Language is constantly changing and growing. Once you have got the hang of state verbs, they change their meanings; the moment you allow yourself to think you are good at topical vocabulary, a hundred new terms are coined. At our school, we never stop learning and teaching modern language shifts: our goal is to show the relevance of grammar in everyday communication.
Today, we are excited to share one of the changing trends in English grammar – the usage of get-passives, to be precise. You may have already noticed that get-passives appear more often in everyday language, especially in personal narratives, interviews, and social media.
Both get-passives and causative forms are included in the curriculum of our upcoming three-month course: Breaking Bounds, where we examine them more thoroughly and dig deeper in the subtleties of their use.
Take a look at how get-passives are used in different contexts and complete the Key Word Transformation exercise with these structures.
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words, including the word given.
Answer key:1 got fired after the audit 2 got themselves involved 3 will get the negotiations wrapped up
Today, we are excited to share one of the changing trends in English grammar – the usage of get-passives, to be precise. You may have already noticed that get-passives appear more often in everyday language, especially in personal narratives, interviews, and social media.
Both get-passives and causative forms are included in the curriculum of our upcoming three-month course: Breaking Bounds, where we examine them more thoroughly and dig deeper in the subtleties of their use.
Take a look at how get-passives are used in different contexts and complete the Key Word Transformation exercise with these structures.
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words, including the word given.
Answer key:
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It’s been a while since I last shared any materials on exam preparation here. Recently, our team has mostly focused on advanced language development, and if you scroll through the feed, you’ll see it’s largely articles, vocabulary highlights, and the occasional glimpse into school life.
But exams are at the heart of AEE.
And today, as I was lazily browsing through an archive of old PDFs (with very little enthusiasm, I must admit) I opened a former CPE Use of English booklet. To say that I was suddenly full of beans within seconds would be an understatement — I had stumbled upon a task I hadn’t seen in years.
In 2013, Cambridge decided to abolish the Trios, the famous gapped sentences task. It used to test lexical depth, grammatical flexibility, and collocational awareness. In my not-so-humble opinion, that wasn’t a particularly wise decision. Some claimed the task was too difficult, but it was never about obscure or highfalutin vocabulary. It was about range and flexibility — qualities that are non-negotiable at C2.
So, without wasting a moment, I decided to create a few tasks for you, based on the vocabulary from the article we read together last week.
I hope you enjoy them. Share your answers in the comments, and let me know whether this old-but-gold format still has its charm.
Because to me, it felt like meeting a dear friend again.
But exams are at the heart of AEE.
And today, as I was lazily browsing through an archive of old PDFs (with very little enthusiasm, I must admit) I opened a former CPE Use of English booklet. To say that I was suddenly full of beans within seconds would be an understatement — I had stumbled upon a task I hadn’t seen in years.
In 2013, Cambridge decided to abolish the Trios, the famous gapped sentences task. It used to test lexical depth, grammatical flexibility, and collocational awareness. In my not-so-humble opinion, that wasn’t a particularly wise decision. Some claimed the task was too difficult, but it was never about obscure or highfalutin vocabulary. It was about range and flexibility — qualities that are non-negotiable at C2.
So, without wasting a moment, I decided to create a few tasks for you, based on the vocabulary from the article we read together last week.
I hope you enjoy them. Share your answers in the comments, and let me know whether this old-but-gold format still has its charm.
Because to me, it felt like meeting a dear friend again.
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Urgent! I’ve noticed that Cambridge is lagging. Is it just me, or are you experiencing the same issue? Or has destiny finally spoken and it’s time for us to turn to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary instead?
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Dear language enthusiasts,
If you are still contemplating joining one of our courses, you are in for a treat: there are still spots available in two groups of our upcoming Breaking Bounds course.
Enrol today!
If you are still contemplating joining one of our courses, you are in for a treat: there are still spots available in two groups of our upcoming Breaking Bounds course.
Enrol today!
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I have always loved Maslenitsa.
