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Writing an informal letter to a friend. 

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Writing an informal letter to a friend. 

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Homework: You have just moved house. Write a letter to your friend. Tell them about: your new neighbourhood; your home; your new job; invite them to visit.

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Have a look at the top 10 reasons why people decide to move house

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Have a look at the top 10 reasons why people decide to move house

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Read the article about micro-apartments in Japan, and complete the vocabulary and reading tasks.

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Look at the pictures of the room in the past (before) and present (now). Write 10 sentences about the differences using the structures from the Room Makeover slide(above)

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Look at the pictures of the room in the past (before) and present (now). Write 10 sentences about the differences using the structures from the Room Makeover slide(above)

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Twelve Days of Christmas with Lyrics Christmas Carol & Song

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Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you all 🎄🤗

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Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you all 🎄🤗

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Christmas Songs and Carols - Love to Sing

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Twelve Days of Christmas with Lyrics Christmas Carol & Song

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Write descriptions of a friend and a favourite place. You can follow the structure of the examples to help you. Make sure you include who/which/where/although! Use really/very with adjectives.

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Homework

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What do you need to do to pass the exam? Here is the marking  criteria for the exam.

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Where or which???

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A good technique to organise your thoughts about a topic.

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Sequence words or linking words help us understand what's happening in a story of a piece of text. They tell us what's happening in the beginning, middle, or end of the story. They can also tell us that something is interrupting something else. They are also known as transition or chronological words.

Keep on reading to see more than 50 sequence words, along with example sentences.

What is a sequence word?

What are sequence words? Find out right here!

A sequence word is one that helps us understand the order of events in a story. They can tell us what happened first, next, and in the end. They are also known as linking words or connectors and are used in both speaking and writing and you see and hear them frequently when listening or reading. They are also known as transition, sequencing, or chronological words.

Sequence Words List: More than 50 with Examples

Check out these words that are used to signal the beginning, middle, and end of something.

Beginning Sequence Words

Here are some of the words which you might use to begin something.
Examples of sentences for beginning words:

To begin the class, introduce ourselves.

First of all, I didn't actually say that.

To begin with, I'd like you to close your eyes.

Once upon a time, there was a queen who . . .

One day, I was riding my bike to school when . . .

To start, you'll have to solve the code.

Middle Sequence Words
Examples of sentences with middle words:

Moreover, you'll need to also clean your room before going out tonight.

Also, I'd like to order a cake for this weekend.

Secondly, he's willing to work for a lower salary than that other guy.

Meanwhile, Abby had run away.

Another idea I have is . . .

In addition to being handsome, he's smart as well!

Ending Sequence Words
Examples of sentences with ending words:

In conclusion, I'd like to open the floor to any questions you might have.

By this point in time, I was already exhausted.

Finally, I finished up and was able to go home.

After all of that, I didn't end up getting the job.

To summarize, I'd like you all to submit your timesheets by Friday at 5 pm!

Eventually, I'll have to move to a place without so many stairs.

Sequence Words for Interrupting
Examples of sentences with interrupting words:

Suddenly, the rain started.

All of a sudden, the wind started to blow.

But then, my mom changed her mind and said that I couldn't go.

What are Some Ways that I Can Use Sequence Words?

Sequencing words, also known as transition words or signal words, are used to indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas in a sentence or paragraph. They help to create coherence and guide the reader through a logical progression. Here are some ways you can use them effectively:

1. Chronological Order

First, we need to gather the materials.

Next, we will mix the ingredients together.

After that, we'll bake the cake in the oven.

Finally, we can enjoy the delicious dessert.

2. Cause and Effect

Due to the heavy rain, the streets were flooded.

As a result, many people were unable to go to work.

Consequently, the public transportation system was severely affected.

3. Problem-Solution

One problem facing our community is the lack of recycling facilities.

To address this issue, we could set up recycling centers in key locations.

By implementing these solutions, we can reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability.

4. Compare and Contrast

On one hand, some people prefer living in the city for its convenience.

On the other hand, others enjoy the tranquility and space of rural areas.

Similarly, both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

To prepare a sandwich, start by toasting the bread.

Then, spread mayonnaise on one side and mustard on the other.

Next, layer the lettuce, tomato, and your choice of meat and cheese.

Finally, put the two slices of bread together and cut the sandwich in half.

