30.01

 

Ellipsis

Do you know how to leave out words to make your English sound more natural? Test what you know about ellipsis with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

Look at these examples to see how we use ellipsis:

You can use my car whenever you want to. 
[You can use my car whenever you want to use my car.]

Sounds lovely!
[That sounds lovely!]

We started watching the first episode but had to turn it off.
[We started watching the first episode but we had to turn it off.]

1. 

I haven't watched the series yet, but I would like to watch it.
I haven't watched the series yet, but I would like 

 .

2. 

We spend a lot of time cooking and we spend a lot of time talking to each other.
We spend a lot of time cooking 

 to each other.

3. 

We all sat down together and we came up with a plan.
We all sat down together and 

 a plan.

4. 

They could have banned cars in the city centre altogether, but they didn't want to do that.
They could have banned cars in the city centre altogether, but they didn't 

 .

5. 

I haven't been to New York, but my wife has been to New York.
I haven't been to New York, but my wife 

 .

6. 

That sounds interesting!

 interesting!

7. 

All my friends went out on Saturday night, but I didn't go out on Saturday night.
All my friends went out on Saturday night, but 

 .

8. 

Do you fancy watching a film tonight?

watching a film tonight?  

After linkers

We don't have to repeat the subject after the linkers and, but and or. 

We had a late dinner and [we] went to bed.

Once the kids have left for school, I read a book or [I] do some baking.

If the repeated subject is with the verb be, we can omit both the subject and be.

Clare is working a lot at the moment and [she's] getting up really early.

She's growing up and [she's] starting to want more alone time.

Note that ellipsis doesn't work after other linkers, such as before, after, because, when and while.

We watch TV after we have dinner.
We watch TV after have dinner.

After to

We can often avoid repeating part of a verb phrase after to.

A: Have you tried that new restaurant yet?
B: No, I wanted to [try that new restaurant], but it's on the other side of town.

Some people give up sugar completely, but I didn't want to [give up sugar completely].

After auxiliaries and modals

We can also avoid repeating part of a verb phrase after auxiliaries and modals.

I hadn't noticed it, but my son had [noticed it].

She said she'd get back to me by the end of the week and she has [got back to me by the end of the week].

They were getting ice creams because I said they could [get ice creams].

Omitting subject pronouns

Sometimes we can miss out the pronoun, because it's obvious who or what we're talking about.

[It/That] Sounds familiar!

[It] Wouldn't have occurred to me.

1. 

That must be really difficult.

 be really difficult.

2. 

They invited me to go to Sandra's cottage this weekend but I don't really want to go to Sandra's cottage for the weekend.
They invited me to go to Sandra's cottage this weekend but I don't really 

 .

3. 

Do you feel like going for a walk?

 like going for a walk?

4. 

Ever since my friend moved to a flat in my building, we see each other and we talk nearly every day.
Ever since my friend moved to a flat in my building, we see each other 

 nearly every day.

5. 

I thought I hadn't locked the door, but then I realised I had locked the door.
I thought I hadn't locked the door, but then I realised I 

 .

6. 

I've never been to Australia, but I'd really like to go to Australia.
I've never been to Australia, but I'd really 

 .

7. 

He promised he'd send me a message, but he didn't send me a message.
He promised he'd send me a message, but 

 .

8. 

Frances and I went to the coast and we had a picnic lunch on the beach.

Frances and I went to the coast and 

a picnic lunch on the beach. 

  

- Hey, I’ve noticed that Max sometimes just stares at me when I’m on a call. It’s not like he’s barking or whining, just… staring. Is that normal?

 

- О, звичайно. Собаки постійно читають нашу мову тіла. Іноді цей пильний погляд означає: «Гей, у тебе все гаразд?» Вони дивовижно чутливі навіть до найменших 

змін у тоні голосу чи поставі.

- Really? I always thought he was just being needy or trying to get my attention.

-Це теж можливо, але насправді відбувається набагато більше. 

