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English Term 1 Coverage

Level 8.2

Term 1

2022-2023

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Contents:

Coverage

Preparation – grammar

Preparation – functional language

Level 8.2

Term 1 Academic Year 2022-2023

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The Coverage, Grammar and Functional Language PowerPoint

Within this document, you will find information about the coverage for this term. The lexis family that assessments will contain is mentioned as well as the particular grammatical and functional language points that will be tested in the exams at the end of this term. In the preparation sections, you will find examples and explanations for the grammatical and functional language points that will be assessed this term.

The grammar preparation section has an example sentence that illustrates the grammatical point. It follows this with an explanation of the meaning of the example sentence. Next, the specific grammatical structure used within the example sentence is detailed followed by an explanation of the circumstances under which the particular structure is used. More example sentences using the structure are given at the end of the slide.

In the functional language preparation section, there are examples of the particular language point followed by an explanation of how the particular are used. In the associated grammar section, language points that comprise the structure or can be used to in conjunction with the language point to express the stipulated function are detailed.

Although detailed, the slides within this PowerPoint are designed to be used as a starting point for teachers to construct lessons around the language points that are explored here. The slides are intended to be used individually as a resource within a lesson and to be incorporated as part of instruction incrementally throughout the term to ensure that students have been exposed to all the language points in the coverage ahead of their end of term exam. Therefore, the PowerPoint should not be presented at a single event or in its entirety. Some functional language points may overlap with grammatical points in the coverage, and in that case, it is possible to combine slides. However, this resource should be considered to be a collection of individual slides that teachers can use to enhance students’ learning.

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Term 1 Coverage

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Term 1 Coverage

Topic(s): Education

Lexis

Grammar

Functional Language

 

environment,​

 ​

technology​

 

Passives: with reporting verbs​

Passives: present continuous passive

​Conditionals: third conditional​

Modals: present modals (deduction)​

Adjectives: comparatives​

Adjectives: superlatives​

Describing causes and consequences​

Expressing regret​

Speculating and making deductions

Describing people​

Expressing opinion​

Expressing certainty, probability, and doubt

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Term 1: Preparation - Grammar

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Do you know if that woman can run this project? 

I think so! She's thought to be a highly skilled mechanical engineer.

Meaning

People believe that she is a good mechanical engineer. 

Grammatical structure

Passive reporting statements

it + passive reporting verb + (that) + clause

subject + passive reporting verb + to + infinitive

Usage

We use passives with reporting verbs 'thought / considered / believed’ to report beliefs, reports, rumours, etc.

Other examples

They are reported to be the most talented chefs in town. 

Everyone was believed to have passed the exam. 

It is thought that the rain will continue into next week.

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Why haven’t the IT students completed the online project? 

The students’ laptops are being replaced so they don’t have access.

Meaning

The students cannot do any online work right now because they do not have their laptops. 

Grammatical structure

Present continuous passive 

subject + is / are + being + the past participle

Usage

We use the present continuous passive to talk about some ongoing actions performed around the moment of speaking. The passive voice is used to focus on the receiver of the action, not on who is carrying out the action. 

Other examples

Animal habitats in the rainforest are being destroyed due to expanding human development.

Environmental threats are currently being reviewed by the government. 

Laptops being

replaced

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If you’d told me about the meeting in advance, I would have attended.

Meaning

He could have gone to the meeting if someone had told him before it started, but no one did.

Grammatical structure

Conditionals: third conditional

'if' + past perfect, hypothetical with 'would’ + have + past participle

Usage

We use the third conditional to describe a hypothetical past action and to imagine the results of that action.

Other examples

If I’d studied harder and more regularly in university, I would have got the career I wanted.

If you hadn’t eaten so much food, you wouldn’t have felt sick all night.

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Oh Fatima! I’m too tired to work today. 

You’ve been resting for most of the day, Aisha. You can’t be tired. 

Meaning

Fatima is suggesting that Aisha is well rested because of the amount of time she has spent doing nothing.

