5/2009

Words form typical partnerships, called collocations. Only certain words together are a perfect fit. For practical purposes, it is enough to practise them until you recognize them. Study ten of the most useful glossed words from Spotlight in their typical collocations.

Light conversation on a train, at a party, in an elevator or at the office is supposed to let you and your conversation partner feel comfortable. Practise key phrases from Vivienne Arnold's article on small talk in the May edition of Spotlight.

Read a summary of the film being released this week to boost your vocabulary with Spotlight's 50 most frequently translated words. Turn the passive vocabulary from reading into active vocabulary by exploring it in different contexts.

If I wanted to enjoy the highlights of the English season, my first stop would be the Glyndebourne Festival to hear one of my favourite operas. And if I went, I would have a picnic on the lawn there. And you? A second conditional refresher.

Boost your vocabulary with the 50 most useful words presented in a special supplement to the May edition of Spotlight. But don't just memorize the words from the list. That's working too hard! Instead, use opposites from our love story to remember words.