#italkiLesson

For those that are wanting to learn how to speak American English. Have you ever been to the United States? If you haven't then where would you want to visit in the United States? What is your reason for wanting to learn how to speak American English?

English Tutor Alice here: The other thing too that is very common.... is American English language learners that are A2 tell me they've only watched American English podcasts that talk about something like finances or the gov't. Podcasts that use professional English. Scripted/rehearsed American English. Then they wonder why they struggle to come up with more words/phrases when they try to actually do small talk about hobbies, books, games or movies. Or they feel just 'stuck' in their level. I always suggest also watching a Youtube channel that is geared towards helping someone speak American English. A channel that uses basic, small talk English with words and phrases that would be common for the average everyday American English speaker to use. They watch things that only talk about the news....but they don't watch/listen to anything that would help them learn how to talk to someone at a restaurant or book store. If you're A2...and lack enough basic vocab to hold a substantial conversation with someone that is a native English speaker from the US...then only watching/listening to words and phrases about the government of science or finances isn't going to help you get a broad grasp of basic general vocabulary. It's going to put you in a box where you could only have a conversation if that random niche topic is brought up to you. Knowing a lot of American English words about government issues is great but it's not gonna help you when someone from the US asks you about your hobbies and you can barely say like two sentence responses.

Bonjour 😄 Il est important d'avoir de solides bases en français, alors teste-toi ! Peux-tu compléter cette phrase ? Si tu hésites sur la réponse, je peux t'aider à réviser. Tu peux liker ce quiz et m'envoyer un message 👍 À bientôt

One thing I've learned a tutor that teaches American English that it's very common for students wanting to learn how to speak American English... only half of them actually watch American English TV shows or Movies. Some only watch/listen to BBC. If you only watch BBC or maybe watch one American English tv show on a rare occasion.... like in the background when you're doing chores... then that isn't going to improve your American English speaking. Find a show that interests you. Two I suggest is 'Friends' and 'Seinfeld.' You could also try 'The Office.' And watch those on a regular basis. Start with using subtitles if you have to.

Practice using the verbs SER and ESTAR. Write if you knew them or book a class with me

What do you struggle with the most in regards to speaking American English with native English speakers? Is it coming up with words to say? Is it saying enough so you don't sound limited or be able to give enough variety in your responses so you don't sound repetitive? Is it phrasal verbs? Do you use them? Do you understand them? Do you know how many there are? What about your confidence? Do you second guess yourself when you speak English? Do you have a lot of 'ums' and 'uhs' when you speak American English? Do you repeat words and phrases? Do you have long pauses in between your words and phrases? Do you translate in your head before you say it? Do you depend on translating? Do you say the bare minimum which is only the few things you know how to say but if someone asks you to 'say more.' you'd have difficulty? Are you not really sure where you struggle? Have you ever had someone from the United States... a tutor or teacher really judge your speaking and give you feedback?

What do you struggle with the most in regards to speaking American English with native English speakers? Is it coming up with words to say? Is it saying enough so you don't sound limited or be able to give enough variety in your responses so you don't sound repetitive? Is it phrasal verbs? Do you use them? Do you understand them? Do you know how many there are? What about your confidence? Do you second guess yourself when you speak English? Do you have a lot of 'ums' and 'uhs' when you speak American English? Do you repeat words and phrases? Do you have long pauses in between your words and phrases? Do you translate in your head before you say it? Do you depend on translating? Do you say the bare minimum which is only the few things you know how to say but if someone asks you to 'say more.' you'd have difficulty? Are you not really sure where you struggle? Have you ever had someone from the United States... a tutor or teacher really judge your speaking and give you feedback?