Objective: Practice speaking spontaneously, practice vocabulary, and improve fluency.
Click the “Start” button to open a box
You will see the picture of an influential person
Make full sentences to share the information you know about them
Try to speak continuously and express your thoughts clearly.
If you’re in a pair, take turns being the speaker and the listener
After several rounds, the teacher will pause the activity.
Reflect on how the activity went. Did you find it challenging? Did you learn new words?
Some students will share their favourite topics or responses with the class.
The class might discuss the topics further and ask questions related to them.
Remember, the goal is to improve your speaking skills, so don’t worry about making mistakes. Enjoy the challenge and have fun expressing your thoughts!
Objective: Practice speaking spontaneously, enhance vocabulary, and improve fluency.
Click the “Start” button to spin the random wheel
The wheel will show you a topic.
You have 1-2 minutes (depending on the topic) to speak about the topic on the wheel
Try to speak continuously and express your thoughts clearly.
If you’re in a pair, take turns being the speaker and the listener
After several rounds, the teacher will pause the activity.
Reflect on how the activity went. Did you find it challenging? Did you learn new words?
Some students will share their favourite topics or responses with the class.
The class might discuss the topics further and ask questions related to them.
Remember, the goal is to improve your speaking skills, so don’t worry about making mistakes. Enjoy the challenge and have fun expressing your thoughts!
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.
Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that allows people from different parts of the world to connect online. Many schools and universities use Zoom for online classes, and it’s important for online English learners to know how to use its functions effectively.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate Zoom for your online classes.
Joining a Zoom Meeting
To join a Zoom meeting, you will need an invitation link or a meeting ID and password from your school. Follow these steps to join a Zoom meeting
Click on the link your school has provided or open the Zoom app and click on “Join a Meeting.”
Enter the meeting ID and password your school has provided.
Wait for the host to admit you into the meeting.
Using the Chat Function
The chat function in Zoom allows you to communicate with other participants in the meeting. Here’s how to use the chat function:
Click on the chat icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Type a message to the group or to an individual participant.
Use the chat function to ask questions or provide feedback during a class.
Share links or resources with the group.
Using the Raise Hand Function
The raise hand function in Zoom allows you to indicate that you have a question or would like to speak. Here’s how to use the raise hand function:
Click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Click on “Raise Hand.”
The host or teacher will then know that you have a question or would like to speak.
Using the Audio and Video Functions
You can use the audio and video functions in Zoom to communicate with other participants in the meeting. Here’s how to use the audio and video functions:
To turn your camera on or off, click on the camera icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
To mute or unmute your microphone, click on the microphone icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Using the Annotate Function
The annotate function in Zoom allows you to draw on the screen, highlight important points, and collaborate with others. Here’s how to use the annotate function:
Click on the “Share Screen” button at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Select the screen or application you want to share.
Click on “Annotate” and choose the tool you want to use.
Draw on the screen or highlight important points.
Using Noise Canceling
The noise cancelling function in Zoom allows you to reduce background noise and improve the audio quality of your meeting. Here’s how to use the noise cancelling function:
Click on the arrow next to the microphone icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Select “Audio Settings.”
Click on “Advanced.”
Choose the noise suppression level you want to use.
Joining a Breakout Room
A breakout room is a separate meeting within the main Zoom meeting that allows smaller groups to collaborate. Here’s how to join a breakout room:
Click on the “Breakout Rooms” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Select the breakout room you want to join.
Click on “Join.”
Asking for Help
If you need help during the meeting, you can use the “Ask for Help” function to get assistance from the host or teacher. Here’s how to use the “Ask for Help” function:
Click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Click on “Ask for Help.”
The host or teacher will then know that you need assistance.
Using Reactions
The reaction function in Zoom allows you to express your emotions or reactions with emojis during the meeting. Here’s how to use the reaction function:
Click on the “Reactions” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Choose the emoji you want to use.
The emoji will appear on the screen for all participants to see.
Leaving a Zoom
Meeting When the meeting is over, you can leave the Zoom meeting by following these steps:
Click on “Leave Meeting” at the bottom of the Zoom window.
In English, there are many ways to talk about actions that happen in the present. From habits to routines, we use different words and phrases to describe how often or how regularly something occurs.
Here there is a list of different expressions to say how often things happen.
Phrase
Definition
Example
Tend to do something (tend + infinitive)
Something happens frequently, but not all the time.
I tend to eat breakfast around 8 am.
As a rule (As a rule, + SVO)
Something usually happens, but there may be exceptions.
As a rule, I go to bed at 10 pm, but sometimes I stay up later.
On the whole (On the whole, +SVO)
Something generally happens.
On the whole, I enjoy studying English.
Regularly
Something happens at fixed intervals or at certain times.