How Can I Practice Using Sequence Words?

Practicing the use of sequence words is essential for English learners to develop their skills in organizing ideas and conveying the chronological order of events. Here are some effective ways for English learners to practice using sequence words:

Storytelling

Encourage students to tell stories or narrate personal experiences using sequence words. Provide them with prompts or specific events to ensure the use of appropriate chronological markers such as "first," "next," "then," "after," "finally," etc.

Picture Sequencing

Provide students with a series of pictures depicting a story or process. Ask them to arrange the pictures in the correct order and describe what is happening in each image using appropriate sequence words. This activity helps reinforce the connection between visual cues and sequential language.

Guided Writing Exercises

Assign writing tasks that require students to describe a process or explain a series of events. Provide a list of sequence words as a reference and encourage their usage throughout the writing. Review and provide feedback on their use of appropriate sequencing.

Collaborative Story Building

Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific topic or story idea. Each student takes turns adding a sentence or paragraph to the story, making sure to use sequencing words to connect their contributions. This activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and the application of sequence words in context.

Timelines and Flowcharts

Have students create timelines or flowcharts to visually represent a sequence of events. This can be done individually or in groups. They should label each step or event using sequence words to demonstrate the order of occurrence.

Guided Reading

Provide texts or passages that contain sequence words, such as procedural texts, historical accounts, or narratives. Have students read the text and identify the sequence words used to describe the order of events. Discuss how the sequencing words contribute to the overall understanding of the text.

Listening and Comprehension Exercises

Use audio or video clips that involve a series of events or steps. Students listen or watch carefully and write down the sequencing words they hear or observe. This activity enhances listening skills while reinforcing the use of appropriate sequencing vocabulary.

Role-Play Scenarios

Assign students different roles in a role-play scenario and provide them with a sequence of events to act out. They must use sequence words to guide the flow of the role-play and ensure that the events occur in the correct order.

Sentence Scrambles

Create sentence scrambles where students rearrange words or phrases to form coherent sentences using sequence words. This activity helps students practice identifying and using appropriate sequencing vocabulary.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to use sequence words in their daily life conversations and interactions. For example, they can describe the steps of a recipe, recount their weekend activities, or explain a process they followed.

More Ideas for Learning English

If you want to improve your English ability in a big way, consider picking up this book: 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. It has hundreds of super practical idioms, phrases and expressions for a variety of situations.

Get a copy of the book today and get ready for some English awesome!

FAQs about Sequence Words

There are some common questions that people have about using these kinds of words. Here are the answers to the most common ones:

What are sequence words?

Sequence words, also known as transitional words or signal words, are words or phrases that indicate the order or sequence of events or ideas in a text.

What is the purpose of using sequencing words?

Sequencing words help readers or listeners understand the chronological or logical order of information being presented. They provide coherence and structure to the text, making it easier to follow and comprehend.

What are some examples of sequence words?

Examples of sequence words include "first," "next," "then," "afterward," "finally," "previously," "meanwhile," "simultaneously," "in conclusion," and "subsequently," among others.

How do sequence words enhance writing?

Sequence words improve the flow and organization of writing by linking ideas and events in a clear and logical manner. They help create smooth transitions between paragraphs, sentences, or clauses.

Are sequencing words only used in written language?

No, sequencing words are used in both written and spoken language. They are commonly employed in narratives, essays, speeches, instructions, and any form of communication that involves presenting information in sequential order.

Sequence Words List: Join the Conversation

Which sequence, transition, or chronological words do you most often use? Leave a comment and let us know. We'd love to hear from you!

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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What are Sequence Words? 50+ Linking Words with Examples

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Check out more than 50 sequence words (linking words) in this list for the beginning, middle, end, and to interrupt something.

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Linking words can really improve our writing!

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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____ I was a teenager, I took part in a tennis tournament because I loved tennis and was quite talented. It was a mixed doubles competition, ____ I had a male partner. ____ the event, my partner and I practised every day after school. ____ of the event, we changed into our tennis clothes and got warmed up. Our first game started at 2pm and was unforgettable. ____ I was waiting for my partner to serve the ball, I felt a terrible pain as the ball hit my arm. It gave me a giant bruise, ____ I continued playing. ____ I was injured, we won the whole competition. Everyone cheered, ____ made us feel happy. We celebrated afterwards by going to an Italian restaurant with our families. It was a special day not only because we won, but ____ I showed myself that I was strong. I have never been as proud of myself ____ I was that day.

