Vocabulary - Countries and Nationalities

This link shows the countries and nationalities of many places around the world.   Choose the ones that are closest to your country to learn first, and then learn the ones for countries you have visited and want to visit.   Good luck!

English to Spanish Food List (basic)

Take a look at this link from Spanish Talk. It translates basic English words about food into Spanish.

Days of the Week - Video

Here is a clear pronunciation of the days of the week in British English. 

Some Abbreviations for Electronic Communication

Oxford English Dictionary has acknowledged a few abbreviations from our sms's, facebook communications and  e-mails.   Words like LOL, FYI and OMG. 

Somebody, Anybody, Nobody

Here's a link that helps to explain when to use these words. There is also a few exercises you can take online at the bottom of the page. 

Telling the Time

Here is a You Tube Link to a well narrated video about how to tell the time. 

Vocabulary - Music

Here is a link to a list of questions about music in general conversation.

This is a link explaining different types of music.

Vocabulary - Clothing

Take a look at this link - Clothes Vocab. If you keep scrolling down, you'll find more detailed descriptions. 

Vocabulary - Farm Animals

Take time to look at this link. If you draw the mouse over the animal, a North American man will pronounce the word for you.  Test yourself first!  Farm Animals 

Review of Numbers 1 - 20

Christmas Vocabulary

Christmas Quiz 

Find the Christmas Present - word game

Vocabulary

Intermediate level work sheet about British food. 

Do You Know This Vocabulary?

chestnuts

lax-a-daisy

dam

mashed potatoes

bland

one step at a time

envious

expectation

blouse

sit coms

soap opera

entitlement

high heels

clench

annoying

This week we'll be talking about Christmas. How do you celebrate Christmas? What do you think about Christmas?

April - Directions

This month, we'll be dedicating time to being able to give and follow directions.


For example:



Do you know what these words mean?

• STAND UP. 
• RAISE YOUR HANDS. 
• STRETCH. 
• BEND OVER. 
• TOUCH YOUR KNEES. 
• STRAIGHTEN UP. 
• TOUCH THE FLOOR. 
• TURN AROUND. 
• BEND BACKWARDS. 
• TURN AROUND.
• JOG. 
• SLOW DOWN. 
• FAST AGAIN. 
• STOP. 
• PUT YOUR ARMS IN FRONT OF YOU. 
• BEND YOUR KNEES FIVE TIMES AND COUNT ALOUD. 
• EXTEND YOUR ARMS SIDEWARD. 
• FORWARD. 
• BACKWARD. 
• UPWARD. 
• DROP THEM. 
• SIT DOWN.

From lessons

Asking for Directions - from 'Business English'

Excuse me . . . (This is always the most polite way to begin your request for directions)

• Would/Could you tell me how to get to . . . Anderson Construction?
• How do I find . . . suite 305?
• What is the best way to get to . . . business office?
• Would/Could you direct me to . . . Ms. Sumidata's office?
• Which way do I go to get to . . . the Nobunaga Building?

Giving Directions

• Go straight,  Make a U turn,  Turn left,  Turn right
• Continue on (keep going),  Follow this hall . . . road . . . path
• Take the elevator,  It's about 150 meters
• It's next to . . . across from . . . opposite . . . beside . . . between (two things)
• Cross the . . . street . . . road . . . park . . . lobby . . . intersection . . .
• Go past the . . .
• It's on . . . the left . . . the right . . . the third floor . . . the corner

Prepositions to use with Directions

• Go straight, Go to right left
• Cross On your right,  On your left,  beside
• Next to, Behind,  Across from,  In front of
• On the corner of

(Remember  to say "Thank you" after someone has given you assistance.)

When Giving Directions in English

Giving directions usually consists of to sets of instructions.

In the first set: Say "Go to" and tell the listener what street, building, office number, etc - or - how far they need to go.

In the second set: Say "Then" and tell the listener what to do when they get there. (turn left, turn right, it's on the left, etc.)

Giving even very complicated directions is just a repetition of these two steps.



Practice with this activity from 'Business English'


Have a look at this excellent link for exercises to help with directions

Topic for March 2010 – Appearances (part two)

Warm Weather Vocabulary - chart taken from English Zone 

SWIMSUITS and SWIMWEAR	bikini or two-piece	tank suit or one-piece	swim trunks or swim shorts
	swim goggles	swim mask	snorkel
	flippers or swim fins	wetsuit	life jacket
CLOTHING	Hawaiian shirt	shorts	cut offs
	tank top	T-shirt	shirt
	mini skirts	denim skirt	tube top
SHOES	thongs/sandals	thongs/sandals	sandals

For diagrams and extra vocab:  Clothes Vocabulary from Learn English

This is a short quiz about clothing. Clothes and things we wear

On this site you can listen to an American say the vocabulary for you: if you place the cursor over the article you're interested in, the tag will come up, and the computer will speak to you. Language Guide

The Difference Between Wondering and Wandering.

Taken from Seth's Blog 

  Seth says: 

I stumbled on a great typo last night. "Staff in the lobby were wondering around..."

Wandering around is an aimless waste of time.

Wondering around, though, that sounds useful.

Wondering why this product is the way it is, wondering how you can make the lobby more welcoming, wondering if your best customers are happily sharing your ideas with others... So many things worth wondering about, so few people actually taking the time to do it.

Wondering around is the act of inquiring with generous spirit.

Photo taken from Martha Beck

Topic for March 2010 – Appearances (part one)

Phrases and Vocabulary for Appearances:

Clothing and Accessories

I am wearing: 

a sweater with black, purple and grey stripes

a long sleeved black shirt

black jeans

a black belt with a silver buckle

black shoes (loafers)

black socks

reading glasses

two gold rings

My watch is silver and has a black band. It's face is black and white. 

I am wearing a silver necklace.

I am wearing:

a black blouse with ribbons tied into a bow at the sleeves

an Indian cotton blouse

a blouse with embroidery along the neck line

blue denim jeans

a brown belt with a brass buckle

grey wool socks

long dangling earrings.

Hair

My hair is short, black and curly. 

I have straight, black shoulder length hair.  

I am wearing it in a pony tail. 

I have a fringe.

My hair is shoulder length.

I wear my hair short at the back and sides.

I shave my hair.

Additional Phrases and Vocabulary

Its fashionable to wear skinny jeans, but mine are baggy.

• shoe laces
• boots
• sneakers
• suede boots
• piggy tails
• piercings
• zip
• button
• press studs
• wool
• cotton
• leather
• rubber
• brass
• ribbon
• singlet
• long sleeved t-shirt
• embroidery on the neck line
• cuffs 
• friendship band 

What are the teenagers wearing? 

What am I wearing? How is my hair?