What is a noun?
A noun is a person, a thing, a place or an idea.
Let’s Review
In English, you can modify or add more information to nouns in different ways:
Let’s practice
Match up
Match up
Compound Nouns
Tag: English Fluency
Preparing for a Job Interview in English: A Guide for ESL Learners
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when English is not your first language. However, with the right preparation and practice, you can confidently navigate through the interview process.
Here I will provide you with some essential tips and 10 common questions that often arise during job interviews. By familiarizing yourself with these questions and practicing your responses, you will improve your ability to showcase your skills and abilities in English.
1. Research the Company
Before attending a job interview, it is crucial to research the company you are applying to. Gather information about their mission, values, and recent achievements. This knowledge will demonstrate your interest and commitment to the role.
There are some websites or apps where you can learn more about the workplace politics such as Glassdoor or Indeed.
2. Understand the Job Requirements
Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications required for the position. By understanding the job requirements, you can tailor your answers to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
3. Practice Common Interview Questions
Preparing for common interview questions will help you feel more confident during the actual interview. Here are ten commonly asked questions:
a) Tell me about yourself.
b) Why are you interested in this position?
c) What are your strengths and weaknesses?
d) Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you resolved it.
e) How do you handle stress and pressure?
f) What are your long-term career goals?
g) How do you work in a team?
h) How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
i) Explain a time when you had to handle a difficult customer or colleague.
j) Do you have any questions for us?
4. Prepare your answers
For each question, prepare a concise and well-structured response. Focus on showcasing your skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Practice delivering your answers in English, paying attention to your pronunciation and grammar.
5. Use the STAR Method
When answering behavioural questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Start by describing the situation or challenge, explain the task or goal, detail the actions you took, and conclude with the positive results or outcomes.
6. Practice Active Listening
During the interview, actively listen to the interviewer’s questions, and make sure you understand them fully. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. This demonstrates your attentiveness and communication skills.
7. Use Body Language
Remember that non-verbal communication is essential during job interviews. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and use appropriate hand gestures. Smile and show enthusiasm, as these traits often leave a positive impression on interviewers.
8. Dress Professionally
Dress professionally for the interview, as it shows respect for the company and the opportunity. Research the company’s dress code and strive to look neat, polished, and well-groomed.
By preparing for a job interview in English, you can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. Remember to research the company, understand the job requirements, and practice your answers to common interview questions. With practice and preparation, you’ll be well-prepared to showcase your skills and abilities in English. Good luck!
So let’s practice!!
Answer the question confidently and following the strategies in this article
Note: It is important to note that the questions provided here are just examples, and it is always recommended to research and prepare for specific questions that may be relevant to the job you are applying for.
Spin and Speak
Learning goal:
This game is designed to help you improve your English conversation skills. By spinning the wheel and talking about different topics using conversation cards, you’ll improve your speaking, learn new words, and become more confident in using English. And the best part is, you’ll have a lot of fun while learning!
Instructions:
- This is a special game to help you practice talking in English.
- There’s a wheel with different topics on it.
- We also have cards with questions about these topics
- The team leader will click a button to make the wheel spin and choose a topic.
- Find the topic below.
- Click on “Start” to see the cards with the questions
- It’s okay to take your time and speak slowly.
- Listen carefully to others and be polite.
- When you finish, you can talk about your favourite topics or moments from the game.
- The teacher also will give you some helpful tips on how to improve your English.
TOPICS
Daily Routines
Future plans and aspirations
Technology and gadgets
Food and cooking
Family and relationships
Simple Present vs. Present Continuous
Present simple:
The simple present tense is used to describe actions that are habitual or routine, as well as facts that are always true. We use the simple present tense to talk about things that happen regularly, frequently or all the time.
Habits and routines
- I wake up early every morning.
- She always drinks coffee in the morning.
- They never eat fast food.
Facts
- The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
- The Earth revolves around the sun.
- The moon has a gravitational pull.