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A Sports Event - Linking Words Gap Fill E3

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I was a teenager, I took part in a tennis tournament because I loved tennis and was quite talented. It was a mixed doubles competition, ____ I had a male partner. ____ the event, my partner and I practised every day after school. ____ of the event, we changed into our tennis clothes and got warmed up.

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Listen to a detailed description of Angela’s job 😊

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Keeping adults safe category page for Live Well in Cheshire East.

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What to do if you're a victim of scams or fraud | Age UK

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Often when we talk about scams, we discuss them in financial terms and don't talk about the emotional impact they can have. But they can leave us feeling embarrassed, unsettled and unsafe, and have a lasting impact on our confidence. They can also leave us feeling unsure about who we can trust.

But if you've been scammed, it's important to reach out and talk about what's happened. It's nothing to feel embarrassed about - these scams are increasingly sophisticated and are purposefully designed to steal your money by posing as people or organisations you trust.

They can catch you on a day you're busy doing something else, or just having one of those days. We've all had them.

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What to do if you're a victim of scams or fraud | Age UK

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If you have fallen victim to a scam, it can be devastating. Age UK provide details on what you can do if you are a victim of scams. Visit Age UK now.

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Different ways to learn spellings from BBC Bitesize

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Different ways to learn spellings from BBC Bitesize

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Over the last one thousand years English spelling has been influenced by lots of different languages, including French, German and Latin. Because English has borrowed words from other languages, lots of complex spelling patterns have developed.

There are many different reasons a word can be tricky to spell. For example:

Words can have silent letters, like the letter 'b' in the word 'subtle' and 'k' in 'knight'.

Some words might have double letters that you also cannot hear, for example, in the words 'disappoint' and 'accommodation'.

Some words don't follow a pattern or spelling rule, for example, the word 'ancient' does not follow the rule 'i before e except after c'.

might lead you to use the wrong spelling in your writing - for example, confusing the words 'your' and 'you're'.

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It can be difficult to remember how to spell some words. Learn how to memorise tricky spellings with BBC Bitesize KS3 English.

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By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

KNOW-HOW

Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the milk sours it slightly, mimicking sharp-tasting buttermilk, often used in scones but sometimes tricky to find. The slightly acidic mix gives a

boost to the raising agents in the flour and baking powder.

JANE SAYS...

Scones are so quick to make that my mum would often emerge with a plateful before we'd even noticed she'd gone! I've borrowed her tip of using warm milk, and added a few tricks of

my own for light scones that rise every time

TOWERING TALL

For toweringly tall scones, always pat the dough out a bit thicker than you think you should. I say pat rather than knead because scones are essentially a sweet soda bread and, like other soda breads, will become tough when over-handled. Kick-start the scones' rise with a hot baking tray and don't leave the dough sitting around. If you like your scones with lots of juicy fruit, stir 85g plump sultanas into the mix at the same time as the sugar.

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Make classic scones with this easy recipe, perfect for everyday baking and occasions. Find more baking and cake recipes at BBC Good Food.

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Thank you for a lovely party everyone! Enjoy your summer break 😎🤗

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Test your E3 grammar with this Kahoot quiz 

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Test your E3 grammar with this Kahoot quiz 

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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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Future plans: using present continuous and going to. 

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Future plans: using present continuous and going to. 

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Look at these examples to see how will, going to and the present continuous are used.

Oh great! That meeting after work's been cancelled. I'll go to that yoga class instead.
I'm going to try to visit my relatives in Australia this year.
The restaurant is reserved for 8. We're having a drink at Beale's first.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Grammar explanation

We use different verb forms to talk about our plans for the future, depending on what kind of plan it is: a spontaneous plan, a pre-decided plan or an arrangement.

We use will to talk about spontaneous plans decided at the moment of speaking.

Oops, I forgot to phone Mum! I'll do it after dinner.
I can't decide what to wear tonight. I know! I'll wear my green shirt.
There's no milk. I'll buy some when I go to the shops.

We use going to to talk about plans decided before the moment of speaking.

I'm going to phone Mum after dinner. I told her I'd call at 8 o'clock.
I'm going to wear my black dress tonight.
I'm going to go to the supermarket after work. What do we need?

