Advanced English Lesson: British Fashion Designers

Grammar included: ‘Received Pronunciation’ and ‘The Correct Pronunciation of “ED” in a regular verb.

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Remember that during the lesson we are continuing our RP practice to be able to improve our pronunciation and diction.

READING (Concentrate on your pronunciation of the ‘ed’ sounds. You will find the ‘ed’ lesson at the end of this English lesson.

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At the end of this English lesson you will find the rules to using the perfect tenses with examples

SECTION ONE (READING)

NEW VOCABULARY:

  • Avant-garde

    • Meaning: New, unusual, and experimental ideas, especially in the arts or fashion.
    • Example Sentence: Alexander McQueen was known for his avant-garde fashion designs that often pushed the boundaries of conventional aesthetics.
    • Provide a sentence using the word, in the sentence include a perfect tense example.
    • Write a sentence using this word, in the sentence use an example of a perfect tense.
  • Couture

    • Meaning: High-end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high-quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail.
    • Example Sentence: Vivienne Westwood’s couture collections are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship and luxurious materials
    • Provide a sentence using the word, in the sentence include a perfect tense example.
    • Write a sentence using this word, in the sentence use an example of a perfect tense.
  • Eclectic

    • Meaning: Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
    • Example Sentence: The eclectic style of Stella McCartney blends traditional tailoring with innovative materials and contemporary designs.
    • Provide a sentence using the word, in the sentence include a perfect tense example.
    • Write a sentence using this word, in the sentence use an example of a perfect tense.
  • Quintessential

    • Meaning: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
    • Example Sentence: Burberry is the quintessential British fashion brand, renowned for its iconic trench coats and classic check patterns.
    • Provide a sentence using the word, in the sentence include a perfect tense example.
    • Write a sentence using this word, in the sentence use an example of a perfect tense.
  • Tailoring

    • Meaning: The activity or trade of a tailor; the skill of making, altering, or adapting clothes to fit a particular individual.
    • Example Sentence: Savile Row in London is synonymous with bespoke tailoring, attracting clients from around the world who seek perfectly fitted suits.
    • Provide a sentence using the word, in the sentence include a perfect tense example.
    • Write a sentence using this word, in the sentence use an example of a perfect tense.

INTRODUCTION:

The Icons of British Fashion: Five Legendary Designers

When it comes to fashion, British designers have made a significant impact on the global stage, they have been known for their unique styles and innovative approaches. In this English lesson, we explore five of the most important British clothes designers, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry.

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary.  https://translate.google.co.uk/

1. Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen, often dubbed theenfant terrible” of British fashion, is celebrated for his bold, boundary-pushing designs. His work has been characterized by a combination of romantic yet dark aesthetics, often incorporating elements of nature and historical references. McQueen’s ability to blend impeccable tailoring with an avant-garde approach has made him a favourite among celebrities and fashion aficionados alike. His dramatic fashion shows, such as the iconic 1999 “No. 13” show featuring robotic arms spray-painting a dress on the runway, have cemented his reputation as a true visionary. Sadly, he committed suicide in 2010. https://www.alexandermcqueen.com/en-gb

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary.  https://translate.google.co.uk/

VIDEO:

QUESTIONS:

          1. What is a hemline? You may need to Google the meaning.
          2. What period was Mary Quant designing clothes?
          3. What two fashion icons did Mary design?

2. Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood is a name synonymous with punk fashion and rebellion. Rising to fame in the 1970s, Westwood’s designs are known for their bold prints, unconventional cuts, and a flair for the dramatic. She was a key figure in bringing punk style into mainstream fashion, with her designs often challenging societal norms. Westwood’s influence extends beyond fashion; she is a passionate activist, using her platform to raise awareness about climate change and human rights issues. Her ability to infuse political statements into her work has made her a powerful voice in both fashion and activism.  https://www.viviennewestwood.com/

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/  

3. Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney is renowned for her commitment to sustainable fashion and animal rights. A pioneer in eco-friendly design, McCartney’s collections are free from leather and fur, demonstrating that luxury can be achieved without compromising ethical standards. Her style is often described as effortlessly chic, with a focus on clean lines and timeless elegance. McCartney’s dedication to sustainability has garnered her a loyal following and positioned her as a leader in the movement towards environmentally conscious fashion.  https://www.stellamccartney.com/

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary.  https://translate.google.co.uk/

4. Burberry (Thomas Burberry)

Thomas Burberry, the founder of the iconic brand Burberry, revolutionized outerwear with the invention of gabardine fabric, a durable and waterproof material. This innovation led to the creation of the classic trench coat, a staple in fashion that remains popular to this day. Burberry’s designs are synonymous with British heritage, characterized by their timeless elegance and practicality. The brand’s signature check pattern has become a symbol of luxury and sophistication, cementing Burberry’s status as a cornerstone of British fashion.  https://uk.burberry.com/

