Category Archives: Students

Anger as Uber Drivers Face New English Language Test

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Taxis - Anger as Uber Drivers Face New English Language TestHundreds of Uber drivers risk losing their jobs after London’s transport authority declared all private hire drivers will face new English language tests. From October, all private hire drivers applying for a new license or renewing their existing license will need to have passed a B1 English language writing, reading, listening and speaking test. Some people have welcomed the news, but others are disappointed and angry. Should Uber drivers need to pass a comprehensive English language test? Continue reading →

How Will Brexit Affect Language Learning?

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How Will Brexit Affect Language Learning? jigsawIn a startling result, the UK has voted for a ‘Brexit’. This means the wheels have been set in motion for the UK to leave the European Union. Some people are thrilled, while others are worried about the future of the UK and the EU. The possibility of a No-Deal Brexit has raised even more concerns.

Apart from the concern over economic stability, international trade, European travel, residency rights for expats and much more, there is also a growing concern about the role of the English language in Europe and the future of language learning in the UK.

Will the English language become less important internationally? Will British people stop learning foreign languages altogether? We explore the consequences of Brexit for English and how Brexit could affect language learning… Continue reading →

‘Babel Fish’ Pilot Earpiece Will Translate Languages in Real Time

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‘Babel Fish’ Pilot Earpiece Will Translate Languages in Real TimeIf you have ever dreamed about a handy real-time translation device as futuristically cool as the Babel Fish in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy then look no further. The Pilot Earpiece by Waverly Labs is set to be released this autumn and promises to translate your conversations in real time. Two people speaking different languages will be able to communicate easily with each other using this nifty little device that sits snugly in the ear. Sounds too good to be true? Let’s investigate… Continue reading →

New Year’s Resolutions for Language Learners – Part 2

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As we move through January, it is easy to lose a bit of motivation for our language-related New Year’s resolutions. The buzz of freshness has dissipated a little as we get back into our normal routines. But wait! Stay strong and focus your goals. If you keep on practising and stay true to your resolutions, you will continue to improve your language skills and see big changes in 2023.

We have some more interesting ideas for effective New Year’s resolutions for EFL which can help you push into new territory this year with your language learning. Whether you want to focus on your speaking or writing skills this year, or aim to improve all your areas of knowledge, there is a resolution perfect for you. Read on as we continue with the second part in our series of New Year’s resolutions for EFL learners! Continue reading →

New Year’s Resolutions for Language Learning

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New Year’s resolutions are at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the start of January. Learning a language is a popular New Year’s resolution but those of us already learning can also benefit from a January boost. Setting some realistic New Year’s resolutions for language learning can give you a sense of renewed vigour and can help you redefine your long-term and short-term goals.

When learning a new language, it’s easy to lose motivation. New Year is a perfect time to remind yourself why you started learning English in the first place and rekindle your passion for the language. Read on for the first part in our series of blog posts about New Year’s resolutions for language learning. Continue reading →

Music Training Improves Language Learning, Studies Show

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Researchers have found that children who learn an instrument find learning languages much easier, even as adults. It has been proven that music training improves language learning, however, it is not only the ability to learn foreign languages that is boosted. Children who study music before the age of seven also develop better linguistic abilities in their mother tongue. Musicians have bigger vocabularies, better pronunciation and a stronger awareness of grammar than their non-musical friends. Read on to find out more about how music is linked with language learning. Continue reading →

Scientists Compete to Find the Best Method of Remembering

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Learning new vocabulary can be time consuming and tedious for even the most enthusiastic of language learners, so finding an effective way to memorise new words is a top priority for many students. But what is the best way to remember new words?

Is it flash cards, word families, spatial recognition, starting with the easy words, total immersion, visual images, cramming vocabulary lists until your brain begs for mercy? Well you can stop wondering. Memory scientists have launched a competition to find the best method of remembering – and you can volunteer to take part in the big memory experiment!
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Tough New English Language Test for International Students

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The government plans to cut the numbers of foreign students coming to British universities by 25,000 a year by introducing a tough new English language test. Some universities are running remedial classes for first year students and the home secretary has called for a crackdown on the number who cannot speak English properly. But is this decision fair on students coming to study science subjects or Mathematics, who often have weaker langauge skills and for whom English is not a main factor in their studies? Continue reading →

It’s a Scorcher! Hot Weather Vocabulary and Phrases

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Phew – a heatwave is currently blazing across the UK! We’re experiencing a sizzling week as the air pressure rises and hot air blasts over from the continent. There is a balmy Mediterranean vibe with temperatures soaring and the UK has now hit its highest ever temperature with 40.2C recorded at Heathrow in London this week. As the mercury tips the scale, join us for some language fun – we’re diving into a cool pool of hot weather vocabulary! Continue reading →

Harry Potter and The Beatles Inspire English Language Learners

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The Beatles and Harry Potter have been voted the most popular sources of culture for non-native speakers learning the English language. The study by global learning company Pearson found that more and more learners are turning to popular culture and away from traditional textbooks as their favourite way to learn English, with many schools using interactive resources to inspire EFL students.

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