Casa · A2 Elementary · Lesson 5 of 20 · Step 1

Abilities & Skills

Talents & Hobbies

Talk about abilities using can and can't
Ask questions about what other people are able to do
Describe personal skills and hobbies

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Can / can't — ability and possibility

Use can + base verb to say someone is able to do something. Use can't (cannot) for inability. Can does not change for he/she/it. Questions: Can + subject + verb?

I can speak Spanish but I can't understand fast speakers yet.

She can play the guitar really well — she practised for years.

Can you drive? — Yes, I can, but I don't own a car.

He can't swim, so we won't go to the pool.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence with can or can't.

1.I cook Italian food but I make sushi.

2. your brother play any instrument?

3.She run five kilometres without stopping.

4.We park here — there is a no-parking sign.

5.He speak four languages.

2. Match each person to their ability.

1.A doctor

2.A translator

3.A pilot

4.A chef

5.An artist

0 of 10 answered · nothing you type leaves this device

Reading

Hidden Talents

My colleague Daniel surprises everyone in the office. He can draw detailed portraits in about twenty minutes. He learned at school but has never taken a formal art class. He can also repair almost any piece of electronics — phones, laptops, and even old televisions. Last month, he fixed the office printer that we thought was broken forever. He says he can't sing at all, which is funny because he does it constantly. Everyone in the office likes him.

1. What can Daniel draw?

2. What can't Daniel do, according to the text?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Tell your partner two things you can do well and one thing you can't do but would like to learn. Explain how you learned the skill.

2Survey the class: find one person who can cook, one who can play an instrument, and one who can speak a third language.

Writing

Write 4–6 sentences about your skills and abilities. Include what you can and can't do.

0 words

Finished?

Check your exercises first, then mark the lesson done.