an app or website where you can connect with friends, share pictures, and communicate with each other. The term 14 Social media refers to a broader range of platforms where users create, share, and interact with content, including pictures, videos, and other forms of media. Social media encompasses social networks.

A 15 WiFi hotspot is an internet access point that enables you to connect to a WiFi network using your smartphone, laptop, or another device, and a 16 screenshot is a photo or image of what can be seen on the screen of a computer or other device at any given time.

People and Adjectives

A 1 computer nerd or computer buff is a person who has an obsessive interest in computers. A 2 techie is someone who has a strong interest in technology, especially new or cutting-edge technologies. They are usually well-informed about the latest technological developments and gadgets and are often interested in using and experimenting with them. A 3 technophobe, on the other hand, is a person who is afraid of or distrusts advanced technology or complex devices, especially computers, and a 4 software developer is a professional person who researches, designs, upgrades, and maintains software for computer systems.

Devices or software that are 5 user-friendly are simple and uncomplicated to use, so little expertise is needed to operate them, and 6 cutting-edge technology is at the forefront of development and ahead of its time. 7 High-tech is similar to cutting-edge; high-tech devices make use of highly advanced technology to perform their functions. 8 Obsolete systems, on the other hand, are out-of-date and usually need updating.

Verbs and Verb Phrases

If you 7 attach something, you add a picture or document to an email or message to share it with the recipient.

Upgrading your computer will enable you to use the latest version of the app.

When you have a 12 video call or video chat, you have a call with one or more people via the internet in which you can see each other as you talk, and if you have a video conference, you have an online meeting where you can see all the people you are conferring with.

After completing the exercises in this lesson on Technology, you can use the unit's Vocabulary Flascards to revise and help you memorize the terms.

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Technology - B1+ English Vocabulary - Test-English

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Learn English vocabulary on Technology with this upper-intermediate lesson, including pictures, definitions, examples, exercises and games.

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Second conditional exercises elementary and intermediate level esl. 2nd conditional sentences in English

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Second conditional - Grammar chart

If clause and main clause

We use if + past to talk about an imaginary present or future situation (although the verb is in past, the meaning is present or future). And we use would + infinitive to talk about the result or consequence of that imaginary situation.

Comma

When the ifclause comes first, we normally put a comma after it. We don't use a comma when the main clause comes first and the if clause comes second.

Would

Would/wouldn't is the same for all persons.

I/you/he/she/it/we/they would/wouldn't do that if it was possible.

Could

We can often use could + infinitive instead of would + infinitive in the main clause.

In the second conditional we can use if I/he/she/it were (more formal) instead of if I/he/she/it was (spoken English).

But we use were (NOT was) when we give advice with the expression if I were you.

First conditional vs second conditional

We use the first conditional to talk about possible future situations and we use the second conditional to talk about hypothetical or imaginary future situations.

If I don't have a meeting tomorrow morning, I'll have lunch with you. (It's possible. Maybe I don't have a meeting.)

If I didn't have a meeting tomorrow morning, I'd have lunch with you. (It's hypothetical. I have a meeting tomorrow, so I won't be able to have lunch with you.)

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Second conditional. We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary present or future situations. A2. Pre-intermediate English grammar and exercises.

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Second Conditional – Grammar & Verb Tenses

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Say or Tell? Learn English with Simple English Videos

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Say vs Tell – Grammar Shorts - Test-English

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Learn the difference between ‘say’ and ‘tell’ and how to use them correctly with our short grammar lesson with a grammar chart and an exercise

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SAY vs. TELL - SAID vs. TOLD - What is the difference? English lesson

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Christmas Vocabulary - English quiz about words associated with Christmas

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Christmas Vocabulary in English - ESOL Words associated with Christmas

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Bet You Didn't Know: New Year's Eve | History

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New Year's Eve vocabulary in English | New Year Day names list words

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New Year’s Eve Vocabulary - Details - Kahoot!

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Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

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New Year’s Eve Vocabulary in English • 7ESL

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Discover essential New Year’s Eve vocabulary! Explore words, pictures, and examples to enhance your celebration. Toast to language and learning success!

