In English, can, could, and would are very common modal verbs. We use them in everyday situations.
However, many learners feel confused because these words have different meanings.
The good news is that we can organize them into 3 different groups:
🟢 Ability
We use can and could to talk about ability, what a person is able to do. This can be something you can do now, or something you were able to do in the past.
🔵 Permission
We use can and could to talk about permission. For example, when we ask if something is OK, or when we give someone permission to do something. Could is more polite than can.
🟣 Polite Requests
We use can, could, and would to make requests. For example, when we ask someone to do something for us. Would is the most polite, and could is also polite.
A report is another piece of formal writing. It is based on facts (you’ll probably have to invent those ‘facts’ for the exam, and that’s okay). By writing a good report in English you will demonstrate that you can organize and communicate factual information using a formal tone. As with other pieces of formal writing (for example, essays, formal emails, articles, etc.), there is a special format used to write reports in English.
Parts of an English report
1. Title
This part will give the reader a general idea of the topic of your report.
Make sure that you follow the capitalization rules for titles. You can find more information about how to write titles in English here.
2. Introduction
In this section, you should state clearly the purpose of your report and what information you are going to include.
Try to paraphrase (use your own words) to write the information given in the instructions.
3. Topic points
In these paragraphs, you will give most of the information and details of your report. It should be factual and clear. It shouldn’t sound like a story or like a novel.
You should write at least 2 topic points. One topic point per paragraph. Each paragraph must contain a topic sentence.
What is a topic sentence?
A topic sentence is a sentence that includes the main point (idea) of a paragraph. It has the information that readers need to understand what is the most important point in the paragraph.
The topic sentences guide readers and protect them from confusion. They usually appear at the beginning of each paragraph.
This is the last part of the report. You need to finish it up by writing your recommendations. You must base your recommendation on the facts that you wrote in the topic paragraphs.
Make sure that your recommendations are well-connected with the topic points that you wrote in the previous paragraphs.
Steps to writing a report
Step 1: Make a plan
Step 2: Write it
Step 3: Check it
Now that you know the parts of a report and the steps to follow, let’s see an article sample for the B2 (FCE) Cambridge writing test.
Useful language
For the introduction:
This report describes…
This report is based on …
The purpose of this report is to …
For the topic points:
Currently …
To begin with …
It appears that …
It seems that …
Furthermore/ In addition
In general/ Generally speaking
It is generally believed that …
almost always/ nearly always
Most/ The majority of + noun
noun + tend to be + adjective
For your suggestions/ recommendations:
All things considered …
Based on the findings of this report I recommend/ suggest + verb-ing
“Sharing is caring” is a common English expression but do you know what exactly it means? 😕
It has a very profound meaning. It means that when we share something with someone else it is equal to caring them. Sharing ideas, thoughts, experiences, things that have helped us in our journey is a way to show care to our friends and people around us. 💖
That’s why I created this blog. The main purpose of it is to share tips, ideas, games and resources that will help you in your learning journey. 💡
Over the past months this community has grown so fast and I think it is a good idea that you also share tips and resources with other members of the community.
I’m inviting you to share with me and with other English learners tips and resources that have helped you improve your English. 😊
How can you share your tips?
Things that you can post in the comments below: 🔗 💡👇
YouTube videos or YouTube channels
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok profiles of English teachers
Websites to learn and practice grammar
Podcasts to practice listening
Books or websites to practice reading
Websites or apps to practice speaking
On behalf of this amazing community of English learners around the world 🌎:
An article is an informal/ neutral piece of writing that is written for a specific audience. The purpose of an article is to share an opinion, or knowledge on a particular topic, or offer suggestions and pieces of advice to the readers. Newspapers, magazines, and journals usually publish articles. For that reason, articles have to be easy to read.
Parts of an Article
Title: It should be short and informative. Try to choose an interesting title, so the reader wants to read your article to learn more about the topic.
Author’s name: A line having the name of the person who wrote the article (optional)
Main paragraphs: This is the main part of your article, it should include the following parts:
Introductory paragraph: Here you introduce the topic. The introduction should be short, catching, and interesting.
Descriptive paragraph: Here you give examples and reasons.
Additional information: only if needed.
Conclusion: This is the ending paragraph of the article that should be a summary of your article.
Steps to write an article
1 Think of the topic that you are going to write about carefully.
2 Identify the target audience. Who are going to read your article: students, young people, adults, elderly people, or professionals?
