Fifty Questions for Family History Interviews
A great way to uncover clues to your family history or to get great quotes for journaling in a heritage scrapbook is a family interview. By asking the right, open-ended questions, you're sure to collect a wealth of family tales. Use this list of family history interview questions to help you get started, but be sure to personalize the interview with your own questions as well.
For more family history interview tips, see How to Interview a Relative. Then scroll down for the family history interview questions below.
1. What is your full name? Why did your parents select this name for you? Did you have a nickname?
2. When and where were you born?
3. How did your family come to live there?
4. Were there other family members in the area? Who?
5. What was the house (apartment, farm, etc.) like? How many rooms? Bathrooms? Did it have electricity? Indoor plumbing? Telephones?
6. Were there any special items in the house that you remember?
7. What is your earliest childhood memory?
8. Describe the personalities of your family members.
9. What kind of games did you play growing up?
10. What was your favorite toy and why?
11. What was your favorite thing to do for fun (movies, beach, etc.)?
12. Did you have family chores? What were they? Which was your least favorite?
13. Did you receive an allowance? How much? Did you save your money or spend it?
14. What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects? Where did you attend grade school? High school? College?
15. What school activities and sports did you participate in?
16. Do you remember any fads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothes?
17. Who were your childhood heroes?
18. What were your favorite songs and music?
19. Did you have any pets? If so, what kind and what were their names?
20. What was your religion growing up? What church, if any, did you attend?
21. Were you ever mentioned in a newspaper?
22. Who were your friends when you were growing up?
23. What world events had the most impact on you while you were growing up? Did any of them personally affect your family?
24. Describe a typical family dinner. Did you all eat together as a family? Who did the cooking? What were your favorite foods?
25. How were holidays (birthdays, Christmas, etc.) celebrated in your family? Did your family have special traditions?
26. How is the world today different from what it was like when you were a child?
27. Who was the oldest relative you remember as a child? What do you remember about them?
28. What do you know about your family surname?
29. Is there a naming tradition in your family, such as always giving the firstborn son the name of his paternal grandfather?
30. What stories have come down to you about your parents? Grandparents? More distant ancestors?
31. Are there any stories about famous or infamous relatives in your family?
32. Have any recipes been passed down to you from family members?
33. Are there any physical characteristics that run in your family?
34. Are there any special heirlooms, photos, bibles or other memorabilia that have been passed down in your family?
35. What was the full name of your spouse? Siblings? Parents?
36. When and how did you meet your spouse? What did you do on dates?
37. What was it like when you proposed (or were proposed to)? Where and when did it happen? How did you feel?
38. Where and when did you get married?
39. What memory stands out the most from your wedding day?
40. How would you describe your spouse? What do (did) you admire most about them?
41. What do you believe is the key to a successful marriage?
42. How did you find out your were going to be a parent for the first time?
43. Why did you choose your children's names?
44. What was your proudest moment as a parent?
45. What did your family enjoy doing together?
46. What was your profession and how did you choose it?
47. If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?
48. Of all the things you learned from your parents, which do you feel was the most valuable?
49. What accomplishments were you the most proud of?
50. What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you?
For more family history interview tips, see How to Interview a Relative. Then scroll down for the family history interview questions below.
1. What is your full name? Why did your parents select this name for you? Did you have a nickname?
2. When and where were you born?
3. How did your family come to live there?
4. Were there other family members in the area? Who?
5. What was the house (apartment, farm, etc.) like? How many rooms? Bathrooms? Did it have electricity? Indoor plumbing? Telephones?
6. Were there any special items in the house that you remember?
7. What is your earliest childhood memory?
8. Describe the personalities of your family members.
9. What kind of games did you play growing up?
10. What was your favorite toy and why?
11. What was your favorite thing to do for fun (movies, beach, etc.)?
12. Did you have family chores? What were they? Which was your least favorite?
13. Did you receive an allowance? How much? Did you save your money or spend it?
14. What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects? Where did you attend grade school? High school? College?
15. What school activities and sports did you participate in?
16. Do you remember any fads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothes?
17. Who were your childhood heroes?
18. What were your favorite songs and music?
19. Did you have any pets? If so, what kind and what were their names?
20. What was your religion growing up? What church, if any, did you attend?
21. Were you ever mentioned in a newspaper?
22. Who were your friends when you were growing up?
23. What world events had the most impact on you while you were growing up? Did any of them personally affect your family?
24. Describe a typical family dinner. Did you all eat together as a family? Who did the cooking? What were your favorite foods?
25. How were holidays (birthdays, Christmas, etc.) celebrated in your family? Did your family have special traditions?
26. How is the world today different from what it was like when you were a child?
27. Who was the oldest relative you remember as a child? What do you remember about them?
28. What do you know about your family surname?
29. Is there a naming tradition in your family, such as always giving the firstborn son the name of his paternal grandfather?
30. What stories have come down to you about your parents? Grandparents? More distant ancestors?
31. Are there any stories about famous or infamous relatives in your family?
32. Have any recipes been passed down to you from family members?
33. Are there any physical characteristics that run in your family?
34. Are there any special heirlooms, photos, bibles or other memorabilia that have been passed down in your family?
35. What was the full name of your spouse? Siblings? Parents?
36. When and how did you meet your spouse? What did you do on dates?
37. What was it like when you proposed (or were proposed to)? Where and when did it happen? How did you feel?
38. Where and when did you get married?
39. What memory stands out the most from your wedding day?
40. How would you describe your spouse? What do (did) you admire most about them?
41. What do you believe is the key to a successful marriage?
42. How did you find out your were going to be a parent for the first time?
43. Why did you choose your children's names?
44. What was your proudest moment as a parent?
45. What did your family enjoy doing together?
46. What was your profession and how did you choose it?
47. If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?
48. Of all the things you learned from your parents, which do you feel was the most valuable?
49. What accomplishments were you the most proud of?
50. What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you?
Energized Crowds Swarm Washington, DC for Inauguration
Swarms of people flocked to downtown Washington D.C. Tuesday, braving massive crowds and freezing temperatures to witness Barack Obama's historic inauguration.More than a million people poured onto the National Mall, waving American flags, cheering and chanting. Some began crying as Mr. Obama delivered his inaugural address. Much of the crowd watched the moment on big screens set up around the Capitol.
Others crammed into the areas along the inaugural parade route, arriving early to secure their spots. Officials began closing entrances to the route as it reached capacity.
Many revelers started their day well before dawn, pushing through the city's streets and public transit systems. Some especially devoted people camped out on the Mall overnight in tents made of cardboard boxes.Subway stations opened early and added extra trains, but cars were still cramped and lines out of many key stations slowed to a crawl.
By sunrise, the streets around the Capitol were packed. The crowds trickled through security checkpoints and around street vendors selling all kinds of souvenirs to honor the occasion.
Excited participants snapped photos on cameras and cell phones to capture their own special moment in history.
Taking photos was one of the few functions cell phones could perform by mid-morning, as networks clogged because of the massive amount of users.
City officials closed down additional roads, entrances and subway stations, making it difficult, if not impossible, for later-risers to access the Mall.One key subway station was closed briefly in the morning after a 68-year-old woman fell onto the tracks. She was taken to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Initial reports said the woman was hit by a train, but officials later disputed that account.
Washington was not the only place hosting inauguration celebrations. Energized crowds also gathered in other cities across the United States and around the world.
By VOA News
20 January 2009
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Top 10 Ways to Save Money and Have a Cheap Wedding
Do you have champagne taste and caviar dreams, on a white bread and soda pop budget? Don't worry, you can still have a beautiful but cheap wedding. Check out these great ways to cut costs and save money.
1. Trim Your Wedding Guest List
Each time you add a name to your invitation list, you're increasing your budget significantly. It's not just the catering costs, but also the extra centerpieces, favors, rentals, etc. Don't invite anyone you haven't talked to in five years. Don't feel obligated to let single people bring a date. Avoid feeling pressured to invite all your work colleagues. And don't let your friends bring their children. You can also decide to eliminate categories like "relatives more distant than first cousins" or "friends from volunteer work." By not inviting anyone from that group, you'll help avoid hurt feelings.
2. Save Postage on Your Wedding Invitations
Forgo the inner envelope and blotter paper, which are leftover relics from times when ink needed time to dry, and people wanted a pristine envelope. Rather than having a reply card, ask guests to reply online or by the telephone. Not only will you save money from the printer bill, it should also reduce your postage expense.
3. Shop Sample Sales and the Internet for Cheap Wedding Dresses
If you wear a 6, 8, or 10, check out sample sales, which generally happen once a year. It's a great opportunity to get a designer dress at rock-bottom prices. You can also look on eBay, Craigslist and other websites for deals on used wedding dresses. Remember that cleaning the delicate fabric of a wedding dress may cost up to $250, so avoid the cheap dress with the filthy hem. And many towns have a shop where you can rent a wedding dress, saving you hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
4. Change the Day of the Week
Have your wedding on a weeknight or a Sunday. There is less demand for these dates, so vendors will often be willing to give you a better rate. Read more ways to save money on your wedding location.