Present continuous

We usually use the present continuous when the plan is an arrangement - already confirmed with at least one other person and we know the time and place.

I'm meeting Jane at 8 o'clock on Saturday.
We're having a party next Saturday. Would you like to come?

We often use the present continuous to ask about people's future plans.

Are you doing anything interesting this weekend?

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Language level

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Future forms: 'will', 'be going to' and present continuous

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Do you know how to talk about future plans using will, going to and the present continuous? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

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Lots of activities to practise present continuous and going to for future plans and arrangements

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Lots of activities to practise present continuous and going to for future plans and arrangements

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BBC Learning English - Course: lower intermediate / Unit 9

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Listen to the next episode of our drama, The Race. Captain Phil takes charge - but does he know the ropes? After that, test your knowledge of Unit 9 in our Weekly Quiz.

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Present Perfect Tense, never, ever, just, already, yet, for, since

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Test yourself on the present perfect with this quiz!

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Test yourself on the present perfect with this quiz!

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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1) I haven't had breakfast _________- a) already b) yet c) just 2) Richard's ______ phoned me three times today a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 3) I haven't had breakfast _________- What about you? a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 4) I've___ arrived home from work. a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 5) We've____ seen the movie twice a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 6) Has your mother open her presents_________? a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 7) He's ____ turn on the TV. Now we are going to bed. a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 8) I've ______ won anything at a fair. I'm just so unlucky! a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 9) He's the most beautiful boy I've ______ seen. a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 10) Have you ____ read the Harry Potter books? I haven't, they're so long! a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 11) We haven't tried this game _______. Do you want to play it now? a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 12) My friend has _____ flown in a plane. He's too scared. a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET

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PRESENT PERFECT (just, already, yet, before, never, ever)

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1) I haven't had breakfast _________- a) already b) yet c) just 2) Richard's ______ phoned me three times today a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 3) I haven't had breakfast _________- What about you? a) BEFORE b) NEVER c) EVER d) JUST e) ALREADY f) YET 4) I've___ arrived home from work.

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A series of B1 listening practice from the British Council

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A series of B1 listening practice from the British Council

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Are you looking for more listening practice? In this section you will find our audio series with language practice activities.

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Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Well, you've come to the right place. Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is really spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker.

The Sounds of English

Scroll down to the bottom of this page for The Sounds of English, our video guide to all the consonant and vowel sounds in the English language. Watch, listen and repeat. It's as simple as that!

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Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Well, you've come to the right place. Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is really spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker.

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Use this resource to check the top 3000 words that you need to know in English! You can filter by level, listen to British or American pronunciation and click on the word to see definitions and examples. 

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Use this resource to check the top 3000 words that you need to know in English! You can filter by level, listen to British or American pronunciation and click on the word to see definitions and examples. 

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Oxford 3000 and 5000: the most important and useful words to learn in English | OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

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Listen to people discussing New Year's resolutions (BBC - 6 Minute English)

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Listen to people discussing New Year's resolutions (BBC - 6 Minute English)

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This week Dan and Kate discuss their New Year's resolutions and hear what some people are promising themselves for 2010.
This week's question:
What is the most common goal for people making New Year's resolutions? Is it:

a) to sort out their finances and money
b) to lose weight
c) to learn a new language

Listen out for the answer in the programme!

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Dan and Kate discuss their New Year's resolutions, 6 Minute English, 7 Jan 2010

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Here is a simple traditional mince pie recipe. Enjoy! 

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Here is a simple traditional mince pie recipe. Enjoy! 

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Video: how to make easy mince pies
The humble mince pie is a Christmas staple and for good reason... they are blooming delicious. But even though they have been on the festive menu for years (traceable back to the 13th century), many people actually don't know how to make them. Do you?
If you're a mince pie novice then you've come to the right place. Our food editor has opened up her recipe book and given you access to the simplest step-by-step guide there is.

Taken from the method she used to bake traditional pies when she was still in school, this recipe can be followed by everyone.

Using classic 'mincemeat', which consists of fruit and spices and then encased with a buttery shortcrust pastry, these treats are sure to not go to waste.

