Category Archives: Reading

Advanced Reading – Improve your English & your Knowledge!

Is it possible to become a successful English writer when English is your second language?                  Imagine being taught English at school but not hearing it spoken outside of  the classroom. This is an … Continue reading

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

The Crocodile and The Monkey : a Poem by Vikram Seth

Greetings English Students! It’s Story Time! Who doesn’t love a great story? Today, I’m going to share a fabulous story with you: The Crocodile and The Monkey by Vikram Seth. It may look like a children’s story, but it has … Continue reading

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Listening, Reading, Speaking & Pronunciation, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Videos, Vocabulary | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Easter 2025

Happy Easter English Learners! I hope you enjoy a well-earned break from your daily routine. However, there’s no need to have a break from English! Have you ever wondered why bunnies, chickens, and eggs are everywhere at Easter time? Well, … Continue reading

Posted in Beginner (Level 1), Children, Easter Holidays, Elementary (Level 2), ESL Teachers, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Reading, Videos, Vocabulary | Leave a comment

Advanced Reading & Writing ∼ Learn from the Best Writers!

Greetings English Learners. It’s not always easy to find good examples of English writing to show you. Actually, ‘good’ is not good enough! I want ‘brilliant’ examples, and you shall have them! Of course, there are numerous excellent authors around … Continue reading

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Improve Your English Listening with a Jolly Song!

Hello English Learners! It’s time for some English Listening! Well, it’s always time for listening. If you enjoy what you are listening to, learning a language is more fun, and more productive. Don’t you agree? Songs are a fantastic learning … Continue reading

Posted in Elementary (Level 2), Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Reading, Songs, TOEFL, TOEIC, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Leave a comment

Mercy & Cancel Culture – Advanced Reading

Nick Cave is a is an Australian singer, songwriter, author, and screenwriter. On his website, The Red Hand Files, he answers questions from fans, any questions about anything. In this post, I’m featuring his eloquent response to the questions: What … Continue reading

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Reading, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

20 English Idioms of Courage

On New Year’s Eve, many of us make New Year Resolutions in an effort to improve ourselves or make a positive change.  Maybe you want to exercise more, lose weight, or just get more organised. Not so easy! It takes … Continue reading

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Advanced Reading & Listening: Our World Today

Today, I have two reading texts and two short videos, all timely and thought-provoking. All are outstanding and varied examples of the use of English language. ♦ The first reading is a fact-based text which defines, and provides examples of, … Continue reading

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Listening, Reading, Speaking & Pronunciation | 3 Comments

How to Follow a Process / Instructions

Here in Australia, it will soon be summer. On the Gold Coast, where I live, it’s like summer most of the year! However, for many of you, winter is fast approaching so I thought you might enjoy a short video … Continue reading

Posted in Elementary (Level 2), Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Reading, Vocabulary | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

How to Write an Opinion Essay

♦ Opinion & Fact: It is essential when writing an opinion essay to clearly separate opinion and fact.  When teaching essay writing and critical reading skills to students (adults),  I have often been dismayed to discover that they accept written … Continue reading

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments