Conditionals grammar – the differences and usage of all the conditionals

 

This is the simplest mind map I have managed to create and students say it is fine and they can understand it now. I hope it works the same way for you.
Read the map from the left side. The two arrows in the midle of the map show that the RESULT part can be at the beginning and the IF part at the end.
The horrible mess in the middle of the Unreal conditionals, shows the mixed conditionals, where the IF in the past can have a RESULT NOW. Or where IF now can have a RESULT in the past. I hope you understand.

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Holidays in the United States

 

Americans share three national holidays with many countries: Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Easter, which falls on a spring Sunday that varies from year to year, celebrates the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Easter is a day of religious services and the gathering of family. Many Americans follow old traditions of coloring hard-boiled eggs and giving children baskets of candy.

Christmas Day, December 25, is another Christian holiday; it marks the birth of the Christ Child. Decorating houses and yards with lights, putting up Christmas trees, giving gifts, and sending greeting cards have become traditions even for many non-Christian Americans.

New Year's Day, of course, is January 1. The celebration of this holiday begins the night before, when Americans gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous coming year.

Uniquely American Holidays

Eight other holidays are uniquely American (although some of them have counterparts in other nations). For most Americans, two of these stand out above the others as occasions to cherish national origins: Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.

Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November. The holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts, determined to practice their dissenting religion without interference.

After a rough winter, in which about half of them died, they turned for help to neighboring Indians, who taught them how to plant corn and other crops. The next fall's bountiful harvest inspired the Pilgrims to give thanks by holding a feast. The Thanksgiving feast became a national tradition.To this day, Thanksgiving dinner almost always includes some of the foods served at the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, pumpkin pie. Before the meal begins, families or friends usually pause to give thanks for their blessings, including the joy of being united for the occasion.

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, honors the nation's birthday - the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks.

Besides Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, there are six other uniquely American holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day. While not holidays, two other days of the year inspire colorful celebrations in the United States: February 14, Valentine's Day, and October 31, Halloween.

Read and answer the following questions:

1. What national celebrations in the US do you know?

2. What is your favorite national celebration?

3. Would you like to take part in any foreign national celebration?

https://tinyurl.com/2fsk7v9v

Level 1. Lesson 14: How About This?

 

Anna: Hi, there! In Washington, D.C. people do many things in the evening. They go listen to music. They eat at a restaurant. They go to the theater.

Anna: Tonight I am going to the theater with my friends. But I don’t know what clothes to wear. Maybe this magazine can help.

Anna: Her clothes are beautiful! I really want a friend like her to help me.

Anna: Who are you?

Genie: I am Genie! You want help. I am here to help you find the right clothes!

Anna: Awesome! How about jeans and a t-shirt?

Genie: No! Jeans and a t-shirt are too casual. How about something more formal?

Anna: Sure!

Anna: Wow! Genie, this dress is beautiful. But it’s not the right size. It’s too small.

Genie: Yes, it is too small. But green looks great on you.

Anna: Thanks.

Genie: Take off the green dress. Let’s try a green shirt and a skirt.

Anna: Oh, Genie! This green shirt is too large and this orange skirt is too orange.

Genie: Yes, the right size for you is medium. Let’s try again.

Anna: Oh, I don’t like this outfit.

Genie: No. That does not match.

Anna: Nothing.

Anna: These clothes are formal: a suit jacket, a dress shirt and a tie! They look great!

Genie: Those clothes look great … for a man! Something is wrong.

Anna: Let me see.

Anna: There. Now try.

Genie: Oh. Thanks! Now these clothes look great on you!

Anna: They do! Um, Genie, can you put on a gold belt?

Genie: Sure!

Genie: That looks great.

Anna: Can you put on a jacket?

Genie: Why not?

Anna: I love the jacket! How about a hat?

Genie: Why not?

Genie: Mm, take off the hat. That’s better.

Anna: Genie, these clothes look and feel great! Let’s go to the theater!

Genie: Sorry, Anna. I have to help other friends. Go to the magazine if you want me to help again.

Anna: Thanks, Genie. Sure thing. Goodbye!

