Happy New Year! Exploring the Meaning of ‘Auld Lang Syne’…

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On New Year’s Eve people all around the world celebrate at midnight according to their own culture and customs. People might attend parties or host them, watch fireworks with friends, dance and sing songs or gather together with family for a special meal at home. Some people prefer to treat the night like any other and sleep through it! Of course, this year most people will be celebrating at home due to the current pandemic.

One tradition in much of the English-speaking world is the singing of Auld Lang Syne – but what does this phrase mean? Read on to learn more about this interesting New Year tradition and discover what we have in store for English language learners and teachers in 2025! Continue reading →

Using English When Checking Your Eye Health

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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 →

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

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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 →

Spring Into English with a May Day EFL Lesson!

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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

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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 →

How to Set SMART Goals for Language Learning

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Person on top of mountain - setting SMART goals for language learningLearning 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 →

Exploring London: A Gateway to English Language and Culture

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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 →

Raindrops and Rhymes: Exploring the Language of Rain

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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 →

Talking Pandemic: Unravelling the Language of Coronavirus

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Coronavirus mask - vocabulary of CoronavirusThe 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 →

Pop-Up Language Museum Tours UK to Encourage Young Learners

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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 →

Join Our Feathered Friends for International Dawn Chorus Day

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Robin and Pink Blossom - Bird Vocabulary EFL Lesson

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!

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