Tag: PET Test

Structures for Giving Advice

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We give advice when we tell someone what is a good idea or a bad idea.

In English, we can give advice in different ways:

  1. should / shouldn’t
  2. If I were you, I’d…
  3. could (soft suggestion)
  4. ought to (strong or formal advice)

1. SHOULD / SHOULDN’T

We use should to say something is a good idea.
We use shouldn’t to say something is a bad idea.

TypeStructureExampleMeaning
PositiveSubject + should + base verbYou should drink more water.Good idea
NegativeSubject + shouldn’t + base verbYou shouldn’t stay up so late.Bad idea
QuestionShould + subject + base verb?Should I talk to him?Asking for advice

More examples:

  • You should take a break.
  • You shouldn’t ignore your health.
  • Should I call the doctor?

Grammar tip: Use the base form after should / shouldn’t.
✔ You should go.
✘ You should to go.

2. IF I WERE YOU, I’D…

We use this to give polite, indirect advice.
It means: This is what I would do in your situation.

TypeStructureExampleUse / Meaning
PositiveIf I were you, I’d + base verbIf I were you, I’d change jobs.Friendly suggestion
NegativeIf I were you, I wouldn’t + base verbIf I were you, I wouldn’t wait.Friendly warning

More examples:

  • If I were you, I’d talk to her.
  • If I were you, I’d save some money.
  • If I were you, I wouldn’t buy it now.

3. COULD (Soft Advice)

We use could to give a suggestion, not strong advice.

TypeStructureExampleMeaning
SuggestionYou could + base verbYou could try meditation.A possible option
Extra optionYou could also + base verbYou could also ask a friend.Another idea

More examples:

  • You could get help online.
  • You could take a break this weekend.
  • You could also email customer service.

4. OUGHT TO

Ought to is similar to should, but sounds stronger or more formal.

TypeStructureExampleMeaning
PositiveYou ought to + base verbYou ought to apologise.Strong advice
NegativeYou ought not to + base verbYou ought not to lie.Strong warning

More examples:

  • You ought to take this seriously.
  • You ought to tell the truth.
  • You ought not to ignore the doctor.

🔍 Compare the Four Forms

MeaningSofterStronger
Polite suggestionYou could talk to her.—
Friendly adviceYou should talk to her.You ought to talk to her.
Empathetic adviceIf I were you, I’d talk to her.—

✅ Use could for options
✅ Use should for normal advice
✅ Use ought to for strong advice
✅ Use If I were you… to sound kind and personal

💬 PRONUNCIATION TIP

Word / phraseNatural pronunciationNotes
should/ʃʊd/ → “shud”“o” and “l” are silent
shouldn’t/ˈʃʊdənt/ → “shu-duhnt”“t” is very soft
could/kʊd/ → “kud”“l” is silent
ought to/ˈɔːtə/ → “aw-tuh”“gh” is silent, “to” sounds like “tuh”

Practice saying:

  • You should rest.
  • You shouldn’t worry.
  • You could try again.
  • You ought to be more careful.

Other ways to ask for and give advice

Advice

Let’s practice!

Practice 1

Practice 2

Practice 3

Speaking

Practice 1

Practice 2

Action Verbs & Stative Verbs

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Everyday English uses two main types of verbs:

  • action verbs
  • and stative verbs

Understanding the difference between them is essential for choosing the correct tense.

We use action verbs to describe things we do — activities, movements, and processes.
We use stative verbs to describe what we think, feel, have, or are. These verbs talk about a state rather than an action.

This difference explains why we say:

I’m eating dinner. ✅ (an action happening now)
but
I know the answer. ✅ (a state — not an action)

⚡ Action Verbs

Action verbs describe things that happen — physical or mental actions.
They can be temporary or in progress, so we often use them with the Present Continuous.

Action VerbExample in Present SimpleExample in Present Continuous
workI work in an office.I’m working late today.
eatShe eats breakfast at 8.She’s eating right now.
studyThey study English.They’re studying for the test.
playHe plays football every weekend.He’s playing now.

🧠 Use the Present Continuous for actions happening now or around now.

I’m cooking dinner.
They’re studying this week.

🕒 Use the Present Simple for routines or facts.

I cook dinner every day.
They study every Tuesday.

🧘 Stative Verbs

Stative verbs describe states — not actions.
They tell us about feelings, thoughts, senses, possession, or relationships.
We don’t usually use them in continuous form (-ing).

CategoryCommon Stative VerbsExamples (Present Simple)
Feelingslove, like, hate, preferI love this song. / She doesn’t like coffee.
Thinking / Opinionknow, believe, remember, understand, think*I know the answer. / I believe you.
Sensessee, hear, smell, tasteI hear some music. / This soup tastes good.
Possessionhave, own, belongI have a car. / This book belongs to me.
Being / Appearancebe, seem, look (adj.)You are nice. / It seems difficult.