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Was There Ever a Real Santa Claus? + Free Printable Worksheet Lesson (for ESL Teachers & Learners)

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Bet You Didn't Know: Christmas | History

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15 Words About - Christmas + Free Downloadable Exercise Worksheet (for ESL Teachers & Learners)

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Animals and their bodies and sounds – B1 English Vocabulary - Test-English

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Learn vocabulary about animals with this B1 intermediate lesson, which includes pictures, definitions, examples, exercises, and a fun game.

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Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

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Thanksgiving Vocabulary Explained! | Learn  Key Words with Examples for ESL Learners

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The history of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving combines the traditions of different groups of people. Travellers and migrants brought different religious traditions from Europe to the United States and Canada. Several celebrations are claimed as the first Thanksgiving. The best known is the celebration held by the pilgrims in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts after their journey across the Atlantic Ocean on the famous Mayflower ship. Like the pilgrims, many groups held days of prayer, fasting or feasting to give thanks for successfully making the long boat journey. Later, settlers celebrated their successful harvest in a new land by holding feasts with their Native American neighbours. Over time, the Canadian and American traditions have become similar and developed into the modern holiday of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving today

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. In the United States, it is on the fourth Thursday in November. Although its origins are religious, today, Thanksgiving is a largely secular holiday. For most Americans and Canadians, it is a day for coming together with family and friends to share a large meal. It is an occasion to spend time with loved ones and express gratitude for the year that has passed. In many households there is a tradition of everyone seated at the table sharing what they are most grateful for.

Thanksgiving food

Thanksgiving is also about food. Thanksgiving dinner traditionally includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and, for dessert, apple, pumpkin or pecan pies. Every family has its own recipes, sometimes secret recipes handed down through generations. Turkey, a bird native to North America, is the unofficial mascot of Thanksgiving, with roast turkey on the menu and turkey decorations on the wall. In the United States, a tradition of gifting turkeys to the President has more recently evolved into a humorous turkey 'pardoning'. At this light-hearted ceremony, the President issues an official pardon for one or two turkeys, saving them from being cooked for supper.

More than food: football, parades and traffic jams!

Beyond food and gratitude, there are some unexpected sides to the American and Canadian holiday. One of these is football. This popular sport is an important part of the holiday, when families gather around to cheer on local or national teams. American football and Canadian football are both similar to rugby, played primarily not with the feet but with the hands.

Parades are another common part of the festivities. In the United States, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York City on the morning of Thanksgiving. It's one of the world's largest parades and is broadcast nationwide. A similar Thanksgiving parade happens in Canada as part of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, a multi-day autumn festival.

Unfortunately, heavy traffic is also common at Thanksgiving. In both countries, the week of Thanksgiving is one of the most popular travel times of the year, as everyone heads home to visit their extended family. So try to avoid any road trips if you're visiting North America during this holiday!

Discussion

Language level

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Every autumn, Canadian and American families gather for a day centred around community, food and giving thanks - the day of Thanksgiving. Where did this holiday come from and how is it celebrated today?

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Present perfect exercises. Present perfect simple in English - exercises lower intermediate level esl online.

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Present Perfect Tense in English - Learn Perfect Tense Sentence and Question Structure

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Present continuous exercises. Present progressive exercises affirmative, negative, interrogative. Elementary level esl, esol, ielts

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What is Thanksgiving? + Free Printable Worksheet Lesson (for ESL Teachers & Learners)

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Thanksgiving Game - Guess The Thanksgiving Food

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Infinitive or gerund exercises. Verbs with infinitive and verbs with gerund. Exercises for esl. .Free exercises to learn English online

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Past simple and past continuous exercises.

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Past simple or past continuous exercises. Past simple and past continuous grammar exercises. Learning English.

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Past simple exercises - regular verbs elementary level esl. Beginners exercises

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Past continuous exercises - past progressive

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Past continuous exercises. Past simple and past progressive tenses - grammar exercises online for esl.

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Past Continuous Tense vs. Past Simple: The Mysterious Stalker (Suspense Thriller Short - ESL Video)

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Day of the Dead for Kids! (Overview with Review) | Mi Camino Spanish

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Halloween Vocabulary - Details - Kahoot!

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Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

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The origins of Halloween

If you think of Halloween, you probably think of scary carved pumpkins, all kinds of fancy dress and children asking for sweets. And if you think of a country that celebrates Halloween, you probably think of the United States first. Americans and Canadians have adopted Halloween in a big way, but Halloween traditions actually come from 16th-century Ireland, Scotland and England.

