1.”It’s really hot in this room.” B: “Wait. I ll open the window.”

I  bought the tickets on Friday.

I ve lived in this village all my life.

A: “Why are you so dirty?” B: “Because I ‘ve been cleaning the basement.”

The new sofa isn’t as nice as the old one.

I want to watch TV. Have you seen the remote?

We had only one hour, but we were able to finish the report on time.

I’d prefer to do the assignment by myself. I don’t like group work.

My Christmas present was very disappointing. I got a pair of socks.

I went into the room and the computer wasn’t there. Somebody had taken it.

He said to the police that his car had been stolen.

Tom lives in a mansion. He must be rich.

If I knew she likes me, I’d ask her out. But she doesn’t like me.

Did you remember to lock the door when you left?

He opened a restaurant despite not having a license.

2.

Banjo_Boy asks:

I was in the USA on a language course last summer. It was a fantastic learning experience! People were so friendly and welcoming. I’m going on a British summer course this year. I heard that English people are more unfriendly and polite. Is that true? I’m worried about the language as well. I learned American English at school, and I’ve heard that British English is different. I’m worried that I’ll misunderstand everyone, make errors and appear impolite. Can anyone help?

Sara_May replies:

Don’t worry about the language! It’s mostly the same. In terms of grammar, there are no differences at all. There are a few vocabulary differences though, like in the USA they say ‘subway’, ‘gas’ and ‘apartment’, while in Britain they say ‘underground’, ‘petrol’ and ‘flat’. But it won’t be a problem. You’ll understand those unfamiliar words from the context. What’s more, British people will understand you if you use American words. After all, they watch lots of American shows on television. The British accent is very different from the American one, but personally, I find it easier to understand.

Paulo_Riviera_166 replies:

You won’t find the language confusing, but people’s behaviour is very different, in my opinion. Americans are more informal and open. They talk about anything – their money, their weight, their health. They are enthusiastic and friendly, and it’s easy to get to know them. British people aren’t like that. They don’t like to talk about their personal lives until they know you well, and they think it is respectful to give you privacy. As a result, it isn’t easy to make friends with British people. They are friendly and polite, but they often remain rather distant.

Nellie_111 replies:

Don’t worry about making social errors in Britain. People are so polite that if you do something wrong, they won’t comment! I agree with Paulo_Riviera_166 in some ways. British people are more distant, but they aren’t more formal, in my opinion. For example, in the States, kids sometimes call their dads ‘Sir’, but British people never do that! In America, success is important, so people will often tell you how great they are. In Britain, it’s considered rude to boast about your achievements. If you do, people may tease you or gossip about you. Also, British people hate being complimented. If you say something nice about them, they often look embarrassed and don’t know what to say!

Bubbles replies:

I don’t know where Sara_May was staying in the UK, but I was in the north of the country on a school trip a couple of years ago. We all stayed with host families, and the only person I could understand was the mother of the family. I couldn’t understand anyone else, even after three weeks! The people didn’t sound anything like the people I had heard in my course books at school, and I learned British English! I guess people sound different in different areas of the country. All I can say is, good luck, and if you don’t understand someone, ask them to write down what they are trying to say!

Take the reading comprehension test

Which sentence best summarises Banjo_Boy’s situation?

He is worried about making mistakes in his language and behaviour when he goes to Britain.

What is Sara_May’s advice?

Neither the vocabulary nor the accent differences are hard to understand.

According to Paulo_Riviera_166, British people are…

respectful and distant.

According to Nellie_111, Americans are … than British people.

. more likely to call their parents by a formal title

Why does Bubbles disagree with Sara_May?

 She thinks the British accent is difficult to understand

Which of the four people responded to the question: “I heard that English people are more unfriendly and polite. Is that true?”

 Paulo_Riviera_166 and Nellie_111