Genie: Goodbye!

Anna: There are many places in DC to go for a great evening out! And it’s nice to have a friend to help me look my best. Until next time! Bye!

Speaking Practice

Pronunciation

https://tinyurl.com/3n4vccuv

Starting Business Еnglish - Деловой английский язык №12. Как писать деловые письма и подавать информацию

 

1 We haven't decided on a plan of action yet. We must outline a strategy, but first let me summarise what we've said so far. This is a critical situation. We know that J.K. Toys are playing to win. We know that – right now – they have the edge. So, let's look at the down side. What are their advantages? They have a larger market share; they have a cheaper product; they have an earlier launch date, and we think they have a larger advertising budget. 2 Their strategy is very clear: they want our share of the market both the European market and the export market. 3 We cannot let them succeed. We have to consider which of these factors we can influence. Kate any ideas? 4 There are two immediate things we can do: we can increase our advertising budget and bring forward the launch date. 5 Derek, is that feasible? 6 I don't think so. 7 I've got some news for you all. 8 Okay, just a second – I'll switch on the speaker. Okay Clive, go ahead. 9 I've got some useful information from Peter Day: first of all, I think they're moving too fast. They haven't done their sums. 10 Clive – this is Derek. Do you know how large their production run's going to be? 11 It's going to be around 300,000 units. 12 That's about what we hoped – more than 450,000 and we've got problems. 13 This is Kate I've got a question: 14 Go ahead, Kate. 15 Were you able to find out anything about their overseas marketing strategy? 16 Well, I'll tell you this, Kate: they won't crack the American market – we're a few steps ahead of them there, and I want you to exploit that advantage – you need to get out there – fast. Look I'll ring off now – I'll get back to the office as soon as I can.

1 Мы еще не решили, как будем действовать. Мы должны определить стратегию, но сначала позвольте мне суммировать все, что было ранее сказано. Это критическая ситуация. Мы знаем, что "Джей-Кей Тойз" играет на победу. Мы знаем, сейчас, перевес на ее стороне. Итак, давайте рассмотрим наши слабые стороны. В чем их преимущество? Они имеют большую долю продукции на рынке, их продукт дешевле, у них более ранняя дата выпуска, и мы считаем, что они больше расходуют на рекламу. 2 У них четкая стратегия. Они хотят получить нашу долю рынка, как европейского, так и экспортного. 3 Мы не можем позволить им преуспеть. Мы должны придумать, на какие из этих факторов мы можем повлиять. Кейт, у тебя есть какие-нибудь идеи? 4 Есть две вещи, которые мы должны сделать прямо сейчас: увеличить наши рекламные расходы и приблизить дату выпуска. 5 Дерек, это реально? 6 Я так не думаю. 7 У меня есть для вас всех новости. 8 Хорошо, одну минуту, я включу громкую связь. Хорошо, Клайв, начинай. 9 Я получил кое-какую полезную информацию от Питера Дея: прежде всего, я думаю, они слишком спешат. Они еще не сделали свои расчеты. 10 Клайв, это Дерек. Ты не знаешь, какую партию они собираются выпустить? 11 Это будет около 300 000 штук. 12 Мы примерно на это и надеялись: если бы свыше 450 000, то мы были бы в затруднительном положении. 13 Это Кейт. У меня вопрос. 14 Давай, Кейт. 15 Тебе удалось узнать что-нибудь об их стратегии маркетинга за рубежом? 16 Я скажу тебе следующее; им не потянуть американский рынок - мы опережаем их там на несколько шагов, и я хочу, чтобы ты воспользовалась этим преимуществом. Тебе надо поехать туда - немедленно. Послушай, я заканчиваю. Буду в офисе как можно быстрее.

