What You Say in English!: Recent Episodes
Frank Carrizo Zirit
It's a weekly podcast where I listen to you and give you my professional feedback on how you use grammar, vocabulary, discourse, and pronunciation. I will also share some tips and ideas with everyone out there who wishes to improve on their speaking. Go to the companion website: http://whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com, check the questions of the month to get started. Be brave! Send your recordings to podcast@languageteaching.es. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/support
In this final episode of the third season of What You Say in English, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Laura Patsko, a language and communication specialist with a focus on English as a Lingua Franca (ELF).We delved into complex concepts such as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Inclusive Education. Laura's insights into these topics were enlightening, and it was fascinating to explore their implications in the English Language Teaching (ELT) industry.We discussed the importance of inclusivity in lesson planning, the role of identity in language learning, and the impact of the Sustainable Development Goals on the ELT world. Laura's expertise and passion for these subjects were evident throughout our conversation, and I found myself learning so much from her.This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in language, communication, and the evolving role of English in the world. It's an educational and insightful conversation that I believe you won't want to miss.Remember to check out the episode description for links to further reading on the topics we discussed. This is the last episode of this third season of What You Say in English. I'll be taking a break for the month of August, but I'll keep active on TikTok. I hope to start the fourth season halfway through September. RESOURCES:Laura's suggested sites
- Universal Design for Learning principles
- Martin Bloomfield speaking about his experience of education and having dyslexia
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Education:
- Diversity and Inclusive Teaching - University of Delaware
- Cultivating Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity: Resources for Educators - Resilient Educator
- The key steps to equity and inclusion in education - OECD iLibrary
- An overview of diversity, equity and inclusion in education - OECD iLibrary
- What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? - Teaching/Learning Center - Otis LibGuides
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Education:
- Goal 4 - Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Sustainable Development Goals
- Education - United Nations Sustainable Development
- Home | #LeadingSDG4 | Education2030 - UNESCO
- Sustainable Development Goals - Resources for educators - UNESCO
- Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) | SDG4 Education 2030
Inclusive Education:
- Inclusive Education: Definition, Examples, and Classroom Strategies - Resilient Educator
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Bodrova, co-founder of the innovative EdTech startup, Amazy. We explored her journey from a language-loving student to an entrepreneur, and how her passion for teaching and belief in the power of community led to the creation of Amazy. This platform is truly revolutionizing language learning, empowering educators to become more independent, visible, and financially successful.
We discussed how Amazy allows teachers to share and monetize their content, creating a source of passive income. Plus, its AI-powered features are a game-changer, helping teachers create lesson plans in a fraction of the usual time.
For those of you intrigued by our conversation and eager to learn more about Amazy, I'll be creating a short video tutorial on my TikTok channel explaining how it works. And, thanks to Kate's generosity, I'll be giving away 5 full-year business licenses for Amazy to 5 of my most committed followers. So, stay tuned for that!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of language education and the transformative power of technology in teaching. Don't miss it!
- My TikTok channel
- Kate's LinkedIn profile
- Amazy Official Website
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In this episode of What You Say in English, I had the pleasure of hosting Rachel Tsateri, an inspiring figure in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). We delved into various aspects of Rachel's work, including her passion for teaching pronunciation for listening purposes and her insights on teacher and trainer talk. We also touched on the topic of nativespeakerism, a subject very dear to me and one that Rachel, along with other figures in the field, has been actively challenging. This episode was a journey of insights and reflections, and I hope it provides listeners with valuable perspectives to consider in their own practice of teaching English.
People mentioned in the podcast:
- Rachel Tsateri - LinkedIn profile
- Marek Kiczkowiak - LinkedIn profile / TEFL Equity Advocates
- Laura Patsko - LinkedIn profile
- Anna Jovic - LinkedIn profile
- Tomasz Paciorkowski - LinkedIn profile
- Vincent Richard - LinkedIn profile
Remember to follow these professionals to stay updated with their work, but please maintain professionalism and respect their time and space.
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In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delve into the English language skills of renowned Spanish actor Javier Bardem. I explore his journey with English, from his self-professed method of learning English through rock music to his current fluency. Through an analysis of several interviews, I highlight Bardem's effective storytelling skills, his use of discourse norms, and his unique personality that shines through his English communication. Despite minor grammatical and vocabulary errors, Bardem's ability to express complex thoughts and emotions in English is commendable. This episode serves as a reminder that language learning is a journey, and the goal is effective communication, not perfection. Join me as I uncover the fascinating aspects of Bardem's English language journey.
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In this episode, I'm diving into the intricacies of the IELTS speaking test with my dear friend and former student, Romelia. After recently passing her C1 Advanced exam from Cambridge, Romelia reached out to me for a one-to-one speaking assessment. We decided to opt for an IELTS speaking test, which I believe fits her needs perfectly. You'll get to listen to Romelia's entire speaking test, after which I'll provide my professional assessment based on the IELTS speaking criteria. Romelia has a knack for using some fantastic expressions, and I'm sure you'll find them quite useful for your own English speaking skills. Join me in this insightful journey of language learning!
The examiner frames can be downloaded here.
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In this episode of "What You Say in English," I explore the fascinating world of plurilingualism and its impact on language assessment. I delve into the definition of plurilingualism, its growing recognition in language learning, and how it challenges the traditional monolingual approach.
Throughout the episode, I discuss how language testing bodies like Cambridge Assessment English are incorporating plurilingualism into their assessments. We explore innovative approaches such as cross-linguistic mediation and bilingual assessments that aim to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of individuals' linguistic repertoires.
I also address the challenges involved, particularly in enhancing teacher assessment literacy and addressing concerns about fairness and feasibility. By raising awareness and sharing best practices, we can foster a more inclusive approach to assessing plurilingual abilities.
Join me as we navigate this evolving landscape and uncover the opportunities and challenges that plurilingualism brings to language assessment. Together, let's embrace the transformative power of recognizing and valuing the complex linguistic repertoires of multilingual individuals.
Until next time, happy language learning!
The Cambridge Research Notes (Issue 78) can be downloaded here.
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Today's episode brings you two amazing candidates: Kamar and Sahar. They did an incredible job in this C2 Proficiency mock speaking and I can't wait for you to listen to them. As usual, this episode comes packed with advice, so take your notepad and start jotting down all the tips I have for them. Remember you can also download the visuals I used for this mock. This episode is almost 1.30 hours but I think it's absolutely worth it.
- Visuals for the exam
As always, please contact me if you want to do a mock speaking like this one.
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This time, I'm bringing another task designed by me, which I hope you find useful. It could be used to train your listening skills on your own or if you're a teacher, with your class. If you need the isolated listening track, get in contact and I'll make it available to you. I also explain how I recommend these tasks should be done in study mode and as a class activity with a group. I curated the material from the input I got from chatGPT. Speaking of which, it's a great tool, but still needs some fine-tuning to really reflect a Cambridge exam task. The voices were synthesized using various AI tools available, including 11 Labs and some other Microsoft Voices available in the browser (Microsoft Edge). Hope you like the final result.
The PDFs for this task can be downloaded from here:
- Listening Task
- Answers, explanations and audiocript
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In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delved into the reading papers of the B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency Cambridge exams. We explored the challenges learners and teachers face at each level and discussed effective strategies for developing reading skills.
Throughout the episode, I shared activities and strategies for each part of the reading papers, focusing on key areas such as skimming, scanning, and vocabulary comprehension. I emphasized the importance of practicing with diverse texts and provided insights into the assessment process for each level.
To further support your exam preparation, I recommended accessing the official Cambridge English guides for teachers and learners. These guides provide comprehensive information and classroom activities for developing reading skills at the B2, C1, and C2 levels.
Additionally, I announced that I will be offering one-off workshops on different parts of the Cambridge exams during the summer. Stay tuned to my TikTok channel for updates and details about these workshops.
As a comprehensive summary, I recommended accessing the official Cambridge English guides for teachers and learners, which provide in-depth information on developing reading skills for each level. You can find the guides at the following links:
- Developing reading skills with classroom activities for B2 First for Schools
- Developing reading skills with classroom activities for C1 Advanced
- Developing reading skills with classroom activities for C2 Proficiency
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In this episode, I explore the issue of confidence, or lack thereof, among English learners when speaking, especially with native speakers. I delve into the phenomenon of 'language anxiety' or 'communication apprehension,' and discuss how it can significantly affect the performance and progress of English language learners. I also touch on the issue of 'linguistic racism' or 'accent discrimination,' and how it contributes to language anxiety.
Throughout the episode, I provide practical tips and strategies to help learners gain confidence in their English-speaking ability. These include using positive self-talk, speaking louder and slower, speaking in full sentences, reading out loud, not worrying too much about making mistakes, and setting realistic goals. I also discuss ways to address linguistic racism and create a more inclusive environment for all English speakers.
Finally, I share some inspiring stories from English learners who have overcome their fears and achieved fluency. These stories serve as a reminder that with determination, perseverance, and the right strategies, anyone can become a confident English speaker.
Links I used in this episode:
- The Pervasive Problem of Linguistic Racism - BBC
- How to Gain Confidence in Your English Speaking - VOA Learning English
- Why Native English Speakers Fail to be Understood in English - The Conversation
- Video: Overcoming Language Anxiety - YouTube
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This is another follower who kindly did one of the IELTS speaking tests I've posted on my TikTok channel. The specific one she did can be found in this link. Of course, you can also do it yourself and create a duet and tag me if you're looking for feedback. I'll be more than happy to showcase your wonderful skills in my podcast.
In this particular case, it's a girl from Zambia, which is quite interesting because Zambia has English as an official language and although they speak it as their own variety of English, it is highly intelligible. I'm glad she took part in this because it served to point out at aspects that might also prevent other people from getting higher scores.
I hope you like it.
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In this episode, I delved into the importance of using both simple and complex grammatical structures for candidates taking the Cambridge English exams at B2 First and C1 Advanced levels. I shared detailed analyses of four candidates' performances and highlighted their strengths and areas for improvement, providing valuable insights into how a balanced approach to grammar can enhance communication.
Throughout the episode, I emphasized the need for consistent practice, learning from mistakes, focusing on coherence and cohesion, expanding vocabulary, and seeking feedback from others to improve one's grammatical competence. I wrapped up by offering practical tips to help listeners enhance their use of grammatical structures and achieve success in their English language endeavors.