And once you've mastered those, keep reading. We have some fancier alternative mince pie recipes for you too.
Tips for living well - get our free Food & Health newsletter - shop savvy, eat well, stay healthy

1. Set oven to 200°C/190°C Fan/gas 6. Grease a 12-hole bun tin with butter.

2. Make pastry. Rub 100g fat into 200g plain flour gently, until you have crumbs.

3. Add icy cold water splash by splash until you get a dough.

4. Store pastry in the fridge for 10 minutes.

5. Lightly flour table top and roll pastry out on it.

6. Cut out 12 circles using a large pastry cutter and 12 stars using a small pastry cutter.

7. Place the 12 large pastry circles into the bun tin. Add a teaspoon of mincemeat to each bottom. Then place one of the stars on top of each.

8. Brush each top with a little milk and then dust with a sprinkling of sugar if you wish.

9. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.

10. Lift out onto a wire cooling rack and serve once slightly cooled.

How to make easy mince pies

200g plain flour

100g fat (butter or spread) or 50g butter and 50g spread

300g jar of mincemeat

Splash of milk to glaze

Sugar to sprinkle on top (optional)

For 12 pies, you will need:

1. Set the oven

200°C/190°C Fan/gas 6. Grease a 12-hole bun tin with butter.

2. Make the pastry

Rub 100g of fat cut into small cubes into 200g plain flour gently with your fingertips, until you have crumbs.

Make sure your hands are nice and cold when you're rubbing in the fat with the flour by running very cold water over the pulse points in your wrists.

3. Add icy cold water

Add the water splash by splash until you get dough. The amount of water needed will depend on the type of flour and fat used, so just add a little each time. You can stir it with a spatula to start with, but as it gets wetter you'll want to get your hands in to gather the ball of pastry together.

Once you have your ball of dough, rub it around the sides and bottom of the bowl to pick up any loose bits that remain, so you end up with a clean bowl.

Made your pastry too wet? Just add a little more flour to bring it back to a dough-like consistency.

4. Store pastry in the fridge for 10 minutes

This is known as leaving your pastry to rest. You do it to try and minimise the pastry in your baking tins from shrinking once you cook it. You can simply leave it in the bowl and pop it into the fridge.

5. Lightly flour table top and roll pastry out on it

You want to get your pastry thin enough to cut out the 24 shapes you are going to need. Try and roll the pastry big enough so you can cut as many of the shapes for your mince pies out in one sitting. If you run out you'll have to screw the remaining pastry up into a ball and re-roll it. But any re-rolling isn't great for your pastry's health, so try and avoid it.

6. Cut out 12 circles

Using a large pastry cutter make 12 circles and then 12 stars using a small pastry cutter.

7. Place the 12 large pastry circles into the bun tin

Add a teaspoon of mincemeat to each bottom. Then place one of the stars on top of each.

Don't be tempted to add in too much mincemeat. It might not look much but it will bubble up.

Over-fill your pies and you'll end up with mincemeat that leaks over the top of the pastry and turns into hard, burned bits on your pie tin.

8. Brush each top with a little milk

Then dust with a sprinkling of sugar if you wish.

9. Bake in the oven

They should take around 15-20 minutes. Keep checking and take them out when they are lightly browned.

10. Lift out onto a wire cooling rack

Serve once slightly cooled. Don't be tempted to eat your pies too quickly as the filling will be molten and will burn your mouth.

Getting the perfect bake

While you're baking your pies do keep an eye on them. There are plenty of oven variables that can affect how your food is cooked. Through our rigorous oven lab tests we found that some models don't evenly spread heat as you'd hope, causing uneven browning. If so, try rotating the baking tray a couple times while cooking.

Are you thinking of buying a new oven in time for the Christmas cook up? We check everything from the heat supply to how easy it is to use; read our to ensure you get the most out of our baking.

The best mince pies to buy

If you don't fancy making your own. Our experts have taste tested premium mince pies and there was one clear winner. Discover which supermarket made this year's .

Easy mince pies with pastry that will impress

If you've got the hang of easy mince pies and you want to add a little something to impress your guests at Christmas dinner, why not try making mince pies with this delicious Austrian sweet pastry?

225g plain flour

50g caster sugar

150g butter or spread

50g ground almonds

Grated rind of a lemon

1 egg

1. Set your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4

2. Rub your fat and flour together with your fingertips until they become crumbs. Add in the rest of the pastry ingredients and mix to a firm dough. You might need to add a splash or two of water as per above.

3. Follow on from step 4 in our easy mince pies recipe above.

For the Austrian pastry, you will need:

What type of pastry makes the best mince pie?

