AR Book — це освітня система, яка змінить підхід до навчання!

Уроки з доповненою та віртуальною реальністю

Готові навчальні матеріали: уроки, домашні завдання, контрольні роботи, тести

Економія вашого часу на підготовку до уроків

Інтерактивні уроки для дітей

Реєстрація: teacher.arbook.info/login 

Explore Teacher's Hub

 Save time with our new AI Lesson Planner and find all your Cambridge resources in one place — including interactive Teacher’s Books, general and exam-specific teaching materials, tips, videos, and more!

This is a pilot website - give it a try: teachershub.cambridge.org/?utm_campaign=18188105-2526-teacher-news&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_oeQ4iIGmISZKdYmWexngRkBQrQntRGH1xxFYCQ0xSiUK1DsXVjaKknKslwB-xtVPYMlnhgJ99FyNguHm4PTYY0XAszA&_hsmi=381176990&utm_content=381176990&utm_source=hs_email 

Interviewed by a Bot? 🤖 Chatbots are popping up in job interviews, but what happens when a screen replaces a smile? Sure, AI makes recruiting faster. But candidates often miss the human touch. And sometimes, the job itself. Let’s rethink what “efficient” really means. 

elearningindustry.com/the-rise-of-ai-interviews-opportunities-and-risks-for-employers 

Lesson Plan

In this edition, we have included an IELTS lesson plan that focuses on General Training Reading.

This lesson gives your learners an overview of what they can expect in the General Training Reading Test.

It begins with a familiarisation activity to introduce the test format, then offers practice with multiple texts, which feature in the first two sections of GT Reading. The lesson also reinforces key reading skills essential for both the Academic and General Training Reading Tests. Happy teaching!

Download lesson plan: takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/general_training_reading_0.pdf 

Готуєтесь до старту навчального року? Ми вже все підготували!

Зустрічайте презентації до перших уроків з різних предметів від видавництва РАНОК— аби ви могли розпочати навчальний рік впевнено, без зайвого хвилювання та з натхненням.

Ці презентації допоможуть вам швидко та зручно організувати перші заняття та зацікавити учнів після літніх канікул: 

https://ranok-portal.com.ua/metodychni-rozrobky/ideyi-do-novogo-navchalnogo-roku-lets-talk-laugh-learn/

Почніть позитивно перший урок з англійської мови у новому семестрі! Наша розробка «Let’s Talk, Laugh & Learn!» у цьому вам допоможе.

Це добірка яскравих і креативних завдань, що дадуть змогу  налаштуватися вашим учням на активну роботу впродовж року. Матеріал пропонує різні формати активностей: від коротких мовних ігор до творчих завдань. Тут ви знайдете ідеї, як описати літо трьома словами чи за допомогою емодзі, створити власний «англійський паспорт» або зробити постер про себе. Такий формат розвиватиме говоріння іноземною та розширить словниковий запас.

Під час навчання важливо простежувати навчальний прогрес школярів. Тож рекомендуємо «Щоденник спостережень», який дасть можливість чітко оцінювати результати дітей.

Запрошуємо доєднатися у вайбер–спільнотудля вчителів англійської! На вас чекають практичні методичні поради, креативні ідеї для уроків і запрошення на цікаві навчальні заходи.

Набридло шукати матеріали для уроків по всьому інтернету?

Ми знаємо, як це — десятки відкритих вкладок, безкінечні пошуки й постійна нестача часу. Саме тому ми створили платформу іЗЗі — сучасне рішення для вчителів, які цінують свій час і хочуть проводити цікаві, ефективні й насичені уроки без зайвих зусиль.

Усе, що потрібно для уроку — в одному місці:
📚 тести, кросворди, інтерактивні вправи
📽️ відео, скрайбінги, аудіоматеріали
🧩 3D-моделі, ігри, презентації
🧪 описи лабораторних та практичних робіт

Усі матеріали адаптовані до шкільної програми, легкі у використанні та мотивують учнів до навчання. І що важливо — перевірка тестів та аналітика відбуваються автоматично, без зайвої паперової роботи.

Користування платформою іЗЗі — безкоштовне та без обмежень.
Доступна також мобільна версія: учні можуть працювати навіть офлайн, а результати синхронізуються автоматично.

🎓 Платформа іЗЗі створена для того, щоб звільнити вчителя від рутини та дати більше часу на головне — навчання дітей.

👉 Зареєструйтеся зараз та відкрийте новий рівень підготовки до уроків: a.izzi.digital/#/ 

Women’s History Month

Explore the stories of trailblazing women who have shaped history. From influential leaders to groundbreaking innovators, these collections offer powerful insights for your students.

Explore resources:   

https://wakelet.com/search?q=womens+history+month&utm_campaign=684113_03032025_March_Awareness_Days&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Wakelet&dm_i=7I3R,ENV5,5P6P3R,29B9R,1

National Reading Month

Encourage a love of reading with engaging activities, book recommendations, and creative lesson ideas. Whether you’re fostering independent reading or exploring new genres, these resources will inspire students to turn the page!

Explore activities:

wakelet.com/wake/9LjfyLfr4HVxnXvuARKZn?utm_campaign=684113_03032025_March_Awareness_Days&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Wakelet&dm_i=7I3R,ENV5,5P6P3R,29B9R,1 

"Topics for Discussion: Holidays and Traditions of English-Speaking Countries"

Розробка, створена на основі підручника Project Explore 7 клас, відкриває захопливий світ свят і традицій англомовних країн. Вона перетворює вивчення мови на цікаву подорож крізь час і культуру, де учні та учениці зможуть не лише покращити свої мовні навички, а й зануритися у святкову атмосферу.

У матеріалі поєднані динамічні дискусії, інтерактивні вправи, лексичні та письмові завдання, що розширюють словниковий запас і формують навички міжкультурної комунікації. Це чудова можливість не просто вивчати англійську, а й відчути її дух через традиції, що об’єднують покоління.

Ідеально для уроків англійської мови, позакласних заходів та інтегрованого навчання! ✨                                      

Завантажуйте собі та діліться з колегами:  heyzine.com/flip-book/d18f6bde15.html 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 🩷

Today is the perfect opportunity to spark meaningful conversations and creativity in your classroom. We’ve curated heartwarming activities and challenges that celebrate kindness, friendship, and love.

Explore activities: wakelet.com/wake/YJcuvFJ_khg1TyTAVl-S5?utm_campaign=673715_1402205_February_Awareness_Days&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Wakelet&dm_i=7I3R,EFUB,5P6P3R,274W4,1 

Clean Energy Day: activities to raise awareness

January 26 marks Clean Energy Day. But why does the day exist? Use this month’s teaching activities to get your students talking about the importance of transitioning to sustainable and renewable energy sources and inspire them to take action. 

Learn more:  drive.google.com/file/d/1i0mtLPZwLJKrSSNCtUo5BicGapMmW_nS/view?usp=drive_link 

Developing learning to learn skills

Learning to learn is crucial in helping students of all ages to learn effectively and equipping them to continue learning for life.

 Discover how teachers can support young learners in developing essential learning skills, with tools and activities that encourage reflection and motivation from an early age. 

Read more:    www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2024/04/03/learning-to-learn-with-pippa-and-pop/?utm_campaign=2425%20Prep%20Centre%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9mIOhQ3yvY10MkRNi6DIWJtdtgls 

British Council is committed to helping test takers gain confidence and get the IELTS score they need.

IELTS Ready is our tailored service designed to equip your learners with the best possible tools so they feel fully prepared on their test day.

IELTS Ready Member is a free resource that allows your learners to start preparing for the IELTS test without having to book a test. It provides them with access to various resources and materials that can help improve their English skills and familiarise themselves with the test format.

IELTS Ready Premium is also available for free, but only after they have booked their IELTS test with us. Additional benefits include personalised study plans, expert guidance, and mock tests.

Learn more about IELTS Ready:  takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/ielts-ready 

Shorten the long winter nights with classic stories from Oxford!

As the longest night of the year approaches, and the days are short and cold, it's the perfect time to escape into the world of giants and fairies, travel into the Canadian wilderness, or back in time to Victorian England.

We selected a few classic stories by Oscar Wild, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and other masters or literature, which are all accessible as graded readers in our wonderful digital library, Oxford Reading Club, as well as sold separately as print and e-book editions.

Here is a special gift for students in Ukraine!

Students who activate the code OUPSANTAGIFT will have full FREE access to all 732 graded readers in Oxford Reading Club collection from 11 December until the end of January. You can also download worksheets for the selected readers below.

Register and activate your code here: www.oxfordreadingclub.com/?dm_i=1MVU,8SYKW,QPWGYX,10MHNX,1 

Take on the next challenge—ready to explore holiday traditions? 

Help your learners become effective listeners

Preparing students for the listening part of an exam can be challenging. So, how can you get students to actively engage with listening materials? Take a look at the article Navigating listening in the exam journey and try out the 5-step activity from John Field (no preparation required). And don’t forget to download our teacher guides for more practical tips and real examples!

Explore the pack: www.cambridge.org/cambridgeenglish/exam-preparation-journey?nestedTab=pack-3-building-autonomy&utm_campaign=2425%20Teacher%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8d0J8NYfz6N_Dvx1xx3UMtWab6xlVLy30LUXRdC3rf8iWWwQGWPNgnvsx2nq3dafUpP9GlpWqDQJnKZ45H69k9kBmT5g&_hsmi=335007297&utm_content=335007297&utm_source=hs_email#packs 

Buy Nothing Day: activities to get your students talking

Are your students interested in buying more sustainably and reducing waste? This month’s teaching activities are based around Buy Nothing Day which will take place on 29 November. You can do the activities in order or just pick the ones which you think are most suitable for your learners.

Download the activities: www.cambridge.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/Teaching_Activities_Buy_Nothing_Day.pdf?utm_campaign=2425%20Teacher%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9isldn44Vt8-OU-BjodVfEBFtF1kRJv9e-hCfO5EruxN5IHP5NwlJnY6Z5K2tD1a-HFCqCCXT2TypCJrKEHqVIQF3auw&_hsmi=335007297&utm_content=335007297&utm_source=hs_email 

Take on the next challenge—ready to explore holiday traditions? 🦃

Hey Iryna

The holiday fun continues with Challenge #2! This week, we’re inviting you to explore the rich diversity of celebrations around the wo

🚀 Your Mission:

Step One: Research another holiday or celebration that takes place toward the end of the year. Whether it’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, or a festival you celebrate in another country, dive deep into its traditions, history, and significance.

Step Two: Once you’ve done your research, create a Wakelet collection showcasing what you’ve learned. Include images, links, videos, and anything else that brings the holiday to life!

his is your chance to celebrate cultural diversity, inspire your students, and earn points in the challenge leaderboard. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to winning those amazing prizes!

Рецепти святкових уроків учителів від Dinternal Education 

Новорічні свята вже майже на порозі, а сил, натхнення та ідей для святкових уроків - обмаль? Тоді доєднуйтесь - ми поділимось і ідеями, і настроєм, і лайфхаками, і класними методичними знахідками! 

dinternal-education.ua/event/sweet-december-2024/?utm_source=sendpulse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=swet-december-letter-1 

CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING

From Thanksgiving history and fall-themed tech projects to festive digital activities! This seasonal collection are packed with creative ideas to keep your students engaged and excited for the holidays!

Thanksgiving/Fall (Tech Infused) Projects by MMSD Digital Learning Team:  wakelet.com/wake/00d4eb1a-4baa-4ace-800d-e9f6dcc9d13a?utm_campaign=619988_19112024_HolidayCollections&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Wakelet&dm_i=7I3R,DADW,5P6P3R,20BBP,1 

Discover engaging ways to explore the history of the holiday, helping students understand its origins, traditions, and significance.

View Collection:  wakelet.com/wake/iK36tXebrl1Z_o_9MI2Hi?utm_campaign=619988_19112024_HolidayCollections&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Wakelet&dm_i=7I3R,DADW,5P6P3R,20BBP,1 

Learning beyond the classroom

Language learning doesn’t stop when students leave the classroom. Mondly by Pearson can help your students by providing engaging relevant practice available any time, anywhere

Learn about Mondly by Pearson:   www.pearson.com/languages/en-eu/educators/mondly-by-pearson.html?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Email_journey&utm_campaign=CE_PCELP-24_CE_EU_PCELP-INST&utm_content=HmS_Email_journey_Email_TOPIC_intro-1 

Sustainability in English language teaching

Our sustainability toolkit for ELT is designed to help you integrate sustainability into your lessons. 

 If you want to learn more about sustainability in English language teaching or explore our range of teaching resources, this toolkit is packed with tips and inspiration to support you. Plus, learn about the steps we’re taking to reach carbon zero. 

Explore the toolkit: view.ceros.com/cambridge/sustainability-elt/p/1?utm_campaign=2425%20Prep%20Centre%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--9x39Jpn07K7kR9E66drhbyumymkSzstghqSjWlOUneL6u39D1-_I09RtlOLpRT 

Learning is remembering – Some simple vocabulary recycling activities:

drive.google.com/file/d/1Ib1iqjAn-pGaWfAqCGHJJ7pFu0doGaNM/view?usp=sharing 

Student Portfolio by Annore

Encourage your students to start creating their own professional portfolios! Check out Annora`s inspiring portfolio for a real-world example of how students can showcase their achievements? skills? and passions!

Explore the Portfolio:         wakelet.com/@iamannoraeliasutm_campaign=609003_04112024_CareersMonth&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Wakelet&dm_i=7I3R,D1WR,5P6P3R,1YXFA,1 

Do your learners have a growth mindset?

A growth mindset is defined as ‘the understanding that the learner has the power to build on and improve their knowledge and skills’. So, how do we develop this mindset in our learners? Discover activity ideas in the ‘How to be SMART’ pack on the Exam Preparation Journey hub that promote a positive approach to learning.

Explore the pack:    www.cambridge.org/cambridgeenglish/exam-preparation-journey?nestedTab=pack-2-how-to-be-smart&utm_campaign=2425%20Teacher%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93ZQIqWAorVEF-o7atf7iRQYV7DII9tPuMFhZivVEUbRAJGSV3oQcGi8x-mFgNI7psn5csxaNoUPMVpTRA0yrKgg2Orw&_hsmi=330274524&utm_content=330274524&utm_source=hs_email#packs 

We're making big changes to help our planet

We care about reducing our carbon footprint – that’s why we’re making changes to the way we create our English exams and books. Watch our video to learn more:    www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjbKgScJgLY 

Explore the Sustainability Framework for ELT and see how you can bring sustainability skills into your lessons with our free resources.

Get teaching resources:    view.ceros.com/cambridge/english-sustainability/p/1?utm_campaign=2425%20Teacher%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--Zoyh87aGPhGvfOcsh8fdFqDQchZmo2nygBGY4un6P-XKkalq3IlX_mO_CxyOA-sHOQLhXdadHMxyxztaZDJYn09H7xQ&_hsmi=330274524&utm_content=330274524&utm_source=hs_email 

Lesson plan

In this edition, we have included a IELTS lesson plan that focuses on IELTS Speaking Part 2. This lesson presents a potential strategy to assist students in expanding their responses in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking section by referencing different time frames. By analysing tense usage, the lesson also supports students in building their grammatical range and accuracy while practicing Part 2-style questions.

Happy teaching!    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Se065R8vwvK39IVW3hcyO69LVqh8lsBH/view?usp=drive_link

Навчаєте дітей англійської?

Бажаєте скоротити час на зрізи знань?

Батьки хочуть наочно бачити прогрес дитини?

Інтегруйте діагностичні тести Person English Level Test в навчальний процес!

❓ Що таке Person English Level Test?

Це сучасний компʼютерний тест від компанії Pearson для точного визначення рівня англійської мови.

✔️ розроблений на базі Штучного Інтелекту - готує завдання, тестує, перевіряє він, а не ви 😉

✔️ складається онлайн

✔️ підходить для кандидатів від 14 років

Які переваги Level Test?

Їх багато, а ось головні ⬇️

✅ супершвидкість - триває 30 хвилин, дає результати за 2 хв

✅ практичність - перевіряє одного або групу, тестує 3 або 4 мовні навички.

✅ ефективність - дає звіт по кожній мовленнєвій навичці

✅ адаптивність - автоматично підлаштовує складність завдань під рівень знань учня під час тестування.

🔥 А ще максимально доступний! Від 400 грн! 🔥

Дізнатись деталі та залишити запит на консультацію щодо співпраці можна тут: dinternal-education.ua/diagnostic/level-test/ 

Lesson plan

In this edition, we have included an IELTS lesson plan that focuses on IELTS Reading. This comprehensive lesson introduces students to the sub-skills of reading that are essential for the IELTS Reading section. Exercises which allow students to identify the skills of surveying, skimming and scanning help to prepare them for the application of these skills in a final test practice. This practice stage provides an opportunity to focus on close reading and a final analysis of how and when to use each of the essential reading skills.

