TALKING ABOUT PHOTOS - TIPS

From KB8WFH

In an oral exam, the examiner gives you a photo to talk about.

First, describe the picture. Use adjectives, prepositions and expressions like: In this picture I can see… / There is… / There are… / I think….. / Perhaps.

Then, talk about the subject of the photo in relation to yourself.

Try to talk naturally and confidently.

If you want to practise, visit the following section: DESCRIBING PICTURES, where you will find a variety of photos and questions to guide you.

How to Improve your English

How to improve your pronunciation

ou may get a magazine with a cassette or CD. Speak Up magazine is available in many countries. Besides there are lots of graded readers with audio support material. Visit the Penguin Readers catalogue: http://plrcatalogue.pearson.com/

Listen and repeat trying to imitate the pronunciation and intonation.

Read books aloud. Choose a text which is not difficult for you.

Sing songs.

Try some tongue twisters. Ask your teacher to repeat words or sentences when you find the pronunciation difficult.

Pronunciation Tips Sounds of English

Visit THE GUIDE TO PHONETIC SYMBOLS.(OUP)
You can click on each symbol and listen to the sound.

WRITING TIPS

Do you want to improve your written English?
In this article, you will find some useful writing tips to produce a successful piece of writing.

Writing a story

1) Imagine yourself in a situation so as to get ideas and write an outline.

2)Divide the composition into paragraphs:

Introduction
Main paragraph
Conclusion

3)Check your writing. (Grammar and spelling mistakes)

#Avoid repetition. Try to use synonyms.

#Use adjectives and adverbs but try to avoid very simple words.

For example, when you describe a woman, instead of beautiful, you can use: good-looking, lovely, pretty, attractive, elegant.

#Remember to include new vocabulary and grammar structures.

#Use direct speech as well as reported speech.

#Include passive voice, relative clauses and conditional sentences.

#Use linking words.

List of useful expressions

First
Then
Later
After that
Finally
And
Besides
Moreover
To make matters worse
Immediately
Suddenly
All of a sudden
Gradually
Because
Since
As
Due to
Because of
So
Therefore
So that
But
Although
Even though
Despite
In spite of
However
On the one hand
On the other hand
Fortunately
Unfortunately
Luckily
Unluckily

Writing about a person

#Describe his appearance and personality but support your description with examples of his or her actions.

E.g. She is quite shy, that is why she can’t make friends easily.

#Write about his / her habits, likes and dislikes.

Writing letters

Letters can be formal or informal so you have to be careful and choose a correct greeting and ending for your letter.
Formal letters

Greetings:

When you don't Know the name:

Dear Sir, (a man) Dear Sirs,
Dear Madam, (a woman)

When you know the person

Dear Mr ….,
Dear Miss…, (a single woman)
Dear Mrs…, (a married woman)
Dear Ms…, (a woman who is either married or single)

The ending:

When you write to someone you don’t know

Yours faithfully

When you write to some you know

Yours sincerely
Informal letters

Greetings:

Dear Mark,

If the person is very close to you, you can begin like this:

Dearest Paul,
The ending:

Write soon.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Regards to your family.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
See you soon.
Best wishes,
Love,
Lots of love,

If the person is very close to you, you can add some kisses:

xxx

Writing about pros and cons.

In the introduction, state the general topic.

E.g. You can begin with a question or a statement.

In the second paragraph, discuss the advantages.

To begin with,…
On the one hand,….

In the third paragraph, discuss the disadvantages.

On the other hand,..
However,…

In the conclusion, write a personal comment.

In my opinion,…
As I see it,…
In conclusion, I believe that…
In my view,….
Try to give examples illustrating your ideas.

When the teacher corrects your compositions, look at your mistakes. Read the corrections and try to bear in mind the explanations the teacher is providing.Learn from your mistakes.And now… don’t panic! Start writing and you’ll see it is not that difficult.

Photo by 13254

Phonetics

When we want to pronounce English words correctly, phonetic symbols are a great help. In any dictionary you can find the correct pronunciation of words you don't know by looking at the phonetic pronunciation that follows the word.
Go to Phonetics Focus - Cambridge English Online and enjoy fun resources designed to help you improve your pronunciation and knowledge of phonetics.

Visit THE GUIDE TO PHONETIC SYMBOLS (OUP)
You can click on each symbol and listen to the sound.

Book Lovers

Reading can be a pleasure like no other, especially when you discover a fantastic author. Besides, it is one of the best ways to improve your English. Try to become a bookworm!

Have a look at the following sites where you can find free online short stories.

Classic Reader
Richmond Review
Bibliomania
The Online English Library

MysteryNet.com

The Learn English Online Network offers online books, stories and poems. There is a dictionary look-up facility so you can double click on a word to see its definition.

Project Gutenberg is the first and largest single collection of free electronic books, or eBooks. It was founded in 1971 by Michael Hart.

LibriVox provides free audiobooks from the public domain. The books are read by volunteers.