Do you ever watch traditional TV? Do you think that many people watch community TV? (By the way, in English, we do not “listen” to TV)
In this capsule, you will watch a TV show segment describing an innovative and inspiring project to help students improve their English.
Activity 1: Vocabulary
Activity 2: Grammar: Simple Present Tense
Activity 3: Capsule & comprehension questions
Activity 4: Reading & discussion questions
Activity 5: Vocabulary review
Vocabulary
Grammar
Simple present tense review
It rains a lot in January in Portugal.
My friends and I play pickleball on Thursdays.
- Simple present shows a habit or a fact or a truth.
- We use it with key words like often, sometimes, usually, and with action/non-action verbs.
- When the affirmative verb represents a third-person subject (he, she, it), we put an “s” or “es” on the verb.
- In the negative of 3rd-person subjects, we use “does not/doesn’t + verb – no “s”
- He likes ice cream.
- He doesn’t like gelato.
Try this exercise:
Now try this one:
Used to vs. To be/get used to
In the caspule, you will hear these expressions. They do not have the same meaning.
I used to live in Toronto. = In the past, I lived there, but I do not live there anymore.
I am used to living in Drummondville = I live there and am accustomed to it.
He is used to it = He is accustomed to it.
You will learn more about these expressions in a later course.
Watch the capsule
Answer the comprehension questions that follow.
Reading
Read this text about how technology is affecting language learning. Make sure you understand the words in bold.
Technology transforms how people learn languages today. It creates new ways to practice that feel more real, personal, and interactive.
Online platforms and apps
Many learners use online platforms and mobile apps to study every day. These tools offer short lessons, games, and instant scores that show progress.
Students no longer rely only on a paper textbook. They often combine digital resources with classroom work, which can be very engaging and inspiring.
AI tutors and chat tools
New applications use AI to act like a personal tutor and conversation partner. The system gives immediate feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Learners do not need to wait for the next lesson to ask for help. They can type or speak a question at any time, which is often reassuring for shy students.
360-degree video and VR
Some programs use virtual reality headsets with 360-degree capsules for language practice. Students watch scenes in a café, a city street, or a museum and feel they stand inside that environment.
In this immersive world, learners focus on real situations: they order food, ask for directions, or talk to virtual characters in English. Does this kind of experience help them reach their target level and speak more naturally?
Motivation and autonomy
Technology often makes learning more engaging and flexible for busy students. They can choose when and where they study and do not depend only on classroom time.
However, technology alone does not guarantee success. Learners still need clear goals, regular practice, and support from teachers and peers, which can be very reassuring.
- How might virtual reality headsets with 360-degree capsules change the way students feel when they speak English, and why could this be more reassuring than a traditional classroom?
- The text says technology makes language learning more engaging, inspiring, and flexible, but it also says technology alone does not guarantee success. Do you agree, and what should learners focus on to reach their target level?
- Some students enjoy AI tutors and online platforms, while others still prefer face-to-face lessons. In your opinion, what is the best balance between digital tools and human teachers for effective language learning, and why?
Vocabulary review