# data[].attributes.headline
BBC learn English video - have/get sth done

# data[].attributes.subject
BBC learn English video - have/get sth done

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Have something done: The causative - BBC English Class

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Have something done - English Grammar Today - Cambridge Dictionary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have something done - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading, Listening

Level: Advanced

Key topics: Sleep, Health, Wellbeing

Source: TED Talk by Matt Walker, 'Sleep is your superpower'; New Yorker article, 'Why can't we fall asleep?'; BBC podcast, 'Sleep deprivation and Insomnia'; NPR podcast, 'Nappuccinos To Weekend Z's: Strategize To Catch Up On Lost Sleep'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: MISSING SLEEP - English Language Inbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading, Listening Level: Advanced Key topics: Sleep, Health, Wellbeing Source: TED Talk by Matt Walker, 'Sleep is your superpower'; New Yorker article, 'Why can't we fall asleep?'; BBC podcast, 'Sleep deprivation and Insomnia'; NPR podcast, 'Nappuccinos To Weekend Z's: Strategize To Catch Up On Lost Sleep'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading, Listening

Level: Higher Intermediate / Advanced

Key topics: Communication, Personal Relationships, Social Skills

Sources: Very Well Mind article, "10 Worst Compliments You Can Give Someone"; SELF article, "We Really Need to Stop Complimenting People on Weight Loss"; Clip from Soul Pancake, "The Power of Compliments"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: GIVING COMPLIMENTS - English Language Inbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading, Listening Level: Higher Intermediate / Advanced Key topics: Communication, Personal Relationships, Social Skills Sources: Very Well Mind article, "10 Worst Compliments You Can Give Someone"; SELF article, "We Really Need to Stop Complimenting People on Weight Loss"; Clip from Soul Pancake, "The Power of Compliments"

# data[].attributes.body
No idea why this weird guy is in the picture!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When we talk about something that happened in the past we sometimes want to refer back to something that happened before that time. We can use the past perfect tense ( had + past participle) to do this.

Look at these two sentences.

John left the house at 7:30 yesterday morning.

Mary rang John's doorbell at 8:15 yesterday.

Both actions happened in the past so we use the past simple tense. But look at how we can combine the sentences.

Mary rang John's doorbell at 8:15 yesterday but John had already left the house.

We use the past perfect ( had left) because the action happened before another action in the past ( Mary rang the doorbell.)

Look at some more examples of the past perfect.

When Mrs Brown opened the washing machine she realised she had washed the cat.

I got a letter from Jim last week. We'd been at school together but we'd lost touch with each other.

The past perfect is used because they were at school before he received the letter. It refers to an earlier past.

Look at these 2 sentences.

James had cooked breakfast when we got up.

James cooked breakfast when we got up.

In the first sentence, the past perfect tells us that James cooked breakfast before we got up. In the second sentence, first we got up and then James cooked breakfast.

Past perfect continuous

The past perfect can also be used in the continuous.

I realised I had been working too hard so I decided to have a holiday.

By the time Jane arrived we had been waiting for 3 hours.

NOTE
The most common mistake with the past perfect is to overuse it or to use it simply because we are talking about a time in the distant past.

For example we would not say

The Romans had spoken Latin

but rather

The Romans spoke Latin

because it simply describes a past event, and not an event before and relevant to another past event.

Remember that we only use the past perfect when we want to refer to a past that is earlier than another time in the narrative.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When we talk about something that happened in the past we sometimes want to refer back to something that happened before that time. We can use the past perfect tense ( had + past participle) to do this. Look at these two sentences. John left the house at 7:30 yesterday morning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading, Listening

Language focus: Affixes, Present Tenses

Level: Higher Intermediate, Advanced

Key topics: The Environment, Climate Change, Consumption

Sources: CNN Article, "As of today, humans have used more resources than Planet Earth can regenerate in a year"; Video from France 24 English, "Earth Overshoot Day: Planet's 2019 resources 'budget' already spent"; Video from SABC Digital News, "Making Earth Overshoot Day: Dr, Jako Volschenk"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY - English Language Inbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading, Listening Language focus: Affixes, Present Tenses Level: Higher Intermediate, Advanced Key topics: The Environment, Climate Change, Consumption Sources: CNN Article, "As of today, humans have used more resources than Planet Earth can regenerate in a year"; Video from France 24 English, "Earth Overshoot Day: Planet's 2019 resources 'budget' already spent"; Video from SABC Digital News, "Making Earth Overshoot Day: Dr, Jako Volschenk"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Any of you who have had the experience of being a student working in Australia will probably not be surprised by the concept of 'the working poor'. Increasingly, the rising cost of living means that even being employed in more than one job is no guarantee of financial security.