Happy teaching!       takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/reading_developing_reading_skills.pdf 

Lesson plan

You can find here IELTS lesson plan that focuses on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. In this lesson, students will look at two different process diagrams and the language required for their description. With analysis and practice of sentence structures for describing cause and result, and relative clauses, students will develop their grammatical range, and ability to write more complex sentences.

Happy teaching!  takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/academic_writing_task_1_grammatical_structures_for_describing_diagrams_0.pdf 

Keep them engaged outside the classroom

Help your learners build autonomy and drive motivation with the cutting-edge Mondly by Pearson mobile app.

Discover the App:  www.pearson.com/languages/en-eu/campaigns/teach-english-with-confidence.html?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Email_single&utm_campaign=CE_PCELP-24_CE_EU_PCELP-INST&utm_content=HmC_Em 

Діагностичні тести

Teaching young learners.

Effective Classroom Management Tips For Young Learners 

Teaching young learners is a joy, but it can also be a challenge. Their energy is wonderful but often needs direction, so it’s crucial to create a structured classroom while teaching valuable life and future skills such as teamwork and effective communication. It’s also important to teach our young learners the importance of following instructions, so our lessons flow and are as uninterrupted as possible. There are many different ways we can do this. Let’s look at some different techniques and classroom management tips which can help us manage our young learner classroom effectively. 

teachingenglishwithoxford.oup.com/2023/10/27/classroom-management-tips-young-learners/  

How to use new technology in the classroom with our Teachers Talk Tech podcast 

The Teachers Talk Tech podcast offers tips on how you can make teaching more fun and effective with technology. 

Learn about topics such as AI, teaching in virtual reality, digital inclusion, game-based learning and innovation in teaching. 

Listen to the podcast:  https://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/teachers-talk-tech-podcast?utm_campaign=schools-preparation-centre-news&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8F3e1TxTfFwUQzUsbfVTF78IGGNt6k8wKAjR3B

Lesson plan

You can find here IELTS lesson plan that focuses on Writing Task 1.  This lesson provides extensive practice of sentence writing to help students develop their Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Lexical Resource.  Please download the lesson plan from the link below.

Happy teaching!      takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/academic_writing_task_1_developing_grammatical_lexical_range.pdf 

Supercharge your primary classroom 

Cambridge Primary

Do you want to engage your learners in meaningful and challenging tasks to help them develop language and life competencies? Make learning English an adventure with exciting projects and fun grammar practice. Get access to our digital packs and tools available across multiple devices, all in one place.

www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/06/01/5-ways-supercharge-primary-classroom/?utm_campaign=ukieemeta-fy23%2F24-learningproducts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9X-y-nC8rzmCsAd0DPYhxFGWYZjUJlTsuTazRUtaiSNaw7mY5OQJe5aq6XGfltXczJh7x4uWbQNW4TmLKeLZaIon2FgQ&_hsmi=303859146&utm_content=303859146&utm_source=hs_automation 

5 things to know about motivating your teens​

Cambridge Secondary

Are you wondering how to encourage your students to think big – in English, about the world's future in fifty years, the impact of social media, or significant scientific breakthroughs? Click through the key chapters in the description of our webinar to explore practical tips and discover ready-made teaching techniques and activities.​ 

Use sample lessons materials: www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/secondary/think-2nd-edition?utm_campaign=ukieemeta-fy23%2F24-learningproducts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_i4gMQkxVDyBhjn7OLpz9zMJlUAoJP_Z_NBF1vmEjM7CygErL0lrr3fP-FHYtesxX__yeUPVsXsgCS4h2qljy8AbXQhA&_hsmi=303859146&utm_content=303859146&utm_source=hs_automation 

Last-minute English writing practice for learners

Write & Improve is a free tool that helps every learner to improve their English writing. Students can practise their writing and get feedback instantly.

Write & Improve is simple to use: just choose a task, write or upload a response and use the feedback to quickly improve.

writeandimprove.com/classview 

Посилання на корисні сайти для підготовки до онлайн тесту з англійської мови (НМТ 2024):

• Демонстраційний варіант НМТ 2023:    https://zno.osvita.ua/english/527/

• НМТ онлайн 2023 року з англійської мови (1 сесія):    https://zno.osvita.ua/english/557/

• Додаткові тренувані онлайн тести:    https://zno.osvita.ua/multitest/tema.html

• ЗНО минулих років:    https://testportal.gov.ua/testy-mynulyh-rokiv/

Building confidence for exam day with our exam preparation packs

With exam day fast approaching, setting the right tasks not only strengthens learning, but also ensures that students feel independent and confident.

In the ‘Building confidence’ pack of the Cambridge Exam Preparation Journey, discover strategies for making the most of digital and paper practice tests, giving effective feedback and getting students ready for the exam.

 
Whatever stage you’re at, our new exam preparation hub has teaching tips, classroom activities and expert advice to guide teachers through to exam day

Explore the resources:   www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/exam-preparation-journey?nestedTab=pack-8-building-confidence&utm_campaign=schools-preparation-centre-news&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--h0vvRM0sJ4lqIHaQVvh5TXggaBcHqsvNyxfD0EBEOeV9CDo4MCZu0b_AHw8knZx519jDyS_f5XTHwL_teLs2TuF_LZA&_hsmi=302195376&utm_content=302195376&utm_source=hs_email#packs 

Teaching is a journey, and we're here for the fun ride.

Discover the Fun: Top 3 Communicative Games Video Tips!

Ready to spice up your teaching game? Dive into Sarah Hillyard's video tips showcasing her Top 3 Communicative Games. These strategies are not just effective; they're also a blast!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FAixTjo9C4 

Top tips for teaching vocabulary  

Explore our motivating and communicative classroom activities for practising vocabulary in the B1 Preliminary for Schools vocabulary booklet. This booklet is ideal for learners preparing for B1 Preliminary for Schools, but also has great ideas that you can use for any A2/B1 English class

Download the vocabulary booklet:    www.cambridgeenglish.org/Images/648172-b1-preliminary-for-schools-vocabulary-booklet.pdf?utm_campaign=teacher-news-cl-global&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=291413287&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8bZtuHu1BUOkOr_STkZjJvzAXZCLHWjFUwZx4IP__rbriJCQSh1xiTZ_OHJxpf7MlEMvC3dppqJMN7LgjvoJE0DrWBrw&utm_content=291413287&utm_source=hs_email 

Practical resources for teaching sustainability

We know our teachers care about sustainability as much as we do. That’s why we have lots of support materials and inspiration to help you bring sustainability skills into your lessons.

Discover a range of ready-to-use materials including activity cards with ideas for teaching young learners, teens and adults. 

view.ceros.com/cambridge/sustainability-elt/p/3?utm_campaign=23%2F24%20Planet%20Brand%20Campaign&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=293965494&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9DW_7y0pRS7blVZTBtysFpilJ0SNUFz4CAuRrBtnLGrLlBNpI1HN0Jkf7hu4G6u7JgFIRBpbnTls0RUDvYXntGHCr3JA&utm_content=293944903&utm_source=hs_emailClassroom tips

 Teaching sustainability helps learners to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become responsible citizens. Explore our blogs to get tips on how you can bring sustainability into your classroom across the four dimensions of the framework.

www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/campaign_page/sustainability-skills/?utm_campaign=23%2F24%20Planet%20Brand%20Campaign&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=293965494&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93V1e4MHC1IdeqThRfBdUGWN0ewMm9QAFstaG2D45XmbHZaW6deHCWO2BmZfCHlb1CWwYVqLlIVTt_NrQe0DHPbp1QRg&utm_content=293944903&utm_source=hs_email 

Готуємось до олімпіади!

Practice Tests: elt.oup.com/student/practicetests/?cc=ua&selLanguage=uk&mode=hub 

Advanced Practice Tests: elt.oup.com/student/advancedpracticetests/?cc=ua&selLanguage=uk&mode=hub 

        Get ready for MLK Day with these special collections that not only celebrate the incredible legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but also bring his teachings to life in your classrooms. Explore our collection of ready-to-use lesson plans, that save you time, and boost student engagement! 

 wakelet.com/@lessons?utm_campaign=448609_20240111_MLKDay2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Wakelet&dm_i=7I3R,9M5D,5P6P3R,1DKW6,1 

Teaching activities: There’s no place like home 

This month’s teaching activities are all about where we live.

Students from Pre A1 Starters to C1 Advanced can improve their English using these interactive and engaging learning tasks, featuring bustling cities to the tranquil countryside:  https://assets.cambridgeenglish.org/january-2024-teaching-activities-where-we-live.pdf?utm_campaign=teacher-news-cl-global&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=291413287&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_d4uhqFlVOJkw2NgbgIfB 

Sustainability in the classroom

We offer a range of support for schools that are striving to bring sustainability into their English lessons.

The Sustainability Framework for ELT makes it easier to teach and integrate sustainability skills into your classroom activities. 

Discover a range of practical resources that help your colleagues incorporate sustainability skills into their teaching environments.

view.ceros.com/cambridge/sustainability-elt/p/1?utm_campaign=schools-preparation-centre-news&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=289655295&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_zGdiTezHwYhZjXT7aAGd3uROozZsG8qdeiBa2sdm8bXf47b3LIOoCVfmXfx4jyJOUj_8S9vJfqt13Sl8fJTwEqZPPCQ&utm_content=289655295&utm_source=hs_email 

Bringing sustainability into your classroom

To help you develop your understanding of sustainability, and to improve your learners' sustainability skills, we’ve developed the Sustainability Framework for ELT.

The framework explores the key skills required to be and act more sustainably, and makes it easier for you to integrate these skills into your English lessons.

view.ceros.com/cambridge/sustainability-elt/p/2?utm_campaign=23%2F24%20Planet%20Brand%20Campaign&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=293965494&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_69IsGxD2gTtfA3G0Iuw8OZzgErlgZdu6dxmZW_Z9pAE_8vNLJZJvsGAPP8vO-wc6a37UD9Z6N2l2LITUha3Fc5QcE3Q&utm_content=293944903&utm_source=hs_email 

Our December webinar for teachers was a look at IELTS Speaking. After a look at each of the 3 parts of the test, assessment criteria and the challenges test takers have, the webinar offered concrete activities that you can share with your students.To access the webinar recording, please click on the button below, and use the passcode provided.

Please tell your friends and colleagues about it too!

Use this pass code to access the webinar recording: aqBe4+5K

The winter holidays are fast approaching and you're already looking for fun activities to help your students work on the four language skills over the break? Look no further: we're here to help you out with a few Christmas-themed reading suggestions from our digital graded readers library and corresponding activity sheets to work on with your students. 

Christmas in Prague (Level 1, CEFR A1-A2)

In a house in Oxford, three people are having breakfast – Carol, her husband Jan, and his father Josef. They are talking about Prague, because Carol wants them all to go there for Christmas. Josef was born in Prague, but he left his home city when he was a young man. He is an old man now, and he would like to see Prague again before he dies. But he is afraid. He still remembers another Christmas in Prague, many long years ago – a Christmas that changed his life for ever…

Activity Sheet: drive.google.com/file/d/15ccoQIro1SLJzORjxCiFUGaBUtHdqX07/view?usp=sharing 

A Christmas Carol (Level 3, CEFR B1)

Christmas is humbug, Scrooge says – just a time when you find yourself a year older and not a penny richer. The only thing that matters to Scrooge is business, and making money. But on Christmas Eve three spirits come to visit him. They take him travelling on the wings of the night to see the shadows of Christmas past, present, and future – and Scrooge learns a lesson that he will never forget.

Activity Sheet: drive.google.com/file/d/1kZaX9qmebUFCEstJTxucNETWDkIV9JNC/view?usp=sharing 

Little Women (Level 4, CEFR B1-B2)

When Christmas comes for the four March girls, there is no money for expensive presents and they give away their Christmas breakfast to a poor family. But there are no happier girls in America than Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They miss their father, of course, who is away at the Civil War, but they try hard to be good so that he will be proud of his ‘little women’ when he comes home. This heart-warming story of family life has been popular for more than a hundred years.

Activity Sheet: drive.google.com/file/d/1rbGPuaaA5f_Eyo-YZrF9SYm8sfEaL8VX/view?usp=sharing 

Global webinars for Teachers

All Cambridge webinars provide information about our exams and learning materials, covering a wide spectrum of subjects. Each webinar is presented by a Cambridge University Press & Assessment professional. We often run Q&A sessions to give you the opportunity to ask questions in our live webinars. If you have missed any of our previous webinars, you can watch recordings and download slides on our YouTube channel.

Will you be joining us for our next teacher webinars?

www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/resources-for-teachers/webinars/?utm_campaign=fy23%2f24-eventsandwebinars-news-ukieemeta&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=288593930&_hsenc=p2anqtz--uhdiwvg_dwr-0ynkzfr8 

14 Winter Holiday Activities for School:www.hmhco.com/blog/christmas-hanukkah-holiday-classroom-games-activities-crafts 

8 Fun Winter Science Experiments and Activities: www.hmhco.com/blog/winter-science-experiments-and-activities 

    Merry Christmas 2023:   drive.google.com/file/d/1J_xaqnieSKtCD6yMb_LnVG3G2dD7BMg3/view?usp=sharing 

You ca find here an IELTS lesson plan that focuses on Writing Task 2: Problems and solutions. By analysing the question type and preparing to write, students will develop their awareness of this type of Task 2 question before looking at the language of cause and effect. The lesson plan also includes activities which require students to use these appropriate phrases, as well as language to express purpose at sentence level. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KCa8AdLKYMOoLY5HqYyvzGW8bcHfPpA5/view?usp=sharing

Get ready for your IELTS test

We are here to help you gain confidence for your IELTS test and we are proud to offer more free IELTS preparation than any other test provider. Our main aim is to equip you with the best possible tools and knowledge so you feel fully prepared on your test day.

Explore our extensive range of study resources, practice tests, and masterclasses, designed to cater to your needs:

takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare/ielts-ready 

Winter Wonderland teaching activities from Cambridge

As it’s almost December, you may choose to celebrate the festive season with your class. This month’s activities are all about winter, particularly in cold and snowy regions.

From warm clothing to seasonal celebrations to winter holidays, students from A1 Movers to C1 Advanced can improve their English with our Winter Wonderland activities.   drive.google.com/file/d/10Py_gwbhfXkWZPphXyw3BI9nl9WSq47z/view?usp=sharing 

Greetings!

Halloween is next week and you’re still trying to find time to prepare some holiday-themed activities for your students? No worries, you can use these activities or even the lesson plan created by ILC teachers!

It’s a great idea to do some crafts with younger learners or a fancy-dress party with your students of any age, but should we really sacrifice learning for fun? 

Here are some activities created by ILC teachers which you can use with your learners to teach them some new lexis or to practice receptive and productive skills.

Download activities for your Halloween-themed lesson

drive.google.com/file/d/1jAwHar_SqCje1_hnh7sTgbtJyNJaxjiz/view?usp=drive_link 

Learning a new language challenges

• BY OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS ELT POSTED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2023

learningenglishwithoxford.com/2023/02/06/the-difficulties-of-learning-a-new-language/ 

Join the Oxford Teachers’ Club and access free lesson plans, worksheets and activities for ESL and EFL teaching. With thousands of quality teaching resources across a range of areas, including our extensive Teaching and Professional Development Webinars, the Oxford Teachers’ Club is a place to discover resources and ideas to help you plan, prepare and deliver effective and dynamic English language lessons.

When you register, don’t forget to choose to receive emails and join 420,000+ subscribers to get the latest information and expert advice relevant for you and your students direct to your inbox!

What will I get?

• Free classroom activities, worksheets and lesson plans

• Invitations to training and professional development webinars led by experts

• Early announcements of competitions, special offers and discounts

• Regular newsletters with information and expert advice relevant for your teaching interests

• The latest tips and resources for digital teaching and learning

Register now:  access.oup.com/eac/accountRegistration.htm 

Greetings!

We wish you a productive and relaxing school year and give you a few ideas for the first lesson. Here are some activities which can help you and your students to get to know each other better.

drive.google.com/file/d/11zghQYnFByaR91A2tATlBWPd3ZMHOcYv/view?usp=sharing 

Finish the year with holiday activities 

As the academic year comes to an end, what could be more appropriate than for this month’s English activities to feature holiday and tourism themes?

The activities are suitable for students from Pre A1 Starters to C1 Advanced: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vI9-NFqDWC7dpsWY8rGeFxjl7tqYIGES/view?usp=sharing

Welcome to your Teachers’ Newsletter for May from Cmbridge

This month, we look at:

• fresh ideas for last-minute exam preparation

• our new practice test for B2 First

• the latest on EdTech with our new podcast series

• our new digital tool to encourage self-learning.

Plus, find out about our teachers’ webinars for June – and more!

Learning strategies for building exam confidence

You’ve completed the syllabus and prepared your learners for every exam paper and each task. So, what else can you do?

This World of better learning blog has lots of ideas for last-minute exam preparation that don’t involve recycling old tasks and practice papers.