Mainly because blini – I refuse to call them crepes – have occupied a special place in my heart (and stomach) for as long as I can remember. Though now I have to defrost them instead of eating them freshly baked, I still immensely enjoy the holiday.
That being said, the vast amount of carbs is not the only reason for my loving this week.
Pagan traditions, which are at the root of this very holiday, are forever fascinating to me, if a bit… shall I say unusual? Eerie? Perhaps creepy? Whether you are amazed or irked by, say, the burning of an effigy, we cannot deny how memorable such an occasion is. That is why today I’m thrilled to share an article dedicated to several holidays that are no less interesting and no less creepy.
Every culture welcomes spring in its own unique way – give the piece a read and enjoy fun facts about these festivities, as well as superb vocabulary and the author’s razor-sharp wit.
Quizlet
Mainly because blini – I refuse to call them crepes – have occupied a special place in my heart (and stomach) for as long as I can remember. Though now I have to defrost them instead of eating them freshly baked, I still immensely enjoy the holiday.
That being said, the vast amount of carbs is not the only reason for my loving this week.
Pagan traditions, which are at the root of this very holiday, are forever fascinating to me, if a bit… shall I say unusual? Eerie? Perhaps creepy? Whether you are amazed or irked by, say, the burning of an effigy, we cannot deny how memorable such an occasion is. That is why today I’m thrilled to share an article dedicated to several holidays that are no less interesting and no less creepy.
Every culture welcomes spring in its own unique way – give the piece a read and enjoy fun facts about these festivities, as well as superb vocabulary and the author’s razor-sharp wit.
Quizlet
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A few days ago, we shared an 📄 article about Maslenitsa, packed with carefully selected vocabulary. We extracted the most vivid and useful expressions and compiled them into a Quizlet set for you.
Today, it’s time to test how well you’ve absorbed them.
Shortly, we’ll publish a poll in the feed where you’ll need to choose the best definition for each word.
To take the practice further, write your own sentences using the target vocabulary in the comments. And don’t forget to keep track of your score - shout out if you get 8 out of 8.
Today, it’s time to test how well you’ve absorbed them.
Shortly, we’ll publish a poll in the feed where you’ll need to choose the best definition for each word.
To take the practice further, write your own sentences using the target vocabulary in the comments. And don’t forget to keep track of your score - shout out if you get 8 out of 8.
Telegram
Advanced English and Exams (B2, C1, C2)
I have always loved Maslenitsa.
Mainly because blini – I refuse to call them crepes – have occupied a special place in my heart (and stomach) for as long as I can remember. Though now I have to defrost them instead of eating them freshly baked, I still…
Mainly because blini – I refuse to call them crepes – have occupied a special place in my heart (and stomach) for as long as I can remember. Though now I have to defrost them instead of eating them freshly baked, I still…
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As winter shadows recede, villages revive long-dormant rituals and rivalries.
In this sentence, the word recede means:
In this sentence, the word recede means:
Anonymous Quiz
84%
disappear gradually
8%
return violently
4%
freeze permanently
5%
spread unpredictably
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The festival retains its distinctly pagan undertones despite modern sponsorship.
In this sentence, the word pagan means:
In this sentence, the word pagan means:
Anonymous Quiz
3%
commercialised
89%
non-Christian or pre-Christian
3%
officially sanctioned
5%
politically radical
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The parade exploded in a profusion of masks, lanterns and improvised satire.
In this sentence, the word profusion means:
In this sentence, the word profusion means:
Anonymous Quiz
16%
rehearsed performance
4%
carefully measured display
4%
shortage
75%
abundant quantity
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Officials attempted to brush off concerns about the festival’s unruly excesses.
In this sentence, the phrase brush off means:
In this sentence, the phrase brush off means:
Anonymous Quiz
2%
publicly celebrate
86%
ignore or dismiss casually
9%
investigate thoroughly
3%
exaggerate deliberately
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Revellers wielded flaming torches as symbols of renewal and defiance.