Download the visuals and the audioscripts from here:
- Candidates' Visuals
- Part 2 Audioscript
Tune in to "What You Say in English" to discover more about this topic and many others that will help you improve your English language skills! Don't forget to subscribe and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes.
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In this episode, I will guide you through the process of obtaining accommodations for your Cambridge English exam and what to do if you feel your exam result is not fair. I'll be sharing crucial information about special arrangements, such as extra time, supervised breaks, and alternative formats, which can be made for candidates with hearing or speaking difficulties, specific learning difficulties, or other disabilities.
We'll also discuss the Enquiry and Appeal process in detail. If you believe your exam result is not fair, it's essential to contact your examination center immediately. Your center can then request an Enquiry or an Appeal from Cambridge English, and we'll delve into both of these processes, so you know what to expect.
Lastly, I will remind listeners that I am available to provide further guidance on any of these situations discussed in the episode. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need support in navigating the accommodations and appeals process for your Cambridge English exam.
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In this episode, I delve into the world of English proficiency exams, helping you navigate through the various options available and choose the best exam for your needs. We start by discussing the factors to consider when selecting an exam, such as the purpose of taking the exam, test format, availability, recognition by target institutions, and cost. Next, I provide an overview of common English proficiency exams, including IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Exams, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, and LanguageCert International ESOL, highlighting their unique features, test formats, and pros and cons.
We then explore the pros and cons of choosing these alternative exams. I also share tips for selecting a lesser-known exam, emphasizing the importance of verifying acceptance by target institutions or employers, assessing the quality and reputation of the exam provider, and considering potential future needs for a more widely recognized exam.
Finally, I wrap up the episode by recapping the importance of choosing the right English proficiency exam and encouraging listeners to carefully evaluate their options. Best of luck to all test-takers as you embark on your journey towards mastering the English language and achieving your goals in English-speaking environments!
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Do you remember Francesco Burgio? He was my guest in episode 10 of the first season of this show. We've still kept in touch and he's just sent me an incredible message from his new home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He's doing great, his family is happy and still feels proud of his Italian accent. Way to go Francesco! Remember, this podcast is also your home!
Also, the title of today's episode celebrates the international day of the English Language, a day full of activities around the world to boost comprehension and proficiency in this beautiful language. For that reason, I decided to share a story I wrote many moons ago called "Blend of Two Worlds" when I was still a teenager. I hope you like it.
And if you want to support the labor I do with this podcast, you can download it from here:
Blend of Two Worlds (4 EUR + VAT)
When you proceed to do the checkout, you can add a 50% discount where it says: Have a coupon code? The code is WYSEBOOKDAY
Hope you like the story.
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This is the first follower who did my IELTS Speaking test challenge. Of course there are more, but I've chosen this one as it's a great example of a candidate with a lot of potential to get a high band score. Check out my TikTok profile to do the same challenge, you can make a duet and tag me. I hope you enjoy this episode.
My TikTok profile.
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Today's episode of "What You Say in English" is super short, but I delve into the four essential listening skills crucial for acing the IELTS Listening Test: anticipation, active targeted listening, thinking and preparing, and noticing. Throughout the episode, I discuss the importance of each skill, provide insightful tips, and offer engaging activities to help my listeners improve their listening comprehension and overall IELTS performance. Additionally, I invite my audience to join me on TikTok for more language learning tips and support. Don't miss out on this valuable episode packed with advice and strategies for mastering the listening skills needed for IELTS success!
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As it's been almost a tradition in my podcast, I'm analyzing another influential person's English. This time, I chose the CEO of TikTok, Mr. Shou Chew. He's become sort of a a celebrity of late because of the hearing in front of the US Congress to defend the app he represents, TikTok, from some serious allegations regarding user privacy and possible ties with Beijing. I chose him because he displayed an incredible command of his speaking skills. I'd say he's a role model to imitate if you wish to become a proficient user of English. As I haven't included the interview I analyzed in this episode, I suggest you watch it in full here: https://youtu.be/EE5Pcz99JFI
I also spoke about Lander Hawe's app, "IELTS Preposition Safecracker", which I spoke about in episode 12 of this season. To download the app, go to:
- iOS AppStore (Mac compatible)
- Google PlayStore
Use the following codes to unlock the app only in the month of April of 2023. So, be quick! And remember that once the month is over, you'll be charged a month of subscription, so make sure you cancel it before the grace period ends! (Although I think it's quite cheap)
- Apple: TEACHER0423
- Android: APRIL2020
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Because not everything is listening, reading or speaking. Writing also has a space in this podcast. Today, we’ll be looking at what makes a good review for Cambridge exams. I’m bringing three examples at three different levels: B2, C1 and C2. Also, I’m adding an extra review on the recent installment of Shazam! Fury of the Gods! Pay close attention to the vocabulary and expressions I’ve used and start building your own set. Download the 4 reviews below:
- Download the reviews on PDF.
Remember to follow me on TikTok and look for the different speaking tasks on my profile playlists.
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In today's episode of What You Say in English, we dive deep into part 4 of the listening exam for C1 and C2 students. This challenging task requires you to understand the gist of five short monologues and complete two parallel multiple-matching tasks. We break down the essential skills you'll need to develop, such as listening for gist, understanding context, and developing listening strategies. Additionally, we discuss tips and techniques to help you succeed in this demanding task. Finally, we provide a listening task for you to practice, ensuring that you apply the strategies and skills discussed in this episode. Tune in to boost your listening skills and get one step closer to acing the exam! All answers will be explained in the episode.
- Download the exam task
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For this episode, I wanted to commemorate International Women's Day, which took place this last March, 8. I've created a Reading and Use of English part 5 exam task. So, I know how much you guys like to just "listen" to the show, but this time, I want you to practice a little for your upcoming exam. If you've already taken it, then use it as a way to learn new vocabulary. Make sure you download the task, the answers and explanations, as well as the accompanying video I created for you.
- Exam task
- Answer and explanations
- Video
If you're listening through Spotify, don't forget to leave a comment in the Q&A section.
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In this episode, I explore the use of artificial intelligence-powered tools like ChatGPT3 for improving writing skills for Cambridge exams. ChatGPT3 can provide instant feedback on grammar, vocabulary, syntax, sentence structure, and organization, as well as generate prompts and provide suggestions for improvement. It's a valuable supplement to traditional writing instruction and can help students build confidence and motivation. The use of AI-powered tools has made language learning more accessible, effective, and engaging. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and effective tools to emerge.
Don't forget to download the full transcript here.
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Episode 17 of "What You Say in English" explores the topic of silent letters in English. The episode explains that silent letters in English are a way of preserving the history of the language and are often relics of the pronunciation of words in their original languages. The episode also discusses why silent letters are important for both pronunciation and spelling, and how phonics can be helpful in teaching children and English learners about silent letters. By understanding silent letters, English learners can improve their fluency and accuracy in spoken and written English. We also discuss some words for each letter of alphabet that contains such silent letters.
Download the accompanying PDF from here. There's a link in the document to take a quiz.
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This time I wanted to go back to analyzing other people's English. I've chosen Rosalia, the incredibly popular singer from Spain, to give people another role model they can follow. Despite some limitations, she's quite fluent. She showed great confidence and aplomb during this first interview in an American Late Night talk show. She had fun and let everybody know that she can handle herself just fine. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did when analyzing her English.
Don't forget to download the interview notes and commentary from here.
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In this episode, I delve into the topic of spaced repetition and its impact on vocabulary building. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals in order to reinforce memory.
I discuss the importance of finding the right frequency of repetition and the fact that this frequency will vary from person to person, depending on factors such as prior knowledge, memory capacity, and available study time.
The episode covers common spaced repetition algorithms (SupeMemo, Anki and Leitner systems) and schedules and provides tips for incorporating spaced repetition into a study plan. I also emphasize the importance of using spaced repetition as just one tool among many for vocabulary building, and advise incorporating other strategies, such as using flashcards, reading, and writing, into a study plan.
Ultimately, I remind listeners that spaced repetition is not a magic solution for learning vocabulary, but a useful tool for making the learning process more efficient and effective. The key to success is consistent, deliberate practice, and experimenting with different spaced repetition schedules to find the one that works best for each individual.
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Today's episode is dedicated to everyone who is preparing for the IELTS, Cambridge exam (or any other English proficiency exam) on their own. It's a difficult road to follow, but filled with learning opportunities. I will give you here some pointers on how to start, what to consider, where to look for materials and other important things. I start by telling you what the possibilities are and the types of tests available, the importance of simulating the exam conditions, how to understand your results and how to deal with feedback, to finish with how to find reliable source material and create an effective study plan.
The websites I mention in the episode are:
- Weekly by Cambridge English (to create study plans for free)
- Mock Test Toolkit (from where you can get a lot more material)
Also, I want to thank Oscar from Argentina for such a heartfelt message. Remember to follow me on TikTok or drop me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es
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In today's episode, we're talking about the importance of active listening and note-taking for acing exams. Active listening is key for understanding the meaning behind the words and picking up on key information to take notes on. As for note-taking, it's important to find a technique that works best for you, like the Cornell Method, Outline Method, Mapping Method, Charting Method, Sentence Method, and Mind Map Method. Each one is suited for a different type of information and exam format. Remember to listen actively, take effective notes.
Don't forget follow me on TikTok for more tips and tricks on improving your English language skills.
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In this episode of What You Say in English, I sit down with Lander Hawes, CEO of Kinjugo, an EdTech startup that has developed a game for learners of English who are preparing for IELTS called 'Preposition Safecracker'. This is the first video episode of the podcast and listeners on Spotify will be able to watch it on their devices and desktop app. Lander explains how the game, which is designed to make repetition and learning more engaging and fun, is specifically geared towards preparing for the IELTS exam, and covers 450 sentences across different IELTS topics. The conversation explores the potential of gamification in education and how Kinjugo is revolutionizing the way English is taught. Listeners are encouraged to visit kinjugo.com or the Google PlayStore direct link to download the game. Additionally, a promotional code, FebKinj1301, is available from 21/01/2023 to 28/02/2023. To redeem, open the app, press the shopping cart button, then 'Buy Now', and choose 'redeem code' from the payment options.