Read the blog:   www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2023/05/12/exam-day-countdown-top-tips-for-teacher-and-learner-support-for-pre-a1-starters-to-c2-proficiency/?utm_campaign=teacher-news-cl-global&utm_medium=email&_hs 

New B2 First practice test available

Do your B2 students need to hone their exam skills for the big day?

This Computer-Based Authentic Practice Test for B2 First is now available. It’s ideal to recommend to your students if they need last-minute practice before their exam.

Shop for practice test:  shop.cambridge.org/english/product/2800528264?utm_campaign=teacher-news-cl-global&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=259797664&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8wvZj4IoI-JOUtzGvsl1MvuvLygO3xCk_GrIVAYCD4b 

          Speakout is a part of the Connected English Learning Program for adult learners - a suite of all-round solutions for all aspects and stages of English learning.  www.pearson.com/languages/why-pearson/pearson-english-connect.html 

Колеги! Для класних керівників пропонуємо навчальні матеріали до 1 вересня від AR Book.

Проведіть свої перші уроки нового навчального року разом з AR Book та Україною!

An Introduction To Learner Agency

10 December 2021 by Oxford University Press ELT Leave a comment

If I am asked what language teachers should do to prepare students for a world full of uncertainties beyond the classroom, I will say without hesitation that we should help them become agentive learners. In other words, language teachers should create opportunities for students to enact and grow their agency, as we explain in our comprehensive guide to Learner Agency:

https://oupeltglobalblog.com/2021/12/10/introduction-learner-agency/

Do your students have goals for 2023? 🎯

Using our free template, support your learners to achieve their goals this year by introducing them to SMART goals, a tool that will help them to set achievable goals and stay motivated to achieve them:       learningenglishwithoxford.com/2023/01/06/learn-english-in-2023-with-smart-goals/?dm_i=1MVU,86LF2,QPWGYX,XJH40,1 

Шановні колеги, друзі,

Команда Oxford University Press запрошує на найближчі методичні заходи.

Ми підготували програму професійного розвитку та СУПЕР щедрий подарунок!

Oxford University Press надає фантастичну можливість замовити безкоштовний доступ на 90 днів до безлічі навчально-методичних комплексів. Спробуйте наші новинки для молодшої школи Beehive та для старшої школи Life Vision. Обов'язково скористайтеся самі та порадьте це посилання вашим колегам.

Get your FREE 90-day trial

Help your students improve their English pronunciation!

In our monthly English pronunciation live sessions, we help your learners work on their speaking and listening and show them free activities and resources they can use to improve their pronunciation.

How confident do you feel about your English pronunciation? If the answer is ‘not as confident as I would like’ or ‘sometimes I’m not sure how to say…’, then you’re not alone. Researchers have found that pronunciation errors account for around two-thirds of miscommunication in English. Getting it right is not easy, but we’re here to help!

My name is Jenny Dance, and I’ve been teaching English and preparing students for exams for over 20 years – in the UK, France and Portugal. Before that, I worked in international banking, where I saw first-hand how important clear English communication is. My passion in teaching is to help learners improve their speaking, listening and confidence using English.

How do our English pronunciation sessions work? 

In our monthly English pronunciation live sessions, we help you work on your speaking and listening and show you free activities and resources you can use to improve your pronunciation. We focus on the core aspects of speaking English clearly – not with a particular accent, but to make yourself understood in many different situations (International Intelligibility).

We explain the sounds you need to make to say words clearly, and how to make them. We’ll help you to be understood more easily when you’re speaking English, and to understand others, too.

How do you say…?

We start each English pronunciation session by asking you for words you’ve been practising or find difficult to pronounce. If you’re watching us in a quiet space, we encourage you to copy what we’re saying, and practice with us!

After that, we look at 2 or 3 learner questions in more detail. We explain:

• The sounds in each word, looking at the International Phonetic Alphabet as a reference

• How many syllables a word has, and where the stressed syllables are

• How you physically make the sounds – where should your tongue, lips and teeth be positioned

• Other examples with similar sounds, or contrasting sounds

• How you use the word in context

As we guide you through English pronunciation learning and practice, we like to keep it fun by telling jokes, playing word games and using props to explain different points.

And we give you lots of opportunities to join in, asking questions like:

• How many syllables does this word have?

• Where’s the stress?

• Do these words rhyme?

• Are these words pronounced the same, or differently?

• What’s the noun/adjective/verb form of this word?

We’re happy to answer your questions about pronunciation, speaking, fluency, listening, preparing for speaking exams…so why not come and join us in our next session?

5 fun end-of-year classroom activities

Now is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months and see how much your students have learned. It’s also a good time to revise vocabulary and enjoy practising language without spending a long time on complicated lesson plans.

oupeltglobalblog.com/2022/12/12/fun-end-of-year-classroom-activities/?dm_i=1MVU,8539Z,QPWGYX,XCJQV,1 

How your students can learn new language from World Cup 2022 ⚽ 🏆

The World Cup is a fantastic chance to learn about other countries and cultures, and it also provides lots of opportunities to learn new words and phrases in English.   

Let’s look at some common vocabulary you might have heard at the World Cup!

learningenglishwithoxford.com/2022/12/13/world-cup-2022-football-vocabulary-you-need-to-know/?dm_i=1MVU,8539Z,QPWGYX,XCJW3,1 

A big warm thank you to everyone for your cooperation and trust during this challenging year. We look forward to future successful moments together!

We wish you, your students and your families 

very happy holidays and an even better New Year.

But before you end this semester and go on a well-deserved break,

we want to share with you fun Christmas and New Year activities, for all ages!

For primary:  i.emlfiles4.com/cmpdoc/5/9/5/0/8/files/866042_christmas-activity-pack.pdf?dm_i=1Q6R,84ZER,PPZIXZ,XC1X2,1 

For secondary: i.emlfiles4.com/cmpdoc/5/9/5/0/8/files/866043_round-robin-letter.pdf?dm_i=1Q6R,84ZER,PPZIXZ,XC1X2,1 

For everybody: view.genial.ly/61ae23dbf1b1ce0d5833fab6/interactive-content-oxford-christmas-escape-room?dm_i=1Q6R%2C84ZER%2CPPZIXZ%2CXC1X3%2C1 

Help your students to develop a reading habit

Join our reading challenge and encourage your learners to read for 10 minutes a day. You’ll get a range of resources to use throughout the challenge, plus free access to hundreds of digital graded readers!

Are you looking for a new challenge for your students or your child? Do you want to help your learners to read more or want to encourage your child to read at home but don't know how?

Join our reading challenge and encourage your learners to read for 10 minutes a day!

We've provided everything you need to help your class or child with their reading, including a poster to track their reading progress, a calendar of tips and activities to support their reading, challenge information for families, and certificates to run your own awards ceremony!

Your learners can choose to read from hundreds of our Graded Reader e-books during the challenge with a 30-day free trial of Oxford Reading Club!

fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/elt/general_content/global/10-minute/10-minute-reading-challenge-teacher-pack.pdf?dm_i=1MVU,8392K,QPWGYX,X498Z,1 

IELTS blog for teachers

In this blog post written for ielts.org, Misty Wilson shares how you can adapt impromptu speaking tasks to prepare your learners for IELTS while helping them improve their fluency. The blog includes a number of speaking activities as a great way for students to improve confidence and build fluency in speaking.

Read the article:   www.ielts.org/blog-for-teachers/2021/using-impromptu-speaking-tasks-to-prepare-learners-for-ielts-speaking 

IELTS Lesson plan

In this issue, we have included an IELTS lesson plan that focuses on Listening Part 2. In this lesson, students will gain an understanding of the types of instruction they can find in question types which require them to write an answer. Students will also work through preparation strategies to be ready to listen and identify answers when the audio starts.

Download lesson plan: brandhub.britishcouncil.org/transfer/d10a220f2a6d6235893806f53b34830b120e9d13e9ebfeb4b94a73a2d66b60b9 

Free activities for Bonfire (Guy Fawkes) Night

Bonfire (Guy Fawkes) Night – November 5th is an interesting date in the British celebratory calendar, where sparklers, bonfires and fireworks are all lit in the name of Guy Fawkes.

This is a great opportunity for you to get students of all ages accustomed to British culture whilst learning English and we’ve created some activities to help!

EFL activities for Bonfire (Guy Fawkes) Night

30 October 2017 by Oxford University Press ELT 4 Comments

 Remember, remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night) – November 5th is an interesting date in the British celebratory calendar, where sparklers, bonfires and fireworks are all lit in the name of Guy Fawkes. But what’s the real story behind this British cultural event?

Interestingly November 5th has always been a date for celebration, long before the events that unfolded in 1605. But since Guy Fawkes and his accomplices failed to blow-up the houses of parliament, the date is used to mark their failure. It might seem an odd occasion to celebrate, but for 250 years it was the law to remember the failed plot!

The politics of the time are somewhat forgotten in present-day events; now Guy Fawkes Night/Bonfire Night is really just a great excuse for a party! But still, the story behind it is well known in Britain, so it’s a great opportunity to get your students accustomed to some British culture as they learn English.

To help you, we have put together a variety of activities that can be used at various levels and with different age groups, including:

• Warm-up rhymes

• Secret mission cards

• Role play activities

• Reading and speaking activities

• Certificates

It’s all available on the *Oxford Teacher’s Club! Click the button below to download your own Guy Fawkes teacher activity pack, and spark some fantastic English dialogue with your class.

ADULT LEARNER PACK:  fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/elt/teachers/generalcontent/activities/guy_fawkes_night_adult_lesson.pdf 

TEENAGE LEARNER PACK:  fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/elt/teachers/generalcontent/activities/guy_fawkes_night_secondary_lesson.pdf 

YOUNG LEARNER PACK:  fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/elt/teachers/generalcontent/activities/guy_fawkes_night_primary_lesson.pdf 

How can students read their way to better English?

Extensive reading improves students’ listening, reading, speaking and vocabulary skills, and Oxford Reading Club - our digital library with hundreds of graded readers - is the perfect tool to help students read anytime, anywhere. Try a free 14-day trial and get access to 80 books.

www.oxfordreadingclub.com/?utm_campaign=ca_orcwebfreetrial&utm_source=dotdigital&utm_medium=otc-newsletter&utm_content=Oct-22&dm_i=1MVU,81KED,QPWGYX,WWS9W,1 

  Flashcard Games For Teaching English (With A Little Twist For Teenagers!)

 oupeltglobalblog.com/2022/04/22/flashcard-games-teaching-english/ 

September’s Book of the Month: The Time Machine (A2/B1)

This month we are exploring a world literature Oxford Graded Reader with The Time Machine. Find out what happens when a famous scientist travels to a troubling future where terrible creatures live below ground. Read a sample chapter and listen to the audio with your students.

elt.oup.com/feature/global/readers-book-of-the-month/?cc=ua&selLanguage=uk 

Using Technology to Motivate Learners. 

Want to engage learners? Bring their lives and interests into the classroom!

Encourage learners to become active in their schools and communities by helping them create a digital news report with this free activity. It will guide learners to describe local events in English and develop their motivation for learning. 

 Digital news report:     drive.google.com/file/d/1Bzo3GvoVpv5LtsIog-F9-42iTcTOhygz/view?usp=sharing 

Video Dictionary:  drive.google.com/file/d/1NrEAbk3xxHTEA4uk7BTuiSbkrVLfjdCZ/view?usp=sharing 

Learning English with Oxford!   elt.oup.com/feature/global/join-learning-english/?cc=ua&selLanguage=uk&mode=hub 

Join our Learning English with Oxford community and get advice, support and tips to guide you through your English-learning journey.

How to Avoid Forgetting a Language in 9 Brilliant Tips

1. Change your mindset to consider learning a language a lifelong process.

Most people forget their target language because they’re no longer using or studying it. One of the simplest ways to prevent this is by considering learning a language a lifelong process rather than a limited-term course of study.

With this in mind, don’t give up on your learning routine. Whether you’re building new vocabulary or working on tricky grammar rules, keep studying. Even fluent speakers don’t know all the vocabulary, so there’s always something new to learn.

You don’t have to commit as much time to studying as you did when you were just starting out, but remembering to put in some time will help keep you in practice.

2. Use websites and apps like FluentU.

Language learning websites and mobile apps like FluentU are a fun, flexible way to prevent yourself from forgetting your target language. In fact, you might actually find your skills continue to grow in just a few minutes a day.

FluentU, in particular, uses authentic content to help you to learn a language in a more natural way, just like a native speaker would.

It uses videos created from content native speakers are viewing every day, like news clips, films, and movie trailers, and presents them in a way that makes it easy to keep track of your current level and to look up the meaning of words without getting pulled out of your viewing experience.

This type of learning enables you to retain more information, because you are actively interested in accumulating the knowledge. So, since it is important to you, you remember it better and for a longer period of time.

3. Maintain a set schedule of when to use your target language, whether or not you actually need to use it.

If you’re no longer actively studying a language, one of the main reasons it may fade from your memory is simple lack of exposure. Maintaining a set schedule of when to use your language will help keep it fresh in your mind.

For instance, on Saturdays, you could go to a grocery store or restaurant where native speakers of your language congregate. Or every night before bed, watch clips from variety shows in your target language rather than your favorite native language late night shows.

Working language opportunities like this into your schedule will prevent you from forgetting by ensuring that you never go too long without using your skills.

4. Set specific goals to continue improving your skills.

Setting specific goals will help motivate you to continue improving your skills by giving you clear objectives.

For instance, you might try learning 20 new vocabulary words per week, reading a book a month in your target language or spending 10 minutes a day studying the language.

Regardless, making your goals specific is key because it makes them easier to meet. For instance, deciding you’re going to learn five new vocabulary words today is a lot easier to achieve than a vague goal, like “I want to study sometime today.”

5. Get addicted to a Netflix series in your target language to refresh your skills effortlessly.

There’s nothing as satisfying as a Netflix binge… except for a Netflix binge that keeps you from forgetting your target language.

And luckily, it’s easy to get addicted to a foreign language TV series that will give you regular practice with your target language. Netflix is constantly expanding its offerings, so there’s plenty of great foreign-language content to help reinforce your skills.

For instance, Spanish students might enjoy a great series like “La casa de papel” (literally “the house of paper,” but its English title is “Money Heist”).

French students could get deep into “Au service de la France” (literally “in the service of France,” but its English title is “A Very Secret Service”). To find TV shows in your target language, just search the name of your language and “TV shows.”

6. Change your bedtime reading habit into a language refresher by reading works in your target language.

If you’re one of those people who loves to read a good book before bed, you can easily convert your bedtime reading habit into an excellent language refresher by reading books in your target language.

For free books, you might try Project Gutenberg, which offers an array of classic books in foreign languages.

To stay up to date on the latest books in your target language, you might try perusing Goodreads lists to see what other readers are enjoying. For instance, there are plenty of lists of Spanish-language books. From there, there are links to help you find where to purchase a book. All you have to do is double-check to make sure it’s in your target language.

To get the most out of your evening reading, try reading aloud. This way, you’ll not only reinforce your reading skills, you’ll also keep up your speaking practice.

7. Make friends with native speakers for easy, continual practice that will make you happy you learned your target language in the first place.

It’s nice to have friends, but having friends is even nicer when those friends help you keep your language skills up.

If you already have a friend who speaks your target language, all you have to do is converse with them in that language to keep from forgetting it.

If you don’t already have a friend who speaks your target language, there are plenty of ways to make friends.

For instance, you might connect with native speakers on italki, an online service that makes it easy for you to browse and connect with tutors and exchange partners who are right for you.

However, there’s a difference between simple language exchange and long-term friendship. In fact, language exchange usually isn’t intended to be life-long. So if you’re hoping to turn your language exchange partnership into a long-term one, it’s important to select the right partner. Look for people with shared interests, and be sure to share your main interests in your profile. The more you have in common, the easier it will be to make a deeper connection that can last a lifetime.

If you find a friend who speaks your target language, practicing it will just feel like socializing rather than studying, making it easier and more enjoyable to continue long-term.

8. Hire a tutor for occasional one-on-one check-ins to make sure your skills haven’t regressed (and discuss personalized solutions).

What do you do when you’re not sure of whether your skills have regressed? And what if you know your skills aren’t what they used to be, but you just can’t figure out what to do to correct them?

Hiring a tutor can be helpful for both these concerns. You can hire tutors online through services like TakeLessons and Preply, and most tutors will help you with whatever you like. This means you can talk to a tutor for occasional checkups to make sure your language skills are still intact.

Best of all, if your tutor notices you’re struggling with something, they can give you personalized instruction on how to correct your errors and improve your skills.

9. Travel abroad to refresh your skills and improve your motivation to keep learning.

If you need to travel abroad to keep your language skills fresh, so be it!

Traveling to a place where the language you’re trying to maintain is spoken can help you practice using your skills in context. Over the length of your trip, you might even notice more and more of your language skills coming back to you.

But beyond that, traveling abroad can also increase your motivation to keep studying your target language. After all, if you have a great trip, you’ll want to make your next trip even better by better understanding the language.

