Tag: English Fluency

How to Express your Opinion in English

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Listen to the audio

Imagine that you are in a meeting where an important discussion is going on and suddenly your manager calls you out and says “What’s your opinion about this topic?

You start feeling nervous and you can’t say anything. You have a lot of great ideas but you don’t know how to express them.

It is common that when we have to share our opinion we feel insecure and nervous. The fear to speak up can be ever worse if we have to speak in a different language. Fear often prevents us to share our opinions with our classmates, colleagues, managers, and other English speakers.

It’s time you learned useful phrases that will make you feel confident enough to speak up. This in turn will allow you to grow professionally, academically and personally.

In this post I share useful phrases that you can use in your next class or meeting.

GIVING YOUR OPINION

BASIC
OPINIONS		STRONG AND PERSONAL OPINIONSWEAK OR HESITANT OPINIONS
I (don’t) think…I (don’t) really think …As far as I know,…
I (don’t ) believe …I strongly believe that …As far as I’m concerned, …
I (don’t) feel …There’s no doubt that …It seems to me that …
In my opinion/ view …I honestly think that ….I might be wrong but …
The way I see it …I’m convinced that…You probably won’t agree, but …

ASKING FOR OPINION

What’s your opinion?

What do you think?

How do you feel about …?

How do you see the situation?

What’s your view?

RESPONDING TO AN OPINION

AGREEINGDISAGREEINGREACTING
I agree.I disagree.Really?
I think so too.I don’t think so.+ That’s a great suggestion
– That doesn’t make any sense
I couldn’t agree more.I’m not quite sure.I’m not very familiar with the topic.
You might be right.That’s not true.Know what I think?
I couldn’t have said it better.I totally disagree.I see what you mean.

Practice time

What do you think about this blog?

What topics would you like to be discussed in this blog?

Essential Vocabulary for Online Meetings

How to Participate in an Online Class

How to Participate in an Online Class

Asking for Clarification

Assertive Communication for English Learners

How to Participate in an Online Class

teacherjulieta2 Comments
Listen to the audio

Class participation is important if you want to learn faster. Participating in class will allow you to use your English like you would do in the real world. When you participate you are practicing and the more you practice using the language, the faster you will improve it.

Your classes will be more fun if you participate actively and communicate with your classmates and your teacher. Nobody wants to be in a classroom where nobody speaks. It is normal to feel nervous when you have to participate or ask a question. But after you participate you will feel more energetic and alert. That in turn will help you remember what you learn and feel more confident.

Here I’m going to share with you different ways of participating during your online classes:

1. Be proactive and thoughtful
  • Turn ON your camera and keep it on during the whole class.
  • Turn ON your microphone when you participate.
  • Turn OFF your microphone when other people participate.
  • Use the chat box to ask questions or communicate with your teacher and classmates during the class.
  • Join the breakout rooms and participate in the group activities.
  • Offer to share your screen
2. Ask questions

If you have a question or if you are confused you can ask for help to your teacher or your classmates. Here there are some sentence starters that you can use during your class.

Here you have a list of useful phrases that you can use during your English classes:

  • I have a question about _________________.
  • I’m confused about _____________________.
  • I need help with _______________________.
  • I have difficulties understanding __________________.
  • I would like to know more about ___________________.
  • Can you give me an example?
  • What’s the difference between ________ and __________?.
  • What is the answer to question/ exercise ______?
  • What does _______________ mean?
  • How do you pronounce this word?
  • How do you spell _________?
  • How did you get the answer?
  • Can you repeat the last part that you just said?
3. Offer your help

If you want to help your classmates or if you know the answer you can use the following sentence starters:

  • I might know the answer to that.
  • I think I can help you with ________.
  • I’m not sure, but I think the answer is _____________.
4. Volunteer

If you want to volunteer or start the activity

  • Can I go first?
  • I’ll go first.
  • I can do it
  • Who’s next?
5. Share your gratitude
  • Thanks for helping me understand __________.
  • I appreciate your help.
  • I really liked that activity.
  • It was a really fun/ interesting activity.
  • I liked that!

Practice Time

It’s your time to participate!

How important is class participation for you? How do you feel when your classmates refuse to participate in class?

Related:

Essential Vocabulary for Online Meetings

Asking for help

Useful English Phrases for Better Communication (Asking for Clarification)

Useful English Phrases to Ask for Help

teacherjulieta3 Comments

Asking for help is an important skill that we need to develop in order to communicate effectively with our classmates and colleagues.

Note: In English “a hand” sometimes means “help“

to lend someone a hand = to help someone

Example: I was very busy with the clients, so John lent me a hand with the final report.

As you can see, in English there are different ways of asking for help. Here there is a list of useful English phrases that you can use instead of saying:

Help me, please.

