Teacher Joseph's Podcast

Cat Stevens - A British Singer

Shay的中文小课堂

Idioms and Slangs Episode1

Leonard: I couldn't agree more!
Alisha: Wait, you don't agree with me?
L: No, I said, I couldn't agree more. That means I completely agree with you.
A: What? Then why did you say you couldn't agree with me!

I think we can all relate with Alisha. There are so many indirect ways of saying something so simple and direct. We use such structures to add nuance to our meaning!

But it 'can' be confusing for a language learner.

In this series on the Confusing Structures in the English Language, we will discuss these very structures so that the next time Leonard says 'he couldn't agree more,' or 'he couldn't care less' or some such phrase, you'd know exactly what he is saying. 

All Things English

Confusing Structures in the English Language - Introduction

When we feel we have had a "setback" in our language learning - we often tell ourselves stories that keep us stuck. In this podcast episode, I will offer some ideas for how we can prevent that from happening, and when it does, how we can start to move forward again.

In summary, what I say is that first we need to assess what has REALLY happened. And we need to look at the STORY we are telling ourselves - about what happened. (We can do this by writing or talking to a coach or a friend or to ourselves using the questions below). 

If we can question the stories we have told ourselves about this setback - it becomes easier to take action to get ourselves moving again. Byron Katie is an author who created 4 questions that are helpful in changing our beliefs. The questions are: 1. Is it true? 2. Can I absolutely know that it’s true? 3. How do I react when I believe that thought? 4. Who would I be without that thought? 

Turning the setback into an opportunity to take action - any action - can help us get moving again. Getting support is also very helpful. 

Writing or speaking exercise (talk into your phone!) -- take 7-10 minutes and see what you discover!:

1. Think of a time when you were trying something new (learning to play a musical instrument, starting a new routine, exercise or diet) - and you had a "perceived setback" - or when you felt you hit a wall/were blocked/"failed." What did you tell yourself at that time? Was that "story" really true? What happened after that? Did you continue doing the thing? 

2. Now think of a skill you have mastered. Maybe it's cooking something or riding a bike or being a professional or an entrepreneur. Did you ever have any "setbacks" along the way? (I am sure you did!) What steps did you take to keep going forward? Did you get support to move past these obstacles - or how did you help yourself to continue? What happened next? 

If you want - save your words and share them with me! I would love to hear what you think!  


Hear and There

3. "Setbacks," the stories we tell ourselves, and getting unstuck

躺平 literally means “to lie flat.” But in modern Chinese, it’s more than just lying down—it’s about choosing to take a break from stressful competition. People use 躺平 to describe a relaxed or even lazy attitude toward life, especially when they feel overwhelmed by pressure.

Learn Chinese with Hot Topics

2. 躺平

En este episodio, junto a Martin, profe de español de México (https://www.italki.com/teacher/5211013), les contamos un poco sobre qué tipos de transporte público existen en nuestras ciudades y algunas de sus características. ¡Info valiosa para estudiantes y turistas también!



Dale Play al Español

El transporte público

Burası futbolun sözleri ve ifadeleri hakkinda konuşuyoruz.


İngilizçe - selamlar

Futbol

Today we're looking at 2 ways to talk about working a lot more hours than you usually would. These are "to burn the midnight oil" and "to burn the candle at both ends". I hope you find them useful!

DAILY Business English VOCABULARY builder

Wow, you're working so late today!

Let's see what  " I will keep you  in the loop   "   means  :


It means  :  

I will you updated  
I will tell you what's happened or what happened  
I will keep you in the picture !!