It's the second of May and for many of you this day will have been significant for a long time: your exams begin today with S-Grade English. On behalf of everyone involved in the VERBcast I'd like to wish you the very best of luck for this exam, and for the other exams you'll be doing over the next few weeks.
The VERBcast will continue, even if you've not got a huge amount of time to work through things at the moment because of the exams. And it's something a bit different today: an interactive quiz to test your knowledge of the imperfects you've done so far.
On today's show
Test your knowledge of the imperfect tense with this interactive audio quiz. You'll have to give the imperfect tense for a number of verbs, and we'll talk you through how to form each verb you're tested on.
Downloads:
VERBcast 14 High quality (broaband users)
VERBcast 14 Low quality (dialup users)
Feedback, hmmm...
First of all the verbcast has been great so far and it has really helped me learn (or relearn) my verbs!
The only thing I would say is that it gets a bit boring once the novelty has worn off. Especially when we are doing it every day for 20 days!
Nothing against your hypnotic voice Mark! its just that without a break at the weekends it becomes a bit of a slog.
;-)
Posted by: gavin | May 02, 2006 at 07:41 PM
I think the VERBcasts have been great.
I've never been to good with verbs (english or french) but this has helped me loads.
It's also a welcome break from normal studying. With the verbcast i'm still studying and learning stuff but its easier and gives you a bit of time to relax coz all you've got to do is sit with your headphones in.
I'm glad you're doing them Mark, your hypnotic voice is a billion times easier and more relaxing than a book!
:-D
Posted by: Lauren | May 02, 2006 at 08:01 PM
It's interesting to read your comments, and thanks for your honesty. We would be the first to agree that it was a lot to ask you to listen to an episode every day including weekends, but it was a question of trying to fit it in before the Standard Grade French exam.
Different people learn in different ways, so this particular way may not work for or interest everyone. Others would find having to sit in front of a grammar book every day very boring Gavin, and Lauren likes the bread from normal studying that this provides. The bottom line is that you both feel the VerbCasts are useful and that you are learning from them. Bonne continuation!
Posted by: Vivien | May 03, 2006 at 06:45 AM
I did of course mean to type 'break from studying' - lol!!
Posted by: Vivien | May 03, 2006 at 06:46 AM
I like the VERBcasts because it is a really easy way of learning the verbs. Before the VERBcast I never could understand the true difference between the imperfect and the perfect tenses but know I completely understand it which is great!
However I have to agree with Gavin, it does get harder to motivate yourself to actually sitdown and listen, especially as there are no days where you can have a break.
On the whole I think the VERBcast is great though and I'm finding it really helpful. Thanks a lot! :)
Posted by: Andrea | May 03, 2006 at 10:06 PM
I am an adult francophile and have just discovered your very impressive, innovative method - especially your wonderfully calm yet penetrating voice.
I waas born in England but live in Australia and subscribe to various podcasts and need more of what you offer - the foundations and basic building block often neglected but so important to fall back on in my conversational French.
I would, therefore, appreciate more information if possible please.
Many thanks.
Posted by: maureen smith | July 27, 2007 at 01:39 AM