Killing two birds with one stone!It's August 1st. The long-awaited peak of the summer season is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to travel, explore new destinations, and experience different cultures. For English learners, summer travel can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the language and practise your skills in real-life situations.
Our language school is to remain closed for the interval of August 1st - 28th (4 weeks). Therefore, in this blog post, we'll explore some effective and at the same time enjoyable ways to practise and improve your English while vacating and travelling this summer. 1. Language Exchange with Locals: Engage in conversations with locals to practise speaking English. Don't be shy! Wear your biggest smile and strike up a chat with restaurant staff, shopkeepers, or fellow travellers. Take baby steps: initiate short exchanges (of just a few seconds) and then, seeing that the communication was successful and you were understood, you can try to get the conversation going. Locals are often happy to help and appreciate your efforts to speak their language. You've got this! 2. Read Local Signage and Menus: Pay attention to signs, menus, and other written materials around you. We may often come across them, but rarely do we pay any close attention to them, right? We encourage you to gradually train your brain to be more mindful and constantly on the lookout for such fleeting yet valuable learning opportunities. Reading in English while travelling is a practical way to enhance your language skills and familiarise yourself with local customs.
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Combine Learning with Adventure and a Dash of Laughter!Hey there, language enthusiasts! If you're ready to take your language skills on a wild summer adventure, you've come to the right place.
We've rounded up the top ten destinations that not only promise immersive language experiences but also offer a healthy dose of fun, laughter, and memorable moments. So, pack your bags, charge your sense of humor, and get ready to embark on a linguistic journey like no other!
The meaning and origin of a few common money-related sayings1. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
= Nothing in life is free! One way or another, you’ll sooner or later have to pay for something that was, at first, given to you for free. This saying seems to have been coined in response to the democratic stance of Henry Wallace, the US Vice President (1941 -1945). After World War II, he proposed providing "minimum standards of food, clothing and shelter" for people across the globe and added, "If we can afford spending tremendous sums of money to win the war, then we can afford investing whatever amount it takes to win the peace.” His opponents were quick to argue that “one will always have to pay for a free lunch”, implying that Henry Wallace's intentions were far from charitable or unselfish. This saying might be used by someone who has to work a lot to get what they want. 2. Money makes the world go round. = Money is the only reason that the world keeps turning. This phrase is from the world-famous musical Cabaret, written in the sixties. This saying might be used by someone who believes that trade or the stock market, for example, plays a vital role in everyday life. 3. Neither a borrower nor a lender be. = Avoid borrowing money from other people or even lending it. This saying originates from Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare in 1602. In one of the acts in this play, Polonius advises his son, Laertes, before the latter sets out on a journey. This saying might be given as a word of advice to a young person who lacks experience in managing their finances. Learn how to properly refer to the days leading up to EasterIn this post we'll be introducing some basic vocabulary about Easter, especially the names of the days and period leading up to Easter Sunday. Let's begin, shall we?
The week leading up to Easter Sunday is called Holy Week. Similarly, the days of the Holy Week are called Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, etc., but they may also be called Great and Holy Monday, Great and Holy Tuesday, etc. Holy Wednesday is also known as Spy Wednesday. Holy Thursday is also known as Maundy Thursday. Holy Friday is also known as Good Friday. What is Palm Sunday though? What is a wet blanket, a dark horse, or a rain check?Below is a list of ten phrases that are rather tricky to understand the first time you hear them or read them mainly because at first they give the impression of having a literal meaning. However, if you pay closer attention to the context, you will soon realise that they're, in fact, English idioms! 1. a wet blanket
if you call someone a wet blanket, you mean that they ruin other people's fun by being boring and miserable or by disapproving of their activities Example: - Oh gosh, I'd rather have stayed home. Why did we have to come here? It's so crowded and the music is almost deafening, I can't stand it. - Oh, don't be such a wet blanket, Tom! Stop complaining, get yourself another drink, and try to have some fun. OK? 2. rain check if you say you'll take a rain check on something, you mean that you cannot accept an invitation or offer now but you would like to do so at a later time Example: Do you mind if I take a rain check on that drink? I don't feel like going out tonight. 3. a dark horse a person who has interesting qualities or abilities that most people do not know about Example: The shy little girl turned out to be a dark horse in the dancing competition. No one knew she could dance so gracefully. It may also mean "a secretive person". Example: You're such a dark horse! Why didn't you tell me you'd got promoted? 1. "Speaking of / Talking of ..."
a fixed expression that is used for starting a new topic and linking it to the present one Example: "I totally agree. The Mediterranean diet is undoubtedly the healthiest diet in the world as it is abundant in fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil ... you can even eat sweets but in moderation. Speaking of food, what's for supper tonight?" 2. "When it comes to (sth / doing sth), ..." when the specified matter is under consideration Example: When it comes to combatting insomnia, a cup of chamomile tea is the best remedy. 3. "If worst comes to worst, ..." / "If the worst comes to the worst, ..." in the worst-case scenario; in the worst possible circumstances Example: We should be able to catch the 9.30 train, but if worst comes to worst, we could get a taxi and still arrive at the airport on time. |
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