English for all... It's easier than you think...

DO X MAKE

2009-07-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Nós, que falamos português, sofremos muito quando precisamos verter o verbo “fazer” para a língua inglesa. Para nós, existe só uma alternativa: “fazer”. Para os anglófonos, são duas as opções principais: “MAKE” e “DO”. Há muitas tentativas louváveis, embora quase sempre infrutíferas, para explicar ou definir por meio de regras o uso de um ou de outro termo. Você já deve ter ouvido falar que “MAKE” expressa a idéia de “criação”, “fabricação” ou “construção”. Aí você se depara com “MAKE AN OFFER” (fazer uma oferta) ou “MAKE A PHONE CALL” (fazer uma ligação telefônica) e se pergunta: “Onde está a fabricação nisso?” Acredito que a solução ideal seja memorizar a locução como uma unidade, como se fosse uma nova palavra que você aprendeu. É claro que quando digo “memorizar” não estou sugerindo que você saia decorando uma lista enorme de expressões com “MAKE” e com “DO”. Não se trata disso. A palavra-chave nesses casos é “exposição”, ou seja, estar o maior tempo possível em contato com a língua por meio de livros, revistas, jornais, cinema, música, televisão, internet, documentários, conversas etc., além, é claro, das aulas de inglês. De forma gradual, indolor e quase imperceptível, esse novo “vocabulário” será absorvido.
Não fique achando que o inglês é mais complicado do que o português por conta dessa dificuldade. Todos os idiomas têm suas peculiaridades e são mais “fáceis” ou “difíceis” dependendo do ponto de vista. Por exemplo, já imaginou que loucura deve ser para o americano atribuir gênero a todos os substantivos? Como você já deve saber, quase todas as palavras da língua inglesa têm gênero neutro. O estrangeiro poderia se perguntar: Por que “lápis” é palavra masculina e “caneta” feminina? Por que “telefonema” é substantivo masculino e “ligação”, feminino? E os substantivos abstratos, então? Ilusão, saudade, fome, espírito, alma, vocação etc.? Como explicar – e decorar – todo um vocabulário novo e ainda por cima atribuir-lhe gênero? Prefiro ficar com a dúvida entre “DO” e “MAKE”. A relação a seguir não tem a pretensão de ser uma lista completa. Ela é apenas um guia básico de referência. Consulte sempre um bom dicionário de inglês para esclarecer eventuaisa dúvidas. No caso da expressão em português “fazer um curso”, não há dúvida: prefira “TAKE A COURSE”.
DO BUSINESS = negociar
DO GOOD = fazer o bem
DO HARM = prejudicar
DO HOMEWORK = fazer o dever de casa
DO ONE’S BEST = dar o melhor de si
DO RESEARCH = fazer pesquisa
DO SOMEBODY A FAVOR = fazer um favor a alguém
DO WELL = ter sucesso
MAKE A DECISION = tomar uma decisão
MAKE A MISTAKE = cometer um erro
MAKE A NOISE = fazer um ruído
MAKE A PHONE CALL = dar um telefonema
MAKE A PROFIT = lucrar
MAKE A PROMISE = fazer uma promessa
MAKE A SUGGESTION = dar uma sugestão
MAKE AN ATTEMPT = fazer uma tentativa
MAKE AN EFFORT = fazer um esforço
MAKE AN EXCEPTION = abrir uma exceção
MAKE AN OFFER = fazer uma oferta
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS = organizar, planejar
MAKE COFFEE = fazer café
MAKE FRIENDS = fazer amigos
MAKE LOVE = fazer amor
MAKE SOMETHING EASIER = facilitar
MAKE THE MOST OF = aproveitar ao máximo

Examples:
The teaching staff have made an effort to understand our difficulties. (The Guardian)
Os professores fizeram um esforço para entender as nossas dificuldades.
If the risk is justified, go and do the operation. (CNN)
Se o risco for justificado, vá em frente e faça a operação.
He took a course in public speaking. (CNN)
Ele fez um curso de oratória.

Written by: Ulisses Wehby de Carvalho

Credits:
<http://www.teclasap.com.br/blog/2007/03/26/fazer-make-ou-do/>
TECLA SAP(site)

