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The Importance of Teaching Slang to ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
In January, I stood in front of a class of breakthrough English students at a university in Bogotá, Colombia. I'd never taught students in an ESL classroom before, but I was pretty confident having seven years of experience under my belt and a degree in literature. I was naive. I began the lesson with the class that my co-teacher had lent me for the first time. The objective of the lesson was to practice using past tense through storytelling; five minutes into it, I called on a student with his hand in the air. " What up, My Nigga!" He said it and I almost lost all of my composure on the first day while I should have been thinking about building rapport.Table of Contents
Tool for communication
Pronunciation peculiarities
Advanced level of... [Read more]
Weather vs. Whether - What's the Difference? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Weather and whether are a pair of homophones which means they sound the same, but they have different spellings and meanings. Here we explain how to use these words correctly.
WEATHER Definition and Examples
Weather can be a noun or a verb.
WEATHER Examples:
WHETHER Definition and Examples
Whether is a conjunction, which joins two words or phrases together.
WHETHER Examples:
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English: One Language for Everybody - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As time goes on, the world is becoming more globalized. Learning English is a requirement in most countries and it is affecting how information is spread in the world. What this means for current students is that, most likely, English will become a part of their career at one point or another. When we think about all the companies in the world and how they have spread globally, employers are looking for talented multi-lingual more than ever.Table of Contents
Information Exchange
Everyday Life
Business
Economics
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sirat B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - What Does Tefl Mean What Does Tesol Mean - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
There are a variety of acronyms used in the English language teaching industry. Two of the most common are TEFL and TESOL. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These terms are interchangeable and effectively mean the same thing. Historically within the industry TEFL was a British based term and TESOL a North American based term.
Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. ... [Read more]
The Art of Teaching New Vocabulary - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
How do we start to learn a language? - With words. Little babies first say single words and only in some period of time they start saying sentences. So teaching vocabulary is one of the most important things in learning a foreign language. If we imagine language as a tree, grammar is a trunk of the tree and vocabulary is its leaves.Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
Personal Experience
How to introduce new vocabulary?
How many words should be taught per lesson?
How to help pupils learn and remember new words?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Anastasiia D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
When I was... [Read more]
The Importance of Evaluation and Testing in an Educational System - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Although evaluation and testing are considered to be a 'necessary evil' by some teachers and students, it is quite absurd to call them so. Evaluation and testing should never be seen as 'evil', although they are certainly 'necessary' within a properly functioning educational system. It can be argued that no serious study is possible without evaluation and testing as they are surely the best way of judging the capabilities and progress of a student, and a serious motivation for reaching new goals.Table of Contents
Distinctions Between Evaluation and Testing
The Purpose of Evaluation and Testing
The Importance of Planning and Instructions
Common Types of Tests
The Outcomes of Testing and Evaluation
Are you ready to teach English abroad?... [Read more]
60 Time Words in English - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Here are the 60 most used time words in the English language you should know.
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E.G. Meaning: What Does E.G. Mean? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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What does e.g. mean? Let's take a look at the definition and usage of this expression with this ESL infographic. Learn how and when to use this abbreviation to enlarge your vocabulary word and improve your English conversations.
The term ‘for example’ gets abbreviated as ‘e.g.’ in the English language. It is only used in written language, such as in magazines, newspapers, essays or texting.
The abbreviation ‘e.g.’ is from the Latin expression ‘exempli gratia’ and means ‘for the sake of an example’ or more commonly ‘for example’.
Let's take a look at some examples of ‘e.g.’ being used in a conversation:
Person... [Read more]
Noun Types in English Grammar - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Nouns are naming words which make up the most common category of words in the English language. Within this category there are several different types of nouns with specific roles to play.
Nouns are the most common type of word in the English language and therefore make up a large part of EFL language lessons, particularly in lower level classes. As an EFL teacher it is recommended that you have a solid understanding of the different types of nouns so you can help your students make rapid progress in this area of grammar.
Common nouns are used to name a GENERAL type of person, place or thing.
