Category: LEARNING TIPS

The Importance of Making Mistakes

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🎯Learning goal: Discuss the importance of making mistakes in the learning process and share your experiences of learning from mistakes.

In this lesson, you will explore how making mistakes is an essential part of learning and personal growth. You will watch a video featuring Salma Hayek, discuss her views, and share your own experiences.

💬 Let’s talk

Think about your own experiences with making mistakes.

  • What do you think about making mistakes?
  • Why are some people afraid of making mistakes?

📺 Let’s watch a video

Watch the video: Salma Hayek: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

  1. As you watch, think about why Salma Hayek believes mistakes are important.

2. Watch the video again and answer the following questions:

  1. What does Salma Hayek say about making mistakes?
  2. Why does she think mistakes are important?

💭 Think alone

Write some notes about how you react when you make a mistake in English.

💡 🗣️ Small group discussion

Join your assigned group in the breakout room and discuss the following:

  • Do you agree with Salma Hayek’s view on mistakes? Why or why not?
  • Can you think of a famous person who made a big mistake but later succeeded?
  • How can we change our attitude towards making mistakes?
  • What strategies can you use to recover from a mistake?
  • How can teachers and classmates support each other in learning from mistakes?

Choose a group representative to summarize your discussion points to the class.

👩‍🏫 🙋‍♂️ 🙋‍♀️ Class discussion

Let’s talk together about what we heard in the groups.

What’s similar? What’s different? Any cool ideas?

✍️ Write about it

Write a short paragraph about a mistake you made recently and what you learned from it.

What is one mistake you made recently and what did you learn from it?
Share your reflection in the comments below.👇.

💯 Success Strategies for Tests: Reflect, Learn, and Improve Your Scores

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Learning goal: This activity will help you reflect on your recent test experiences, identify areas for improvement, and make a successful plan for your next test.

💭 Reflecting on your test

  1. Begin by thinking about your recent test experiences
  2. Share your thoughts with your classmates

⚙️ Make a learning plan

  1. 👁️‍🗨️ Read the following article about making learning plans and make your own plan
How to make a plan to improve your English

2. ✍️ Share some useful test preparation tips in the comment section 👇

Let’s learn English

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Learning goals: Think critically about how you learn English and find new strategies to improve faster.

💬 Let’s talk (group discussion)

  1. How do you learn English?
  2. What’s hard for you?

📺 Let’s watch a video

You will watch a video about a man who is learning a new language

  1. Watch the video and write down what you think about the man. Why?

2. Watch the video again and answer the following questions:

  • a) Where is the man from?
  • b) What new language is he learning?
  • c) Why is he learning a new language?
  • d) What strategies to practice the new language does he use?

💭 Think alone

Write some notes about how you learn English. What’s a good idea from the video that you want to try?

💡 🗣️ Small group discussion

In small groups discuss the following questions with your classmates.

  1. How much time do you dedicate to learning English daily?
  2. What creative methods have you tried or would like to try?
  3. Share your personal experiences related to effective language learning

👩‍🏫 🙋‍♂️ 🙋‍♀️ Class discussion

Let’s talk together about what we heard in the groups.

What’s similar? What’s different? Any cool ideas?

✍️ Write about it

Post a reflection on the class discussion and share the language learning strategy you plan to incorporate into your routine 👇.

Writing Tasks, Grammar Topics, and Vocabulary by Level for English Learners

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Writing is an essential skill for anyone learning a new language, and it’s no different for English learners.

Whether you’re studying English for work, education, or personal growth, improving your writing abilities is crucial for success.

Unfortunately, many learners struggle with knowing what writing tasks they should be able to complete at different levels, as well as the grammar topics and vocabulary they need to master in order to write effectively.

That’s why I’ve put together this table, which outlines the writing tasks, grammar topics, and vocabulary needed for each level of the Cambridge tests. Whether you’re just starting out at A2 (pre-intermediate) or are working towards C2 proficiency (high-advanced), this table will help you identify the skills you need to improve your writing and achieve your language learning goals.