The tradition of Halloween on 31 October comes from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain was the Celtic New Year and they celebrated it on 1 November because that was the end of summer and harvest time (life) and the beginning of winter (death). It was also the time for ghosts to return to earth for a day. People lit a big fire, wore special clothes made of animal skin and hoped to be safe from the ghosts and the winter. In AD 609, the Catholic Church put the Christian celebration of All Saints Day on 1 November. In AD 1000, the church added All Souls Day on 2 November, and All Hallows Eve - or Halloween - moved to the night of the 31st.

Pumpkins

The Celts carved faces into vegetables like turnips, potatoes and squash (a pumpkin is a kind of squash) to scare the ghosts and other spirits and make them go away. It was sometimes called a jack-o'-lantern because of an Irish story about a man, Jack. He played a trick on the devil and then had to walk the earth for all time as a punishment. Irish people who came to live in the United States in the 1800s found pumpkins much easier to carve, and the tradition became the one we see today.

Fancy dress

The Celts were afraid of the ghosts that came on Samhain. If they went outside after dark, they covered their faces with masks. They hoped any ghosts they met would think they were ghosts too and would leave them alone. In early America, the Native Americans and the first Europeans celebrated the end of the harvest, but not Halloween. When Irish people arrived, the harvest festival started to look more like Halloween and it became popular across the country. In the late 19th century, people tried to make Halloween less about ghosts and religion and more about celebrating the season with a party for neighbours and family. That's why Americans today wear all kinds of Halloween costumes and not just scary things like witches and ghosts like in other countries.

Trick or treat

This is another tradition that began in Europe, this time in England. When the church introduced All Souls Day, rich people gave poor people 'soul cakes', a small cake made with spices and raisins. It replaced the Celtic tradition of leaving food outside houses for the ghosts. 'Going a-souling' was popular in England for hundreds of years until about the 1930s. The Americans kept the tradition, but today children knock on people's doors and ask for sweets. Going trick or treating is so popular that a quarter of the sweets for the year in the United States are sold for this one day.

The rest of the world

Halloween has become the United States' second-biggest commercial festival after Christmas. Halloween is also celebrated in other countries, but it's not as big as in the United States, even in the countries where the traditions began. Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead from 31 October to 2 November and some of its traditions, like giving gifts of sugar skulls, are starting to mix with Halloween. In this way, the celebration of Halloween continues to change as new traditions join the oldest of the Celtic ones.

Discussion

Language level

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October 31 is Halloween and is now celebrated in many countries around the world, but do you know anything about the origins of this scary special day? Read the article and find out.

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Halloween Vocabulary in English - Learn Halloween Words

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First Conditional - English Grammar Lesson

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B1 Phrasal verbs 1 - Exercises and explanation - Test-English

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Learn some of the most common B1 (intermediate) phrasal verbs with three exercises and a clear easy explanation.

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Dependent Prepositions I English Vocabulary I Level B2 I Learn English I Listen and Practice English

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Passive voice exercises: elementary and intermediate level esl. Interactive exercises. Verbs exercises online for esl

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Past Participle exercises. Simple past and past participle tense of regular and irregular verbs in English.

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Shopping Vocabulary: Explore English Names for Different Shops and Stores

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Exercises Explanation Downloads

Shops and shopping

In this A1 Elementary Vocabulary Lesson, you will learn different common types of shops and useful phrases that are used when shopping. Check the explanation to learn the words and then do the exercises.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct option for each gap.

Shops and shopping

In this A1 Elementary Vocabulary Lesson, you will learn different common types of shops and useful phrases that are used when shopping. Check the pictures and read the definitions and examples below.

