4 Steps to Confident Conversations - It happens quickly: At a small gathering of people, you suddenly find yourself face-to-face with someone you've never met. You smile awkwardly for a moment, wondering if you should try to start a conversation or simply move on....
Four Common Thesis Statement Mistakes in Academic Essays - A thesis statement is a clearly-worded summary of your opinion about a topic. In my teaching, I encourage students to think of a thesis statement as the 'heart' of their essays: just as a human body needs a...
Build Active Vocabulary: Mental Strategies and Quick Tips for English Learners For English language learners, continuing to build vocabulary can feel very challenging. In the middle of a busy daily schedule, it is hard to focus on making new words an active part of...
Academic Writing: The 4 Basic Parts of an Essay - Writing a clear, convincing essay is an important English skill, whether it's for school, college, online articles, or many other purposes. Because every culture and language family has its preferred ways of organizing...
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...
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...
Where Could English Tutoring Take You? - You have goals for your life: places you want to go, things you want to experience, people you hope to meet. Maybe you are looking to start a new career or to advance in the work you are doing now. Maybe you...
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...
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...
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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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...
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: 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...