  1. Could you help me, please?
Listen and Repeat

/kudju help mee pleez/

2. Could you lend me a hand?

Listen and Repeat

/kudju lenmee uh hand/

3. Would you mind lending me a hand?

Listen and Repeat

/wudju mind lenduhng mee uh hand/

4. Can I ask a favor?

Listen and Repeat

/kuhnai askuh fAyvr/

5. Can you do me a favor?

Listen and Repeat

/kuhnju doo mee uh fAyvr

6. I have a favor to ask.

Listen and Repeat

/ai havuh fAyvr tuhask/

7. I need a big favor.

Listen and Repeat

/ai needuh big fAyvr/

8. Do you have a minute?

Listen and Repeat

/duju havuh minut/

9. Could you help me _________ ? (verb in the base form)

Listen and Repeat

/kuhdju help mee ______ /

10. Could you ________ for me? (verb in the base form)

Listen and Repeat

/kuhdju _______ for mee/

Practice Time

Read each of the phrases and record yourself. Listen to your voice.

  1. For you, what sounds are difficult to pronounce?
  2. How many times can you say each of the sentences without making a mistake?

Share your answers in the comments below.

Useful English Phrases for Better Communication

teacherjulieta3 Comments
Play the Audio

If you don’t understand what other people say, it’s a good idea to ask for clarification instead of saying:

“I don’t understand” or “Sorry, my English is very bad”

Here there is a list of useful expressions for asking for clarification. These expressions will help you speak fluently and communicate better with your classmates or colleagues. It’s important that you learn how to pronounce each of the phrases correctly. There is an audio below each phrase so you can check the pronunciation that will help you learn them easily.

  1. Pardon me?
Listen and Repeat

2. Excuse me. Could you repeat that, please?

Listen and Repeat

3. Could you say that again?

Listen and Repeat

4. I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you properly.

Listen and Repeat

5. I’m sorry, I missed that.

Listen and Repeat

6. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.

Listen and Repeat

7. What do you mean?

Listen and Repeat

8. What does _________ mean?

Listen and Repeat

9. Could you give an example?

Listen and Repeat

10. Did you say ________? (say the word you heard)

Listen and Repeat

Practice Time

Read each of the sentences out load and record yourself using your cellphone or your computer. Listen to your voice.

  1. For you, what sounds/ words are difficult to pronounce?
  2. For you, what is the easiest phrase? How many times can you say it without making a mistake?

Share your answers in the comments below.

Related:

Essential Vocabulary for Online Meetings

Useful English Phrases to Ask for Help

Healthy Habits to Improve Your English

teacherjulieta1 Comment

Let’s Talk About Healthy Habits!

💬 Objective:
Practice speaking skills by sharing ideas about healthy habits for improving English.

Step 1: Warm-Up Questions

Start by answering these questions with a classmate or a speaking partner:

  1. Which of the healthy habits in the picture do you already practice?
  2. Do you think these habits help you improve your English? How?
  3. What other habits do you think are important for learning a language?

Step 2: Healthy Habits Discussion

🗣 Task: Work in pairs or small groups. Discuss the following habits from the picture:

  1. Sleep Well 🛌
    • How many hours do you usually sleep?
    • How do you feel when you don’t sleep enough?
  2. Drink Plenty of Water 💧
    • Why is it important to stay hydrated while studying?
    • How much water do you drink every day?
  3. Relax and Take It Easy 🧘‍♀️
    • What activities help you relax after studying?
    • Do you think relaxation improves memory?
  4. Exercise 🏋️‍♂️
    • What’s your favorite way to stay active?
    • Do you think exercise helps you focus? Why?
  5. Eat Well 🍎
    • What healthy foods give you energy to learn?
    • Do you prefer studying after a snack or a meal?
  6. Hobbies 🎨
    • What hobbies can you do in English (reading, watching movies, puzzles)?
    • How can hobbies make learning English more fun?

Step 3: Share Your Ideas!

🌟 Challenge: After your discussion, share your thoughts with the class or your teacher.

Example: “I think sleeping well is the most important habit because it helps you concentrate. I sleep 8 hours every night, and it really works for me!”

For Extra Practice

Leave a comment below! Write about the habit you think is the most important and how it helps you. 😊

Related:

Fun activities to practice English

Fun activities to practice English

teacherjulieta1 Comment

Do you need motivation to practice English outside the classroom?

Choose your favourite activity and do it in English.

Need some ideas? Here I share some fun ideas that you can do anytime.

fun activities to improve your English

What’s your favourite activity to practice English outside the classroom?

FREE FUN RESOURCES TO PRACTICE ENGLISH:

Karaoke:

https://lyricstraining.com/en/

Tongue twisters:

The Tongue Twister Challenge (Intensity Level 1)
The Tongue Twister Challenge (Intensity level 2)
The Tongue Twister Challenge (Intensity Level 3)

Lip sync:

Best Free Lip Sync Apps for Android and iOS Users

TV shows and movies:

https://gem.cbc.ca/

Doodling:

https://sketch.io/sketchpad/

Make up your mind

teacherjulietaLeave a comment

“You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.”

Michelle Obama

Curious about the meaning of the English expression make up your mind?

Do you know which verb goes with decision in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian?

Which one is correct: take a decision or make a decision?

In this short video I’ll explain the meaning of these phrases and how to use them correctly.

To learn more English expressions check the following posts:

Money talks

Let me sleep on it

I’m thankful for

Wanna sound like a native?

teacherjulietaLeave a comment

My apologies

There are several questions that come to my mind every time that I see ads, videos, and comments that promote nativespeakerism. I’m an advocate of critical thinking and I’m against nativespekerim and any form of discrimination.