5. Save Money on Church Decorations
For religious weddings, consider having your wedding near a major holiday. The church will already be decorated, saving you lots of money on flowers. On other days, look for simplicity. A candlelit ceremony can be romantic, gorgeous, and inexpensive.
6. Learn to Ask for Help to Save Money
If you want to have a cheap wedding, pool your friends' and family's resources. Think of musicians you know, well-spoken friends who could be your officiant, and crafty people who can help you assemble things. They will generally be honored to be a special part of your big day. Also look for money-saving tips everywhere. Check websites such as wedfrugal.com and frugalbride.com, and ask friends and family members for what they did to save money on their big day.
7. Get Crafty - Do It Yourself
Throw a "pitch-in party," where you ask your friends to be a special part of your wedding by helping you assemble favors and make invitations, centerpieces, and other homemade inexpensive touches. Be sure to put out delicious snacks and have inspiring tunes on the stereo, so that your friends feel like they're at a party, not just part of an assembly line. Click the link below for DIY wedding projects.
8. Look for Cheap Wedding Food and Drink
Be honest with your caterer about your need to save money. Ask them which are the least expensive entrees and whether a buffet is cheaper than a seated dinner. See if they'll let you provide your own liquor, or if serving only wine and beer will be cheaper than a full bar. Also consider only having the bar open during your cocktail hour, then serving an inexpensive wine with dinner. Especially if you and your fiance don't drink, consider having a dry wedding.
9. Make the Most of eBay
eBay, eBay, eBay. It's a great source for everything from second-hand dresses to wedding favors, cake toppers, ring pillows and more. Be sure to allow ample time for the auction to end, and for shipping. Look for trusted sellers whose feedback indicates they have accurately represented what they have sold.
10. Consider Cheap Wedding Invitations
Don't go for engraving - regular printed invites work just as well. There are a variety of cheap wedding invitations available on the internet. For a casual wedding, consider printing your own invites from your home computer. Stationery stores now sell printed paper meant to use in a home printer as cheap wedding invitations. More tips on saving money on your wedding invitations
1. Trim Your Wedding Guest List
Each time you add a name to your invitation list, you're increasing your budget significantly. It's not just the catering costs, but also the extra centerpieces, favors, rentals, etc. Don't invite anyone you haven't talked to in five years. Don't feel obligated to let single people bring a date. Avoid feeling pressured to invite all your work colleagues. And don't let your friends bring their children. You can also decide to eliminate categories like "relatives more distant than first cousins" or "friends from volunteer work." By not inviting anyone from that group, you'll help avoid hurt feelings.
2. Save Postage on Your Wedding Invitations
Forgo the inner envelope and blotter paper, which are leftover relics from times when ink needed time to dry, and people wanted a pristine envelope. Rather than having a reply card, ask guests to reply online or by the telephone. Not only will you save money from the printer bill, it should also reduce your postage expense.
3. Shop Sample Sales and the Internet for Cheap Wedding Dresses
If you wear a 6, 8, or 10, check out sample sales, which generally happen once a year. It's a great opportunity to get a designer dress at rock-bottom prices. You can also look on eBay, Craigslist and other websites for deals on used wedding dresses. Remember that cleaning the delicate fabric of a wedding dress may cost up to $250, so avoid the cheap dress with the filthy hem. And many towns have a shop where you can rent a wedding dress, saving you hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
4. Change the Day of the Week
Have your wedding on a weeknight or a Sunday. There is less demand for these dates, so vendors will often be willing to give you a better rate. Read more ways to save money on your wedding location.
5. Save Money on Church Decorations
For religious weddings, consider having your wedding near a major holiday. The church will already be decorated, saving you lots of money on flowers. On other days, look for simplicity. A candlelit ceremony can be romantic, gorgeous, and inexpensive.
6. Learn to Ask for Help to Save Money
If you want to have a cheap wedding, pool your friends' and family's resources. Think of musicians you know, well-spoken friends who could be your officiant, and crafty people who can help you assemble things. They will generally be honored to be a special part of your big day. Also look for money-saving tips everywhere. Check websites such as wedfrugal.com and frugalbride.com, and ask friends and family members for what they did to save money on their big day.
7. Get Crafty - Do It Yourself
Throw a "pitch-in party," where you ask your friends to be a special part of your wedding by helping you assemble favors and make invitations, centerpieces, and other homemade inexpensive touches. Be sure to put out delicious snacks and have inspiring tunes on the stereo, so that your friends feel like they're at a party, not just part of an assembly line. Click the link below for DIY wedding projects.
8. Look for Cheap Wedding Food and Drink
Be honest with your caterer about your need to save money. Ask them which are the least expensive entrees and whether a buffet is cheaper than a seated dinner. See if they'll let you provide your own liquor, or if serving only wine and beer will be cheaper than a full bar. Also consider only having the bar open during your cocktail hour, then serving an inexpensive wine with dinner. Especially if you and your fiance don't drink, consider having a dry wedding.
9. Make the Most of eBay
eBay, eBay, eBay. It's a great source for everything from second-hand dresses to wedding favors, cake toppers, ring pillows and more. Be sure to allow ample time for the auction to end, and for shipping. Look for trusted sellers whose feedback indicates they have accurately represented what they have sold.
10. Consider Cheap Wedding Invitations
Don't go for engraving - regular printed invites work just as well. There are a variety of cheap wedding invitations available on the internet. For a casual wedding, consider printing your own invites from your home computer. Stationery stores now sell printed paper meant to use in a home printer as cheap wedding invitations. More tips on saving money on your wedding invitations
I'm yours
Lyrics | Jason Mraz lyrics - I'm Yours lyrics
Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks, now I'm trying to get back
Before the cool done run out, I'll be giving it my bestest
And nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some
But I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours
Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment people, dance and sing
We're just one big family
And it's our God-forsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved
So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm sure
There's no need to complicate, our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours
D-d-do do you, but do you, d-d-do
But do you want to come on
Scooch on over closer dear
And I will nibble your ear
I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed
I guess what I be saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do, our name is our virtue
But I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours
Come on and open up your mind and see like me
(I won't hesitate)
Open up your plans and damn you're free
(No more, no more)
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours
(It cannot wait, I'm sure)
So please don't, there's no need
(There's no need to complicate)
There's no need to complicate
(Our time is short)
'Cause our time is short
(This is our fate)
This is, this is, this is our fate
I'm yours
Oh, I'm yours
Oh, I'm yours
Oh, whoa, baby you believe I'm yours
You best believe, best believe I'm yours
Love story
Lyrics | Taylor Swift lyrics - Love Story lyrics
We were both young when I first saw you
I close my eyes
And the flashback starts
I'm standing there
On a balcony of summer air
See the lights,
See the party, the ball gowns
I see you make your way through the crowd
You say hello
Little did I know
That you were Romeo you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you please don't go, and I said:
Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes
So I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet cause we're dead if they know
So close your eyes
Escape this town for a little while
Cause you were Romeo I was a scarlet letter
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
But you were everything to me
I was begging you please don't go and I said:
Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes
Romeo save me, they try to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real,
Don't be afraid
We'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story baby just say yes, oh,
I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around
My faith in you was fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town I said:
Romeo save me I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you but you never come
Is this in my head, I don't know what to think
He knealt to the ground and pulled out a ring
And said:
Marry me Juliet you'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad go pick out a white dress
It's a love story baby just say yes
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Cause we were both young when I first saw you
Too little too late
Lyrics | Jojo lyrics - Too Little, Too Late lyrics
[Verse 1:]
Come with me
Stay the night
You say the words but boy it don't feel right
What do you expect me to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You take my hand
And you say you've changed
But boy you know your begging don't fool me
Because to you it's just a game (You know it's just too little too late)
So let me on down
'Cause time has made me strong
I'm starting to move on
I'm gonna say this now
Your chance has come and gone
And you know...
[Chorus:]
It's just too little too late
A little too wrong
And I can't wait
But you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You say you dream of my face
But you don't like me
You just like the chase
To be real
It doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)
Yeah yeaaahhh... It's just too little too late... Mhmmm
[Verse 2:]
I was young
And in love
I gave you everything
But it wasn't enough
And now you wanna communicate (You know it's just too little too late)
Go find someone else
I'm letting you go
I'm loving myself
You got a problem
But don't go asking me for help
'Cause you know...
[Chorus:]
It's just too little too late
A little too wrong
And I can't wait
But you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You say you dream of my face
But you don't like me
You just like the chase
To be real
It doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)
[Bridge]
I can love with all of my heart, baby
I know I have so much to give (I have so much to give)
With a player like you I don't have a prayer
That's no way to live
Ohhhh... mmm nooo
It's just too little too late
Yeaahhhh...
[Chorus:]
It's just too little too late
A little too wrong
And I can't wait
But you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You say you dream of my face
But you don't like me
You just like the chase
To be real
It doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)
Yeah
You know it's just too little too late
Oh, I can't wait
[Chorus (fading):]
It's just too little too late
A little too wrong
And I can't wait
But you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You say you dream of my face
But you don't like me
You just like the chase
To be real
It doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)
Familes
Talking about Family
Who lives in your family?