Stative verbs
Stative verbs are a specific type of verb that describe states or conditions rather than actions. These verbs express how someone feels, what they think, or what something is like. Unlike action verbs that show physical movement or activity, stative verbs describe a person’s state of being or the qualities of something.
Here are some common stative verbs:
- Aree: I agree with you
- Want: She wants to travel to India next year.
- Believe: They believe in ghosts.
- Have: I have a headache.
- Like: He likes playing soccer.
- Know: Do you know the answer?
- Understand: Do you understand what I mean?
Present Continuous:
The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening or in progress at the time of speaking. We use the present continuous tense to talk about actions that are temporary or incomplete, as well as trends that are currently happening.
Actions in progress
- She is currently studying for her exams.
- They are building a new house in my neighbourhood.
- He is watching TV right now.
Things started but not finished at the time of speaking
We use the present continuous tense to talk about actions that were started in the past but have not yet been completed.
Example:
- I am currently working on my homework, but I haven’t finished it yet.
- My neighbour is renovating his house. The house will be fully renovated in 2 months.
Trends
- The temperature is increasing every year due to global warming.
- More and more people are using social media for communication.
- The number of people who are working from home has increased during the pandemic.
Grammar Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Speaking practice
- Complete the questions
- Ask and answer the questions
Board Game
🎲 Students take turns rolling the dice and moving their piece on the board.
🛑 When a student lands on a square, they answer the question using the correct tense.
🗣️ Example: “I go to the cinema once every month.”
👂 The other players listen and decide if the answer is right or wrong.
✅ If the answer is right, the student stays on that square.
❌ If the answer is wrong, they go back to their previous square.
🏆 The first student to reach the finish square wins the game!
Modifying comparatives
First, let’s review what comparatives are.
Comparatives are used to compare two things and show the difference between them.
For example:
The blue car is faster than the red car.
Now, let’s talk about how to modify comparatives. Modifying comparatives means adding words that change or emphasize the comparison being made. Here are some common ways to modify comparatives:
Showing Big Differences
When you want to show a big difference between two things, you can use modifying words such as “much”, “far”, “miles”, and “too”. These words can be used with a comparative adjective (e.g. “better”) or an adverb (e.g. “much better”) to emphasize the difference. Make sure you use the correct modifying word for the situation and place it in the right place in the sentence.
Simple comparative: The blue car is faster than the red car.
Modifying comparative: The blue car is much faster than the red car.
These words can be used with a comparative adjective (e.g. “better”) or an adverb (e.g. “much better”) to emphasize the difference.
These words can be used with a comparative adjective (e.g. “better”) or an adverb (e.g. “much better”) to emphasize the difference. Make sure you use the correct modifying word for the situation and place it in the right place in the sentence.
Examples:
- The food at the new restaurant is much too spicy for me.
- The traffic in the city is far worse than in the suburbs.
- The hotel room we stayed in last night was miles better than the one we had before.
- The new phone is too expensive for my budget.
- Speaking is not nearly as easy as writing.
Showing Small Differences
If you want to show a small difference between two things, you can use modifying words such as “nearly”, “not enough”, “a bit”, and “slightly”.
Simple comparative: The blue car is faster than the red car.
Modifying comparative: The blue car is slightly faster than the red car.
These words can be used with a comparative adjective (e.g. “better”), an adverb (e.g. “slightly better”), or a preposition (e.g. “not quite as good as”) to indicate the degree of difference. Remember to be mindful of the context and use the correct type of modifying comparison for the situation.
Examples:
- The coffee at this cafe is slightly better than the one at the other place.
- My new computer is a bit faster than my old one.
- The weather today is not quite as cold as yesterday.
- The new project is not quite as challenging as the previous one.
Making Surprising Comparisons
Sometimes, you may want to make a surprising comparison to add emphasis or reveal unexpected information. Modifying words such as “even”, “actually”, and “surprisingly” can help you achieve this. For example, “Speaking is even more difficult” or “Listening is actually not as difficult as speaking”. These words can be used to challenge assumptions or add emphasis to the degree of difference. However, be careful of the tone and only use surprising comparisons when it adds value to your message.