This week's lesson focuses on the increasing gap between those who have financial security and those who do not, and on the factors making life more difficult, even for those who are employed. The texts are based on Australia, the UK and the USA, but I'd love to hear an insight into the situation in your country; is it common to be working and still not be able to cover the cost of living?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: THE WORKING POOR - English Language Inbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Any of you who have had the experience of being a student working in Australia will probably not be surprised by the concept of 'the working poor'. Increasingly, the rising cost of living means that even being employed in more than one job is no guarantee of financial security.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Asking Indirect Questions Quiz

You got: % Correct. You're Very Polite!

You know your English!. Andrew Rich / Vetta / Getty Images

Great job. It's obvious you know how to ask questions indirectly which will serve you well on those occasions that's its important to be polite. Keep learning English and you'll continue to make a good impression.

Asking Indirect Questions Quiz

You got: % Correct. Good Job!

You've done well on your lessons. Anton Violin / Moment / Getty Images

You understand how to form some indirect questions, but you'll need to review some more until you're perfect! Remember that indirect questions do not use the same form as direct questions, but begin with a phrase followed by your question in standard statement form.

Asking Indirect Questions Quiz

You got: % Correct. It's Time to Review Indirect Questions

Keep working on your studies.. Frank and Helena / Cultura / Getty Images

Indirect questions are introduced with a phrase such as 'I wonder ...', 'Can you tell me...' etc. followed by your question changed to positive statement. For example: When do you leave? -> I wonder when you leave. Keep studying and you'll understand indirect questions soon.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Use Indirect Questions as a Way to Be More Polite

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Asking Indirect Questions Quiz Great job. It's obvious you know how to ask questions indirectly which will serve you well on those occasions that's its important to be polite. Keep learning English and you'll continue to make a good impression.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Do You Know What an Indirect Question Is?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Indirect questions are a more polite way to ask for information or make requests. We often use them when asking something of strangers or people we do not know well, including coworkers. We also use them when asking for favors from friends or when we want to avoid sounding demanding.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whenever students ask me how they can improve their speaking on their own, I always tell them that they should record themselves and listen to the way they sound. And guess what ... they NEVER do!

Why does the sound of our own voices make us cringe? And what do our voices say about us?

The article and podcast for this week explore these questions in more depth. I hope you enjoy these materials (and learn some new preposition collocations as well.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: THE SOUND OF YOUR VOICE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whenever students ask me how they can improve their speaking on their own, I always tell them that they should record themselves and listen to the way they sound. And guess what ... they NEVER do! Why does the sound of our own voices make us cringe?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Thank you so much for your time and efforts this week.

Gold and Platinum members, don't forget to book a conversation class this week.

Sydney-based members, make sure you check the calendar of events for meet-ups this week.

Platinum members, to get feedback on your writing, send your file to Kerrin.Houghton@englishlanguageinbox.com

I look forward to speaking to you soon.

Until next week, all the very best!

Kerrin

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thank you so much for your time and efforts this week. Gold and Platinum members, don't forget to book a conversation class this week. Sydney-based members, make sure you check the calendar of events for meet-ups this week. Platinum members, to get feedback on your writing, send your file to Kerrin.Houghton@englishlanguageinbox.com I look forward to speaking to you soon.

# data[].attributes.body
If you scroll to the bottom of the page, you can find videos for each individual sound.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.body
To help you learn the sounds and symbols of English.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
English Pronunciation Skills - Teaching Tips and Resources
Teaching English pronunciation can be a challenging task. Help your English students master those tricky words using our pronunciation resources including teaching tips, apps, interactive phonemic charts, recordings of past webinars and our excellent series of pronunciation videos with Adrian Underhill.

Pronunciation Videos
An exclusive series of short videos about pronunciation, pronunciation learning and how to teach pronunciation. Adrian Underhill offers practical advice to help teachers teach their students to master pronunciation of the English language.
Watch the pronunciation skills videos

Our Previous Pronunciation Webinars
Our previous webinars on pronunciation, teaching with phonics and how to help your English students master those difficult sounds. These webinars feature popular authors such as Adrian Underhill, Jill Leighton and Chris Bowen.
Watch the webinar recordings

Sounds - The pronunciation App
The ultimate mobile English pronunciation aid, for students and teachers. Based on the best-selling "Sound Foundations" by Adrian Underhill, Sounds helps you study, practise and play with pronunciation wherever you are.
Learn more and download

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
English Pronunciation Skills - Teaching Tips and Resources Teaching English pronunciation can be a challenging task. Help your English students master those tricky words using our pronunciation resources including teaching tips, apps, interactive phonemic charts, recordings of past webinars and our excellent series of pronunciation videos with Adrian Underhill.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading, Listening