Grammatical structure

Modals: present modals (deduction)

subject + present modal + verb 

Usage

We use present modals of deduction (must, may, might, could, can’t) to make guesses about something based on the information that we have. When we are sure of something, we use ‘must,’ ‘must have’ or ‘can’t.’ When we are less sure, we use ‘might’ or ‘could.’

Other examples

She must be concerned about the environment because she uses recycled materials daily. 

Noone is answering the door, they might still be at the mall.

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There are more new environmental gadgets on the market than we have time to review on the blog. 

Meaning

The speaker is overwhelmed with new gadgets to write about. The comparison is being made between the number of gadgets and the amount of time.

Grammatical structure

Adjectives: comparatives

be + comparative adjective + noun/verb phrase + than + noun/verb phrase

subject + (be) + comparative adjective + prepositional phrase + than + noun phrase

present participle clause + (be) + comparative adjective + present participle clause

Usage

We use comparative adjectives and phrases followed by ‘than’ when comparing two noun or verb phrases or clauses.

Other examples

Having good study techniques is often more important than spending lots of time memorising facts.

He was more concerned with the quality of the cloth he ordered than the environmental impact of producing it.

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This school’s dedication to the welfare of its students is among the best in the country.

Meaning

The school has a focus around the health and wellbeing of its students and is part of the top group in the country for student welfare.

Grammatical structure

Adjectives: superlatives

'one of / some of / among' + superlative phrases

Usage

We use superlative adjectives to express that something or someone is either the top or bottom of a specified group. 

Other examples

The presentation on the impact of climate change was one of the most interesting lectures I have ever attended. 

It was, in fact, the Emirati athletes who were some of the best competitors in the competition.

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Term 1: Preparation – Functional Language

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The ice caps are melting in the Arctic due to the rising temperatures. 

Many endangered animals are losing their habitats as a consequence of millions of trees being cut down. 

Exhaustion and ill health are a result of a poor work-life balance. 

Functional language point

Describing causes and consequences

Associated grammar

Subordinating conjunctions, noun phrases, adverbial linkers

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If I’d been on time for the football match, I would have seen the full game rather than just the highlights. 

I deeply regret not spending more time searching for employment before accepting my current job role. 

If I had watched the documentary on plastic pollution, I would be more informed about how to reduce the use of harmful materials.

Functional language point

Expressing regret

Associated grammar

Pronouns, third and mixed conditionals, past perfect

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It is difficult to say, but I predict that plastic bags will be permanently removed from stores next year. 

Dubai police believe that the suspect must have been from the local community.  

You ought to have your locks changed. There have been many robberies. 

Functional language point

Speculating and making deductions

Associated grammar

Modals of deduction, present perfect

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Salma is a highly educated and talented professional. She has a passion for building online platforms and is skilled in web development. 

The thief, a slim, cleanshaven, medium height man with large blue eyes, is wearing clothes which are dirty. He is highly dangerous and should be avoided. Any sighting of the criminal should be reported to the authorities at once.

Functional language point

Describing people

Associated grammar

Pronouns, position adjectives, present simple, noun phrases

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I have my doubts that the new movie will be released in the local cinema tomorrow evening.

It is unlikely he will go travelling before passing his English exams. 

To the best of my knowledge, the weather conditions will be dangerous tomorrow.

I’m absolutely certain that the writer will complete his masterpiece very soon.

Hmm, I don’t know about that. We’ve been waiting for several years now!

Functional language point

Expressing certainty, probability, and doubt

Associated grammar

Future time (will), prepositional phrase

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I’m absolutely certain that planting more trees and taking public transport can have a significant and immediate effect on our environment. 

I’m of the opinion that reducing the number of cars on the road, and therefore the amount of CO2 emissions, can improve the air quality in our cities. 

As far as I am concerned, this man should not be the chief CEO of that company. 

Functional language point

Expressing opinion

Associated grammar

Pronouns, present modals, prepositional phrases

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