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary.  https://translate.google.co.uk

5. Mary Quant

Mary Quant is credited with popularizing the miniskirt, a defining garment of the 1960s fashion scene. Her playful and youthful designs captured the spirit of the “Swinging Sixties,” a time of cultural revolution and liberation. Quant’s use of bold colours, geometric patterns, and innovative materials made her a favourite among the younger generation. Her ability to create accessible and fashionable clothing for everyday women helped democratize fashion, making it more inclusive and fun.  https://www.maryquant.co.uk/company/profile.html 

In conclusion, these five British designers have each made unique contributions to the world of fashion, shaping trends and influencing generations. Their innovative styles and commitment to pushing boundaries continue to inspire and captivate fashion lovers around the globe.  https://www.maryquant.co.uk/    

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary.  https://translate.google.co.uk

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SECTION TWO    (REVISION)

How to pronounce the ‘ed’ sounds in regular verbs.

 

‘ED’ practice text

In this text remember that we are practicing our RP but at the same time we are going to practice how to pronounce the ‘ed’ in regular verbs. Here is an explanation.

In English, the pronunciation of the past tense suffix “-ed” varies and is determined by the final sound of the root verb:

1. /t/ Sound: We use this sound when the root verb ends in voiceless consonants (except for /t/), such as /p/, /k/, /s/, /ʃ/ (sh), /ʧ / (ch), and /f/. For example:
– “walk” becomes “walked” and is pronounced as /wa: kt/
– “laugh” becomes “laughed” and is pronounced as /laugh: ft/

2. /d/ Sound: We use this sound with root verbs ending in voiced sounds, which include all vowel sounds and voiced consonants (except for /d/), such as /b/, /g/, /v/, / z/, etc. For example:
– “call” becomes “called” and is pronounced as /ca lld/
– “rob” becomes “robbed” and is pronounced as /rob bd/

3. /ɪd/ or just /d/ Sound: We use this sound distinctly when the root verb ends in either a /t/ or a /d/. This additional syllable makes it easier to pronounce. For example:
– “want” becomes “wanted” and is pronounced as /ˈwant: id/
– “need” becomes “needed” and is pronounced as /ˈneed: id/

ANSWERS:

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Here is a comprehensive guide to the grammar rules for all of the perfect tenses in English, along with examples:

Present Perfect Tense

Rule: The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that occurred at an unspecified time in the past or an action that began in the past and continues in the present. It is formed by using the present tense of the auxiliary verb “have” (have/has) followed by the past participle of the main verb.

Structure:

  • Subject + have/has + past participle

Examples:

  • I have eaten breakfast. (Action at an unspecified time in the past)
  • She has lived here for five years. (Action that began in the past and continues in the present)

Past Perfect Tense

Rule: The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that was completed before another action or time in the past. It is formed by using the past tense of the auxiliary verb “have” (had) followed by the past participle of the main verb.

Structure:

  • Subject + had + past participle

Examples:

  • I had finished my homework before the movie started. (Action completed before another action)
  • They had left by the time I arrived. (Action completed before another action)

Future Perfect Tense

Rule: The future perfect tense is used to describe an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future. It is formed by using “will have” followed by the past participle of the main verb.

Structure:

  • Subject + will have + past participle

Examples:

  • I will have finished my project by tomorrow. (Action that will be completed before a specific future time)
  • She will have traveled to five countries by the end of the year. (Action that will be completed before a specific future time)

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Rule: The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and has continued up until now, often with an emphasis on the duration. It is formed by using “have/has been” followed by the present participle (verb + ing).

Structure:

  • Subject + have/has been + present participle

Examples:

  • I have been studying for three hours. (Action started in the past and continues up to now with emphasis on duration)
  • She has been working here since June. (Action started in the past and continues up to now with emphasis on duration)

Past Perfect Continuous Tense

Rule: The past perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that was ongoing in the past and was completed before another past action. It is formed by using “had been” followed by the present participle (verb + ing).

Structure:

  • Subject + had been + present participle

Examples:

  • I had been reading for two hours when the power went out. (Ongoing action in the past completed before another past action)
  • They had been living in Paris for a year before they moved to London. (Ongoing action in the past completed before another past action)

Future Perfect Continuous Tense

Rule: The future perfect continuous tense is used to describe an ongoing action that will be completed before a specific future time, often with an emphasis on the duration. It is formed by using “will have been” followed by the present participle (verb + ing).

Structure:

  • Subject + will have been + present participle

Examples:

  • By next month, I will have been working here for five years. (Ongoing action that will be completed before a specific future time with emphasis on duration)
  • They will have been traveling for 24 hours by the time they arrive. (Ongoing action that will be completed before a specific future time with emphasis on duration)

These rules and examples should help you understand and use the perfect tenses in English accurately.

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