Common nouns can be divided into smaller classes such as countable and uncountable nouns, concrete and abstract nouns, and... [Read more]
The Significance of Vocabulary in Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
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
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The 3 Ways to Teach Vocabulary Effectively - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Lewis (1993) claims that "Lexis is the core or heart of language" (p 89). Indeed, it is one of the basic steps of mastering a foreign language. Vocabulary knowledge is what makes verbal communication between people possible. Most teachers face problems when teaching new items. They feel the need to use techniques to have an effective lesson. Over the years, teachers have tried to find the most effective and practical strategies to teach vocabulary. They have been applying several methods like fill in the blank definitions, pre-teaching unfamiliar words and stressing high-frequency words. This essay will just focus on three strategies that can help teach vocabularies such as using visual aids, highlighting vocabulary in context and vocabulary... [Read more]
3 Useful Strategies to Teach Vocabulary in The ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Lewis (1993) claims that "Lexis is the core or heart of language" (p 89). Indeed, it is one of the basic steps of mastering a foreign language. Vocabulary knowledge is what makes verbal communication between people possible. Most teachers face problems when teaching new items. They feel the need to use techniques to have an effective lesson. Over the years, teachers have tried to find the most effective and practical strategies to teach vocabulary. They have been applying several methods like fill in the blank definitions, pre-teaching unfamiliar words and stressing high-frequency words. This essay will just focus on three strategies that can help teach vocabularies such as using visual aids, highlighting vocabulary in context and vocabulary... [Read more]
Many Shades of the English Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Every language has its peculiarities, more so in the English language, which is spoken in the largest number of countries in the world. And thus has attained the status of a global language. Factors attributed to this phenomenon are many. One of the major reasons is that the Britishers had a large number of colonies which enabled them to come in contact with the inhabitants of different parts of the world.Table of Contents
Vocabulary
Pronunciation
Spelling and Pronunciation
Meaning
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Stone S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Moreover, the colonies had the English... [Read more]
7 Fun Ways to Introduce New EFL Vocabulary - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
Learning vocabulary words is a big part of any EFL classroom. Sometimes, it can be challenging for students to learn and remember new words - this is where the following activities come in handy! Here are 7 fun ways to introduce new EFL vocabulary!Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
1. Get Physical
2. Sing it Loud
3. Keep It Real
4. The Root of the Issue
5. Introduce Couples
6. Tell it like It Is
7. Picture It
Which is your favorite teaching activity?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This activity works well for a lot of vocabulary words. It is based around the total physical response method, which links physical movement with learning. Illustrate new vocabulary by acting out the words as you... [Read more]
ITTT - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Question: What is TEFL?
The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. While this term is used for the physical act of actually teaching English abroad, it is also commonly used to refer to the training courses that many prospective teachers complete before heading overseas, as well as the qualification they receive upon successfully graduating from the course. By gaining a TEFL certificate it is possible to find work as an English language teacher in almost any country of your choice worldwide.Table of Contents
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
ELT - English Language Teaching
TEFL Qualifications
Choosing a TEFL Certificate Course
Online or In-Class TEFL Course
Finding a Teaching... [Read more]
Affect, That and Whom - The Three Most Misconceived Words in English Grammar - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
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 or poorly spoken. There are some common words which are frequently misused. They are, affect, that,... [Read more]
The Most Distinct Differences between American and British English - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
When it comes to learning English, non-native speakers can feel quite torn on whether they should learn British English or American English. They have their similarities, but can contrast each other strongly. The differences can be confusing for English speakers as well. The diversity in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary can really throw you off. In this article, I will be focusing on these three topics. Let's explore spelling, shall we?Table of Contents
Important Spelling Differences
Differences in Word Choice
Same Word - Different Pronunciation
Other Things to Consider
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha C.
Growing up in the USA, I... [Read more]
Synonym Words for BAD - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Here are some great synonyms for the word "bad" that will make your writing and essays more interesting.
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How much should I charge for private English lessons? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Setting rates for private English tutoring should reflect your teaching experience and qualifications. Beginners in the field typically start with rates from $15 to $20 per hour. Experienced educators with a solid track record and additional credentials, like a TEFL certificate or specialized training, can sometimes charge up to $50 per hour. Many TEFL teachers complement their main teaching roles with private lessons and may eventually move to full-time tutoring. When establishing your fees, consider factors like your experience, the local demand for English lessons, the cost of living in your area, and what the market can bear to ensure competitive yet fair pricing.Table of Contents
How much should a newly-qualified teacher charge?
What about online lessons?
How much can I charge once I... [Read more]
Important Ideas to Consider when Teaching Vocabulary - TEFL Blog
Jon ITTT
Alumni Experiences
In my personal opinion, vocabulary learning is the basic and most substantial part in any language learning. It's like the bricks for building a house. Moreover, the process of vocabulary learning is the most difficult and time-consuming. It requires not only memorizing skills but also a good understanding of the word, and constant practice.Table of Contents
Problems for Chinese English learners
The importance of careful vocabulary selection
Knowing what to teach
Choosing an appropriate teaching method
Learn how to teach vocabulary effectively with a TEFL course today!
Listen to this blog post
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dan W.
For most English learners in China, they often encounter the same problem when... [Read more]
Decoding Common British Slang: What It Really Means
Sarah Jennings
Teaching Ideas
Learning English as a foreign language is already a challenging task, and British slang words and phrases can make it even trickier. The words and meanings you've worked hard to learn can suddenly take on new forms. But that's part of the charm of the English language. As you move from country to country, city to city, and even within the same region, you'll notice that not only do accents change, but so do the meanings of words, thanks to regional slang!Table of Contents
What is British slang?
