Author: Joanna Kawrow

Alphabet and spelling -you must know it!

Alphabet and spelling -you must know it!

Alphabet and spelling are skills each learner of English has to learn sooner or later! Do you know how to spell your last name or address? Sound spelling skill belongs to English survival skills – you will need it in many life situations, like filling in forms, spelling your name to someone on the phone, asking for the spelling of an unknown word, etc. I’m sure most of you can sing whole English alphabet song very well, but is that really helpful, when you suddenly forget how to say the last letter of the alphabet. You might not have enough time to sing the whole English alphabet song, so,,,, how […]

The most popular ways of saying “Hello” and ” Good bye”

こんにちは」と「さようなら」の最も一般的な言い方

今日は「こんにちは」と「さようなら」の最も一般的な言い方を学びましょう。友達との会話で使えるものから、ビジネスシーンで使えるもの、知らない人との会話で使えるものまで。どのようなシチュエーションでも自然な発音ができるようになります！ 挨拶 インフォーマルな表現お元気でしたか？お久しぶりです！お久しぶりです！お元気ですか？調子はどうですか？G'day/Gidday＝オーストラリアやニュージーランドでとてもポピュラーな挨拶 What'sup？＝アメリカの若者の間でとてもよく使われる挨拶。

Trend – teaching pronunciation from TV

Trend – teaching pronunciation from TV

All language teachers are aware of the fact that pronunciation is extremely important while learning a new language. However, many of them do not teach it because they consider vocabulary and grammar more important. On the one hand, it is assumed that if a learner knows basic grammar and vocabulary, they still can communicate without problems, even with a poor pronunciation. On the other hand, ignoring the basic rules of pronunciation can cause many problems. Especially in English language it is very easy to confuse two words and articulate them in the wrong way, which may result in an unintentional offence even. It proves that pronunciation does matter. So how […]

Interesting ways of expressing likes and dislikes

Interesting ways of expressing likes and dislikes

Do you know the meaning of this idiomatic expression? What is and what is not your cup of tea? New interesting ways to say that you like something or don’t! LIKES AND DISLIKES   Expressing likes: I love/I like/ I enjoy listening to music. I’m keen on skiing. I’m fond of cycling. I’m crazy about diving/ theatre. I’m really into skating. I find it relaxing./enjoyable. Travelling is my cup of tea. Expressing dislikes: I don’t like/enjoy Maths. I find it really boring. I can’t stand writing essays. I hate onions! I dislike going to the beach. Claire detests going to the dentist! Robert loathes garlic. Bunjee jumping is not my […]

Test Your Level of English ON-LINE!

Test Your Level of English ON-LINE!

Placement tests help check your level of English. Before you decide to start studying English, you need to know what your level of language competence is. For students enrolling in language courses, correct placement is crucial if they are to reap the most benefits from a course. Placement tests are an effective and efficient way to assess students’ language proficiency before they are enrolled into a course. A Placement Test is not a Pass or Fail test, but it does provide important information that allows a student to be placed in the appropriate level of English. We provide web-based tests developed by an Oxford-based team of English native-speaker teachers. These […]

Other ways to say “I don’t know”

Other ways to say “I don’t know”

Using different ways to say “I don’t know” will make your conversation far more interesting and natural.But don’t overuse this phrase, try first to figure out or find out the answer to the question, rather than give up and shrug your shoulders:)   Formal ways : I’m sorry, I don’t know I’ll double check that and let you know I’ll find out and let you know I’m probably not the best person to ask for that information That’s a really good question. I’ll check Let me look that up for you That’s not my area of expertise. I’ll ask… Informal ways (when talking to friends, colleagues, people we know): I’m […]

‘interested’ or ‘interesting’?

‘interested’ or ‘interesting’?

Should we say Interested or Interesting? English learners often are not sure whether to use the “-ing” ending or “-ed” ending for adjectives that express emotions. Some examples of these adjectives, derived from verbs, are: exciting/excited interesting/interested boring/bored amazing/amazed confusing/confused Here’s a general rule to help you remember the difference: When talking about yourself or your feelings, use the –ed ending. “I am interested in music.” When talking about others or something outside yourself, use the –ing ending. “That music is interesting.”

London Slang You Need to Know

London Slang You Need to Know

Do you live in London, or have you ever been there? These 10 common expressions you need to know to understand born and bread Londoners. 1. ”The Full Monty” this expression means the Full English Breakfast (sausages, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, baked beans, potato cakes-hash browns,toasted bread and black pudding) 2. ‘”Mind the Gap” This famous expression is always used on trains and the London Underground (Tube). The “gap” refers to the space, between the trains and the platform.Make sure you take a big step when getting off the train or tube, otherwise you can really hurt yourself! 3. “Spend a penny” or “Loo” It means to go to the bathroom. […]