Don't forget to follow me on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@wysepodcast and if you'd like to be showcased on the show, drop me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es
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In this episode, I do the role of an IELTS Speaking Mythbuster. I set to debunk four common misconceptions surrounding the IELTS Speaking exam. I discuss the importance of using language precisely, flexibly, and appropriately, rather than relying on "big words" to get a high band score. I also address the myth that students must have a British or American accent to do well in the exam, emphasizing that accent is not an evaluation criterion and that any accent is acceptable as long as the speaker is intelligible. I also touch on the idea that students must speak the whole truth in the exam, and remind listeners that it's okay to be a little creative in their responses. Finally, I discuss the myth that students must be perfect to get a high band score, and stress that the exam is not a test of perfection and that making mistakes is a natural part of the language learning process. The ideas here come from the fantastic article posted in the Cambridge Assessment blog, so make sure you check it out and expand on the things I mention here.
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As my new wish for 2023, I want to thank all of my listeners for their support. I hope you've enjoyed my episodes and have found them helpful in your language learning journey.
In today's episode, I'm going to be talking about learning English and setting new year's resolutions. Whether you're just starting out on your language-learning journey, or you're looking for ways to boost your progress, this episode is for you.
I'll be discussing the importance of setting specific, achievable, and measurable goals when learning a new language, and sharing some ideas for language-related resolutions you might want to consider. I'll also be offering tips for sticking to those resolutions and sharing some resources that you can use to help you learn English.
So if you want to improve your English skills and make the most of the new year, make sure to tune in. And if you want to keep in touch with me, don't forget to follow me on TikTok at http://tiktok.com/@wysepodcast. Also, remember and send me your recordings or if you want to take part in the show, send me an email at podcast@languaguageteaching.es
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For the last episode of the year, I wanted to retake the IELTS speaking test. Here, I'm using a recording which is available on the official IELTS website. It's not a full recording, but it will serve to understand how the speaking criteria should be applied when preparing for the exam. Make sure you have a copy of the speaking scales with you, as I will quote from them at times. Also, download the accompanying prompts and transcript. You will be able to highlight and write down my comments on each aspect. I hope you will find it useful. Don't forget to take note of the tips I'll give you by the end of the episode.
I want to thank Adriana, from Brazil, for sending the lovely message I play at the beginning of the episode. You're invited to speak in my podcast whenever you want.
So, until next year 2023! Happy holidays!
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These things rarely happen... That we get big news from Cambridge Assessment English. The organization is undergoing some major rebranding and redesign, not only about their corporate image, but with the way they will handle exams. They'll remove tasks, add other options to take the exams, and 'finally' embrace some new technology to offer new ways of going through the Cambridge experience, among other things. If you're preparing to take the exam any time between what is left of the year or next year, what I have to tell you about in this episode will definitely interest you.
Also, I've just opened a TikTok account where you can also follow me. So, drop by and say hi!
www.tiktok.com/@wysepodcast
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We're approaching the end of the year. And as usual, Anchor published my wrapped for 2022 and it's nothing but good news. This podcast has grown exponentially. If you wish to see it, visit this link. Most of the growth is probably because of the number of new listeners from India. I'm here for you guys! I'll try to cover more about the IELTS exam.
As promised, this is the first episode in which I experiment with other parts of the Cambridge exams. I've created this task which is slightly higher than C1 (in terms of vocabulary) to cater for two levels (C1 and C2). To access the files, check out the following links:
- RUE part 6 Student Task
- RUE part 6 Annotated Task (Answers)
The task is also an excuse to learn great high-level vocabulary for film reviews. Let me know if you want me to cover other parts of the exams. Just send me an email to podcast@languageteaching.es
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The previous episode had a great reception. So much so that I decided to extend on how to improve your fluency and intelligibility by working on your consonant clusters. The five sample sentences are:
- O n my first trip, I traveled the length and breadth of Sri Lanka.
- Scientists say that humans’ sixth sense can be explained.
- Last February, meteorologists measured the temperature in the forests in the Arctic circle.
- He asks exactly what we need to know about the nuclear program.
- She liked two different tasks: washing her clothes and resting in the summer months.
Follow the advice on how to produce these consonant clusters and improve your fluency skills. The two online resources I used to get sample sentences were https://youglish.com/ and https://www.playphrase.me/
If you wish to read more about consonant clusters, this PDF would be very useful.
Thanks for your support! And if you wish to be showcased, send me a line to podcast@languageteaching.es
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It's been some time since I haven't reacted to a celebrity's English. This time is Black Panther's Prince Namor, Tenoch Huerta. Personally, I don't know how long he's been learning English, but he behaved like a champion in this interview. You can listen to how he used natural fluency to overcome his lack of grammatical and phonological control. You too can deliver a successful interview for live TV without having to master English with the mastery of a C2 speaker. Tenoch is an excellent role model to follow.
The transcript with more comments can be downloaded from here. Make sure you use a good PDF reader to see the bubble notes.
The TED talk I mentioned at the end, the one with Professor John McWhorter can be watched here: https://youtu.be/VQRjouwKDlU
The podcast he conducts is called Lexicon Valley.
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This is yet another C2 Speaking mock with two great students: Francisco and Maria. They'll soon take their exams and wanted to do one last mock speaking with me before their big day. The questions and the visuals can be downloaded from here:
- Examiner's questions
- Candidate Visuals part 2
- Candidate Visuals part 3
I'm sharing the examiner's questions, as I know there are other teachers who would like to do the same exam with other students. I recycled some questions from other sources, but most of it was created by me.
Also, at the beginning I speak about Swell, a new collaborative social network where people share their voices with mini podcasts. Fantastic idea!
Follow me on Swell @wyse and check out my first swellcast here. Take part in the discussion.
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This idea of thinking of groups of words as one unit is nothing new, but it might help you think of different word categories (e.g., idioms, phrasal verbs, fixed phrases, binomials, among others) as having more things in common as you might have initially thought. They're Polywords.
I've prepared some activities that can help you understand polywords better:
- Matching task
- Reading and Use of English part 1 (C1/C2)
- Reading and Use of English part 2 (C1/C2)
Answers can be found here.
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This episode is devoted to explaining how students can ace the second part of the speaking test: The Long Turn. As I mention in the episode, you can prepare the way you wish to organize your discourse, but not what vocabulary or grammar you will use. You will listen to three students speaking about three sets of images. They all had time to prepare and even write down what they wanted to say. So, when preparing, this might be a good idea to get used to the structure of your answer. You'll see how it easy it becomes. That way, you'll only have to worry about the language output, accuracy and range of vocabulary and structure and not the organization.
The visuals can be downloaded from here.
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I met Ethan back when I worked for International House Madrid. He's the sort of person you'd love to work with: knowledgeable, experienced, and, most importantly, quite approachable whenever you had doubts about your teaching. Nowadays, he keeps quite busy writing materials for exam preparation, Teacher Training courses and is also quite active in delivering presentations at many teaching conventions. Macmillan Publishers called him to write the Teachers Books for the newest edition of their successful series for Cambridge exams, Ready For, originally written by Amanda French and Roy Norris. Here, we talked about his work as an author and what he thinks of the exam preparation market in general.
To learn more about the newest edition of Ready For click here (B2 First and C1 Advanced)
To purchase the book he co-wrote with Riccardo Chiappini, Activities for Mediation, click here.
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Today, I'm bringing some American expressions that have been used worldwide. And they come from the time when the United States of America became independent from Great Britain, and the original 13 colonies expanded to the west. As usual, the transcript can be downloaded from here. How do you like these minicasts? Send your opinions to podcast@languageteaching.es
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Today's minicast is rather musical, because of the references I'm using, but all three idioms actually come from the sports world. As usual, I open with some real-life examples and tell you how you can use them in your everyday life and during speaking exams. The transcript can be downloaded from here.
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Who doesn't want more knowledge? Today I'm bringing three wonderful expressions with the word knowledge. One of them, knowledge is power, even has a funny story of a guy who misunderstood it until he was an adult. Read more about this by following this link.
As always, this minicast has a transcript that you can download from here.
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A sword is a fantastic weapon. It can cause admiration and terrible fear in people. Maybe that's why we've coined so many expressions with it. Today, you'll learn three fantastic ways in which you can use it during speaking exams. As in the previous minicast, download the transcript from here.
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As promised, a series of minicasts with an English expression (or expressions) that you can use in your everyday life or during a speaking test. You can download the transcript here.
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Inga, from Russia and Rebeca, from Spain, took part in this recorded mock exam with interesting things to analyze. They were both living in Oxford by the time they did this recording, and you can tell that they show a wide range of strong features in her speaking skills. Inga as Dphil student and Rebeca as part of the Bodleian libraries at the University of Oxford. Grab a notebook and make your notes as I offer my impressions of their performance. The visuals for this test can be downloaded from here.
I don't want to go without letting you know about the courses I'm planning for August. To save a spot and read all the preliminary information, go to the following websites:
- C1 Advanced Intensive course
- C2 Proficiency Intensive course
If you still have questions, please send me an email to podcast@languageteaching.es, and I will gladly give more information. I hope we can create a wonderful community of motivated learners. Not only will you be able to ask me any question you may have (directly), but you will make fantastic friends over that month that I'm sure will last for a lifetime. My current students have become great friends and they're even making plans to visit each other in the future.
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This is a full speaking mock for C1. Luca and Lorenzo did well enough to make a pass and listen to my advice so you can use the tips to ace your speaking exam. The visuals for this exam can be downloaded here.
As I mentioned last week. I finally bring information about the courses I'm planning for August. To save a spot and read all the preliminary information, go to the following websites:
- C1 Advanced Intensive course
- C2 Proficiency Intensive course
If you still have questions, please send me an email to podcast@languageteaching.es, and I will gladly give more information. I hope we can create a wonderful community of motivated learners. Not only will you be able to ask me any question you may have (directly), but you will make fantastic friends over the course of that month that I'm sure will last for a lifetime. My current students have become great friends and they're even making plans to visit each other in the future.
