Fill in the Blanks in English Try this fill in the blanks essay exercise to improve your English writing skills. Here is an essay responding to a statement given, where you are required to give your views and opinion on a subject. Fill each blank space with a single word to comeplete this sample essay about protecting animals. Each missing word is either: a relative pronoun and, but, or an auxiliary verb You can check your answers at the end of the essay. Fill in the Blanks Essay Excercise Many people think that we spend too much money on the protection of animals and other species which are endangered and that it would be better if we spent more money on looking after people who need help on our planet instead. What is your opinion on this statement? Answer Whether you love animals 1. _____ hate them, they play an important role in our ecosystem. Losing even a tiny insect species could have a very large impact on us all. Fo...

English Grammar | Using a comma with discourse markers To summarize, it's clear that renewable energy sources are vital for future sustainability. [correct] To summarize it's clear that renewable energy sources are vital for future sustainability. [incorrect] Considering for instance, the adoption of electric vehicles. [incorrect] Considering, for instance, the adoption of electric vehicles. [correct] Discourse markers Discourse markers are words or phrases that help connect ideas in a text. They are usually set apart from the rest of the text with commas. Typically , a comma follows a phrase or adverb that introduces a sentence. Furthermore , many individuals experience discrimination in their workplace. Conversely , the rate of unemployment has decreased. In conclusion , it's necessary for local councils to evaluate the expenses associated with recycling programs. Regrettably , all the tickets were sold out. Likewise , animals that live o...

Prepositions to describe statistics " border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3a7b4CVsC7CtFUuWrbtriJcyuC538osQKbEMNQc9v9w_LGtBTgPvcq8ucxEy_8vagXJ_g4sZvaxvfgLOQZTgNoYb7Nvh7PoFi0_ESUOnnoxq-Nbq4tqL6vnO9ApCsAzT7KbRg0olXko2XzYS0Q_POChKUO5YJ83qICNwCTKM9z6uQFuZEWJ_n17JBAQTr/s1600/prepositions%20for%20describing%20graphs%20and%20statistics.png"/> Describing Statistics in English | Describing Data, Tables, Graphs, Information Let's delve into some essential prepositions used when describing statistics, complete with examples and explanations for each: Prepositions to describe statistics On : This preposition is used when referring to specific dates or days. Example: "On December 1st, the company saw a 20% increase in sales." Here, 'on' is used to indicate the specific day when the increase occurred. In : This is use...

Home   >    English Grammar   >   How do you describe trends & graphs using prepositions? Describing trends and graphs with prepositions Discover how to describe trends in graphs using prepositions correctly! Examples There has been an increase in the number of people aged over thirty. [ ✓ ] There has been an increase of the number of people aged over thirty. [ ✗ ] Between 1990 and 2000, there was a drop 15%. [ ✗ ] Between 1990 and 2000, there was a drop of 15%. [ ✓ ] We can express a specific trend or change using a noun + in + a noun phrase describing what has changed: a(n) plunge / dip / reduction / plummet / surge / hike / drop, etc. in something Describing Trends in Graphs Examples There has been a significant plunge in the stock market . The data reveals a noteworthy dip in customer satisfaction . When we talk about a chang...

Complex Sentences Are you tired of writing simple, bland sentences? Do you want to take your writing to the next level by mastering complex sentence structures? If so, read on! In this blog post, we will teach you how to make complex sentences in your writing. By following our tips and techniques, you will be able to write better in English and create more interesting and engaging sentences that will impress! How to write a complex sentence structure using a clause Here is an example sentence related to a typical writing topic – traffic congestion. Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion because it allows traffic to move more easily. Sentence analysis There are two main parts to this simple sentence: the problem (traffic congestion) and the solution (building wider roads). Why is writing complex sentences an important skill? For example, in the IELTS Writing Test, if you want to score band 6 then you need to “use a mix of simple and complex senten...

English Grammar | More ways of comparing We use less / the least to mean the opposite of more / the most You might imagine that the General Training IELTS test would be less difficult to pass. The morning I sat my exam was probably the least enjoyable time I've ever head. We can add emphasis with words like even , far , a great deal , a little , a lot , much + comparative: A reading comprehension test requires much greater concentration than simply reading a book. In formal English with words like slightly , considerably , significantly + comparative: The number of exam candidates in 2013 is significantly higher than that for the year 2012. The number of women sitting Academic IELTS to enter into higher education is only slightly lower than the number of men. We cannot use very with comparatives (not the number of women was very lower ). We can say two things are the same or similar with as + adjective / adverb + as : My exam preparation course i...

