Can

Vocabulary Building

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Keywords	Main word	Example sentence
Madrid, speak Spanish	language	I can speak Spanish when I visit Madrid.
2 wheels, ride a bicycle	cycling	My brother can ride a bicycle very fast.
eggs, oil, salt, make an omelette	cooking	She can make an omelette for breakfast.
rope, climb a rope	climbing	The children can climb a rope in gym class.
to swim under the water, flippers	diving	He can dive very deep in the ocean.
steering wheel	driving	My father can drive a car to work every day.
Berlin, speak German	language	They can speak German when they visit Berlin.
to count, a small device	calculator	I can use a calculator to solve math problems.
an animal, saddle	horse riding	My cousin can ride a horse at the farm.
upside down, head	gymnastics	The gymnast can stand on her head easily.
pencil, rubber	drawing	She can draw a portrait of her friend.
wind, boat	sailing	We can sail when there is enough wind.
team game, goal keeper, striker	football	They can play football every weekend.
pullover, wool, string	knitting	My grandmother can knit beautiful sweaters.
food, boiling, fork, plate	cooking	He can cook delicious meals for his family.
Mozart	piano	The girl can play the piano very well.
chord, to plunk	guitar	I can play the guitar at beginner level.
move through water, freestyle	swimming	The children can swim in the pool.
email, monitor, keyboard	computer	Most people can use a computer these days.
upside down, hands	gymnastics	The athlete can walk on his hands for a minute.

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Things We Can Do

Many people have different skills and abilities. Some people can speak languages. For example, when you visit Madrid, it helps if you can speak Spanish. If you go to Berlin, it's useful if you can speak German.

Some people can do physical activities. Many children can ride a bicycle with two wheels. Some people can climb a rope in gym class. Good swimmers can dive under the water using flippers. Adults can drive a car with a steering wheel.

There are many practical skills people can learn. If you have eggs, oil, and salt, you can make an omelette. Many students can use a calculator to do math problems. Some people who live near farms can ride a horse with a saddle.

Some skills are more artistic. If you have a pencil and rubber, you can draw a portrait. Musicians can play the piano like Mozart or can play the guitar by plucking chords. Some people can knit pullover sweaters using wool and string.

Many people enjoy sports. They can play football as part of a team with goalkeepers, strikers, and midfielders. If there is wind, sailors can sail a boat. Swimmers can swim using different styles like freestyle or butterfly.

In today's world, most people can use a computer with a monitor, keyboard, and email programs. Some special skills are very impressive - like gymnasts who can stand on their head or walk on their hands upside down!

Reading Comprehension Questions

What language can help you when visiting Madrid?
Name two physical activities mentioned in the text.
What ingredients do you need to make an omelette?
What artistic skill uses a pencil and rubber?
Which sport has goalkeepers and strikers?
What do you need to sail a boat?
What are two gymnastics skills mentioned in the text?

True/False Statements

You need to speak German in Madrid.
You need a saddle to ride a horse.
You can play the piano without any practice.
You need wind to sail a boat.
Football teams have goalkeepers and strikers.
You need a pencil to use a computer.
Swimmers only use one style of swimming.

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Personal Questions

1: Can you speak Spanish | ride a bicycle | make an omelette | climb a rope | dive?

Model answer (speak Spanish): Yes, I can speak Spanish at a basic level. I studied it in school for two years. I can say simple sentences and ask for directions. I can understand slow Spanish conversations. I want to improve my Spanish skills.

2: How often do you drive a car | use a calculator | ride a horse | draw portraits | play football?

Model answer (drive a car): I drive a car every day to work. I also drive to the supermarket on weekends. Sometimes I drive to visit my parents. I don't drive at night because it's difficult. I like driving when there isn't much traffic.

3: Where did you learn to speak German | use a computer | stand on your head | sail | knit?

Model answer (use a computer): I learned to use a computer at school. My teacher showed us basic programs. Then my father helped me at home. I also watched some simple tutorial videos. Now I use a computer every day.

4: Are you good at playing the piano | playing the guitar | swimming | walking on your hands | cooking?

Model answer (cooking): Yes, I am good at cooking simple meals. I can make pasta dishes very well. My family likes my chicken soup. I can bake simple cakes too. I want to learn more difficult recipes.

