Everyday English (Elementary)
Topic: Weekends
Lesson Notes March 18, 2025 (Elementary)
Words & Phrases
I was busy yesterday and the day before. (= the day before yesterday, two days ago)
During hay fever season, I use eye drops three times a day. (Use ‘eye drops’ rather than ‘drops’ for clarity)
I am going to watch my ballet instructor perform on stage tomorrow. (NOT watch my ballet instructor’s stage tomorrow)
‘Perform’ (verb); To carry out an action or task, or to entertain an audience through actions like acting, singing, or playing music.
He will perform on stage at the concert tonight. (‘On stage’ usually means at a theatre)
She will perform at a community centre next week.
The doctor will perform the surgery tomorrow morning.
The team needs to perform well to win the match.
We are going to have the last joint practice before our next event.
I taught ninth-grade girls for their high school entrance exams.
Use ‘grade’ for school years from elementary through high school
“She is in grade six.”
“I’m teaching tenth-grade students this semester.”
“He skipped a grade and is now in the fifth grade.”
Use ‘year’ for university.”
“She’s in her second year of university.”
“I’ll be graduating in my final year."
“He’s starting his first year at college this fall.”
Appropriate Language
“Take” (verb) is used for medicines that are swallowed.
“You should take this pill with water.”
“I need to take my medication before dinner.”
“She takes her vitamins every morning.”
“Use” (verb) is for medicines that are applied to the eyes, ears, or nose.
“Please use the eye drops twice a day.”
“He used ear drops to relieve the pain.”
“You should use this nasal spray before bedtime.”
Weekends
Section 5
1 I often go meet my friends.
2 I never go far on the weekends.
4 I rarely do (any) stretching before bed.
I rarely stretch before bed.
I rarely do any intense exercise before bed..
5 I sometimes meet a friend.
6 I never stay up late on Sunday nights. (NOT never do stay up)
7 I have a smoothie for breakfast. (We typically “have” a smoothie rather than “eat” it)
I don’t go to places that are crowded.
Three-Sentence Weekend Stories
They looked like they were enjoying the first cherry blossoms.
They looked like art students.
After that we went driving to Jogashima which is in decline.
‘In decline’ (phrase); Becoming weaker, less successful, or decreasing in quality or quantity.
The company has been in decline for the past few years.
His health is in decline due to old age.
The use of landline phones is in decline as more people switch to mobile devices.
Last Monday, I met my family at my mother’s house. My son and his wife came back from California because she is pregnant. The baby is due in August.