Собаки помічають мікровирази обличчя і тонкі ознаки стресу, які люди часто не помічають. 

Навіть якщо ви цього не усвідомлюєте, вони можуть зрозуміти, коли вам некомфортно поруч із кимось.

- Wait, so he knows when I’m uncomfortable? Just like that?

-Так. Наприклад, якщо ти напружена або вагаєшся при знайомстві з новою людиною,

 твоя собака відчує це майже миттєво. 

Тому деякі собаки реагують оборонно ще до того, як ти скажеш слово.

- That’s crazy. I mean, I’ve always joked that he’s like my tiny therapist, but now it makes sense.

 So, does that mean I can actually train him to help me relax too?

- Саме так! Це називається «соціальне посилання». Ти заспокоюєшся — він заспокоюється. 

Собаки віддзеркалюють наш емоційний стан більше, ніж більшість людей здогадується. І навпаки теж працює — якщо ти стресуєш, він це відчуває.

Huh. So my chill attitude can literally teach him to chill too. 

That’s amazing. But what about when he brings me random stuff, like his toy or my socks?

- Це часто їхній спосіб поділитися увагою або перевірити — «Гей, що ти робиш?

 Можу я допомогти?» Це форма комунікації, так само як і його погляд. Думай про це як про те, що він слідкує за динамікою у домі.

- Wow. So all these little weird behaviors actually mean something. 

I always thought he was just… quirky.

- О, вони дійсно дивні! Але у кожної дивності є своя мета. Ретельне спостереження — найкращий спосіб зрозуміти їхній емоційний світ. Ти побачиш, коли почнеш звертати увагу, Макс теж багато чого навчить тебе про себе

29.01

 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/business-english/business-magazine/agile-working 

   

1. Which statement best captures the central distinction made in the video?

A. Agile and Scrum are interchangeable project management tools
B. Agile is a framework, while Scrum is a philosophy
C. Agile is a mindset or philosophy, while Scrum is a specific framework
D. Scrum replaces Agile in modern software development

---

2. According to the video, why is Agile described as “flexible”?

A. It eliminates planning altogether
B. It allows teams to change direction based on feedback
C. It focuses only on individual productivity
D. It removes deadlines and schedules

---

3. Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of Scrum as presented in the video?

A. Clearly defined roles
B. Fixed-length iterations
C. Mandatory documentation at every stage
D. Regular review and reflection

---

4. What role does Scrum play within the broader Agile philosophy?

A. It competes with Agile
B. It replaces Agile values
C. It operationalizes Agile principles
D. It contradicts Agile assumptions

---

5. Why might a team follow Agile principles without using Scrum?

A. Agile requires less communication
B. Scrum is legally restricted
C. Agile does not prescribe specific practices
D. Scrum is outdated

---

6. In the video, Scrum is portrayed primarily as a way to:

A. Enforce managerial control
B. Standardize work across industries
C. Provide structure to Agile work
D. Reduce team autonomy

---

7. What is the main purpose of short iterations (sprints) in Scrum?

A. To speed up final delivery by avoiding feedback
B. To lock requirements early
C. To deliver incremental value and adapt frequently
D. To reduce collaboration with stakeholders

---

8. Which misunderstanding about Agile does the video explicitly or implicitly correct?

A. Agile is only used in IT
B. Agile means “no planning”
C. Agile is slower than traditional methods
D. Agile requires strict hierarchies

---

9. How does Scrum help teams manage change according to the video’s logic?

A. By preventing changes during development
B. By postponing change until project completion
C. By integrating change into regular cycles
D. By assigning change management to leadership only

---

10. Which scenario best illustrates Agile without Scrum?

A. A team working in fixed two-week sprints with defined roles
B. A team adapting continuously without formal ceremonies
C. A team following a detailed project plan with no revisions
D. A team using daily stand-ups and sprint reviews

---

— Ти помітив, що після переходу на agile роботу команда стала менш формальною, але водночас більш відповідальною?

— Yes, and I think transparency of processes plays a key role here.

— З іншого боку, не всім комфортно працювати без чіткої ієрархії та фіксованих інструкцій.

— That’s true, especially for people who are used to a traditional management model.

— Agile вимагає більше самоорганізації та готовності брати відповідальність на себе.

— But at the same time, it offers more freedom in decision-making and a faster response to change.

— Думаєш, такий підхід підходить для будь-якої компанії?

— Not really. Without a mature culture of trust, agile can easily turn into chaos.

— Тобто agile — це не лише методологія, а й зміна мислення.

— Exactly. And probably the hardest part is changing people, not processes.

https://pubhtml5.com/nfui/fbuu/Advanced_Grammar_in_Use/   134

Agile Scrum ґрунтується на ітеративному підході до управління проєктами, який дозволяє командам працювати в умовах невизначеності, зберігаючи при цьому контроль над якістю та темпом виконання.

Instead of detailed long-term planning, the focus is placed on short sprints, within which the team regularly reassesses priorities and adapts to changing requirements.

Ключовим елементом Scrum є чіткий розподіл ролей, що забезпечує баланс між відповідальністю, автономією та колективним прийняттям рішень.

Regular ceremonies, such as daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives, foster process transparency and continuous improvement.

У результаті Scrum не лише підвищує гнучкість організації, але й формує культуру відповідальності, довіри та спільної залученості в досягнення бізнес-цілей.

21,01,2026

 

  

  

  

Knowing that anyone (employers, ex-partners, or strangers) can find your "digital trail," are we becoming a more cautious society, or have we simply given up on the idea of privacy?

In the past, we trusted a few major news outlets. Now, we often trust a random person on X (Twitter) who provides "receipts" (screenshots/data). Which system is more prone to manipulation?

During global conflicts, we often see real-time footage from regular people before we see it on the news. Does this "raw data" help us understand the truth, or does it just create more confusion?

Tools like Google Street View or flight trackers are technically OSINT. How have these tools changed your personal sense of safety or curiosity when exploring the world?

Do you think people who know how to find information online have an unfair advantage in life (jobs, dating, legal issues) over those who are less "tech-savvy"?

Social Media Intelligence

 

The time we spend online is increasing every moment, which also means we leave a trace of ourselves online. Have you ever thought about what happens to the information you leave behind yourself online? And what does it say about you? You might think, how does publishing a selfie or a photo from my vacation can be considered intelligence? 

 

You need to remember that behind every click online, you leave a digital fingerprint – metadata. It can provide others with your location, time zone, and information about your device, among other things. 

 

The background and details of your photo can also provide information. 

By analysing the landscape or architecture, it can provide information about your location. It is called geolocating and is just the tip of the iceberg. 

People and organisations who know how to use the tools for exploring the depths of the internet and data can access and use the information to gather intelligence.

 

Another type of Open-source intelligence is SOCMINT (SMI), or Social Media Intelligence. The name says it all: data and information collected from social media sites, forums, media sharing and blogging platforms. It mainly gathers audio and video files, photos, eyewitness accounts, news reports and official documents. 

 

Almost every person nowadays has access to a mobile phone. Whether they are standing in the centre of Paris, hiding in a bunker in Ukraine or dealing with a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The world is connected by the internet, and the speed of information shared online is unimaginable. The data can help document crimes, spot warning signals, provide an understanding of current events, and help expose propaganda and disinformation. 

 

As the need for social media analysis and monitoring grows, the information gained can be more than just market research, security, and business development. 

 

Social media platforms can be misused and abused. They can be used to incite violence or to coordinate and commit crimes. Blogs and chat rooms are being used by extremist groups and criminal networks to spread their agenda and recruit like-minded individuals. 

 

The increased use of social media platforms has changed the way that journalists collect information for their work. In the past, journalists relied on sources like news articles and conversations. But today, journalists can use a variety of easily accessible tools to find information themselves. 

 

For journalists in modern times, learning how to use OSINT can be a valuable and even crucial skill. But with such great things also comes the responsibility of verifying information and making sure to report the truth.  

