Tell a story in English
Some students think they never tell stories, but that is not true. Any time we talk about an action or an event, it is a story. If you describe a book you have read, or …
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The best way to learn a foreign language is to speak it
This is probably the most frequently repeated piece of advice for language learners. You will hear it from teachers, webmasters of ESL sites, and people in the in this discussion. For most language teachers, the …
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It is OK to make mistakes when speaking English
If a student in a language class does not want to speak, the teacher will normally assume they are shy, and will encourage (sometimes force) them to speak. He’ll tell the student: “Speak and don’t …
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As a beginner, you’re bound to make a lot of mistakes
This is often given as justification of the “Mistakes are OK” myth. The reasoning is that mistakes are a part of learning, therefore it is pointless to try to avoid them. Fact: While you cannot …
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Studying English is never too late
This is a more general version of the “foreign accent” myth described in the previous article in the series. It has its roots in the Critical Period Hypothesis proposed by Eric Lenneberg in 1967. Lenneberg …
Studying pronunciation is not important
“Studying pronunciation is not important” Many language learners assume their pronunciation is good enough because their teacher doesn’t correct them too often or because other students can understand them. Fact: Those learners are often dead …
Three biggest challenges facing an English learner
1. Developing a passion for learning English All English learners would like to speak English well. They are excited at the idea of being able to communicate in English fluently. However, they usually don’t care …
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Why learn English?
Learning to speak English well may be the best thing you can do to improve your life. That’s right. Do you think it would be fun to have access to information that other people can’t …
English Conversation at Work – Negotiating a Deal
Jim: Yes. This is very important. Jim: How much will it cost if I only buy one? Jim: And if I buy two, will it be cheaper Jim: If I buy two, it will be …
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Presenting a Product to the Customer
Jim: Oh! Hello, Mark. Coming please. Mark: Hello. How are you today? Jim: Fine, thank you. Mark: Did you have a nice weekend? Jim: Yes, it was very nice. I spent time with my family. …