Still Learning

Although people still talk about different types of English – American English, Australian English, Indian English – it is interesting to notice how close these are to each other nowadays. Any native speaker reading or listening to another "type" of English will understand almost every word. Of course, there are differences, and this article gives a few examples of the variation that still exists between American and British English. However, largely because of global communication, cinema, television and especially the internet, different types of English have influenced each other a lot recently. This is typically coming in one direction – from the USA to Britain – and it has changed our daily language significantly. Teens and young adults in Britain use American vocabulary that has crossed the Atlantic all the time – things that young speakers like a lot are described as  cool  or  awesome , and, as a way to refuse to do something impossible, we often hear the phrase...

  1. Read Read as much as you can in English. No matter what it is, from cartoons to British literature anything counts. Naturally if you wish to develop I would recommend you to choose something that provides you a challenge. So renew your library pass, subscribe to your favorite English magazine or go online! 2. Immerse Understanding British or American culture can be a part of language learning. There are a lot of expressions or situations that can be understood and remembered better if you know a couple of customs, behavioral patterns, books or poemas.  It is always fascinating to realize that you understand a short story, a text or even longer pieces of art in English. 3. Share  Where and how, you might ask. Well there are many ways to do this. You can start your own blog (learn more how to set up your blog) in English about your hobby, travel experiences or anything that interests you. If you don’t feel like writing, read others’ blogs or articles and feel free to c...

Apps are a great tool for learning English. They are quick, easy to access and fun. It’s almost like having a mini classroom on your phone – there to use whenever you are bored or have some  time to kill . And although apps can’t replace your real-life teacher, they do make great supplements to your regular English classes. Many offer games for vocabulary, grammar lessons, storybooks and audios. So if you haven’t downloaded one already, what are you waiting for? 1. Duolingo One of the reasons it’s so popular is the leaderboard challenge, where you are competing against other real players. It feels just like a game – one where you unlock the levels and win virtual coins, but all the while you’re collecting new vocabulary and grammatical structures. Learning English has never been so fun – or so addictive! 2. The British Council This is a great one for  getting to grips  with grammar. The Learn English British Council app has lessons and games on a variety of topics. Starti...

  1.   Prepare to be amazed at the phenomenally cheap prices offered for coach journeys by  Megabus , which offers cheap bus and train travel between UK cities and even over the Channel to various European cities. With fares starting at less than £1.50, Megabus offers significant savings over the cost of rail travel and means you won’t have to nag your parents to drive you to places anymore! 2.  If you know well in advance that you’re going to be travelling somewhere on a certain date – to a wedding, for example – you can make substantial savings by booking your train ticket at least 12 weeks in advance. According to  thetrainline.com , booking in advance can save you an average of 43%; sometimes much more. If you’re ordering tickets online in advance, you can also save money by electing to pick up the tickets at the station on the day, rather than having them posted to you for an extra fee. Just don’t forget to take the debit or credit card you booked with for ...

When summer comes and the weather gets hot, it can be difficult to stay inside and study English in the traditional ways. That's why I made a list of some of my favourite songs for learning English so that you can practise your language skills even when you're relaxing by the pool! 1. Wake me up- Avicci With plenty of repetition and a whole load of metaphors for more advanced learners to get to grips with, Avicci's 'Wake me up' is a simple and effective tune to help you practise your English over the summer. https://youtu.be/IcrbM1l_BoI 2. Thinking out Loud- Ed Sheeran This romantic ballad by Ed Sheeran has made it into our top 10 due to its slow pace and repetitive chorus. The song also offers plenty of opportunities to practise the imperative.  https://youtu.be/lp-EO5I60KA 3. Budapest- George Ezra Best for intermediate learners, Budapest by George Ezra is a list of all of the things the popstar would leave for his partner. As well as giving you a great opportunity...

Learning a language is much easier when you’re enjoying yourself – and what better way to pass the time than watching movies (with a tub of popcorn in hand, of course)! But do blockbusters use bad English? Are indie movies too complicated and use too many strange words? To help you out, here’s a list of movies I think are the most effective (and entertaining) for helping you learn English. 1. Jurassic Park (1993) OK, so everyone’s already seen this – and if not, shame on you. It’s the perfect movie for learning some slightly complicated scientific words in a thoroughly entertaining context. It also happens to be my favourite film ever. Call me biased. 2. Notting Hill (1999) If you’re not sure whether to learn British or American English, this movie offers both in one perfect romantic comedy package. Set in London, it follows a nerdy bookshop owner who falls in love with an American movie star. The ending will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. 3. Clueless (1995) With a 90s revival in fu...