The value and risks of OSINT

 

In both the past and present times, information has had value and power. There is a reason for the saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” And now more than ever, when information online moves at the speed of light, the accuracy and authenticity of information are increasingly valuable. It is more important than ever for journalists to be able to find and report the truth. And OSINT can be of help there.

 

One of the key advantages of OSINT is that it is often more cost-effective than traditional methods of investigative journalism. Rather than hiring a team of researchers or private investigators, journalists can use free or low-cost tools to collect and analyze information.

 

Of course, with any tool, there are also potential cons. 

• OSINT is ever-changing and even time-sensitive, and journalists must carefully weigh the reliability and accuracy of the information they gather. 

• Online sources can hide behind a user name or even be anonymous. 

• Information can be manipulated, and misinformation and disinformation campaigns are increasingly common. As such, it is crucial that journalists verify the accuracy of their sources before publishing a story.

 

In addition, there are concerns about privacy and ethical issues when using OSINT. Journalists must be careful not to invade the privacy of individuals, particularly if they are not public figures. Additionally, some sources of information may be obtained illegally, raising questions about the legality and ethics of using such information.

 

Despite these challenges, OSINT represents a powerful tool for journalism in the digital age. By providing fast and cost-effective means of gathering information, tracing connections, and verifying sources, it can help to uncover stories and shed light on important issues. With the rise of disinformation and fake news, OSINT has become more important than ever in ensuring that journalists can provide accurate, reliable reporting.

18.12.2025

  

    

Talking to your teen now requires an understanding of the developmental stage that they are going through, what they need from you as a parent/caregiver and some strategies to help them open up and share. The “do it because I said so” approach to parenting is no longer an option, it just backfires.  By testing out a few new strategies you may find the door to conversations crack open again and possibly more often. 

STAY CALM

Staying calm is easier said than done!  If what you really want is a child that trusts, respects, and confides in you it is essential that you do not respond out of anger by yelling, using putdowns, expressing disappointment or frustration. 

You must remember that you are the adult and have more experience self-soothing and calming yourself by doing such things as taking a break or using breathing to regulation your emotional state.  If you respond in a reactive state your child will feel attacked which will induce a fight or flight response in your child.

1. Understanding the Shift

The transition into adolescence means that traditional parenting tactics often __________, leading to more friction rather than compliance.

• A) carry off

• B) back up

• C) blow up in one's face

• D) bring about

2. The Reactive State

Should a parent respond in a reactive state, they risk ___________ a fight-or-flight response in their child, effectively ending the conversation.

• A) setting off

• B) taking in

• C) putting across

• D) falling through

3. Self-Regulation (Advanced Structure)

___________ a parent learns to self-soothe through breathing or taking a break can they hope to model emotional intelligence for their teen.

• A) Under no circumstances

• B) Only after

• C) Provided that

• D) Hardly had

4. Opening Up

By testing out new strategies, you might find that your teenager eventually begins to __________ and share their experiences more freely.

• A) level out

• B) open up

• C) cotton on

• D) break out

5. Essential Requirements (The Subjunctive)

If a parent desires a relationship built on trust, it is essential that he or she ___________ out of anger or frustration.

• A) does not respond

• B) not respond

• C) wouldn't respond

• D) hasn't responded

6. Managing Friction

When a teen feels attacked, they are likely to ___________, which further complicates the possibility of a respectful dialogue.

• A) lash out

• B) bottle up

• C) knuckle down

• D) wear off

LISTEN

Sometimes the best way to start a conversation with your teen is to actually say nothing.  Crazy, huh? Even though it can be hard to zip your lip, do not interview your child the minute you see them.  Stay present and wait until they open the door to dialogue. Asking direct questions often will create a pressure to share and make your teen withdraw and possibly shut you out.  It is much more effective to sit back and be ready to listen.  Many people, like myself, have a hard time not filling dead air.  But the payoff can be huge.  Things may come up that you may have never considered, so follow their lead.  

