Join me as we delve into the quintessentially British tradition of conker duelling. Learn about this unique autumn pastime while improving your English. Transcript and glossary available at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1efv3S0EVR5EhSyutBI62eTInjuWTR6eYrzMIj0detuY/edit?usp=sharing, or by messaging us. Perfect for English learners and fans of British culture.

Tea, Talk & Textbooks: An ESL Podcast

UK Conker Duel

Talking about. Life in general. No one special, nothing special.

Can I Say - Can I Do

All About You

Today we will read an article. You should listen and read in parallel. Ideally after doing that twice you should read text out loud by yourself. 

Article we will read today is:  Жизнь на автопилоте: почему мы делаем многие вещи, не задумываясь
Source: https://trends.rbc.ru/trends/social/625807aa9a7947aa6750fb30

After listening to the text, please answer the following questions in comments: 
1) Что такое автоматичность? Опишите своими словами.
2) Приведите 3 примера ежедневных действий, которые вы делате в режиме автоматичности.
3) В каких случаях автоматичность опасна?

Если вам понравилась эта статья и вы хотели бы ее обсудить - приходите ко мне на урок.

Listen and read

Жизнь на автопилоте (B1-B2)

When it comes to memorizing vocabulary, there are several effective techniques you can employ. I am exploring some of them

Background Method:
This technique draws inspiration from the “memory palace” concept. Imagine placing new words or images representing those words in specific rooms within your mental palace. By associating words with spatial locations, you ground them in context. 
Process Words Deeply:
Instead of merely rote memorization, engage with the words deeply. Understand their meanings, etymology, and usage. Create mental connections by linking them to related concepts or personal experiences. 
Associate Words with Mental Images:
Visualize the word’s meaning. Create vivid mental images related to the word. Associating words with images enhances memory retention.
Review Words at Spaced Intervals:
Spaced repetition is a powerful technique. Instead of cramming, review words at regular intervals. Use flashcards or language-learning apps that incorporate spaced repetition algorithms. 
Use Mnemonics:
Create mnemonic devices to remember challenging words. Mnemonics can be acronyms, rhymes, or visual associations. 
Practice with Vocabulary Apps and Games:
Interactive apps and games make learning fun. Explore platforms like Duolingo, Memrise, or Quizlet. Gamified exercises reinforce vocabulary and keep you motivated.
Have a Dedicated Vocabulary Notebook:
Maintain a vocabulary journal. Write down new words, their meanings, and example sentences. Regularly review and revise your notebook. The act of writing reinforces memory.
Immerse Yourself in the Language:
Surround yourself with the target language. Read books, watch movies, listen to podcasts, and follow native speakers on social media. Remember, consistency and creativity are key. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. 

Like a Chameleon

Memory Techniques

In this episode, you’ll learn how to become a better writer for work. You may have noticed that some people have the gift of gab from an early age. But becoming a great writer takes some effort for everyone. In this episode, you’ll hear about my path to becoming a better writer, and I’ll share five tips to help you improve your business English writing skills. 

When you write in a polite, confident, clear, and concise manner, you will gain your emails answered quickly! You’ll also gain respect and approval of your ideas. You’ll also build relationships and achieve your goals, like securing more clients or making more sales. 

Episode originally published on September 25, 2020
Transcript at https://www.express-to-impress.com/how-to-become-a-better-writer/.

Express to Impress

How to Improve Your Business English Writing Skills

Сегодня читаем отрывок из прекрасного произведения Ремарка. Объясняю некоторые слова и фразы, а остальное, надеюсь, вы поймете сами!

Слова из эпизода:
отры’вок - часть из произведения, книги, речи - fragment, snippet;
това’рищ - человек, близкий по общим взглядам, деятельности, условиям жизни; синоним “друг” - comrade, companion;
слыха'л (просторечие) - слышал - I've heard;
произноси'ли - выговаривали - pronounced;
мимолё'тными - быстро исчезает, проходит, не длительный - fleeting, ephemeral, momentary;
бе'гство - бег, уход от чего-либо, откуда-нибудь - escape, getaway;
отча'яние - состояние крайней безнадёжности -  despair, hopelessness, desolation;
пустота' - когда нет интересов, стремлений - emptiness, vacuum, blank;
полага'ться - надеяться на кого-то, быть должным - rely;
оттого', что - потому что, потому как, благодаря тому что - because;
вду'маешься - внимательно обдумать что-нибудь - ponder;
бесконе'чно - что-либо без конца, завершенности - infinitely, endlessly, eternally;
бу'ря (переносное значение) - о сильном, бурном проявлении чего-либо - storm, windstorm, hurricane;
преобрази'ть - изменить, улучить образ, форму, вид чего-нибудь - transform;
не'что - что-то - something.

Пишите в комментариях, какие произведения или каких авторов вы хотите почитать вместе со мной?

И помните, что чтение по-русски углубляет ваши знания языка! 
Хороших вам книг, друзья!

Reading Russian

Отрывок из "Три товарища" Э.М. Ремарк

Episode 107 explores how to harness the Metal Element (Jīn, 金) from Chinese philosophy to bring precision, beauty, and clarity to your language learning. Discover how to refine your writing, appreciate elegant prose, and crucially, let go of perfectionism and past mistakes. This episode also reveals how this discerning approach helps heal your Lungs (Fèi, 肺) and Large Intestine (Dà Cháng, 大肠), relieving grief and promoting mental clarity by releasing what no longer serves you.

Tired of being a language hoarder? 🗃️ What if the key to fluency isn't adding MORE, but refining what you have—and letting the rest GO?

In Episode 107 of 111 Tips for Learning a Language, we unlock the power of the Metal Element (Jīn, 金)! Discover how to:

⚱️ Refine your writing from "rough draft" to "elegant prose"
💎 Appreciate the true beauty of your target language
🗑️ Let go of perfectionism, mistakes, and outdated resources
🧘 Breathe new clarity into your practice and heal from the inside out

Stop accumulating. Start refining.

💃🏻111 Tips for Learning a Language 

Tip 107 - How The Metal Element can help you learn a language

Hi, Guys. Thank you all for taking mins to listen to this podcast/ 
Today we talk about how to use active/passive voice in Chinese.
For example, My girlfriend dumped me/我的女朋友甩了我 （Subject+Verb+Object)
                         I was dumped by my girlfriend/我被女朋友甩了（Object+被bei+Subject+Verb)

See, it is very easy, 你学会了吗？ 

NinjaPanda

Learn passive voice with "被“ in Chinese in one minute, Let's check it out. 

Transcript
https://saracasalino-books.weebly.com/blog/the-scholar-and-the-vampire-chapter-3