Posted on

Same Same But Different: 3 Easy Ways to Learn Synonyms

For some reason unbeknownst to me, some students have this notion that synonyms are like the holy grail of vocabulary. My hunch is that they think since they already know the meaning of these words, they’re easier to memorize. Whatever the reason, synonyms are a useful tool for language learners to avoid repetition when speaking and especially when writing in English (or any other language for that matter). If you don’t know what a synonym is, it’s simply a word or phrase which has the same meaning as another word.

Don’t get stuck in the habit of memorizing long lists of words which you’ll never actually use and eventually just forget! Instead, try to expand your vocabulary in a conscious and meaningful way. It will make remembering them new vocabulary easier and more enjoyable. Not sure how? Read on for 3 easy tips.

Continue reading “Same Same But Different: 3 Easy Ways to Learn Synonyms”

Posted on

How to Improve your English Pronunciation: 5 Tips To Speak English with Confidence

I’ll never forget the day my first-year university Spanish teacher informed me that I spoke Spanish with a French accent. She said it nonchalantly, a passing comment, a curiosity. For her, I suppose it was. For me, not so much.

You see, languages have always come quite naturally to me. And up until this point, I had felt extremely confident in class. I understood everything the teacher said. I found the expressions and grammar easy. I participated lots and helped my friends out too.  

Continue reading “How to Improve your English Pronunciation: 5 Tips To Speak English with Confidence”

Posted on

Writing: 8 Types of Transition Words You Should be Using in your Essays

Writing a compelling essay can be a tricky task. The best essays are not just well-researched, but well-presented and convincing too! It takes practice and flair to write a cohesive piece of writing; something which often presents difficulties for both ESL students and native speakers alike.

Want to write a well-structured and logical essay? This is where transition words come in. Transition words connect ideas, and help your argument flow naturally - they’re basically the glue of your essay. Without them, your essay will feel clunky and disjointed.

There are lots of different types of transition words you can use in your writing. Today I’ve grouped them into 8 main types according to their different uses. This list is far from a complete list of all the transition words out there but it’s a good starting point.

Continue reading “Writing: 8 Types of Transition Words You Should be Using in your Essays”

Posted on

English Pronunciation: Pronounce the 100 Most Common Words in English Like a Native

Learning a language is definitely a process, and, at times a frustrating and overwhelming one. For many, it feels like a lifelong struggle. Over the years, I’ve taught countless students who confide in me the same problem…

“I’ve been studying English since I was a child and I want to improve my speaking and pronunciation.”

So, how can you improve your English pronunciation and speaking? Well, there are lots of different ways but today we’re going to focus on one simple strategy and we’re going to break it down into 3 easy steps which I’ll explain in detail below. This should give you a good base to continue working on your pronunciation later.

Continue reading “English Pronunciation: Pronounce the 100 Most Common Words in English Like a Native”