Simple comparative: The blue car is faster than the red car.
Modifying comparative: The blue car is actually faster than the red car.
Examples:
- The food at the vegan restaurant was surprisingly tasty.
- The film was actually better than I expected it to be.
- The new employee is even more productive than the previous one.
- The exam was surprisingly easy.
Grammar Rules to Keep in Mind
| Comparison Type | Modifying Words | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Showing Big Differences | a lot, far, miles, not nearly | Indian food is a lot spicier than Canadian food. |
| The traffic in the city is far worse than in the suburbs. | ||
| The hotel room we stayed in last night was miles better than the one we had before. | ||
| My house is not nearly as beautiful as her house. | ||
| The new phone is too expensive for my budget. | ||
| Showing Small Differences | a bit, slightly, not enough, not quite, | The coffee at this café is slightly better than the one at the other place. |
| My new computer is a bit faster than my old one. | ||
| The weather today is not quite as cold as yesterday. | ||
| The new project is not quite as challenging as the previous one. | ||
| Making Surprising Comparisons | even, actually, surprisingly | The food at the vegan restaurant was surprisingly tasty. |
| The film was actually better than I expected it to be. | ||
| The new employee is even more productive than the previous one. | ||
| The exam was surprisingly easy. |
When using modifying comparisons, it’s important to keep in mind some essential grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement and adjective order. Always make sure you use the correct verb tense and adjective order when making comparisons. For instance, “There are far more parks now than before” (using subject-verb agreement correctly). Avoid common mistakes such as using the wrong verb tense or adjective order.
Modifying comparisons are tools you can use to show if something is a little bit better, way better, or even surprising.
By using the right words in the right place, you can make sure you’re expressing yourself accurately. It’s important to pay attention to the situation and use the best type of comparison. You’ll also want to remember grammar rules, so you can use them correctly.
With practice, you’ll get more comfortable using modifying comparisons in your writing and speaking, and you’ll be able to express yourself even better in English!
Related
Speaking practice
- Spin the wheel
2. Answer the question using one of the following patterns. Give more details
- ________ slightly ______ than_______.
- _________ a bit ______ than ______.
- _________ a lot ______ than _______.
- _________ far _____ than ______.
- ____not nearly as ____ as _______.
- ____ not quite as _____ as ______.
How to Write a Description of an Event
What is a description of an event?
A description of an event is when we talk about something that happened. It’s like telling a story or sharing details about a specific occasion.
We give information about the event’s name, where it happened, the date, the people involved, and what actually took place.
The purpose is to help others understand what the event was like, to imagine being there.
We want to convey the atmosphere, feelings, and important moments.
Describing events can be done in different situations, such as writing articles, essays, blogs, talking about personal experiences, or discussing historical events.
Why is it important to learn how to describe an event?
Understanding how to describe events using cause-and-effect phrases is important because it helps you explain why things happen and what comes as a result.
It’s about showing the connection between actions and their results. When you describe events using cause and effect, you can provide clear explanations and connect the dots in a logical way. This skill is useful for speaking and writing, whether you’re talking about things that happened, sharing stories, or expressing your thoughts.
It helps you make your point more clearly and convincingly. Being able to show cause-and-effect relationships helps people understand what you’re saying and makes your language skills better. It’s a valuable tool for communicating effectively and improving your English.
How to Describe an Event?
Step 1: Introduce the event
Begin by giving a short introduction about the event you want to describe. Include important details like the event’s name, the date, and where it happened.
For example:
Last weekend, I went to a music concert at the local stadium.
Step 2: Explain the cause
Next, use one of the cause phrases to explain the reason or why something happened. Choose a phrase that best fits the cause-effect relationship you want to describe. Here are some examples:
- Because many people wanted tickets…
- Due to the rainy weather…
- Since they changed the venue at the last moment…
- As the main singer got sick…
Step 3: Describe the result or effect
After explaining the cause, describe what happened as a result. Use phrases that show the outcome of the event. Here are some examples:
- The concert tickets sold out quickly.
