Category Archives: IELTS

Writing Introductions – Advice for Advanced Students #1

Posted on April 19, 2015 by mhardy3222

The importance of a compelling and correctly articulated introduction cannot be overestimated. We know that we need to outline our ideas clearly in an introduction when speaking on a topic, or writing an essay. It’s not enough at an advanced level to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Grammar, IELTS, Listening, Speaking & Pronunciation, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

How to Write a Sentence: #1

Posted on April 4, 2015 by mhardy3222

 What is a sentence? There are three necessary parts to a sentence: SUBJECT (noun or pronoun) & VERB (finite) & the sentence must also have MEANING. SUBJECT: There are several ways to make a subject, but for now, let’s look at the following: … Continue reading →

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), TOEFL, TOEIC, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Noun Clauses #1

Posted on March 15, 2015 by mhardy3222

      The English language is full of Noun Clauses. A Noun Clause is made up of a group of words with a Noun and a Verb. A Noun is the name of a person, animal, place, thing, (or state;  for example: happiness, excitement). … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Songs, TOEFL, TOEIC, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Reading Skills: Skimming & Scanning

Posted on March 1, 2015 by mhardy3222

Skimming and scanning are important reading skills. We all seem to have the ability to skim and scan when we are reading something in our language. However, it doesn’t come naturally for students learning a second language. Students often focus on … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), ESL Teachers, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Short stories by Vanda Vadas

Posted on January 11, 2015 by mhardy3222

I constantly encourage English students to read excellent authors in order to improve their reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. How can you possibly acquire the skills you need for advanced level writing if you don’t read inspiring material? Vanda Vadas is just such … Continue reading →

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

Reported Speech

Posted on October 5, 2014 by mhardy3222

Last week I taught Reported Speech to my Pre-Intermediate class. (Reported Speech is also called Indirect Speech. However, not all Indirect Speech is Reported Speech.) For example, if you want to ask about the price of something in a shop, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Song containing Relative Clauses – by Shakira: #3

Posted on August 22, 2014 by mhardy3222

Originally posted on Mary's English Blog:
SHAKIRA sings a song called “You’re the One” which contains  several Relative Clauses. They are highlighted in bold in the lyrics below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiBuM5NX6HA A Relative Clause is a part of a sentence which contains…

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Relative Clauses, Songs, TOEFL, TOEIC, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Defining Relative Clauses: #6

Posted on August 17, 2014 by mhardy3222

For Grammar Rules about Defining Relative Clauses see my post  September 22, 2013.                                                                                                                         RIHANNA  sings a song with Eminem called ‘Monster’. There are  Defining Relative Clauses in the chorus. Have a look: Chorus 1. I’m friends with the monster that’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Relative Clauses, Songs, TOEFL, TOEIC | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

IELTS Speaking Test

Posted on July 13, 2014 by mhardy3222

For English students wanting to study for the IELTS Speaking Test, there are some wonderful resources online. I can highly recommend the  Australia Network  Website. In the Passport to English section, you will find videos, transcripts, notes, and commentary to help you. … Continue reading →

Posted in IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Speaking & Pronunciation, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | 1 Comment