Post Category: Mark Pedrin

American Humor Part 3 – Riddles

American Humor Part 3 – Riddles

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...

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American Humor Part 2 – Knock-Knock Jokes

American Humor Part 2 – Knock-Knock Jokes

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...

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Resources for Vocabulary Building

Resources for Vocabulary Building

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...

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Understanding American Humor – Part 1

Understanding American Humor – Part 1

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...

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4 Apostrophe Rules: Grammar Guide

4 Apostrophe Rules: Grammar Guide

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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English Pronunciation and The Magic of Vowels

English Pronunciation and The Magic of Vowels

English Pronunciation and The Magic of Vowels: Every language learner knows the uncomfortable feeling: You just started a friendly conversation with a neighbor, coworker, or some other native speaker when their warm smile is suddenly replaced by an empty look of...

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Pronunciation and Grammar Resources

Pronunciation and Grammar Resources

Pronunciation and Grammar Resources -  Pronunciation and Grammar can be a very useful combination for English Language Learners. Whether you are learning English on your own or you are working with an instructor, you'll find  a few of my top resources for working on...

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Key Steps to Reduce Cyber Kidnapping Risks

Key Steps to Reduce Cyber Kidnapping Risks

Key Steps to Reduce Cyber Kidnapping Risks: On December 28, Chinese exchange student Kai Zhuang ran away from his host family out into the cold wilderness of Utah state. He told no one where he was going or the frightening reason why: Zhuang was being threatened by...

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Mailing a Letter: English for Everyday Activities

Mailing a Letter: English for Everyday Activities

Mailing a Letter: English for Everyday Activities Sometimes, it's the everyday tasks that are most difficult to describe or explain to other people! In 'English for Everyday Activities', we build vocabulary and fluency by exploring common topics. In today's video,...

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More from ESL Advantage

Christmas Traditions: 5 Lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas Traditions: 5 Lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas Traditions: 5 Lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas For many Americans, watching A Charlie Brown Christmas in the month of December is a beloved holiday tradition. Though it was released 60 years ago, this animated television show (called a 'special')...

4 Fun American Thanksgiving Traditions

4 Fun American Thanksgiving Traditions

4 Fun American Thanksgiving Traditions: Each November, Americans from all kinds of backgrounds celebrate Thanksgiving, a U.S. national holiday centered on friends, family—and lots of food! The modern American Thanksgiving includes a wide variety of traditions, and...

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents: Taking Your Kids Trick-or-Treating Halloween is an exciting time of year in the United States, especially for children! Schools, churches, and community organizations offer all kinds of fun activities during the Halloween season,...