When your teen does start to talk, use your active listening skills and reflect or paraphrase what they are sharing and empathize with how they might be feeling.  This will let them know that you hear and understand them.  And if they share something that is shocking or alarming focus on staying calm and regulating your emotional reaction and simply nod your head while thanking them for sharing.  (You will probably need time to process the new information, calm down, and come up with a response that will keep the door open to more dialogue on the topic.)  

ASK CURIOSITY QUESTIONS

Sometimes it can feel like you have to tiptoe around your teen to get them to share with you. When you do feel the need to explore, be mindful of what and how you ask questions.  Asking in a way that feels safe and not perceived as threatening is essential to getting your teen to talk.  Using curiosity questions gently opens the door to conversation without putting your teen on the defensive. 

If a teen has not done their homework most parents typically ask, “Did you get your homework done?”  Instead, try using a curiosity question that might sound like, “So, what is your plan for getting homework done tonight?’ This communicates faith in your teen’s ability to complete homework and be responsible and allows them to reflect on what they need to do and how they will do it.

An alternative curiosity question might be, “Is there anything I can do to be helpful so that you get your homework done before 10PM tonight?”  If they are unsure, it is more likely they will ask for help when you start with a curiosity question.

Talking to teens is no easy task! There is no way to completely eliminate the “eye rolling”, slamming doors, or stomping off in a huff. But being mindful of how you approach dialogue with your teen by employing listening, connecting, and questioning skills (+ a whole lot of patience of course) you will increase the likelihood that they open up and share their world with you and come to you with some of the challenges they face.

  

1. The "Silence" Strategy: The author suggests that "zipping your lip" can lead to a "huge payoff." Analyze the idiom "to fill dead air." Why does the author suggest this is a common failing in adults, and what does it imply about the power balance in a conversation?

2. Linguistic Reframing: Compare the two questions: "Did you get your homework done?" vs. "What is your plan for getting homework done?" * How does the second question utilize the subjunctive idea of possibility rather than the indicative mood of accusation?

   • What does this shift communicate about the parent's expectations of the child's agency?

3. The Biological Imperative: The text mentions the "fight or flight" response. Based on the passage, how does a parent's inability to self-soothe directly impede the teenager's cognitive ability to engage in "dialogue"?

4. The "Shock" Protocol: Why does the author recommend thanking a teen for sharing "shocking" information? Evaluate the phrase "keep the door open." Is this an example of "passive" parenting, or is it a calculated tactical move?

---

II. Critical Thinking & Abstract Evaluation

5. The Obsolescence of Authority: The text posits that the "do it because I said so" approach is "no longer an option."

   • Argumentative Prompt: To what extent do you agree that traditional authority has been rendered obsolete by modern developmental psychology? Are there specific scenarios where this "negotiation-based" model might fall short?

6. The Burden of Regulation: The author places the entire burden of "staying calm" on the adult.

   • Critical Inquiry: Does this approach risk creating a "one-sided" emotional labor dynamic? How can a parent draw a line between being an empathetic listener and being a "doormat" for a teenager’s "stomping off in a huff"?

7. Predictive Outcome: If a parent successfully follows their teen's lead and avoids "interviewing" them, what long-term cognitive schemas is the teenager likely to develop regarding conflict resolution and trust?

---

III. 

8. Idiomatic Synthesis: Use at least three of the following phrasal verbs to describe a "worst-case scenario" conversation between a parent and a teen: To lash out, to shut someone out, to wind someone up, to bottle up, to come across as.

9. The "Curiosity" Challenge: Imagine a teen has returned home two hours past their curfew.

   • Instead of laying into them (attacking verbally), construct a curiosity question that maintains "faith in the teen's ability to be responsible" while still addressing the broken rule.

10. Reflective Paraphrasing: The text mentions "active listening." If a teen says, "I hate school, everyone is a hypocrite and the work is pointless," how would you paraphrase this to show empathy without necessarily agreeing with the statement?