Grammar included: “Received Pronunciation”

New Vocabulary Section

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

SECTION ONE

INTRODUCTION: Embarking on a journey to England, a land steeped in history and bustling with charm, is akin to stepping into a tapestry of culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It’s a place where travellers have navigated cobblestone streets, marvelled at the ancient stones of bygone eras, and savoured the flavours of traditional English cuisine. As you venture through this storied land, you will find yourself immersed in scenes that blend the historical with the modern, the majestic with the quaint. From the royal splendor of London’s Buckingham Palace to the pastoral serenity of the Lake District’s rolling hills, England offers an array of destinations that captivate and inspire. London is not the real England. To see the real England you have to leave the city and head north, south east or west.

SECTION TWO

England boasts an array of fascinating destinations steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s a short description of the ten most intriguing places to visit: Watch each short movie clip and then formulate three questions to ask your teacher. (ADVANCED STUDENTS>>) Each question must contain one example of a perfect tense when asked.

HERE ARE THE CATAGORIES:

1. 1. 1. 1. One vocabulary question about a word that is new for you.
        
        One question about the history of the place you are learning about.
        
        One question about something the commentator said that you didn’t understand.

1. Stonehenge – This prehistoric monument in Wiltshire is shrouded in mystery. The formation of massive standing stones was constructed thousands of years ago, and its purpose has intrigued historians and visitors alike.

2. Tower of London – Once a royal palace and notorious prison, the Tower housed many famous inmates. Today, it showcases the Crown Jewels and tales of its storied past.

3. Lake District – England’s largest National Park, located in Cumbria, entices with serene lakes and rugged mountaintops. Poets and painters have captured its stunning landscapes for centuries.

4. Stratford-upon-Avon – The birthplace of William Shakespeare invites literature enthusiasts to explore the Tudor-style architecture and historic theaters where his plays debuted.

5. Oxford – Home to the venerable Oxford University, this city exudes academic grandeur with its impressive college buildings and tranquil courtyards that welcomed scholars since medieval times.

6. The Roman Baths in Bath – Visitors can marvel at the preserved Roman public bathing complex that once bubbled with activity and now provides insight into ancient engineering.

7. York Minster – Dominating the skyline of historic York, this awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral captivates with its medieval stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

8. Cornwall’s Coastline – Known for picturesque beaches and rugged cliffs, Cornwall offered seafarers shelter while providing a stunning backdrop for numerous films and novels.

9. Canterbury Cathedral – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral was a major pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages and maintains an air of reverence amid its architectural splendor.

10. The Cotswolds – Villages like Bibury were built from distinctive honey-colored stone and nestled amid rolling hills, offering postcard-perfect sights that have endured over time.

SECTION THREE

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/

SECTION FOUR

Phrasal Verbs: TRAVEL

**1. Set off**
Description: To start a journey.
Example Sentence: We plan to set off for the mountains at dawn.

**2. Check in**
Description: To register upon arrival, especially at a hotel or an airport.
Example Sentence: You need to check in at least two hours before your flight.

**3. Drop off**
Description: To let someone or something exit a vehicle; often used with passengers.
Example Sentence: I will drop you off at the train station on my way to work.

**4. Pick up**
Description: To collect someone or something, often in a vehicle.
Example Sentence: Can you pick up some postcards while you’re visiting Paris?

**5. Look around**
Description: To explore or visit a place without a specific purpose, just observing.
Example Sentence: We looked around the old town for a few hours during our trip.

**6. Take off**
Description: When an aircraft departs from the ground and begins flight.
Example Sentence: Our plane is scheduled to take off at 3 PM.

**7. Get in**
Description: To arrive at a destination, particularly using transportation.
Example Sentence: What time does the train get in to London?

**8. Head out**
Description: To begin to go somewhere; to leave a place and start traveling.
Example Sentence: We are heading out at daybreak to avoid traffic.

**9. Stop over**
Description: To stay at a place for one night or a few days on the way to somewhere else or before returning home.
Example Sentence: We decided to stop over in Iceland for two nights to break up the long flight.

**10. Check out**
Description: To leave accommodation after paying and returning any keys.
Example Sentence: We need to check out of the hotel by 11 AM, so let’s pack our bags early.

SECTION FIVE

Idioms and expressions in English are very important. TRAVEL IDIOMS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. Hit the road – This idiom means to begin a journey.
Example: We packed our bags, hit the road early, and headed for the mountains.

2. Off the beaten path – This refers to a place that is not popular or crowded with tourists.
Example: We wanted an authentic experience, so we went off the beaten path and found a hidden beach.

3. Catch the travel bug – This expression means to develop a passion for traveling.
Example: Ever since I went to Italy last summer, I’ve caught the travel bug.

4. Travel on a shoestring – To travel on a shoestring means to travel with very little money and spend as little as possible.
Example: Backpacking through Southeast Asia really taught me how to travel on a shoestring.

5. Itchy feet – This idiom describes a strong desire to go somewhere new or change your environment.
Example: After two years of working without a break, I’m getting itchy feet again.

6. Rack up miles – To accumulate many miles traveled, often through driving or flying.
Example: I’ve racked up so many miles this year that I qualified for elite status with the airline.

7. Go the extra mile – This means making a special effort or going beyond what is expected, often in service or hospitality.
Example: The hotel staff really went the extra mile to make our honeymoon unforgettable.

8. Set sail – Originally used for ships beginning their voyage, it now can mean to start a journey or embark on an adventure.
Example: Tomorrow we set sail for our tour of the Caribbean islands!

9. At a crossroads – This metaphorical phrase signifies a point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have significant consequences.
Example: I’m at a crossroads; should I continue my nomadic lifestyle or settle down?

10. Blaze a trail – To pioneer in an endeavor, or go through uncharted territory by doing something innovative; in travel, it might mean visiting unexplored areas.
Example: With their trip through the Amazon, they really blazed a trail for eco-tourism in the area.

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