Category Archives: Writing

Divulging and disclosing (The language of giving information)

Posted on March 2, 2019 by

Originally posted on About Words – Cambridge Dictionaries Online blog:
Bobiko/Moment/GettyImages by Kate Woodford We tell each other things all the time, whether it’s our news, some important information or just interesting facts. This week we’re focusing on the language that…

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

147 Words to Use instead of “Very”

Posted on November 24, 2018 by

How often do you use the word “Very” to add emphasis to an ordinary word? How about trying out some dynamic new words? (Don’t you think that “dynamic” is preferable to “better”?) Once again, GrammarCheck.net  have created an easy-to-use, helpful Infographic … Continue reading →

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

Descriptive Language & Persuasive devices – Advanced & Proficiency Level Students

Posted on October 14, 2018 by

In a post published April 26, 2015, I recommended A guide to understanding persuasive language, provided by the University of New South Wales, Australia. This guide provided excellent advice on developing writing and speaking skills. Unfortunately, this link is no longer available, but … Continue reading →

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

A song with Collocations and Idioms

Posted on September 29, 2018 by

The English language is full of collocations and idioms. By collocations, I mean words that naturally go together like ‘high hopes‘, ‘heavy rain‘, and ‘make friends‘. We don’t say ‘tall hopes’, ‘huge rain‘ or ‘produce friends‘.  Idioms are expressions whose … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Songs, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary, Writing | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Look up an English word; learn it forever.

Posted on August 19, 2018 by

I have found a wonderful website that will help you remember vocabulary!  (I wish there were similar websites in French and Italian for me. Alas!)  I could write a lot of detail here but it would be quicker for you … Continue reading →

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

How to Say Thank You in Business English: 20 Phrases for Any Situation

Posted on August 5, 2018 by

by KITLUM How to Say Thank You in Business English: 20 Phrases for Any Situation A helping hand from a business partner. A complaint from your customer. An invitation to a global conference. What do these have in common? That’s right! They’re … Continue reading →

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

Improve your English with Poetry

Posted on July 31, 2018 by

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 →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Reading, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Song with Dynamic Adjectives

Posted on June 30, 2018 by

I recently used a song, The Logical Song by Supertramp, in my Intermediate Level English class to highlight excellent English expression and in particular an impressive use of Adjectives. Individually, the adjectives are all wonderfully descriptive, but read the song … Continue reading →

Posted in Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Songs, Vocabulary, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

What are the most valuable things everyone should know?

Posted on June 25, 2018 by

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 →

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

How to Learn Compelling Vocabulary in 30 Seconds

Posted on May 27, 2018 by

Would you like to learn compelling new vocabulary every day automatically? ♦ No planning   ♦   No decisions ♦ Have a look at the picture on the right. ♦How would you describe the man’s personality? ♦ How would you describe the background colour? … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary, Writing | Leave a comment