Today I’ll start a thread of thought provoking posts with a public apology.

  • What's the difference between 'normal' and 'native'?


My dear English students,

I would encourage you to start questioning the ads of teachers and influencers who make you feel inferior, broken, unworthy, incapable and unintelligent just because of your English level or your accent.

You are capable of achieving great things. Don’t let anyone decide what you should say and how you should sound.

If I ever made you feel like that, I want to take this moment to apologize. If you have ever been humiliated or mistreated by an English or any other language teacher, I just want to say: ‘Forgive us. I’m deeply sorry for the pain you had to endure’

Don’t let anyone stop you becoming the best version of yourself.

I hope you achieve all your goals. I encourage you to speak like you and let others hear your voice.

With much love,

Julieta

P.S. You are worthy.

Do you think that speaking like a native is better than speaking normal English?/ Why? Why not?

Affirmations for English learners

teacherjulieta1 Comment

Do you feel that you can’t speak English well?

Do you think that you will never speak English fluently?

It’s time to change your mindset. Your mindset is your way of thinking and the opinion that you have about your learning process. If you have a fixed mindset, then you are not open to change or improvement. If you have a growth mindset, it means you are open to change; therefore, you can improve.

If you want to improve your English and speak fluently, you must have a growth mindset. Below there is a list of 6 powerful affirmations that will help you grow your mind.

Growth Mindset
1. It’s okay to make mistakes because I’m learning

There is no need to say that when we are learning to do something new, we often make mistakes. Actually, making mistakes is part of our learning process. Mistakes can teach us valuable lessons. So, next time you make a mistake, relax and say calmly: “It’s okay, because I’m learning English”.

2. My English level and my accent don’t define my intelligence

Some people really believe that the only way to prove that they are intelligent is by speaking a foreign language flawlessly. Your level of intelligence has nothing to do with your accent. Be proud of your English level and work hard to achieve your learning goals.

3. I’m open to learning from qualified and caring teachers

A caring and qualified teacher is the best person to help you improve your English. Many learners believe that native speakers are the only ones that can teach them “good English”. Guess what? Qualified teachers know how to teach good English, regardless of their nationality. Qualified teachers have to go to College to learn how to teach the language. On top of that they are constantly taking professional development courses to help their students learn better. They know what exactly you need to overcome your mistakes, fears and challenges in English. Instead of looking for a native speaker, look for a qualified ESL/EFL teacher and let them help you. You can find thousands of native speakers to speak with them online for free. However, they don’t know how to teach their native language, they only know who to speak it. They don’t know how to answer grammar questions and most of the time they make you feel more confused.

4. I can handle any challenge before me

Yes! If you work hard and practice a lot you will overcome any obstacle. You need to realize that learning a new language requires time and perseverance. Don’t give up!

5. I will not let self doubt control my learning process

It’s normal to have doubts, fears and anxiety when we learn a new language. However, you are strong enough to overcome them. You are the one who is in control of your learning process.

6. I will believe in my capabilities. I can speak English!

You can learn new things. You are free to choose and make the right decisions. If something is too difficult or too challenging, you are intelligent enough to make a plan. Maybe you will have to review your vocabulary lists or your grammar notes. Maybe you will have to do more listening practice or learn something you were supposed to learn before but you didn’t. You are strong and capable of doing great things. YOU CAN SPEAK ENGLISH!

The Tongue Twister Challenge (Intensity Level 3)

teacherjulieta2 Comments

Workout for your English muscles

A great way to improve your pronunciation and fluency is by saying tongue twisters as fast as you can. Tongue twisters are great to exercise your English muscles. Are you ready to complete this fun challenge?

Have you completed Intensity level 1 and 2? If not, click the button below.

If you are an intermediate student, you can use Intensity Level 1 as your warm up.

Complete Intensity Level 1

If you are an advanced student, you can use Intensity Level 1 and Level 2 as your warm up

Complete Intensity Level 2

Let’s start!

Say each of the following tongue twisters five times as fast as you can. If you are not sure about the correct pronunciation you can play the audio first and repeat after me. Then you can say the tongue twister slowly and when you feel confident about your pronunciation you increase the speed.

1.  I scream, you scream, all scream for ice cream.

2. Three free throws.

3. Rubber baby buggy bumpers.

Let’s increase the intensity

4.  Birdie birdie in the sky laid a turdie in my eye.
If cows could fly I’d have a cow pie in my eye.

5.  Yellow butter, purple jelly, red jam, black bread.
Spread it thick, say it quick!
Yellow butter, purple jelly, red jam, black bread.
Spread it thicker, say it quicker!

6.  Betty Botter bought some butter
But she said the butter’s bitter
If I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter
But a bit of better butter will make my batter better
So ‘twas better Betty Botter bought a bit of better butter.

DOWNLOAD the worksheet with audio to practice anytime, anywhere.

Get it

Try out this tongue twisters and let me know how it went. Which was the most difficult one? Leave your answers in the comments below.

Happy practice!