Exam
name		LevelWriting TasksGrammar TopicsVocabularySpecific Writing Task
A2 KeyA2
Pre-intermediate		Short messages and notes; Form filling; Informal emails or lettersSimple present and past tenses; Be, do, have, can, and other auxiliary verbs; Personal pronouns; Basic prepositions and conjunctionsEveryday vocabulary (e.g. family, hobbies, weather, shopping); Common verbs and adjectives; Basic question words (e.g. who, what, where, when, why)Write a postcard to a friend about your holiday plans.
Write a short email to your teacher asking for information about an assignment
Write a short email to your friend telling him/her what you did on your last holidays
B1 PreliminaryB1
Intermediate		Descriptive texts (e.g. postcards, blog entries); Emails, letters, or reports giving information, opinions, and suggestionsPresent, past, and future tenses; Modal verbs (e.g. can, could, should, would); Adjectives and adverbs; Relative clauses; Indirect speechCommon expressions and idioms; Academic vocabulary (e.g. education, environment, technology); Phrases for giving opinions and making suggestionsWrite a letter to a pen pal describing your city.
Write an email to a colleague about a project proposal.
Write a short story using the narrative tenses.
B2 FirstB2
High-Intermediate		Essays or articles expressing opinions or presenting arguments; Reports or reviews summarizing and evaluating informationPassive voice; Conditionals; Reported speech; Gerunds and infinitives; Phrasal verbsAdvanced vocabulary related to specific topics (e.g. politics, economics, culture); Formal and informal vocabulary (e.g. synonyms for common words); Technical terms and jargonWrite a report on the advantages and disadvantages of social media. Write a review of a book you’ve recently read. Write an essay arguing for or against the use of technology in education.
Write a report evaluating the effectiveness of a new marketing campaign
Write a review of a book or movie.
C1 AdvancedC1
Advanced		Discursive essays, proposals, or letters arguing a point of view; Reports, reviews, or critiques analyzing and evaluating complex informationSubjunctive mood; Complex sentence structures (e.g. cleft sentences, inversion, fronting); Conjunctions and connectors (e.g. however, despite, furthermore); Reduced relative clauses; Indirect questionsAdvanced and specialized vocabulary for academic and professional contexts; Register and style appropriate to the audience and purposeWrite a formal letter to a government official addressing a social issue.
Write an essay analyzing a literary work.
Write a research paper on the effects of climate change.
Write a report analyzing the impact of social media on society.
C2 ProficiencyC2
High-advanced		Essays or research papers on complex topics with an original thesis and well-supported arguments; Formal reports, proposals, or reviews demonstrating advanced research skills and academic rigor.Advanced grammar structures (e.g. conditional perfect, passive with two objects); Complex noun phrases and sentence patterns; Discourse markers and cohesive devices; Register and style (e.g. formal and informal language, hedging, and mitigation)Sophisticated and precise vocabulary appropriate for academic and professional contexts; Nuanced and idiomatic expressions; Terminology and jargon specific to a field of study or profession
Write a research article on a topic in your field of study.
Write a professional report on a business proposal.
Write a thesis statement for a masters/doctoral dissertation.

With this table, you now have a clear roadmap of the writing tasks, grammar topics, and vocabulary needed for each level of the Cambridge tests. Use it as a guide to focus your studies and improve your writing skills in English.

Remember, practice makes progress, so don’t be afraid to write, revise, and get feedback from qualified English teachers or tutors. With dedication and hard work, you can become a proficient writer in English and open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

RELATED TOPICS:

What grammar topics do I need to study to level up my English?
What vocabulary do I need to study to level up my English?

*Created with the help of AI

Polite and Professional: A Step-by-Step Guide to Communicate with Your Online English Teacher About Problems

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As an online English student, it’s important to have good communication with your online teacher. This means that if you’re experiencing any issues, it’s crucial that you let your teacher know as soon as possible. This will help them to understand your situation and provide you with the necessary support and guidance.

Here are some tips on how to inform your online teacher about some issues you may be facing:

1. Technical problems

If you’re having technical difficulties during your class, such as a poor internet connection or problems with your computer or camera, let your teacher know as soon as possible. You can send them an email or use the chat function during the class to inform them of the issue. Be specific about the problem you’re experiencing and provide as much detail as possible.