How big is your family?
-----------
Aunt: Sister of one of your parents.(Mrs Thiet, Tha, 4 )
Uncle: Brother of one of parents. (Mr Hong, Tha)
Nephew: Son of your brother or sister.(Na, Quynh)
Niece: Daughter of your brother or sister.(Win, Viet, Nam)
Cousin: Sons and daughter of your aunts and uncles. (Bi, Trinh, Thuy, Dong, Ba)
Males: (Si, Trinh)
Females: (Tam, Thuy)
-----------
How many relatives do the people have?
Do you have any cousins?
How many nieces do you have?
-----------
I have a brother.
When I get married, I want to have three children (three or four kids).
My grandmother had four children.
To have children.
To give birth.
Wow, you have a big family.
Family, Relatives
Fifty questions for family history
view more
Time time time
Asking questions about time
What time does the movie start?
-> 6:30 | haft past six
What time did Catherime have to be home?
Do you have time?
Do you have the time?
Excuse me, do you have time, please?
What is the time please?
view more
Suggestions For Powerful Listening and Excellent Speaking
1. Practice “Narrow Listening”
“Narrow listening” means listening to many things about the same topic. This method is more powerful than trying to listen to many different kinds of things. Students who listen to similar things learn faster and speak better than students who listen to different kinds of things.
For example, you can choose one speaker and find many things by him. Listen to all of his podcasts, audio books, and speeches. This is powerful because all speakers have favorite vocabulary and grammar. They naturally repeat these many times. By listening to many things by the same person, you automatically get a lot of vocabulary repetition. You learn faster and deeper!
Another example is to choose one topic to focus on. For example, you could read an easy book, listen to the same audio book, listen to a podcast about the book, and watch the movie.
I did this with my class in San Francisco. We read “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Then we listened to the audio book. Then we watched (and listened to) the movie. Then we listened to interviews with actors in the movie. My students learned a lot of vocabulary in a short time, and their speaking improved very quickly.
2. Divide Your Listening Time
Which is better: to listen for two hours without a break, or to divide that time during the day? Well, dividing your listening time is best.
By dividing your time throughout the day, you remember more and learn faster. So it’s much better to listen 30 minutes in the morning, then 30 minutes in the car or train, then 30 minutes coming home from work, then 30 minutes before sleep. In fact, this is the exact schedule I recommend to my students!
3. Use an iPod or MP3 Player
iPods are fantastic. You can put a big listening library on one. Then you can carry your English lessons everywhere. You can learn English while walking, while shopping, in the car, in a train, while cooking.....
With an iPod or MP3 player, you don’t have to worry about CDs.
Also, you can find a lot of English listening on the internet. You can find lessons, stories, podcasts, TV shows, interviews, and audio books.
Simply download the audio, put it on your iPod... and learn English anywhere!
4. Listen To Movies
Movies are great for learning English BUT you must use them correctly. Don’t watch all of an English movie. You will not understand it, and therefore you will not learn anything.
Only watch one scene or segment per week (maybe 2-3 minutes). Follow this method:
a) First, watch the scene with subtitles in your language. This will help you understand the general meaning.
b) Second, watch the scene with English subtitles. Pause. Use a dictionary to find new words you don’t understand. Write the new sentences in a notebook.
c) Listen to the scene a few times, with English subtitles. Do not pause.
d) Listen to the scene a few times, without subtitles.
e) Repeat a) - d) everyday for one week.
On the second week, go to the next scene/segment and repeat again. It will take you a long time to
finish a movie. That’s OK, because you will improve your listening and speaking VERY FAST. This method is powerful-- use it!
5. Read and Listen at the Same Time
Listening and Reading together are very powerful. While you listen to something, also read it. This will improve your pronunciation.
Reading while listening also helps you understand more difficult material. Read and listen to learn faster. After you do this a few times, put away the text and just listen. You will understand a lot more and you will improve faster. Always try to find both audio and text materials.
To start, you can read my blog and listen to my podcast at:
Another great idea is to get both a book and its audio book (ie. the above example of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”).
6. Months To Excellent English Speaking
Follow the above suggestions (and the 7 Rules in my email course) and you will speak excellent English.
I have been teaching over 10 years. Every student who follows these methods succeeds. Always!
The Effortless English method is the key to speaking excellent English. It is the key to fluency.
You only need 6 months -- 6 months and you will speak easily to native speakers.
6 months and you will speak quickly and naturally.
6 months and you feel relaxed when you speak English.
You have tried the old ways.
You tried textbooks.
You tried schools.
You tried grammar study.
It is time to try something new!
Good luck.
I wish you success with your English learning!
www.virtuousmoney.com | Copyright©2008. All Right Reserved
“Narrow listening” means listening to many things about the same topic. This method is more powerful than trying to listen to many different kinds of things. Students who listen to similar things learn faster and speak better than students who listen to different kinds of things.
For example, you can choose one speaker and find many things by him. Listen to all of his podcasts, audio books, and speeches. This is powerful because all speakers have favorite vocabulary and grammar. They naturally repeat these many times. By listening to many things by the same person, you automatically get a lot of vocabulary repetition. You learn faster and deeper!
Another example is to choose one topic to focus on. For example, you could read an easy book, listen to the same audio book, listen to a podcast about the book, and watch the movie.
I did this with my class in San Francisco. We read “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Then we listened to the audio book. Then we watched (and listened to) the movie. Then we listened to interviews with actors in the movie. My students learned a lot of vocabulary in a short time, and their speaking improved very quickly.
2. Divide Your Listening Time
Which is better: to listen for two hours without a break, or to divide that time during the day? Well, dividing your listening time is best.
By dividing your time throughout the day, you remember more and learn faster. So it’s much better to listen 30 minutes in the morning, then 30 minutes in the car or train, then 30 minutes coming home from work, then 30 minutes before sleep. In fact, this is the exact schedule I recommend to my students!
3. Use an iPod or MP3 Player
iPods are fantastic. You can put a big listening library on one. Then you can carry your English lessons everywhere. You can learn English while walking, while shopping, in the car, in a train, while cooking.....
With an iPod or MP3 player, you don’t have to worry about CDs.
Also, you can find a lot of English listening on the internet. You can find lessons, stories, podcasts, TV shows, interviews, and audio books.
Simply download the audio, put it on your iPod... and learn English anywhere!
4. Listen To Movies
Movies are great for learning English BUT you must use them correctly. Don’t watch all of an English movie. You will not understand it, and therefore you will not learn anything.
Only watch one scene or segment per week (maybe 2-3 minutes). Follow this method:
a) First, watch the scene with subtitles in your language. This will help you understand the general meaning.
b) Second, watch the scene with English subtitles. Pause. Use a dictionary to find new words you don’t understand. Write the new sentences in a notebook.
c) Listen to the scene a few times, with English subtitles. Do not pause.
d) Listen to the scene a few times, without subtitles.
e) Repeat a) - d) everyday for one week.
On the second week, go to the next scene/segment and repeat again. It will take you a long time to
finish a movie. That’s OK, because you will improve your listening and speaking VERY FAST. This method is powerful-- use it!
5. Read and Listen at the Same Time
Listening and Reading together are very powerful. While you listen to something, also read it. This will improve your pronunciation.
Reading while listening also helps you understand more difficult material. Read and listen to learn faster. After you do this a few times, put away the text and just listen. You will understand a lot more and you will improve faster. Always try to find both audio and text materials.
To start, you can read my blog and listen to my podcast at:
Another great idea is to get both a book and its audio book (ie. the above example of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”).
6. Months To Excellent English Speaking
Follow the above suggestions (and the 7 Rules in my email course) and you will speak excellent English.
I have been teaching over 10 years. Every student who follows these methods succeeds. Always!
The Effortless English method is the key to speaking excellent English. It is the key to fluency.
You only need 6 months -- 6 months and you will speak easily to native speakers.
6 months and you will speak quickly and naturally.
6 months and you feel relaxed when you speak English.
You have tried the old ways.
You tried textbooks.
You tried schools.
You tried grammar study.
It is time to try something new!
Good luck.
I wish you success with your English learning!
www.virtuousmoney.com | Copyright©2008. All Right Reserved
The Key To Excellent Speaking
What is the most important English skill? What skill must you have to communicate well?
Obviously, number 1 is Fluency. What is fluency? Fluency is the ability to speak (and understand)
English quickly and easily... WITHOUT translation. Fluency means you can talk easily with native
speakers-- they easily understand you, and you easily understand them. In fact, you speak and
understand instantly.
Fluency is your most important English goal.
The research is clear-- there is only ONE WAY to get fluency. You do not get fluency by reading
textbooks.
You do not get fluency by going to English schools. You do not get fluency by studying grammar rules.
*** Listening is the Key ***
To get English fluency, you must have a lot of understandable repetitive listening. That is the ONLY
way. To be a FANTASTIC English speaker,
YOU must learn English with your ears, not with your eyes.
In other words, you must listen. Your ears are the key to excellent speaking.