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This is the second part (and final) where I explain the remaining tenses of the whole "tense-aspect" system in English. Here you'll find the different uses of the perfect, progressive and perfect-progressive aspects. That would conclude the information about the "12 tenses" in English. These tenses are covered in the course of the different levels of the CEFR. Even at top levels, students need to fine tune their understanding of this system and appropriately use them in speaking and writing tasks.
Also, I finally bring information about the courses I'm planning for August. To save a spot and read all the preliminary information, go to the following websites:
- C1 Advanced Intensive course
- C2 Proficiency Intensive course
If you still have questions, please send me an email to podcast@languageteaching.es, and I will gladly give more information. I hope we can create a wonderful community of motivated learners. Not only will you be able to ask me any question you may have (directly), but you will make fantastic friends over the course of that month that I'm sure will last for a lifetime. My current students have become great friends and they're even making plans to visit each other in the future.
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I decided to get more technical and explain the tense-aspect system in English starting from its core meaning. It's not very complicated when you see what the present, past and future times have in common. You could say that meanings repeat but with minor modifications that make all the sense in the world if you see them from this perspective. I will cover the remaining points in the last episodes of this season. Also, I'm giving updates about the upcoming intensive courses I'm organizing for August.
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Manuel, a listener from Chile, sent me this incredible message. He was expecting me to give him extensive feedback, but his voice note was so good that I honestly had nothing to say. The only thing I could comment on was on the pronunciation of his "b" as opposed to a "v", which prompted me to talk about minimal pairs today. So, enjoy! And once again... Thanks for the message, Manuel.
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This effect is well known to all of us who prepare for exams. Language exams, more than other types, seemed to be affected the most. That classic "study to pass the exam" attitude that tends to push students to memorize stuff which is usually forgotten once the exam is over. In this brief episode, I talk about its positive effects, its negative effects and what you can do, as a teacher and as a student, to minimize the latter effects.
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I always want to emphasize Interactive Communication because it's one of the criteria that gets overlooked by teachers and candidates altogether. Today I'll speak about three ways in which candidates can use language effectively to:
- Interrupt politely
- Add your opinion to what the other candidate said
- Ask for clarification
I'm also including an element that also deserves some attention: intonation. On this occasion, I'll be talking about the way we say cleft sentences. So, enjoy today's episode and send me a message to podcast@languageteaching.es
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Rossana, a listener from Italy, sent me this incredible message you'll hear today. It's very short but it's a good sample to give some well-deserved feedback. When clips are short, I mostly focus on pronunciation and some vocabulary. To give feedback on more aspects, I would need a longer piece of audio. In any case, she did really well.
The main event in today's episode is how to make generalizations effectively. In many parts of the speaking exam, whether it's for B2, C1, or C2, the examiners will pay attention to how you generalize about things. Not only how you speculate or hypothesize, but how you generalize when you give your opinions.
Keep sending your messages! I love getting them. I promise I'll post them all.
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Marcelo was very eager to have my feedback, and I honestly don't have much to say about his amazing speaking skills. Being a teacher has allowed him to share everything he's learned along the way with his students. He has an incredible personality and a very focused mindset when it comes to how communication is essential in the classroom, whether it be face-to-face or online. Enjoy this conversation! Remember that if you want to learn more about Ben Gill's TTP Academy or my future course for C1 and C2, send me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es
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This is a short presentation about the set text for B2 First for Schools and the two novels for C2 Proficiency. I answer why they're used in the exams and what candidates are expected to do. Also, I will explain what the benefits are and the possible pitfalls if you decide to prepare for them. The set texts are:
- B2 First for Schools (January 2021 - December 2022) Daphne du Maurier: Rebecca. Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying any film version of Rebecca, as well as, or instead of, the book.
- C2 Proficiency (January 2022 - December 2023) Jane Austen: Northanger Abbey, and David Nicholls: Us. In this episode, I will explain which version is the best choice. If you're looking for feedback on your writing (Speaking or Writing), contact me through podcast@languageteaching.es.
The video presentation can be watched here https://youtu.be/v_j02sshpSA
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Two fantastic girls did the mock speaking for C1 this week and here's my full feedback. Remember that you can download the visuals for this test in this link. Also, I want to remind you (once again) of the special collaboration I'm doing with Ben Gill. Remember to check out Ben Gill's channels and Patreon Website, where you'll be able to join his TTP Academy. I'll collaborate with him delivering workshops on exam preparation and answering all your questions about the Cambridge Exams.
Ben Gill's YouTube channel: To the Point - English with Ben, his Instagram, Facebook and Ben Gill's Patreon profiles.
Today's music was composed by Ukrainian musician, QubeSounds, Check out their Pixabay profile.
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Two of my B2 First students, Oscar and Sara wanted to share their plans for these Easter holidays. We had a nice chat in class, speaking about the different things they enjoy most about these holidays in Spain. You'll be surprised to hear how they can speak English. I always enjoy their participations in class, and you'll see how that comes across in this episode. Two young people with a bright future ahead. Thank you very much, guys! Enjoy the holidays.
Also, I want to remind you of the special collaboration I'm doing with Ben Gill. Remember to check out Ben Gill's channels and Patreon Website, where you'll be able to join his TTP Academy. I'll collaborate with him delivering workshops on exam preparation and answering all your questions about the Cambridge Exams.
Ben Gill's YouTube channel: To the Point - English with Ben Ben Gill's Instagram and Facebook profiles Ben Gill's Patreon
Today's music is by Joseph McDade, CONSIDER SUPPORTING HIM ON PATREON SO HE CAN KEEP DOING THIS! (Supporters get access to loops, stems, and alternates too!)
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Today's episode is shorter than usual, but I'm bringing some fun with pronunciation. If you haven't heard of Gerard Nolst Trenité's poem "The Chaos", then you have no idea how hard English pronunciation can be! The poem illustrates the disparity between spelling and pronunciation. It's so hard, that even native speakers of English find it impossible to recite fully. Not only will I be talking about the poem, but also about its history and the many different versions it has. If you wish to get hold of an electronic copy (free of copyright), you can click here(Wikimedia Commons). However, the version you will hear in today's episode is this (visit the link)
Also, remember to check out Ben Gill's channels and Patreon Website, where you'll be able to join his TTP Academy. I'll collaborate with him delivering workshops on exam preparation and answering all your questions about the Cambridge Exams.
- Ben Gill's YouTube channel: To the Point - English with Ben
- Ben Gill's Instagram and Facebook profiles
- Ben Gill's Patreon
Today's music is by AlexGrohl. Check out his Pixabay profile.
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Maura is a hardworking person who took upon her the preparation of the C2 Proficiency exam. It seemed like an impossible task, but she was very serious and organized with her preparation. She tells everything in this episode. Getting a "pass A" is the dream of many test-takers, and quite honestly, with the proper preparation, it isn't difficult. She even got 230 points (the maximum score) in the Use of English paper, the part that most people fear.
Among her recommendations, she says you should subscribe to Ben Gill's YouTube channel: To Ihe Point - English with Ben and follow him on Instagram and Facebook profiles. He has several Telegram groups, which she mentions in our chat. Also, if you wish to get feedback on your writing skills, send me a message at podcast@languageteaching.es and I'll explain how it goes. Maura also mentions Objective Proficiency as the book she used. You can find it on Amazon, or any other online retailer.
Last but not least, a special thanks to my newest listener, Andrzej Dąbrowski! Thanks for your message, man! I loved it!
The music from today's episode was produced/composed by Musictown. Check out the profile on Pixabay.
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Javier is a great candidate for the IELTS exam. He's in his early twenties, doing a Master's in teaching Spanish and wanting to go and live in Australia to teach his native language. To apply for the residence, he doesn't need much in the IELTS exam, just a 4.5 (out of 9), which is roughly equivalent to a B1 (Cambridge Preliminary). However, having studied English as a degree at the University, Javi is more than capable of getting that score. He would even get a seven (7) on the exam! We sat down together as part of a couple of quick sessions to prepare him for the exam. Since he's had experience with standardized testing, he only needed some pointers before the big day. I would always recommend some intensive preparation for the exam if you don't have the level you need to get accepted by the stakeholder who's asking you to do the exam. If you have any questions, drop me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es.
The music of today's episode is by another musician from Ukraine, Oleksii Kaplunskyi. Visit his profile at Pixabay.
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After not being able to upload an episode last week (I apologize for that!), today I'm bringing an analysis that I've been wanting to do for quite a while. Last year, I was amazed by how well the current Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, spoke English in several interviews he did while on tour around the United States. So, I came up with this and see how other Spanish politicians can handle English. Some with very mixed results and others incredibly well. Apart from Sánchez, we'll listen to Pablo Iglesias, former president of the Community of Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre, and the "infamous" Ana Botella, who became quite notorious during Madrid's presentation for the 2020 Olympic Games. Let me know what you think of their English.
Also, I'd like you to know that today's music comes from a Ukrainian musician, ZakharValaha, from the city of Kalush. Please visit his profile at Pixabay. Я з тобою Україна. Тримайся!
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This, you might say, is a continuation from a previous episode in which two students of mine answered some opinion questions. This time, it's Yolanda, Nat and Marta, who show off their incredible speaking skills. Pay close attention to how they answer the two questions and how they use pronunciation, discourse, and vocabulary to a very high level. In some cases, they're almost indistinguishable from a monolingual native speaker of English. What would your answer be for these two questions? Send your recording to podcast@languageteaching.es
The music of today's episode was produced by Coma-Media at Pixabay.
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Alberto is a great guy. Ever since he contacted me, he's shown an incredible attitude (and aptitude) to learning English. He never stops learning and kindly agreed to have a brief conversation with me about how he started learning English, his job, his career as a teacher, and his tips to learn English. He's a great model to follow, as he's been able to develop a very good level of fluency and discourse management that you'd like to imitate. Listen to me giving advice on how he can become an even better speaker of English. Remember that you too can appear in my show and let the world hear what you say in English.
The music in this episode is by EvgenyBardyuzha from Pixabay.
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Here's the last part of the 6 candidates doing the collaborative task of the B2, C1 and C2 exams and the corresponding analysis. They all did well, with some ups and downs, but with enough control to make a pass. I sincerely hope you can find these recordings, and my comments, useful. Remember that I'm available to coach students on their writing skills as well. Just contact me at podcast@languageteaching.es and I'll give more information on how to get my feedback on your writing skills as well. If you have plans to sit the C1 or C2 exams later this year, stay tuned as I'll give more details on an intensive course I'm putting up for August 2022. So, enjoy today's episode and share it with anyone who's preparing for Cambridge exams.