3 Find the objective of writing the article. Do you want to give advice? Are you going to give some useful tips? Do you want to teach your readers how to do something?
4 Identify the details that are more significant and think of some examples.
5 Organize your ideas and arrange the information and the facts in a coherent and logical way.
Now that you know the parts of an article and the steps to follow, let’s see an article sample for the B1 Cambridge writing test.
You see this announcement in your English school magazine.
Articles wanted!
Write an article telling us how to make your home safer when children visit you. What are the most dangerous places in a house for children? Why? The best articles answering this question will be published next month.
Useful language for writing an article
For the introductory paragraph:
Have you ever thought about …?
What would you do if …?
Do you like + verb+ing …?
How important is it for you to …?
What would life be like if …?
Giving your opinion:
In my opinion, …
From my point of view, …
As far as I’m concerned, …
I guess that …
I’m under the impression that …
I have no doubt that …
I have the feeling that…
Giving advice:
Don’t forget to …
Remember to…
Make sure you…
You should + base form
You should have + past participle
Never + base form
What about if …?
Let’s consider…
Why don’t you …?
Adding more details and examples:
Above all…
In addition, …
Above all, …
On top of that, …
Moreover, …
Another advantage/ disadvantage of …
Reasons:
… in case
… so (that)
… because it might + base form
The evidence shows (that) …
The facts suggest (that) …
Writing Practice 1
You are going to write an opinion article for a school magazine about the best places to visit in your city.
Plan the content
1 Think of at least 2 interesting/ touristic places
2 Think of an interesting introductory paragraph
3 Write your introduction
4 Write your descriptive paragraphs. Write one paragraph per place
5 Write your conclusion
6 Type your answer in the box below, and I’ll give you personalized feedback.
Checklist
Introduction:
Did you write a clear introduction that introduces the purpose of the opinion article?
Does the introduction include a sentence with your opinion on the best places to visit?
Body paragraphs:
Have you included separate paragraphs for each recommended place?
Did you provide detailed descriptions of each place, highlighting their attractions and unique features?
Have you supported your opinion with specific examples or personal experiences for each place?
Conclusion:
Does the conclusion summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs?
Does it restate your opinion on the best places to visit in the city?
Does it provide a strong closing statement or call to action?
Writing Practice 2
You are going to write an article for a school magazine. Choose one of the titles below>
How to stay safe if you are hiking in the mountains.
How to stay safe on a day at the beach.
How to stay safe online.
Plan the content
1 Think of at least 3 useful tips
2 Think of an interesting introductory paragraph
3 Write your introduction
4 Write your descriptive paragraphs. Write one paragraph per tip.
5 Write your conclusion
6 Type your answer in the box below, and I’ll give you personalized feedback.
A short story is a piece of fiction that has a limited number of words and a few characters.
Parts of a short story
Title: It summarizes the whole story, or it is related to the main theme. The theme is the central idea or belief in a short story.
Exposition: It is the beginning of the story where you introduce the main characters. It also serves as the introduction to the next part.
Climax: It is the action part where the main characters try to solve the conflict or problem.
Resolution: In this part, the conflict is solved.
Let’s see a short story sample for the B1 Writing test
Useful vocabulary for a short story
Time expressions:
at that moment
as soon as
_____ minutes later
just in time
then
after that
meanwhile
while
one morning in + month
one afternoon in + month
one evening in + month
Adverbs and adverbials to spice up your story
suddenly
in the end
eventually
unexpectedly
right away
nearly
actually
in fact
apparently
gradually
basically
obviously
anyway
all of a sudden
without warning
Finishing your short story
in the end
eventually
finally
luckily
when it was all over
Verb tenses used for short stories
Short stories usually take place in the past, for that reason, the most common narrative tenses you should use for your short story are:
Writing Practice 1
You are going to write a short story about a past mistake you have made.
Plan your story
The following questions can help you make your own story
Where were you?
What were you doing?
What was happening around you?
What surprising thing happened suddenly?
What did you do?
What did you think/ say?
How were you feeling
How did the story end?
Write your story in about 100 – 120 words in the comment section below.
Checklist:
Title: Have you included a title that accurately reflects the content of your story?
Exposition: Have you introduced the characters, setting, and plot of your story in a clear and concise manner?
