Articles written by native English tutors

Whether you're worried about clamming up in a GCSE English Language paper or trying to build a portfolio for your Creative Writing undergrad, this is every writer's guide to keeping the inspiration brimming at the surface. As an English tutor and writer, I have compiled four great tips to beat writer's block when you're writing poetry. 1. Free writing This is one to practice outside of exam conditions. But, once you've got the hang of it, y...

The internet is undoubtedly one of the most popular resources available for those who want to learn English or for English speakers who want to improve their comprehension skills.  Blog posts, videos, online courses, well-designed slides, dictionaries; the possibilities seem endless! Perhaps it is this ocean of choice that leaves some students feeling over-loaded and more unsure than when they started. For effective learning however, a...

Embarking on a new language is a thrilling odyssey, one that unlocks a universe of possibilities and expands your horizons. English, in particular, as the lingua franca of the globalised world, has the power to increase your professional prospects and personal experiences. In this blog post, my aim is to give insights into mastering English as an English as a foreign language tutor, and offer valuable tips to propel you towards excellence in the...

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. But when it comes to language lessons, what's the best way to learn: Should I follow traditional grammar classes or try conversational ones? That's where everyone gets confused, and to answer this question we are going to break it down step by step. Can you learn a language exclusively through regular conversation? Yes, you can definitely learn a language through regular conversation...

Modern language learning techniques used in private language lessons and in schools have created a divide between conversation classes and grammar classes. Assuming that traditional grammar classes lack the tools to teach conversation, language methods these days have often catapulted to the opposite extreme: conversational skills without conscious teaching of grammar.  Can you learn a language exclusively through regular conversation...

As a Spanish tutor, and having learned languages myself, I feel I have found the best techniques for learning a new language. Before this relevant discussion, let me tell you a story about me. When I was 6 years old, I remember quite well, those were my very first days of classes in primary school. It’s probable the teacher had spent long time showing the colors, and suddenly she saw me, back there in the classroom, and asked me to write ...

My name is Luisa Wichtendahl, I am a language tutor offering French lessons and Spanish lessons, and I want to give you my own personal point of view on how you can master any language. The most important tip I can give is that theory should always be applied with practice. What I mean by this is that, learning vocabulary and grammar doesn´t serve much purpose if you´re not going to practise and use what you´ve learned with native spe...

Introduction: In English, "-ing" verbs are dynamic tools that add action and energy to our communication. They can function as verbs, nouns, and adjectives, offering a wide range of expressive possibilities. In this blog post, we'll explore how to create "-ing" verbs and their use in different roles. Understanding their versatility will enhance your ability to communicate effectively. 1) Creating "-ing" Verbs: To form an "-ing" verb, simply add ...

Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when it comes to mastering the grammar rules that govern it. Traditional language classes often involve rote memorisation of verb conjugations and noun declensions, which can be tedious and discouraging. Although some learners may find it helpful to practice these rules through written exercises, they often struggle to apply them in real-time conversations. This can be frustrating and hinder...

As a private tutor for English classes, it is evident that the habit of reading among children has been declining in recent times. In an age where technology has taken over our lives, children are more inclined towards watching videos or playing games on gadgets than picking up a book to read. This trend could have an adverse impact on language development and brain development. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind this trend and ...

As an online maths tutor, I often receive queries from parents asking for advice on how to help their children prepare for the 11 Plus. The 11 Plus is an important exam that determines whether a child will be eligible to attend a grammar school in the UK. Preparing for this exam can be stressful, but with the right approach and resources, it's possible to help your child achieve success. 1. Start early: One of the most important things you can ...

Just like in the world of Pokémon, English verb tenses help you express the timing of an action. Here are some of the most common verb tenses you will encounter: Present tense: This is the most basic verb tense and is used to describe actions happening right now. For example, "Pikachu uses Thunderbolt" is in the present tense. Past tense: This verb tense is used to describe actions that have already happened. For example, "Pikachu used Thu...

Learning to speak a language and passing an exam are not always the same thing. Just being able to speak English well does not guarantee that you will pass an exam. Many people who have learnt English from TV programmes or films fail official English exams. Each exam, whether it’s IELTS, ESOL or something else, has a mark scheme that tests applicants on specific vocabulary, grammar and other skills that are hard to pick up without studying for ...

What a better way to learn a language than to watch series with subtitles? I swear by this technique as I know that I have considerably improved my English by watching TV shows, series, movies and animes with english subtitles on. No matter what language the show was in, I would put the English subtitles to watch it. Gradually I picked up vocabulary and idioms used in certain contexts and automatically learnt them.  By watching series rela...