1 A grocery store is a shop where you buy food and things for the house.

2 A bakery is a place where you buy bread, cakes, and pastries.

5 A shoe store is a place where you can buy footwear for your feet.

6 A bookstore (US) is a shop with lots of books to read and buy.

7 A toy store is a shop that sells toys and games for children.

9 An electronics store is a place to buy things like computers and TVs.

12 A pet store is a shop where you find animals like cats and dogs and things for them.

15 A furniture store is a big shop where you buy things like chairs, tables, and beds for your home.

16 A gift shop is a shop where you find things to buy as presents for people.

Differences between the UK and the US

The names of shops are often different in the US and the UK. For example, in the US, they normally use the word store to refer to shops. In the UK, the word shop is more common. Compare:

The United States

The United Kingdom

clothing store

⇒

clothes shop

shoe store

⇒

shoe shop

bookstore

⇒

bookshop

toy store

⇒

toy shop

jewelry store

⇒

jewellery shop

pet store

⇒

pet shop

Useful English phrases when shopping

Here's some useful language that you can use when you are shopping.

Shop assistant

Customer

How can I help you?

I'm just looking, thanks.

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Shops and shopping - A1 English Vocabulary - Test-English

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Learn words for types of shops and useful shopping phrases with this Elementary Vocabulary lesson with pictures, examples, exercises & games!

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Shapes | Names of Shapes | Geometric Shapes

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How science fiction can help predict the future

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Lesson created by Video from Erika Coss using TED-Ed's TED-Ed YouTube channel lesson creator

Let's Begin...

Would you like to know what's in our future? What's going to happen to humanity tomorrow, next year, or even a millennium from now? Well, you're not alone. Everyone from governments to military to industry leaders do as well, and they all employ people - called 'futurists' - who attempt to forecast the future. Roey Tzezana explains some of the ways that futurists venture to do so.

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How science fiction can help predict the future - Roey Tzezana, Adapted by Erika Coss

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Would you like to know what's in our future? What's going to happen to humanity tomorrow, next year, or even a millennium from now? Well, you're not alone. Everyone from governments to military to industry leaders do as well, and they all employ people - called 'futurists' - who attempt to forecast the future.

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Future simple: will - be going to exercises

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Future: be going to exercises: elementary and intermediate level. Future tense in English exercises

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Will - Future simple exercises: elementary and intermediate level. Free exercises to learn English online

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Exercises Explanation Downloads

Be going to - plans and predictions

Exercise 1

Use the verbs in brackets to complete these sentences with be going to affirmative or negative.

Be going to - Grammar chart

Be going to - Form

Be going to consists of the present continuous of the verb go (I'm going, you are going, etc.) + to infinitive form of the main verb.

When the main verb is go

When the main verb is go, we can exclude it if we want.

I'm going shopping this afternoon. (=I'm going to go shopping this afternoon.)

We are going to Cyprus next summer. (=We are going to go to Cyprus next summer. )

Be going to - use

Predictions

We use be going to to talk about something that we see is going to happen (there is present evidence).

Don't drive like a crazy man. We're going to have an accident!

The doctor said I'm going to have a girl.

Look at those clouds. It's going to rain.

Intentions or plans

We use be going to for intentions or plans (decisions taken before the moment of speaking).

'Why are you undressing?' 'Because I'm going to go for a swim.'

We are going to have a drink after work. Do you want to come?

Future time expressions

We often use be going to with future time expressions ( tomorrow, next week, etc.).

We are going to play cards tonight .

She's going to study biology next year.

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Be going to - plans and predictions - Test-English

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Be going to. I'm going to do, Are you going to do? We use 'be going to' to talk about predictions and plans. A1 - Elementary English grammar and exercises.

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Simple Future with Be Going To – Grammar & Verb Tenses

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Exercises Explanation Downloads

Will and shall - Future

Exercise 1

Complete the sentences with I will (I'll), Shall I or Shall we.

Will - Form

Will is an auxiliary verb. This means that:

we use will + infinitive: I'll be (or will be ) at home next Saturday.

will has a negative form: I won't be (or will not be ) at home next Saturday.

we put will before the subject in questions: Will you be at home next Saturday?

we use will in short answers: Yes, I will. / No, I won't (or No, I will not ).

Will - Use

We use will to talk about things that we think will happen in the future.

Note that it's common to use will with the expressions I think, I don't think, I hope, etc. or also with I'm sure, I'm not sure, perhaps, etc.

I don't think they'll win .

I'm sure you'll be fine.

We use will for promises or refusals.

We use will when we make decisions at the moment of speaking (instant decisions).

A: There's no milk in the fridge. B: I'll go to the shop to buy some more.

A: This box is very heavy. B: Don't worry. I'll help you.

Shall I...? Shall we...?