In this sentence, the word wielded means:
In this sentence, the word wielded means:
Anonymous Quiz
4%
carelessly dropped
7%
secretly concealed
85%
skillfully handled or used
4%
reluctantly abandoned
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A towering beehive of braided hair crowned the performer’s elaborate costume.
In this sentence, the word beehive means:
In this sentence, the word beehive means:
Anonymous Quiz
3%
a woven basket
5%
a decorative lantern
6%
a ceremonial helmet
86%
a tightly structured hairstyle
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The ritual persists with surprising vigour, despite decades of regulation.
In this sentence, the word vigour means:
In this sentence, the word vigour means:
Anonymous Quiz
7%
reluctance
8%
confusion
82%
energy and force
3%
financial backing
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Much of the celebration’s appeal lies in its intangible sense of collective memory.
In this sentence, the word intangible means:
In this sentence, the word intangible means:
Anonymous Quiz
93%
invisible but deeply felt
2%
legally protected
4%
physically fragile
1%
recently invented
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This week, we shared an article exploring some of Europe’s strangest and most chaotic traditions used to welcome the arrival of spring. From masked figures and symbolic violence to noisy parades and ritualised disorder, these customs reveal how communities have historically marked the end of winter and the beginning of renewal.
Building on this fascinating topic, we’ve created a new ✨ speaking pack ✨. It includes discussion questions based on the article, opportunities to explore spring traditions from different cultures, and a structured exam-style speaking task. What a nice way to kick off this spring with your study buddy!
Building on this fascinating topic, we’ve created a new ✨ speaking pack ✨. It includes discussion questions based on the article, opportunities to explore spring traditions from different cultures, and a structured exam-style speaking task. What a nice way to kick off this spring with your study buddy!
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The automaker ____ a programme to improve the recyclability of its automobiles at the end of their useful life.
Which line contains only verbs that are appropriate to use in the sentence?
Which line contains only verbs that are appropriate to use in the sentence?
Anonymous Quiz
70%
launched – established – initiated – introduced
14%
commenced – launched – originated – instituted
6%
generated – established – began – produced
10%
launched – constructed – started – instituted
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Sofia: I remember that the decision to end my seven-year-old relationship did not come easily to me. That was not due to the amount of time I put in — though the fact that my failed love story was practically a second-grader did discourage me — but the fear that I would never find anyone else ready to date not only me but also the army of demons my twisted mind possessed (and still does). My demons and I, unfortunately, come as a package deal.
Yet post-breakup I found out that boyfriends are not that hard to come by. Sure, the quality of candidates may lack at times, but Moscow still has its share of decent enough guys to go out with.
What proved truly difficult to find in my not-so-early thirties is not romance but sincere, deep friendships. Mona Chalabi, an award-winning writer and a host of a ‘Am I Normal?’ podcast, agrees. The video I picked to base my lesson materials on addresses this very question (how to make friends when you’re a grown-up) and raises even a more interesting one (how to keep friends we already have). Take a look — I promise you, it will be well worth your while!
Today, I have shared a personal storyno one asked for yet again. Since you have suffered through another one of my pensive pieces, you definitely deserve a treat. And I have just that for you: a set of speaking tasks based on the video and a quizlet set with interesting vocabulary from this same episode. Hope you enjoy!
P.S. I know I don’t say it enough but I am grateful for each every one of my friends. Who else would agree to hang out with my demons so much?
👩🏫 Quizlet
💻 Video
Yet post-breakup I found out that boyfriends are not that hard to come by. Sure, the quality of candidates may lack at times, but Moscow still has its share of decent enough guys to go out with.
What proved truly difficult to find in my not-so-early thirties is not romance but sincere, deep friendships. Mona Chalabi, an award-winning writer and a host of a ‘Am I Normal?’ podcast, agrees. The video I picked to base my lesson materials on addresses this very question (how to make friends when you’re a grown-up) and raises even a more interesting one (how to keep friends we already have). Take a look — I promise you, it will be well worth your while!
Today, I have shared a personal story
P.S. I know I don’t say it enough but I am grateful for each every one of my friends. Who else would agree to hang out with my demons so much?
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