But the learning doesn’t need to be reserved just for your time abroad. You can research your trip in your target language for an extra learning boost. Look for the official pages of tourist sites, peruse hotel websites (both big and boutique) and assess restaurant menus to see where you might like to eat. All of these activities can help reinforce your language skills while getting you excited for your upcoming trip.

Don’t let all your hard work be for naught!

Use these simple steps and strategies to ensure you never forget your target language.

Join the Oxford Teachers’ Club and access free lesson plans, worksheets and activities for ESL and EFL teaching. With thousands of quality teaching resources across a range of areas, including our extensive Teaching and Professional Development Webinars, the Oxford Teachers’ Club is a place to discover resources and ideas to help you plan, prepare and deliver effective and dynamic English language lessons.

When you register, don’t forget to choose to receive emails and join 420,000+ subscribers to get the latest information and expert advice relevant for you and your students direct to your inbox!

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• The latest tips and resources for digital teaching and learning

Шановні колеги, друзі,

 Ми залишаємось об’єднаним сильним фронтом у продовженні наданні якісної освіти та професійного розвитку на високому рівні.

 Цей лист є нагадуванням про конференцію Oxford Day Online | March 2022 для вчителів молодшої та старшої школи та про безкоштовні матеріали від видавництва Oxford University Press. Команда Oxford University Press, з великим трепетом чекаємо на найтеплішу зустріч з вами цієї середи та ділимося новою сторінкою з ресурсами, створеними для вашої підтримки в Україні та за межами нашої країни.

 Все буде Україна! 

Команда Oxford University Press створила сторінку, де вони надають безкоштовний доступ до цінних ресурсів та матеріалів видавництва Oxford University Press. 

Доступ та корисні посилання є вільними для вчителів, учнів та їх батьків з України, у якій би країні не знаходились.

Сторінка ресурсів від Oxford University Press: https://elt.oup.com/feature/global/response/?cc=ua&selLanguage=uk 

Раді відповісти на додаткові запитання за електронною адресою Ask.ELT@oup.com.

Старша школа 23 березня:

9:30, 8 клас: заняття з англійської мови за темою «Опрацювання лексичних одиниць та граматичних структур» (youtube.com/watch?v=AvR4_AnnZNo)

5 English Language Rules For Winning At Wordle!

Word games are a great way to really motivate language learners (or challenge your own English language knowledge!). Wordle is a game that can help expand vocabulary and knowing a few secrets about the structure of the English language can take your strategy to the next level.

Read the blog:    oupeltglobalblog.com/2022/02/02/english-language-rules-wordle/?dm_i=1MVU,7Q7Q5,QPWGYX,VI4QV,1 

All The Lesson Ideas For Graded Readers You’ll Ever Need!

22 November 2021 by Oxford University Press ELT 3 Comments

In this blog, I have provided some lesson ideas as examples of how graded readers might be used in the classroom. There are four sections – ideas for reading the story, exploring the cultural/historical setting, discussing social themes, and additional tasks to be used as suggested follow-up activities or projects. All of these are for the purpose of sparking your creativity and to show how readings texts can be a springboard into many other interesting topics and activities.

A best-seller, and particular favourite of mine, is The Elephant Man, a fiction based on the true story of Joseph Merrick. In the story, Merrick struggles with a worsening physical deformity that gives him the name of the title. During his unique life, the reader sees the protagonist experience small glimmers of beauty and friendship, experiences that make his death all the more tragic.

While this reader has been carefully graded for A1 /A2 level students, it can also be used by higher levels to gain reading confidence, and the discussion points and suggested points below could be used to create stimulating lessons all the way up to C1 classes.

Lesson ideas for reading the story

Here are some lesson ideas for reading the text. One thing to keep in mind for students to be engaged is to make sure they all have access to the text (physical books each, e-books, or share the text on the board so everyone can see).

• The teacher could read the text with students following.

• Students could take turns to read sentences or paragraphs.

• Students could read along with the included audiobook.

• Each reader comes with pre-made activities in the back of the book to complete before and after reading certain chapters.

• Why not ask students to predict what happens next? Get them to look at the illustrations in the book – does this elicit any new predictions?

• Direct speech offers students the opportunity to ‘act’ as they read aloud. Why not get them to stand up and act out certain scenes with the book to consolidate comprehension, or without the text to check comprehension? The teacher could ‘pause’ or ‘rewind’ scenes to give other students the opportunity to play various characters.

Discussing the culture/historical setting

Readers can present opportunities to dig deeper into history and various cultures. The Elephant Man takes place in Victorian England (1837-1901). The following could be considered, and contrasted with the present day and the students’ own countries’ histories:

• The standard of living – Child labour, workhouses, the introduction of free education for children under the age of ten in 1870, the industrial revolution, population boom, the divide between the ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ classes, lack of women’s rights, the London Underground (built 1863-1884) and the introduction of welfare.

• Fashion and entertainment – Top hats worn by the wealthy, bowler hats worn by the middle and lower classes, etiquette, “freak shows”, parlour music, fiction (Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, C.S. Lewes), art (the accuracy of classicism, emotion over reason captured in romanticism, light and colour in impressionism, and the new technology of photography)

• The Monarchy – Queen Victoria, imperialism and colonialism.

• Religion – The power of the protestant Anglican Church vs. Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) questioning the foundations of religious belief.

• Medicine – Improvement in microscopes, the introduction of antiseptics as an alternative to amputation, realising Cholera was caused by contaminated water and subsequently boiling water before drinking. Superstitious beliefs pervading, such as the common belief that a person’s own spiritual or moral failing could cause disease or physical deformity.

Lesson ideas with social themes

Readers can provide a great launchpad for looking at various themes in context. Below is a list of themes with suggestions for possible questions to provoke classroom discussion. The teacher could ask students individually to answer or ask a question and then put students in pairs or small groups to discuss (better for sensitive topics). Additionally, students could be divided into groups and given different questions to talk about, and then present their Q&As back to the whole group for a bigger class debate. Students could even be encouraged to write their own questions on the topic for discussion using the questions below as examples to get them thinking…

Disability

Merrick’s disability hinders his ability to perform many everyday tasks that able people often take for granted.

• How are the attitudes towards disability different from today?

• Do you know anyone with a physical or mental disability? What is their life like? Are there any similarities with Merrick’s life?

• Why do you think people laughed at Merrick? Would people laugh at him today?

• What would you do or say if you met ‘The Elephant Man’?

• What would you do if you were him?

• Do you think Merrick wanted to die when he did? Why / Why not?

• How can we help people with disabilities to have a good quality of life?

• Have you ever watched the Paralympic Games?

Alienation and Loneliness

Merrick lives an isolated existence. He dreams of living an even more isolated existence to spare others from looking at him.

• In what ways are we divided by the culture we live in?

• What are possible solutions to loneliness and feelings of alienation?

Beauty

Merrick is often referred to as ‘ugly’, yet he can make beautiful things with his hands. A ‘beautiful young woman’ visits Merrick in hospital but her humanity is much greater than her beauty. She is able to look past Merrick’s deformity and see the beauty of his soul.

• Why do people often value external beauty more than internal beauty?

• How important is internal and external beauty to you?

MORE lesson ideas!

Why not consider doing the following as extra tasks or setting them for homework:

• Research Project. Look into life in Victorian England. Report back.

• Write a diary from the perspective of a one-handed person. Perform a task using only one hand, e.g. tying shoelaces/getting dressed. How does it feel to have limitations?

• Interview someone with a disability. Show your questions to your teacher beforehand.

• Find, follow and listen to disabled people on social media. Make notes to feedback in class.

• Watch The Elephant Man (1980, PG) film, directed by David Lynch, starring Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Frederick Treves. Or The 1900 House (1999), a documentary series following a modern family who volunteer to spend three months in a restored Victorian house and live the life of the middle class of 1900.

Behind the scenes of an audiobook recording with Oxford Grade Readers 

Want to know how we record our Oxford Graded Reader audio?

Let’s go behind the scenes of an audio recording for one of our Oxford Graded Readers from the Dominoes series.

 www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtsqvCsXpBw 

How to Develop  Students` Emotional Intelligence

drive.google.com/file/d/1hj34JIoB3io_HWzPWWDZx3CpR8xAPs5H/view?usp=sharing 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gxJl-DX5BZ5d3ILQkdC1ax5DJkvSplkV/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hc4KGqjIQrKpF_D_07_yaKsSFo78s2W0/view?usp=sharing

Merry Christmas!

Сhristmas Activities:  drive.google.com/file/d/1740-sIk_2UJ6xTpKNN_Ykq1BaA4LlA7N/view?usp=sharing 

Join the Oxford Teachers’ Club and access free lesson plans, worksheets and activities for ESL and EFL teaching. With thousands of quality teaching resources across a range of areas, including our extensive Teaching and Professional Development Webinars, the Oxford Teachers’ Club is a place to discover resources and ideas to help you plan, prepare and deliver effective and dynamic English language lessons.

When you register, don’t forget to choose to receive emails and join 420,000+ subscribers to get the latest information and expert advice relevant for you and your students direct to your inbox!

What will I get?

• Free classroom activities, worksheets and lesson plans

• Invitations to training and professional development webinars led by experts

• Early announcements of competitions, special offers and discounts

• Regular newsletters with information and expert advice relevant for your teaching interests

• The latest tips and resources for digital teaching and learning

How To Improve Your Grammar Awareness

• BY OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS ELT 

• POSTED ON OCTOBER 27, 2021

Grammar is always a challenge when learning another language. The rules and structures may be different and there are often elements that are particular to that language. English is no different and is often the one element that most learners feel they need to improve.

A key way to improve is to become more aware of the grammar you use so that you can correct yourself and better understand when reading and listening. How can you do this? Read on for some top tips!

Kick-off Challenge

Before we start, let’s kick off with a challenge to test your grammar awareness!

The following text has some errors – can you spot all 10 mistakes (*answers at the bottom of the article)?

Tokyo is the capital of Japan since over 150 years and, with population of around 37 million people, is now by far the larger city in the world. It is also the most technological advanced, and the city is running like clockwork. The automated subway, for example, is so efficient that it can to transport almost 8 million commuters every day and on the rare occasions which it goes wrong, nobody believes. If you are late to work in Tokyo, you need providing written proof from the train company.

Text adapted from English File Upper-int Third Edition.

Let us now look at some ways in which you can improve your grammar awareness.

Reading

Reading helps you see grammar in action and in context. When reading, be focused and look at a couple of grammar items and how they are used (e.g. tenses and prepositions) instead of trying to look at all the grammar. You can use resources such as English File – Grammar Student’s Site to help you review and learn texts.

Also, read a wide range of text such as news articles, blogs, reviews and stories to see the different structures and tenses used. Choose topics that interest you to keep you motivated. Here are some suggestions:

• Blogs – the website Detailed has an extensive list of blogs on a variety of subjects.

• BBC – great for new articles and more formal grammar structure.

Listening

Listening texts are another fantastic resource. Below are some suggestions to get you started. As you listen, try to notice the grammar used (e.g. tenses, prepositions, gerunds). Use subtitles if you want, and then review any grammar after that you want to study.

• 50 Things that Made the Modern World – Podcast series. Fascinating 10-minute talks on history and economics).

• Desert Island Discs – Interviews featuring well-known people talking about their lives and favourite pieces of music.

• TedED has lots of great video talks to watch on various topics. Most are under 10 minutes and feature a transcript to help you review the grammar used.

• 6 minute English on the BBC Learning website has lots of short discussions and interviews to listen to. They cover different topics and there is a transcript as well.

Writing

Writing and speaking are the productive sides of grammar and allow you to put into practice what you have learnt as well as highlighting areas you need to work on.

Here are some ideas for writing:

• Write pieces about an experience, memory or a plan for the future (past tenses, reported speech, future forms).

• Write an essay with a viewpoint (passive tenses).

• Write an email to a friend or another student (past tenses, reported speech, future forms).

The process is important – ‘write, review, rewrite’. This helps you become more aware of the grammar you are using and better able to notice errors and correct them. For support, Michael Swan’s Practical English Usage is an excellent resource to review grammar.

Speaking

Record yourself speaking about something. It doesn’t have to be long – 1 or 2 minutes is fine, here are some themes you could try speaking about:

• An experience

• A future plan

• An opinion on a topic

• Advice for a friend or relative

Afterwards, listen to the recording and notice the grammar you have used (e.g. tenses, prepositions, articles), then repeat the task and try to improve. Again, resources such as Practical English Usage and Oxford Practice Grammar can help you review.

As you can see, there are several ways to develop your awareness of grammar. What is important is to give yourself plenty of opportunities to notice the grammar used in texts and by yourself when speaking and writing. And by practising your grammar with all four skills, you will make your learning more relevant, practical and motivating.

Explore our Learning English Resource Bank to find activities to help you with your grammar

**Text adapted from English File 3rd Ed. OUP, 2014, p88:

 Errors highlighted:

Tokyo is the capital of Japan since over 150 years and, with population of around 37 million people, is now by far the larger city in the world. It is also the most technological advanced, and the city is running like clockwork.  The automated subway, for example, is so efficient that it can transport almost 8 million commuters every day and on the rare occasions which it goes wrong, nobody believes. If you are late to work in Tokyo, you need providing written proof from the train company.

Wrong tense – present perfect (has been)

Wrong preposition – for

Missing article – a (with a population)

Superlative – the largest

Adverb – technologically

Wrong tense – present simple (runs)

Wrong modal – no ‘to’ with can (can / is able to)

Wrong relative pronoun – that

Missing object – it (nobody believe it)

Semi modal – needs to provide

 Correct text:

Tokyo has been the capital of Japan for over 150 years and, with a population of around 37 million people, is now by far the largest city in the world. It is also the most technologically advanced, and the city runs like clockwork.  The automated subway, for example, is so efficient that it is able to transport almost 8 million commuters every day and on the rare occasions that it goes wrong, nobody believes it. If you are late to work in Tokyo, you need to provide written proof from the train company.

All The Lesson Ideas For Graded Readers You’ll Ever Need!

22 November 2021 by Oxford University Press ELT Leave a comment

In this blog, I have provided some lesson ideas as examples of how graded readers might be used in the classroom. There are four sections – ideas for reading the story, exploring the cultural/historical setting, discussing social themes, and additional tasks to be used as suggested follow-up activities or projects. All of these are for the purpose of sparking your creativity and to show how readings texts can be a springboard into many other interesting topics and activities.

A best-seller, and particular favourite of mine, is The Elephant Man, a fiction based on the true story of Joseph Merrick. In the story, Merrick struggles with a worsening physical deformity that gives him the name of the title. During his unique life, the reader sees the protagonist experience small glimmers of beauty and friendship, experiences that make his death all the more tragic.

While this reader has been carefully graded for A1 /A2 level students, it can also be used by higher levels to gain reading confidence, and the discussion points and suggested points below could be used to create stimulating lessons all the way up to C1 classes.

Lesson ideas for reading the story

Here are some lesson ideas for reading the text. One thing to keep in mind for students to be engaged is to make sure they all have access to the text (physical books each, e-books, or share the text on the board so everyone can see).

• The teacher could read the text with students following.

• Students could take turns to read sentences or paragraphs.

• Students could read along with the included audiobook.

• Each reader comes with pre-made activities in the back of the book to complete before and after reading certain chapters.

• Why not ask students to predict what happens next? Get them to look at the illustrations in the book – does this elicit any new predictions?

• Direct speech offers students the opportunity to ‘act’ as they read aloud. Why not get them to stand up and act out certain scenes with the book to consolidate comprehension, or without the text to check comprehension? The teacher could ‘pause’ or ‘rewind’ scenes to give other students the opportunity to play various characters.

Discussing the culture/historical setting

Readers can present opportunities to dig deeper into history and various cultures. The Elephant Man takes place in Victorian England (1837-1901). The following could be considered, and contrasted with the present day and the students’ own countries’ histories:

• The standard of living – Child labour, workhouses, the introduction of free education for children under the age of ten in 1870, the industrial revolution, population boom, the divide between the ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ classes, lack of women’s rights, the London Underground (built 1863-1884) and the introduction of welfare.

• Fashion and entertainment – Top hats worn by the wealthy, bowler hats worn by the middle and lower classes, etiquette, “freak shows”, parlour music, fiction (Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, C.S. Lewes), art (the accuracy of classicism, emotion over reason captured in romanticism, light and colour in impressionism, and the new technology of photography)

• The Monarchy – Queen Victoria, imperialism and colonialism.

• Religion – The power of the protestant Anglican Church vs. Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) questioning the foundations of religious belief.

• Medicine – Improvement in microscopes, the introduction of antiseptics as an alternative to amputation, realising Cholera was caused by contaminated water and subsequently boiling water before drinking. Superstitious beliefs pervading, such as the common belief that a person’s own spiritual or moral failing could cause disease or physical deformity.

