Category Archives: IELTS

MUST – The Most Misunderstood Modal!

Greetings English Learners!  Do you remember when you first learned the meaning of ‘must’? Must = Rules and Obligation. You must obey the road rules! You must not be late! Doctor: You must take two pills with food daily for … Continue reading →

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

English Inversion #1: Why? When? How?

One of the first things you learn when you start learning English is the word order in sentences. The subject comes before the verb:  SUBJECT                           VERB you                                        learn … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Grammar, IELTS, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Leave a comment

Relative Clauses #11: Advanced non-defining Relative Clauses

First, read the earlier posts on Relative Clauses, especially #3 and #6. Advanced non-defining Relative Clauses are not as difficult as their name suggests. There are only two Relative Clause Pronouns used, whom & which, and the Relative Clause is usually … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Grammar, IELTS, Relative Clauses, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Writing | 1 Comment

5 Weak Words to Avoid & What to Use Instead

Weak words are commonly used in everyday English speech. Perhaps we are a little lazy. Perhaps we know that we convey meaning using our tone of voice. No doubt, you have similar common words in your language which are used … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Writing | 1 Comment

A Song with First Conditional, Imperatives, and Collocations

Dua Lipa sings a song, Don’t Start Now, in which she tells an ex boyfriend very clearly that their relationship is finished and she is not interested in seeing him again. Her life is so much better without him. Her … Continue reading →

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Songs, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Improve your English with a British Council approved tutor

Hello students!As you know, I’m taking a break from teaching English (while I complete my e-book). Meanwhile, I have found the perfect online option for you! The best advice I can give to all my English students is to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Children, Elementary (Level 2), IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Speaking & Pronunciation, TOEFL, TOEIC, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Leave a comment

Season’s Greetings to you all!

Greetings Dear English Learners! It’s that time of year again when some of us celebrate  Christmas and, or, welcome Santa, and some of us just want to welcome in the New Year and leave 2021 far behind! Whatever you decide … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Elementary (Level 2), IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Songs, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Videos | 5 Comments

English Grammar Quiz

Hello English Students! The end of the year is fast approaching  and I wonder how you have all managed with your English studies. Are you happy with your progress? Perhaps it’s time to test your grammar skills? I am more … Continue reading →

Posted in Cambridge, Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), TOEFL, TOEIC, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

English Words that are often Confused #1

I have written two posts on Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing. They are a small number of mistakes which are easily fixed as soon as you understand the grammar. Don’t worry! The grammar is basic and easily understood. Today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary | Tagged | 1 Comment

A Song with Second Conditional & Present Tenses

We often use the Second Conditional to talk about how we would like things to change (our life, other people, the world). Sometimes, we are not satisfied with a current situation and imagine how it could/would improve, if … ‘If … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Songs, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Videos | Tagged , | 1 Comment