Tuesday, May 06, 2025

Não use roupa de banho na igreja

 Same Idea, Different Texts: Every Language Contains Many “Languages” Within It





  1. Read the texts below. They all describe the same event, but in different contexts. Notice how grammar, vocabulary, and the level of formality change depending on the situation and the audience.

A friend sent you a text message: Viu que o presidente chinês não vai baixar as tarifas de produtos americanos como o Trump quer? Resolveu que a China vai pagar para ver. 

Let’s see how that fact can be communicated in different contexts:

  1. Context: Your friend’s text message:

"Did you see that China stood up to Trump and isn’t going to lower tariffs on Chinese products? They basically said they’re calling his bluff."

Or

"Did you see China stood up to Trump? They’re not backing down on tariffs and said they’re ready to see how far he’ll go."


  1.  Context: a formal or journalistic-style version of the news:

"China has taken a firm stance against former President Trump, refusing to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods. Officials indicated they are prepared to face any resulting consequences, signaling they will not yield under pressure."


  1. Context: A business report:


China Rejects Tariff Reductions, Signals Resolve in Trade Dispute with Trump

In a recent development in U.S.–China trade relations, Chinese authorities have made it clear they will not reduce tariffs on Chinese goods in response to pressure from former President Donald Trump. The move underscores Beijing’s firm stance and signals a willingness to endure potential economic consequences rather than make concessions. Analysts interpret the decision as a calculated message that China is prepared to hold its ground and not respond to threats with immediate compliance.


  1. Context: A diplomatic briefing:

Briefing Note: PRC Position on Tariff Policy in Response to Former U.S. Administration Statements

The People’s Republic of China has formally indicated that it will not proceed with any reduction in tariffs on Chinese exports in response to recent statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This decision reflects a consistent policy position by Chinese authorities, emphasizing economic sovereignty and strategic patience in the face of external pressure.

While not overtly confrontational, the PRC’s stance suggests a calculated readiness to absorb potential trade-related repercussions rather than engage in unilateral concessions. Beijing’s messaging implies a preference for mutual respect and reciprocity in trade negotiations, reaffirming its commitment to a rules-based international order.

Further developments will be monitored closely for any indication of shift in tone or policy, particularly in light of upcoming trade discussions and regional economic dynamics


II. Listen to the texts here




Here’s a simplified version of the same texts:

Same Idea, Different Texts: One Language, Many Ways to Speak - Level A2

Audio

Every language has different ways to say the same thing. It depends on who you are talking to and where you are.

Read the examples below. They all talk about the same news. But the words, grammar, and style change in each situation.


What your friend wrote in a message (Portuguese):
Viu que o presidente chinês não vai baixar as tarifas de produtos americanos como o Trump quer? Resolveu que a China vai pagar para ver.

Let’s see how this idea changes in English depending on the situation:


Context: A message from a friend (informal)

  • "Did you see that China stood up to Trump and isn’t going to lower tariffs on Chinese products? They basically said they’re calling his bluff."

Or

  • "Did you see China stood up to Trump? They’re not backing down on tariffs and said they’re ready to see how far he’ll go."


Context: News or newspaper article (formal)

  • "China has taken a firm stance against former President Trump. It refuses to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods. Chinese leaders said they are ready to face the consequences. They will not give in to pressure."


Context: A business report

China Will Not Reduce Tariffs – Sends a Clear Message

  • China will not reduce tariffs on Chinese goods, even after pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump. This shows that China is serious. It prefers to face possible economic problems instead of accepting Trump’s demands. Experts say this is a strong message: China will not change its position easily.


Context: A diplomatic briefing (very formal)

  • China has said it will not reduce tariffs on goods it sends abroad. This comes after recent comments by former President Donald Trump.

  • Chinese leaders are keeping a strong position. They want fair and respectful talks between countries. They are ready to wait and not act too quickly.

  • Governments are watching to see what happens next in this trade situation.


Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Present/Past/Future - Pratice Drills

Que tal aprender, revisar e memorizar a estrutura de três tempos verbais em inglês de forma simples e prática? Preparei este exercício especialmente para você, com o apoio da inteligência artificial. Pratique bastante até memorizar — assim, na hora de conversar em inglês, você vai conseguir usar essas estruturas com muito mais facilidade e fluência. Sempre que aprendo um idioma, uso essa técnica. Repito muito, memorizo frases inteiras, treino gramática... até lembrar sem ter que fazer esforço. É a única forma de me sentir segura e começar a arriscar falar o novo idioma.
Depois me conte nos comentários como foi a sua experiência.
Have fun and keep practicing!


🎧 Tense Practice Drills: Past – Present – Future


Self-study practice - Audio

🔁 Repetition Drill

First listen to the example. Then, pause the recording and repeat. After that, listen to the example again.

  1. I work from home.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    I work from home.

  2. I worked from home yesterday.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    I worked from home yesterday.

  3. I’ll work from home tomorrow.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    I’ll work from home tomorrow.

  4. She takes the train.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    She takes the train.

  5. She took the train last night.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    She took the train last night.

  6. She’ll take the train next time.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    She’ll take the train next time.

  7. We eat dinner at 8.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    We eat dinner at 8.

  8. We ate dinner at 9 last night.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    We ate dinner at 9 last night.

  9. We’ll eat earlier tomorrow.
    Pause the recording and repeat.
    We’ll eat earlier tomorrow.


🔄 Substitution Drill

Listen to the prompt. Pause the recording and make the necessary changes to the sentence. Then listen to the new sentence.

Pay attention to the example:

  1. Prompt: I walk to the office. (You?)
    You say:
    You walk to the office.

  2. I walked to the office. (She?)
    Pause the recording and answer.
    She walked to the office.

  3. I’ll walk to the office. (They?)
    Pause the recording and answer.
    They’ll walk to the office.

  4. He studies every night. (We?)
    Pause the recording and answer.
    We study every night.

  5. He studied last week. (They?)
    Pause the recording and answer.
    They studied last week.

  6. He’ll study tomorrow. (You?)
    Pause the recording and answer.
    You’ll study tomorrow.


❓ Question & Answer Drill

In this practice you’ll provide answers that are true about you. Then, you’ll listen to the suggestion given.

Pay attention to the example: 

  1. You’ll hear a question: What do you do on weekends?
    You pause the recording and answer with your own personal information.
    Then, you listen to the suggestion given: ✅ I go hiking and relax at home.

  2. What did you do last weekend?
    Pause the recording and answer.
    I visited my family and watched a movie.

  3. What will you do next weekend?
    Pause the recording and answer.
    I’ll travel to the beach and read a book.


⏳ Mixed Tense Drill

Now you’ll listen to a prompt and use it to produce a sentence in the present, past and future. Listen to this example: 

 Prompt (to watch a movie)
You stop the recording and respond:
I watch a movie every Friday.
I watched a movie last Friday.
I’ll watch a movie next Friday.

Then, you listen to the answers given.

Prompt: (to have lunch with my team)
Pause the recording and answer.
I have lunch with my team on weekdays.
I had lunch with my team yesterday.
I’ll have lunch with my team tomorrow.

Prompt: (to work on a report)
Pause the recording and answer.
I work on a report every morning.
I worked on a report yesterday afternoon.
I’ll work on a report later today.

Prompt: (to travel for work)
Pause the recording and answer.
I travel for work twice a month.
I traveled for work last week.
I’ll travel for work next Monday.

Prompt: (to call a client)
Pause the recording and answer.
I call a client every day.
I called a client this morning.
I’ll call a client after lunch.

Prompt: (to attend a meeting)
Pause the recording and answer.
I attend meetings regularly.
I attended a meeting yesterday.
I’ll attend a meeting tomorrow morning.