Lesson ideas with social themes

Readers can provide a great launchpad for looking at various themes in context. Below is a list of themes with suggestions for possible questions to provoke classroom discussion. The teacher could ask students individually to answer or ask a question and then put students in pairs or small groups to discuss (better for sensitive topics). Additionally, students could be divided into groups and given different questions to talk about, and then present their Q&As back to the whole group for a bigger class debate. Students could even be encouraged to write their own questions on the topic for discussion using the questions below as examples to get them thinking…

Disability

Merrick’s disability hinders his ability to perform many everyday tasks that able people often take for granted.

• How are the attitudes towards disability different from today?

• Do you know anyone with a physical or mental disability? What is their life like? Are there any similarities with Merrick’s life?

• Why do you think people laughed at Merrick? Would people laugh at him today?

• What would you do or say if you met ‘The Elephant Man’?

• What would you do if you were him?

• Do you think Merrick wanted to die when he did? Why / Why not?

• How can we help people with disabilities to have a good quality of life?

• Have you ever watched the Paralympic Games?

Alienation and Loneliness

Merrick lives an isolated existence. He dreams of living an even more isolated existence to spare others from looking at him.

• In what ways are we divided by the culture we live in?

• What are possible solutions to loneliness and feelings of alienation?

Beauty

Merrick is often referred to as ‘ugly’, yet he can make beautiful things with his hands. A ‘beautiful young woman’ visits Merrick in hospital but her humanity is much greater than her beauty. She is able to look past Merrick’s deformity and see the beauty of his soul.

• Why do people often value external beauty more than internal beauty?

• How important is internal and external beauty to you?

MORE lesson ideas!

Why not consider doing the following as extra tasks or setting them for homework:

• Research Project. Look into life in Victorian England. Report back.

• Write a diary from the perspective of a one-handed person. Perform a task using only one hand, e.g. tying shoelaces/getting dressed. How does it feel to have limitations?

• Interview someone with a disability. Show your questions to your teacher beforehand.

• Find, follow and listen to disabled people on social media. Make notes to feedback in class.

• Watch The Elephant Man (1980, PG) film, directed by David Lynch, starring Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Frederick Treves. Or The 1900 House (1999), a documentary series following a modern family who volunteer to spend three months in a restored Victorian house and live the life of the middle class of 1900.

Завдання для підготовки до олімпіад

Want to know all of the ways to talk about food in English?

Then you've come to the right place!

In today’s video we are talking about food in English with phrases and sentences that sound native:    www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlzaLyMKXhQ 

Are you looking for holiday and winter themed teaching materials?

Teachers are always on the lookout for new inspiration and new ideas. With the holiday season approaching we have a present for you. We are introducing an all-new Pearson Resource Bank full of free downloadable classroom materials.

Explore the Resource Bank to find an abundance of holiday and winter themed teaching and learning materials including worksheets, teacher's notes, flashcards, posters and much more.

Christmas Around the World www.pearson.eu/cee/english-language-teaching/teacher-resources/pearson-resource-bank/details/christmas-around-the-world 

Christmas Movies www.pearson.eu/cee/english-language-teaching/teacher-resources/pearson-resource-bank/details/christmas-movies 

Christmas Shopping www.pearson.eu/cee/english-language-teaching/teacher-resources/pearson-resource-bank/details/christmas-shopping 

Need more help with using graded readers with very young learners?

(E-book Collections)

Oxford Read and Imagine and Oxford Read and Discover graded readers are written and designed specifically for young language learners, to encourage them to enjoy reading at their level from the very beginning.

These two rich and engaging series are in a powerful partnership which means learners can choose to explore the same topic through fact or fiction and develop a love of reading.

Full-colour photographs, audio readers and Picture Dictionary help support learners’ understanding of common words and structures throughout.

Want to know more? View the Oxford Graded Readers E-book Collections brochure to begin using graded readers with young learners in your classroom!

12 Student-Pleasing Activities Using Graded Readers

23 November 2020 by Oxford University Press ELT Leave a comment

Reading can be a challenge for students learning English. Therefore, starting with graded readers for extensive reading lessons can be a very good option. This way, the student will learn new vocabulary in a meaningful context and improve their language skills. Having an extensive reading program can also help students become independent readers.

A reading program may consist of three stages: pre-reading, while reading and post-reading. Here are some activities that you may find helpful in implementing graded readers in your lesson plans.

Pre-reading

1. Word Detective

Before you begin reading any of the graded readers with your class, choose a sentence that can be a message for your students. This can be as simple as ‘Reading Is Fun.’ Find these words inside the books and note down the name of the book and the page that the word is on. Show students the sentence without the words, using only lines.

For example, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _.

Ask students to check their book(s), depending on how many graded readers you are going to read in class, and to try to find the words. You can help them by saying that ‘The second word is an auxiliary verb’, or ‘The first one starts with ‘R’.’ They can work in pairs, which will help them to work on their communication and collaboration skills. The students can also gain a general understanding of the book they are going to read. It will be even more fun when they come up with their own sentences.

2. Find the characters

Before you start reading your book, in order to generate curiosity, ask students to go through the pages of the book and search for proper names. How many can they find? Ask them to guess who these people might be. Ask them to take notes of the answers they give. When they finish reading the book, they can then see if they can guess who these characters are.

 3. Guess the title

Show the cover of the book to the students but hide the title. Ask them to guess the title of the book. Talk about the various answers they give and why they gave that answer.

 4. Match the title

Ask students how many types of book genres they know. If they are not ready to answer you can elicit. You can also ask them to search for different literary genres online before your lesson. You can say that Sherlock Holmes Short Stories belongs in the crime and mystery genre, Dracula is a horror story, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a classic fantasy story. They can add more to these examples. Talk about each genre to understand if each of them means the same to all. Write some examples of different genres on the board then write the titles of the graded readers that you are going to read and ask them to match with the genres. They need to try to guess the genre of the book just by looking at the title. After reading, you can discuss if they are right.

While reading

5. Take a selfie

When your students start reading their books, ask them to take a selfie while they are reading. They can get as creative as they want. Then, create a class, or even a school, exhibition and share the photos for everyone to see. Seeing other people’s photos in which they enjoy reading may be inspiring for those who do not find reading ‘cool enough’. You can also share these photos on a classroom blog or school website. If you are teaching online, every student can use the photo they take as their profile picture.

6. Word Clouds

Choose some words from the next chapter and add them to a word cloud tool online (there are many free online options, here is one example). Add some words that they will encounter in the next chapter and make a word cloud. Ask them to guess what might happen next. After they finish reading the chapter, they can see if they are right about the story that they come up with by only looking at the words in the word cloud.

 7. Horoscopes

Before moving on with the next chapter, students can write horoscopes for each character in the book and predict what will happen next. Since the students may not be familiar with horoscopes, you may need to clarify what a horoscope is first. You can share some examples of horoscopes that you can easily find online. They can think about what sign these characters are. You can divide the classroom into teams and give each team one character to write horoscopes for. They can then compare their tasks and, after reading the chapter, you can have a class discussion on which team is the closest to the correct answer.

 8. Tell me what you see

This activity is for the books that have illustrations in them. Ask students to work in pairs. One student will explain what they can see in the illustration for the chapter you are about to read, and the other will try to draw a picture while listening. They then try to guess what that chapter is about.

Post-reading

9. Write a play

After students finish reading the reader, in groups they can write a playscript of the book and act it for their classmates. They can revise the grammar structures you have been working on and add new characters if they want.

10. Act a scene

After you finish reading the book as a class, you can discuss what the best part was for the students and why. Ask the students to work in pairs or groups and choose a scene from the chapters and act that scene. You can differentiate this activity by asking the students to act the scene without speaking. They will only use gestures.

11. Pose the scene

For this activity, you need to describe some important scenes very briefly from the book on small pieces of paper. Divide the classroom into as many teams as the number of scenes you have written. Put the papers in a bag and ask each group to choose one. The students should decide quickly how to organize for the scene and pose like it as if somebody is taking a photo of it. The others will guess which scene it is and what happened. When everybody finishes posing, they can decide the order of the different scenes.

12. Roleplay

Ask students to write a brief description of one of the characters. You can also nominate a character to each student. The description may include age, occupation, Zodiac sign, hometown and anything that you think is relevant. Students then work in pairs and ask and answer questions according to the role-play cards. You can turn this into a kind of a gala event where all the characters meet each other and talk. There may be 2 or 3 of the same characters, which may add more fun!

Bonus! – Your students are more likely to develop a habit of reading when they see you reading. Read along with your students, carry the book that you are currently reading, talk about it with your students and you will see this will have a positive impact on them.

5 Fresh Games For Teaching English – Using Dice!

2 August 2021 by Oxford University Press ELT Leave a comment

Do you use dice in your English classes? I love using dice to create games for teaching English, as there are so many things you can do with them. You don’t even have to have two of them, one die can be enough. I love the look on the students’ faces when they are waiting to see what number they get. This tension creates a commitment to learning, as games help students to take an active role in their learning processes by creating situations where they have the chance to use the language effectively in a meaningful context. Also, playing games is fun and who doesn’t love to have fun?

Here are five different games for teaching English using dice. These have little or no preparation time. Feel free to change the rules according to the level of your students.

1) Get to know you

This activity can be used at the beginning of the school year. When you roll the die, with the number you get, you need to say that many things about yourself. It is a good idea if the teacher models this activity by doing a couple of rounds so that your students can get to know you. Then, you can divide the classroom into groups and ask them to play together. As a follow-up activity, the students can then try to find other people in the classroom that have rolled the same number with the die and given the same answer by asking questions, such as ‘I like swimming in summer. Do you like swimming, too?’

1. things you like doing in summer

2. things you did last week

3. things you want to do next year

4. things you love eating

5. things you don’t like eating

6. Words that describe you the best

2) Question Starters

In this game, roll the die and see which number you get. Then, you need to make a question using the question starter. Every word you add counts 1 point. For example, if you get 2, you start your sentence with ‘Does he’ and go on with something like ‘go out a lot at the weekend?’ Since you have added 7 new words, you get 7 points! If the students make a spelling or grammar mistake, then they will lose 1 point for each of them. You, as the teacher, can be the judge for this. You can either have them say the sentences or write them or both! Here is an example of the question starters:

1. Is ……?

2. Does he …..?

3. Did you ….?

4. Will she …..?

5. Where did you ….?

6. How will ….?

3) Word vs Grammar

For this game, you need to roll the die twice (or you can use 2 dice). The first number you get shows which vocabulary item you need to use, the second shows which tense you need to use to make your sentence. You can tell your students to use as many words as they can to get more points. Every word may count 1 point. For example, the first time you roll the die you get 4, and the next time you get 2. Your sentence ‘My grandmother retired 13 years ago, and surprisingly she moved to Italy.’

For this activity, I chose the vocabulary list from Project Explore (Oxford University Press) level 1 Unit 1.

First roll:

1. Go to college

2. Grow up

3. Have children

4. Retire

5. Start school

6. Get a job

Second roll:

1. Use past simple tense

2. Use an adverb

3. Use a preposition of place

4. Use future tense (will)

5. Use present continuous tense

6. Use a modal

4) Re-write the Story

As teachers, we all know that stories are a powerful tool for learning. You can spice your reading lessons up with a dice game. By rolling the die, you can change some bits of the story. You can divide your students into 6 different groups and each group can change the story according to the number they get. Then, you can have a classroom exhibition with these stories and everyone can read them. You can then discuss the “new” stories. How different are they?

1. Change the adjectives

2. Change all the subjects

3. Use a different tense

4. Change the setting

5. Add an animal in the story (Which animal would you add?)

6. Change the end

5) Exit Ticket

An exit ticket is a formative assessment technique that engages students with questions related to the lesson you are about to end. The students write their answers on a card, or any web 2.0 tool you want them to use. You can share all these answers with other classmates if you like. These questions do not necessarily need to be yes/no questions, but rather they can be questions with which everyone can generate their own answers. These can be evidence of their learning. If you want to learn more about exit tickets, you can read this blog post.

Here is an example of checking students’ understanding using the exit ticket idea. Ask your students to roll the die and answer one of the questions below prior to the lesson’s ending. The fact that there is no right or answer is great for your learners!

1. things you learnt today

2. things you want to learn next lesson

3. words related to the last lesson you did (and make a sentence with them)

4. things you want to share with a friend (about this lesson/ topic)

5. things you want to do after school today

6. new words that you have learnt so far this year

For more ideas on using games for teaching English, check out Using Games For Win-Win Learning.

35 Powerful Presentation Phrases in English for Engaging Your Audience

by Ima Ocon

Your palms are sweating. 

For a moment, your mind goes blank. 

All eyes are on you.

That moment right before you start presenting – as you take in your audience – is usually the scariest. The nervousness lessens with practice, but even the most frequent public speakers still get butterflies in their stomach sometimes. Whether you’re facing an entire room of people or looking at everyone through your laptop screen, giving a presentation can still be intimidating – or exciting, once you move beyond the fear. 

There’s an extra layer of challenge too if you have to speak in your non-native language. For a more professional-sounding and engaging presentation, we’ve compiled some of the most useful English presentation phrases below.

We’ll also explore what else you can do to make even more of an impact on your audience. With the right intonation, body language, and gestures, you’ll really be able to catch their attention and emphasize your points. 

If this sounds interesting to you, you should check out the Creativa business meeting mastery course. There’s an entire video episode about giving a stunning presentation. You’ll learn about how to structure your ideas, deliver a report, and conclude a discussion. It covers not only fluent native phrases but also body language demonstrations that you can apply to your work right away. 

On top of this, the course has plenty of other engaging, high-quality video episodes that help you present your best self in English. Curious about it? You can access a free video here. 

Delivering a Powerful Presentation 

To lay the groundwork for your presentation in English, here’s what you’ll have to do first:

Consider the audience 

You’re probably always going to need slides, but every presentation will be different – and the audience that you’ll be presenting to won’t always find the same points interesting. Because of this, you’ll have to tailor your message to them. What style of presentation would be a good fit? For example, some audiences would want to see a lot of number-crunching, while others might be looking for more personal storytelling.

Prepare a structure 

Structure is key in presentations. People have short attention spans, and they can be forgetful. At the end of the day, your goal is for them to remember at least the main points in your presentation. What message do you want to convey? Since you might be discussing a lot of information, you can make it more digestible by ensuring that there’s a logical progression and then ending with a summary. 

Whatever your topic is, it’ll benefit from having a well-defined structure to guide your audience from start to finish. For a cheat sheet on this, scroll down here to download a free PDF worksheet with exercises about structuring your presentation so you can be clear and convincing. This way, you can have a presentation that’s strong in all sections – beginning, middle, and end. 

Key Business Phrases

Once you’ve decided on the style and message of your presentation, you can take it up a notch by including certain English presentation phrases all throughout. Let’s break it down from start to finish: 

Introduction

This is when you’ll be warming up your audience before you proceed to your main points. 

Greeting the audience

If you’re presenting to people who aren’t too familiar with you, you can quickly introduce yourself and mention your role or company. 

Examples: 

• Good morning, everyone. I’m glad to be able to present to all of you. 

• Hello, everyone! It’s nice to see all of you today. I’m [name], the [position] from [company].

Describing your topic

After greeting the audience, you’ll be explaining to them what your presentation is all about. To set their expectations, you might show them an outline of the talk and mention if there’ll be any activities such as breakout discussions.

Examples:

• I’ll be talking about…

• • • I’ll be talking about our financial metrics over the past year.

• The topic of this presentation will be…

• • • The topic of this presentation will be major trends in the logistics industry.

• I’ll be discussing first the [first topic], next [second topic], and finally [third topic].

• • • I’ll be discussing first the project’s ideation process, next our initial trial, and finally, presenting our results.

Addressing questions and technical concerns

People might be wondering if they can ask questions during your presentation, so you can clarify this at the start. If you’re providing handouts or presenting online, it’s useful to ask people to alert you about any technical concerns. 

Examples:

• Please feel free to ask any questions during the talk.

• For questions, there will be a Q&A section at the end.

• Can all of you see and hear me properly? Please let me know if you have any technical difficulties during the presentation.  

Body

The body will make up the bulk of your presentation. Ideally, you would go through each of your points logically while letting your audience know when you’re moving on to the next section. 

Sequencing

The longer your presentation, the more important it is to use sequencing phrases. These act as cues that let your audience know where you are in the presentation. You can think of these as similar to detour signals that make the audience much more likely to get your meaning. 

Examples:

• First, let’s discuss the…

• • • First, let’s discuss the initial spark for this idea.

• Moving into [the next item / point] …

• • • Moving into item 4, we can see that this is a major pain point for our target market.

• This leads us to the next…

• • • This leads us to the next section, where we’ll be looking at the facts and figures.

Linking

Linking is closely related to sequencing. Similar to writing, you can have a smoother presentation by connecting your ideas rather than suddenly jumping from one point to another. You can also refer back to points that you’ve mentioned before to make your presentation more cohesive. 

• In connection to what I said earlier…

• • • In connection to what I said earlier about growing our online presence, we can now look into potential social media campaigns.

