Tag Archive for 'english'

Repeat after me! Part 2

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on September 19, 2008
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Repeat after me! Part 2

Last week we talked about simple repetition techniques. This week we will cover spaced repetition, task repetition and recycling.

Spaced repetition:
increasing intervals of time are used between subsequent reviews. In order to follow this repetition technique,
we can use different recall methods such as questioning, free recall (e.g. write 3 words we studied last week), free association
(e.g. what words are related to “clothes”), intellective reflection (Identify the word that does not belong in a category), or
prompting using other mnemonic triggers or cues (describing images, matching words to sounds, for example). This is a great technique
to use at the beginning of each class to review previously presented vocabulary items.

Task repetition:
including the same kind of vocabulary in different tasks or activities. These different activities can be included
in one lesson. In Languagelab.com we have the City People who are always there to talk to our students in the different locations of the town.
Sending our students to complete a given task at these locations is a great way to use the language learned with other native speakers who are not teachers.
This is by all means the best repetition activity.

When we add previously presented vocabulary to new vocabulary, we are talking about repetition through recycling. For instance, we have presented
vocabulary on clothing, this vocabulary can be incorporated, in a following class about seasons (What do you wear in the summer?).

Repetition is important, but it should not be boring!

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In this picture we see the students repeating vocabulary already learned. Each student was assigned a pyramid which contained images. They had to project these images and identify them.

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Grammar Girl on Reading

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Iffaf
on September 14, 2008
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This posting looks at reading skills. When we read a text there are often words we don’t know. If that happens it is better not to stop for very long.
Keep reading and you will be able to guess the meaning from the context. We are going to practice this skills with the text below.

Procedure: Read it quickly and try to get the general meaning.
You will be surprised how many words you can guess. Then read it again quite quickly. Now you will have a good idea about
what the missing words are. Then look at the list of words below and you should be able to see the correct word.
Fill in the blanks

I __1__ by Grammar Girl in a cafe one day where she was teaching a small class. This was where I saw a rather dignifed, grey-haired student.
This was a bit of a surprise to me because he looked much older than rest of the students. He was a gentle-looking person who __2__ his nose as
he moved towards me to welcome me to the class.
“What’s your __3__?” I asked.
“I’m called ‘Big Old Ted,’” replied the old __4__.
“If you don’t mind me _5_ , why are you in the class?” I inquired.
“Isn’t it obvious?” asked Big Old Ted.
“Not really.”
Big Old Ted looked surreptitiously at Grammar Girl and said . “I want to improve my English and learn a bit more and if you __6__ at just the right angle,
you can see that Grammar Girl seems to be a teacher,” he __7__.
“But she is a __8__!” I said.
“Shhhh!” Ted responded with the loudest whisper I have ever __9__. “Don’t let her hear you say that!”
I said __10__, because I didn’t know what to say.

  1. stopped ran into went carried
  2. chased bit wriggled lost
  3. breed problem age name
  4. dog cow lady gentleman
  5. asking saying speaking wondering
  6. listen look call wonder
  7. explained asked smelled knew
  8. person female teacher potato
  9. spoken seen found heard
  10. here yes words nothing
Answers: 1. ran into; 2. wriggled; 3. age; 4. gentleman; 5. asking; 6. look; 7. explained; 8. teacher; 9. heard; 10. nothing
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FYI – Abbreviations and Acronyms Part 1

Published
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Lee McFadden
on September 13, 2008
in Uncategorized
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Abbreviations and Acronyms Part 1 – FYI

Sometimes when people are typing very quickly, they like to use ways to make the words shorter. We do this in English all the time.
In this blog I’ll try and show you the most common abbreviations and acronyms teachers and students sometimes use when they are in their
Languagelab English class

What’s an abbreviation,?

An abbreviation is when you make a word smaller. We do this in English all the time.
I’d like a drink = I would like a drink
I’m hungry
Although we use this a lot in standard English, people who type in the ‘chat box’ often use abbreviations.
How r u? = How are you?
C U soon = See you soon.
Ur welcome = you’re welcome
This isn’t good English really, but people use it a lot.

