Category Archives: Reading
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
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
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
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
A Must-Read Thriller for Advanced English Students
I have previously recommended the fascinating books written by author JC Ryan, not only for those studying English as a second language, but also native English speakers who enjoy a spellbinding mystery or thriller. Well, now there is a short … Continue reading
The life and soul of the party (How we behave at social events)
Originally posted on About Words – Cambridge Dictionaries Online blog:
Tara Moore/DigitalVision/GettyImages by Kate Woodford How do your friends behave at social events? Is one of them the life and soul of the party, chatting, laughing and dancing with everyone? Or…
Improve your English with Poetry
On June 30, 2018, I published a post: A Song with Dynamic Adjectives. I wanted to show you how effective a clever choice of English adjectives can be. I chose The logical Song by Supertramp. Awesome song-writers are really awesome … Continue reading
What are the most valuable things everyone should know?
What are the most valuable things everyone should know? Jordan B Peterson, 25 years as a consultant, clinical psychologist and professor Tell the truth. Do not do things that you hate. Act so that you can tell the truth about … Continue reading
Eating Breakfast With Giraffes In Africa
A great way to improve your vocabulary and listening skills is with short videos. Watch the following fascinating video about giraffes and follow the link below it to learn the ‘vocabulary in chunks’. You will be impressed by how much you … Continue reading