PREPOSIÇÕES AT X IN X ON

2009-07-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

A tendência natural da maioria das pessoas, principalmente aquelas que têm o raciocínio lógico desenvolvido, é procurar regras que tentam explicar o uso das preposições da língua inglesa. Infelizmente, essas tentativas são quase sempre infrutíferas. Perdemos, a meu ver, muito tempo tentando decorar regras quase sempre inúteis. Mas o que se deve fazer então? Devemos abandonar qualquer tentativa de se aprender a usar as preposições? É claro que esta seria uma solução muito simplista para um assunto tão sério e complexo. As explicações a seguir devem ser interpretadas apenas como uma orientação básica e jamais como uma regra infalível. Não se esqueça de que o ideal é estar o maior tempo possível em contato com a língua estrangeira por meio de livros, revistas, jornais, cinema, música, televisão, Internet, documentários, conversas etc., além, é claro, das aulas regulares. De forma gradual, indolor e quase imperceptível, você terá condições de usar corretamente as preposições com naturalidade.
Cf. Vocabulário: ExposiçãoCf. Mais Preposições

TEMPO

AT

horas = AT TEN O’CLOCK
período do dia = AT NIGHT
fim de semana (BrE) = AT THE WEEKEND
feriados = AT CHRISTMAS, AT EASTER etc.

ON
dias = ON MONDAY, ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, ON HER BIRTHDAY
períodos do dia = ON FRIDAY, AFTERNOON
fim de semana (AmE) = ON THE WEEKEND

IN
períodos do dia = IN THE MORNING, IN THE AFTERNOON, IN THE EVENING
meses = IN DECEMBER
estações do ano = IN THE WINTER
anos = IN 1998
século = IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
-com “NEXT” e “LAST” = NEXT MONDAY, NEXT MAY, LAST WEEK, LAST MONTH etc.
com “THIS” = THIS MORNING, THIS WINTER etc.
com “TOMORROW” e “YESTERDAY” = TOMORROW EVENING, YESTERDAY MORNING, THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY etc.

LUGAR

AT
ponto (geralmente locais públicos) = AT HOME, AT SCHOOL, AT THE BUS STOP, AT THE AIRPORT, AT A PARTY, AT WORK etc.
endereço completo = AT 138 CHESTNUT ST., AT 90 BURNHILL RD., AT 179 PARK AVE etc

ON
superfície ou linha = ON THE TABLE, ON THE ROAD, ON THE RIVER, ON AN ISLAND, ON A PAGE, ON MAIN STREET etc.
transporte público = ON THE BUS, ON THE PLANE, ON THE SUBWAY, ON THE TRAIN etc.

IN
dentro = IN THE HOUSE, IN THE KITCHEN, IN AFRICA, IN PARIS, IN THE MIRROR, IN THE CAR, IN BED etc.

Credits:
<http://www.teclasap.com.br/blog/2007/04/10/preposicoes-at-x-in-x-on/>

-th pronounce

2009-07-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Geralmente colocamos a lingua entre os dentes para pronunciar o th em casos como think(lê-se fink) e também usamos a lingua no céu da boca pra palavras como these; those( lê-se 'disi', 'douse')
Veja um vídeo de um americano
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvqloyK_Byc

CLIQUE NOS LINKS ABAIXO PARA ESCUTAR A PRONÚNCIA DAS PALAVRAS:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/audio.pl?thrill03.wav=thriller
http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/audio.pl?thanky01.wav=thank-you

O verbo 'haver' no present simple(BrE)/simple present(AmE)

2009-07-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

An useful tip:

Usamos there is para acompanhar substantivos no singular
Ex: There is a box in front of you;

There are para acompanhar substantivos no plural.
Ex: There are some students in the room.

Credits:
Caio.

Main Differences between american and british english.

2009-07-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

While there are certainly many more varieties of English, American and British English are the two varieties that are taught in most ESL/EFL programs. Generally, it is agreed that no one version is "correct" however, there are certainly preferences in use. The most important rule of thumb is to try to be consistent in your usage. If you decide that you want to use American English spellings then be consistent in your spelling (i.e. The color of the orange is also its flavour - color is American spelling and flavour is British), this is of course not always easy - or possible. The following guide is meant to point out the principal differences between these two varieties of English.
Use of the Present Perfect
In British English the present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the recent past that has an effect on the present moment. For example:
I've lost my key. Can you help me look for it?In American English the following is also possible:I lost my key. Can you help me look for it?
In British English the above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are generally accepted in standard American English. Other differences involving the use of the present perfect in British English and simple past in American English include already, just and yet.
British English:
I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film
Have you finished your homework yet?

American English:
I just had lunch OR I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film OR I already saw that film.
Have your finished your homework yet? OR Did you finish your homework yet?
Possession
There are two forms to express possession in English. Have or Have got
Do you have a car?
Have you got a car?
He hasn't got any friends.
He doesn't have any friends.
She has a beautiful new home.
She's got a beautiful new home.
While both forms are correct (and accepted in both British and American English), have got (have you got, he hasn't got, etc.) is generally the preferred form in British English while most speakers of American English employ the have (do you have, he doesn't have etc.)

The Verb Get
The past participle of the verb get is gotten in American English.
Example: He's gotten much better at playing tennis.
British English - He's got much better at playing tennis.