I regularly go to the gym on Mondays and Thursdays.
Frequently
Something happens often.
I frequently check my email throughout the day.
From time to time (From time to time, + SVO)
Something happens occasionally, but not on a regular basis.
From time to time, I like to try new foods.
Every now and then (Every now and then, +SVO) (SVO + every now and then)
Something happens occasionally, but not on a regular basis.
Every now and then, I like to go for a walk.
Every now and again (Every now and again, +SVO) (SVO + every now and again)
Something happens occasionally, but not on a regular basis.
Every now and again, I watch a movie on the weekend.
Has/Have the habit of + gerund
Someone often does a certain action.
She has the habit of biting her nails when she’s nervous.
Always + present continuous
We use this form to talk about positive things that happen a lot or annoying things
She is always smiling. She’s always coming to my office and asking annoying questions
Constantly + present continuous
Someone is doing something continuously.
She is constantly checking her phone.
Grammar Practice
Exercise 1: Read the interview questions with an English student.
Questions:
What time do you usually get up on weekdays?
What do you usually do before your English class?
What are your classes like?
Do you work? If so, what hours do you work?
What is your best study tip?
Do you have any study habits you think are unhelpful?
How do you tend to spend your weekend?
What do you usually do on Saturdays?
Exercise 2: These are the answers of the student. Put the words in the correct order. Copy the sentences in your notebook.
Answers:
Speaking Practice
Work in pairs. Ask and answer the questions in Exercise 1.
Board Game
For High-Intermediate students
🎲 Board Game Instructions:
Start Here 🏁: Begin the game by placing your token on the “START” space.
Roll the Dice 🎲: Each player rolls the dice to move forward.
Move Your Token ➡️: Move the number of spaces shown on the dice.
Land on a Space:
Look at the picture 🖼️.
Create a detailed sentence using the phrase about present habits in the key. Add more details to your sentence (e.g. reasons or descriptions).
Phrases about present habits: 1= constantly, 2= tend to, 3= have a habit of, 4= on the whole, 5= as a rule, 6= from time to time. Examples: I am constantly making money./ I have a habit of doing the dishes at night.
6. Finish: 🏆 The first player to reach the finish wins the challenge!
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!
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 nearlyas 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!
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
When you ask for opinions about future probability, you usually use will + base form or be going to + base form. However, there are other alternatives that are also common in spoken English.
We use some expressions to talk about how sure we are about something in the future. Some expressions show high certainty, and others show low probability.
In the table below, you can find a collection of useful phrases and expressions that will help you convey future probabilities with confidence.
Probability
Expressions
Structure
Example
Almost certain (≈99%)
definitely
be bound to
Subject + will definitely + verb
Subject + be bound to + verb
Canada will definitely win the game.
Canada is bound to win the game.
Very likely (≈75%)
probably
there’s a good chance
it’s likely that
Subject + will probably + verb
There’s a good chance (that) + subject + will + verb
It’s likely that + subject + will + verb
Canada will probably win the game.
There’s a good chance Canada will win the game.
It’s likely that Canada will win the game.
Possible (≈50%)
might (not)
there’s a chance
Subject + might (not) + verb
There’s a chance (that) + subject + will + verb
Canada might win the game.
There’s a chance Canada will win the game.
Not very likely (≈25%)
probably won’t
there’s a small chance
it’s unlikely that
Subject + probably won’t + verb
There’s a small chance (that) + subject + will + verb
It’s unlikely that + subject + will + verb
Canada probably won’t win the game.
It’s unlikely that Canada will win the game.
Almost impossible (≈1%)
definitely won’t
I doubt
Subject + definitely won’t + verb
I doubt + subject + will + verb
Canada definitely won’t win the game.
I doubt Canada will win the game.
Important Grammar Notes
1. After modal verbs (might, will), use the base form of the verb.
Canada might win.
She will probably arrive late.
❌ might wins ❌ will probably arrives
2. “That” is optional in some expressions.
There’s a good chance (that) Canada will win.
It’s likely (that) they will arrive late.
3. “Probably” goes after “will”.
Correct:
She will probably come.
Incorrect:
❌ She probably will come (possible but less natural for learners at this level).
Quick Examples
I think the test will probably be difficult.
Our team might win the game.
There’s a good chance we’ll finish early.
It’s unlikely that he’ll forget the meeting.
I doubt they will agree.
Let’s Practice
Practice 1
Practice 2
Speaking practice
Imagine what life will be like in ten years’ time.
Spin the wheel and discuss each statement on the spinning wheel
Express how likely you think each will be.
Negotiate where to place the statement next to the thermometer of probability, with high temperature meaning It’ll definitely … and cold temperatures meaning It definitely won’t … .
Try to use a range of phrases during their negotiations.
Pro tips for describing an event
Practice time
