Grammar: Present Perfect Simple

Present Perfect Simple

Forms

Principal uses

• ·         To refer to a time period which is not yet finished (e.g. today, this month):

          We've bought a new house this week. (an incomplete period)

• ·         To show that something happened in the past. We don't state when is happened:

          I've lost my watch. Have you seen it anywhere?
          Note: If we give the time we must use the simple past:
          I lost my watch yesterday. (not I've lost my watch yesterday)
         The following time expressions are often used: ever, never, always, up to now, so far.
         This is the worst storm we've ever had. (at any point before now)

• ·         To talk about a situation which started in the past and usually continues after the time of speaking in the present:

He has lived here for six years. (He has lived here till now)

We use for with a length of time (e.g. for three weeks, for two days, for six years) and since with a point in time (e.g. since 2010, since Wednesday, since nine o'clock, since I was five, since I moved here)

• ·         To talk about an action which occurred at an unstated time in the past, provided that there is still a connection with the present:

          I’ve collected all the documents that are needed for the house sale. (I have the documents now)

     Note: If we give the time we must use the simple past:
     I lost my watch yesterday. (not I've lost my watch yesterday)

Commonly used expressions

• ·         recently, just, already, and yet with negatives or questions.

               I've just arrived.
               Have you done your homework yet?

Note the position of the following time expressions that occur with the present perfect:

• ·         between the auxiliary and main verb (e.g. recently, already, always, ever, just, never):

               I've already bought my ticket.               I’ve never met your brother.

• ·         Ever is generally used with questions or negatives:

               Have you ever been to London?

• ·         After the main verb (e.g. all my life, every day, yet, before, for ages, for two weeks, since 2001, since I was ten etc.)

               I haven't seen him for ages.               I’ve known John since I was ten.

• ·                 If there is an object clause, the time expression comes at the end:

               I've read this book every morning since then.               He hasn't ridden since he broke his arm.

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IELTS : Tips for the test day

Finally, it is the big day.

You have done your homework and ready for the test, but be careful, a great deal of your band score depends on your behavior on the the test day.

Here are some quick tips for ensuring you do your best on test day

Arrive on time and be prepared   

• Double-check the time and date of your test and allow plenty of time to travel to the test center. If you are late, you may not be allowed to take the test

• Make sure you have the right identification documents with you. If you arrive with the wrong ID, you will not be allowed to take the test.

Try to be calm and relaxed

• Try to remain calm at the test center.

• If you have any questions - the center staff will help.

• Read the IELTS rules and regulations before the test so you understand them. You’ll find these in the IELTS Application Form (PDF, 321KB).

Follow the instructions

• Switch off your mobile phone and any other electronic devices. You will be asked to place these with other personal belongings outside the test room

• The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take 2 hours 40 minutes and there are no breaks between each component of the test

• Make sure you are prepared and have something to eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to take food into the test room. You will only be allowed to take a drink in a transparent bottle

• Listen to the supervisor carefully and follow the test day instructions

• When you  get your test papers, read the instructions on the cover page first before writing anything

• Don’t lose points for careless mistakes because you haven’t read the question properly.

Stay aware of the time

• Watches are not allowed in the test room. Every test room will have a clock on the wall. Stay aware of the time so you can attempt all questions

• The Listening, Reading and Writing tests have a number of sections. Allow enough time for each section

• Be aware that some questions have suggested time limits for you to follow.

Do your best

• If you start to feel worried, take some deep breaths to help you calm down

• Work calmly, focus on the questions, don’t rush your answers and you will do your best.

Good luck on your test, Score High :)

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IELTS & TOEFL Vocabulary: Talking about Food

Vocabulary

Food

One of the most common topics to talk about in real life is food

Here are some tips about the vocabulary mostly used while talking/ writing about food

Enjoy

Vocabulary: How to talk about ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES

Improve your speaking and writing

How to talk about advantages and disadvantages

You always need to express yourself when asked about advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some very important tips on how to do that effectively.

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Know them, so you can avoid them

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