Vocabulary
Probably the major differences between British and American English lies in the choice of vocabulary.
Some words mean different things in the two varieties for example:
Mean: (American English - angry, bad humored, British English - not generous, tight fisted)
Rubber: (American English - condom, British English - tool used to erase pencil markings)
There are many more examples (too many for me to list here). If there is a difference in usage, your dictionary will note the different meanings in its definition of the term. Many vocabulary items are also used in one form and not in the other. One of the best examples of this is the terminology used for automobiles.
American English - hoodBritish English - bonnet
American English - trunkBritish English - boot
American English - truckBritish English - lorry
Once again, your dictionary should list whether the term is used in British English or American English.
For a more complete list of the vocabulary differences between British and American English use this British vs. American English vocabulary tool.

Prepositions
There are also a few differences in preposition use including the following:
American English - on the weekendBritish English - at the weekend
American English - on a teamBritish English - in a team
American English - please write me soonBritish English - please write to me soon
Past Simple/Past Participles
The following verbs have two acceptable forms of the past simple/past participle in both American and British English, however, the irregular form is generally more common in British English (the first form of the two) and the regular form is more common to American English.
BurnBurnt OR burned
Dream dreamt OR dreamed
Lean leant OR leaned
Learn learnt OR learned
Smell smelt OR smelled
Spell spelt OR spelled
Spill spilt OR spilled
Spoil spoilt OR spoiled

Here are some general differences between British and American spellings:Words ending in -or (American) -our (British) color, colour, humor, humour, flavor, flavour etc.Words ending in -ize (American) -ise (British) recognize, recognise, patronize, patronise etc.The best way to make sure that you are being consistent in your spelling is to use the spell check on your word processor (if you are using the computer of course) and choose which variety of English you would like. As you can see, there are really very few differences between standard British English and standard American English. However, the largest difference is probably that of the choice of vocabulary and pronunciation.
<http://esl.about.com/od/toeflieltscambridge/a/dif_ambrit.htm>

Beginning or Starting... as you prefer!

2009-07-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

How To Learn English!
Here are some tips which may help you to master the English Language!
Speak without Fear
The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear. They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all. Don’t do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right. Like anything, learning English requires practice. Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.
Use all of your Resources
Even if you study English at a language school it doesn’t mean you can’t learn outside of class. Using as many different sources, methods and tools as possible, will allow you to learn faster. There are many different ways you can improve your English, so don’t limit yourself to only one or two. The internet is a fantastic resource for virtually anything, but for the language learner it's perfect.
Surround Yourself with English
The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it. Take notes in English, put English books around your room, listen to English language radio broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television. Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin “thinking in English.” .
Listen to Native Speakers as Much as Possible
There are some good English teachers that have had to learn English as a second language before they could teach it. However, there are several reasons why many of the best schools prefer to hire native English speakers. One of the reasons is that native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that students of English should try to imitate. The closer ESL / EFL students can get to this rhythm or flow, the more convincing and comfortable they will become.
Watch English Films and Television
This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective. By watching English films (especially those with English subtitles) you can expand your vocabulary and hear the flow of speech from the actors. If you listen to the news you can also hear different accents.
Listen to English Music
Music can be a very effective method of learning English. In fact, it is often used as a way of improving comprehension. The best way to learn though, is to get the lyrics (words) to the songs you are listening to and try to read them as the artist sings. There are several good internet sites where one can find the words for most songs. This way you can practice your listening and reading at the same time. And if you like to sing, fine.
Study As Often As Possible!
Only by studying things like grammar and vocabulary and doing exercises, can you really improve your knowledge of any language.
Do Exercises and Take Tests
Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun. However, by completing exercises and taking tests you can really improve your English. One of the best reasons for doing lots of exercises and tests is that they give you a benchmark to compare your future results with. Often, it is by comparing your score on a test you took yesterday with one you took a month or six months ago that you realize just how much you have learned. If you never test yourself, you will never know how much you are progressing. Start now by doing some of the many exercises and tests on this site, and return in a few days to see what you've learned. Keep doing this and you really will make some progress with English.
Record Yourself
Nobody likes to hear their own voice on tape but like tests, it is good to compare your tapes from time to time. You may be so impressed with the progress you are making that you may not mind the sound of your voice as much.
Listen to English
By this, we mean, speak on the phone or listen to radio broadcasts, audiobooks or CDs in English. This is different than watching the television or films because you can’t see the person that is speaking to you. Many learners of English say that speaking on the phone is one of the most difficult things that they do and the only way to improve is to practice.

Finally,
Have fun!

Credits:
<http://www.world-english.org/how_to_learn_english.htm>
WORLD-ENGLISH