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
Christmas is here, which means festive lesson ideas are making their way into the EFL classroom! What better time than to take a look at Christmas vocabulary and put it into context? Although not all EFL students celebrate Christmas, it is still an important cultural holiday for English-speaking countries, so EFL students will benefit from knowing what it’s all about.
Christmas is a really interesting topic with loads of quirky traditions (and we’re not just talking about Uncle Bert’s insistence on charades before the Queen‘s speech!) So before you launch into another verse of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, hold onto your paper hats – it’s time to think about Christmas vocabulary!
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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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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.
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. Continue reading
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! Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
International Dawn Chorus Day falls on first Sunday of May. This is the perfect time for bird watching, as our feathered friends build their nests and new families of birds arrive in our gardens. But do you recognise all of our feathered visitors?
Our bird vocabulary EFL lesson explores the most common garden birds, learning their names, appearances, nesting habits, food preferences and other related bird vocabulary. We’re also exploring bird-related idioms, proverbs and slang phrases inspired by birds, as we prepare for a feathered EFL lesson!