Despite / in spite of / although

In spite of, despite and although are all used to show a contrast but there are differences in the structures used with them. Have a look at this link to know how to use them appropriately. An exercise is included so that you can practise.

Especially or specially?

Don't  you know when to use one or the other? Have a look at this entry of the Oxford Dictionary. It may fill in a few blanks.

The smallest car in the world

Do you know which is the smallest car in the world? Watch the video to find out. Below the video you'll find some questions about the clip.

1. How long in inches is the Peel P50? And how wide?

2. Where was it built?

3. How much does it cost?

4. What are some of the drawbacks (desventajas) of the Peel P50?

5. What does Jeremy say its top speed probably is?

6. What are its conveniences (comodidades)?

7. How many doors does it have?

8. What happens when John Humphries visits the Top Gear office?

9. Where does Jeremy drive next?

10. What does he ask Fiona (the lady in the lift) to do?

11. Which gear does the Peel P50 not have?

How to form the comparative and superlative

Have a look at this entry of the Oxford Dictionary to know how to form the comparative and superlative of adjectives.

You will also find the entry of this blog very helpful.

Farther or further?

What is the correct form of the comparative of far? Find out what the Cambridge Dictionary says about it.

Clip of the week: The Hunger Games 3

This week on Video Booster you can enjoy a clip of the movie The Hunger Games 3. Katnis Everdeen discovers that Peeta is alive.

Poverty and employment

Watch the video and choose the correct option.

1. Leila Janah is founder of
a. an NGO             b. a charity organization        c. a company
2. She spent
a. 10 years living in poor countries    b. 17 years in Ghana       c. some years visiting poor countries
3. Samasource
a. is based on the use of internet       b. was first established in India     c. started working for a firm
4. Samasource
a. is based in San Francisco     b. has branches in San Francisco    c. has no fixed headquarters
5. Samasource collaborates with 16
a. countries              b. companies                       c. centres
6. Samasource began in
a. 2005                     b. 2008                                c. 2009
7. Samasource helps
a. 1,500 people        b. 1,000,000 people             c. 50,000 women

Answers (select this line to see them): 1a, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6b, 7a

Student money

Are you a student living away from home? Do you find yourself living on a tight budget? Listen to these UK students and find out their top tips for saving money. Put the tips in the order you hear them.
a. London is great because of the diversity of people you can meet.
b. You can earn extra money by giving lessons.
c. Try not to buy things suddenly without thinking.
d. You can watch films at home instead of going to the cinema.
e. It is possible to spend most of your money getting to and from university.
f. Even though you go out a lot, you can save money by not buying alcohol or tobacco.
g. If you study away from home, you have to pay for accommodation, study materials and entertainment.
h. You can save money by buying clothes from your home country.

If you want to check the answers, click here.