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Past Perfect Tense (Structure & Examples) - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Past Perfect Tense (Structure & Examples)
Past perfect tense indicates the finished or completed actions of the past. For example, I had taken eaten two pieces of cake before my friend finally showed up.
Past perfect tense indicates the finished or completed actions of the past. For example, I had taken eaten two pieces of cake before my friend finally showed up.
Signal Words for the past perfect
Structure
Subject + had + Past participle (v3)
Positive Sentences
To make the positive sentences, we use the following structure:
Subject + had + Past participle (V3)
Examples of positive sentences
Negative Sentences
We add ‘not’ after auxiliary verb to make the sentence negative.
Subject +... [Read more]
TEFL Ice Breakers: What You Need to Know
Fri, 14 Oct 2022 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
TEFL Ice Breakers: What You Need to Know
What are ice breakers and when and where do we use them? In this blog post, we will cover these issues and give actual examples of activities you can use with your classes.
Table of Contents
Watch the video about this topic
We are going to consider five different activities.
Two Truths and a Lie
Word Chain
Positive, Negative, Crazy
Would You Rather
Finish the Sentence
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Icebreakers are games or activities that are designed to 'break the ice'. Typically you would use these kinds of games or activities at the... [Read more]
Main Points of Teaching Grammar ITTT - TEFL Blog
Wed, 25 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Main Points of Teaching Grammar ITTT
Grammar has for all time been vital to teaching a foreign language. It was even tantamount with teaching a foreign language. However, for some time after the increase of communicative language teaching the grouping of grammar in the curriculum was fairly vague. Some linguists declared that it was not essential to teach grammar, that it would expand robotically. Nowadays it is widely established that grammar is a vital resource in with language communicatively.
Table of Contents
What does grammar teach?
When focusing on a grammar formation the educator considers the following:
Grammar for communication
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Problems of First Lessons and How to Overcome Them - TEFL Blog
Thu, 02 May 2019 Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Problems of First Lessons and How to Overcome Them
Challenges are inevitable especially if you want to be successful at what you do and teaching EFL is not devoid of them. In fact, teaching English as a Foreign Language can be very much exciting but also very challenging as it comes with lots of problems. Among these problems are what to do for the first lessons and how to get students motivated for the EFL course. These problems like many others have solutions and this essay seeks to highlight the problems and provide some practical solutions to them.
Table of Contents
First impressions are the most lasting
Overcoming this issue
Getting your students motivated
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How do Different Groups of Students Learn Grammar? - TEFL Blog
Thu, 09 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
How do Different Groups of Students Learn Grammar?
One may be keen to know what grammar is. Why do we need to learn grammar in our lives? How can I learn grammar?
Table of Contents
The Definition of Grammar
Ways to Transfer Grammar
How can I learn grammar
Why is it so important for my students to learn grammar?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mbalenhle S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The Definition of Grammar
Grammar is the set of rules that we follow when we speak to express our thoughts and to have a sound and meaningful conversation. It serves as an umbrella that... [Read more]
Is Grammar Still Important in Spoken English? - TEFL Blog
Thu, 09 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Is Grammar Still Important in Spoken English?
According to the Collins online dictionary, grammar is defined as "the ways that words can be put together in order to make sentences." The Oxford learner's dictionary defines grammar as "a person's knowledge and use of a language". If those two definitions were to be combined we could define grammar as the way we utilize the language knowledge we possess for the purpose of communication. In keeping with this definition then, it can be said that in order to communicate effectively, grammar is essential.
Table of Contents
A new approach to study
No grammar is needed to communicate
Common mistakes
Master your grammar teaching skills by taking a TEFL course today!
Related Articles:... [Read more]
An Overview of the Conditionals in the English Sentence - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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An Overview of the Conditionals in the English Sentence
Conditionals are sentences which are also known as ‘if clauses.’ These types of sentences are an important concept for anyone learning the language to understand. Let's take a look at the different conditionals in the infographic below.
Conditionals are sentences with two clauses, an “if” clause and a main clause. Generally, conditional sentences are often divided into different types. Let's take a look at each of them.
Zero Conditional
(Present Real Conditional)
In general, “zero conditional” refers to conditional sentences that express a fact, rather than describing a hypothetical situation or potential future circumstance. The grammar term is... [Read more]
What Learning a Second Language Can Teach You About Your Own - TEFL Blog
Thu, 13 May 2021 Regan McAllister
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
What Learning a Second Language Can Teach You About Your Own
In our global and connected world, knowing more than one language serves many benefits. Although technology has enabled communication across countries to be possible through translation apps, these apps fail to account for cultural etiquette and language nuances. Metaphors, figures of speech, and tone get easily distorted, which can lead to altered meanings and giggle-worthy translations.
