English for Teachers/Unit 7/Chapter 1

by Daniel D. Holt

Unit 7

Chapter 1

Sentences with 'It is.'

It is fascinating to learn.
It is fascinating for them to learn.
It is fascinating that they could learn it.

I. Exchanges

A: This game is really good.
B: Yes, it's too bad that John couldn't be here.

A: Everyone missed you at the meeting.
B: I'm sorry, but it was impossible for me to come.

A: Someone should have told President Nixon to be more careful.
B: It's strange that he didn't think of it himself.

A: Why does he keep scratching his head?
B: It's common for people to do such things.

II. Writing

A. Based on your own experiences, complete the following:

1. It's difficult to
2. It's easy to
3. It's dangerous to
4. It's impossible to
5. It's polite to

6. It's simple to
7. It's unusual to
8. It's important to
9. It's nice to
10. It's necessary to

B. After reading and discussing your answers, orally change them to the negative by preceding them with an 'if' clause.

ex. If someone gave me ten million won, it would not be necessary for me to teach everyday.

III. Quotations

It is a miserable state of mind to have few things to desire and many things to fear.

- Of Empire

Men of few words are the best men.

IV. Reading

Today it is not uncommon for students to spend a great deal of time in front of the TV. It is unfortunate that there are not more good TV programs. TV programs usually overemphasize violence and cheap thrills. It is rare for a student to turn off the TV and feel like he has learned something. Perhaps someday TV programs will provide insight rather than poor sight.