#EnglishLeague

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.

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?

올해 초부터 다양한 격투기를 경험했는데, 자연스럽게 MMA의 팬이 됐어요. I've tried various martial arts since early this year, and I've naturally become a big fan of MMA (mixed martial arts). 그래서 이번 주부터 평일 저녁마다 MMA를 배우기 시작했어요. So I started taking MMA classes on weekday evenings this week. 특히 레슬링 파트가 정말 힘들지만, 재미있습니다! The wrestling part, in particular, is really tough, but I'm enjoying it a lot!

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?

Hey! Hi! What's up? My name is Alice. I was born in the United States. I've never been outside of North America before. I started tutoring American English speaking skills on Italki in 2018. A bit about me... I love knitting, photography and writing. I love Disney parks. I love thrift stores and book stores. I love music. In the past I've worked on Theater. I've taken piano lessons, Ballet lessons and Tap lessons. I graduated college in 2009 with a degree in English. Tell me about you! What are your hobbies? What country do you live in? What made you smile today?

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