What are Acronyms?
An acronym is a word that is made from the first letters from other words. These are used a lot in English.
UN – United Nations

USA- United States of America
WHO – World Health Organization
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

These are also used in languagelab. Many students and teachers use them so they can explain things very quickly.
Below is a list of the most important ones. If you know any more, write them down at the bottom of this blog in the big box that says ‘comment’.

FYI – For your information LOL- (I’m) laughing out loud NP – No Problem
FYI – For your information ASAP – As soon as possible GL – Good Luck
TY- Thank you OMW – On my way BRB – Be right back
YW – You’re welcome AFK – Away from Keyboard (write this if you leave you computer for a minute) BTW – By the way
BTW – By the way SL – Second Life LL – Languagelab
LM – Landmark IM – Instant Message TP – Teleport

There is also a very big list at http://www.abbreviations.com/acronyms/CHAT

Next week: Acronyms Part 2: Emoticons
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WHICH ENGLISH DO YOU LIKE?

Published
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jessie
on September 12, 2008
in Uncategorized
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Greetings from Languagelab, welcome to our new features:

  • 7 day free trial!

  • The Grammar House

  • Easy payment via Paypal!

  • City people

    • (our new professional actors to help you study in real life situations)

    Here at Languagelab we help with every detail in learning English. Our professional native ESL teachers are from a wide range of English speaking countries from London to Los Angeles, Sydney to Southampton and many more. We can help you learn the important differences between different types of English for example*:

    Table 1

    *not 100% for all cases, there are some exceptions.

    The differences are not just in the spelling but cultural too!

    Can you notice differences between British and American English?

    Table 2

    Easy? Then take our level test now! Check below for the answers and join our new Myspace and Facebook pages too:

    www.myspace.com/wearelanguagelab

    www.facebook.com

    Search:
    “We Are Languagelab”
    “Second Life in English City” (Groups)

    Don’t forget to try our FREE lessons, we KNOW you will have fun learning English with Languagelab.

    See you soon;-)

    ANSWERS:

    1. USA/UK

    2. USA/UK

    3. UK/USA

    4. USA/UK

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    Visit the Grammar House

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    Administrator
    on September 12, 2008
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    Do you know you present perfect from your past participles? Can you tell an adverb from a verb?

    We all know that sometimes understanding English Grammar can be tougher than just speaking it, so why not join us for the opening of the Languagelab Grammar House on Friday, where our expert teachers will guide you through some key lessons.

    Languagelab’s grammar focused lessons will provide you with the tools to both understand and confidently use English correctly.

    You can learn how to use verb tenses, idioms, vocabulary correctly. You can ask your teacher grammar questions that you have difficulty with – your teacher is like a ‘living book’ so go and improve your skills on Friday 12th September at 4:30am PDT your teacher will be the excellent Grammar Teacher.

    Visit the grammar house now

    Grammar Girl on Asking Questions

    Published
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    Iffaf
    on September 11, 2008
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    Asking questions is an important skill you need when you begin learning a language.  You need to ask your teacher questions so you can improve quicker. Questions also help you to find out information about other students and get to know them better, and we all know that by making friends and sharing with them you learn much quicker than just studying from a book.

    Look at the table below to see some question words and examples.

    Question Word Function Example
    What asking for information about something What is her name?
    When asking about time When is my class?
    Where asking in or at what place or position Where is my class?
    Which asking about choice Which course do you want?
    Who asking what or which person or people (subject) Who is my teacher?
    Whose asking about ownership Whose are these keys?
    why asking for reason, asking what…for Why do you say that?
    How asking about how to do something How do I meet a teacher?


    Here are some links to question quizzes online to help you practice.
    http://www.english-zone.com/grammar/questions2.htm
    http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/words/activities/question_words01.html

    Answers from the questions quiz:

    1. How can I subscribe for a class?
    2. Who is my teacher?
    3. When can I start a class?
    4. How can I meet a teacher?
    5. How much does it cost to study at Languagelab?
    6. Where can I meet friends?