Action part: Have you included a sequence of events or actions that develop the conflict and engage the reader?
Resolution: Have you provided a satisfactory conclusion to your story that ties up any loose ends and provides a resolution to the conflict?
Adjectives and Adverbs: Have you used descriptive words (adjectives) and words that describe actions (adverbs) to create vivid imagery and convey your story’s mood and tone?
Narrative tenses: Have you used the appropriate narrative tenses (simple past, past continuous, past perfect, past perfect continuous) to tell your story consistently and clearly?
Clear ideas: Have you organized your story in a logical and coherent manner, ensuring that your ideas are expressed in a clear and concise manner?
If you use this list, you can check that you have included everything you need to in your short story.
This will help you create a story that makes sense and is interesting for people to read. In addition, if you include all the items from the checklist, you will get an EXCELLENT writing score.
Type your story in the “LEAVE A REPLY” textbox and you will receive feedback directly to your email.
I will post your final story after you have received feedback.
Write a short story beginning with one of the sentences below:
Plan the content:
It was midnight when the phone rang.
Alex had been working hard all day and was looking forward to going home.
We had been driving for hours when we saw the sign for a small hotel and decided to stop.
1 Write what happened simply, in about 50 words.
2 Think about how you could improve your story by adding more details. For example, adjectives and adverbs.
3 Think about what tenses you need for each part of the story. For example, how to set the scene, and what significant events happened before the story starts.
Write your story in about 100 – 120 words in the box below.
Checklist:
Title: Have you included a title that accurately reflects the content of your story?
First line: Have you used the given first line from the instructions to begin your story?
Exposition: Have you introduced the characters, setting, and plot of your story in a clear and concise manner?
Action part: Have you included a sequence of events or actions that develop the conflict and engage the reader?
Resolution: Have you provided a satisfactory conclusion to your story that ties up any loose ends and provides a resolution to the conflict?
Adjectives and Adverbs: Have you used descriptive words (adjectives) and words that describe actions (adverbs) to create vivid imagery and convey your story's mood and tone?
Narrative tenses: Have you used the appropriate narrative tenses (simple past, past continuous, past perfect, past perfect continuous) to tell your story consistently and clearly?
Clear ideas: Have you organized your story in a logical and coherent manner, ensuring that your ideas are expressed in a clear and concise manner?
If you use this list, you can check that you have included everything you need to in your short story.
This will help you create a story that makes sense and is interesting for people to read. In addition, if you include all the items from the checklist, you will get an EXCELLENT writing score.
Type your story in the "LEAVE A REPLY" textbox and you will receive feedback directly to your email.
I will post your final story after you have received feedback.
So your dream is to improve your English. But how many times have you failed?
You have spent a lot of time dreaming, thinking or talking about what you want. But you haven’t taken the necessary steps to achieve it.
It’s not because you are lazy or incapable. It’s because perhaps you are confused or you don’t know where to start. You don’t have a PLAN yet.
English learning plans, can serve as a roadmap or guide to making your dreams a reality.
An English learning plan can help you if:
You are confused
You feel that your learning progress is out of control
You feel your learning progress is stagnant
You struggle making the right decisions
You feel lost and lack direction
You have tried many things and nothing has helped
You are tired and want to give up
What is an English learning planing?
An English learning plan is both a roadmap and a reminder of your goals. It helps you realize your dreams and the things that you need to do to make them true.
An English learning plan can help you to become aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.
Your English learning plan doesn’t need to be super detailed. It should be flexible so you can adapt it according to the circumstances.
Don’t forget that LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE. Things happen. Your plan needs to leave room for unexpected changes and crises.
Making English learning plans can help you achieve your goals easier than if you are confused and have no idea what to do.
5 benefits of having an English learning plan
1 An English learning plan helps you make your dreams a reality
An English learning plan gives you the confidence to take action and be proactive.
2 An English learning plan helps you prioritize
Making an English learning plan helps you identify what you want and focus on things that move you in the right direction
3 An English learning plan helps you make better decisions
When you know your goals it is easier to make the right decisions that help you accomplish your goals
4 An English learning plan keeps you motivated
When you write down your goals it’s easier to stay focused and motivated.
5 An English learning plan makes you recognize your strengths and weaknesses
An English learning plan is a tool that makes you think critically and reflect on your learning needs. It helps you identify the skills that you master and the skills you need to improve to achieve your goals.
