Conversational English Archives - ESL Tutoring Services

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5 Free ways to grow your vocabulary

Did you know that proficient English speakers, on average, have a working vocabulary of 10,000-20,000 words? This may sound like a huge number, but it is possible to get by using only about 1,500-2,000 words in English. This is enough for basic daily activities and tasks such as grocery shopping, asking for help, and light… Continue reading

Water cooler conversations – do they really matter?

Contributed by Barbara (Canberra ESL Team) Not all workplaces around the world have a culture of short breaks throughout the work day. In Australia, the coffee (or tea) break is considered an essential part of the work day, providing opportunities for employees to take a break from their work tasks and socialise with the rest… Continue reading

From Beginner to Fluent: A Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Your English Speaking

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and being able to speak it fluently can open up a world of opportunities. Whether you're learning English for work, travel, or personal growth, improving your speaking skills is an essential part of the process. In this guide, we'll take you through the… Continue reading

Is it really just a formality?

Contributed by Barbara (Canberra ESL Team) Knowing how and when to use formal and informal English language is a big part of communicating well in any language. Many languages have special pronouns or grammatical cases to signal formal language, such as the German formal pronoun ‘Sie’ and the French pronoun ‘vous’. Some languages have… Continue reading

7 Reading Tips to Improve Your Reading Skills

Studies have shown that reading daily can help improve your memory and enhance your thinking skills. More than that, these short, daily reading sessions are the best tools you have inboosting many other skills. For example, you will learn to better comprehend and explain what you read, which will in turn help you to develop more… Continue reading

6 Practical Ways You Can Improve Your Communication Skills

Your communication skills greatly influence your job performance, more so if you’re a non-English native speaker working with people who are fluent in English. It’s not enough to learn how to speak and write in the language, you have to make sure you can express yourself and accurately convey your thoughts. You also need to… Continue reading

7 Golden Rules for Business Writing

Contributed by Barbara (Canberra ESL Team) Struggling to write at your job is not an uncommon experience. Even some native speakers find it difficult to adapt their hard-won essay writing skills to the workplace. This isn’t surprising - business writing is a very different style from anything you have likely used before. In school, at… Continue reading

5 Practical Tips to Improve Your English Speaking Skills

Learning English is different from mastering the language. Many students who’ve taken formal language classes have already mastered the finer points of English grammar. But when engaging in conversations with native speakers, some find themselves struggling to find the right words. One of the best ways to achieve native-level fluency in English is through listening and speaking… Continue reading

The Power of TED

Contributed by Georgina (Sydney ESL Team) Ever tried to learn a new language from a textbook? It’s hard work, reading and memorising new words, trying to make sense of grammar rules and making baby sentences only to have them corrected over and over again. It all seems very unnatural and disconnected from how language… Continue reading

Should I speak with a tennis racket or a bowling ball? – The rules of conversation

Contributed by Georgina (Sydney ESL Team) Having a conversation in any language can be tricky. People speak quickly, you need to listen and understand what is being said and respond in the right way. Conversations are more than just knowing the right words; it’s also knowing how to handle the conversation. Western style conversations… Continue reading

Are Filler Words Avoidable? 5 Public Speaking Tips to Follow

Do you find yourself saying “um” and “ah” too often in meetings and presentations? These filler words are common for both native and non-native English speakers. They may be more acceptable in casual conversations, but when you’re delivering a speech, they can be distracting for your audience. If you frequently speak to a crowd, learning… Continue reading

How to Learn the English Language in an Easy Way

Learning English is a skill that opens countless doors for you, from networking to professional opportunities. However, mastering the language involves more than just learning a handful of words or memorising common phrases. Being fluent in English will let you maximise the benefits you can get from the language. Reaching native-level fluency and knowing how… Continue reading