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Celebrating International Women’s Day

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1. We Can Do It poster is from a series based on a World War II Poster, We Can Do It! aka Rosie the Riveter –Source image

International Women’s Day falls on 8th March every year and coincides with Women’s History Month. This special day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. International Women’s Day also highlights areas where action is still needed to achieve gender parity around the world.

An International Women’s Day EFL lesson can engage with these issues in a highly relevant way. The concept of access to education as a basic human right is reflected in language learning, as a great way to empower women and girls. Continue reading →

St David’s Day EFL Lesson – Exploring Welsh Culture

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St Davids Day EFL Lesson - Flag of WalesSt David’s Day falls on 1st March each year. This special day has been celebrated since the 12th century and although it is not a national holiday in the UK, it is regularly marked with celebrations.

Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and the Feast of St David commemorates the day he died in 589 AD. On Saint David’s Day it is traditional to eat Welsh foods and celebrate Welsh culture.

This is an ideal time to explore all things Welsh in the EFL classroom, introduce students to Welsh culture and learn some new vocabulary. Join us in exploring the Welsh flag, national symbols, language, accent, foods and traditions for a fun St David’s Day EFL lesson! Continue reading →

Whose or Who’s? Possessives and Contractions

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whose or who's? owlThe question is often asked: should it be whose or who’s? Whose and who’s are often confused, even by native English speakers. So what is the difference between ‘who’s and ‘whose’ and how do you know which to use?

The difference is simple: ‘whose’ is the word we use to ask who owns something, while who’s is simply a shortening of ‘who is’. Contracted forms of words are rarely used in formal writing but they are often used in speech. The words ‘whose’ and ‘who’s’ are homophones, which means they sound the same. This is why the confusion arises. Read on to explore more about the usage of these words. Continue reading →

Who or Whom? How to Know Which to Use

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Who or whom? Owl

What is the difference between ‘who’ and ‘whom’ – and how do you know which to use? This grammar question has stumped many native English speakers, so it is no surprise that non-native speakers find it difficult.

‘Whom’ is used to refer to the object of a preposition or verb. But how does this work with real life examples? Read on for an explanation of the grammar behind ‘who’ and ‘whom’. We’ll explore common misconceptions surrounding the ‘who or whom’ debate and provide useful example sentences showing when to use ‘who’ and ‘whom’ – and when it’s a personal choice. Continue reading →

Could Globish Replace English After Brexit?

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Globish - What is Globish?

Former Italian prime minister Mario Monti said that the English language should be ‘upgraded’ after Britain leaves the EU. It is clear that Monti thinks regular English is unsuitable for use on the world stage. But how should English be upgraded? Perhaps the answer is to use Globish.

English has a million words but only a fraction of these are used on a day to day basis. It makes sense to concentrate on the most useful language when communicating internationally. But what exactly is Globish – and how could it replace English? Continue reading →

English in International Trade: Britain’s Secret Weapon Post Brexit? 

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English in International Trade: Britain's Secret Weapon Post Brexit? With Brexit on the horizon, there are many discussions about the future of international trade. Former Italian prime minister Mario Monti has declared that English is ‘one of the very best products of Britain’ and that it should continue to be the main language of Europe for purposes of trade. He also said that Europe should ‘upgrade’ English after the UK’s departure from the EU to ‘increase its competitiveness’ on the world stage. The importance of English in international trade is obvious – so could this be Britain’s secret weapon post-Brexit? Continue reading →

Cambridge Assessment Launches New English Language Test: Linguaskill

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taking an online test - Cambridge Linguaskill language testCambridge Assessment English (previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment) has launched a new simplified test called Linguaskill. This is a multilevel online test, which can provide personalised results within 12 hours. Linguaskill can test the writing, reading and listening skills of students from beginner A1 level up to advanced C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Continue reading →

Writing a Christmas Card in English

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Writing a Christmas card in English is one of the top December activities for EFL learners. At this time of year, many people are thinking of writing to loved ones and friends to wish them a merry Christmas or a happy holiday season. But what should you write in the card?

Read on for a discussion of traditional Christmas messages and images, along with advice on how to write a Christmas card in English using appropriate greetings, messages and closing words. Continue reading →

The Royal Wedding – Congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - Wedding Vocabulary

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place on Saturday 19th May at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The fifth in line to the British throne became engaged to the American former actress in November last year and the union of Harry and Meghan has brought Britain and America together – although they remain two nations divided by a common language! Join us for an exploration of wedding vocabulary and words related to engagements as we await the royal wedding. Continue reading →

Happy Thanksgiving! Now Get Ready for Black Friday!

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Thanksgiving dinnerThanksgiving is a public holiday celebrated on the last Thursday of November in the United States of America. This special day originated as a harvest festival to celebrate the crops produced in the Pilgrims’ first harvest. Throughout the USA, people normally attend parades and sporting events and enjoying a special meal with friends and family. Although Thanksgiving is not a holiday in the UK, many people still celebrate the harvest festival at this time of year. Join us to explore Thanksgiving and learn more about its cultural significance and related vocabulary. Continue reading →