Table of Contents
Improved Vocabulary
Enhanced Cultural Understanding
Better Understanding of Grammar, Syntax, and Sentence Structure
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Evaluation and Testing of Students - Placements Tests - TEFL Blog
Fri, 22 Apr 2022 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Evaluation and Testing of Students - Placements Tests
Placement tests are designed to put students in their appropriate ESL level band. What are the levels and how do the tests do this?
Table of Contents
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One type of test we commonly use for our ESL students is called the placement test. They're also called level tests and as the name implies what we're trying to do is to place students in a particular level of class. Typically there are five levels, these being, Starter (Level 1), Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate and Upper-... [Read more]
Affect, That and Whom - The Three Most Misconceived Words in English Grammar - TEFL Blog
Thu, 11 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Affect, That and Whom - The Three Most Misconceived Words in English Grammar
Grammar is the whole system of language. It includes a set of rules known as syntax. Occasionally when working on the computer you may get a message "Error Syntax; code 141" this means you have typed into the computer something that did not fit into the rules. This is not allowed and the computer will reject it and force you to obey the rules.
Table of Contents
Affect vs. Effect
That
Whom vs. Who
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Listen to this blog post
When speaking English we have no restrictions on the structure or form and no computer monitoring us to stop us from speaking incorrectly. We can say anything anyway we choose, well-spoken... [Read more]
Tips for Polite and Diplomatic Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Tips for Polite and Diplomatic Language
As a teacher of English as a foreign language, it's a good idea to teach students polite words and expressions right from the start. While diplomatic language often includes difficult vocabulary, it's actually not that hard to add some polite spice to a simple sentence - even for beginner students.
Of course you can make sentences a lot more polite by using the two magic phrases "please" and "thank you". However, there are a lot of other ways to use more polite language when speaking to others.
For English leaners, the problem mostly comes down to the fact that words and expressions that are considered "kind" in one language, aren't always kind in another. English uses a lot of... [Read more]
How to Learn English Grammar - TEFL Blog
Wed, 19 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
How to Learn English Grammar
In today's world learning English is no longer a possibility, but an essential part of being a world citizen. However, we must face the fact- for some people- to learn English grammar is not so easy and fun, they hate grammar and even think it is the most boring part of learning a new language. On the other hand, others are extremely interested in learning grammar rules and practice it as much as they can.
Table of Contents
There are Eight Practical Steps to Learn Grammar Easily.
Learn as many words as you can
Talk to people
Watch, Listen and Learn
Ask for Correction
Know the parts of speech
Look for patterns
Practice verb forms
Use Technology in your favor
Do you want to teach English abroad or online?... [Read more]
Types of Articles: Definite Article & Indefinite Articles - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Types of Articles: Definite Article & Indefinite Articles
Let's take a look at the different types of Articles in English! Learn article definitions and how to use definite and indefinite articles in sentences with the ESL infographic below.
Article Definition
An article is defined as a word that modifies or describes a noun. Adjectives are used before the noun to show whether it refers to something specific or not. So, in a way, articles can also be described as a type of adjective as they also tell us something about the noun, just like adjectives.
There are two types of articles in the English language, they are indefinite articles (a, an) and definite article (the).
Definite Article
Definite... [Read more]
The Most Common Challenges For The Turkish ESL Learners - TEFL Blog
Tue, 23 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The Most Common Challenges For The Turkish ESL Learners
There is nothing comfortable than being in your comfort zone, especially when speaking your language (native language). The feeling that comes with it, how you pronounce words, the use of jokes and proverbs, idioms, and other slang within it, no one can take that joy or even compensate it because it naturally comes from within. It makes you feel safe at home and confident even when speaking about topics that you have never seen or heard before simply because your brain is already rich with enough vocabulary. So it allows you to navigate, swim and tackle the issues from all possible angles.
Table of Contents
Global challenges
Sentence structure... [Read more]
The ESA Methodology of Teaching - Sample Straight Arrow ESA Lesson - TEFL Blog
Thu, 16 Jun 2022 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The ESA Methodology of Teaching - Sample Straight Arrow ESA Lesson
In this blog post, we will look at an actual example of an ESA straight arrow lesson plan. We will include examples of the activities used and their purpose. You can adapt this plan to a variety of other uses and levels.