Over the years the core ingredients of the mince pie have been tested, altered and adjusted. One of these interchangeable ingredients is the pastry casing.

Typically baked with a shortcrust pastry, the mince pie as most of us know it has a slightly biscuit like, crumbly texture and is pretty sturdy. Shortcrust is the easiest to make, too - see our recipe above.

But some bakers now also use puff pastry for their pies. The main difference is the fat content (puff pastry has more fat) and how simple it is to prepare. Puff pastry requires the baker to layer butter into the pastry to allow for puffing, thus creating a lighter, flakier casing. That's why many at-home cooks tend to buy shop-bought puff pastry rather than making their own.

Puff pastry Christmas recipe tip - Always end up with leftover Christmas pudding? Or experts suggest crumbling it in between two circles of shop-bought puff pastry to make Christmas pudding Eccles cakes. Read our Christmas pudding reviews .

Jamie Oliver has added another option to the mix as well! Filo pastry mince pies... Using a mixture of home-made or shop bought filo and puff pastry, the British chef says they are 'super easy' to make. If you fancy giving them a go, check out Jamie Oliver's perfect mince pie recipe.

What can you add to your mince pie pastry?

We talked to our food editors to find out what their top tips were for mince pie pastry additions. Suggestions included lard in the pastry, marzipan balls and icing sugar in the flour. But our favourite was tangerine rind. This citrus twist tastes delicious and makes for a 'zingy outer shell'.

The mince pie filling

Nuts - Depending on what your tastes are, adding almonds, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts will all work with your mincemeat. If you're a real nut lover then why not add all three?

Orange/Lemon zest -Some people find that shop bought mincemeat can be a too sweet. Try adding some orange or lemon zest to balance out the flavours.

Mascarpone -Add some indulgence to your pies by stirring through a spoonful of mascarpone.

Chocolate - If you really want to experiment then try stirring in a little grated chocolate or melting it into the mincemeat.

Rum -Give your pies a little Caribbean twist with rum instead of brandy.

The early mince pie was also known as a mutton pie or a Christmas pie and was filled with meat, such as lamb, beef and game, rather than the dried fruit mix they are today. The pies were bigger and oval shaped then and came about as a way of preserving the meat.

Nowadays, the classic mincemeat ingredients are a lot sweeter and include a variety of fruits such as apples, dried raisins, lemon, currants and brandy. But like all long-serving recipes, they can be open for interpretation. Here are some tasty additions to jazz up your shop bought mincemeat...

Mince pie recipes from top chefs
You will need
Patrick Moore's ultimate mince pie recipe

250g good-quality shortcrust pastry - your own or ready-made.

Patrick runs the Artisan Bakery and is one of our Which? baking experts, helping us in our quest to find the best mince pies and Christmas puddings you can buy. Here is his recipe for the ultimate mince pies. We first published it in 2011 and it's so good that one of our Which? experts has been making these mince pies every year since. She says they are a great alternative pies for those people who don't really like traditional mince pies.

50g ground almonds

50g salted butter

50g icing sugar

1 whole egg

15ml double cream

5ml dark rum or amaretto

2 drops almond extract

To finish: 20g flaked almonds

25g castor sugar,

Icing sugar to dust

1. For best results use a food mixer with paddle attachment to make this topping.

2. Add all ingredients to bowl starting on lowest speed first (or the room will be engulfed by sugar dust!) and gradually increase the speed to fastest and mix for five minutes, until the mixture lightens in colour and texture.

3. Using the uncooked pastry shells, evenly apply around 400g mincemeat for the large tart or 50g to individual tarts and smooth the top.

4. Top with frangipane, smooth and sprinkle with flaked almonds and then a tablespoon of castor sugar.

5. Bake at 180C/fan oven 170C/gas mark 4 for 30-40 minutes, cool slightly and serve with a dusting of icing sugar, or with rum butter and vanilla ice cream.

Rather than make your own, Patrick says a good 'cheat' is to buy a good-quality ready-made and stir through a little amaretto liquor.

