When learning English as a Foreign Language, reported speech (the subject of a previous blog) and reported questions can often be a tricky topic. It is such an important part of social and professional speech however, to be able to correctly talk about what others have been saying. Think of any chitter-chatter in pubs, coffee-shops … Continue reading Curious Cats: Reported Questions
English as a Foreign Language: Reported Speech
They said what!!?? Being able to say what he said about what she said in reply to what they said (you get the gist) is a crucial skill not only for everyday speech, but very important for professional communications at work too. It is something that native-speakers (and many learners) will pick-up naturally, however it … Continue reading English as a Foreign Language: Reported Speech
Poetry Analysis: AQA Love and Relationships
Poetry is one of those subjects that students either love or hate to begin with. Anthologies such as AQA's Love and Relationships do tend towards the saccharine, although there is definite humour in there too! As an English tutor, I find that poetry is one of the most useful ways to experiment and improve pupil's … Continue reading Poetry Analysis: AQA Love and Relationships
English as a Foreign Language: Phrasal Verbs
This week I have been looking at one of the trickiest vocabulary topics in my Adult English classes – phrasal verbs. These are incredibly common in modern English, and aren’t really something that learners can memorise by heart. What you can do however is look out for them whenever you read, whether this is fiction, … Continue reading English as a Foreign Language: Phrasal Verbs
Key terminology for GCSE English analysis
At this point of the year, many students' minds are turning towards October half term (hooray), and then onto the upcoming mock exams. These will often be the first GCSE-style tests many pupils have to face, with a few nerves playing an inevitable part. One of the most challenging aspects is the sometimes baffling array … Continue reading Key terminology for GCSE English analysis
How to write a great story opening
Ideas from five famous first lines to keep your readers hooked from beginning to end...
