My English Language

It’s the Grand National – And They’re Off!

The Grand National Festival opens on Thursday 3rd April 2025 in the build up to the most famous event in the horse racing calendar! Sponsored by Randox, the Grand National steeplechase takes place at Aintree in Liverpool on Saturday 5th April at 4pm.

This is the UK’s most popular race meeting and people all over the world will be placing their bets on the big race, watching their favourite horses and jockeys take on The Chair and Becher’s Brook!

This famous sporting event has found its way into many EFL classrooms with horse racing themed lessons and vocabulary now the order of the week. Join us for a few horsey ideas that you can take into the winner’s enclosure (aka. the EFL classroom)! (more…)

April Fools’ Day Famous Hoaxes

April Fools’ Day falls on 1^st April every year. This is the day that we traditionally play practical jokes and harmless pranks on each other, while the media report hoax stories in an attempt to fool the nation.

This day has been a celebration of pranks since the Roman times with jokes today ranging from simple schemes such as switching the salt with the sugar in the cupboard to elaborate national hoaxes involving major news organisations.

For EFL classes, this can be a great time to discuss April Fools’ Day famous hoaxes and jokes and turn them into a humorous lesson. (more…)

The London Summit on Ukraine: How Global Events Can Enhance Your English Learning

On 2nd March 2025, world leaders gathered in London for the London Summit on Ukraine, where international discussions focused on key issues such as the future of Ukraine, the humanitarian issues arising from the situation and how countries can collaborate for peace. This political event offers valuable opportunities for English learners and teachers. Let’s explore how global events like this one can help you improve your English skills. (more…)

Using English When Checking Your Eye Health

Being sick in a foreign country can be a frightening experience. That is why our article about the body, health and medical emphasises why understanding basic medical vocabulary in English is crucial to navigating healthcare anywhere in the world. Whether you say, ‘Something is stuck in my throat’ or ‘I have a pain here …’ and point to your neck, using precise terms allows your doctor to provide the best help possible. (more…)

How to Excel in TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) can be the basis of a highly rewarding and impactful career. As globalisation increases, the demand for qualified TESOL instructors continues to grow. Learning English opens up countless opportunities for students around the world, whether for education, work or personal growth. However, teaching English to non-native speakers comes with its own set of challenges. It requires a deep understanding of language acquisition, cultural sensitivity and effective teaching strategies. (more…)

Spring Into English with a May Day EFL Lesson!

We’re exploring the history and cultural significance of May Day and how it can be integrated into the classroom to enhance language learning. May Day is celebrated on the first day of May each year, holding a special place in the hearts of many around the world in its association with springtime and workers’ rights. Let’s uncover the origins of this international holiday and discover how we can use it in the classroom for a fun May Day EFL lesson to explore language in context.

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Stuck in a Learning Rut? Tips for Overcoming Language Plateaus

As you progress in your language learning journey, you might encounter plateaus – a time where your English skills seem to stagnate despite your efforts. These language plateaus can be frustrating, but they are often a natural part of the learning process. We’re exploring strategies for overcoming language plateaus at different proficiency levels. Whether you’re just starting out or striving for fluency, these tips will help you overcome plateaus and continue advancing in your English skills. (more…)

How to Set SMART Goals for Language Learning

Learning a new language can be an exciting journey filled with ups and downs. Whether you’re just starting out with a new language or aiming for mastery, setting clear goals can be the key to success.

Incorporating SMART goals into your language learning strategy can provide direction, motivation and a clear path to improvement for all learning levels, from beginners to advanced students. Let’s get started! (more…)

Exploring London: A Gateway to English Language and Culture

Visiting London to learn English is more than an educational endeavour. Stepping foot into the bustling streets of London is akin to embarking on a captivating journey through the heart of English language and culture. From the historic landmarks to the vibrant neighborhoods, every corner of the city provides insights into the language and cultural landscape that defines modern-day Britain. Join us as we embark on a virtual tour of London, uncovering the ways in which this iconic city can enrich your understanding of English language and culture. (more…)

Raindrops and Rhymes: Exploring the Language of Rain

In the world of nature and expression, rain is both a meteorological phenomenon and a muse for writers, artists and filmmakers. Rain showers are common occurrences in the UK, so it’s no surprise that the rain has seeped into both our linguistic expressions and our art. Join us on a linguistic journey as we explore the nuanced relationship between the English language and the beauty and power of rain. (more…)

Talking Pandemic: Unravelling the Language of Coronavirus

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a surge in the usage of certain words and word collocations. The language of the Coronavirus outbreak includes phrases such as the ‘fight against’ Covid, the ‘spread’ of the virus, the ‘outbreak’ of Coronavirus and the ‘response to’ the virus. We’ve heard about the ‘pandemic’, the ‘crisis’, the ‘lockdown’, ‘panic buying’ at the supermarkets and the lack of ‘PPE’ in hospitals. (more…)

Pop-Up Language Museum Tours UK to Encourage Young Learners

The first pop-up language museum opens its doors this week in an attempt to spark greater enthusiasm for foreign language study. Pop-Up World of Languages is a project of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, spearheaded by Professor Wendy Ayres-Bennett from Cambridge University and other linguists from Nottingham, Edinburgh and Belfast. Professor Ayres-Bennet hopes the language museum will help to ignite the interest of young learners and highlight the importance of learning foreign languages in schools. (more…)

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