The music in today's episode was created by madirfan from Pixabay
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Following a friend's advice, I'm covering two more criteria, with the same people from last week. Here, you'll hear how they did in terms of discourse and pronunciation. The six candidates gave some good material to work with, and I hope you take your note pad and jot down the ideas you liked the most. As last week, the visuals can be downloaded from https://drive.google.com/file/d/10blaiOno3U3GOPaOpx4exqV6VugnhZM4/view?usp=sharing
This week, I'm also trying to vary the music I use. I've chosen the free service Pixabay, where you can find any type of music in different genres. The music for this episode was created by Alex MakeMusic. Check out his profile at Pixabay:
Song list:
- Calming the sea
- Inspiring Motivational Mood
- Motivated
- Motivational
I hope you can find my comments useful. Send me a message at podcast@languageteaching.es and let me know how much you liked this episode. Also, you can send a voice message in the link below.
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Interactive Communication is usually the criterion that is least understood by many candidates. Many know that they have to respond and establish a conversation in many parts of the speaking test, but they sometimes don't know what they're doing that might affect their mark. Today, I've chosen the collaborative sections of the B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency exams to illustrate how this is viewed from an examiner's point of view. The six candidates do a good job and, despite some mishaps, they manage to interact well among themselves. The visuals for the three levels can be downloaded from here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10blaiOno3U3GOPaOpx4exqV6VugnhZM4/view?usp=sharing
I hope you can find my comments useful. Send me a message at podcast@languageteaching.es and let me know how much you liked this episode. Also, you can send a voice message in the link below.
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One of the stars from the Netflix hit series "Money Heist", Úrsula Corberó gave me this incredible opportunity to speak about what makes her an incredible English speaker and a wonderful role model to follow. After having a successful career as an actor in Spain, she went on to become Money Heist's Goddess. Here, she was invited to the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (https://youtu.be/yA4I5t2R7yA) and guess what? She did amazingly well. She's pure talent, and this interview just proved it.
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This is the last installment of the series of episodes exploring common misconceptions about language learning. Here, I’m trying to demistify the last three questions I posted in the link https://forms.gle/puJMknBoTrKAMFBw5
The questions are:
- English should be kept in its pure form. Any contact with other languages only leads to its bastardization.
- Any language teacher should be a native speaker of the language they teach.
- People learn depending on their learning style. A visual learner, for example, learns faster if the information is presented visually.
I only hope that I have helped my listeners have an open mind to language learning. While these ideas may not be harmful by themselves, they can influence learners negatively and affect the way they learn English.
Remember that you can send me a message to podcast@languageteaching.es and appear as a guest speaker in my show.
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This is the first part of a series of episodes in which I explore what the common assumptions are for language teaching. Today, I'm covering three more questions in the survey I opened, which you can also answer here: https://forms.gle/qAnoxepR2Fdgpnbv6
The questions are:
Written language is superior to spoken language. English grammar should be followed strictly. Anything that doesn't conform to grammar rules is incorrect. Using a translation approach to learn English is a mistake.
Thanks for starting a new year with me. Remember that if you wish to be interviewed, you can send me a message to podcast@languageteaching.es
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As you can read in the title of today's episode, I don't have the continuation of the series I've been preparing. Several commitments have kept me busy, and finding a moment to record was almost impossible. However, I didn't want to say goodbye to you and to this year without giving you a present. So, go ahead and press play to open it. If anyone is interested in getting it, you can follow this link: https://www.bookdepository.com/es/Prophet-Kahlil-Gibran/9780099416937?ref=grid-view&qid=1639849965996&sr=1-1 Thank you all! See you next year!
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This is the first part of a series of episodes in which I explore what the common assumptions are for language teaching. Today, I'm covering the first three questions in the survey I opened, which you can also answer here: https://forms.gle/qAnoxepR2Fdgpnbv6
The questions are:
- Sounding like a native speaker should be the ultimate goal for any language learner.
- To learn English, you must start thinking in English. Learners who constantly translate in their heads learn slower.
- Children are better language learners than adults.
Thank you very much for sticking up with me. Next week, you'll get the last episode of the year.
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This is the first part of a series of episodes in which I explore what the common assumptions are for language teaching. Today, I'm covering the first three questions in the survey I opened, which you can also answer here: https://forms.gle/qAnoxepR2Fdgpnbv6
The questions are:
- The basis for teaching is the spoken, not the written language.
- Teachers and students should use the target language (English) rather than students' first language in the classroom.
- Teachers should avoid explicit discussion of grammar.
I am also sharing great news from my Spotify for Podcasters Wrapped for 2021 and I git some great numbers. If you want to see it, you can click here. We're approaching the end of 2021... do you want to be my guest in the last two episodes of the year?
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This time, I had a student of mine from a C2 Proficiency group answer some questions that would be appropriate for the discussion section of the speaking exam. C1 students would also benefit from listening to her answers, as she uses a wide range of structures and vocabulary. She also used intonation effectively to enhance the message she was trying to convey. The questions were:
- Do you have much opportunity to travel? Where would you go if you had the choice?
- How would you feel about a round-the-world trip?
- What are your expectations of a job and salary?
- How important to you is it to do well academically?
- How do you feel about the idea of becoming an entrepreneur?
- What would your priorities be if you were bringing up children?
She did amazingly well, and I'm sure you can get a few pointers to improve on your skills. Also, stay tuned for future episodes as I have a few things prepared.
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First of all, I'd like to apologize for the audio quality. I didn't have the right audio equipment (the one I usually use) and I was at another location and I had to amplify Ben's voice so you could hear it. Despite that, I hope you can get to hear him share his knowledge and expertise as a teacher and exam trainer. We talked about our shows, our students and our impressions on what matters most when preparing for exams. Ben's channels are To The Point, English with Ben (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzxHbqh9Pxk9sV4W66jIbjA) and English Matters with Ben Gill (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCprMnRKhvk5HLRPpjEVmdKw).
I hope you enjoy this.
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Something that sounds very enticing to English learners is that they wish to speak English with a native accent. Apart from being a difficult goal to reach, in today's world, it's probably becoming less and less important. There's also the problem of selecting a native accent to imitate... native from where? Today I'm giving feedback to Elaph, an English learner from Iraq. Although she's a very fluent speaker, she feels she would like to "reduce her accent", because she feels that it would boost her confidence. Indeed, it is a major boost when a non-specialist native speaker compliments your English. So, in the spirit of keeping her motivation, I accepted to interview her and tell her about the tiny little things that might give away her origin. Again, I don't think it's necessary to do this, but anybody can choose how they wish to be seen and how they wish to interact with others. I understand that feeling accepted is important for most of us. Also, by the end of today's episode, I talk about a new service that I'm offering, so stay tuned.
Remember that I'm always here. You can ask your questions, send messages or opinions to podcast@languageteaching.es
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It's been a long time since I've done anything IELTS related. Well, here I am, doing a mock speaking with a great candidate who wishes to get a 6.0 in his exam. Mohd Farook is from India. He contacted me through Facebook and we recorded this a few days back. He received the video version of this mock. I hope you enjoy it.
The card he used for part 2 goes as follows:
Talk about a polluted place you have seen.
- What is this place and where is it?
- Why is it polluted?
- How does this affect life there?
- What could be done to reverse this pollution and who needs to do it?
I also want to thank Marta for her lovely message and the rest of you out there, who make this podcast possible. If you listen through Spotify, you can answer this episode question.
Remember to use my discount code, WYSE, to get an extra 10% discount at TakeIELTS.net. That way, you'll help me make more episodes like this one.
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You may not know this, but today is my birthday! And as a special treat, I bring this full mock speaking for C1 Advanced with two incredible candidates: Sindo and Suzy. We recorded this a while back and I was planning never to post it, but Sindo contacted me to let me know that he'd passed the exam (now he can say he's got the advanced level, officially), which makes me very happy. All success stories call for a celebration. The visuals for this exam:
- Part 2, candidate A: shorturl.at/vMSU3
- Part 2, candidate B: shorturl.at/qGLU4
- Part 3: shorturl.at/yCIVW
Also, special thanks to Isabella, from Brazil. Your message is what keeps me going! Thank you.
Remember that more things are coming. Whether you're a student or a teacher and would like to share your tips and advice with others, feel free to use my podcast to tell the world how much you've learned and taught others.
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Believe it or not, English only has, strictly speaking, two tenses: present and past. Of course, if we only consider the changes in the verb. But that doesn't mean we can't express different concepts to talk about the future. For such purpose, we can use different "tenses" (or verb forms) that can do the job as well as in your first language. I will try to dispel any confusions regarding the future in English and I hope my explanations come across as easy as possible for you. Remember that speaking about the future is important in parts 1 and 3 of the IELTS exam, and parts 1, 3, and 4 of the Cambridge exams. So, get on board and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me an email to podcast@languageteaching.es.
Also, if you're subscribed to my podcast on Spotify, you'll be able to answer a poll and a question (in writing) after you listen to the episode.
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Due to all the downloads the previous episode got, I decided to cover an aspect of pronunciation that usually leads to confusion: word stress. Take out your notebooks because this will be a very eye-opening class that you may wish to revisit in the future. I speak about different aspects of word stress, how confusing it may be, and how we can better predict how words are said just by looking at how they're written. Remember to support the channel by sharing the episodes on your favorite social sites. Also, share my code for TakeIELTS.net with anyone you know who's preparing for the IELTS exam. In this episode, I also share a friend's podcast,Learning Forward, India Foundation. In the words of the host, Sandeep Dutt, "You will love the stories shared by our happy teachers and passionate educators. We grow the capacity of your people to improve student achievement and transform your school into a culture of trust and collaboration in less time with fewer resources. Each person in your school contributes to the culture of your school. School culture is built on the actions and interactions of the people. You make your school stronger by adding value to others and making others feel valued." His podcast can be found at https://anchor.fm/learningforward and from there, you can use the provider of your choice.
