This is a lesson I have been doing with my advanced and proficiency classes for a couple of years, but I have only just got round to writing up for the blog. It works on both receptive and productive writing... Continue Reading →
Summary task woesUnfound ideas from the textsLacking clarity What is a Haiku?Distillation of ideasConcisely worded This could go quite wrongHaiku for summary tasks?Might be worth a try Learners at CPE (Proficiency) level frequently have issues with the comprehension and summary task on the... Continue Reading →
Trying to come up with new and interesting ways of saying the same old thing is a skill that taxes most of us on a daily basis: "I like your hair." "Your hair looks nice." "Wow! Have you had your... Continue Reading →
Following on from the success of the recent Radio 4 series "A History of the World in 100 objects", linguist and novelist David Crystal attempts to do the same for the English language. An interesting read for any and all... Continue Reading →
In 2013 the CPE exam is not only celebrating 100 years of tormenting language learners and confusing their teachers, but will also be metamorphasising into its latest incarnation. This post takes a look at what changes are being made and what it... Continue Reading →
I just came across, during a further exploration of the Pearson ELT Community site, their idioms discussions space. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of discussion, but they have posted a set of mini-videos which purport to... Continue Reading →
If you've had time to look at recent posts on this blog, you'll have noticed a series of "first lesson" ideas and activities... after all, it's September, we've all got "back-to-school-itis"! Stepping back from the plethora of great teaching ideas to... Continue Reading →