Nick discusses art today! What do you think makes a good piece of art? This question might come up in IELTS speaking Part 3 or Writing Part 2. 

IELTS with Nick - World Knowledge 

What makes a good piece of art?

You've conquered the grammar, built an impressive vocabulary, and can express complex ideas with ease. So why does your accent still give you away? If you've ever felt stuck in your pronunciation patterns, wondering why you can't seem to break through to that native British sound, you've hit what I call the pronunciation plateau. It's incredibly common for advanced learners, and it's frustrating precisely because you've come so far. This is about understanding why pronunciation work is so challenging, why it's actually about retraining muscle memory rather than learning new information, and how to move beyond "foreign-sounding" English to make British pronunciation an integral part of how you express yourself.

British Pronunciation Tips 

The Pronunciation Plateau - Why Don't I Sound Native Yet?

In this episode, I read a simplified version of "The Watch" by Mikhail Zoshchenko. You’ll hear slow, clear Russian, learn useful vocabulary, and answer a few questions to help you follow the story. Perfect for A2–B1 level learners. Let’s explore Russian, word by word!

Слово за словом с Дашей

Часы (The Watch) А2 - В1

the difference between 放松 and 轻松, show me with examples
放松 (fàng sōng) and 轻松 (qīng sōng) are both adjectives that can be translated as "relaxed" in English. However, there are some subtle differences in how they are used.
放松 (fàng sōng)  is a more general term that refers to the state of being relaxed or at ease. For example:
我喜欢做瑜伽，因为它能让我放松。(I like doing yoga because it helps me relax.)
wǒ xǐ huān zuò yú jiā, yīn wéi tā néng ràng wǒ fàng sōng.
假期让我放松许多。(The vacation helped me relax a lot.)
jià qī ràng wǒ fàng sōng xǔ duō.

轻松 (qīng sōng) on the other hand, is often used to describe an activity or task that is easy and not very demanding. For example:
这道题目太轻松了，我很快就会做出来。(This problem is too easy. I'll finish it quickly.)
zhè dào tí mù tài qīng sōng le, wǒ hěn kuài jiù huì zuò chū lái.
这项工作对我来说很轻松。(This job is very easy for me.)
zhè xiàng gōng zuò duì wǒ lái shuō hěn qīng sōng.

So, while both words refer to a state of relaxation, 放松 is more general and refers to a general feeling of relaxation, while 轻松 is more specific and refers to an activity or task that is easy and not very demanding.

Difference between A and B in Chinese with Shanmei

Difference between 放松 (fàng sōng) and 轻松 (qīng sōng) 

"你的国家最近哪些事物无处不在？在我的解释中发现吧。"

西班牙语表达

"Estar hasta en la sopa", 汤里有什么?

粤读时光，看见生命中嘅光。

Hello，我最近睇到咗两个与人相处嘅技巧，
想分享俾你。

我想同你分享嘅第一个技巧系，
点样加人哋嘅微信呢？
加微信有两个方法，
叫人哋扫你嘅二维码，
或者你扫人哋嘅二维码。

呢两种方法有乜野唔同呢？
如果你叫人哋扫你嘅二维码，
你就要打开自己嘅二维码，
对方加咗之后，
你仲要gam6 一吓同意，
而对方只系需要扫一扫。

但系如果你扫人哋嘅二维码，
咁人哋就要打开二维码，
仲要同意你嘅申请。

边种方法好啲？ 
如果你系一个为他人着想嘅人，
加人嗰时应该叫人哋扫你嘅二维码。

点解？
如果你扫咗对方，
对方只系需要做一个动作。
而且如果你扫咗对方嘅二维码，
但系对方一下唔记得咗通过你，
咁就麻烦啦，
你哋嘅交流就会中断。

其实叫人哋扫自己，
系一种为他人着想嘅思维方式。

第二个技巧系关于点样约人哋，
如果你咁样问人哋，
你听日下昼三点得唔得闲啊？
人哋可能唔知应该点样答你，
因为佢唔知你嘅意图系乜嘢。

而更好嘅方法系咁样问，
我想开一个会讨论一下产品嘅改进方法，
打算听日下昼三点开会，
唔会你到时得唔得闲参加一下呢？

用呢种方式会令对方觉得更加舒服。
因为你照顾咗佢嘅感受，
将佢心入面嘅疑虑打消咗。

以前成日听到与人相处最高嘅艺术就系舒服，
细个嗰时冇乜嘢感觉，
但是越大就越觉得与人相处舒服好重要。
人生不过短短三万几日，
其实一般人都想同令自己觉得舒服嘅人相处。 

粤读时光，看见生命中嘅光。


最后打个小广告，微信小程序“小草粤语”更新咗新嘅版本啦，
呢个小程序非常适合零基础的同学使用，扫描文中的二维码，或者在微信搜索“小草粤语”就可以找到我的小程序啦。

先讲到呢度，我哋下次再见，拜拜！

 Advanced Cantonese listening material

How to get well along with people

Too often we hear people saying that speaking is the only way to truly learn a language. Why not discussing about all the advantages of reading? First of all, the chance of learning while doing something we like, and often without even realising it! However, there are some rules to follow: discover them with me in this episode! 

Subtitled Italian

Season 01 / Episode 05 - Reading techniques to maximize your learning


Professional networking is the strategic cultivation of mutually beneficial relationships with individuals in your field or related industries. It goes beyond simply exchanging business cards; it's about building trust and rapport through consistent interaction and exchange of knowledge.

The core objective is to create a network of contacts who can provide support, guidance, and opportunities throughout your career journey. This network can be a source of:

Job opportunities: Often, positions are filled through referrals, and a strong network increases your chances of being recommended for suitable roles.

Industry insights: By connecting with experienced professionals, you gain valuable knowledge about current trends, challenges, and best practices in your field.

Mentorship: Seasoned professionals can offer invaluable guidance on career development, skill-building, and navigating workplace dynamics.

Collaboration: Networking fosters connections that can lead to fruitful collaborations on projects, expanding your skillset and reach.
Professional networking encompasses various activities:

Attending industry events: Conferences, workshops, and meetups provide excellent platforms to connect with peers and potential collaborators.

Joining professional organizations: Associations offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and access to industry leaders.

Leveraging online platforms: Professional networking sites like LinkedIn allow you to connect with colleagues and showcase your expertise.

Building relationships with colleagues: Maintaining positive relationships with current and past colleagues strengthens your network within your existing professional sphere.

Effective networking requires a genuine interest in others, active listening, and the ability to build rapport.  Remember, it's a two-way street; aim to provide value to your network by offering support, sharing knowledge, and making meaningful connections. 