    If you don’t know the answers to these questions, why not ask a Languagelab Helper or teacher, you can click here to visit them.  Or you can go and visit the City People, they love to talk and share and will answer your questions about food, travelling, sport, technology and many more subjects ! Don’t be shy, go ahead and ask them, the quickest and best way to learn is by asking LOTS of questions.

    PRONUNCIATION TIPS

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    Administrator
    on September 11, 2008
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    The English language contains a number of bizarre pronunciations. Here at Languagelab, we provide real-life, native English speaking teachers to help you hear, practice and speak English the ‘natural’ way. If you aren’t already a student with us, simply enrol with us to try it out at our free trial lessons!

    In the meantime, have a look at these ‘silent letter’ tips to help you say those strange words correctly.

    “bt” (silent b) – debt, doubtful, subtle.

    “kn” (silent k) – knife, knock, know.

    For more examples, please visit these websites:

    http://home.alphalink.com.au/~umbidas/ie_words.htm

    http://www.kwiznet.com/p/takeQuiz.php?ChapterID=10017&CurriculumID=26.

    Now try these 10 other difficult to pronounce words and send us a video of you saying them. If our specialist teachers score you 10 out of 10, you will qualify for a special prize.

    1.       Knowledgeable

    2.       Ought

    3.       February

    4.       Hierarchal

    5.       Entrepreneurial

    6.       Necessarily

    7.       Phlegm

    8.       Column

    9.       Months

    10.   Calvary

    For free trial lessons, take the level test now.

    HANDY ENGLISH RULES

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    on September 11, 2008
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    HANDY ENGLISH RULES

    Spelling can be difficult but here is a quick tip from Languagelab that will make spelling easier.

    “I before E except after C*”

    ie  ei 
    Believe  Receive 
    Friend  Ceiling 

    *not all rules are 100% absolute since we live in a weird society.

    Complete the sentences below:

    ·         I was relieved/releived to pass my difficult English exam.

    ·         She was shrieking/shreiking when she thought she saw a ghost.

    Check below for answers.

    Now take our level test.

    ANSWERS:

    1.        I was relieved to pass my difficult English exam.

    2.        She was shrieking when she thought she saw a ghost.

    FORMAL + INFORMAL

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    on September 11, 2008
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    In English, speech changes depending on who you are talking to. Sometimes it is important to use “polite” English if you are in a formal environment and the opposite also applies. Click here to see examples of this in English City.

    Now have a look at the difference between the sentences below:

    ·         Formal………………. Could you tell me where I need to go to book my level test, please?

    ·         Informal…………….. Tell me where I need to go to book my level test.

    Ok, so now make these sentences formal:

    1.       What is the answer to my English problem?

    2.       How can I find out more about Languagelab?

    Check for some example answers on our below.

    There are many more techniques of how to apply formal speech to everyday language so if you would like to know more, sign up for the free English lesson trial at the Languagelab Registration Centre… Before you take your trial lessons, make sure you remember to take the level test first!

    ANSWERS:

    1.        Could you let me know what the answer is to my English problem? Would you please tell me what the answer is to my English question?

    2.        How may I find out more about Languagelab? Would you mind telling me how I can find out more about Languagelab.

    SPOT THE ERROR

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    Administrator
    on September 11, 2008
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    Understanding and correctly using English can open up a world of opportunities… Here at language lab, we equip our students with all the necessary skills required to be an all-rounder at English.

    Let’s see how good you already are with our short ‘spot the error’ quiz below (correct the error):

    1.        I can read and write and speak English.

    2.       Languagelab will helping improve my English.

    3.       Grammar will prepare the ground for more better English.

    4.       Perfecting one’s communicative abilities relies on continuous practice.

    Phew! You can check for the answers below. Now see if you can take on the full version level test to find out how great your English really is.

    See you in the next class!

    ANSWERS:

    1.        I can read, write and speak English.

    2.        Languagelab will help improve my English.

    3.        Grammar will prepare the ground for better English.

    4.        Perfecting one’s communicative ability relies on continuous practice.