Table of Contents
Watch the video about this topic
Engage phase
Study Phase
Activate phase
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Watch the video about this topic
Straight arrow ESA Lesson PlanClass level: ElementaryNumber of students: 8
Lesson aim: After the lesson the students should be able to look at an animal and... [Read more]
Five Fun and Adaptable Games for ESL Classes - TEFL Blog
Mon, 24 May 2021 Shirin Sophy
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Five Fun and Adaptable Games for ESL Classes
Today's pedagogical approaches put considerable emphasis upon the importance of providing students with the opportunity to have a joyful educational experience through adding enough and well-located variety to the lessons. One practical way to do so is designing and adding aimful games to your plan in order to inject positive energy into your lessons, improve the mood of your class and make your lessons stick in students' long-term memory.
Table of Contents
Pizza game
Hot seat
Hot potato
Spelling games
Whisper chain
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Since not only young... [Read more]
9 Small Details That Matter When Teaching EFL - TEFL Blog
Thu, 29 Nov 2018 Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
9 Small Details That Matter When Teaching EFL
When you teach English as a foreign language it's important to pay attention to details that we sometimes ignore when communicating with other native level speakers, either in spoken or written English. Some people have got into the habit of writing in uppercase/capital letters, use abbreviations, and don't think much about punctuation. We also tend not to be too critical of people's spoken English as long as we get the point across. 'There's a lot of cars on the road today' is grammatically incorrect for example.
Table of Contents
1. Punctuation
2. Upper and Lowercase
3. Abbreviations
4. Use of Colour on the Board
5. Avoid Boring Gap-Fills
6. Avoid Changing What Students Say
7. Maximizing... [Read more]
Authorised TEFL Certificate - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Authorised TEFL certificate
Check out tefl tesol about Authorised TEFL certificate and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad.
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V. F. & J. J. - U.S.A. said:
Foreign Language ExperienceEnglish is the dominant language around the world used to communicate on a number of issues. Because English is used by many people in many places, there is a high demand for English teachers in foreign countries. For people from countries where English is the native or dominant language, teaching it to others seems as if it would be simple. It is something they learned growing up and it comes naturally... [Read more]
The Significance of Vocabulary in Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Tue, 04 Jul 2023 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The Significance of Vocabulary in Language Learning
Vocabulary is one of the most important skills required for teaching and learning a foreign language. It is vital for effective communication and understanding of written text. A rich vocabulary helps individuals express their feelings, ideas, and needs while also enhancing their overall understanding of others. Vocabulary develops with age and presents one of the biggest challenges when learning a second language.
Table of Contents
The Stages of Vocabulary Knowledge
The Four Types of Vocabulary in Teaching
Teaching Strategies for Vocabulary Acquisition
Overcoming Challenges in Teaching Vocabulary
Conclusion
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign... [Read more]
Zero Conditional - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Zero Conditional Explanation
Conditionals are a fundamental part of English grammar that every teacher should know like the back of their hand. Let's take a look at the zero conditional below.
What is the Zero Conditional?
Zero conditionals are used for facts that are generally true and do not change. They refer to a general situation that always happen (for example in the rules of a game or laws of physics) if a condition is met. The condition always has the same result.
The zero conditional uses the present simple in the if clause and in the main clause.
Zero conditionals are also called "Type 0 conditionals" (general truth – general rule).
If + condition, result
Let’s take a look at some example... [Read more]
Great Ways to Start a Sentence - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Great Ways to Start a Sentence
Here you will find a useful list of common sentence starters that you can use in an English discussion as well as in essay writing. Learn these sentence starters to improve your English speaking and writing skills.
WORDS YOU CAN USE AS SENTENCE STARTERS
Words to add an idea
Words that show cause
Words that show contrast
Words that add emphasis
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Get your TEFL or TESOL certificate with ITTT.
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[Read more]
English Speaking and Writing Errors made by Chinese Primary Students - TEFL Blog
Mon, 27 May 2019 William Noble
Destinations Teaching Ideas
English Speaking and Writing Errors made by Chinese Primary Students
I have been an online ESL teacher to Chinese students for over 13 years, mostly with primary students but also with secondary and adult students. I am also a father and have homeschooled my daughter over her primary years. Like many teachers, I've enjoyed teaching at this level of education as it lays the foundation in English. As it set the foundation, my teaching helped students to overcome common errors in production skills, speaking and writing. Teaching both my daughter and Chinese students at the primary level also helped me also to understand the different expectations between first language and second language students.
Table of Contents
Speaking... [Read more]
Pros and Cons to Know Students' Native Language - TEFL Blog
Tue, 01 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Pros and Cons to Know Students' Native Language
Throughout the TEFL course, it is clear that teachers do not need to know the language of the host country to successfully teach English. I agree wholeheartedly with this assertion for various reasons. However, there are also certain advantages for teachers who know a foreign language have in the classroom. I will discuss the various ways that knowledge of a foreign language can help and hinder teachers in the EFL classroom.