17 The most important thing now is to let all of the sales force know about this change in our game plan. Jenny: we need to write them at once. We need to give them some of the background to this – about what J.K. Toys are planning and about our new marketing strategy – that's 1. the launch date 2. the price cut. And 3. the increased advertising budget. 18 We need to make it clear that "Big Boss" is an absolute priority. 19 Jenny – could you make a draft of that and we'll get it out as soon as possible. Edward – you've been very quiet – what else can we do in marketing? 20 We must get into Smith's catalogue – he's chosen "Dealer Dan" and he's decided not to include "Big Boss". 21 I don't think he'll change his mind now. 22 I'll deal with Mr. Smith – I'll write to him straight after the meeting and let you have a copy. 23 Jenny – I'd like to dictate a letter which needs to be faxed as soon as possible to Mr Smith. 24 Right, I'm ready. 25 Dear Mr Smith ... I have learned that you have decided to select Dealer Dan for your catalogue, instead of Big Boss. I understand that your reasons for rejecting "Big Boss" are as follows: 1. That the unit cost will be 30% higher than the rival product, 2. That the launch date of Big Boss will be three weeks later. 3. That J.K. Toys, the manufacturer, will mount an extensive advertising campaign to coincide with the launch date of the product and the mailing date of your catalogue. I would like you to reconsider your decision in the light of the following: 1. Bibury Systems have rescheduled the launch date of Big Boss to January 15th – one week before the planned launch of Dealer Dan. 2. Because of the market profile of your catalogue, we have decided to offer you an extra 2.5% commission on sales through the catalogue in exchange for exclusivity. 3. In addition, Bibury Systems are prepared to offer your customers a discount of 15% on the recommended retail price. I am sure that this new information will encourage you to reconsider your decision and include "Big Boss" in your Spring Edition. I look forward to receiving your thoughts on this matter. Yours sincerely, Clive Harris MD Bibury Systems.

17 Самое важное сейчас - сообщить всем, кто занимается сбытом, об изменениях в наших планах. Дженни, мы должны им срочно написать. Необходимо передать им подоплёку этого - о планах "Джей-Кей Тойз" и о нашей новой стратегии маркетинга – а именно: 1) дата выпуска, 2) снижение цены и 3) увеличение расходов на рекламу. 18 Мы должны дать понять, что Большой Босс - это абсолютный приоритет. 19 Дженни, подготовь, пожалуйста, проект такого письма, и мы разошлем его как можно быстрее. Эдвард, ты ничего не говорил. Что еще мы можем сделать в области маркетинга? 20 Мы должны попасть в каталог Смита - он выбрал Дилера Дана и решил не включать Большого Босса. 21 Я не думаю, чтобы он передумал. 22 Г-ном Смитом займусь я - я напишу ему письмо сразу после совещания и передам вам копию. 23 Дженни, я хочу продиктовать письмо, которое должно быть срочно отправлено по факсу г-ну Смиту. 24 Хорошо, я готова. 25 Уважаемый господин Смит... Мне стало известно, что вы решили выбрать для своего каталога Дилера Дана вместо Большого Босса. Я понимаю, что отвергнуть Большого Босса вас побудили следующие причины: 1. Себестоимость одного изделия будет на 30% выше, чем конкурирующего продукта. 2. Дата выпуска ББ назначена на три недели позже. 3. "Джей-Кен Тойз", производитель, начнет обширную рекламную кампанию, которая совпадет с датой выпуска продукта и датой рассылки вашего каталога. Я бы хотел, чтобы вы пересмотрели свое решение в свете следующих факторов: 1. "Байберн Системе" перенесла дату выпуска Большого Босса на 15 января, что на одну неделю раньше планируемого выпуска Дилера Дана. 2. По причине рыночного профиля вашего котолога, мы решили предложить вам дополнительные 2,5% комиссионных от продажи по каталогу в обмен на эксклюзивность. 3. Дополнительно "Байбери Системс" готова предложить вашим клиентам 15%-ую скидку от рекомендуемой розничной цены. Я уверен, что эта новая информация благоприятно повлияет на ваше решение включить Большого Босса в весенний номер каталога. С нетерпением буду ждать вашего решения по данному вопросу. С уважением, Клайв Харрис, управляющий директор "Байбери Системс"

https://tinyurl.com/mr93858k

100 everyday phrases native speakers use automatically

 

Basic and Native English - 3

 

Compound relative pronouns