ESLInSight's Posts (17)

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If you've ever attempted to learn an instrument, then you know it requires daily practice to improve. The same is true for learning a second language, a fact that many students often overlook or forget. To improve your fluency, it is crucial that you devote time each day to practicing. However, daily English classes are difficult to manage and ESL textbooks can be tedious and boring to work through on your own.

​So, how does one go about practicing English daily? Here are 4 easy (and hopefully fun!) at-home activities you can and should do every day to improve your English fast.
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Our last contest was a huge success so we're offering another! Below are 10 jumbled English idioms. Can you figure out what they are?

How it works: The order of the idioms below have been jumbled (rearranged). First, arrange the words to form the correct idiomatic statement. Next, try to guess the meanings of the idioms by matching them to the definitions provided (A-J). Once you have correctly arranged and defined all 10 idioms, submit your responses using the Contest Submission Form below and be sure to include a working email address.* 
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How to Celebrate Halloween the American Way

10/15/2015

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Halloween is observed in several countries, but none celebrates quite like America. From costumes to candy to haunted attractions, it is estimated that Americans spend about $6 billion annually on Halloween. The holiday, which is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and was revived by 19th century Irish and Scottish immigrants to North America, has metamorphosed considerably over time. Today's more commercial version of the holiday has little to do with superstition or religion but is regarded by both children and adults alike as a day of massive celebration. So, how do Americans celebrate? Here are just a few ways...
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I just posted my latest blog and EnglishClub is the first to see it. If you're on Facebook or Twitter, please like, share, and tweet the post so other English learners can benefit, too. Enjoy!

A Simple Explanation for Say Versus Tell

It can be difficult for nonnative English speakers to differentiate between say and tell since both verbs refer to communicating verbally with someone. However, there is a simple method for understanding these words and avoiding inaccurate statements like, "I say her" or "I told." Click here to read more.

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Some of the first vocabulary we're taught when learning a new language is animal words. Unfair though it may be (either to the animal or individual, depending on the situation), several animal words can also be used as insults in English. 

While I don't generally condone insulting anyone, it is helpful to know what some animal words mean in English slang. (Truth be told, in some cases, there really is no better word to describe an individual than that of our furry, feathery, or scaly friends.) Here are 10 animals, their meanings as insults, and example sentences.

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The United States is a multicultural nation, yet most Americans, regardless of their cultural backgrounds, adhere to certain social guidelines when it comes to conversation, especially with strangers, acquaintances, and colleagues. If you are planning to live, work, or travel in America, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the etiquette of communication. This includes knowing which conversation topics are preferred and which to avoid, as well as how to interact both verbally and non-verbally. Click here to read more.

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English is not an easy language to learn and your ESL teacher, more so than anyone, is sensitive to the struggle you face in learning and understanding its many nuances. Throughout my teaching career, I’ve heard a handful of phrases used by nonnative English speakers that make me feel like we may have failed you in our teaching. Knowing if, when, or how to use these 5 phrases appropriately is crucial to building fluency and will surely make your English teacher smile. Click here to read more!

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If English is your second language, chances are you've struggled with verb phrases and idioms involving "touch." On more than one occasion, I've had a student, colleague, or friend end a conversation with "I'll touch you," instead of "I'll be in touch." 

So, what's the difference? Touching is the act of coming into physical contact with someone or something, whereas being in touch refers to verbal communication. "I'll touch you" is a notice of bodily contact (and, depending on the circumstances, probably a strange thing to say), but "I'll be in touch" is the promise of a phone call, text message, email, or the like. Click here to read more!

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