Category Archives: Writing

How to Describe a Picture … in 4 Easy Steps

Posted on February 23, 2016 by mhardy3222

How would you describe the above picture? Imagine that you want to describe  it to someone who cannot see it; where would you start? WRITING A DESCRIPTION ♠ Step #1: What do you want to say? Not sure? Try asking ‘Wh…‘ … Continue reading →

Posted in Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Writing | Tagged | 14 Comments

How to Write a Sentence: #3 Complex Sentences

Posted on February 6, 2016 by mhardy3222

* First, read How to Write a Sentence #1 & How to Write a Sentence #2. Quick revision A sentence must include: 1) a subject 2) a finite verb (a verb with tense) 3) meaning (a complete idea) The following clause … Continue reading →

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Relative Clauses, TOEFL, TOEIC, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

How to Write a Sentence: #2

Posted on January 26, 2016 by mhardy3222

First, you should read How to Write a Sentence: #1 There are three types of sentences in English: SIMPLE, COMPOUND, & COMPLEX. All sentences must contain a subject, a verb with tense, and they must have meaning. You need to … Continue reading →

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), TOEFL, TOEIC, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Writing | Leave a comment

How To Improve Your English Writing

Posted on June 7, 2015 by mhardy3222

You have probably heard this before, but one of the best ways to improve your English writing is to read. If you can write well in your language, you have no doubt read extensively. If you can’t write well in your language, … Continue reading →

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

Writing Introductions – Advice for Advanced Students #2

Posted on May 3, 2015 by mhardy3222

Here I go again! I can’t help it! I am so impressed by Gerard Whateley’s superb usage of the English language, that I must share it with you. Read, and marvel at, his introduction to the Fight of the Century between Floyd … Continue reading →

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

Persuasive Language – Advanced & Proficiency Level Students

Posted on April 26, 2015 by mhardy3222

The University of New South Wales, Australia, has an excellent Literacy Department which provides invaluable advice on developing writing skills. For those of you who are studying English and are preparing for  exams, have a look at the following PDF … Continue reading →

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

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

Actor Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar Acceptance Speech

Posted on March 25, 2014 by mhardy3222

  I have just watched Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar Acceptance Speech. I was very impresssed  that he could articulate  his feelings and  his belief system  succinctly while holding the viewer’s full attention. It’s a skill few have, and all without cue cards. This speech is a wonderful … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Speaking & Pronunciation, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Videos, Writing | 1 Comment

Future tenses – part one

Posted on February 22, 2014 by mhardy3222

English students learn WILL for Future Tense and they often don’t know that native speakers also use Present Continuous and Present Simple when they are talking and writing about the future. As a result, students overuse WILL. Look at the following … Continue reading →

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