D-11.02 Use the Filler IT vs. THERE for Time, Distance, Weather, & Geography

Chapter 4: the Filler IT vs. THERE (“the World”) of the New Scenario Book Two: Continuing to Use English Grammar in Context, pages 83-96

14 pages

Who It’s For: (Teachers & Helpers of) Intermediate Through Advanced Grammar & Style Promoters Seeking (to Express) Colorful Linguistic + Visual Info about World Features

Why It’s Useful: This expanded and improved version of Download D-11.01 (Unit 13: the Filler It: “the World” of the Original Scenario Volume Two) was fun to brighten up—and it may lift your spirits by taking you “around the world,” too.  Whole chapters centered around the “Fillers IT vs. THERE” (also called “expletives” or “empty subjects”—in contrast to pronouns or adverbs) are rare—but here’s a collection of pedagogy and practice with that focus.  Befitting the content of the context of the grammar, there are globes; world & weather maps; time, distance, & temperature charts; and lots of colorful atmospheric or environmental photos to learn from and communicate with. 

What You’ll Do: 

[1] Use the Scenario: The World on page 83 to start thinking about global times, distances, temperatures, climate, and other (ever-changing) world conditions.  In both Comprehension & Practice Exercises 4-A to **4-H, express possible info and thoughts about settings, surroundings, and circumstances in the Present, Past, and Future.  To include the targeted grammar—sentences with the Fillers IT & THERE—consult the featured Grammar Notes on pages 86, 90, 92.  

[2] In the page 96 culminating Activity **4-I, apply your evolving grammar and patterning  abilities to completion and support of these statements: “There’s an incredible amount of (climate, timing, distancing) change going on in the world and beyond.  It’s getting . . .  Therefore, it’s important that we . . . .” (Use of impersonal IT to “delay” infinitive subjects comes soon.) Based on what you hear from others, continue with more precise, expressive ideas of your own.