False Cognates - Assist vs. Assistir

Study the vocabulary list and complete the activities below.

1. Assist In English, assist means to help or to give support to someone. Structure: assist + someone + with + something / assist + someone + in + -ing

• The nurse will assist the doctor during the operation.

• I am here to assist you with your project if you need any help.

• She assisted the customer in finding the right size.

2. Assistir In English, the verb assistir (in the sense of watching an event, TV show, or movie) translates to watch. If you mean attending an event in person, use attend.

• We stayed home last night to watch a movie on TV. (Assistir à TV/filme)

• Millions of people watch the World Cup every four years. (Assistir a um jogo)

• I attended a very interesting lecture yesterday. (Assistir/comparecer a uma palestra)

ACTIVITIES

Exercise 1: Definition Matching

Drag and drop the sentences below into the correct category (A or B) depending on the verb meaning.

1. She decided to watch the new documentary on history.

2. Can I assist you with those heavy bags?

3. More than fifty thousand people attended the concert last night.

4. The virtual assistant helps users answer daily emails.

5. We sat together to watch the fireworks display.

A: To give help or support

B: To look at or observe / be present

Exercise 2: Gap Fill

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of assist, watch, or attend. Type your answer in the boxes.

1. My teacher offered to me with my homework after class.

2. Do you want to a movie at the cinema tonight?

3. All employees are required to the mandatory training session on Monday.

4. A paramedic arrived quickly to the injured driver.

5. I usually the morning news while having breakfast.

Exercise 3: Reading Comprehension

Read the short dialogue below and answer the three questions.

Lucas: Hi Sarah! Did you watch the basketball game last night?

Sarah: No, I couldn't. I had to stay late at the community center to assist the team with setting up for today's event.

Lucas: That sounds like hard work! Are you going to attend the opening ceremony today then?

Sarah: Yes, I'll be there, but I hope I can just sit back and watch it this time!

1. Did Sarah watch the basketball game last night?

a) Yes, she watched it at home. b) No, she was playing basketball. c) No, she was helping at the community center.

2. What was Sarah's role at the community center?

a) She had to assist with event preparation. b) She had to attend a long lecture. c) She had to watch a training video.

3. What does Sarah plan to do during the opening ceremony today?

a) Assist the organizers again. b) Watch the ceremony without working. c) Skip the ceremony completely.