Table of Contents
Pitfalls of Knowing Students' Native Language
Attention to Students
Benefits of Knowing Students' Language
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Allison... [Read more]
Why grammar Shouldn’t be Neglected in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
Mon, 01 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Why Grammar Shouldn’t be Neglected in the Classroom
To learn a language, most people would consider it important to understand the structure or rules that govern that language, if one is going to communicate effectively. Grammar can be viewed as the set of rules governing language. Online resources such as Cambridge Dictionary (n.d.), have referred to grammar as being "the study or use of the rules, about how words change their form and combine with other words to make sentences". While this definition might clarify the meaning of the word, it falls short in terms of justifying the importance of grammar, especially about teaching English as a foreign language. When one teaches English one might have students whose first language is... [Read more]
The Importance of Using Flashcards with Teens and Adults - TEFL Blog
Tue, 07 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The Importance of Using Flashcards with Teens and Adults
I'm pleased to say that I could teach or lead a class to learn English as a foreign language, challenging and rewarding. I have little experience tutoring adults in learning English. My studies learning what could be ahead for a teacher looking to lead a class in English was so rewarding. The challenge to get the students to engage in activities is a top priority for the teacher. I'll have to develop and practice proven ways to present to the class a lesson where the students may absorb the English language and will stay with them for the rest of their life. I had to give some thought about what I would write for my Essay and how I would present this topic, so I'm happy to be... [Read more]
Linguistics for ESL Teachers - TEFL Blog
Wed, 07 Oct 2020 Sahil Gazi
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Linguistics for ESL Teachers
Anyone who has studied linguistics or is a linguist has often been faced with the question, "so how many languages do you speak?"
Table of Contents
What is Linguistics?
Why does it matter?
How does it work?
How can teachers use linguistics to teach a foreign language such as English?
Can it help in career development?
In conclusion
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A point of short-lived frustration in these scenarios, linguists are often mistaken for being polyglots.
Although sometimes they will focus on a particular language and even become fluent in it, their goal is not to translate documents or conversations for the... [Read more]
Common Problems for Italian Learners of English - TEFL Blog
Wed, 11 Dec 2019 Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences
Common Problems for Italian Learners of English
In my past, I have lived in many different countries and language environments. I have come to learn that the best way to gain an understanding of a new language is to be absorbed in it. In countries where English is widely spoken as a foreign language (Scandinavian countries for example), learning the language of the country can be much more difficult. It is uncomfortable not being able to express oneself, so English offers a cane of comfort, but also a disservice. Unless one goes through this part of the learning process where speaking is hard for you and maybe even for your listener, fluency can never be achieved.
Table of Contents
Personal Experience
Structure of the Italian... [Read more]
How to Use Many, Much, A lot of, and Lots of - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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How to Use Many, Much, A lot of, and Lots of
The four expressions "many", "much", "a lot of" and "lots of" are widely used but often confused. Let's take a look at their differences and when to use which expression correctly.
How to use "many" in English
The word "many" is used with countable, plural nouns in questions and negative sentences.
Example Sentences
How to use "much" in English
"Much" is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a large quantity. It is mostly used in negative questions or sentences.
Example Sentences
How to use "a lot of" in English
A lot of means a large number of amount. It can be used for countable or uncountable nouns (negative, positive and... [Read more]
What Should an Effective Lesson Plan Include? - TEFL Blog
Thu, 16 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
What Should an Effective Lesson Plan Include?
Over the last few years, Teaching English in a foreign country has become very popular for the younger generation in the United States of America and other countries where English is their primary language. The reason is that nowadays, many people want to travel the world to explore cultural differences, especially among the younger generation. However, not everyone could afford to travel the world due to daily expensiveness when traveling overseas. Many young people have chosen to teach English while they are traveling because it is a good and easy way to make a decent amount of money while they are traveling to different countries. Even though most of the teachers had completed the... [Read more]
English Punctuation Rules - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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English Punctuation Rules
Punctuation in English often differs in many ways from punctuation in other languages. This can be an issue, especially for non-native English learners all across the world. What is punctuation? Check out these useful punctuation rules in English below.
Here is our complete guide on punctuation rules and punctuation marks in the English language. Fnd out how and when to use different punctuation marks with useful examples.
Full Stop / Period (.)
This is the most popular punctuation mark because you simply cannot write a single sentence without using it. There are two main uses of a full stop: to indicate the end of a sentence, or to follow an abbreviation.
Comma (,)
A comma is often used... [Read more]