We use Shall I...? or I'll when we offer to do things for other people.

We use Shall we...? to suggest doing something.

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'Will' and 'shall' - Future - Test-English

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We use WILL to talk about the future. WILL is used for predictions, promises, offers or decisions that we take at the moment of speaking. We use SHALL in the questions 'Shall I...?' or 'Shall we...?' Check our complete grammar explanation and do the online exercises. A1-A2 English grammar online.

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Simple Future with Will – Grammar & Verb Tenses

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Exercises Explanation Downloads

Parts of the body

In this A1 Elementary Vocabulary Lesson, you will learn 20 basic parts of the human body. Check the explanation to learn the words and then do the exercises.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct option for each gap.

Parts of the body

In this A1 Elementary Vocabulary Lesson, you will learn 20 different parts of the human body. Check the pictures and read the sentences below.

11 Your arms go from your shoulders to your hands.

20 You have five toes on each foot.

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Parts of the body - A1 English Vocabulary - Test-English

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Learn the basic parts of the human body with our A1 English vocabulary lesson, which includes pictures, examples, exercises, and fun games!

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The house: rooms, parts, and things – A1 English Vocabulary - Test-English

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Learn basic Vocabulary about rooms, parts and things in the house with this lesson with lots of pictures, examples, exercises, and fun games!

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B1 Reading Test

Read a text about health in different countries, and for questions 1 to 6, choose the correct answer.

The unhealthiest places in the world

According to a study by Clinic Compare, the unhealthiest country in the world is the Czech Republic. The study, which compared data on alcohol, tobacco consumption and obesity in 179 countries, found that Czech Republic residents are among the world's heaviest drinkers. Indeed, nine of the ten unhealthiest countries are located in Eastern Europe, where smoking is more common than in the rest of the world and is increasing among teenagers. The only one outside this region was the USA, where 36 per cent of the population are obese. Obesity levels are lower in the Czech Republic but are the highest in Europe.

The study must be taken with a pinch of salt, however. According to the rankings, the healthiest country in the world is Afghanistan due to its low obesity and alcohol consumption. In second and third place are Guinea and Niger. But that doesn't make them healthy places to live. Indeed, four countries listed among Clinic Compare's top ten healthiest countries, Guinea, DR Congo, Malawi and Mozambique, were among the least healthy nations in another study, the Global Competitiveness Index.

High consumption of alcohol, tobacco and food are diseases of affluence; that is, they are common in wealthy countries. However, many countries, especially in Africa, are still struggling with diseases of poverty. For example, the average life expectancy in DR Congo is just 53 years old. Here, many people die from diseases which could be treated in other countries. In Malawi, tuberculosis and HIV are common. These countries lack basic medical facilities and trained doctors. In Mozambique, where 30% of people cannot access health services, lack of nutrients in the diet is a far more common medical problem than overeating.

Moreover, Nepal, listed by Clinic Compare as the fourth healthiest country, is the tenth most polluted country and Afghanistan the fourteenth. Air pollution is a killer, with 7 million people dying worldwide each year from diseases associated with it. It is not just vehicle fumes and industries which are the problem. Around 2.4 billion people worldwide are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution while cooking on fires or stoves fuelled by kerosene, wood, dung and coal.

According to a different study, which measured factors such as the cost of staying healthy, life expectancy, air pollution, obesity, sunlight hours and crime rate, the healthiest country is Spain. This is most likely due to its traditionally healthy diet, clean air, the number of people walking to work (37%), and free healthcare. Interestingly, another study, the Global Health Security Index, ranks the USA as the healthiest nation. This was because its high standards in research, safety and communication allow it to detect and respond to pandemics the most effectively. This contrasts with the Clinic Compare survey, which ranked it the tenth unhealthiest country, primarily because of its high obesity rate.

The countries with the highest levels of obesity, however, are in the Pacific islands. In countries such as Nauru, Tuvalu and Palau, over half the population is obese. This is a relatively new trend, as, before the 1950s, locals consumed a traditional diet that included bananas, coconuts, yams and seafood. Since then, incomes have increased, making imported convenience foods more affordable. This new scenario causes people to make poor food choices despite the availability of healthier, locally-grown options. In many regions of the USA, healthy choices just aren't available, or they are too expensive. In addition, this country's driving culture means that many people don't get enough exercise.