How to make an English learning plan: step by step
1. The most important thing to making any plan is, to BE HONEST with yourself.
2. Take a moment to reflect on your habits, your learning story, your circumstances, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
3. No one but you can identify the things that are easy for you and the things that are challenging for you.
4. You are the only one that can identify the things/ habits/ beliefs that are preventing you from moving forward.
5. Finally, remember that becoming fluent in English is a goal that will require that you spend a lot of time and resources. If you are not willing to pay the price then it will always be a DREAM.
6. If you are not willing to organize your life, give up unhealthy habits or if you can’t change your lifestyle to accommodate time to practice, then it’s going to be very difficult to improve your English.
Now it’s time to make your own learning plan
Below you can see a template that will help you reflect and create your own English learning plan.
Formal emails are the ones that people write to people they don’t know well. The language used in these types of emails is more formal and polite.
informal email
formal email
friends family members people we know well
people we don’t know bosses or managers doctors, teachers and professors
Formal emails have a standard format, so they must include the following parts:
Greetings
We say hi to the other person. Depending on the kind of relationship we have with the person we are writing to, we can use the following greetings:
Dear Mr./Mrs./ Ms. + Last name,
For example: Dear Mr. Smith,
Dear Sir/ Madam,
If you don’t know the name and last name of the recipient
To whom it may concern
This is a more generic formulaic expression.
2. Introduction
In this part, we must indicate briefly and clearly the reason for writing. It should be consistent with the subject of the email. We can use the following introductory phrases:
I’m writing with regard to … (email subject)
I’m writing to … (ask, inform, request, send, confirm, etc)
I’m writing in reference to … (email subject, e.g. a job post, an advertisement, a website, etc)
3. Body
There are no formulaic expressions or conventional formulas for the body of the text because the information that we share in the body of the email varies according to what you need to communicate.
There is one general rule for this part: it should be divided into short paragraphs.
4. Closing paragraph
There are various ways to end your email. The most common formulaic expressions are the following:
I look forward to hearing from you soon / at your earliest convenient time.
Thank you in advance.
Thank you for your attention.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
5. Goodbye
Here you can find a list of the most common phrases to end a formal email:
Sincerely,
Kind regards,
Best regards,
Yours faithfully, (only if you began your email with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’)
Yours sincerely, (only if began your email with ‘Dear Mr./Mrs./ Ms. + Last name)
Regards,
6. Signature
We write our full name (name + last name)
Now that you know which parts should be included in a formal email, let’s see an example:
Ana has read an ad about some English courses on a school website.
She is 23 years old. She has graduated from college.
She wants to take an IELTS course in July.
She needs to get information about dates and prices.
She wants to stay with a host family.
She wants a room for her and her friend.
Language School
Come and study English at our school! Summer and winter intensive courses Highly experienced teachers One month courses for all levels Reasonable prices Accommodation with host families
Pro tips for writing formal emails
Use the standard format that English speakers use to write formal emails.
Use formulaic expressions.
DO NOT use contractions (I’m, I’ve, I’d, don’t, can’t, won’t, etc.).
Use formal words and indirect questions (e.g. I was wondering if …/ I would be grateful if you …)
Don’t forget to START your email by saying why are you writing or what you are
Time to practice
The best way to improve your writing is to practice. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Remember that practice makes progress.
Write an email to get more information about the following course:
Computer courses in Canada One -or two-week courses in different parts of Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Halifax) Professional instructors Morning and afternoon classes All levels, beginners to advanced Small groups or private lessons
For more information email Robert Anderson at info@academy.com
Don’t forget to explain why you are writing and give some personal information
Ask your questions, and ask them to send you information
Although, though, even though, in spite of, and despite are words that help us connect contrasting ideas clearly and fluently. We use them to introduce a clause in a sentence which is in contrast to another clause in the same sentence.
You already know how to use basic connectors such as so and but. In the example below, but is a contrast connector.
Now, it’s time to learn other connectors that help us communicate more complex ideas.
NOTE: A dependent clause is NOT a full sentence. It is a phrase (group of words) that is incomplete, in other words, it is an incomplete thought. We need to complete the idea by using a connector and an independent clause.
An independent clause is a phrase that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.
Time to practice
The best way to improve your English is by practicing. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Remember that practice makes progress.
Pro tips for writing reports
Practice time
Writing Practice 1
Pro tips for writing formal emails
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