📧 Example of an email that you can send your teacher to demonstrate that you are a professional and polite person:

Subject: Can’t use camera in class

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to tell you that I’m having problems with my computer during our English class. I can’t turn on my camera.

I’m sorry that I can’t show you my face. I’ve tried to fix it, but it still doesn’t work.

I know it’s important to have the camera on during class, but I will still be listening and learning. I will participate in class as much as I can.

Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do. Thank you for understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

💬 Example of a chat message that you can send your teacher

Student: Hi [Teacher’s name]. I’m having some trouble with my internet connection/camera today/ I’m in a noisy place. I’ll keep my camera and microphone off. I just want to let you know that I’m here and I’ll participate as much as I can using the chat.

2. Absence due to sickness or family problem:

If you’re unable to attend class due to sickness or a family problem, it’s important to let your teacher know as soon as possible. This will help them to understand your situation and provide you with the necessary support and guidance. You can send them an email providing a valid reason for your absence.

📧 Example of an email that you can send your teacher to demonstrate that you are a professional and polite person:

Subject: Absence Due to Illness

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend our online English class today because I am feeling unwell. [Or, alternatively, “I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend our online English class today because a family member is unwell.”]

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and I will make sure to catch up on any missed work. I will also keep you updated on my condition [or, alternatively, “my family member’s condition”] and let you know when I will be able to attend class again.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

3. Class change

If you’re unable to attend a particular class due to a scheduling conflict or other reasons, it’s important to let your teacher know in advance.

📧 Here is a template that you can use to send your teacher to demonstrate that you are a professional and polite person:

Subject: Change of Class Schedule

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to inform you that I will be unable to attend our usual English class due to [a schedule conflict / wanting to try a new teaching method].

I was hoping to attend [insert the name of the new class or time of the new class] instead.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. I appreciate everything you have taught me so far.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

4. Not understanding the class

If you’re having trouble understanding the material covered in class, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have revised the textbook exercises/ notes and you still don’t understand a topic you can send your teacher an email to ask for clarification. Be polite and specific about the area of the material that you’re struggling with.

📧 Example of an email that you can send your teacher to demonstrate that you are a professional and polite person:

Subject: Need Help Understanding [Topic]

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to let you know that I am struggling to understand [insert the name of the topic or subject] that we have covered in class.

I have tried to review the material on my own, but I am still having difficulty grasping the concepts. I was hoping you could provide me with some extra guidance or resources that could help me better understand the topic.

Thank you for your support and patience. I appreciate everything you have taught me so far and I am eager to learn more.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

💡 Communication is key when it comes to informing your online teacher about any issues you may be facing.

Be polite and specific when informing them about the issue, and always provide a valid reason for any absences or changes.

This will help you to get the support and guidance you need to succeed in your online classes.

*Created with the help of AI

Cornell’s Note-taking Made Easy: Tips for English Learners

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The Cornell Note-Taking Method is a widely used system for taking notes that can be adapted to suit the needs of English learners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the Cornell Note-Taking Method:

  1. Start by dividing your paper into three sections: the main notes section on the right-hand side, a smaller section on the left-hand side for questions and keywords, and a summary section at the bottom of the page.
  2. During a class or while reading a text or listening an audio, take notes in the main section on the right-hand side. Write down key points, ideas, and details that you think are important.
  3. Use the left-hand side to write down questions that come to mind as you take your notes. These could be questions about the material you’re learning, or questions that you want to ask your teacher or classmates later on.
  4. In the summary section at the bottom of the page, write a brief summary of the main points you’ve taken notes on. This will help you review and remember the information later.
  5. After the class or reading/listening session is over, review your notes and try to answer the questions you wrote on the left-hand side. This will help you solidify your understanding of the material.
  6. Finally, use the summary section to review the main points of the lecture or reading, and to prepare for future assignments or exams.

Overall, the Cornell Note-Taking Method is a flexible and effective way for English learners to take notes and organize their thoughts. With practice, it can become a valuable tool for academic success.