• What this means is…

• • • What this means is that most of our growth is coming from a certain sector. Let’s analyze the data for this in the next section.

• This ties in with…

• • • This ties in with our survey findings about user reactions. I’ll go into detail about changes we’ve made to the app as a result.

Giving examples

To fully convey your point, you can bring up specific examples and case studies. These are much more memorable as well as engaging because you can tell these in the form of a story.

• For example…

• • • For example, costs were reduced significantly when we switched to the following materials.

• To demonstrate this point…

• • • To demonstrate this point, I’ll be showing you a video of a business that used this problem-solving method.

• Here’s an example of…

• • • Here’s an example of a seasonal product that our customers loved.

Showing visuals 

Visuals naturally attract people’s attention. If you’re using slides for your presentation, take the opportunity to include images, diagrams, infographics, or even charts. 

• As you can see from this…

• • • As you can see from this photo, we’ve redesigned our office space.

• Here’s a diagram / picture / chart that shows…

• • • Here’s a diagram that shows a high percentage of people are comfortable with online shopping.

• If you look at this…

• • • If you look at this infographic, you can see that the new color palette comes off as fun and casual.

Citing data

Citing data from research makes your presentation more persuasive. When you’re talking about results that you’ve achieved, try to bring up actual numbers – this can go a long way towards impressing your audience. 

Examples:

• According to this study…

• • • According to this study from [journal], 65% of eCommerce companies are looking for more efficient payment methods.

• Based on our research…

• • • Based on our research, the most enthusiastic buyers of wellness products in this city are in the 20 to 30 age range.

• Looking at the data…

• • • Looking at the data, you’ll notice that there’s been an 18% spike in sales since we migrated our platform.

Restating an idea

Sometimes you’ll want to restate an idea so it’s easier to understand. This also serves to emphasize it. Because of the repetition, people are more likely to remember it compared to if you’d only mentioned it once. 

Examples:

• In other words…

• • • In other words, partnering up with this client can make our operations more efficient and seamless.

• Another way of saying this is…

• • • Another way of saying this is that there might actually be more demand than supply by next year.

• What I mean is…

• • • What I mean is we’re already more than halfway to our business objective.

Handling technical issues

When you’re presenting on video call, all kinds of glitches can happen. Someone might have connection issues, you might have to figure out an app feature you’ve never used before, or background noises might keep interrupting your call. The phrases below can be very handy in these kinds of situations.

• If you can’t hear me, can you type in the chat, please?

• Could everyone mute their mic? There’s a lot of background noise.

• Sorry. The call dropped. I’m back through.

Concluding the Presentation 

By this time, the hardest part is already over! Still, you’ll have to wrap up your presentation nicely by going over the key takeaways during the conclusion. Your audience might also have questions that they’ll want you to address.

Summarizing the presentation

Out of everything that you’ve discussed, what would you like people to get out of it? A short summary towards the end serves to highlight your main ideas. 

Examples:

• To wrap up…

• • • To wrap up, I’d like to point out three major takeaways.

• As a summary…

• • • As a summary of this report update, I would say we have seen a positive uptick in our workflow and productivity.

• All in all…

• • • All in all, we believe we’ve seen good results for this stage of our progress.

Thanking the audience

Similar to your greeting at the start, it’s common to address your audience again towards the end by thanking them for their time. 

Examples:

• Thank you for listening!

• Thank you to everyone for being here. 

• I’d like to thank you all for coming here.

Addressing questions

If you’re open to questions from your audience, you can have a short question-and-answer session after your presentation. 

Examples: 

• Do you have any questions or clarifications?

• Feel free to ask me about any of the points I made during the presentation.

• Let me know if you have any questions. 

Practice is Crucial

When you’re all set with the content of your presentation, the next step is to practice your delivery. Regardless of how well you know the topic of your presentation, practicing it at least once will help you be more confident. You’ll discover potential issues that you can fix too before you go live. 

Do a run-through

The most basic way to practice is to do a run-through of your entire presentation. Set a timer on your phone, open up your slides, then start talking – all while imagining that you’re already presenting to your audience. Since you’re acting as if it’s in real-time, this means avoiding any pauses where you have to look up information. 

A run-through can pinpoint any weaknesses in your presentation, and you’ll notice any parts where you might be uncomfortable talking. You’ll also be able to see how much time you’ve spent so you can pace yourself accordingly.  

Record yourself

A more intensive version of the run-through basic would be to record yourself presenting. You can either record your voice or take a full video of yourself. People often notice that they use filler words a lot such as “um” or “uh.” You’ll also be able to check your pronunciation and whether you sound confident and natural all throughout.

Since body language can make or break your delivery, watching a video of yourself presenting is an incredibly effective way to improve your performance. Do your facial expressions match what you’re saying? Are you maintaining good posture throughout and making efforts to connect with the audience?   

When you combine a confident, approachable body language with the right business vocabulary, your ideas shine through better than ever. You can get a play-by-play of how exactly to do this with the Creativa business meeting mastery course. It features video sections that are all about making powerful transitions and expressing your points clearly during presentations. You’ll learn about specific native English phrases and gestures so you can move fluidly from one idea to the next. 

Together with the other episodes, the course dives deep into how you can be a strong communicator during professional meetings. For a preview, check out this free episode.  

Presenting on Video Call

Technical issues happen often enough in face-to-face presentations, but they’re even more frequent during video calls. To avoid any awkward delays when you’re presenting, get comfortable with the platform that you’ll be using. 

If it’s a face-to-face presentation, double-check your slides and make sure any images or videos are showing properly. For video calls, try doing a test call on the app or even call up a friend to practice. You can also get familiar with the app’s basic features, such as screen-sharing or inviting people to breakout rooms. 

But sometimes, even when you’ve practiced your presentation perfectly on video call, the unexpected can still happen. Scroll down here to download a free worksheet that we made precisely for dealing with technical issues in presentations. You’ll get an extensive list of English phrases to use for all sorts of video call glitches, along with practical tips for handling them in the moment. With enough preparation, you’ll be able to roll with surprises and conquer even video call presentations. 

Let’s explore some of the most common glitches (and how you can deal with them gracefully!):

Situation 1: You’re having a hard time hearing other people because of their laggy connection. 

For a presentation to work, everyone needs to have a decent internet connection. If someone’s connection drops, they won’t be able to see or hear you properly, and you won’t understand what they’re trying to say, either. In this case, let them know right away that you can’t hear them. You can also ask them to talk to you over chat instead. 

Example Phrases:

• [Name], you’re cutting in and out. Would you mind reconnecting?

• Audio problems – can you type it on chat instead?

Situation 2: You get disconnected from the call. 

In the case that it’s your connection that’s faulty, you might have to disconnect then reconnect your call. This can be awkward because it interrupts the flow of your presentation. Alerting your audience using certain English phrases can reassure them while getting you back on track with what you were saying.

Example Phrases:

• Sorry, guys, dropped call. But I’m back.

• Connection problems, everyone. Gonna log out and back in. 

Situation 3: People are having a hard time figuring out how to turn on their audio or video.

Another reason why you’d want to be really familiar with the video platform is you might have to coach people when they experience glitches. It’s almost expected that a few people might accidentally forget to turn on their mic while speaking. Alternatively, they might have issues with turning on their camera.

Example Phrases:

• I can’t see you, [name]. [Give instructions on how to turn on their video.]

• • • I can’t see you, Fatima. Look for the camera icon and make sure there’s no red line through it.

• Typing in chat: “Make sure your mic’s unmuted.” [Clarify how they’ll know if they’re unmuted.]

• • • Typing in chat: “Make sure your mic’s unmuted. There should be no red lines through it.

Summary

The best presentations excel in all three areas: content, structure, and delivery. 

Including some of the key English phrases above will upgrade your performance. Aside from setting a professional tone, these English presentation phrases set the pace for your audience so they’re aware of where you are in the discussion. Your message will sound clearer, and your audience will be able to follow your ideas better.

The basic rules for presentations are the same, whether you’re on a video call or stepping in front of a stage. With the tips above, you’re all set to prepare an amazing presentation in English.

The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Greetings and Small Talk in English

by Ima Ocon

You’re about to go home from work. There’s a colleague standing next to you as both of you wait in front of the office elevator.

If you choose to stay quiet, it can get awkward – almost as if you’re ignoring each other. 

Or maybe you log into a video call meeting, and it turns out that you’re only the second person to arrive – after the host. The two of you stare at each other for a few seconds.

There’s no strict social rule that says you have to speak up, but situations like this are a chance to engage in small talk. Chatting with other people isn’t limited to casual settings such as when you’re around strangers at a party or you run into an acquaintance at the grocery store. Plenty of times at work, you’ll have to reach out and get a conversation going with someone you barely know. 

Read on to find out about how to greet people and make small talk in English – all while staying professional.  

Building Relationships with Small Talk 

You can think of small talk as polite conversations about light topics, usually with people that you’re not close to. It’s meant to break the ice so you and the other person can get to know each other a little. 

When you’re making small talk, you might say:

• How are you doing these days?

• It’s raining really hard outside right now.

• This event is pretty fun, huh?

It can be tempting to consider small talk as unimportant compared to, say, heart-to-heart conversations with close friends. However, to build a connection with anyone, you almost always have to start with small talk. 

There’s a psychological study that says people need to spend around 50 hours with someone to consider them a casual friend rather than an acquaintance. Go for friend status, and that’ll take 80-100 hours. That’s a lot of time – and a huge number of those hours will consist of small talk at first as a way of making people comfortable with each other.  

Small Talk in Business English 

Compared to more reserved cultures, English-speaking countries place a high value on greetings and small talk. In fact, knowing how to make small talk is part of the soft skills that many English-speaking employers and companies are looking for. 

Small talk is usually expected in these situations – pretty much when there’s silence between you and the other person and neither of you are busy: 

• Before and after a meeting

• Networking or industry events

• Bumping into a colleague or client 

• Waiting with someone 

Of course, there’s also a time to not make small talk. For example, in the middle of a meeting would be a bad time because it would be seen as a distraction from work. If you’re not sure, check what other people around you are doing – if they’re chit-chatting, then you can probably relax and strike up a conversation too.

While this can be fun in itself, that’s not your only incentive for getting comfortable with greeting people and making small talk in English. The more at ease your colleagues or clients are around you, the better you’ll be able to work together, and the more your career will benefit.

Knowing business English vocabulary is only one half of the puzzle – the other is having strong soft skills so you can talk to people with confidence. Both of these are covered in the Creativa Business Meeting Mastery Course. It has engaging, high-quality video courses that help you present your best self in English. 

Aside from learning native business English phrases, you’ll get to watch realistic reenactments that go deep into using your soft skills so you can be more persuasive and effective at work. Here’s a free video straight from the course to get you started. 

Top Five English Greetings

Before diving straight into small talk, you typically greet the other person first. While “Hello!” or “Hey!” can be a relaxed but effective way to talk to friends, you can opt for more formal greetings in a professional environment.

We’ve picked out five English greetings that you can adapt to different work situations. For a handy cheat sheet, click here to download a free PDF with exercises on English greetings and openers that’ll help you sound friendly and personable. Greeting someone sets the tone for the rest of your conversation, and it might even decide the other person’s first impression of you.

1. Good morning / good afternoon / good evening.

Native English speakers say “hello” outside of work – but when it comes to business, this is the default greeting. It’s probably the most widely used out of all the greetings listed here. You can use it when you’re greeting one person, stepping in front of a group to present, or nodding along to a colleague as you pass by. 

Naturally, the usual response to this is saying “Good morning” back, for example. As a greeting, it’s convenient in that people can either choose to start a conversation afterwards or stay in comfortable silence. 

2. Hi there! I’m [name]. It’s nice to meet you!

When you’re meeting someone for the first time, this is the statement to say. Once you’ve exchanged names, you can then move on to other topics, such as asking about each other’s company or work. 

The important thing to remember is to use this only with people you’ve never met before. If it turns out that it’s your second time meeting, the other person might take this to mean that you’ve completely forgotten them – which can be offensive. 

3. Haven’t seen you in a while!

You can use this greeting for people that you know but haven’t met for a long time. Another alternative would be: “Long time no see!” 

There are no specific rules for when you can say that it’s been a “while” since you’ve seen someone. If you work with someone every day but they’ve been away on a business trip for a week, that can count as “a while.” On the other hand, it also applies to business contacts that you haven’t talked to in a few years.

4. How are you?

Similar to good morning / afternoon / evening, this is a very common greeting that you’ll hear all the time. One reason why it’s so common is that you can use it with almost anyone – and your imagination’s the limit when it comes to the response. 

People can respond with “I’m doing well!”, “I’m working on this project,” “I’m on my way to a conference,” or whatever else they feel like letting you know about. 

5. It’s great to see everyone here.

This greeting works well for when you’re facing a group of people who are gathering together on purpose. It could be your opening line at a meeting, presentation, or after-work party. 

Most of the time, you would say this greeting only when it’s not that frequent for those people to meet up. For one, it sounds appropriate at a monthly company-wide meeting but not at a daily stand-up with your team.

Moving On to Small Talk 

Now that you’ve gotten people’s attention with your greeting, you can move on to small talk. The trickiest part about making small talk is probably keeping the conversation going when you don’t have that much information about the other person. 

Since coming up with conversation openers on the spot might be challenging, it’s convenient to already have a few statements prepared in case. Scroll down here to download a free worksheet with professional conversation openers that’ll help you make a positive impression from the start. Instead of fumbling around after “Hello,” you’ll be able to start the conversation smoothly right away. 

Doing these will also get you into the flow: 

Ask questions that will get the other person talking

Asking questions – and listening to the other person’s answer – is the foundation of small talk. However, not all questions are equally engaging – some might lead you to a dead end. 

Say that you’re talking to a fellow participant at a workshop that’s held every year. You might ask any of these two questions: 

• Did you attend the workshop last year too?

• How’s the workshop for you so far? 

The first question is great if the other person did attend the workshop – they can go into the details and maybe even recount their experiences. However, they’re also just as likely to answer with, “No, I didn’t” – which would be a dead end in the conversation. 

In comparison, the second question will get the other person talking about their opinion of the current workshop. Since both of you share the experience, you can follow up with more questions or comment on their reply.

The difference between the two is that the first is a yes-or-no question, while the second is open-ended. Asking open-ended questions broadens the conversation and gives you more topics to talk about. 

Give interesting information too

Conversations are ultimately about give-and-take. You ask questions to the other person while also revealing interesting information about yourself. 

While it might be flattering to keep asking questions, it can make the other person feel like they’re being interviewed when taken too far. Talking about yourself in the right amount is also helpful for the other person because both of you are coming up with ideas to keep the conversation interesting. 

You: Where would you recommend eating out around here? 

Coworker: Oh, I like going to this coffee shop around the corner.

You: I love coffee shops! They’re great to work in. [interesting information] What’s it like?

In this example, by mentioning that you also love coffee shops, you’re letting your coworker know that you have that in common. They can then describe the coffee shop to you in detail or ask you back about coffee shops that you like. 

Avoid overly personal topics

With small talk, you’ll want to stay away from topics that are too personal, such as:

• Health problems

• Emotional issues that you’re going through

• Salary and finances

• Gossip about mutual acquaintances

Whether you’re talking about your own life or you’re curious about the other person’s, bringing up these topics can make others feel extremely uncomfortable. Controversial topics such as politics and religion are also best avoided since you might end up getting into heated debates. 

All of these are doubly true in professional settings. While you can chat about these topics freely with friends, you wouldn’t bring these up with a client or a coworker out of the blue.

Best Topics for Small Talk at Work 

Since not all topics would be appropriate for small talk in the workplace, what can you talk about then? These topics make for light conversation while still letting you get to know the other person:

Your Surroundings

The easiest conversation starter would be to point out something that you can physically see in your surroundings. Assuming that both you and the other person are talking to each other face-to-face, this would be instantly relatable. It takes a bit more creativity with video calls, but you can comment on the video app that you’re using or make an observation on the other person’s environment. 

Examples:

• This place looks pretty huge! The organizers outdid themselves this time.

• That’s a lot of books on your shelves! I’m guessing you like reading? 

• It’s probably going to end up raining later. The weather has been unpredictable these days.

Current Events

As long as it’s well-known enough, bringing up current events is a fast way to get small talk started. You do have to be a little careful because some current events can be controversial or the other person might not be as aware of them. 

A good example of current events for small talk would be the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it’s brought up so often already, people still end up chatting about it and checking in with each other because it’s a global experience that’s still affecting everyone.

Examples:

• I heard that [current events] might be coming up soon, it sounds exciting!

• How’s the [current events] situation in your area?

• Did you hear about [current events]? 

Industry News

If you’re in the same industry as someone, then you have an instant set of topics to make small talk about: recent developments in your industry. This is almost always going to be interesting for both of you, and you might even end up learning something new (or exchanging business cards in the process). It’s an ideal topic for networking events, conferences, and other professional gatherings. 