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One aspect that complicates things whenever a non-native speaker of English and a native speaker of English communicate with each other is how the latter joins words together. This could be a problem for English learners, especially at the beginning of their learning journey. Today, I'm covering some of those problems, trying to explain what makes them difficult at times. It's not my intention that you produce these sounds, but if you want to, I promise you that people will start complimenting your English. Secondly, I want to thank Cesar from Zaragoza, who sent me an incredible voice message through the Anchor website. He's preparing for the C1 advanced exam, and he's definitely on the right track. Cesa, if you ever want to speak at length in my show, my doors are open. Finally, I want to introduce my listeners to Stephen Green's Podcast: English with Stephen. He aims to bring you everything you need to learn English in under 10 minutes. Stephen has been an English teacher for over 25 years. He tells stories about words, talks about the history of English and presents different learning strategies every week. All the episodes come with a free transcript you can read to help you learn and understand more. You can find the podcast on his site, https://englishwithstephen.com/, or on any podcast app. Stephen's other social media pages are:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishwithstephen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnglishwStephen
Check him out! I'm sure you'll love what he's doing.
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After analyzing Penelope Cruz's incredible English, thus time, as suggested by a listener, I'm talking about what I think of Vanessa Paradis' English. She's a French singer and actor who started her career at 14/15 years old, and since then, she's done a lot of interesting things. I selected 4 clips that illustrate how much she has learned over the years. It is interesting to hear how she sounded at 15 and what she's like now. You have to remember that she was married to Johnny Depp and had a daughter, Lily Rose, with him. Vanessa as a perfect example of what an English learner can accomplish in their process of learning English. Let me know what you think! And remember to share this episode with anyone who is interested in improving their speaking skills.
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This time, I'm offering the tools to understand words that may be confusing because of their meaning. Some people may use them interchangeably but not all the time. Something you need to bear in mind is that complete synonymy is almost impossible. For example, 'big' and 'large' are not really synonyms. You can speak of 'a big laugh' but not of 'a large laugh'; likewise with 'high' and 'tall'. 'A tall lady' is possible, but not 'a high lady'.
The list of words I'm analyzing in today's episode are divided in these groups:
- need, require, want, demand, call for
- advocate, promote, counsel, suggest, tip, guide
- steal, rob, burgle, pinch, extort, nick, take, lift, shoplift, embezzle, poach, defraud
- luck, coincidence, fortune, fate, destiny, providence
- small, tiny, minute, minuscule, microscopic
- dirty, filthy, grubby, mucky, grimy, dusty, yucky
Think about the meaning, but also about the context, possible collocations, register (or tone) and connotations (positive or negative). The idea of this exercise is to think critically about vocabulary. After you write down your notes, listen to explain everything. You can also check my study notes for this episode at https://qrgo.page.link/zaZkN
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Cristian is a young man from Mexico City. He contacted me through the C1 Advanced - CAE (Certificate in advanced English) Facebook group. We had a nice conversation in which he answered personal questions that can help those who are preparing for part 1 of the Cambridge speaking exam. He demonstrated great skills to communicate complex ideas and use vocabulary that any advanced learner should be using. Take your notebook and write down all the expressions and fixed phrases he used, and you'll surely be ready for success.
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This time I'm bringing another mock speaking for the C1 Advanced. Mónica and Daniela did very well, and I'm sure they'd make a pass in a real exam. Listen carefully, as these two girls produce some great language that you can recycle and make it your own.
The visuals I've used for this test were:
- Part 2 (Cadidate 1): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1orusiw1EJ82L1bOieXuEuxkDKaUSBOeT/view?usp=sharing
- Part 2 (Cadidate 2): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1owmOnNFrByZ4D0UpfD9GScuXX8GA5mlk/view?usp=sharing
- Part 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1otK477pBEuHYSHmXQoQ6W_-n6qY8Ikmc/view?usp=sharing
As always, share this episode with anyone else who might find it useful. And if you wish to be showcased in any episode, send an email to podcast@languageteaching.es.
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It's good to be back! In this first episode, I am answering all your questions regarding the Cambridge exams. What to do and not to do during the exam day. I decided to do it as a response to my collaboration with English teacher and YouTuber Ben Gill. You can visit his channel, To The Point - English with Ben, and get lots of incredible advice on how to prepare for your Cambridge exams. If you're interested in watching the interview he did with me, it's divided into two parts:
- Part 1: https://youtu.be/3CFliOVfLvY
- Part 2: https://youtu.be/T5ZwquJzG7c
Here, I'm expanding on other aspects that Ben and I may have forgotten to talk about and that are important to know before you sit the exam. The information comes from the official manual for exams centers, so it's fully updated, including information regarding the procedure for covid-19. Remember that you can reach me at podcast@languageteaching.es and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast through your regular provider. Also, share the episode with anyone who may find this useful. You can also leave a voice message through the podcast anchor website.
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After a 2-week pause due to problems with my voice, I'm back again with great news from takeIELTS.net. Also, while you listen to this mock, take note of the questions and answers provided because the report provided by takeIELTS.net will tell which answers were problematic or needed a bit of help. So, take this episode as a learning class and exercise your listening skills by taking notes.
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As an English teacher, I always like to choose positive role models for my students to feel inspired. This week, I have chosen an A-list Hollywood celebrity whose first language is not English. Not only is she an incredible professional, devoted to her craft, but she's also a charming person who's worked hard to gain the level of confidence that she's got in English. Listen to this episode to discover who she is. Also, take note of all the wonderful expressions I have analyzed and explained.
To me, she represents the realistic ideal of what a proficient speaker of English as a second language should aim at.
Remember to subscribe, like, and share this podcast with all your friends and family, especially if they're interested in language learning. Also, if you're interested in speaking in one of my episodes, send me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es
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One area that is particularly difficult for many English learners is how to keep constant control of the tenses they use when speaking. They sure know how to form questions in the past, and how to answer written questions in controlled exercises. However, when they have to speak, it can be quite difficult to use the structures correctly. In this episode, I'll give you some tips on which 3 structures we use in English to talk about past habits: past simple, used to and would. Also, I will tell you the most common mistakes about them.
- The study notes can be downloaded from here: http://tiny.cc/f0wwtz
- The extra exercise is here: http://tiny.cc/r0wwtz and answers here: http://tiny.cc/s0wwtz
The file is a fillable PDF so you can open it with your computer and fill the blanks.
Remember to share this episode with anyone who needs it and contact me at podcast@languageteaching.es if you wish to be interviewed.
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One problem that I encounter with candidates and students is the way they link ideas. Using linking expressions not only helps you with how you control grammatical structures, but also adds to how you organize your thought coherently. In this episode, I focus on some of the most common expressions and how they're used. Sometimes distinguishing between American English and British English. It is essential that you download the accompanying study notes I have prepared for this episode. The link is https://rb.gy/awu2fo.
I'd also love to hear from you. Let me know if you wish to get more episodes like this one by sending me a message to podcast@languageteaching.es. I will always appreciate your messages.
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This episode was done in collaboration with Angrej's IELTS Institute, a Language School in Ghanaur, Patiala. Please, if you're in India and need counseling and training in the IELTS exam, visit their website at https://angrejsieltsinstitute.com/. If you're not in the region, rest assured that you can also get online classes from any part of India. Today, we have three students who got feedback on their speaking skills as they were going to take their IELTS exam that week. In this episode, only snippets are shown to demonstrate how performance can be compared to the band scores. Remember that you can always use my discount code 'wyse' whenever you wish to take a mock speaking from https://takeielts.net/
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This is the last installment in the series of 4 episodes on the Cambridge Speaking exams for B2 and C1. I hope you've enjoyed them and found them useful. Remember, I'm always here for any consultation you may have. My goal is that everyone who has a genuine desire to improve on their English can find in this podcast the motivation to continue improving.
Next week, we'll go back to the IELTS speaking with some mock exams I'll be doing in partnership with Angrej's IELTS Institute, a Language School in Ghanaur, India. Stay tuned!
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In part 3 of the speaking for Cambridge B2 and C1, candidates have to collaborate to answer a question. The most important element to consider is how well you interact with each other and what structures you use to encourage participation and how you can expand on what you partner says. You can download the visuals from here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UaN2qfjN3fg_NdyVNyxpePMUwj-P6XHC/view?usp=sharing) and follow the conversation and the analysis I make on these candidates performance.
Remember you can take part in a simulation like this one. Just contact me using the details below.
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Now it's the turn of part 2. As the one before, I'll concentrate in the B2 First and C1 Advanced exams. Listen carefully to my advice as these two levels, although similar in execution, differ in what specific language you're required to produce. Also, listen to what I say about the common pitfalls in which many candidates usually fall into. The visual material used can be found here:
- B2 First and C1 advanced: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OYlZlEW8bNHRCm70lMcdfWKJ2hhM-ejF/view?usp=sharing
Also, my warmest thanks to Josean Bengoetxea, who sent me an incredible email I'm sharing with you today and to Katty Ortega, an incredible teacher and administrator of The Chat Box Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/worldenglishchatbox/), where you can join and take part in the many activities they organize for English learners.
Again, I would like to thank to all of you who follow me every week in this journey. Without you, I would've stopped long ago.
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Since many people liked the previous episode with a full speaking speaking for C1 Advanced, I've decided to explain, part by part, what you should do, and shouldn't do, in the speaking for Cambridge exams. I'll be focussing on B2 and C1 levels because they're the more demanded levels.
In this episode, part (The Interview) is explained with 2 candidates for each level. So, take paper and pencil and take note of all the tips I offer. Also, if you feel up to the challenge, you can write down the questions in the recordings and send me a message with your answers. I'll showcase the best ones in future episodes.
Last, but not least, I shout out to my listener, Ricardo Sendulsky, for sending me that incredible message. Ricardo, this episode is dedicated to you. Thank you for your kind words.
Remember you can contact me at podcast@languageteaching.es
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This time, I'm bringing a full speaking mock exam I did with two of my students. If you wish to see the visuals I used for this episode, visit the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NA0EK08cHgW7Pi5-S6QLLm2LiKr5dcrb/view?usp=drivesdk Also, if you wish to see the video reaction, visit this other link: https://youtu.be/6r25KAye6xo Remember that you can also be part of this project and get feedback on your speaking skills. My contact email is podcast@languageteaching.es.
