New! You can download this article to your phone or tablet by clicking here or the image on the right. You know how a snowball gets bigger and bigger as it rolls down a mountain? Or how a train you catch goes faster and faster as it pulls out of the station? That’s the momentum we want for your English in 2019! Of course many students and teachers focus on what … [Read more...] about Transform Your English In 2019!
Expand Your Vocabulary
Speaking Exam Phrasebook – Giving Your Opinion
I've started a new edition of my Speaking Exam Phrasebook, and instead of posting it all at once, at first I'll post it in instalments. Watch this space for the final version ;) Today - some phrases you can use in various Speaking Exams such as IELTS or the Cambridge First or Advanced papers. It's designed as something you can slowly go through while you're on the bus or … [Read more...] about Speaking Exam Phrasebook – Giving Your Opinion
Using “So” In Conversation – Part 1 [So Much]
Sometimes you can improve your English simply by having a deeper understanding of words you already know, as well as learning which other words they frequently go with. Take the word so. As a native speaker of English, I can grab a pen and write a list of tons of collocations which feature so: so + good | hard | exciting | tired | boring | many Another option to find … [Read more...] about Using “So” In Conversation – Part 1 [So Much]
When Do Mistakes Matter? – Part 1
If you want to get better at English, it's essential for you to know what mistakes you're making, and to learn from them. However, there's a difference between the goal of improving your English during a lesson - where mistakes do matter - and using the language outside of class in real life. Outside of class when you're at a party or talking to a friend, it's better to … [Read more...] about When Do Mistakes Matter? – Part 1
Vocabulary For Discussing Gay, LGBT Issues
Gay, lesbian LGBTQI vocabulary: words, idioms, expressions, collocations on gay issues. Update April 2016: You can now read this post as a downloadable vocabulary guide here or by clicking the picture! Did you know? The Supreme Court of the United States of America is presently … [Read more...] about Vocabulary For Discussing Gay, LGBT Issues
Well You Won’t Forget What ‘Torn’ Means After Seeing This!
Here's a fun way to learn English with songs. Natalie Imbruglia is a good sport - the Australian singer joins British comedian David Armand on stage for his very special mime performance of her top 10 hit 'Torn.' … [Read more...] about Well You Won’t Forget What ‘Torn’ Means After Seeing This!
Take A Step Forward To Experience English
Here's a question I ask students: "Do you have any experiences in English that you'd like to share from last week? Did you encounter a problem or issue that maybe we can help you with?" … [Read more...] about Take A Step Forward To Experience English
Learn English With News Headlines
One way to pick up new phrases and idioms, and to understand the news better, is to look at the main headlines of your favourite newspaper, and to guess what you think the story will be about. … [Read more...] about Learn English With News Headlines
7 Tips to Top Up Your Vocabulary
Expanding your active vocabulary is essential if you want to improve your overall English communication skills. Here are a few tips and reminders of how to do it: … [Read more...] about 7 Tips to Top Up Your Vocabulary
