Clare

From Zero To Hero In English

One of the biggest challenges when you want to improve your English (or when you want to improve anything) is lack of time. The people I help have different needs and goals, but they all share the same problem: not enough time for traditional (classroom-based) English courses. Traditional courses do have their place. They’re greatContinue reading “From Zero To Hero In English”

3 Ways To Gain Confidence When You Speak English

What’s your first reaction when you know you’ll have to speak in English – maybe at an international meeting or conference, or when you have company visitors? You might feel anything from ‘slightly worried’ to ‘complete fear’ or panic. This is totally normal. If you don’t often speak English, you’ll probably be anxious about ‘performing’Continue reading “3 Ways To Gain Confidence When You Speak English”

The Number 1 Secret for Great English Pronunciation

When you learn a language as an adult, there’s one area where you will have more difficulties than a child. This area is pronunciation. In fact, most of the people I teach and coach are worried about their pronunciation and their accent. They’re worried that: a) people won’t understand them b) people will laugh orContinue reading “The Number 1 Secret for Great English Pronunciation”

4 Easy Ways to Remember English Phrasal Verbs

As a Cambridge ESOL Speaking Examiner, I can tell you that one of the things that great candidates do – at any level – is understand and use phrasal verbs. In fact, using them well will make you sound more like a native speaker. But, using phrasal verbs accurately (or at all!) is one ofContinue reading “4 Easy Ways to Remember English Phrasal Verbs”

2 Secrets For A Native English Vocabulary

“My English vocabulary is weak. How can I improve it?” Do you also have this problem? If your goal is to be able to speak English more fluently, you need to be able to find the right words quickly. By the way, you don’t need a HUGE vocabulary to express yourself clearly. You can doContinue reading “2 Secrets For A Native English Vocabulary”

5 Ways to Practise Your Speaking

How can you practise your English regularly if you don’t live in an English-speaking country? Regular speaking practice is essential to stay fluent in English. When you speak regularly, you’re more likely to remember vocabulary and phrases (especially if they’re new words and phrases) and you also get the chance to keep practising the pronunciation.Continue reading “5 Ways to Practise Your Speaking”

Are You Too Stressed To Learn English?

Are you getting frustrated because English rules seem illogical or too different from your native language? Read on for three ways to feel less stressed when you learn English. One of the biggest problems learning a new language is that – at the beginning at least – it doesn’t make sense. Here are a coupleContinue reading “Are You Too Stressed To Learn English?”

Accuracy or Fluency?

The fear of making a mistake can stop you from speaking fluently. Read on for four ways you can become more fluent – and sound more like a native speaker of English! Are you worried that you’ll make a mistake when you speak English or that other people will think you’re stupid? The fear ofContinue reading “Accuracy or Fluency?”