Some useful expressions to make sure you're following someone. If you're being asked questions in an English exam, at work or at university, you need to be able to make sure you understand what the other person has asked you. Practise using some useful expressions from our '5 Minute Functions' video lesson below. This video was made with IELTS students in mind but will be … [Read more...] about How to Confirm Understanding
Archives for February 2020
How to Agree and Disagree
Some useful expressions for conversations and discussions. If you're working with a partner in an English Speaking exam, or taking part in discussions at work or university, you'll want to be able to agree and disagree effectively. This short video from our '5 Minute Functions' series of lessons will help you do just this. Written for IELTS students, but ideal for anyone … [Read more...] about How to Agree and Disagree
How to Express an Opinion
Some useful expressions to express your views. Whether you're taking an English Speaking exam like FCE, CAE or CPE or using English in the workplace or at university, you will often find yourself having to give an opinion. Avoid using 'I think' again and again by learning some alternative phrases. The video below is part of our '5 Minute Functions' series of videos … [Read more...] about How to Express an Opinion
How to Speculate and Hypothesise
A key skill for advanced English speakers. You will be expected to show you can speculate in English if you're taking and advanced Speaking exam like CAE, CPE or IELTS. The same skills will be vital for people using English at work or university. Check out one of our 'Five Minute Functions' video lesson below. Aimed at IELTS students but appropriate for anyone wanting to … [Read more...] about How to Speculate and Hypothesise
Use Fillers to Improve Your Fluency
Short expressions that will help you reduce those pauses. This is another short lesson from our 'Five Minute Functions' series of videos. Avoid hesitating and become more fluent when responding to questions using fillers. Written for IELTS students, but equally useful for anyone wanting to become more fluent in English. Transcript for Using Fillers to Improve … [Read more...] about Use Fillers to Improve Your Fluency
How to Express Likes and Dislikes
And how to avoid repeating 'I like' ... 'I like ...' etc. Welcome to another of our 'Five Minute Functions' video lessons. This was produced for IELTS students but will be equally useful for any student preparing for an English Speaking exam like FCE, CAE or CPE or for anyone facing a situation where they have to talk about themselves in English. … [Read more...] about How to Express Likes and Dislikes
How to Compare and Contrast
You will often be required to compare and contrast things when you are speaking, whether in a conversation, taking an English Speaking exam or using English in the workplace or university. The video below is part of our '5-Minute Functions' series and was written for IELTS students. However, it will be equally useful for you whether you are taking IELTS or not. … [Read more...] about How to Compare and Contrast
Splendid Speaking Interview 1: Spontaneous Talks
Comprehension Questions As you listen, decide if the following questions are true or false according to what Corina says. 1) Music is good to listen to after a hard day at work. 2) Corina finds it difficult to find examples of Romanian folklore to listen to. 3) Music offers therapeutic benefits. 4) Young people have problems listening to music because their batteries … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 1: Spontaneous Talks
Splendid Speaking Interview 2: Responding to Questions
Transcript Hello, my name’s Pete Travis and you’re listening to the Splendid Speaking Interviews. This podcast features Solange from Brazil. This was the first time myself and Solange had met in Skype and the session was a getting-to-know-you opportunity. The focus was on giving full answers to questions, particularly when closed 'Yes/No' questions are asked such as: 'Do … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 2: Responding to Questions
Splendid Speaking Interview 3: Describing Photographs
Transcript Are you working in an industry or an academic area where you have to describe or interpret pictures or photographs? Perhaps you're doing an exam like CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), part of which asks you to describe a series of photographs. This podcast features an interview with Ekaterina from Bulgaria, who at the time of the interview was preparing for … [Read more...] about Splendid Speaking Interview 3: Describing Photographs