ESL Blogs

Hi, dear friends! And you, enemies, be blessed too! You know, many years ago I was presented with a nice book ’14,000 things to be happy about. The Happy Book by Barbara Ann Kipfer’. It was published in 1990 by Workman Publishing New York. “This book represents 20 years of recording all the little things that make me happy. … I flip through this collection to cheer myself up; often use it to get ideas about what to cook for dinner or something fun to do with my son on the weekend”, says the auth

The picture below is a bulleted entry from a list titled "Useful facts" in a document that I am writing. I posted it because I was worried that it wasn't written in proper English.

In one of my previous blog entries; I mentioned some flowery idiomatic expressions. It seems like I'm not done with idioms yet. How about another category? Fruits. Mmm, yummy, huh? All righty, then. Let's get to work. It'll be fun and fruity!    

apples and oranges: (of two people or things) fundamentally different  

Comparing the average salary of a worker and a manager is like trying to compare apples and oranges.

not give (or care ) a fig: not have the slightest concern about    

Carl didn't give

Helloo,

I had English placement test today. There were two parts of the test: first was written test, and another was oral test. I haven't known the result of oral test yet, but the lady told me that I did well in written test. I was absolutely happy after I had heard what she said.

I don't really understand why I am always nervous about speaking English. There are bunches of resources on Internet to advise us to deal with speaking English such as taking a deep breath, or planing a head and so on.

I guess 2016 really brings out another side of me.. In my last blog, Running Towards Happiness, I said, maybe I'm facing a mid life crisis of which I'm changing my lifestyle. Hmm... come to think of it, I think I'm having a mid life crisis at the cross road of my life. Not only nowadays I love running and hiking, that's already a total alien experience for me, but I started a new hobby, 'colouring for adults'. 

Some people say it's a form of therapy, a stress release mechanism, but for me, it's j

How to speak English clearly and fluently.
(For upper intermediate and advanced ESL learners)
By Dayne Collins
 
 
If you are learning English as your second language, and you are now at an advanced level, then you are likely to have a large vocabulary, as well as an understanding of the language equal to, if not better than many native speakers. However it is a safe bet, that like most learners of english, you probably find that speaking is the hardest part.

English speech has a complicated rhyth

Hi This is the first time I write a blog, I have never done this before so I 'm sorry if my blog isn't interesting or something :D because this is my very first time. I'm not a blogger not a good writter either, I'm just sharing what I thoughts in my mind :) OK here we go :)

Do you have a penpal from another country? yes an old fashioned penpal through letter? I do have penpals. I and my penpals like to send letter through post office, and sometimes we exchange small gift as well such as keychain

Comparison of language exams: English

To demonstrate the attained level of competence in English, there are various examinations, each with their own certificate. Although the institutions providing these examinations all do so on a commercial basis, the certificates are widely recognised by institutions (universities and universities of professional education, organisations and employers) in English-speaking countries. The TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is from the USA, the C

TOEFL , IELTS , TOEIC : The Differences

Ever wonder the difference between the these prominent English tests for university admittance?  The TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC & the new PTE are the most common English tests administered at this time and prospective test-takers might wonder the differences between them.  Here’s a quick 101 on the differences between each.

TOEFL : Otherwise known as the Test of English as a Foreign Language, this exam is currently the most common for non-native English speakers. T

My dear ladies and gentlemen! Tomorrow is International Women's Day and I'd like to congratulate all the EC girls and ladies with this great but strange holiday. I have been born in the country where any man has never had any idea about it, but where all women have always been respected and loved all year round. When I met my wife who is Ukrainian born and she told me about their men, I could hardly believe, but when I came to Kiev and saw them, I got what she meant! Perhaps, they really need so

Its been about a week already, and i am coping  up with my new colleagues and my new school rules. The School seemed to be OK and good, with a lot of strict rules to follow. And if i talk about my friends, they are great. Though some are a little weird, scary, many more. I have some friends who are very generous, kind and most interesting. This year i think i would have the best times and  improve a lot ! Talking about my teachers, I have a good set of them though they are a little strict. And t

To put it simply, collocation means 'some words are often used/placed together', for example, 'make a mistake', 'make your bed', 'do the warshing up', etc. 

Some people may not agree that collocation should include idioms, fixed expressions or phrasal verbs, such as 'keep it up', 'here and there', 'shut up'. So, what's really a collocation is still arguable. 

It makes sense, however, to take the time to learn about collocation if you really want to sound natural. You say 'fast food' or 'heavy smok

Hi, my friends! This blog is a continuation of the previous with the same title. I was recommended to do it and I completely agree So, I am adding five more expressions for you to have something to think about! LOL!!!

1. to have it in for.

He expected to lose his job because the boss had had it in for him for a long time.

2. to take on.

We have to take on somebody to take care of our pets.

3. to break in.

It is better to break in a new car slowly.

4. to be bound to.

With business improving they are boun

           My house

  My house has many rooms

  with windows that catch the sun.

  Outside the house are trees and grass

  where I can jump and run.

  I stand  near my mother in the kitchen

  and watch her make a cake.

  If   I watch her well,

  then I will learn to bake.

  My father  has a room with tools

  that I can sometimes  use.

  Saws and hammers, nails and string-

  my father lets me choose.

   But all of the rooms inside my house,

   my room's the best by far.

   I have  books and planes and cars and

These pictures are supposed to be annoying and make you anxious! 

Photographer Aaron Tilley was asked to create a horrible moment when you feel something bad is going to happen. These pictures were published in Kinfolk Magazine’s recent Adrenaline Issue. The emphasis is on the relationship between one's mind perception and their body reaction. The anticipation makes the body release adrenaline, even if nothing actually happens.

Look at the pictures below. They are supposed to invoke a sense of dis

"Why are you still here, Dad? Why do you not stay there with your wife?"

"Are you driving me out?", asked the man who was over 50 years-old.

"THIS IS MY HOUSE. You ought to stay there", replied his son.

Without having courage and strength, the man went to his brother's house that are not far from his house. He was shocked. He told his brother about what his son said while shedding tears. His brother immediately phoned that son telling to come and explain.

Knowing that this matter could make him be i

A SHOPPING TRIP: 

I do not like shopping. All the shopping for me and kids are done by my wife. Once she very casually asked me whether I was coming with her. She had to make some shopping for her and kids.

“Ok” I nodded in affirmation. “Oh! You are coming!” Her smile was showing her pleasure while there was surprise in her eyes. 

First we went to Bahadurabad, where she started wandering shop to shop. I was just following her quietly. She purchased two shalwar kameez suits for herself and two four

This professor is a genius and a master of pranks. What wouldn't I give to see the look on that student's face! It looks a little suspicious, but who wouldn't fall for that? 

I bet the first thing that has come to his/her mind was this, "Am I the teacher's pet? Yippee! Heh heh heh. Take that, Robby and Jerry!" 

Poor kid!

How about you? Have you ever been the victim of a cruel yet an awesome prank during college and/or high school?

Have you ever played pranks on someone?

Let's see whose prank's going