Examples:

• I was reading about [industry news]… What do you think of it? 

• I’m looking forward to [industry news].

• You know, it’s interesting that [industry news]… What’s your take on that? 

Work

When you’re in a business setting, work is one of the most neutral conversation topics. You can ask the other person about their company, what they’re currently focusing on, or what exactly they do in their job or business. 

From there, you can delve into topics outside of work if they bring it up. For example, they might have chosen their current job because they enjoy traveling – you can then talk about which places were their favorite to travel to. 

Examples:

• What are you working on currently? 

• How did you get into [role or job]? 

• What do you like the most about [role or job]? 

Media   

For a more lighthearted approach, consider kicking off small talk by asking about the other person’s favorite books, podcasts, shows, or other forms of entertainment. You can even base your question on the other person’s role or career. An artist would most likely visit galleries frequently, while journalists would have their own set of favorite books and publications. 

When it’s your turn to talk about your recommendations, just make sure that the other person would also be interested in it. For example, you can mention Netflix shows if the other person also watches Netflix – but if they don’t, simply skip to another topic. 

Examples:

• What’s your favorite book / podcast / show / movie?

• Do you have any [form of entertainment] that you’ve seen recently?

• Which [form of entertainment] would you recommend? 

Ending Small Talk

You’ll eventually have to end the conversation. This can happen on its own – say, when an event starts and all of the participants have to quiet down. 

However, you’ll sometimes have to do it yourself. Instead of walking away all of a sudden, there’s a way to end it politely. 

What to Say

If you start running out of conversation topics or you have to leave for some reason, try following these steps for a smooth exit.

First, express your appreciation for the chat. You can make this even more personalized by thanking the other person for something that they specifically said. 

Examples:

• It’s been great meeting you!

• I’m glad I got to talk to you!

• I really appreciate how you told me about [topic].  

Second, mention a reason why you’re going or at least what you’re going to do next after your chat. 

Examples:

• I’ll be getting more drinks over at the next table.

• I’ll be heading to a meeting after this.

• Oh, I saw my coworker over there, will say hello! 

Third, hint at reconnecting with them in the future. You can either be vague with this or specifically ask for their contact information, depending on your conversation.

Examples:

• See you around!

• Looking forward to talking again sometime!

• Here’s my email or [social media account] if you want to stay in touch.

What if you won’t be leaving but simply want to focus on business matters after all the small talk? 

There are specific native English phrases that you can use to transition smoothly. Scroll down here to download a free PDF worksheet that shows you exactly how to do this with professional greetings and openers. It’ll drill you on what you can say to create a positive atmosphere for collaboration – and achieve successful results with your meeting. 

Looking Out for Social Cues 

So when exactly do you end small talk? Assuming that you don’t have a pressing reason to leave, you can look out for the following signs:

• The conversation drops off into silence, and it’s always you who’s restarting it.

• The other person is responding unenthusiastically or giving short answers without asking you questions even when you change the topic. 

• They’re getting fidgety, looking around, or constantly checking their phone.  

Just as social cues will clue you in on the timing, your own body language will also speak volumes to the other person. You might be saying “Hello,” but are you smiling and giving off an approachable vibe, or is your body language shouting that you’re a bit hesitant or unsure? 

After all, there’s more to small talk than just vocabulary. When you master body language, intonation, and gestures on top of that, you can express your personality better and build rapport faster at work. 

Now’s your chance to achieve that with the Creativa business meeting mastery course. It has an episode that’s dedicated to effective conversation openers, complete with specific terms for video calls. It also tackles how to think out loud and avoid uncomfortable silences – both of which are essential for small talk. 

Together with its other video episodes, you’ll hone both your soft skills and your English business vocabulary so you can become amazing at communicating professionally in English. Curious about it? Here’s a free video that you can check out. 

Conclusion

The more that you practice greetings and small talk in English, the more that you’ll get used to it. Still, small talk in a business setting can be more limited because you can’t ask as much about personal topics. Although there are plenty of English greetings around, some of them are more well-suited to work situations. 

Hopefully, with the vocabulary, tips, and resources that we’ve listed here, you can have fun with small talk and getting to know people through your work. You never know what a simple conversation could lead to!

Build Success Beyond the Classroom: Critical Thinking and Assessment

By Christina Cavage May 20, 2021:      www.english.com/blog/critical-thinking-and-assessment/ 

       View all articles in the Pearson English blog:     www.english.com/blog/ 

11 Essential English Gestures You Should Know to Advance Your Career

by Ima Ocon

Imagine asking two people how they are, and both of them answer with, “I’m fine.”

However, Person A says this with a smile, making direct eye contact with you with palms open by his side. On the other hand, Person B looks away and shrugs while rolling her eyes.

“I’m fine” is an English phrase that sounds perfectly neutral in writing. But when you’re talking to people, the gestures that they make can add a whole new layer of meaning to their words. In this case, Person A seems to be sincere, while Person B seems more sarcastic or uncomfortable.

For this reason, being fluent in English isn’t only about knowing the vocabulary and grammar. You can take it up a notch by also understanding common English gestures.

The more that your gestures back up your words, the more trustworthy and approachable you’ll appear–and the more persuasive you’ll be at work. 

What are Gestures?

Gestures are simply movements of the body that communicate a certain message. The most obvious gestures are made by the hands and arms, but gestures made by other body parts are also meaningful. For example, you can already notice a lot based on a person’s facial expression or posture. 

Although people can make gestures on purpose, these are often unconscious and automatic. (Try recording yourself on video–you’ll be surprised at all of the gestures that you’re making!) This is why they’re often an effective way to tell how other people are genuinely feeling.

Gestures are part of nonverbal communication. Psychologist Albert Mehrabian concluded that communication consists of the following:

• 55% – body language and gestures

• 38% – tone of voice 

• 7% – words

Body language and gestures make up more than 50% of your communication. Your gestures might actually be speaking louder than your words! 

Gestures can be different for each language too. English has its own unique gestures that might come off as strange when you use them with another language. For example, the English thumbs-up gesture is so widespread that it’s already been turned into an emoji. But while it’s generally taken as a positive gesture in English, it can be interpreted as being rude in other cultures. 

Why Non-Verbal Communication Matters

If you’re using English in the workplace, then learning about English gestures is a must. Here’s why:

• You’ll be able to read other people’s reactions and adjust accordingly. If you’re pitching to a client, being aware of their gestures can clue you in on whether they like or dislike what you just said.

• You’ll convey your intentions with more accuracy. When your gestures and your words support each other, people get a very strong and clear message of what you’re trying to say.

• You can express your personality better. Smiling, nodding, and even raising your eyebrows at the right time adds a warmer touch to how you communicate.

• You’ll showcase that you’re comfortable with using English. By not only speaking with fluid vocabulary but also backing it up with appropriate gestures, you’ll appear more confident and fluent.

On top of these, communication skills are highly sought after at work. Whatever industry or job position you’re in, both employers and clients appreciate strong communication skills. Since most communication is nonverbal, being sensitive to English gestures is definitely part of that.

What if you could also master English gestures along with vocabulary? Then you’ll be really persuasive, with top-notch communication all around. Aside from getting your points across assertively, you’ll perform even better at work because you’ll find it easier to connect with others–whether in an office or at a video call. 

Now’s your chance to achieve that. We’ve launched the Creativa business meeting mastery course, which features engaging, high-quality videos that dive deep into English gestures at work. Through realistic reenactments, you’ll get a firsthand view of how to seem friendly yet professional using your body language. 

The course covers a wide variety of situations, from managing meetings to disagreeing effectively. All in all, you’ll learn about how to present your best self in English–complete with lessons on native English vocabulary and pronunciation. Curious about it? You can check it out with a free video here.

Essential English Gestures That You Should Know About 

There are possibly hundreds of English gestures out there, but we’ve handpicked the English gestures that you’ll encounter the most often at work. 

Open Palms

In this gesture, the hands are generally stretched out, with the palms facing up. You’ll often notice this when people are moving their hands while talking. On the other hand, you might also be sitting down with someone at a table and they’re resting their hands in this way. This signifies openness and honesty. 

Tip: When you’re asking someone about their concerns or honest feedback, consider it a good sign if their palms are open. 

Arms Crossed

If a person’s arms are crossed, it’s considered as closed body language, which implies defensiveness or a refusal to connect. However, it isn’t always black-and-white. Crossed arms can imply that the person might be feeling tense, afraid, or uncomfortable, but it’s also connected to problem-solving and perseverance. The person might just simply be trying to think their way through a problem. 

Tip: Since other people can interpret this as defensiveness, avoid crossing your arms when you’re in an important discussion. 

Fingers or Foot Tapping

You’ve probably seen people tapping their fingers or feet repeatedly beforemaybe while listening to a presentation or sitting at a prolonged meeting. Here’s what this gesture is saying: “I’m feeling impatient.” People tend to do this because of either boredom or anxiety.

Tip: Next time that you’re speaking to a group, try to be observant of these cues–and adjust your presentation to make it more engaging. 

Nodding

When someone’s trying to explain their ideas to you, you can make them more comfortable by nodding along when they pause and saying, “Yeah,” “Go on,” or “Mm-hm.” Nodding means that you agree with what the other person is saying. You might also nod while making verbal statements of agreement such as “I see your point” or “That’s true” for emphasis. 

Tip: Although this might seem like a universal gesture, it actually isn’t. Double-check before using it in a foreign culture–some Eastern European countries interpret nodding as a “no”!

Smiling

In the English-speaking world, smiling is usually seen as polite, and it helps make other people feel at ease. Whether you’re saying hello to a coworker or holding a meeting with a sponsor, smiling every now and then can break the ice. 

Tip: One of the most natural times to smile would be when you’re thanking someone. For example, you’ll sound more sincere if you smile while saying, “Thank you for taking the time to meet about this.” 

Shrugging

Shrugging is when someone raises their shoulders slightly then brings them back down again. It’s a very casual gesture. You might not catch it at formal meetings, but if you’re with coworkers that you’re comfortable enough to be joking around with, shrugging tends to be more common. 

What it communicates is “I don’t know,” with the implication that they don’t really care too much about it.

Tip: Shrugging is fine with friends, but avoid shrugging when you’re in a serious business setting.

Thumbs Up 

In the English-speaking world, the thumbs up gesture appears more often on chat messages as an emoji. Another common scenario is during group video meetings, when one person’s asking if everyone else agrees with a proposal or if everyone’s free during a certain time. Since it’s hard to talk all at once during video meetings, people simply use the thumbs up gesture to show that they’re okay with it. 

Tip: The thumbs up gesture can be offensive in certain countries such as Iraq and Russia. If you’re communicating in English with someone who isn’t a native speaker as well, make sure that it’s a regular gesture in their culture of origin too. 

Eye Contact 

Native English speakers often maintain eye contact while talking–in other words, they look directly at the other person. Avoiding eye contact can make it seem as if you’re hiding something or you’re feeling intimidated. 

Tip: During business meetings, hold eye contact every now and then with whoever you’re talking to. This builds a sense of connectedness, and conversation will flow more easily. However, don’t overdo it–too much eye contact without any breaks might make you seem way too aggressive instead! 

High Five 

A high five can be a greeting as well as a congratulatory English gesture. For example, you can shout out “High five!” to a friend while raising your open palm. Your friend then slaps their palm against yours. A more casual version of this would be the fist bump, where people touch their clenched fists together. 

Tip: When someone from your team does a great job, you can congratulate them by giving them a high five. Since this is a casual gesture, it’s more appropriate to do it with coworkers that you’re on friendly terms with.  

Index Finger to Lips

Putting your index finger to your lips is a widespread English gesture that means, “Please be quiet” or “Tone your voice down.” At work, a colleague might use this gesture when they’re on a video call and can hear your voice in the background or when there are people having a meeting nearby. A stronger, more blunt version of this would be drawing your thumb and forefinger across your lips, like a zipper across your mouth. 

Tip: As your first choice, it’s always best to go with a simple, “Please tone your voice down” since this gesture can come off as a bit abrupt. 

Finger Crossed

Native English speakers sometimes cross their index and middle fingers together as a way of saying good luck. You can pair this gesture with statements like “I hope everything goes well!” or “Best of luck, fingers crossed.” 

Tip: This gesture works whether you’re wishing good luck for yourself or for others. In a professional context, it’s rare to see this over video calls. Instead, it’s more typically used in person by coworkers that you’ve collaborated with closely and who know you fairly well.  

Using English Gestures at Work

Being aware of these essential English gestures can lead to a huge improvement in your communication skills in English. Let’s explore how you can use English gestures in your everyday work interactions:

Adopt open body language

Although you can’t always pay attention to your own gestures, a general rule of thumb is to adopt open body language, especially when you’re in meetings or one-on-one conversations. On a nonverbal level, you’re signaling to the other person that you’re confident and willing to hear them out. 

Here are the specifics:

• Maintain an upright posture, with your body angled directly to the person. You can even lean in slightly to express attentiveness.

• Make direct eye contact and smile occasionally. Other people tend to mirror your body language unconsciously, so when you smile, they’re likely to smile back.

• Avoid crossing your arms or making unnecessary gestures. Crossing your arms signals defensiveness and putting the other person at a distance. Unnecessary gestures such as tapping your fingers or playing with your hair can also give the impression that you’re bored. 

• Use open hand gestures when you’re speaking. If you’re giving a long explanation or presenting to a group, moving your hands as you speak can help you look more engaging and animated. 

Using the appropriate English gestures has a strong effect on how others see you. When you combine this with confident business vocabulary, people are likely to be more open to your ideas, and your presentations become even more engaging.

Scroll down for a free PDF worksheet with helpful exercises on how to discuss your ideas effectively and emphasize your points. You’ll get to practice with professional English phrases and expressions that come up often–and you’ll be able to apply these right away the next time you hold a meeting. 

Be aware of others’ gestures

Communication is a two-way street, so understanding other’s gestures will refine your own communication and put you in sync with them. This is invaluable, especially when you’re doing sales, negotiation, or even conflict resolution. When you’re sensitive to someone else’s gestures, you’ll know where to steer the conversation.

Be on the lookout for these gestures:

• Fidgeting, yawning, slouching, or doodling – All of these are signs that the other person isn’t paying attention. These happen more often in groups when someone’s presenting as compared to one-on-one conversations.

• Maintaining little eye contact – The other person might be either intimidated or scared. They might also be trying to hide something. To get them to relax, you can shift to having open body language as described above.

• Frowning or unchanging facial expression – Most people will mirror your expression. If you’re smiling at them but they remain stoic or frowning, it might mean that they’re either uncomfortable or they don’t agree with you. 

• Crossed arms arms – Depending on the context, this can subtly imply that the other person is feeling closed off or doubtful. Try smiling at them then asking what they think to bring out their thoughts. 

While all of these gestures have common meanings, you’ll still have to take into account what the person is saying along with what’s actually happening. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to adjust your approach then observe if their body language becomes more open and responsive. 

Conclusion 

Communication isn’t limited to words. When more than 50% of communication is nonverbal, your physical gestures might even be sending out a stronger message than the words that you’re saying. 

To strengthen your message in English, your words and your gestures would have to match up. Being mindful of other people’s gestures also makes you a better conversationalist, which can advance your career.

11 phrases to avoid bruised ego’s in meetings

The best advice I ever heard about leadership was from Dale Carnegie.

From his classic: How To Win Friends and Influence People  What was the advice?

Show respect for the other person’s opinions. Never say, "You’re wrong."    Seems obvious.

But rejecting ideas without explanation = bruised egos.

So here’s how you can disagree while making people feel heard:

• I love this idea and can see the merits behind it...

• I hear what you are saying and it makes a lot of sense...

• I would completely agree with you on this...

• I’m really impressed with this work…

• I really get this idea! You’ve thought this over well...

• I completely understand your concerns here...

• I see that clearly!

• I absolutely get what you mean...

• It seems amazing...

• That sounds great...

• I see that clearly. It’s a great point.

Q: Skills For Success Question Time! Answers From ELT Teachers

oupeltglobalblog.com/2021/05/19/q-skills-questions/?dm_i=1MVU,7EDN5,QPWGYX,U1M9U,1#more-15694 

Using Graded Readers for Extensive Reading:  drive.google.com/file/d/1BS9hhzOgQGsdbJHZL3HASniyaKE6Px8T/view?usp=sharing 

How To Teach Students About Responsibility | Eco In The ELT Classroom

14 April 2021 by Oxford University Press ELT Leave a comment

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to discussions in society around the right to personal freedoms and the responsibility towards others when it comes to wearing a mask in public places or confined spaces. Should we have the right to choose or do as we are told by the people who lead our countries?

Whatever your opinions on wearing masks and other measures to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases, when people are responsible in a society it functions more smoothly.

To change mindsets is a difficult thing, which is why getting our students to reflect, discuss and consider why one needs responsible behaviour in society is so valuable. It is not necessarily because we ‘should’ or ‘have to’, but rather because it makes sense to. It is also a way of promoting and educating our students about citizenship and the potential actions that they can take.

