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🦟 B2 English Grammar

Stance and Focus Phrases

Learn how to introduce new topics, narrow your focus, measure key aspects, and take a clear side in discussions.

FOR TEACHERS ⏱️ 12 Minutes

Plan for a 12-minute interactive exercise. Direct students to read the 4 simple rule cards first, then work through the 12 practice items.

Answer keys are checked automatically by matching stance function contexts.

FOR LEARNERS 🎯 Step-by-Step

First, read the clear pattern cards below to see how each phrase introduces or measures an idea.

Next, complete all 12 exercises, using the single-word hints in brackets if you get stuck.

Grammar Pattern Guide

RULE 1

As for... / As far as... is/are concerned

Use these when you want to switch to a new thing or a specific group of people. Always keep the full expression together, and match 'is' or 'are' to your main noun.

Examples (Topic: Malaria Control)

• As for the night buses, they run every hour.

• As far as local doctors are concerned, spraying insecticide reduces the spread.

RULE 2

When it comes to...

Use this phrase to point out the exact action or area you are talking about. Remember to put an -ing action word right after 'to', not a plain action word.

Examples (Topic: Malaria Control)

• When it comes to climbing, my sister is the expert in our family.

• When it comes to applying repellent, children need adult help.

RULE 3

In terms of... / From the point of view of...

Use the first phrase to show what scale or feature you are measuring. Use the second phrase to show who sees or feels the action. Follow both with a naming word or an -ing word.

Examples (Topic: Malaria Control)

• In terms of speed, the train beats the coach.

• From the point of view of a parasite, entering the human bloodstream is the main goal.

RULE 4

In favour of... / Against...

Use these phrases to show which side you take. Don't forget 'of' in the positive phrase, and always use an -ing action word after 'against'.

Examples (Topic: Malaria Control)

• Many neighbours are in favour of a new library.

• The villagers were against clearing the creek without safety gear.

💡

Golden Rule of Stance

Notice the distinct job of each phrase: as for introduces a topic switch, while when it comes to focuses on an activity or domain. They never compete directly for the same function!

✅ Do (Correct Form)

• When it comes to protecting children... (use -ing)
• As far as villages are concerned... (keep full frame)
• They are in favour of buying nets... (include 'of')
• We are against using spray... (use -ing after against)

⚠️ Avoid (Common Mistakes)

• When it comes to protect children... (missing -ing)
• As far as villages concerned... (missing verb 'are')
• They are in favour buying nets... (missing 'of')
• We are against to use spray... (incorrect 'to' infinitive)

A team of health workers in a tropical village installing fine protective bed mesh and spraying repellent near a creek,

12 Practice Exercises

Test your stance and focus phrases step by step. Use the hints in brackets if needed.

1 Multiple Choice

(area)

Choose the correct sentence regarding mosquito control near the creek:

____ a. When it comes clean the creek, the team worked all morning. ____ b. When it comes to clean the creek, the team worked all morning. ____ c. When it comes to cleaning the creek, the team worked all morning.

2 Multiple Choice

(topic)

Choose the correct sentence about immune responses:

____ a. As far as immune systems are, vaccine trials show good results. ____ b. As far as immune systems are concerned, vaccine trials show good results. ____ c. As far immune systems are concerned, vaccine trials show good results.

3 Multiple Choice

(side)

Choose the correct sentence about window mesh installation:

____ a. The health board is in favour of buying protective mesh for every home. ____ b. The health board is in favour buying protective mesh for every home. ____ c. The health board is favour of buying protective mesh for every home.

4 Sentence Rewrite

(topic)

Rewrite the sentence using As far as... is concerned (keep the meaning):

"The new antimalarial drug is very effective."

____ (Type your rewritten sentence here...)

5 Sentence Rewrite

(measure)

Rewrite the sentence to measure it by cost, using the phrase for measuring (keep the meaning):

"Insecticide is cheap."

____ (Type your rewritten sentence here...)

6 Sentence Rewrite

(viewpoint)

Rewrite the sentence using From the point of view of (keep the meaning):

"A parasite sees the human bloodstream as a safe target."

____ (Type your rewritten sentence here...)

7 Gap Fill

(new topic)

Complete the sentence to turn to a new topic:

____ mosquito repellent, travellers should put it on again after swimming.

8 Gap Fill

(side)

Complete the sentence to show opposition to an idea:

Local residents voted ____ draining the marsh near their homes.

9 Gap Fill

(measure)

Complete the sentence to name the measurement scale:

____ lives saved, rapid quarantine proved most effective.

10 Error Correction

(form)

Read the message to a friend and correct the highlighted error:

"Hi Alex! We are strongly against to use chemical insecticide near the river."

Write the corrected phrase: ____

11 Error Correction

(form)

Read the message to a colleague and correct the highlighted error:

"Hey team! When it comes to stop parasites in the bloodstream, early medicine is essential."

Write the corrected phrase: ____

12 Error Correction

(missing word)

Read the message to a clinic director and correct the highlighted error:

"Dear doctor, when it comes the dose, this antimalarial drug is safe for adults."

Write the corrected phrase: ____

Stance and Focus Phrases

Stance and Focus Phrases

Grammar Pattern Guide

As for... / As far as... is/are concerned

When it comes to...

In terms of... / From the point of view of...

In favour of... / Against...

Golden Rule of Stance

✅ Do (Correct Form)

⚠️ Avoid (Common Mistakes)

12 Practice Exercises

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