What kind of listening is best? Well, it must be understandable and must be repetitive. Both of those
words are important-- Understandable and Repetitive.
If you don't understand, you learn nothing. You will not improve. That's why listening to English TV
does not help you. You don't understand most of it. It is too difficult. It is too fast.
Its obvious right? If you do not understand, you will not improve. So, the best listening material is
EASY. That’s right; you should listen mostly to easy English. Most students listen to English that is much
too difficult. They don’t understand enough, and so they learn slowly. Listen to easier English, and your
speaking will improve faster!
Understanding is Only Half The Formula.
Understanding is not enough. You must also have a lot of repetition. If you hear a new word only
once, you will soon forget it. If you hear it 5 times, you will still probably forget it!
You must hear new words and new grammar many times before you will understand them instantly.
How many times is necessary?
Most people must hear a new word 30 times to remember it forever. To know a word and instantly
understand it, you probably need to hear it 50-100 times!
That's why I tell my students to listen to all of my lessons many times. I tell them to listen to the Mini-
Stories, the Vocab Lessons, the Point-of-View Stories, and the Audio articles every day. I recommend
that they listen to each lesson a total of 30 times (for example, 2 times a day for two weeks). So, The two most important points are: listen to easier English and listen to each thing many times.
Suggestions For Powerful Listening and Excellent Speaking
www.virtuousmoney.com | Copyright©2008. All Right Reserved
Obviously, number 1 is Fluency. What is fluency? Fluency is the ability to speak (and understand)
English quickly and easily... WITHOUT translation. Fluency means you can talk easily with native
speakers-- they easily understand you, and you easily understand them. In fact, you speak and
understand instantly.
Fluency is your most important English goal.
The research is clear-- there is only ONE WAY to get fluency. You do not get fluency by reading
textbooks.
You do not get fluency by going to English schools. You do not get fluency by studying grammar rules.
*** Listening is the Key ***
To get English fluency, you must have a lot of understandable repetitive listening. That is the ONLY
way. To be a FANTASTIC English speaker,
YOU must learn English with your ears, not with your eyes.
In other words, you must listen. Your ears are the key to excellent speaking.
What kind of listening is best? Well, it must be understandable and must be repetitive. Both of those
words are important-- Understandable and Repetitive.
If you don't understand, you learn nothing. You will not improve. That's why listening to English TV
does not help you. You don't understand most of it. It is too difficult. It is too fast.
Its obvious right? If you do not understand, you will not improve. So, the best listening material is
EASY. That’s right; you should listen mostly to easy English. Most students listen to English that is much
too difficult. They don’t understand enough, and so they learn slowly. Listen to easier English, and your
speaking will improve faster!
Understanding is Only Half The Formula.
Understanding is not enough. You must also have a lot of repetition. If you hear a new word only
once, you will soon forget it. If you hear it 5 times, you will still probably forget it!
You must hear new words and new grammar many times before you will understand them instantly.
How many times is necessary?
Most people must hear a new word 30 times to remember it forever. To know a word and instantly
understand it, you probably need to hear it 50-100 times!
That's why I tell my students to listen to all of my lessons many times. I tell them to listen to the Mini-
Stories, the Vocab Lessons, the Point-of-View Stories, and the Audio articles every day. I recommend
that they listen to each lesson a total of 30 times (for example, 2 times a day for two weeks). So, The two most important points are: listen to easier English and listen to each thing many times.
Suggestions For Powerful Listening and Excellent Speaking
www.virtuousmoney.com | Copyright©2008. All Right Reserved
Top 5 Mistakes English Learners Make
What are the most common mistakes that English learners make?
Which mistakes do most English learners need to correct, in order to learn English much faster?
Here are the top 5 English Learning Mistakes:
1. Focusing On Grammar
This is the biggest, most common, and worst mistake. Research shows that grammar study, in fact, actually hurts English speaking ability. Why? Because English grammar is simply too complex to memorize and use logically…. and real conversation is much too fast. You don’t have enough time to think, remember hundreds or thousands of grammar rules, choose the correct one, then use it.
Your logical left-brain cannot do it. You must learn grammar intuitively and unconsciously, like a child. You do this by hearing a lot of correct English grammar– and your brain gradually and automatically learns to use English grammar correctly.
2. Forcing Speech
Both English students and teachers try to force speech before the learner is ready. The result is that most students speak English very slowly– with no confidence and no fluency. Forcing speech is a huge mistake. Don’t force speech. Focus on listening and be patient. Speak only when you are ready to speak– when it happens easily and naturally. Until then, never force it.
3. Learning Only Formal Textbook English
Unfortunately, most English students learn only the formal English found in textbooks and schools. The problem is– native speakers don’t use that kind of English in most situations. When speaking to friends, family, or co-workers, native speakers use casual English that is full of idioms, phrasal verbs, and slang. To communicate with native speakers, you must not rely only on textbooks.. you must learn casual English.
4. Trying To Be Perfect
Students and teachers often focus on mistakes. They worry about mistakes. They correct mistakes. They feel nervous about mistakes. They try to speak perfectly. No one, however, is perfect. Native speakers make mistakes all the time. You will too. Instead of focusing on the negative– focus on communication. Your goal is not to speak “perfectly”, your goal is to communicate ideas, information, and feelings in a clear and understandable way. Focus on communication, focus on the positive. You will automatically improve your mistakes in time
5. Relying On English Schools
Most English learners rely totally on schools. They think the teacher and the school are responsible for their success. This is never true. You, the English learner, are always responsible. A good teacher can help, but ultimately you must be responsible for your own learning. You must find lessons and material that are effective. You must listen and read every day. You must manage your emotions and remain motivated and energetic. You must be positive and optimistic. No teacher can make you learn. Only you can do it!
While these mistakes are very common, the good news is that you can correct them. When you stop making these mistakes, you change the way you learn English. You learn faster. Your speaking improves. You enjoy learning English.
Good luck… you can do it!
Copyright © 2007-2008. Virtuous Life
Which mistakes do most English learners need to correct, in order to learn English much faster?
Here are the top 5 English Learning Mistakes:
1. Focusing On Grammar
This is the biggest, most common, and worst mistake. Research shows that grammar study, in fact, actually hurts English speaking ability. Why? Because English grammar is simply too complex to memorize and use logically…. and real conversation is much too fast. You don’t have enough time to think, remember hundreds or thousands of grammar rules, choose the correct one, then use it.
Your logical left-brain cannot do it. You must learn grammar intuitively and unconsciously, like a child. You do this by hearing a lot of correct English grammar– and your brain gradually and automatically learns to use English grammar correctly.
2. Forcing Speech
Both English students and teachers try to force speech before the learner is ready. The result is that most students speak English very slowly– with no confidence and no fluency. Forcing speech is a huge mistake. Don’t force speech. Focus on listening and be patient. Speak only when you are ready to speak– when it happens easily and naturally. Until then, never force it.
3. Learning Only Formal Textbook English
Unfortunately, most English students learn only the formal English found in textbooks and schools. The problem is– native speakers don’t use that kind of English in most situations. When speaking to friends, family, or co-workers, native speakers use casual English that is full of idioms, phrasal verbs, and slang. To communicate with native speakers, you must not rely only on textbooks.. you must learn casual English.
4. Trying To Be Perfect
Students and teachers often focus on mistakes. They worry about mistakes. They correct mistakes. They feel nervous about mistakes. They try to speak perfectly. No one, however, is perfect. Native speakers make mistakes all the time. You will too. Instead of focusing on the negative– focus on communication. Your goal is not to speak “perfectly”, your goal is to communicate ideas, information, and feelings in a clear and understandable way. Focus on communication, focus on the positive. You will automatically improve your mistakes in time
5. Relying On English Schools
Most English learners rely totally on schools. They think the teacher and the school are responsible for their success. This is never true. You, the English learner, are always responsible. A good teacher can help, but ultimately you must be responsible for your own learning. You must find lessons and material that are effective. You must listen and read every day. You must manage your emotions and remain motivated and energetic. You must be positive and optimistic. No teacher can make you learn. Only you can do it!
While these mistakes are very common, the good news is that you can correct them. When you stop making these mistakes, you change the way you learn English. You learn faster. Your speaking improves. You enjoy learning English.
Good luck… you can do it!
Copyright © 2007-2008. Virtuous Life
Tips and Words 12
Tip of the Day: 56 Whose
-> "whose" is the possessive relative pronoun referring to "the woman" in this case.
Example Sentences:
• She's the woman whose home was purchased by Karen.
• Is he the man whose son won the trophy?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 56 struggle - verb
-> to try with much effort; to fight with; n. a great effort; a fight
Example Sentences:
• He struggled to understand the explanation.
• The children struggle with difficult concepts every day.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 57 Explaining Present Results
-> Use the present perfect continuous to state a recent continuous action in the past causing a present result.
Example Sentences:
• He's been working in the garden. That's why his hands are so dirty.
• I've been watching TV all afternoon. That's why I need to take a walk.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 57 regret - noun
-> a feeling of sadness or sorrow about something that is done or that happens
Example Sentences:
• I felt quite a bit of regret at his resignation.
