[Kerin]

Yes, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. It can totally depend on our mood and external circumstances, and fear is a huge deterrent. i know this well!

Notes: lovely vocab in here Chiara, well done.
– I feel like craving for restless changes – this is very nice. We can also use this idiom: Sometimes I get itchy feet
– to put a lot of effort INTO something
– daily grind – great vocab!

[Kerin]

Thanks for sharing Chiara. I have a lot in common with you here, especially about feeling more confident – that’s a great part of getting older!

And yes, nobody can underestimate what a stable financial income and job security means…. that it permits you to do what you love is more than a lot of people can say, so I can totally get why it’s so important to you.

As for having a lie in – I’m jealous! I used to sleep for hours but now I just can’t! My body will wake up at the very very latest, 8.30am (but it is usually around 7!) even when I long for a big sleep, my body just won’t do it it anymore 😂

Here are some corrections:

When I go through this last 10 years (ignore this if it was just a typo!)

…that has meant a lot as the Italian economical situation is still currently stucks in a never-ending crisis with a huge rate of unemployment.

Thanks to my stable economical situation I’ve been able to focus my energies in to focus my energy on ….

… to lie in in on the weekends and

… I’m still used to reading compulsively,

on the other hand I used to have a sweet tooth

… nowadays than 10 years ago

Let me know if you have any questions!
💙

[Kerin]

Ah Rubina, you always give me a giggle! Well, that IS a lot of changes and I can identify with so much of what you’ve said – especially the aspects (positive and negative) that come with living on your own and how to deal with a crazy boss and at the same time keep your own sanity!!! (Unfortunately, I identify a bit too much with this one!)

It’s incredible how much can change in 10 years and you are right to be proud of yourself – I know how hard you’ve worked to get where you are.
…and WHAT?!!!! No way is it really that long ago when we met on that course?!!

Have a look at some corrections – give me a shout if you don’t understand something

Exactly 10 years ago, on February 2010, after a long period of confusion and a bit of anger, I literally rebirth! I was literally reborn! Not literally, actually I’m not a vampire:).. You know Italians are always exaggerate! But it is true that since …..

….. to move into a lovely and cosy …..

IT Was so exciting and gratifying TO decorate and furnish my house to create something that reflected me, it was also fantastic to decide independently when is time to clean up, ….

That’s only from 2010 to 2014 sorry! Now we are in 2020 and much water flowed under the bridge (italian proverb says..) (we say this too!)

I love to being a tour guide in Florence and I’m proud of me myself because it wasn’t easy at all!

[Kerin]

Great job Aojewel.

You’ve managed these scenarios very well.

Here’s some feedback:
no.1 – to sound more natural, you can say: ….what does “back on track” mean? (instead of: what does it mean “back on track”.)

no.6 – He is not polite at all towards Jemma – this is not incorrect but it sounds more natural to say > He is extremely rude to/towards Jemma
(or he is in a bad manner towards Jemma) – better to use this as an adjective: bad-mannered (Here are some synonyms> ill-mannered, rude, unmannered, unmannerly. impolite – not polite.)

If I were her I would quit him – this is very nice! 🙂
You can also say If I were her I would dump him (British English)

[Kerin]

Thanks for that Enri, it seems you have a positive view of the changes over the last ten years (and I concur that your wife has enjoyed changing together!😉)

A little grammar note: But the most significant change, I think it’s changing lifestyle and the things I like and I don’t like doing.
Here you need to use the present perfect continuous to show that you are talking about a period of time that started in the past, but continues into the present: But the most significant change, I think has been changing lifestyle and the things I like and I don’t like doing.

Vocab: I try not to eat too much. Do you mean: I try not to overeat? See the difference?

[Kerin]

Vale! Excellent work, really thorough. I see you’ve really studied this. (You could also add to no.7 a simple: ‘Sorry, how much?’)
Speak to you next week! 🤗

ps. Oh thank you, appreciate it! I’ll add it in tomorrow!

[Kerin]

I have the same feeling regarding different points of view – especially about the future! My views have changed considerably from 10 years ago. And isn’t it ironic that now, maybe you have a bit more time since the twins are older and need you less … but you also have less energy for hobbies?!
Unfortunately, I have to agree that there does seem to be a negative attitude in Italy regarding the future. I feel for young people as it seems to be harder and harder to get a good job – although I don’t think this is confined just to Italy … it’s a bit of a dark period all over. But let’s be optimistic!

Some English notes:
The last ten years for Italian people means loss of hope in the future, when I speak with person of generation they said that Italy is in decadence , all is blocked…
The last ten years for Italian people means loss of hope in the future, when I speak with PEOPLE of generation they said that Italy is in DECLINE , EVERYTHING is STUCK…
*people – you need the plural here
*decline (decadence is a false friend. it means luxurious self-indulgence.)
*blocked is not wrong, but stuck is better because it implies being trapped

[Kerin]

Super Enri! Clear and concise.

Thanks for sharing

[Kerin]

Hello Aojewel!

Great to meet you! Wow Istanbul – I’ve never been there, but it’s definitely on my list!

I’ve just sent you an email with some information. Check it out.

[Kerin]

You’re very welcome Sebastian.

I totally know where you are coming from. In April last year I had to do an exam in Italian to apply for citizenship. I was quite good at all the parts except from grammar and writing. I had to really practise in order to pass the exam and it is still my weakness! However, I have made big improvements. Consistency and practice, one step at a time and you’ll get there 🙂

[Kerin]

Great job Sebastian! Let’s have a look at some corrections:

Scenario 3
“Sorry, I was a bit absent. What did you just say?” > Instead of ‘absent’ you should say: distracted: Sorry, I was a bit distracted.

Scenario 7
“I’m sorry, how many percent?” > it sounds more natural to say: “What percent?” or “What was the figure?” Or simply “Sorry, how much?”

*percent/ percentage is uncountable so we need to say much, not many

“So 37% will be acceptable?” – This works 🙂

Scenario 8
“Ok, about 9ish I’ll be waiting for you after you’ll pick up Jenny first.” > Ok, about 9ish I’ll be waiting for you after you pick up Jenny first.
*This is the first conditional – we need will in the first clause and the present simple in the second clause:
WILL + INFINITIVE | IF/WHEN/AFTER etc + PRESENT SIMPLE

[Kerin]

Good work Chiara. Solid strategies and I would agree with everything you wrote.

Thanks for sharing!

[Kerin]

Biggest welcome to you Rubina! I’m glad to have you on board.
You are indeed lucky to live in Florence – how I miss it! I’m also over the moon that your tour guiding has taken off and that you are enjoying your new career.
Let’s get going with this new adventure and start building up a stronger and better English level!!!
You’ve been very patient with me 😉
Speak soon!

[Kerin]

Hi Sabrina,

Of course I remember you! It’s so nice to hear from you and I’m delighted that you joined our new online project! I’m really excited about it and can’t wait to get going. A big welcome!!!

I’d like to check that everything is working properly and that you understand how to use the platform. If you have any questions you can either email me or post a request in the “Ask a Question” forum.

I’ve also sent you an email with some information that you’ll find useful!