⚠️ We don’t usually say:

❌ I’m knowing the answer. ✅ I know the answer.
❌ She’s liking pizza. ✅ She likes pizza.

💡 Verbs with Both Meanings

Some verbs can be action or stative, depending on the situation and meaning.

VerbStative Meaning (not -ing)Action Meaning (-ing OK)
thinkI think it’s a good idea. (= have an opinion)I’m thinking about my plans. (= considering)
haveI have a car. (= possess)I’m having lunch. (= eating)
seeI see what you mean. (= understand)I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow. (= meeting)
beHe is nice. (= characteristic)He’s being rude. (= behaving temporarily)
lookYou look tired. (= appear)You’re looking at the screen. (= action)

🪄 Tip: When a verb describes a temporary action, you can usually use the -ing form.

🧩 Grammar Summary

UseTenseFormExample
Habit / factPresent SimpleSubject + base verb (+s/es)I play tennis.
Now / temporaryPresent ContinuousSubject + am/is/are + verb-ingI’m playing tennis.
State (feeling, thought, possession)Present SimpleSubject + stative verbI believe you.

✅ We don’t use stative verbs in continuous tenses.

Let’s Practice!

Practice 1

Practice 2

CHALLENGE

Reporting Verbs

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Reporting verbs are verbs which are used to tell someone what another person said. They are used in reported speech.

Say and tell are the most common reporting verbs. However, there are other reporting verbs that we can use instead of say and tell to communicate our ideas more clearly.

Example:

He said that he would drive me to the airport (this sentence is correct but long)

We can say instead:

He offered to drive me to the airport (this sentence is shorter and absolutely clear)

Common reporting verbs patterns

NOTES:

recommend and suggest are special verbs that can be followed by a “that clause” when we want or need to mention who is the recommendation/ suggestion for.

recommend/ suggest + that + someone + base form

Example:

I suggested watching a horror movie. (suggest + gerund)

If you want to be more specific and want to add information about who is the recommendation for, you can use a “that clause” (noun clause)

I suggested that my friends watch a horror movie.

My friends suggested that I study for the English test tonight.

My teacher recommended that Maria practice speaking with me.

Practice time

Level of difficulty: ⭐

 Speaking Practice

Level of difficulty: ⭐⭐

Student A:

  1. Choose one box
  2. Read the sentence out loud.
  3. Tell your partner the hint.

Student B:

  1. Close your eyes
  2. Listen to your partner
  3. Complete the following sentence: My friend __________________

Example:

Student A: If you stay in a hostel it will be cheaper (Hint: explain)

Student B: My friend explained to me that staying in a hostel would be cheaper.

How to describe photos and pictures

teacherjulieta57 Comments

for the B1 Cambridge test (PET)

In some English exams you have to speak or write about photos or pictures.

Here is a list of useful vocabulary and expressions for describing pictures or photos for oral/written exams.

What is there in the picture?
(people, things, animals, places, etc)
In the picture I can see …
There is a/ an +(adjective)+ singular noun
There are (a couple/some/ a lot of) + (adjective) + plural noun
There isn’t a + (adjective) + singular noun
There aren’t any + (adjective) + plural noun
What is happening?
(actions & weather)
For actions use present continuous		The person/ animal is +verb-ing
The people are + verb-ing
It’s raining/ snowing, etc.
It’s bright/ dark/ sunny/ cold/ hot, etc.
What might be happening?
(If something in the picture is not clear you can make a guess)

It looks like a + noun
It looks as if + person/animal + verb …
It looks as though + persona/animal + verb …
It seems that person/animal is …
Maybe the person/animal is + verb-ing
The person/animal might be +verb-ing
What could have happened before?
(You can use your imagination and make a guess about the actions that happened before the picture was taken)		The person/animal might have + past participle …
The person/animal may have + past participle …
The person/animal could have + past participle …
The person/animal couldn’t have + past participle …
Where in the picture?
(location/ position)		At the top/bottom of the picture …
In the foreground …
In the background ….
In the middle/ center of the picture …
On the left/right of the picture …
next to
in front of
across from
behind
near
on top of
under

Now that you know the vocabulary and phrases that should be included in picture description, let’s see an example:

I think this is a family photo. There are five people, and all of them are smiling. They are having lunch in the dining room. The dining room is so bright and modern. In the background, we see the kitchen and some appliances. For example, a microwave and a coffee maker.

In the foreground we see the mother sitting at the head of the table. It seems that she is taking a selfie. Her children are sitting around the table. On the left side of the photo, there is a boy and a girl. The girl is smiling. The boy has his mouth open, and he looks as if he is going to eat the whole spaghetti.

There are two teenagers sitting across from the children. The young man is smiling, and the young woman is posing for the photo. The young man has his arm around the young woman.