• Do you feel any regrets about leaving London?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 58 Make out
-> "To make out" is a phrasal verb that means "to see with difficulty".
Example Sentences:
• I could just make out the ship on the horizon.
• Can you make out anything in the distance?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 58 harm - verb / noun
-> to injure; to damage; n. damage; hurt
Example Sentences:
• Be careful playing baseball! You might harm yourself.
• His position brought harm to his party.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 59 Passive Sentences
-> The passive voice is formed: Passive Subject + to be (conjugated) + participle.
Example Sentences:
• Two hundred cars were manufactured at the plant last week.
• The 9th Symphony was written when Beethoven was deaf.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 59 load - verb / noun
-> to put objects on or into a vehicle or container; n. that which is carried
Example Sentences:
• He loaded the trunk and the left on vacation.
• Could you put that load of laundry in the washing machine?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 60 Look After
"look after" is a phrasal verb which means "to take care of".
Example Sentences:
• Can you look after my cat next week?
• I looked after my brother's children for the day while he was away.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 60 demonstrate - verb
-> to make a public show of opinions or feelings ("The crowd demonstrated in support of human rights."); to explain by using examples ("The teacher demonstrated the idea with an experiment.")
Example Sentences:
• She demonstrated the experiment to the class.
• Can you demonstrate your techniques?
-> "whose" is the possessive relative pronoun referring to "the woman" in this case.
Example Sentences:
• She's the woman whose home was purchased by Karen.
• Is he the man whose son won the trophy?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 56 struggle - verb
-> to try with much effort; to fight with; n. a great effort; a fight
Example Sentences:
• He struggled to understand the explanation.
• The children struggle with difficult concepts every day.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 57 Explaining Present Results
-> Use the present perfect continuous to state a recent continuous action in the past causing a present result.
Example Sentences:
• He's been working in the garden. That's why his hands are so dirty.
• I've been watching TV all afternoon. That's why I need to take a walk.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 57 regret - noun
-> a feeling of sadness or sorrow about something that is done or that happens
Example Sentences:
• I felt quite a bit of regret at his resignation.
• Do you feel any regrets about leaving London?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 58 Make out
-> "To make out" is a phrasal verb that means "to see with difficulty".
Example Sentences:
• I could just make out the ship on the horizon.
• Can you make out anything in the distance?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 58 harm - verb / noun
-> to injure; to damage; n. damage; hurt
Example Sentences:
• Be careful playing baseball! You might harm yourself.
• His position brought harm to his party.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 59 Passive Sentences
-> The passive voice is formed: Passive Subject + to be (conjugated) + participle.
Example Sentences:
• Two hundred cars were manufactured at the plant last week.
• The 9th Symphony was written when Beethoven was deaf.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 59 load - verb / noun
-> to put objects on or into a vehicle or container; n. that which is carried
Example Sentences:
• He loaded the trunk and the left on vacation.
• Could you put that load of laundry in the washing machine?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 60 Look After
"look after" is a phrasal verb which means "to take care of".
Example Sentences:
• Can you look after my cat next week?
• I looked after my brother's children for the day while he was away.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 60 demonstrate - verb
-> to make a public show of opinions or feelings ("The crowd demonstrated in support of human rights."); to explain by using examples ("The teacher demonstrated the idea with an experiment.")
Example Sentences:
• She demonstrated the experiment to the class.
• Can you demonstrate your techniques?
Tips and Words 11
Tip of the Day: 51 No = Not Any
-> Use "no" plus a noun to mean the same as "not any".
Example Sentences:
• He has no interest in coming next week.
• She had no time to go to a show when she was in New York.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 51 tense - adjective
-> having fear or concern; dangerous; opposite calm
Example Sentences:
• Why are you so tense today?
• She told her brother that he was too tense and that he needed to calm down.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 52 Want + Infinitive
-> The verb "to want" takes the infinitive when followed by a verb.
Example Sentences:
• What do you want to do this afternoon?
• She doesn't want to visit her parents next weekend.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 52 flee - verb
-> to run away from
Example Sentences:
• He fled the police from the scene of the crime.
• Never flee the scene of an accident.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 53 Subject Questions
-> In a subject question do not use the usual inverted question form. For example: Which model did you buy? - here "which model" is the object. In the example, "which model" is the subject of the question.
Example Sentences:
• Which model goes the fastest?
• Which house provides shelter for the homeless?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 53 engineer - noun
-> a person who designs engines, machines, roads, bridges or railroads
Example Sentences:
• She went to university to become an engineer.
• We hired a new engineer to help us with the project.
==============================================
Word of the Day: 54 immediate - adjective
-> without delay; very near in time or place
Example Sentences:
• He demanded immediate help from the assistant.
• Our customer help department provides immediate responses.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 54 To Come Into
-> The phrasal verb "to come into" means "to inherit".
Example Sentences:
• She came into a fortune when her uncle passed away.
• Have you ever come into a large amount of money?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 55 Who
-> Use "who" as the relative pronoun to connect phrases about people.
Example Sentences:
• He's the man who discovered the larva worm.
• Jane is the woman who helped me finish the application.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 55 lack - verb
-> to be without; n. the condition of needing, wanting or not having
Example Sentences:
• He lacks any imagination!
• Our department lacks a number of computers.
-> Use "no" plus a noun to mean the same as "not any".
Example Sentences:
• He has no interest in coming next week.
• She had no time to go to a show when she was in New York.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 51 tense - adjective
-> having fear or concern; dangerous; opposite calm
Example Sentences:
• Why are you so tense today?
• She told her brother that he was too tense and that he needed to calm down.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 52 Want + Infinitive
-> The verb "to want" takes the infinitive when followed by a verb.
Example Sentences:
• What do you want to do this afternoon?
• She doesn't want to visit her parents next weekend.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 52 flee - verb
-> to run away from
Example Sentences:
• He fled the police from the scene of the crime.
• Never flee the scene of an accident.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 53 Subject Questions
-> In a subject question do not use the usual inverted question form. For example: Which model did you buy? - here "which model" is the object. In the example, "which model" is the subject of the question.
Example Sentences:
• Which model goes the fastest?
• Which house provides shelter for the homeless?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 53 engineer - noun
-> a person who designs engines, machines, roads, bridges or railroads
Example Sentences:
• She went to university to become an engineer.
• We hired a new engineer to help us with the project.
==============================================
Word of the Day: 54 immediate - adjective
-> without delay; very near in time or place
Example Sentences:
• He demanded immediate help from the assistant.
• Our customer help department provides immediate responses.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 54 To Come Into
-> The phrasal verb "to come into" means "to inherit".
Example Sentences:
• She came into a fortune when her uncle passed away.
• Have you ever come into a large amount of money?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 55 Who
-> Use "who" as the relative pronoun to connect phrases about people.
Example Sentences:
• He's the man who discovered the larva worm.
• Jane is the woman who helped me finish the application.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 55 lack - verb
-> to be without; n. the condition of needing, wanting or not having
Example Sentences:
• He lacks any imagination!
• Our department lacks a number of computers.
Tips and Words 10
Tip of the Day: 46 Had to
-> Past obligation is always "had to". There is no "must" in the past.
Example Sentences:
• I had to leave the meeting early to catch my train.
• They had to invest over 5 million dollars in updates.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 46 similar - adjective / adverb
-> like something else but not exactly the same
Example Sentences:
• His friends are quite similar to mine.
• She said her car was similar to Janet's.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 47 What are you doing tomorrow?
-> The present continuous is often used to express future intentions, especially principle verbs such as "go".
Example Sentences:
• He's going to a concert on Friday.
• She's coming to visit next week.
-----------------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 47 temporary - adjective
-> lasting only a short period of time
Example Sentences:
• It's a temporary position, but it's a start!
• The item is on temporary sale.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 48 Neither
-> When agreeing with a negative statement, use "neither + auxiliary in the opposite form to the original statement + subject"
Example Sentences:
• I don't like country music. - Neither do I.
• She didn't have much to eat. - Neither did Andy.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 48 incident - noun
-> an event or something that happens
Example Sentences:
• The incident was not mentioned in the newspaper.
• There was an unfortunate incident at the shopping mall.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 49 The Verb "Like"
-> The verb "like" usually takes the gerund (verb+ing) in the simple form meaning "enjoy doing". The verb "like" usually takes the infinitive (to do) meaning "choose to do".
Example Sentences:
• He likes skiing in the winter.
• Jack likes to take an earlier train to work.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 49 develop - verb
-> to grow; to create; to experience progress
Example Sentences:
• We are developing a new product for next quarter.
• Did the teacher develop a new process?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 50 The Verb "Remember"
-> With the verb "to remember" use the infinitive to express the action of remembering. Use the gerund (-ing) to express having the memory of something.
Example Sentences:
• I remember playing golf as a teenager.
• Did you remember to turn off the lights?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 50 grain - noun
-> the seed of grass plants used for food, such as wheat, rice and corn; those plants that produce the seeds
Example Sentences:
• This season's grain was high quality.
• We only use high quality grain in our breads.