Frangipane topping

Gluten-free mince pies
What do you like to serve mince pies with?
To make sure everyone can enjoy their best version of a mince pie we have also tested the shop-bought gluten-free mince pies on offer in the supermarkets. Our food experts have informed us that they have improved since previous years. So, if you still don't want to get your bake on, then take a look our gluten-free mince pie Best Buys .
Hot or cold mince pies?
How to get the best from your mince pies
Is it best to freeze mince pies cooked or uncooked?
Dan Lepard, award-winning baker and Which? expert

A food writer friend suggested putting a slice of the best cheddar on top. It's like apple pie and cheese... so good. But another is with double cream whisked into soft peaks with brandy, a little sugar and vanilla.

When you serve them warm the flavour is much more pronounced and sweeter. Should you keep the foil case on when reheating? I take the mince pies out of the foil and sit them on a tray lined with non-stick baking paper before heating, as this makes the pastry extra crisp.

You will get the best results if you freeze puff pastry mince pies uncooked, whereas shortcrust pies can be frozen either cooked or not.

Expert view: Serving supermarket pies

Patrick Moore | Award-winning artisan bread maker

If you want your shop-bought mince pies to create a real wow factor with your guests, try some of the following ideas. Mulled wine, port, hot chocolate (family-friendly or with a splash of rum), sloe or damson gin are always well received with mince pies - as is a nice cup of refreshing Earl Grey tea. I prefer mine served with clotted cream or Cumberland rum butter - a combination of dark brown muscovado sugar, butter, rum and a hint of nutmeg.

Another of my favourites is to take 150g of double cream and lightly whip it until it's the consistency of shaving cream. Then add two to three tablespoons of rum, whisky or cognac.
: see what supermarket specials are availabile, from smashing dome christmas puddings to vegan mains
On the cold front, it's hard to beat a scoop of soft vanilla ice cream, with the lovely black seeds from the pod visible. Also, if you wish to go the extra mile, lift the lid on your mince pie, place any of the above inside, then replace the lid and serve to an unsuspecting friend.

Always serve mince pies slightly warm and not hot - molten mincemeat burns are never appreciated.

Make sure you follow the reheating instructions on the box. Of course, you could always simply dust them with icing sugar and serve with a sprig of holly, while throwing another log on the fire and listening to Silent Night...

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Learn how to make the best mince pies with our easy recipe that will impress and get expert tips from Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood and Deliciously Ella. Discover how to get the perfect bake and what type of pastry makes the best mince pie.

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20 British Slang Phrases and Expressions - English Vocabulary Lesson

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Follow this link to learn new vocabulary with videos and exercises

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Follow this link to learn new vocabulary with videos and exercises

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How to Talk About Food and Cooking - Video

In this lesson, you can learn about how to talk about food and cooking using clear, natural English. Learn useful vocabulary to talk about food in English.

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Learn how to describe people in English. You can learn useful words and phrases to describe a person you know in clear, detailed and natural English.

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Free English vocabulary lessons. Learn English vocabulary on many different topics with these free video lessons. Build your English vocabulary fast!

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone! 

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone! 

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Some practice with the pronunciation of sounds that are difficult for Cantonese and Mandarin speakers

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Some practice with the pronunciation of sounds that are difficult for Cantonese and Mandarin speakers

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English pronunciation lesson for Chinese speakers

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A video revising how to use and form the simple past tense

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A video revising how to use and form the simple past tense

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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1) I ..... a good film in the cinema last week. 2) While I ........., he finished his work. 3) How .........your hand?

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Practice with identifying purpose of texts e.g. instructive, persuasive etc.

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Practice with identifying purpose of texts e.g. instructive, persuasive etc.

