Idiom of the Day: Spill the beans

Idiom of the Day 

spill the beans 

Example: I never tell Jimmy about any surprise parties, because he always spills the beans about everything. 

Definition: to give away private information; tell a secret 

ESL Vocabulary: Gentrification

1. Residents - noun - a person who lives somewhere permanently or for a long term basis

2. Switch - verb - change position, direction or focus of 

3. Landlord - noun - a person who rents land, a building or an apartment to a tenant 

4. Inexpensive - adjective - not costing much; cheap

5. Nightlife - social activities or entertainment available at night in a town or city 

6. Afford - verb - have enough money to pay for 

Giamo's Thoughts: Gentrification

What is gentrification? 

Gentrification is a process when local residents are forced to move out of their community. 

The reason these local residents have to move is because of an influx in more affluent residents and businesses within the community. 

Different parts of the neighborhood such as restaurants, grocery stores, housing, taxes, insurance and other things become too expensive for the local residents to afford. 

How can gentrification negatively affect people? 

There are many negative affects of gentrification such as people losing their homes, businesses having to close and children having to switch schools. 

Another negative affect of gentrification is losing the traditions and customs of the local community. When new and more affluent residents move into an area they often replace the traditions of the past with their own style. 

Who does gentrification benefit? 

The people that benefit from the process of gentrification are landlords, owners of constructions companies, members of local government and the affluent residents. 

Once the process is completed, the property value of that community will increase and allow for the local government to tax the residents at higher rates. 

Overall, the community will have improved parks, schools, roads, grocery stores because there will be more money entering into the community. 

Is gentrification a problem? 

Yes, gentrification is a problem because of the pain and suffering it can cause a lot of people who have lower incomes. 

For people who are forced to re-locate it can cause financial, emotional and in some situations physical damages. 

 

If you had to move to a new community or city where would you move? 

I would want to move to Sosua in the Dominican Republic. The climate is tropical and there are many beautiful people I would like to meet.  

More importantly the cost of living in Sosua is very inexpensive. The average monthly cost of a single bedroom apartment is around USD $250. 

Do you see gentrification happening in your community or city? 

In Miami there is a lot of gentrification that has already happened and still happening today.

 For example there is a community named Wynwood in Miami  that has two blocks of expensive restaurants and exciting nightlife, but the rest of the community is surrounded by homeless or low income people. 

ESL Grammar: Must, Have To, Have Got To

Forms of Must, Have To, Have Got To

Affirmative 

Subject + auxiliary verb + main verb 

Example: She must return to her country. They have to start university. We have got to practice harder. 

Negative ( For Must) 

Subject +  auxiliary verb + not + main verb 

Example: I must not act rashly. 

Question 

Auxiliary verb + subject + main verb 

Example: Must we leave tomorrow? Do they have to go to school today? 

Uses of Must, Have To, Have Got To 

1. These modal verbs are used to express legal obligation and/or a sense of urgency. You must act now. You have to act now. You have got to act now. 

Note: Avoid using must for personal obligations. It sounds very official and is too strong for most situations. 

Have To and Have Got To Exercise: Fill in the blanks with words that describe personal obligations

1. After class, I must __________ . 

2. This weekend, I have to _____________ . 

3. Before the next class, we've got to _________________ . 

4. Every day I have to ________________ . 

5. Once a month, I've got to ____________________ . 

6. When I'm not sure of the spelling of a word, I have to ___________________ . 

7. Before I go to sleep at night, I have to __________________ . 

8. A few times a year, I must  _____________________ . 

9. My English isn't perfect. I have to __________________ . 

10. Before I take a test, I've got to ____________________ . 

ESL Grammar: Gerunds and Infinitives

What are Gerunds and Infinitives? 

A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding "ing". 

An infinitive is the "to" form of the verb. 

When to use Gerunds or Infinitives? 

Gerunds are often used when actions are fixed, real, or completed.  I enjoy running. 

Infinitives are often used when actions are unreal, abstract or future.  She wants to bake a cake. 

Explain the Difference 

I remembered to take my coat. 

I remember taking my coat. 

Gerunds and Infinitives Exercise 

1. I often go _______ on a Saturday night. ( A. Dancing  B. To Dance ) 

2. When I finish ______ this letter, I'll come and help you.  ( A. Writing B. To Write ) 

3. I am planning _______ a new laptop soon. ( A. Buying B. To Buy)

4. I need ______ at least eight hours a night.  (A. Sleeping B. To Sleep) 

5. I want  ______ to London next year. (A. Moving B. To Move) 

6. Would you consider _______ the speech at our anniversary party? (A. Giving B. To Give) 

7. She avoids ______ in the rain. (A. Walking B. To Walk) 

8. Emily promised ________ all her vegetables. (A. Eating B. To Eat) 

9. I don't mind ______ if you don't want to. (A. Calling B. To Call) 

10. You need to practice ______ (A. Listening B. To Listen) 

ESL Vocabulary: Giamo's Gender Role Thoughts

ESL Vocabulary: Gender Roles 

1. Misogyny - noun - dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women 

2. Superior - adjective - higher in rank, status or quality 

3. Patriarchal - adjective - a system of society or government where the men hold the power 

4. Elderly - adjective - an old or aging person 

5. Athlete - noun - a person who is good in sports and other forms of physical exercise 

6. Traditional - adjective - existing in or as part of a tradition; long established

Idiom of the Day: Out of Pocket

Idiom of the Day 

out of pocket 

Example: I felt like it was out of pocket for Mary to insult her sister so harshly. 

Definition: to say or do something that is inappropriate