- The outdoor event got cancelled.
- Some fans missed the first performance.
- We decided to leave early and get our money back.
Step 4: Combine the cause and effect phrases
Finally, put the cause and effect phrases together to make complete sentences or a paragraph that makes sense. Here are some examples:
- Because many people wanted tickets, the concert sold out quickly. It was a big success.
- Due to the rainy weather, the outdoor event got cancelled, which disappointed many people.
- Since they changed the venue at the last moment, some fans missed the first performance, which was unfortunate.
- As the main singer got sick, we decided to leave early and get our money back. It was a bit disappointing, but we still enjoyed the rest of the show.
By combining cause and effect phrases, you can create clear descriptions of events. Remember to adjust the sentences to match the specific event you’re talking about. Practice using these phrases in different situations to improve your understanding and skill.
Now that you know the steps to describe an event, let’s see an example
Useful language to express cause-and-effect
| Cause Phrases | Effect Phrases |
|---|---|
| Because | As a result |
| Since | Therefore |
| Due to | Consequently |
| As a result of | Hence |
| The main cause of | Thus |
| One factor that contributes to | So |
| The reason for | As a consequence |
| Leads to | Result in |
| Brings about | Leads to |
| Triggers | Causes |
| Results in | Affects |
| Is responsible for | Influences |
| Produces | Contributes to |
Pro tips for describing an event
Make sure that you:
- Introduce the event clearly.
- Describe the outcome or result.
- Include relevant details to paint a vivid picture.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Organize your thoughts logically.
- Show the connection between the cause and effect.
Practice time
You are going to write a post describing an event you went to. It can be a real event or you can invent one. Think about:
- when and where the event was and why you went there.
- who you went with and what it was like
- anything that was unusual about the event and why
- what the best part of it was and why
Write your post in the comments below to get feedback
Future Forms
For High-Intermediate English learners
There are different ways of talking about the future in English. While one structure may be preferred for certain meanings, in many cases more than one structure can be used with little or no change of meaning.
| Future Form | Grammar Pattern | Meaning | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| be going to | subject + be + going to + base verb | Planned or intended actions in the future | Used when something is already decided or planned | I am going to visit my grandparents next weekend. |
| Will | subject + will + base verb | Spontaneous decisions, predictions, promises, or offers | Used for decisions made at the moment or predictions/promises | It’s hot here. I will open the window. |
| Present Continuous | subject + am/is/are + present participle (-ing form) | Fixed plans or arrangements in the near future | Used for actions already planned or arranged | I am meeting my friend for dinner tonight. |
| Might/May | subject + might/may + base verb | Possibilities or uncertain future events | Used when there is a possibility, but uncertainty | I might go to the party if I finish my work early. |
| Future Continuous | subject + will be + present participle (-ing form) | Ongoing actions or events in the future | Used to describe actions happening at a specific time | They will be watching a movie this time next week. |
Grammar Practice
Speaking Practice
Talk for a minute
Instructions:
- Get into pairs or small groups.
- Take turns being the speaker and the listener.
- Choose a topic card.
- Start speaking about the topic on the card for one minute. Try to say as much as you can.
- The listener should pay attention and not interrupt the speaker.
- When one minute is up, switch roles. The listener becomes the speaker and vice versa.
- Repeat the process until both of you have spoken about different topics.
Remember, the goal is to practice speaking and listening skills, so don’t worry about making mistakes. Enjoy the activity and encourage each other’s efforts!
Click on the arrows < > to see the speaking cards
Speaking cards 👇
Click the arrow > to see the first card
The Power of your Native Grammar 📑
Dear English learner,
I know that learning grammar in English can be challenging and confusing. However, I know for sure that if you have a basic understanding of your native grammar, you can learn English grammar easier and faster. Let’s take a look at why this is important for English learners.