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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1) Go to the window. Open it by placing your hands on the handles and pulling the windows apart in a swift motion. Be careful not to open the windows too quickly, however, as the glass is delicate and may break with force. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 2) Go to the beautiful- crafted, visually-impressive window at the side of this magnificent old room. Place your sensitive, delicate hands on the rough metal handles and move outwards in a beautiful, gliding motion. When the window is opened, lean forward and breath in the fresh morning dew, taking in all the sights and smells of the countryside. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 3) This window was constructed in 1995 by the firm Glassman and Shaper. It is made from the material UPVC, which is a type of material used on most new windows and patio doors. The material is an extremely rigid plastic, and it is regarding as a good innovation in terms of soundproofing and weather-resistance. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 4) This beautiful window is as fine a piece of workmanship as you'll ever see. It is utterly unique in its appeal. Buy now to avoid disappoint. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 5) Andy took Stephanie's soft, gentle hand and gazed lovingly into her eyes. Her head turned and her glittering blue eyes sparkled in the lashing rain. This was love, and she knew it. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 6) Bolton is one of the largest towns in the United Kingdom. The town's leading educational establishment, Bolton Institute of Higher Education, was granted university status in 2004. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 7) The Lake District features some of the nation's finest rivers and greenery. Whether it's visiting the local steam railways, climbing the mountains or relaxing with a quiet pint in a traditional country pub, you'll never be bored. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 8) This is an immediate recall due to a major health and safety fault causing the aerials to catch fire if exposed to direct sunlight. Please return all Globetel 100 mobile phones bought after 21/01/2011 to your nearest Betterworths outlet immediately. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 9) You should not park where you see these signs and markings: 'No Parking', 'Clearway', double yellow lines beside the kerb, double white lines in the middle of the road. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 10) Visit Rome, capital of Italy and ancient capital of the Roman Empire, which is blessed with splendid ruins, delightful markets and intriguing narrow streets that beckon the adventurous explorer. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 11) We're having a brilliant time in Scotland. You get such a feeling of space. The only trouble is the weather - it's not stopped raining since we arrived. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative 12) This car has a rust resistance, aluminium bodywork and bumpers that can absorb an impact of 20 mph without distortuion. a) Instructive b) Descriptive c) Persuasive d) Informative

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1) Go to the window. Open it by placing your hands on the handles and pulling the windows apart in a swift motion. Be careful not to open the windows too quickly, however, as the glass is delicate and may break with force.

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Can you put the words in the right order? Quiz to practise past simple and continuous.

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Can you put the words in the right order? Quiz to practise past simple and continuous.

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Wordwall - Create better lessons quicker

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They were sleeping when the alarm went off., She was walking the dog when she fell and broke her arm., What were you doing when the doorbell rang?, He was talking on the phone when the bus crashed into the building., He was watching TV while his brother was reading., I was eating breakfast when someone knocked on my door., Where were they going when it started to rain?.

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Past continuous / past simple - jumbled sentences

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They were sleeping when the alarm went off., She was walking the dog when she fell and broke her arm., What were you doing when the doorbell rang?, He was talking on the phone when the bus crashed into the building., He was watching TV while his brother was reading., I was eating breakfast when someone knocked on my door., Where were they going when it started to rain?.

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For our Hong Kong students! Video lessons in Cantonese explaining the present simple and other basic tenses

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For our Hong Kong students! Video lessons in Cantonese explaining the present simple and other basic tenses

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【英文文法】第1課 - Present Simple Tense 現在簡單式 ︳English Grammar

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想學好英文？必需懂這個時態！ English Grammar: Present Simple Tense 英文文法 第1 課： 現在簡單式 希望呢個video 能夠幫到啲學生或做緊野嘅大人～也可為需要移民嘅你做準備～！ Please like and subscribe!

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【英文文法】第2課 ︳ - 現在進行式 Present Continuous Tense ︳Grammar

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【英文文法】第3課 ︳Past Simple & Present Simple Tense 過去簡單式/現在簡單式 ︳English Grammar

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英文文法 English Grammar 第三課 Past Simple Tense & Present Simple Tense 過去簡單式 與 現在簡單式 的分別 如何同時使用過去簡單同現在簡單式？ Please subscribe!

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Video and interactive exercises about beautiful places in Britain: The Lake District and Wales

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Video and interactive exercises about beautiful places in Britain: The Lake District and Wales

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Britain's countryside is great, rich with lakes, mountains and monuments. Richard goes to the Lake District first, before crossing the border to Wales.

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Volunteering can be good for your language skills and CV! Follow the link to look for opportunities in Cheshire East. 

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Volunteering can be good for your language skills and CV! Follow the link to look for opportunities in Cheshire East. 

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CVS Volunteering Hub promoting and developing volunteering in your area. A TeamKinetic powered website

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CVS Volunteering Hub - Volunteering Development & Support. CVS Volunteering Hub, a project to identify, train and deploy volunteers across the area. It is a TeamKinetic powered website

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Practice your pronunciation of  -ed endings

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Practice your pronunciation of  -ed endings

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-ED pronunciation - /t/ /d/ or /id/? (pronounce PERFECTLY every time!) (+ Free PDF & Quiz) - Bing video