-> Past obligation is always "had to". There is no "must" in the past.
Example Sentences:
• I had to leave the meeting early to catch my train.
• They had to invest over 5 million dollars in updates.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 46 similar - adjective / adverb
-> like something else but not exactly the same
Example Sentences:
• His friends are quite similar to mine.
• She said her car was similar to Janet's.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 47 What are you doing tomorrow?
-> The present continuous is often used to express future intentions, especially principle verbs such as "go".
Example Sentences:
• He's going to a concert on Friday.
• She's coming to visit next week.
-----------------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 47 temporary - adjective
-> lasting only a short period of time
Example Sentences:
• It's a temporary position, but it's a start!
• The item is on temporary sale.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 48 Neither
-> When agreeing with a negative statement, use "neither + auxiliary in the opposite form to the original statement + subject"
Example Sentences:
• I don't like country music. - Neither do I.
• She didn't have much to eat. - Neither did Andy.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 48 incident - noun
-> an event or something that happens
Example Sentences:
• The incident was not mentioned in the newspaper.
• There was an unfortunate incident at the shopping mall.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 49 The Verb "Like"
-> The verb "like" usually takes the gerund (verb+ing) in the simple form meaning "enjoy doing". The verb "like" usually takes the infinitive (to do) meaning "choose to do".
Example Sentences:
• He likes skiing in the winter.
• Jack likes to take an earlier train to work.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 49 develop - verb
-> to grow; to create; to experience progress
Example Sentences:
• We are developing a new product for next quarter.
• Did the teacher develop a new process?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 50 The Verb "Remember"
-> With the verb "to remember" use the infinitive to express the action of remembering. Use the gerund (-ing) to express having the memory of something.
Example Sentences:
• I remember playing golf as a teenager.
• Did you remember to turn off the lights?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 50 grain - noun
-> the seed of grass plants used for food, such as wheat, rice and corn; those plants that produce the seeds
Example Sentences:
• This season's grain was high quality.
• We only use high quality grain in our breads.
Tips and Words 9
Word of the Day: 41 valley - noun
-> a long area of land between higher areas of land
Example Sentences:
• The valley was green and lovely.
• The glacier entered the valley more than 50,000 years ago.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 41 Interested or Interesting?
-> Remember to use the "-ed" form of the adjective to describe how people are affected. In this case, "bored by" is the only correct combination of adjective and preposition.
Example Sentences:
• That documentary was very interesting.
• Tim was interested in the project.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 42 Put Off
-> The phrasal verb "to put off" means "to postpone". "Put off" is a separable phrasal verb.
Example Sentences:
• He put the meeting off until tomorrow.
• Can I put that off until next week?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 42 raise - verb
-> to lift up; to move to a higher position; to cause to grow; to increase
Example Sentences:
• He raised the glass in a toast to his best friend.
• We'll raise profits with this new product.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 43 Past Perfect - Had Done
-> Use the past perfect - had + participle - to express an action finished before another action in the past.
Example Sentences:
• He had finished his homework by the time she arrived.
• I had spoken with Peter before I talked to Bob about the deal.
-----------------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 43 stretch - verb
-> to extend for a distance; to pull on to make longer or wider
Example Sentences:
• Stretch for five minutes before you exercise.
• He stretched his legs before he began the race.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 44 How do you do?
Use the question "How do you do?" when meeting a person for the first time. Use "How are you?" after that.
Example Sentences:
• How do you do? - It's a pleasure to meet you.
• How are you today Tom? - I'm fine.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 44 plenty - noun
-> all that is needed; a large enough amount
Example Sentences:
• There is plenty for everyone.
• His life provided him with plenty.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 45 Have to or Must?
-> Use "must" for strong obligations at the moment of speaking. Use "have to" for daily responsibilities.
Example Sentences:
• I have to catch a train for work every morning.
• I must get going. It's late!
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 45 launch - verb
-> to put into operation; to begin; to send into the air or space
Example Sentences:
• We launched the new business at the Web 2.0 conference.
• NASA is going to launch a new rocket next week.
-> a long area of land between higher areas of land
Example Sentences:
• The valley was green and lovely.
• The glacier entered the valley more than 50,000 years ago.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 41 Interested or Interesting?
-> Remember to use the "-ed" form of the adjective to describe how people are affected. In this case, "bored by" is the only correct combination of adjective and preposition.
Example Sentences:
• That documentary was very interesting.
• Tim was interested in the project.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 42 Put Off
-> The phrasal verb "to put off" means "to postpone". "Put off" is a separable phrasal verb.
Example Sentences:
• He put the meeting off until tomorrow.
• Can I put that off until next week?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 42 raise - verb
-> to lift up; to move to a higher position; to cause to grow; to increase
Example Sentences:
• He raised the glass in a toast to his best friend.
• We'll raise profits with this new product.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 43 Past Perfect - Had Done
-> Use the past perfect - had + participle - to express an action finished before another action in the past.
Example Sentences:
• He had finished his homework by the time she arrived.
• I had spoken with Peter before I talked to Bob about the deal.
-----------------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 43 stretch - verb
-> to extend for a distance; to pull on to make longer or wider
Example Sentences:
• Stretch for five minutes before you exercise.
• He stretched his legs before he began the race.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 44 How do you do?
Use the question "How do you do?" when meeting a person for the first time. Use "How are you?" after that.
Example Sentences:
• How do you do? - It's a pleasure to meet you.
• How are you today Tom? - I'm fine.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 44 plenty - noun
-> all that is needed; a large enough amount
Example Sentences:
• There is plenty for everyone.
• His life provided him with plenty.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 45 Have to or Must?
-> Use "must" for strong obligations at the moment of speaking. Use "have to" for daily responsibilities.
Example Sentences:
• I have to catch a train for work every morning.
• I must get going. It's late!
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 45 launch - verb
-> to put into operation; to begin; to send into the air or space
Example Sentences:
• We launched the new business at the Web 2.0 conference.
• NASA is going to launch a new rocket next week.
Tips and Words 8
Tip of the Day: 36 The Basics of "At"
-> Use "at" with times of the day and places in a city.
Example Sentences:
• I'll meet you at three o'clock.
• Let's meet at the bank.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 36 negotiate/ni'gouʃieit/or / (ni-go'-she-at')/ - verb
-> to talk about a problem or situation to find a common solution
Example Sentences:
• I need to negotiate a raise.
• If we negotiate a fair deal, we'll have a great year.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 37 Ask
-> The verb "ask" plus an object is constructed "S + ask + person being asked + infinitive with to".
Example Sentences:
• She asked him to repeat the question.
• My friend asked me to come early to the meeting.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 37 skill - noun
-> the ability gained from training or experience
Example Sentences:
• His considerable skills helped him find a new job.
• Do you have any gardening skills?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 38 Since
-> Use the present perfect (continuous) with the time expression "since" when using a specific date or time.
Example Sentences:
• He's lived in that house since 1998.
• They've been playing golf since ten this morning.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 38 pure - adjective
-> free from anything that is different or that reduces value; clean
Example Sentences:
• You can drink from that bottle. The water is pure.
• This gold is almost 99% pure.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 39 On
-> Use "on" with days of the week. However, in British English use "at the weekend".
Example Sentences:
• I'll see you on Tuesday.
• Let's meet on Sunday.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 39 owe - verb
-> to pay or have to repay (usually money) in return for something received
Example Sentences:
• Can you pay for lunch? I'll owe you.
• He owes Tom $60.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 40 Look Like
-> Use "look like" to ask for a physical description.
Example Sentences:
• What does your brother look like?
• He looks like Brad Pitt.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 40 ground - noun
-> Adverb Usage Quiz
Example Sentences:
• We prepared the ground to plant our garden.
• The ground is very wet over there.
-> Use "at" with times of the day and places in a city.
Example Sentences:
• I'll meet you at three o'clock.
• Let's meet at the bank.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 36 negotiate/ni'gouʃieit/or / (ni-go'-she-at')/ - verb
-> to talk about a problem or situation to find a common solution
Example Sentences:
• I need to negotiate a raise.
• If we negotiate a fair deal, we'll have a great year.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 37 Ask
-> The verb "ask" plus an object is constructed "S + ask + person being asked + infinitive with to".
Example Sentences:
• She asked him to repeat the question.
• My friend asked me to come early to the meeting.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 37 skill - noun
-> the ability gained from training or experience
Example Sentences:
• His considerable skills helped him find a new job.
• Do you have any gardening skills?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 38 Since
-> Use the present perfect (continuous) with the time expression "since" when using a specific date or time.
Example Sentences:
• He's lived in that house since 1998.
• They've been playing golf since ten this morning.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 38 pure - adjective
-> free from anything that is different or that reduces value; clean
Example Sentences:
• You can drink from that bottle. The water is pure.
• This gold is almost 99% pure.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 39 On
-> Use "on" with days of the week. However, in British English use "at the weekend".
Example Sentences:
• I'll see you on Tuesday.
• Let's meet on Sunday.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 39 owe - verb
-> to pay or have to repay (usually money) in return for something received
Example Sentences:
• Can you pay for lunch? I'll owe you.