5: Would you like to learn to speak Spanish | ride a bicycle | dive | play football | sail better?

Model answer (ride a bicycle): Yes, I would like to learn to ride a bicycle better. I can only ride on flat roads now. I want to learn to ride up hills. I would like to go on longer bicycle trips. It's good exercise and fun.

6: Is it difficult to drive a car | use a calculator | climb a rope | knit | play the guitar?

Model answer (play the guitar): Yes, it is difficult to play the guitar for beginners. The strings hurt my fingers at first. Learning chords takes practice. Reading music is also challenging. But it gets easier with regular practice.

7: Do you think everyone should learn to swim | cook | use a computer | speak another language | ride a bicycle?

Model answer (swim): Yes, I think everyone should learn to swim. Swimming is an important safety skill. It can save your life near water. Swimming is also good exercise. It's a fun activity for hot summer days.

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One-Minute Talking Points

Speaking Topic 1: Language skills

What is a language? (communication system, words)
Languages you can speak?
How did you learn them?
Why are languages useful?
Difficulties with learning languages?
Languages you want to learn?
How often you use other languages?
Benefits of speaking multiple languages?

Speaking Topic 2: Cycling

What is cycling? (activity, transportation, sport)
When did you learn?
Places you cycle to?
Why cycle instead of drive?
Safety equipment for cycling?
Cycling in your town possible?
Best weather for cycling?
Benefits of cycling regularly?

Speaking Topic 3: Cooking

What is cooking? (food preparation, skill)
Dishes you can cook?
Who taught you to cook?
Favorite ingredients to use?
Cooking tools you need?
Difficulties with cooking?
How often you cook?
Benefits of home cooking?

Speaking Topic 4: Swimming

What is swimming? (water movement, sport)
Where do you swim?
Swimming styles you know?
When did you learn?
Safety rules for swimming?
How often you swim?
Swimming equipment you use?
Benefits of regular swimming?

Speaking Topic 5: Driving

What is driving? (operating vehicle, skill)
When did you learn?
Places you drive to?
Driving difficulties in your area?
Safety rules for driving?
Public transport or driving preference?
Car features you like?
Benefits and problems with driving?

Speaking Topic 6: Computer skills

What are computer skills? (digital abilities)
Computer programs you can use?
How did you learn?
Daily computer activities?
Difficulties with computers?
Time spent on computers daily?
Computer skills for jobs?
Benefits of computer knowledge?

Speaking Topic 7: Football

What is football? (team sport, game)
Positions you can play?
How often you play?
Watch or play preference?
Equipment needed for football?
Famous football players?
Rules you know about?
Benefits of playing team sports?

Speaking Topic 8: Drawing

What is drawing? (artistic expression, skill)
Things you can draw?
Materials you need?
When did you learn?
Difficulties with drawing?
Time needed to draw well?
Show or keep your drawings?
Benefits of drawing regularly?

Speaking Topic 9: Horse riding

What is horse riding? (animal activity)
Experience with horses?
Places for horse riding?
Safety equipment needed?
Difficulties for beginners?
Cost of horse riding?
Different types of riding?
Benefits of horse riding?

Speaking Topic 10: Musical instruments

What is a musical instrument? (sound device)
Instruments you can play?
How did you learn?
Practice time needed?
Difficulties with learning music?
Music styles you like?
Play alone or with others?
Benefits of playing music?

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People should learn many skills

Linkers: It's true, but..., I agree because..., I don't agree..., On the other hand..., For example...

For

Learning skills helps get a job — keywords: job, work, interview
Skills make people more independent — keywords: do it yourself, help self, independent
Skills solve problems at home and work — keywords: fix, repair, solve
Skills build confidence and pride — keywords: confident, proud, try
Skills help meet new people and make friends — keywords: meet people, group, help

Against

Learning many skills takes a lot of time — keywords: time, busy, study
Some skills are expensive to learn — keywords: cost, classes, money
Too many skills can be confusing for beginners — keywords: confusing, many things, mix up
Not everyone needs all skills for their job — keywords: not needed, job, waste
Pressure to learn can make people stressed — keywords: stress, worry, tired