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This female speaker from North Africa is a very good example of an advanced level. She speaks naturally and confidently with only minor slips that even native speakers can have. Despite having a marked accent heavily influenced by her first language (Arabic), it is clear that she's a fluent speaker. I was very happy to have her on the show despite her reluctance. She was charming and very open to share what she does as a teacher. Remember that you too can be part of this show, just drop me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es.
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This is the final installment of the series of 4 episodes in which I try to explain what matters most in the speaking test of the IELTS exam. This time, I'm using recordings from test takers that have done my online version of the exam. They all represent different band scores and different features such as rhythm, intonation, individual sounds, stress and accent. For that, you'll need a copy of the public version of the speaking band descriptors that is available here. Remember that the can make use of my discount code wyse with any of the mock exams from TakeIELTS.net and apply all the tips I give you here. Also, if you wish to have a chat with me and do a full mock speaking, send a line to podcast@languageteaching.es, and I'll be more than happy to help you.
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This is part 3 of a series of 4 episodes in which I'll try to explain the marking criteria in the IELTS speaking exam. If you've been using the mock exams from TakeIELTS.net, you may have received some feedback from IELTS examiners that can catch off guard. So, to help you all understand what matters in each set of criteria, I'll give you very specific examples from real people that exemplify what is expected at different bands. Today, I'll walk you through Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and for that, you'll need a copy of the public version of the speaking band descriptors that is available here.
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This is part 2 of a series of 4 episodes in which I'll try to explain the marking criteria in the IELTS speaking exam. If you've been using the mock exams fromTakeIELTS.net, you may have received some feedback from IELTS examiners that can catch off guard. So, to help you all understand what matters in each set of criteria, I'll give you very specific examples from real people that exemplify what is expected at different bands. Today, I'll walk you through Lexical Resource, and for that, you'll need a copy of the public version of the speaking band descriptors that isavailable here.
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This is part 1 of a series of 4 episodes in which I'll try to explain the marking criteria in the IELTS speaking exam. If you've been using the mock exams from TakeIELTS.net, you may have received some feedback from IELTS examiners that can catch off guard. So, to help you all understand what matters in each set of criteria, I'll give you very specific examples from real people that exemplify what is expected at different bands. Today, I'll walk you through Fluency and Coherence, and for that, you'll need a copy of the public version of the speaking band descriptors that is available here.
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Another learner who tries a part 2 question from the IELTS speaking test. Hadj Amine contacted me because he wanted to take part and get his speaking analyzed. The question was:
Describe your favorite TV program. You should say:
- the name of the program and where it is set
- what kind of program it is
- what it is about
and explain why you enjoy it.
Overall, he did very well. His strongest points include the use of complex sentences, including conditionals. He can also handle some phrasal verbs and collocations and is able to organize his discourse to produce an answer that is quite intelligible. I'm very happy to hear that he can communicate effectively despite hesitation. Listen to the whole episode to hear my advice for him.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to my podcast where it's available. If you wish to contact me, you can do so by sending an email to podcast@languageteaching.es.
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Remember that part 2 of the IELTS speaking test is a long turn in which a candidate must speak at length on a given topic. Preparation time is given to organize ideas and students must show control of a wide range of features. Here, I'm giving feedback on the main four aspects: grammar, vocabulary, discourse, and pronunciation.
The question was:
Describe an interesting story that you heard or read about in the news.
You should say:
- when you heard or read about the story
- what the story was about
- why the story was in the news
and explain why you thought the story was interesting.
Charmchuree did very well, and I'm happy to say that she would get a solid band score that would be around the B2 level. Tune in so you can too get feedback on your speaking skills.
Remember to share this episode with anyone you know or would be interested in improving their English. Also, visit takeIELTS.net and use my 10% discount code 'wyse' to get amazing feedback from real IELTS examiners while taking the test under exam conditions, all in the comfort of your home.
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In this episode, I close 2020 on a high note. Valerio is an English learner with a passion for languages. I've seen how he strives for perfection in everything he shares with the MAOFEN Facebook group. Despite having some hesitation, he manages to communicate his ideas quite clearly. He still needs to brush up his grammatical control and use the correct tenses, but he compensates marvelously with his vocabulary use, and the natural intonation he imprints in his speech. The most interesting thing about him, however, is how he uses the rule of three. This is a technique that many professional speakers use constantly, as it helps deliver more impactful speeches.
You too can be part of this podcast. Although I'm taking a break until next year, you can still contact me to schedule an appearance in a future episode. Remember that if you wish to keep in contact, you can do so by following my Facebook page, my website, or by email at podcast@languageteaching.es.
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What is it that some people do to learn a language effectively that others don't? In this episode, I talk about what research says about the strategies that Good Language Learners (GLL) do that you may wish to incorporate into your own learning journey. Neil Naiman and other researchers give us 6 strategies that you can start including in your own learning: 1) Finding a learning style that suits you, 2) Involving yourself in the language learning process, 3) Developing an awareness of language both as system and as communication, 4) Paying constant attention to expanding your language knowledge, 5) Developing the second language as a separate system, and 6) Considering the demands that English learning imposes.
I also speak about how other experts classify these strategies in a broader sense: Metacognitive, Cognitive, and Social strategies. And I also give other practical ideas on how these strategies can be applied in your day to day life. Finally, I mention how the questionnaires developed by Rebecca Oxford can help you start to become aware of how you learn. You can find her book here if you wish to dig deeper and take control of your own learning.
This is the penultimate episode before I take a well-deserved break until I come back next year. Remember that if you wish to keep in contact, you can do so by following my Facebook page, my website, or by email at podcast@languageteaching.es.
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In today's episode, I take some time to look at factors that people don't usually consider when learning English. I covered aspects like social distance, following Schumann's acculturation model, or the idea that proximity to the culture of the second language will benefit your learning process. Also, I talk about age differences and try to debunk some myths about how younger and older learn a second language. And finally, I cover an area you probably consider very important: aptitude. Why is it that learning English seems to be easy for some people? What is their secret? Are they doing things that you probably aren't?
As always, I have to thank my friends at the MAOFEN group on Facebook. Go and check them out if you're looking for a supportive community of English learners. My contact email is podcast@languageteaching.es and my podcast home website is https://whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com/, where you'll find all the information to take part in this show. The code for TakeIELTS.net mock exams is WYSE, don't forget you have a 10% discount, on me! Like, share, and subscribe wherever you find my podcast. It'll make me very happy!
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For this week, I am reacting to Pasquale Cangiano, one of the administrators of the Facebook group Canguro English. He's a 47-year-old Italian man who has many things to say about learning English. The best part is that he's not an English teacher, but he has come to the same conclusion as many English teachers: learning a language is about how much you enjoy the process. The whole conversation between Pasquale and Christian Saunders, the founder of Canguro English, is almost 40 minutes long, but I've chosen this short extract, not only to raise awareness on what English learners should focus on but as a way to introduce two concepts that I believe are essential to becoming an independent learner, and they are Repair Strategies (Discourse) and Binomial pairs (Vocabulary).
Remember to share this episode with whoever you think might find it useful. Also, subscribe to my podcast wherever you find it available and leave a comment/rating if your podcast provider allows you to do it. I wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't for you, my listeners. If you need some feedback on your speaking, don't hesitate to contact me at podcast@languageteaching.es
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In today's episode, I try to take a deeper look into what people think fluency is, and I question what our conception is for that term. From the get-go, I can say that it's a very tricky term to define and I also believe that it shouldn't be considered as a goal in language proficiency. I open the debate as to what other aspects of English language learning are truly important, in my opinion, and what really counts when it comes to communication.
The two articles I mention in this episode are:
- What does it mean to be fluent? - to the English language teacher - by Chia Suan Chong, and
- Native English speakers are the world’s worst communicators - by BBC.com
I think you'll find in those articles some food for thought, and maybe help you change your mindset into a more achievable goal.
Remember to share this episode with anyone who might find it useful. Also, send me a message, even if it's to say hello... messages make me feel very happy. And if you wish to featured in one of the episoides, drop me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es
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Last week, I did a mock speaking with a girl from Oman, Aisha, in which she demonstrated some good skills but still needed some help to extend her responses. This week, I'm coming with some great advice from TakeIELTS.net to make the most of the time you have to show what you do in English. I will guide you through the speaking component and tell you what you should and shouldn't do to get the band score you need. Preparation is key, and knowing what you're expected to do is essential. Control of your grammatical resource is also very important, and if you need to revise this, I suggest you should visit BBC's English Grammar website. I assure you that if you follow these tips, you'll improve on your speaking for the IELTS.
Remember to like this episode, share it with your friends, and if you need to contact me, do so by dropping a line at podcast@languageteaching.es.
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Have you heard about the IELTS test? As takeIELTS.net is a sponsor of this podcast, I decided to do a mock speaking with Aisha, from Oman, and give her feedback on her performance. If you still don't know anything about the test and how important it is internationally, I suggest you should head over to ielts.org to find out more about it. The speaking component of the IELTS is quite simple in its structure, but you do have to show how much English you know if you wish to break the barrier of the 7 points, which is equivalent to a C1 (Advanced) in the CEFR. In future episodes, I'll come with some tips to improve in this section of the exam. In the meantime, listen to my feedback on Aisha's performance to see how you can also improve and what to pay attention to if you wish to stand a good chance. Remember to contact me at podcast@languageteaching.es to appear on the show, or use my website What You Say in English to contact me as well. You know I'll be happy to help you improve your English.
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In today’s episode, we’re going to listen to three incredible people. First, a message from Ahmad (Senegal), who sent his support and encouraging words. If it wasn’t for this kind of feedback, I wouldn’t be able to continue doing this podcast. Also, we have someone a girl from Saudi Arabia: Aysha. She shows good speaking skills but gives an opportunity to see what a missed opportunity is when other more complex structures could be used to improve your conversational skills. She has great pronunciation but may need to step up her grammar if she wants to improve. Finally, you’ll listen to Ignacio, a person who impressed me with his speaking skills and his capacity to have a “Scottish” accent. Although I think this is not really the goal to learn English (get a native-like accent), I do think it’s a commendable feat that should be applauded, especially if it’s the sort of thing that motivates you as a learner, because it requires time and effort. Remember that you can subscribe to my podcast here on Anchor or any other podcast provider where it’s available. Just visit http://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish to get started. And share this episode with all your friends and family, especially if they’re interested in improving their speaking skills.