• He owes Tom $60.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 40 Look Like
-> Use "look like" to ask for a physical description.
Example Sentences:
• What does your brother look like?
• He looks like Brad Pitt.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 40 ground - noun
-> Adverb Usage Quiz
Example Sentences:
• We prepared the ground to plant our garden.
• The ground is very wet over there.
Tips and Words 7
Tip of the Day: 31 Reported Speech
-> In reported speech go one step back into the past and change the time signifier as well as the pronoun.
Example Sentences:
"I'm going to the supermarket." BECOMES He said he was going to the supermarket.
"She's seeing him tomorrow." BECOMES She said she was seeing him the next day.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 31 urge - verb
-> to advise strongly; to make a great effort to get someone to do something
Example Sentences:
- I urge you to get plenty of sleep before the tournament.
- His teacher urged him to study hard for the test.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 32 Should or Shouldn't
-> Use "should" or "shouldn't" as a modal verb to give advice.
Example Sentences:
• He should get a check up soon. He doesn't look too well.
• His mother told him he shouldn't worry about the test.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 32 shelter - verb / noun
-> to protect or give protection to; n. something that gives protection; a place of safety
Example Sentences:
• He gave shelter to lost animals.
• This building will shelter us from the rain.
==============================================
Word of the Day: 33 manufacture - verb
Definition:
->to make goods in large amounts
Example Sentences:
• That factory manufactures basketballs.
• Our plants in Georgia manufacture t-shirts.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 33 Preposition + Verb
-> Always use the gerund when the verb is the object of a preposition
Example Sentences:
• What shall we do? - How about visiting Tom!
• I looked into purchasing a new computer.
==============================================
Word of the Day: 34 propose - verb
-> to present or offer for consideration
Example Sentences:
• I'd like to propose a toast to John and his new bride Jane!
• Jennifer proposed a new addition to the staff.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 34 Interested In
-> The correct usage of showing interest is a passive infinitive "to be interested in".
Example Sentences:
• They are interested in geography.
• Was he interested in coming to the presentation?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 35 Good and Bad
-> The comparative form for "good" is "better". The superlative form is "the best". The comparative form for "bad" is "worse". The superlative form is "the worst".
Example Sentences:
• She is the worst tennis player on the team.
• He's better at math than Jack, but worse at geography.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 35 loan - noun
-> money borrowed that usually must be returned with interest payments; something borrowed
Example Sentences:
• I will repay my loan at the end of the month.
• John finished paying off his loan last week.
-> In reported speech go one step back into the past and change the time signifier as well as the pronoun.
Example Sentences:
"I'm going to the supermarket." BECOMES He said he was going to the supermarket.
"She's seeing him tomorrow." BECOMES She said she was seeing him the next day.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 31 urge - verb
-> to advise strongly; to make a great effort to get someone to do something
Example Sentences:
- I urge you to get plenty of sleep before the tournament.
- His teacher urged him to study hard for the test.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 32 Should or Shouldn't
-> Use "should" or "shouldn't" as a modal verb to give advice.
Example Sentences:
• He should get a check up soon. He doesn't look too well.
• His mother told him he shouldn't worry about the test.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 32 shelter - verb / noun
-> to protect or give protection to; n. something that gives protection; a place of safety
Example Sentences:
• He gave shelter to lost animals.
• This building will shelter us from the rain.
==============================================
Word of the Day: 33 manufacture - verb
Definition:
->to make goods in large amounts
Example Sentences:
• That factory manufactures basketballs.
• Our plants in Georgia manufacture t-shirts.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 33 Preposition + Verb
-> Always use the gerund when the verb is the object of a preposition
Example Sentences:
• What shall we do? - How about visiting Tom!
• I looked into purchasing a new computer.
==============================================
Word of the Day: 34 propose - verb
-> to present or offer for consideration
Example Sentences:
• I'd like to propose a toast to John and his new bride Jane!
• Jennifer proposed a new addition to the staff.
----------------------------------------------
Tip of the Day: 34 Interested In
-> The correct usage of showing interest is a passive infinitive "to be interested in".
Example Sentences:
• They are interested in geography.
• Was he interested in coming to the presentation?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 35 Good and Bad
-> The comparative form for "good" is "better". The superlative form is "the best". The comparative form for "bad" is "worse". The superlative form is "the worst".
Example Sentences:
• She is the worst tennis player on the team.
• He's better at math than Jack, but worse at geography.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 35 loan - noun
-> money borrowed that usually must be returned with interest payments; something borrowed
Example Sentences:
• I will repay my loan at the end of the month.
• John finished paying off his loan last week.
Tips and Words 6
Tip of the Day: 26 Would Like vs. Do You Like
-> We Use the form "Would you like to ..." when inviting someone to do something specific. Use the form "Do you like to ..." when asking a general question.
Example Sentences:
• Would you like to come over this weekend?
• Do you like playing golf?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 26 below - adjective
-> lower than
Example Sentences:
• You'll find the dishwashing powder below the sink.
• Should I hang this picture above or below the calendar?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 27 Question Tags
-> Question tags are formed by the auxiliary verb in the opposite sense of the principle statement (here negative because the principle phrase is positive) followed by the subject.
Example Sentences:
• You're leaving town soon, aren't you?
• She hasn't seen him in a long time, has she?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 27 frighten - verb
-> to cause great fear
Example Sentences:
• The clown frightened the young children.
• Let's go to the haunted house. I'll bet that will frighten you!
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 28 Unless
-> Use "unless" to mean "if not" in the first conditional.
Example Sentences:
• Unless you come, we won't be able to make a decision.
• She will give up unless she has some success soon.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 28 willing - adjective
-> being ready or having a desire to ("They are willing to talk about the problem.")
Example Sentences:
• Are you willing to join me tomorrow?
• I think he is willing to do the job.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 29 As ... As
-> Use "as ... as" to express comparative equality. Do not use the comparative form of the adjective (i.e. hotter, more difficult, etc.)
Example Sentences:
• This test is as difficult as the test last week.
• London is as expensive as Tokyo
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 29 soil - noun
-> earth in which plants grow
Example Sentences:
• The soil isn't very rich in our backyard.
• I bought some soil to put into the garden.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 30 Indirect Questions
-> Indirect questions require the question phrase be put into regular statement order. Direct questions are inverted. Indirect questions begin with phrases such as "Do you know if..., Would you mind if..., Do you think that..."
Example Sentences:
• Would you mind if I sat down?
• Do you think that he is going to attend the conference?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 30 loyal - adjective
-> showing strong friendship and support for someone or something
Example Sentences:
• He remained loyal to his boss until the very end.
• You can trust me. I'm a very loyal person.
Previous
-> We Use the form "Would you like to ..." when inviting someone to do something specific. Use the form "Do you like to ..." when asking a general question.
Example Sentences:
• Would you like to come over this weekend?
• Do you like playing golf?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 26 below - adjective
-> lower than
Example Sentences:
• You'll find the dishwashing powder below the sink.
• Should I hang this picture above or below the calendar?
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 27 Question Tags
-> Question tags are formed by the auxiliary verb in the opposite sense of the principle statement (here negative because the principle phrase is positive) followed by the subject.
Example Sentences:
• You're leaving town soon, aren't you?
• She hasn't seen him in a long time, has she?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 27 frighten - verb
-> to cause great fear
Example Sentences:
• The clown frightened the young children.
• Let's go to the haunted house. I'll bet that will frighten you!
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 28 Unless
-> Use "unless" to mean "if not" in the first conditional.
Example Sentences:
• Unless you come, we won't be able to make a decision.
• She will give up unless she has some success soon.
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 28 willing - adjective
-> being ready or having a desire to ("They are willing to talk about the problem.")
Example Sentences:
• Are you willing to join me tomorrow?
• I think he is willing to do the job.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 29 As ... As
-> Use "as ... as" to express comparative equality. Do not use the comparative form of the adjective (i.e. hotter, more difficult, etc.)
Example Sentences:
• This test is as difficult as the test last week.
• London is as expensive as Tokyo
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 29 soil - noun
-> earth in which plants grow
Example Sentences:
• The soil isn't very rich in our backyard.
• I bought some soil to put into the garden.
==============================================
Tip of the Day: 30 Indirect Questions
-> Indirect questions require the question phrase be put into regular statement order. Direct questions are inverted. Indirect questions begin with phrases such as "Do you know if..., Would you mind if..., Do you think that..."
Example Sentences:
• Would you mind if I sat down?
• Do you think that he is going to attend the conference?
----------------------------------------------
Word of the Day: 30 loyal - adjective
-> showing strong friendship and support for someone or something
Example Sentences:
• He remained loyal to his boss until the very end.
• You can trust me. I'm a very loyal person.
Previous
The Top ten syllable rules
Knowing the Top Ten Syllable Rules can help improve reading, pronunciation, and spelling.
1. Every syllable has only one vowel sound. Some syllables have just one vowel; others have two. But even when there are two vowels, there can be only one vowel sound in each syllable, so the two vowels say one sound.