Present Simple Here are some typical uses and examples showing how we form the present simple tense in English grammar. Present Simple for permanent or long-lasting situations The IELTS exam has four different sections. Over 1.5 million people take the IELTS exam every year. IELTS is administered by the British Council, IDP Australia and Cambridge University. Present Simple for regular habits and daily routines IELTS exams are usually on Saturdays, in the morning. She studies for her IELTS exam every evening after work. When are the IELTS test results available? Present Simple for facts You need IELTS to study at a University in the UK. What does 'Band 9' mean in IELTS? There isn't any extra time to transfer answers at the end of the IELTS Reading exam. Present Simple for feelings I hate having to prepare for IELTS. She loves learning new expressions she can use in her IELTS writing. Why are you worried? I don't want to fail my IELTS exam! Present Sim...

English Grammar | Verb Collocations They have made a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [correct] They have achieved a lot of progress in improving working conditions. [incorrect] Poor diet in childhood can have a long-term effect on health. [correct] Poor diet in childhood can leave a long-term effect on health. [incorrect] There are many common verb + noun combinations [colocations] in English: make progress : I think the team have made progress this season . make an impression : It is important to make a good first impression . make a difference : We believe we can make a difference to children's lives . make someone | something happy, comfortable, effective etc.: She made her mother very happy with her gift . They put a cushion on the chair to make it more comfortable . With a few changes they made the process much more efficient . have an effect : This incident will have a negative effect on tourism . have time : Retired...

English Grammar | how to use verbs to describe statistics The birth rate has reduced over the past ten years. [incorrect] The birth rate has dropped over the past ten years. [correct] The graph shows a rise in the number of accidents involving cyclists. [correct] The graph represents a rise in the number of accidents involving cyclists. [incorrect] Common verbs used to describe graphs, charts and diagrams include: The chart/graph shows levels of post-school education in four countries. The diagram illustrates/represents the structure of the political system. The chart/graph compares average working hours in the USA and Europe. We can see from the chart/graph that the number of visitors peaks in August. Common verbs to describe figures and statistics include: The statistics/figures suggest that people in rural areas are healthier. The figure will increase further, reaching 6 million in 2020. Demand rose by 48% in just 2 years. [not raised by 48%] Time spe...

English Grammar | how to use adjectives and adverbs This difference can be explained quite easy . [incorrect] This difference can be explained quite easily . [correct] It is clearly that people without money do not have as much freedom. [incorrect] It is clear that people without money do not have as much freedom. [correct] Adjectives are used to describe a noun: Today life is very complicated . (complicated describes the noun life ) To describe a whole idea or situation, we can use: It is + adjective + that-clause or It is + adjective + to + infinitive : It is essential that you bring back all of your books before the end of term. It is important to begin studying several weeks before the exam. Adverbs can be used to describe a verb: We must act quickly . (quickly describes the verb act ) or an adjective : This chart is significantly different . (not significant different) ( significantly is an adverb describing the adjective different ). We use adverbs such a...

English Grammar | how to use passive verbs Many people have been died because of this disease. [incorrect] Many people have died because of this disease. [correct] This data took from 1982 and 1992. [incorrect] This data was taken from 1982 and 1992. [correct] With active verbs we usually use the following order: subject + verb + object . We use the passive when we want to put the object of the verb first: object + verb . Compare: The teacher told the students to close their books. = active (subject + verb + object) The students were told to close their books. = passive (object + verb) We use the passive: • when we want to make the object the focus of the sentence: The books were sold for a small profit at the school. (the focus is on the books, not the person selling them) Note that the verb (were) agrees with the object (the books). • when the context tells us who carried out the action: A law was introduced to help protect people in this situation. (we k...

English Grammar - Prepositions of time and place I will start my course on June .[incorrect] I will start my course in June . [correct] I am going in London next year. [incorrect] I am going to London next year. [correct] We use in with a year , month or part of the day , but on with a day or date : I came to Australia in 1988 . His birthday is in August . We'll have the meeting in the afternoon. We arrived on Thursday 1st October . Christmas Day is on December 25 . (= date) We use at with a time and with the weekend and night : Lets meet at the weekend . Are you free on Sunday at 8:00 ? I usually study late at night . We use for to talk about a length of time: I have lived in Australia for 18 years . The meeting lasted for 3 hours - it was too long. We use in with cities , countries and places to say where something is or happened: I met my husband in London . My best friend lives in Switzerland . We were in the park when the fire started. W...

How to use auxiliary verbs correctly in English Why they think this? [incorrect] Why do they think this? [correct] I not agree with this idea. [incorrect I do not agree with this idea. [correct] Do , be and have are called auxiliary verbs . This means that they help to change the main verb. Do is used with the infinitive to make negatives or questions: I don't agree. (not I not agree ) Do you agree? (not Are you agree? ) Do can be used with other question words: Why do you agree? (not Why you agree? ) Be is used with -ing verb forms to make the continuous tenses: I am studying English in Cambridge. (not I studying English ) Have is used with the past participle of the verb to make the perfect tenses: I have been here for three months. (not I am been here or I been here ) The auxiliary verb must agree with the subject of the verb: Does your mother drink tea? (not Do your mother drink tea? ) We make questions and negatives without do if anothe...