British slang words
British slang phrases
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
British slang, in particular, stands out as some of the most popular and recognizable slang in the world. Let's take a stroll down the streets of Britain to explore what... [Read more]
Common English Pronunciation Issues for Native Italian Speakers - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Proper pronunciation is essential to the understanding and communication of a language, and therefore it is an essential component of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Students of different nationalities and backgrounds will have different issues regarding English pronunciation depending on their native language. Their pronunciation issues often directly stem from the pronunciation of their native language because of differences between the two languages. This summative task will highlight the most common English pronunciation issues for Italian native speakers.Table of Contents
The main problem that many Italian students have with their English pronunciation is the pronunciation of certain phonetic sounds.
There are many vowels in English... [Read more]
Descriptive Words: A Huge List of Descriptive Adjectives, Verbs & Adverbs - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Do you want to sound more interesting? Use this list of descriptive words and step up your spoken language! This list has been chosen especially for ESL learners.
Learn synonyms of different words in English
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[Read more]
Best Ways to Teach New Vocabulary to Young Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
One of the things of the English language that can make English hard to get to grips with. Vocabulary knowledge is highly correlated with reading comprehension and reading achievement. Vocabulary is required for students to achieve cognitive academic language proficiency. All good reasons to make sure that your vocabulary teaching is interesting, useful and effective.Table of Contents
The Good Ways To Teach Vocabulary
Set achievable goals
What should we give to students with a new vocabulary
What the right FCs are
When teaching FCs for young learners, I follow these steps
These are some activities I often use when teaching with FCs:
1. Charades
2. Picture word match race
3. Flash the card
4. Pass the flashcard
5. Flashcards Station
Do you want to teach... [Read more]
7 Effective Ways to Teach New Vocabulary - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Teaching new words should be organized as a vivid way for better understanding and a higher level of remembering. These activities are easy to implement with any group of students. They are also very adaptable to online teaching format.Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
1. Picture it
2. Keep it Real
3. Tell it Like it is
4. Sing it Outloud
5. Introduce Couples
6. Get Physical
7. The Root of the Issue
Do you want to teach English online or abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
The easiest way to introduce new vocabulary is to show students colorful pictures. You can use flashcards, magazine images, digital pictures, picture dictionaries, or photographs when helping your... [Read more]
The Utmost Importance of Phonetics and Phonology - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Speech has been used to communicate and express many things since the dawn of man. When we look at wildlife, we can see a pattern in a speech similar to human communication. To truly understand science speech, we must look deeper at the concept of communication.Table of Contents
Why Speech is Important?
Word Stress
Speech and Communication
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
World leaders, actors, entertainers, successful businessmen and other professionals all have one major thing in common, their speech. We look at presidential talks and product... [Read more]
Phonetics: How can Phonemic Awareness Facilitate Effective Reading? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Phonemics according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is a branch of linguistic analysis that consists of the study of phonemes. In other words, it could be explained as the study of the sound system of a given language and the analysis and classification of its phonemes. Phonemics awareness, on the other hand, is the ability to examine language independently to its meaning and to manipulate its component sound[1].Table of Contents
Difference between phonemes and phonics
Universal way of acquiring a language
Why phonemes are important?
Correlation between phonemic awareness and spelling ability
Teachers' Role
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lystra H.... [Read more]
Silent Letters when Speaking English - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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When practicing speaking English it can be confusing for language learners to find that certain words have a silent letter that shouldn’t be used. Here we look at some of the most common examples.
When teaching English to non-native speakers the presence of silent letters can be a cause of great confusion among students and teachers alike. For the learner it can be frustrating to find that the written form of the word they have just mastered is actually spoken without using all the letters. There are a few basic rules when it comes to silent letters, but as is usually the case with English, there are often exceptions.
Silent (B) Rule 1: The letter B is usually not pronounced after M at the end of a word e.g. comb, bomb,... [Read more]
Synonym Words for NICE - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Here are some great synonyms for the word "nice" that will make your writing and essays more interesting.
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
[Read more]
What You Need to Know About Japanese Students' Challenges Before Teaching in Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Japan is a country with a long history, deep tradition, and vibrant culture. Within this culture sits the Japanese language. At first, being a spoken language and then adopting the Chinese Writing System, Japanese has grown and changed into what it is today. If you look at all languages, most Western languages originate from a set family, such as Romance Languages (which became today's Spanish, French, Italian, etc). But Japanese (as most Asian languages) was formed from entirely different roots. These fundamental differences mean that the method of learning these languages has a lot to do with memorization and repetitive practice of the Chinese symbols and the words they represent. Which means it is difficult to find any common ground between it and... [Read more]