There are five plates with spaghetti, three glasses of orange juice, and two glasses of red wine on the table. There might be some bread in the middle of the table. The food looks very delicious.

They might be having a video call with the father. The father could have travelled for work to a different city. It looks as though they are having a good time. This photo reminds me of when I was younger, and I used to have lunch with my family every Sunday.
How to Describe Photos Using the PALMS ✋Method

Writing practice

The best way to improve your writing and speaking is to practice. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Remember that practice makes progress.

Choose ONE picture and describe it.

What can you see in the picture? Write your answer in the comments below

used to/ get used to/ be used to

teacherjulieta6 Comments

1 Used to

We use used to/ didn’t use to + base form to talk about past habits or repeated actions or situations that have changed.

  • Attention!!!!! used to DOES NOT exist in the simple present (I use to study at night XXXXX). For present habits, we use usually + simple present (I usually study at night)
  • For action verbs, we can replace used to with the word would.

Example:

When I was a child I used to play video games every day = When I was a child I would play video games every day.

If you are still confused, you can find an easy explanation in your first language 🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇨🇳 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 🇹🇷 🇯🇵👇

Used to

2 Get used to

We use get used to + gerund to talk about a new situation that is becoming familiar or less strange.

Example: I’m getting used to studying after work. It’s not easy because after work I’m very tired.

If you are still confused, you can find an easy explanation in your first language 🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇨🇳 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 🇹🇷 🇯🇵👇

Get used to

3 Be used to

We use be used to + gerund to talk about a situation that is NOT new because it is familiar or less strange.

Example: I’m used to studying after work. I’ve been doing it for almost one year.

If you are still confused, you can find an easy explanation in your first language 🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇨🇳 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 🇹🇷 🇯🇵👇

Be used to

Grammar Practice

Level of difficulty: ⭐

Put the words in the correct order.

Level of difficulty: ⭐⭐

Choose the correct answer.

 Speaking Practice

✍️ Writing Practice

Pick a card. Write a comment (reply) below 👇 with your opinion.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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for B1 Preliminary Cambridge Test/ IELTS

An essay is a written piece where you can present an idea, propose an argument, express your emotions or initiate a debate.

In an advantages and disadvantages essay your task is to describe the positive and the negative sides of a specific topic. You must include examples and reasons to support your ideas. Sometimes you will also be asked to give your opinion. You can include your personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion of the essay.

The typical structure for an advantages and disadvantages essay is the following:

Paragraph 1: Introduction
  • Start your introduction with a sentence that paraphrases the question you were given
  • Add a sentence where you include the main ideas that you will talk about
  • Give your opinion (if required)
Paragraph 2: Advantages
  • Write a sentence where you summarize the main idea of the paragraph. In this paragraph you must mention the advantages.
  • Next write a sentence where you explain the advantages.
  • Finally you explain the consequence or result of advantages by giving an example.
Paragraph 3: Disadvantages

(This paragraph is similar to paragraph 2, but here you will talk about the disadvantages)

  • Write a sentence where you summarize the main idea of the paragraph. In this paragraph you must mention the disadvantages.
  • Explain the disadvantages.
  • Give examples of the disadvantages.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
  • Summarize your ideas
  • Paraphrase your opinion (if required)
Example:

Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane

Nowadays, a lot of people prefer to travel by plane when they go to another country. However, air travel has both pros and drawbacks. Let’s examine some of these here.

One of the main advantages of traveling by plane is that it is much faster than any other form of transport. For example, you can fly from Toronto to New York in 2 hours, whereas by car, it would take more than 7 hours. Another advantage is that flying is more comfortable and less tiring because you can sleep on a long flight. You can also watch movies or read. Finally, it is safer. More people die in car accidents than in the air.

On the other hand, traveling by plane also has some disadvantages. To start with, it can be quite expensive, especially if you want to travel in the comfort of First Class or Business Class. What is more, flights are often delayed, and this means you may have to spend a long time waiting in the airport or miss connecting flights. In addition, you may arrive in New York while your suitcase has gone to Paris.

To sum up, the airplane is a great invention, but it does have some drawbacks. If it was cheaper, it would be better. Still, in my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. If we didn’t have planes, it would be very difficult to travel to distant places.

Below there is a template that can help you write your advantages and disadvantages essays.
Template for an advantages and disadvantages essay
DOWNLOAD PDF

Useful language: Linking phrases

To list advantages/ disadvantages
  • the main advantage is…
  • the main disadvantage is …
  • another advantage is …
To add more point to the same topic
  • In addition, …
  • Furthermore, …
  • What is more …
To introduce an example:
  • For instance …
  • For example …
To make contrasting points
  • However, …
  • In spite (of the fact) …
  • Although …
  • On the other hand …
To give a reason
  • Because + clause …
  • Because of + noun …
To introduce the conclusion
  • In conclusion, …
  • To sum up, …
Watch the following video to learn more vocabulary to talk about advantages and disadvantages