MARTIN
EAYRS
Manchester, UK
Phrasal Verbs
Set 1 (questions/answers)
Set 2 (questions/answers)
Set 3 (questions/answers)
Collocations
Set 1 (questions/answers)
Set 2 (questions/answers)
Vocabulary
Set 1 (questions/answers)
Set 2 (questions/answers)
Wordbuilding
Set 1 (questions/answers)
Set 2 (questions/answers)
Idiomatic expressions
Set 1 (questions/answers)
Set 2 (questions/answers)
Set 3 (questions/answers)
Function, Style and Register
Set 1 (questions/answers)
Miscellaneous
Set 1 (questions/answers)
Set 2 (questions/answers)
These categories are somewhat arbitrary, and there is some overlap.
English is generally considered an easy language to learn up to intermediate level and very hard at the upper end. Teachers of and translators into English around the world often have what amounts to a love affair with the language, and are conscious of lingering doubts and lacunae and concerned to do something about them. They may have neither the time for nor interest in any formal study programme, but would be interested in something they can dip into, use as a reference or follow in a vaguely systematic fashion.
These pages have that intention. My aim is simply to provide practice in advanced language use - formal and informal – and to present this in the form of user-friendly games, puzzles and exercises. I have concentrated on areas that I know continue to be problematic for the advanced (C1/C2+) learner. These include register, collocations, idiomatic English (including phrasal verbs), word building and various other aspects of syntax and lexis. And yes, I accept requests.
I have provided the texts below as simple PDF files that can be read on screen, downloaded and/or printed. Anyone is free to use these alone or with others, and I waive all copyright on these. If you would like to be informed when new content is added you can leave your email in the box at the foot of this page. Enjoy, and please feel free to share.
If you are interested in classes or workshops in Advanced English, perhaps CPE or English for Academic purposes, please follow this link, or email me here.
Other articles
In a dim and distant past I wrote a number of articles for different publications, mainly aimed at teachers of English in Argentina, where I lived for some twenty-five years. They should in principle, however, be of interest to teachers or translators anywhere
I shall slowly go through these old writings and from time to time put some of them up here. I have maintained copyright of this material and am happy to offer everything below free and without restriction. Once again, please feel free to share.
Some starter articles - more to follow,
• Some differences between US and UK English -
Part 1: Grammar
• Some differences between US and UK English -
Part 2: Punctuation
• Some differences between US and UK English -
Part 3: Vocabulary
• Some differences between US and UK English -
Part 4: Spelling
• Some differences between US and UK English -
Part 5: Pronunciation