Now that you know what the Cornell note-taking method is let’s see two examples:

Example 1:

Example 2:

Notes taken from an article about the most common writing mistakes that English learners make

Click the button to download a template for your classes

download PDF

From Beginner to B1: How to pass the Cambridge B1 Preliminary Exam

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The Cambridge B1 Preliminary exam, also known as the Preliminary English Test (PET), is a popular English proficiency exam that measures a candidate’s ability to use English in everyday situations. If you’re preparing for the B1 Preliminary exam, here are some tips and resources that can help you succeed:

1. Understand the exam format

Familiarize yourself with the exam format, time limits, and question types. It’s important to know the format of each section so you can prepare accordingly.

Visit the official Cambridge website for more details about the exam format.

2. Practice your English skills

To do well on the B1 Preliminary exam, you need to have a solid foundation in English language skills. Practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English as much as possible.

You can find a lot of resources to practice your English skills in this blog.

What grammar topics do I need to study to level up my English?

What vocabulary do I need to study to level up my English?

3. Use official exam preparation materials

Cambridge English offers official preparation materials for the B1 Preliminary exam, including sample papers, practice tests, and online courses. These materials are designed to help you understand the exam format and question types, and to develop your English language skills.

4. Take practice tests

Practice makes progress. Taking practice tests can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and familiarize yourself with the exam format. Try to simulate exam conditions as much as possible, including timing yourself and avoiding distractions.

5. Focus on your weaknesses

Once you’ve identified your weaknesses, focus on improving them. For example, if you struggle with listening comprehension, try listening to English podcasts, news broadcasts, or movies to improve your skills. If you struggle with reading comprehension, try reading English texts. If you have difficulties writing, try writing every day. You can start journaling or posting/ commenting in English on social media.

6. Learn exam-specific strategies

There are specific strategies you can use to help you succeed on the B1 Preliminary exam. For example:

  • Skim the text first to get a general idea of what it’s about before answering questions.
  • Pay attention to the title, headings, and subheadings to help you understand the structure of the text.
  • Read the questions carefully and underline keywords or phrases to help you focus on what you need to find in the text.
  • Think about the context of the missing word and use grammatical clues to help you choose the correct option.
  • Plan your writing before you start, and make sure to use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures.
  • Read the questions before you listen to the recording to get an idea of what to expect.
  • Listen for keywords and phrases that answer the questions.
  • Pay attention to the tone of voice, intonation, and stress to help you understand the meaning of what is being said.
  • Write your answers clearly.

7. Seek feedback

Ask your English teacher, tutor, or a friend who speaks English well to give you feedback on your English language skills and exam performance. They can offer suggestions for improvement and help you identify areas where you need more practice.

Remember that preparing for the B1 Preliminary exam takes time and effort, but with the right resources and strategies, you can achieve success.

Good luck with your exam!

*Created with the help of AI

Student Opinion

teacherjulieta16 Comments

Hi there!

If you are or have been my student, I’d really like to hear your opinion about this blog and your learning process in my classes.

✨ Please answer the following question in the Reply section:

What is your opinion about your classes with Teacher Julieta and the materials that she shares in this blog?

Sharing is caring

teacherjulieta16 Comments

“Sharing is caring” is a common English expression but do you know what exactly it means? 😕

It has a very profound meaning. It means that when we share something with someone else it is equal to caring them. Sharing ideas, thoughts, experiences, things that have helped us in our journey is a way to show care to our friends and people around us. 💖

That’s why I created this blog. The main purpose of it is to share tips, ideas, games and resources that will help you in your learning journey. 💡

Over the past months this community has grown so fast and I think it is a good idea that you also share tips and resources with other members of the community.

I’m inviting you to share with me and with other English learners tips and resources that have helped you improve your English. 😊

How can you share your tips?

Things that you can post in the comments below: 🔗 💡👇

  • YouTube videos or YouTube channels
  • Facebook, Instagram, TikTok profiles of English teachers
  • Websites to learn and practice grammar
  • Podcasts to practice listening
  • Books or websites to practice reading
  • Websites or apps to practice speaking

On behalf of this amazing community of English learners around the world 🌎:

Thanks for your generosity 🙏