For example, out-side.
2. When the vowel's at the end of a syllable, it has a long sound. Reading specialists call the Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV) pattern an open syllable.
For example, be-low.
3. When the vowel is not at the end of a syllable, it has a short sound. Reading specialists call the Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) pattern a closed syllable.
For example, bas-ket.
4. Divide syllables between doubled consonants, unless the doubled consonant is part of a syllable that is a base word.
For example, din-ner and tell-er.
5. Usually keep vowel teams together in the same syllable.
For example, boat-ing.
6. Keep the silent final "e" and the vowel before in the same syllable. The silent final "e" makes the vowel before a long sound if there is only one consonant in between the vowel and the "e".
For example, basement.
7. Keep the "r"-control vowels (ar, er, ir, or, and ur) in the same syllable.
For example, or-al-ly.
8. Keep the consonant-"le" sounds (ble, cle, dle, fle, gle, and ple) in the same syllable. These syllables have the schwa sound between the consonant and the "le". The schwa sound sounds like a nasal short u.
For example, cra-dle.
9. All words have one syllable that has a primary accent. The vowel in the accented syllable receives the stress. Words may also have secondary accents. The primary accent is usually found on the vowel in the root, not the prefix or suffix. Also, the syllable before a double consonant is usually accented.
For example, slów-ly and swím-ming.
10. Unaccented vowel sounds frequently have the schwa sound, especially when there is only one letter in the syllable. All vowels can have the schwa sound.
For example, a-boút.
syllable rules, syllabication, syllable division, pronunciation, word parts, dividing words, accents, schwa, primary accents, inflections, morphemes, spelling rules
The Top Ten Syllable Rules will help students improve reading, pronunciation, and spelling accuracy. Applying these syllabication rules will also help readers identify prefixes, roots, and affixes, which improves word identification. Clear examples follow each syllable rule.
Mark Pennington is an educational author, presenter, reading specialist, and middle school teacher. Mark is committed to differentiated instruction for the diverse needs of today's remedial reading students. Visit Mark's website at http://www.penningtonpublishing.com to check out his free teacher resources and books: Teaching Reading Strategies, Teaching Essay Strategies, Teaching Grammar and Mechanics, and Teaching Spelling and Vocabulary.
By:Mark Pennington
1. Every syllable has only one vowel sound. Some syllables have just one vowel; others have two. But even when there are two vowels, there can be only one vowel sound in each syllable, so the two vowels say one sound.
For example, out-side.
2. When the vowel's at the end of a syllable, it has a long sound. Reading specialists call the Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV) pattern an open syllable.
For example, be-low.
3. When the vowel is not at the end of a syllable, it has a short sound. Reading specialists call the Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) pattern a closed syllable.
For example, bas-ket.
4. Divide syllables between doubled consonants, unless the doubled consonant is part of a syllable that is a base word.
For example, din-ner and tell-er.
5. Usually keep vowel teams together in the same syllable.
For example, boat-ing.
6. Keep the silent final "e" and the vowel before in the same syllable. The silent final "e" makes the vowel before a long sound if there is only one consonant in between the vowel and the "e".
For example, basement.
7. Keep the "r"-control vowels (ar, er, ir, or, and ur) in the same syllable.
For example, or-al-ly.
8. Keep the consonant-"le" sounds (ble, cle, dle, fle, gle, and ple) in the same syllable. These syllables have the schwa sound between the consonant and the "le". The schwa sound sounds like a nasal short u.
For example, cra-dle.
9. All words have one syllable that has a primary accent. The vowel in the accented syllable receives the stress. Words may also have secondary accents. The primary accent is usually found on the vowel in the root, not the prefix or suffix. Also, the syllable before a double consonant is usually accented.
For example, slów-ly and swím-ming.
10. Unaccented vowel sounds frequently have the schwa sound, especially when there is only one letter in the syllable. All vowels can have the schwa sound.
For example, a-boút.
syllable rules, syllabication, syllable division, pronunciation, word parts, dividing words, accents, schwa, primary accents, inflections, morphemes, spelling rules
The Top Ten Syllable Rules will help students improve reading, pronunciation, and spelling accuracy. Applying these syllabication rules will also help readers identify prefixes, roots, and affixes, which improves word identification. Clear examples follow each syllable rule.
Mark Pennington is an educational author, presenter, reading specialist, and middle school teacher. Mark is committed to differentiated instruction for the diverse needs of today's remedial reading students. Visit Mark's website at http://www.penningtonpublishing.com to check out his free teacher resources and books: Teaching Reading Strategies, Teaching Essay Strategies, Teaching Grammar and Mechanics, and Teaching Spelling and Vocabulary.
By:Mark Pennington
Study Skills For Beginners
Study Skills - For Beginners
Learning any language takes practice - lots of practice! Often, it's difficult to know what you should practice. Should you watch a video? Perhaps, it would be a good idea to do a few quizzes. Of course, you should try to speak English with your friends. All of these are great ideas, but it's also important to build a routine. A routine will help you make studying English a habit. That's the best way to improve your English!
Make Learning a Habit
It's important to be exposed to many different areas every day. However, you shouldn't try to study too many different subjects. These suggestions take a short listening and reading as the basis for daily practice. You are trying to learn many new things, so don't try to learn too much in any one area too quickly!
Listen - 10 Minutes
There are a number of beginning level listening selections that you can use on this site. Books written for children are also a great idea. Here are some suggestions for free children's books that you can listen to on your computer:
Storynory
Audio Books for Free
Read - 10 Minutes
Choose a subject you like to read about and read for fun. You can find beginning level reading here on the site. These sites also offer 'easy' English reading selections.
Simple English News
Easy English Times
Improve your Vocabulary - 5 Minutes
Take five minutes to write down all the new words you find in your listening and reading exercises. Keep a notebook, and write in the translation in your native language.
Grammar - 5 - 10 Minutes
Think about what you are studying in English class (if you are taking it). Or, if you are studying by yourself, take out your grammar book and find one grammar point to review. You can also use the beginner grammar resources at this site. Take a quick look at the grammar and then think about the listening and your reading. Did you hear or read these forms? How were they used?
Speaking - 5 Minutes
It is very important to move your mouth and speak! Even if you only speak to yourself. Take five minutes and speak out loud (not silently). Try to quickly summarize what you listened to and what you read. Can you do it? Of course, it's better if you can do this with a friend. Find a friend and study together a few times a week. You can practice together.
That's it! Approximately thirty minutes a day, every day - or at least four times a week! If you continue to do this, you will be surprised at how quickly your English improves!
Of course, there are many more ways to improve your English. However, make a habit of doing these simple exercises at least four times a week. When you have questions come to this site and use the beginning English resources, or use your grammar book. Watch a video online, try to use English in every way you can - even if the language is too difficult.
Beginning Level Basics
Grammar
Listening
Reading
Beginning Level Resources
Pronunciation
Quizzes
Teaching Beginners
View more
Learning any language takes practice - lots of practice! Often, it's difficult to know what you should practice. Should you watch a video? Perhaps, it would be a good idea to do a few quizzes. Of course, you should try to speak English with your friends. All of these are great ideas, but it's also important to build a routine. A routine will help you make studying English a habit. That's the best way to improve your English!
Make Learning a Habit
It's important to be exposed to many different areas every day. However, you shouldn't try to study too many different subjects. These suggestions take a short listening and reading as the basis for daily practice. You are trying to learn many new things, so don't try to learn too much in any one area too quickly!
Listen - 10 Minutes
There are a number of beginning level listening selections that you can use on this site. Books written for children are also a great idea. Here are some suggestions for free children's books that you can listen to on your computer:
Storynory
Audio Books for Free
Read - 10 Minutes
Choose a subject you like to read about and read for fun. You can find beginning level reading here on the site. These sites also offer 'easy' English reading selections.
Simple English News
Easy English Times
Improve your Vocabulary - 5 Minutes
Take five minutes to write down all the new words you find in your listening and reading exercises. Keep a notebook, and write in the translation in your native language.
Grammar - 5 - 10 Minutes
Think about what you are studying in English class (if you are taking it). Or, if you are studying by yourself, take out your grammar book and find one grammar point to review. You can also use the beginner grammar resources at this site. Take a quick look at the grammar and then think about the listening and your reading. Did you hear or read these forms? How were they used?
Speaking - 5 Minutes
It is very important to move your mouth and speak! Even if you only speak to yourself. Take five minutes and speak out loud (not silently). Try to quickly summarize what you listened to and what you read. Can you do it? Of course, it's better if you can do this with a friend. Find a friend and study together a few times a week. You can practice together.
That's it! Approximately thirty minutes a day, every day - or at least four times a week! If you continue to do this, you will be surprised at how quickly your English improves!
Of course, there are many more ways to improve your English. However, make a habit of doing these simple exercises at least four times a week. When you have questions come to this site and use the beginning English resources, or use your grammar book. Watch a video online, try to use English in every way you can - even if the language is too difficult.
Beginning Level Basics
Grammar
Listening
Reading
Beginning Level Resources
Pronunciation
Quizzes
Teaching Beginners
View more
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