Exercises
Posts in Think and Speak tagged ‘Exercises’
Words ending in -ly are often adverbs, but it’s a dangerous rule to follow: see if you can do better.
Adverbs (words that indicate in what manner something was done) often end with -ly, e.g. slowly, neatly, surreptitiously. However, the ending -ly is not an infallible guide to spotting adverbs. Use each of the words below in a sentence, and say what part of speech it is (e.g. adverb, adjective, noun etc.).
Choose a word from our list, and then use it in any one of the three basic types of sentence — if possible.
Use each word below in a sentence. Try to include at least one statement, one question and one command among your sentences. Note that some verbs make awkward or meaningless words of command, e.g. need, happen.
Develop your vocabulary and exercise your imagination by conjuring up a mermaid on the shore, or a train waiting at the station.
Choose one of the nouns below, and then collect as many words connected with it as you can. When you have gathered at least three words, see if you can compose an interesting scene or little story from them. You will find this much easier if you remember to include some sort of action.
Express the idea behind each of these proverbs using different words as much as you can.
On this page you will a find a selection of brief sayings, including short quotations from English literature as well as traditional proverbs. Choose a saying, and try to express the idea in different words as much as you can. In what circumstances might you use this quotation?
Minimal Pairs are pairs of words which differ by just one sound, such as Ship and Sheep. Read these pairs aloud and make the differences clear.
Read out aloud each pair of words below, making the difference in pronunciation clear but not over-exaggerated. Can you think of more pairs of words that differ in the same way?