5 Fun Things to Do on Labor Day Weekend - In the United States, the Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day is always the first Monday in September, which makes this a three-day weekend (Saturday through Monday). Often people make use of...
Vocabulary: Using Say, Tell, Talk and Speak - This video lesson will help you recognize how and when to use these four important verbs. Click here to download a free pdf of the charts presented in the video:For more practice, try completing the practice exercises...
Pronunciation: Can and Can't - This video lesson will help you recognize the difference between can and can't in American English conversation. Remember that can is usually a structure word: It is often unstressed in a sentence, with a reduced vowel sound. On the...
Participial Adjectives: Grammar Guide - This video lesson offers rules and examples for understanding participial adjectives and using them to create great English sentences.When working with participial adjectives, remember the rule: Use Present Participle (-ing)...
American English Vowel Sounds: American English has a large number of vowel sounds: around 20 of them! This set of sounds changes in different parts of the United States; some sounds are more popular in the Western U.S. and some are more popular in the Eastern....
Understanding American Humor - Part 3: Riddles - Understanding what people think is funny—and why—is a challenge for anyone who tries to learn a new language or appreciate a new culture. The topics covered in these articles will help you to join in the fun with your...
Understanding American Humor - Part 2: Knock-Knock Jokes - Understanding what people think is funny—and why—is difficult in any language. The goal of this short series of articles is to help you recognize American humor, and maybe even join in the fun! Part 1 of the...
Resources for Vocabulary Building - These are some of my resource picks for students who want to focus on building vocabulary. I've used all of them in the classroom with great results. Whether you are beginner or advanced, young or old, there is something here for...
Understanding American Humor - Part 1: Puns - Understanding what people think is funny—and why—is difficult in any language. In fact, one sure sign that you are developing fluency in your second language is when you realize you are able to appreciate its humor and...
4 Apostrophe Rules: Grammar Guide - Apostrophes may be small, but they have a big impact on grammar! Correct usage of the apostrophe shows your reader that you care about the details. They may seem easy, but there are plenty of places where any of us can have a...
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7 Helpful Tips for Being a Good Houseguest - The rules and expectations for what it means to be a good houseguest have a lot of variety from culture to culture. If you have been invited by an American friend to have an overnight stay, you might be wondering what to...
4 Reasons Private English Lessons are a Great Way to Start the New Year - The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals and make improvements in life. If you want to improve your English skills, starting private lessons with an experienced tutor is an...
The History of New Year’s Resolutions: Each year as the calendar turns from December to January, people around the world take time to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter and the promise of a fresh start. One of the oldest traditions of welcoming the new year is...