While 'very' has its place in the English language, try this handy list of words and see if you can use a more descriptive alternative.
Tag: ESL
Envy vs Jealous
I was asked to clarify this a week or two ago, so I thought I'd make a video. https://youtu.be/wFN1gwBE1to
Some advice about dictionaries
I actually have to explain how to use a paper dictionary to about half of my students, so why not put it in a video? https://youtu.be/oNYrnhNOFNU I hope that was helpful! ~Shirlaine
Word of the week: fanatic
From Oxford Dictionaries: A person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause: In everyday speech, 'fanatic' can be replaced with 'crazy about' or 'fan' or another term to describe a person who is outrageously passionate about something. While this is usually acceptable in casual conversation, it is important to note… Continue reading Word of the week: fanatic
How to revise for your English/EAL exam
The English/EAL exam is always a bit tricky to prepare for because, well, how to you study a skill? My answer to that is this: you don't. You practise a skill. That is, you repeat an action until you can do it perfectly. And then you repeat that perfect action another million times. This means… Continue reading How to revise for your English/EAL exam
Analysing a Visual
Note: This is a post from a series of scheduled posts while I'm away. Many students don't feel confident in analysing the visual in the text they get. Below is some general advice for students who struggle with knowing how to write about them: Describe the specific part of the picture that you want to… Continue reading Analysing a Visual
Editing: long sentences
Note: This is a post from a series of scheduled posts while I'm away for a few weeks. In this video, I edit a super duper long sentence. Please note that the use of low camera angle is wrong, but I'm just editing for length so I left that alone. I hope that was helpful! … Continue reading Editing: long sentences
When authors use multiple persuasive techniques at once
Note: This post is one of a series of scheduled posts while I'm away for a few weeks. Some students get a little confused when authors use multiple persuasive techniques/devices at once. Where do you start? Which one do you talk about first? Below is an example: 'Whenever there’s something unhappy, or evil, or messy out… Continue reading When authors use multiple persuasive techniques at once
Video: The ‘Bang for Buck’ writing principle
When writing under timed conditions, it's important to understand time as a limited resource. Are you using your x number of minutes to write stuff that going to get you the highest mark? ~Shirlaine
English vocab: invade/evade
The words 'invade' and 'evade' can be confusing for some students. Today, we will look at their definitions. INVADE To 'invade' means to go inside something or somewhere without permission. 'Invading' is usually done so something or someone can take over the thing or place they have 'invaded'. For this reason, 'invade' never means anything… Continue reading English vocab: invade/evade
Tuition that cares 