Reading comprehension test

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The unhealthiest places in the world - B1 English reading test - Test-English

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Boost your reading skills with our English reading test on the world's unhealthiest places. Comprehension questions with feedback included!

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Health problems - B1+ English listening test - Test-English

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English listening comprehension test for upper-intermediate students. Listen to 6 people talk about health problems and answer the questions.

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Health problems and injuries

In this English vocabulary lesson, you will learn about various health problems and injuries. It covers essential terms and phrases to help you communicate effectively in healthcare situations. Explore the language of symptoms, treatments, and medical emergencies to enhance your ability to discuss health-related topics with confidence. Check the pictures below and read the definitions and descriptions.

Common health problems and injuries

A 1 cold is a common illness that is passed from one person to another. When you catch a cold, you have a runny nose and a sore throat, and you often cough and sneeze a lot.

An allergy is a reaction to something you have eaten or been exposed to. When you have an allergy, you may sneeze excessively or get a 3 rash, which is a reaction on your skin.

We use the suffix -ache to mean 'pain'. For example, a 4 headache is a pain in the head.

When you experience stomach pain, it is called a stomachache. This can be caused by a 5 stomach bug, which is a virus that you caught from another person, or 6 food poisoning if you've eaten something bad. Stomach aches, stomach bugs, and food poisoning may be accompanied by 7 nausea (wanting to vomit) or 8 diarrhea.

A 9 sore throat can be a symptom of a cold, the flu, or an infection, and when you have a sore throat, you may lose your voice and find it painful to swallow.

A 10 cough is your body's way of reacting to something that is caught in your throat, causing you to make frequent noises to try and clear it. A cough is often a symptom of a cold or the flu.

12 Backache is pain in your back. It can be caused by many different things, such as lifting something heavy, an injury, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position.

A 14 bruise is a discoloured area of skin on your body caused by an injury or accident. Bruises are usually purple or blue but change colour as they heal.

15 Blisters are small bubbles on your skin that are full of liquid. They are usually caused by uncomfortable shoes or something rubbing against your skin.

16 Sunburn is your skin's reaction to over-exposure to the sun. When you've got a sunburn, your skin is red and sore, and often feels hot to touch.

Verbs and verb phrases

If you 1 throw up or if you are sick (UK Eng.), you vomit, i.e. you bring up the contents of your stomach.

If you 3 come round after passing out, you regain consciousness.

If you 4 suffer from an illness or condition, you have that illness or condition.

If you 5 get better, you recover from an illness.

If you 8 treat a condition, you deal with an illness or injury with medicine or therapy.

If you 10 undergo surgery, you have an operation.

Medicines

Painkillers are medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol used to treat pain.

Antibiotics are medicines prescribed by doctors to treat infections.

Cough syrup is a medicine in liquid form that is used to treat coughs and sore throats.

Laxatives are medicines used to treat constipation.

Antidepressants are a variety of medicines used to treat depression and anxiety.

Sleeping pills are medicines used to treat insomnia.

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Health problems and injuries - B1+ English Vocabulary - Test-English

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Learn English vocabulary about Health Problems and injuries with our pictures, definitions, examples, and fun exercises and games!

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Jobs, occupations and professions - exercises

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Vocabulary exercises for esl: jobs, occupations and professions in English.

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Jobs And Occupations ESL Game |  English Vocabulary Games

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Jobs and Occupations Vocabulary with Sentences - What do they do?

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Clothes

In this B1+ Upper-intermediate Vocabulary lesson, you will learn a wide array of terms related to clothing, encompassing different styles, fits, and patterns, as well as a variety of materials and the verbs associated with wearing clothes. Check the pictures and read the descriptions below to improve your vocabulary related to clothes.

Style

1 Trendy refers to people, clothes or anything that is popular at the moment and influenced by the latest fashions or trends. 2 Fashionable is also used to talk about clothes, accessories, etc., that are popular, but the word may be more timeless and more associated with the concept of elegance. 3 Stylish is used to talk about clothes or people wearing clothes that are smart, elegant and attractive, although they may or may not be popular at the moment.