Language focus: Prefixes, Signposting language

Level: Advanced

Key topics: Spelling, Pronunciation, Literacy, Education, Linguistics, Language

Source: Article by The Conversation: 'The absurdity of English spelling and why we're stuck with it'; Video by ABC News, 'Why English spelling makes no sense | Did You Know?'; Article by The Atlantic, 'How Spelling Keeps Kids From Learning'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: ENGLISH SPELLING

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading, Listening Language focus: Prefixes, Signposting language Level: Advanced Key topics: Spelling, Pronunciation, Literacy, Education, Linguistics, Language Source: Article by The Conversation: 'The absurdity of English spelling and why we're stuck with it'; Video by ABC News, 'Why English spelling makes no sense | Did You Know?'; Article by The Atlantic, 'How Spelling Keeps Kids From Learning'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading, Listening

Level: Advanced

Key topics: Work, Work-Life Balance, Stress, Millennials, Generation, Social Issues, Technology

Sources: SBS Article, "Burnout is a legitimate medical diagnosis, says World Health Organisation"; BBC Business Daily podcast, "Millennial Burnout"; Simon Sinek YouTube clip, "Are Millennials more prone to burnout?"; BuzzFeed article, "How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: MILLENNIAL BURNOUT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading, Listening Level: Advanced Key topics: Work, Work-Life Balance, Stress, Millennials, Generation, Social Issues, Technology Sources: SBS Article, "Burnout is a legitimate medical diagnosis, says World Health Organisation"; BBC Business Daily podcast, "Millennial Burnout"; Simon Sinek YouTube clip, "Are Millennials more prone to burnout?"; BuzzFeed article, "How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading and Listening

Language focus: Verb tenses, Passive voice for systems and processes

Level: Higher-Intermediate - Advanced

Key topics: Plastic, Pollution, Environmental Issues, Climate Change

Sources: Illustrated story by The Guardian, "Humans have made 8.3bn tons of plastic since 1950. This is the illustrated story of where it has gone."; YouTube clip by WWF International, "Plastic Pollution"; Article from National Geographic, "Canada aims to ban single-use plastics by 2021"; TED-Ed video, "What really happens to the plastic you throw away?"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: PLASTIC POLLUTION

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading and Listening Language focus: Verb tenses, Passive voice for systems and processes Level: Higher-Intermediate - Advanced Key topics: Plastic, Pollution, Environmental Issues, Climate Change Sources: Illustrated story by The Guardian, "Humans have made 8.3bn tons of plastic since 1950.

# data[].attributes.headline
Full lesson: What is the purpose of education?

# data[].attributes.subject
Full lesson: What is the purpose of education?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading, Listening

Language focus: Conditionals

Level: Advanced

Key topics: Education, Self-development, Society, Equality

Source: TED talk, 'A passionate, personal case for education'; Article by The Conversation, 'What's the point of education? It's no longer just about getting a job'; Video by The School of Life, 'What is Education for?'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weekly Advanced Lesson: WHAT IS EDUCATION FOR?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading, Listening Language focus: Conditionals Level: Advanced Key topics: Education, Self-development, Society, Equality Source: TED talk, 'A passionate, personal case for education'; Article by The Conversation, 'What's the point of education? It's no longer just about getting a job'; Video by The School of Life, 'What is Education for?'

# data[].attributes.body
With transcript

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Michelle Obama: A passionate, personal case for education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Speaking to an audience of students, US First Lady Michelle Obama reminds each one to take their education seriously -- and never take it for granted. This new, brilliant generation, she tells us, is the one that could close the gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skills: Reading, Listening

Language focus: Narrative tenses

Level: Narrative Tenses

Key topics: Solitude, Living Abroad, Loneliness, Personality

Source: SBS article, '5 things that are better done alone'; Podcast by The Lonely Hour, 'The Expat'.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skills: Reading, Listening Language focus: Narrative tenses Level: Narrative Tenses Key topics: Solitude, Living Abroad, Loneliness, Personality Source: SBS article, '5 things that are better done alone'; Podcast by The Lonely Hour, 'The Expat'.

# data[].attributes.headline
Full lesson: Greta Thunberg (started 8/6)

# data[].attributes.subject
Full lesson: Greta Thunberg (started 8/6)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Last week's lesson was about the Torres Strait Islanders' response to climate change. This week looks at the issue of climate change activism in a different way, through the actions of Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard of Thunberg and know a little about her and her cause. If not, you definitely should know!

It is impossible not to feel inspired by this remarkable person. I hope you will enjoy this lesson as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Have a great week and as usual, I welcome your feedback.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Last week's lesson was about the Torres Strait Islanders' response to climate change. This week looks at the issue of climate change activism in a different way, through the actions of Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg. Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard of Thunberg and know a little about her and her cause.