Starting Conversations I’m a total introvert. That does not mean I don’t like talking to people, but it does mean I don’t actually start a lot of conversations. If you approached me and started a conversation though, I’d be happy to talk to you. The point is, I know it can be a bit hard …
Stop Playing Conversation Catch Sometimes, teachers say conversation is like playing catch because our ideas go back and forth like tossing a ball. Today, let’s look at some examples of why you should stop playing catch. First: What not to do. A: What do you do? B: I work for an auditing company. A: What …
Valentine’s Day Idioms Valentine’s Day is the holiday of love. It’s an international holiday celebrated on February 14th in most countries. People celebrate the holiday differently throughout the world but wherever you celebrate, do it with someone special. Common English Idioms About Love 1. a crush = the person you like Ex: My crush doesn’t …
Why are rabbits’ feet lucky? Lucky rabbits’ feet are popular around the world, but why are they lucky? Read the story below at your level. Study any new words, and then, use them in your next conversations! Reading Beginner Elementary Intermediate Beginner When I was a kid, I had a lucky rabbit’s foot. It was …
Father’s Day Idioms Happy Father’s Day! As a very happy dad, you can imagine that Father’s Day is pretty special to me. There are lots of idioms in English related to dads. So, let’s celebrate an awesome holiday with some dad jokes and idioms related to dads around the world! Study the idioms below and …
How to use either. “Either” is pretty easy to use, but there are some special examples to look out for. Let’s start with the basics. 1. either + or = one of two choices (NOT both) (conjunction) • Your order comes with either soup or salad. • The movie starts at either six or seven. …
Mother’s Day Idioms A face only a mother could love. Happy Mother’s Day! There are lots of idioms in English related to to Mothers. So, let’s celebrate a mother of a great holiday with some sweet idioms related to moms around the world! Study the idioms below and try using them in your next conversations. …
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test Instructions Read the story below at your level. Then, study the key words and phrases. Later, use them in your conversations and writing this week. Reading Beginner Elementary Intermediate Advanced Beginner The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test is a book by Tom Wolfe. It is a true story and the writer …
Literally and Figuratively Figuratively Figurative expressions mean something special. The words and meaning don’t always match. “Spill the tea” means “gossip”. Literally Literal expressions mean what they say. I really did spill my tea. Compare the literal and figurative expressions below. Literal: The actor literally died on stage. He had a heart attack. Figurative: The actor died …
North, South, East, and West I sometimes hear students mix up directions like “north of” or “in northern”. It’s an easy thing to confuse. Below are some examples to help you remember the most common patterns. in + northern, southern, eastern, western = inside an area Ex: New York is in the northern US. Ex: Atlanta is in the southern US. Ex: They’re both in the eastern US. Ex: LA …
What’s the difference between north of and in the north? Read More »