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In today's episode, an English teacher originally from Madagascar but living in South Africa, Jenny Nadia, gives us excellent examples of great conversational skills. You can tell by the natural way in which she uses English that she's constantly surrounded by English speakers. Her variety of English is quite interesting to analyze because of all the features that are common in many regions of Africa, in terms of grammar and pronunciation choices. She has excellent command of conversational vocabulary and complex structures despite some slips I mention in this episode. Also, she's a great example of how many English speakers use hedging to soften our ideas and expressions. She was also a delightful person to talk with and I'm looking forward to keeping in contact with her. I believe it's important for us teachers to stick together and learn from each other. So again, thanks a lot for this incredible opportunity Jenny. Remember that if you wish to contact me you can do so by sending a message to my email: podcast@languageteaching.es, by visiting my Facebook page, or by using the form contact on my website. Finally, if you're preparing for IELTS, don't forget the special 10% discount I'm offering at takeIELTS.net. You just need to use the code "wyse" when you check out. Until next week.
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The phrase I used from this episode comes from a quote that Francesco has on his Facebook page: "Nella vita ti diranno 'non ce la farai', allora tu girati e rispondi 'guarda come si fa'." This comes in encouragement for everyone out there who still think that speaking English is not for them. He's a police officer from Sicily who enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Francesco showed enough fluency to manage our conversation and used some great words in his interview. Although he did well, he still needs to gain more control over his grammatical resource and handle better the moments in which he needs to use Present Perfect Simple and Continuous. Other than that, I'm convinced that he's on the right track. Thank you very much, Francesco! And remember that if you want to get feedback on your speaking skills, just send me a recording. Don't know how? Go to my website https://whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com/ and take a look at the different ways you can send me a recording. Also, if you prefer an interview like this one, feel free to contact me through my Facebook Page or my email podcast@languageteaching.es Like the previous episodes, this is space is sponsored by takeIELTS.net, the only place where you can take the best IELTS mock exams on the web. Use our special 10% discount when you checkout. You only need to use the code wyse.
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This time, I'm using two recordings from the fantastic Facebook group Canguro English. Just like in Masters of English, learners from around the world connect and help each other, and most of the time with the guidance of the administrators of the group, to improve their English. The two people I have today are Juan Aguilar, who expressed his desire to be more fluent and Mike Pinargote, a 24-real-old man from Ecuador, who showed great courage to upload his first video speaking in English.
Both learners showed good control of basic grammatical structures, although Mike needed some extra comments to improve his use of grammar. However, they managed to express their ideas with great care to use intonation appropriately to convey their feelings. In terms of discourse, they are both on the right track to success. So, Juan and Mike... kudos to you both!
Remember to subscribe to my podcast, either here on Anchor, or any other podcast service where my show is available. To see the full list, check the Anchor website. And if your podcast service allows for ratings or comments, please do it! It'd make me very happy! Also, share my podcast with friends and family who are learning English, and don't forget to contact me at podcast@languageteaching.es
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Telling stories is usually considered a great skill in your own language. When you know how to captivate your audience with anecdotes, people will probably say that you have a great talent: you have a way with words! In this episode, I'm using an anecdote told by the famous Hollywood actor, Will Smith, when he visited the British talk show "The Graham Norton Show". I will explain the different parts that make up an anecdote (Abstract, Orientation, Complicating event, Resolution, Coda, and Reaction) by dissecting how Will Smith uses them. To see a video version and learn more about the stages of anecdotes and what vocabulary you can use, go to my website.
The skills you show when you tell an anecdote can help you in exams like IELTS, for example. In part 2 of the speaking exam, you'll have to speak for 2 minutes, and it will probably be some form of anecdotal experience. In exams like B2 First for Schools (Cambridge), you sometimes have to write a story, by recycling the same steps mentioned before.
Remember that the more you repeat an anecdote and tell other people, the better you will become at it. Practice makes perfect! I'd be happy if you could record yourself telling an anecdote and send it to me... I promise I'll put it in one of the future episodes. You can use some of the expressions from my website for every part of your anecdote.
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In today’s episode, Daniel Goodson joins us to talk about how much he loves learning languages. We discussed what he loves about learning English, what he finds difficult, and, most of all, what he does to improve. I believe he’s a great example of self-determination and motivation to learn English. We spoke about a lot of things, from accents, receptive and productive skills, code-switching and many more things.
Daniel manages the website My Fluent Podcast and from there, you can subscribe to his two podcasts: My Fluent Podcast and My Fluent Podcast (Vocabulary). Hosting the podcasts has given him the opportunity to learn English and overcome his shyness. In this interview, he showed very good control of many complex structures, combined with discourse markers that helped him stay in focus. Daniel gave us some good examples of wh- cleft sentences, relative clauses, and a not so common comparative form: the double comparative, which is a form of parallel structures. His discourse management was what stood out the most, using a wide range of ways of directing his ideas to guide us through what he was saying.
Next week, I'll recycle some of the concepts I spoke about in this episode, especially the one about backchannels. I'll tell you how to improve the way you tell stories by looking at how people use anecdotes and how others react to them. I'll speak about the common problems that learners usually have and give you some ideas on how to improve.
Remember to like, share, rate, and review this podcast on any platform you're subscribed to. Also, you should check out my website What You Say in English! to see how you can send me your recording to receive feedback and appear on the show. Be brave! I promise we'll have a nice conversation and you'll get to show the world what you say in English.
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Today I had a full interview with Ivonne, a vibrant instructional designer from Mexico City who loves learning English. She talks about her life, her job, her family, and her dreams for the future. Overall, she performed very well, very naturally, even using intonation to emphasize her emotions. In her feedback, I tried to focus on things she definitely needs help with to achieve good intelligibility. Once again thanks for sharing this time with me! Remember that this podcast offers a 10% discount for any mock exam you take at www.takeIELTS.net if you want to get the most comprehensive feedback on your performance. Also, wherever you get my podcast, leave a rating, and a review if you find it useful. Also, you can write suggestions on any topic you want me to cover or speak about, related to speaking skills. The link to the list of words with silent letters I referred to in this episode can be found clicking here. Finally, if you wish to get feedback on your speaking or have an interview like the one I had with Yvonne, go to my website https://whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com/ or send an email to podcast@languageteaching.es. This show wouldn't be possible without your voice.
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Giving feedback requires time and dedication. Also, as a teacher, one must focus on things that people need to improve, which would cause problems in communication. Today, we have the sweet greetings from Ny Haingo (Madagascar), as well as Abhishek (India) performing two of the tasks from the questions of the month, and finally, Harika (India), giving us a summary of the video activity also posted in the website (https://whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com/). Remember that if you want to be showcased in the podcast, go to the website and follow the instructions. What's more, if you wish to be "interviewed" and talk to me, drop me a line at podcast@languageteaching.es and we can record it and I will give you feedback on your performance. Special thanks to Masters of English Facebook Group, and to Gabriel Navarro, who kindly invited me to show my podcast. Join their group, you won't regret it. I've also created a Telegram group where you can also send your recordings for the podcast. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste this in your phone browser to join https://t.me/joinchat/KmXHYRhm4htSwzwh-6v68A
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In this episode, I discuss some important aspects of pronunciation that teachers should consider when giving feedback on pronunciation. I explain why intelligibility is more important than accent, as well as what specific phonological elements are crucial to sound clear and understandable to other speakers and trust me, it's not precisely to sound like a native speaker.
I used two segments to illustrate the concept of intelligibility: Tory MP fails to understand the Scottish accent and The Two Ronnies skit: The Grocery Shop.
And remember, go to my website https://whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com/ to do any of the tasks (Questions of the month), choose the easiest one for you and send me the recording, either via Vocaroo or from your mobile phone to my email podcast@languageteaching.es. You can also leave a message on the podcast Anchor website https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish
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In this episode, I'll introduce you to the concept of Discourse and how it can help you keep your speech coherent and unified. It's something very extensive, as it touches other areas such as grammar, vocabulary, and even pronunciation. I've tried to keep it as simple as possible but retaining the necessary terminology that will help you identify the elements you need to improve on your speaking.
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In this episode, I take a closer look at what makes vocabulary in speaking, also called "lexis". The different levels and the things I pay attention to when I have to give my opinion about how English learners use vocabulary.
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In the first episode, I wanted to cover some of the basic concepts to understand the type of feedback I give to my students. I will cover other ideas as what we look at when we analyze grammar in speaking in the broader concept of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)
Useful resources:
- The CEFR (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- The ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) and its levels.
Intro music: Natural duality (Theme) by Joseph McDade
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Ok, so here's the situation...
You've been trying to improve your speaking for so long. The problem is, that you can't always find someone who can help you with it, especially when feel you need to work harder to make yourself understood.
Or like when you go into a store and ask for something, and the salesperson comes back with something completely different, and then you realized that it was because they didn't get what you meant to say. While it may be true that that person's understanding of English isn't up to a good international standard, it could also be because the way you said it wasn't clear enough.
Sometimes it gets even worse, you've been saying something in such a way that others understand, but no one has been kind enough to correct.
This is where I step in.
My name is Frank, and I've been working as an English teacher for more than 20 years and as a speaking examiner for more than 5. Every week, I will listen to what you say in English and let you know what you're doing great, and what you will probably need to improve on. I will cover areas such as use of grammar, vocabulary, discourse, or pronunciation. And how can I listen to what you say in English? Easy, just go to my website: whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com, check the questions of the month and select the activity according to the level you feel more comfortable in. Then, go over to send your recording, and voilà! You'll be featured in one of the episodes! I will try to give you meaningful and useful feedback which you can use to your advantage. Especially if you have an exam like IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge to prepare for.
Even if you don't want to send in your recording, tune in every week to listen to others receive advice and tips to improve on their speaking. I'm sure you'll find something useful.
And what can you do now? Subscribe to my podcast here on Anchor or any other podcast service where it's available. I'll be happy to listen to what you say in English!
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