Having a basic understanding of grammar patterns in your native language is important when learning a foreign language because it helps in several ways.
🌠 Transferable skills
Learning grammar in one language can help in the acquisition of grammar patterns in another language. This is because many languages share similar grammar structures, and understanding the grammatical concepts in one language can make it easier to recognize and learn them in another language.
👍 Comprehension
Knowing the grammar patterns and syntax of your native language can help you understand the structure and function of sentences in a foreign language. This will allow you to better comprehend what you are reading or hearing, and make it easier to remember the new language’s grammar patterns and vocabulary.
💬 Communication
A basic understanding of grammar in your native language can help you better express yourself when speaking and writing in a foreign language. This is because you will have a better grasp of sentence structure and be able to construct more complex sentences.
🚩 Error correction
Knowing the grammar of your native language can help you remember grammar patterns easily and identify errors in the foreign language you are learning. This is because you will be able to recognize when a sentence in a foreign language does not follow the grammatical structure you are accustomed to.
🚀 Freedom
Knowing the basic grammar of your own language can help you use a new language on your own. You will know more about how languages work and understand grammar patterns and syntax better. This will make it easier for you to speak and write the new language with more confidence, and you won’t need to depend on a teacher or dictionary all the time.
So, if you’re learning a new language, don’t forget to *brush up on your grammar skills in your native language! It can make learning the new language much easier and help you communicate with more confidence.
Plus, you’ll be able to identify errors and correct them on your own, without always needing a teacher or dictionary. Good luck on your language-learning journey!
With love,
P.S. *brush up on is a phrasal verb. It means to review or refresh your knowledge or skills in a particular subject or activity that you have learned before. It’s like giving yourself a quick reminder of what you already know.
Tips and Tricks for Online Classes
Are you an English learner looking to improve your English skills online?
Look no further! Here I’ll share tips and tricks to help you succeed in your language-learning journey.
The following tips can help you maximize your online classes so you can achieve your learning goals and become better at speaking English.
1. Set a schedule and stick to it ⏰
Plan out your study time, and attend online classes on time. Consistency is key to learning a new language.
2 Practice regularly 💪
The more you practice, the more confident you will become in your language skills. Look for opportunities to practice during your class, such as actively participating in the breakout room activities.
3 Improve your listening skills 👂🔈
Listen to your English teacher and classmates and try to guess the meaning of new words from context. Don’t use your translator to translate every single new word you hear. Try to listen to different accents and dialects to improve your comprehension.
4 Improve your reading skills 👀 📚
Read English language materials such as books, articles, and news stories to improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary.
5 Participate in class discussions 🗣️
Don’t be afraid to speak up and participate in class discussions. This will help you to practice your speaking and listening skills and will also give you the chance to learn from your classmates.
6 Take notes 📝
Taking notes during online classes can help you remember important information and improve your writing skills.
7 Ask for feedback 🙋
Ask your teacher for feedback on your language skills and areas that need improvement. Use this feedback to set goals and work on areas that need improvement.
8 Use online resources 💻
Take advantage of online resources such as grammar websites, vocabulary lists, and language learning apps to supplement your class work and improve your language skills.
9 Connect with your classmates 🤝
Connect with your classmates outside of class to practice your language skills and build your confidence. You can creat a Whatsapp/ Telegram/ Facebook/ Wechat study group.
10 Be patient and persistent 🧘
Learning a new language takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and persistent in your efforts to improve your language skills.
💡 Finally, learning a new language can be challenging, and it’s important to be kind to yourself during the process. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning, and it’s okay to not get everything right the first time.
🏆 Instead of being hard on yourself, try to focus on the progress you’re making and the improvements you’re seeing in your language skills. Celebrate your successes and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
🗵 Remember, everyone makes mistakes, even native speakers!
😊 By being kind to yourself and embracing your mistakes as opportunities for growth, you’ll be able to learn English with greater ease and confidence
Can you think of other tips to succeed in your online classes? Share your comments below ⬇️