Helping and supporting one another

At the primary level, young learners (YLs) cannot engage in discussions about what they consider right or wrong, but they can be given examples of responsible behaviour. Introducing the phrase “Who can help me…?” is one easy way of encouraging responsible behaviour and getting YLs used to the idea of helping you. This can be easily extended to “Who can help Adam to…?” so that they also help each other and not only the teacher, while not feeling embarrassed to ask for help themselves.

For the language at the beginner level, it is sufficient for them to comprehend what you are asking in English, the explanation of the verb ‘can’ as an auxiliary should not be considered at this stage. However, the verb ‘help’ can be understood and explored through images of who they help and who helps them, which provides the opportunity to use vocabulary to identify family members.

Feelings can also be explored, showing YLs that helping others is not only a responsibility, but it makes you feel good when you do and makes the recipient feel happy and supported when they are helped too.

Good citizenship

Secondary level students have more opportunities to be responsible than their YL compatriots. Although teenagers might think they are independent, they still have a strong reliance on their parents and other family members. However, they may be entrusted with more responsibilities than their younger siblings. This may weigh heavily on them and they may carry the sense of responsibility with some resentment.

In the EFL classroom we can help our teenage students to see responsibility from another perspective – one in terms of the environment. From this angle, responsibility can be considered a collective role, either at a global or a local level, which can also represent our interconnectedness. Thus, teenagers begin to see that responsibility is no longer optional because if, in a chain of responsibilities, one does not bother we are all affected.

Through the language of conditionals, we can provide a platform for students to consider differing viewpoints on given scenarios, with students giving opinions using “if you don’t, then…will…”. This can encourage teenagers to change their minds about what they think, while listening to and considering other ways of thinking. Such activities can help prevent dogmatic thinking and can teach our students the importance of listening to one another and respecting different opinions regardless of whether we agree or disagree with them.

We can therefore help teenagers to be aware of how to communicate respectfully and reflect on what makes a good citizen, whether it is on a local or global scale, as well as consider the impact on their different communities to which they may belong.

Impact of lack of responsibility

Unlike teenagers, adults generally have the skills of respectful communication in their own language so we can assist them to extend these skills into English. Thus, we can work with introducing and practising language of agreement/disagreement based around the topic of responsibility.

Adults tend to be less idealistic in nature due to having to cope with the pressures of day-to-day living, so they may have less time and energy to spend on abstract issues. We can, however, engage them with the topic of responsibility by drawing their attention to things that may be happening on the other side of the planet that they may never have considered any responsibility for. Information with evidence about how our actions affect our environment is one way in which we can get them to discuss ways to tackle issues while using language of polite discussion.

Taking positive action to help others has been shown to have positive psychological effects on the person helping and those being helped. If we learn from a young age that helping others can provide happiness, we can go some way towards developing societies of people who do not seek happiness in products. This in turn can help us to protect the environment from pollution of unwanted products or cheap objects that soon lose their attraction and end up in the sea or landfill sites. By understanding how one action is part of a chain of effects can help us recognise our role in the chain. English language is international and so is our responsibility to improve the world we live in, so why not combine the two?

If you are interested to see how we can use Responsibility as a topic in ELT, try out these lesson plans for primary, secondary, and adult students! 

Shape the future of English language assessment

Give your students FREE practice taking online assessments without the pressure of taking an exam! Join our Pretesting Research Partner community today.

Have you ever wanted to give your students stress-free practice taking online assessments, without the pressure of taking a real exam? Or have you ever dreamed of finding out where students need more practice, without having to spend hours marking their tests? Our Pretesting Research Partners work with us to trial our exam questions before they become part of our live tests – helping us to shape the future of English language assessment. And it’s completely free!

What is pretesting?

Pretesting is a fundamental step in the development of our assessment products, such as the Oxford Placement Test and Oxford Test of English. It is a free research activity we conduct with students around the world. We offer pretests to students of various age groups and at various CEFR levels. We pretest all four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

4 good reasons to apply:

1. Stress-free practice – Give students practice taking online assessments without the pressure of taking a real exam.

2. Fast results – Results are provided instantly for Reading and Listening. Writing and Speaking are marked by trained assessors, so a breakdown of scores is provided within 3 weeks. It’s an efficient way to identify which skills each of your students should focus on. Also, it will give you strong evidence to motivate students to practice specific skills. Please note, because this is a research activity, the results cannot be used to place students at a particular CEFR level, or as proof of proficiency.

3. Total flexibility – Choose when you want to pretest and how often – from every month to once a year, we require no commitment. You can just try it once and see if that works for you!

4. Be part of something bigger – Contribute to the future of English language assessment as part of our global research community.

Where are our current Partners?

As you can see on our map, our current partners are based across the globe – and we’re always looking to expand our reach!

How does pretesting work?

Pretesting is easy to get involved in and we support you throughout the whole process. Each month, we (the pretesting team) let our Partners know what CEFR level pretests we have available. Partners confirm the number of students they would like to pretest with, and we assign them the licences. Licences are valid for a month and can be used at any time, which allows our Partners to run a pretest session when it best suits their schedule. Partners run their sessions via the OUP Learning Management System and provide some feedback to the pretesting team when the sessions are completed.

What about the results?

The Reading and Listening skills are marked automatically and the results are available as soon as a session is completed. The results come in the form of a score that is converted to a percentage of correct answers.

The Writing and Speaking skills are marked by external assessors and scored across 4 criteria:

• Writing: Organization, Task Fulfilment, Grammar and Lexis.

• Speaking: Task Fulfilment, Fluency/ Pronunciation, Grammar and Lexis.

Requirements

For the full requirements to become a Pretesting Research Partner, please see page 6 of the Pretesting Research Partner Handbook.

IELTS on computer

IELTS offers a choice of two modes of delivery: on paper and on computer. If your learners feel more comfortable typing, they can opt for IELTS on computer. If they are not sure, our sample materials will help them to decide which option they prefer, and will give them an idea of what to expect in the Listening, Reading and Writing sections. Our helpful video tutorials will also show them how to use the help option, make notes or highlight text during the test.

Please encourage your learners to register for a free IELTS on computer familiarisation test.

takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/ielts-on-computer 

IELTS Lesson plan

In this edition, we have included IELTS lesson plan that focuses on grammatical accuracy in writing and aims to improve our learners’ ability to use a variety of complex sentences in Writing Task 1.  Download the lesson plan from the link below.

docs.google.com/document/d/1PRJ22jdYpaf1ZjfwxZnOjqKOr5ROqeevK6J7kjdG2lM/edit?usp=sharing 

Want to learn everyday British slang?

Then you've come to the right place!

Today we are going over 16 British slang words so that you sound more native and fluent when in the UK.   www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFLoUqo-UlE 

Коли екзамени вже на носі...                                                                              

Порадьте майбутнім абітурієнтам прочитати перед іспитами: Five tips to stay stress-free 

learningenglishwithoxford.com/2020/03/06/stress-free-oxford-test-english/?dm_i=1Q6R,7D85O,PPZIXZ,TWJ96,1 

Відеозапис для вчителів: Teaching tools for reading and listening skills: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptVh2hDceh0 

Party planners prepare!

Did you know the Queen of England has two birthdays? Her actual birthday on the 21st April, but she also has an official birthday in June. Get your students in the party mood and ask them to plan a celebration with these fun activities!

For young learners:  drive.google.com/file/d/1P_I0q-7fJtOUwLepjYL8Bbabl4E4IsEl/view?usp=sharing 

For teenages:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b7qQyP9l3Q24YXqNotVwb_I692R4TBua/view?usp=sharing

Lesson Plan: John Lennon from The Beatles

Focusing your lessons on a famous person, such as John Lennon, can be a great way to engage your students with English language learning. These new activities include reading, vocabulary, online research ideas, and more.

Read the sample

Download the activities

Are you an English learner and at the same time a huge Disney and Aladdin movie fan?

Then you've come to the right place!  Today we are going to teach you how to learn English with Aladdin! : 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTo33MKv0N8

УДК 373.5.016:811.111

Гуменюк І.Б., викладач кафедри методики викладання навчальних предметів

Комунальний заклад «Житомирський обласний інститут післядипломної педагогічної освіти» Житомирської обласної ради

e-mail: ib_gr60@ukr.net

Розвиток наскрізних умінь ключових компетентностей учнів НУШ у процесі навчання англійської мови

Як зазначено в новому Державному стандарті базової середньої освіти метою цієї освіти є «розвиток природних здібностей, інтересів, обдарувань учнів, формування компетентностей, необхідних для їх соціалізації та громадянської активності, свідомого вибору подальшого життєвого шляху та самореалізації, продовження навчання на рівні профільної освіти або здобуття професії, виховання відповідального, шанобливого ставлення до родини, суспільства, навколишнього природного середовища, національних та культурних цінностей українського народу» [1].

Досягнення цієї мети забезпечується шляхом формування ціннісних орієнтирів учнів, ключових компетентностей і наскрізних умінь, які є необхідними кожній сучасній людині для досягнення власних цілей, успішної життєдіяльності. В Концепції НУШ зазначено, що «ключові компетентності й наскрізні вміння створюють «канву», яка є основою для успішної самореалізації учня – як особистості, громадянина і фахівця» [2]. Змінюється світ, школа має дати таким учням не лише базові знання з різних галузей науки, а й розвивати їх навчально-пізнавальні інтереси і здібності, озброїти їх навичками та уміннями, які будуть потрібні їм у майбутньому. Тому усі компетентності і наскрізні вміння є дуже важливими, взаємопов’язані один з одним й природно інтегруються в процес навчання як на початковому етапі так і в базовій середній школі, що є основою компетентнісного підходу.

Відповідно до державної мовної політики навчання іноземних мов є одним із пріоритетів сучасної освіти. Як зазначено в 7 статті (пункт 3) Закону України «Про освіту» «держава сприяє вивченню мов міжнародного спілкування, насамперед англійської мови, в державних і комунальних закладах освіти» [3]. Завдання іноземних мов у реалізації мети освіти полягає у «формуванні умінь здійснювати спілкування в межах сфер, тем і ситуацій, визначених чинною навчальною програмою, розуміти на слух зміст автентичних текстів, читати і розуміти автентичні тексти різних жанрів і видів, здійснювати спілкування у письмовій формі відповідно до поставлених завдань, адекватно використовувати досвід, набутий у вивченні рідної мови та інших навчальних предметів, використовувати у разі потреби невербальні засоби спілкування за умови дефіциту наявних мовних засобів, критично оцінювати інформацію та використовувати її для різних потреб, висловлювати свої думки, почуття та ставлення, ефективно взаємодіяти з іншими усно, письмово та за допомогою засобів електронного спілкування, обирати й застосовувати доцільні комунікативні стратегії відповідно до різних потреб, ефективно користуватися навчальними стратегіями для самостійного вивчення іноземних мов» [4]. Ми бачимо, що формування іншомовної комунікативної компетентності учнів у процесі навчання іноземних мов тісно пов’язано з формуванням ключових компетентностей та наскрізних умінь. Це дозволяє учням оволодіти обсягом умінь, які можуть забезпечити їхню комунікативну та соціальну комфортність спілкування, співпраці, вирішення проблемних питань в реальних умовах.

Тому, першочергова увага педагогів приділяється тим формам, методам, засобам і технологіям, які інтегрують формування предметних, ключових компетентностей та розвиток наскрізних умінь, щоб забезпечити взаємозв’язок навчальних результатів із особистісними якостями і здібностями учнів, які потрібні для життєвого успіху. Виникає необхідність в організації навчання таким чином, коли за своїми основними параметрами, видами і формами діяльності освітній процес відтворює реальний процес мовленнєвої взаємодії, створює різноманітні соціальні умови спілкування і забезпечує умотивоване творче виконання вправ і завдань, які сприяють організації поставленої мети у різноманітних інтерактивних видах комунікативної діяльності таких як навчально-мовленнєві ситуації, дидактично спрямовані ігрові види діяльності, рольові ігри, проектні роботи, вирішування проблемних питань, прийняття рішень тощо. І саме комунікативні завдання як вид творчої діяльності є засобами, що характерні такому підходу до навчання мовлення. Окрім того, значущість їх виявляється також у здатності творчо і комплексно інтегрувати розвиток в учнів умінь, що визначають їх навчальний прогрес, рівень досягнення результатів навчання, компетентнісний потенціал і розвиток наскрізних умінь.

Відповідно до результатів навчання та орієнтирів для оцінювання під час здійснення, наприклад, взаємодії з іншими особами в усній і письмовій формі та в режимі реального часу через засоби іноземної мови учні повинні вміти розповідати, висловлювати власну думку та аргументувати її, висловлювати свої думки щодо розв’язання практичних проблем з урахуванням емоційного стану співрозмовників, давати пораду щодо розв’язання простих ситуацій відповідно до своєї компетентності, ініціювати, підтримувати та завершувати прості онлайн-дискусії, розмови, використовувати власний мовленнєвий досвід та комунікативні стратегії, щоб підтримувати розмову чи дискусію, узагальнювати основну думку, висловлену в дискусії [1].

Творчі комунікативні завдання, продуктивні комунікативні вправи з обміну інформації та безліч інших, постійна організація пізнавальної діяльності учнів, дають можливість забезпечувати на уроці моделювання соціальної та комунікативної взаємодії учнів, інтерактивне спілкування.

Використання навчально-мовленнєвих ситуацій на уроках англійської мови передбачає усвідомлене засвоєння не тільки мовних явищ, але й психологічних процесів, які породжують мовлення, надання учням інформації про соціально зумовлені правила мовленнєвого етикету країни, мова якої вивчається, що суттєво впливає на весь процес навчання, виховання та розвитку.

Під час виконання цих завдань в учнів розвиваються не тільки предметні та ключові компетентності, а й майже всі наскрізні вміння: співпраця, ефективне спілкування, розв’язування проблем, прийняття рішень, критичне, креативне мислення, розвиток емоційного інтелекту, організація своєї діяльності, ініціатива, рефлексія, дослідження.

Такі види навчальної діяльності знаходять широке застосування у процесі навчання англійської мови учнів НУШ, тому як учні використовують іноземну мову як засіб мовленнєвої та соціальної взаємодії, збагачують навчальний і життєвий досвід, в них формуються прагматичні уміння й навички, розвиваються наскрізні вміння, які допоможуть їм у вирішенні практичних видів діяльності в різноманітних соціальних умовах реального життя.

Список використаних джерел та літератури

1.                Державний стандарт базової середньої освіти [Електронний ресурс]. – Режим доступу : https://mon.gov.ua/ua/osvita/zagalna-serednya-osvita/derzhavni-standarti.

2.                     Концепція Нової української школи [Електронний ресурс]. – Режим доступу: https://mon.gov.ua/ua/osvita/zagalna-serednya-osvita/novaukrayinska-shkola

3.                               Закон України «Про освіту» https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2145-19#Text

4.                «Навчальна програма для загальноосвітніх навчальних закладів і спеціалізованих шкіл з поглибленим вивченням іноземних мов. 5-9 класи», К., 2017 р.;

5.                Державний стандарт початкової загальної освіти [Електроннийресурс]. – Режим доступу :http://www.mon.gov.ua/index.php/ua/.

6.                Зимняя И. А. Психология обучения иностранным языкам в школе / Зимняя И. А. - М.: Просвещение, 1991. - 222 с.

Загальноєвропейські Рекомендації з мовної освіти:вивчення, викладання, оцінювання / наук. ред. укр. Видання С. Ю. Ніколаєва. – К.: Ленвіт, 2008. – 261 

Thinking about how to teach eco-themed topics in the classroom? 

What you need to teach Eco in the ELT Classroom:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWAyAKtEO0g 

 Варто спробувати на уроках ці чудові нові ідеї:

  Oxford Discover activities

  Eco in the ELT Classroom

  5 expert tips for learning English vocabulary

  Travel the world from your classroom or home

 10-minute reading challenge

Discover online resources and activities to help teachers, parents and students get the most out of learning at home: elt.oup.com/feature/global/learnathome/?cc=ua&selLanguage=uk 

  How to talk about your feelings in English | 27 words and phrases with MOVIE EXAMPLES

                                                      www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga8hXrou__A&feature=youtu.be    

Are you looking for the best tips for speaking English well?

Then you've come to the right place!

Today's video equips you with all the right tools and tips for speaking English well.   www.youtube.com/watch?v=MceMVgO8Nj0 

Pancake Day activities to try with your young learners

Pancake Day is celebrated by many countries all over the world! Try these activities in class or send them hope for students to complete with their parents. There is even a simple recipe so that students can try and make their own!  

Download the activities

OXFORD EXAM TRAINER is your guide to successful exams" - запис вебінару від 09 грудня (проводила Тетяна Редченко): https://oupelt.adobeconnect.com/ptzulwd9k9ai?dm_i=1Q48,764DK,QIIAIG,T1AJ5,1

Valentine's Day Lesson Ideas

У пошуку нових розробок до святкових уроків?