Period 1 / Reading and comprehension
- freshers = new students at a university or college
- like-minded – with similar attitudes
- participate – take part (in)
- field – area of interest
- on show – able to be seen
Reading: the comfort zone
- Your comfort zone is, as the name suggests, the area where you feel comfortable.
- it’s the set of routines and known abilities that make us feel safe because we’re confident that we can manage and are unlikely to be challenged by anything unexpected or worrying.
- Obviously, staying inside your comfort zone has many benefits, especially at times when you’re feeling under stress.
- You won’t reach your full potential if you only do what you know you are able to do.
- Unfortunately, people often get stuck in their comfort zones and don’t feel able to try different things.
- They may be afraid of failing or unsure how to begin.
- Whatever the reason may be, it’s sometimes necessary to force yourself to do something you’d rather not do.
Grammar: stative verbs and the present tenses
- Many verbs (sometimes called ‘stative’ verbs) can’t usually be used in a continuous tense because they describe states, not actions.
- We have three bedrooms in our new house.
- Sorry, you can’t speak to him now. He’s having a shower.
- He’s looking in the mirror and he looks very smart.
- I think this bike is cool. I’m really thinking about buying one.
- We all want to feel we are making progress in our lives.
- Freshers are gathering in the hall right now.
- Please be quiet. I’m thinking.
Grammar: present perfect simple and continuous
- I’ve joined the Palestine Society. (present perfect simple)
- I’ve participated in three events so far.
- I’ve been studying English for five years. (present perfect continuous)
- She’s under stress because she’s been studying so much.
- I’ve also joined two other clubs.
- I’m also a member of two other clubs.