Casa ESL · B1 Intermediate · Unit 16 of 20 · Step 2
Creative expression and verb patterns
Name
Date
Vocabulary
performance
nounAn act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment.
"I really enjoy watching live performances."
exhibition
nounA public display of art or other items of interest.
"She suggested visiting the photography exhibition."
rehearse
verbTo practise a play, piece of music, or other performance.
"They need to rehearse before the show tonight."
inspire
verbTo make someone want to do or create something.
"The film inspired me to start painting."
creative
adjectiveHaving the ability to produce new and original ideas or things.
"She avoids doing the same type of art and tries to be creative."
masterpiece
nounA work of outstanding skill or quality.
"Many people consider that painting to be a masterpiece."
critic
nounA person who judges the quality of art, music, or literature.
"The critic refused to praise the new film."
genre
nounA particular type or style of art, film, or music.
"I tend to enjoy the thriller genre most."
Grammar Focus
Gerunds and infinitives — verb patterns
Some verbs are followed by a gerund (-ing form): enjoy, avoid, suggest, consider, finish, mind, practise. Some verbs are followed by an infinitive (to + verb): want, decide, hope, plan, offer, refuse, manage. Some verbs can take both with little or no change in meaning: like, love, hate, prefer, start, begin, continue.
I enjoy listening to classical music.
She decided to take an art class.
He avoids watching horror films.
They hope to visit the museum this weekend.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence with the gerund or infinitive form of the verb in brackets.
1. She enjoys (paint) landscapes in her free time.
2. They decided (go) to the theatre instead of the cinema.
3. I can't imagine (live) without music.
4. He offered (help) with the decorations for the show.
5. Would you mind (turn) the volume down?
Exercise 2
Match each verb with the pattern it follows.
Reading
A Night at the Theatre
Last Saturday, my friend suggested going to see a play at the local theatre. I agreed immediately — I love watching live performances. We managed to get seats in the front row. The actors were incredible. They seemed to enjoy performing in front of such an enthusiastic audience. During the interval, my friend offered to buy some drinks. We discussed the first act, and I mentioned that I wanted to start acting myself. After the show, we decided to walk home through the park. I couldn't stop thinking about the performance. It really inspired me to consider joining a drama group. I hope to audition for a role next month.
1. What did the writer's friend suggest doing?
2. What did the performance inspire the writer to do?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 6–8 sentences about your entertainment habits and creative interests. Use at least four verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives.
Example: I enjoy listening to podcasts about art history. I decided to start drawing last year and I practise sketching every evening. I hope to take a painting course next semester. I avoid watching too much television because I prefer spending time on creative hobbies.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. painting · 2. to go · 3. living · 4. to help · 5. turning
Exercise 2
1. enjoy → verb + gerund (-ing) · 2. want → verb + infinitive (to + verb) · 3. avoid → verb + gerund (-ing) · 4. decide → verb + infinitive (to + verb) · 5. suggest → verb + gerund (-ing)
Reading Comprehension
1. The friend suggested going to see a play at the local theatre. · 2. It inspired the writer to consider joining a drama group and to hope to audition for a role next month.