skills and abilities
Overview
In this lesson, you learned how to describe your skills and abilities using 'can/can't', skill verbs, and phrases like 'good at'. You now know how to talk about your work and education experience at a basic level. Practice using these structures to describe yourself and others in professional and academic situations.
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about what you can do at work or in school. Learning to describe your skills and abilities is very important for job interviews, school applications, and everyday conversations. We will practice using simple words and grammar to express these ideas clearly.
Key Concepts
Using 'can' and 'can't': We use 'can' to talk about abilities. Example: 'I can speak English.' For negative, use 'can't': 'I can't drive.'
Common Skill Verbs: speak, write, use, drive, work, organize, solve, communicate, manage, teach, learn, type, design, cook, fix.
Ability Adjectives: good at, bad at, excellent at, weak at. Example: 'I'm good at math.'
Talking about Experience: Use 'I have experience in...' or 'I know how to...' Example: 'I have experience in customer service.' or 'I know how to use computers.'
Levels of Ability: beginner level, intermediate level, advanced level, fluent (for languages), basic knowledge.
Examples and Usage
**Example 1 - Job Skills:** 'I can use Microsoft Office and I'm good at organizing meetings. I can't speak French, but I'm learning.' *Explanation:* This shows both abilities (can) and limitations (can't), which is honest and clear. **Example 2 - School Abilities:** 'Maria is excellent at mathemati...
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Key Concepts
- Using 'can' and 'can't' to express abilities
- Common verbs for skills: speak, write, use, organize, manage
- Adjective phrases: good at, excellent at, weak at
- Describing experience levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Exam Tips
- →In speaking exams, always give examples when you say 'I can...' - don't just list skills
- →Learn 10-15 skill verbs and practice them with 'can' before your exam
- +1 more tips (sign up)
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