4 Comfortable is a word we use to describe clothes that feel nice and are easy to wear. Most people choose to wear comfortable clothing when they are at home or when they are exercising. 5 Casual refers to clothing that is relaxed and not too smart. People usually wear casual clothes when they go to school or a barbecue. 6 Formal is the opposite of casual and means very smart, suitable for a serious or official event.

I always change into comfortable clothes as soon as I get home.

7 Chic means stylish, elegant and sophisticated, and 8 classic refers to a style that remains fashionable over time due to its simple, traditional design.

Fit

9 Tight clothes are quite small and fit close to your body; there is no extra fabric. An example of tight clothes would be skinny jeans. Loose and baggy are the opposite of tight and are used to talk about clothes much bigger than your body size. 10 Loose implies a comfortable fit that is not tight, whereas 11 baggy implies the clothes are even larger than that.

Patterns and designs

Patterned, plain, checked, and striped all refer to the decoration of clothing or fabric. 12 Patterned clothing has a repeating design that can include a variety of shapes, symbols, or elements, while 13 plain clothing is just one colour and doesn't have a pattern or design on it. 14 Checked clothing is patterned with uniform squares in two or more colours, a 15 striped item has parallel lines of different colours or shades decorating it, and a 16 spotted piece of clothing has spots or dots on it.

Materials

1 Denim is a tough, blue fabric used for making jeans and jackets.

2 Cotton is a soft, natural fabric that's breathable and commonly used for t-shirts and underwear.

3 Silk is a smooth, shiny fabric that feels slippery, used for fancy dresses and ties.

4 Polyester is a durable, wrinkle-resistant synthetic fabric used in a variety of clothing.

5 Linen is a light, breathable fabric made from flax plants, ideal for summer clothes and tablecloths.

6 Velvet is a soft, thick fabric that looks shiny and is used for fancy clothes and furniture.

7 Lace is a thin, delicate fabric with holes and patterns, used for adding pretty details to dresses and curtains.

8 Tweed is a thick, rough fabric with mixed colors, often used for warm jackets and coats.

9 Fur is the soft, thick coat of hair from animals, often replicated synthetically, used for warmth in luxury clothes.

10 Leather is a durable, flexible material made from animal skin, used for shoes, jackets, and bags.

11 Suede is a type of leather with a soft surface, used for shoes, jackets, and furniture.

12 Fleece is a soft, warm fabric that's like a fake sheep's wool, used for sweaters, blankets, and jackets.

Verbs, phrasal verbs and verb phrases

If you 1 dress up, you wear special or smart clothes for a particular occasion. Dress up can also mean to wear a costume as you would for Halloween or a themed party.

When you 2 dress down, you wear more relaxed or casual clothes than usual. For example, many workplaces have dress down days where staff wear casual clothing instead of a suit and tie.

If you 3 put on an item of clothing, you place it on your body to wear it. You put on all your clothes when you get dressed in the morning. 4 Take off is the opposite of put on and means to remove an item of clothing from your body.

When you 5 try on a piece of clothing, you put on clothes to check if they fit or look good. People usually try on clothes in a shop before deciding whether or not to buy them.

Clothes that 6 fit (you) are the right size for your body, and clothes that 7 suit you look good on you. Clothes that 8 match look good together; for example, red shoes which you wear with a red bag.

When you 9 fold clothes, you bend them and arrange them neatly or symmetrically. We usually fold our T-shirts and trousers after ironing, before putting them away in a drawer. When you 10 hang clothes, you place them on a hook or hanger after using or washing them. For example, when we get home, we hang our coats on a hook after taking them off. We also hang our clothes on the line after washing them so that they dry in the sun.

11 Iron means to press clothes to remove lines and creases. Many people iron shirts after washing them so that they are ready to wear to work.

Button up, unbutton, zip up, unzip and tuck in are all things we do when we are wearing clothes. 12 Button up means to fasten the buttons on something after putting it on. 13 Unbutton has the opposite meaning and means to unfasten the buttons of something, usually before taking it off. 14 Zip up means to do up the zip of something, such as a jacket or pair of trousers and 15 unzip means to pen a zip or to make something open by using a zip. Finally, 16 tuck in means to insert the bottom part of a shirt or other top into pants or a skirt.

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Clothes - B1+ English Vocabulary - Test-English

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Lean B1+ Upper-intermediate English vocabulary about Clothes with our pictures, definitions, examples, and fun exercises and games!