ESL Lessons
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Welcome to the ESL Lessons section. Here you can find a lot of info for ESL and EFL students and teachers. Jump to Bite Sized English Lessons.
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Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses
The basics
Let's start with figuring out what is ESL, what is EFL, and what is the difference between them?!
Are you a teacher? Check out the ESL eBooks section for useful teaching materials.
Are you a student? Check out the Online ESL Courses article.
Do you need more data? Watch videos! These online ESL courses offer special videos for ESL students.Are you looking for a language school? Read these useful tips:
How to Find the Best English Language Schools UK
Are you looking for a good tutor?
Read these useful tips: How to Find a Good Private English Tutor.
And don't miss out on Computer Assisted Language Learning.
Now, how about it if you work and learn English at the same time?
Would you like to become an ESL teacher? Follow this ESL teacher certification article.
5 Ways to Make the Most of your English Speaking Courses
English Vocabulary Word Lists
Illustrated lessons with word lists for different topics and situations. For example: restaurant vocabulary, airport vocabulary, wedding vocabulary, sports vocabulary, banking vocabulary, etc.
Social Media Resources
Top
Facebook Pages for English Language LearnersTop Facebook Pages for English Language Teachers
Top Pinterest Boards for English Language Learners
Top Pinterest Boards for English Language Teachers
English exams
Read about different exams: - Cambridge English
Exams
- IELTS Exam: IELTS Exam
Overview
Academic IELTS Test - Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- And find out What Is TOEFL Exam?
Social English
Learning to have natural conversations in English requires understanding both language and social customs.
Small Talk Topics
Common topics create comfortable starting points for conversation.
Weather, weekend plans, shared experiences, current local events, and food preferences are good conversation starters.
Professional small talk often centers around industry news, workplace changes, or mutual projects.
Small talk topic ideas:
- Weather and seasons: "It's getting warmer these days, isn't it?"
- Weekend activities: "Do you have any plans for the weekend?"
- Work or study: "How long have you been working here?"
- Local events: "Have you tried the new café downtown?"
- Hobbies: "What do you like to do in your free time?"
Listening Signals
Americans use both verbal and non-verbal cues to show engagement.
Nodding, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and using brief responses like "uh-huh," "right," or "I see" show that you are listening and paying attention.
Turn-Taking Cues
Speakers signal conversation turns through pace changes, brief pauses, or falling intonation at sentence ends.
Common handover phrases include "What do you think?" or "How about you?"
Interruptions are generally viewed as impolite, though brief overlaps can show enthusiasm in a casual conversation.
Practice Tips
Watch English TV shows to observe conversation patterns
Record yourself practicing common phrases
Join English conversation groups
Practice with language exchange partners
The key to mastering social English is observation and practice.
Remember: Focus first on being understood rather than speaking perfectly. Most English speakers appreciate your effort to communicate.
Native speakers often forgive language mistakes but place high value on appropriate social cues and timing.
Bite Sized English
Bite Sized English used to be a separate blog, created by Toby, a great English teacher. Today the blog is part of the Really Learn English website. You can find all its contents here! :-)
Learn about your teacher and the purpose of Bite Sized English.
A lesson and vocabulary for New Year's resolutions (promises you make to yourself).
A lesson about different kinds of future forms in English and when to use each.
An overview of Bite Sized English spoken lessons and different ways to use them.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary on how to learn English.
A lesson and vocabulary on the two different pasts: simple past and present perfect.
A lesson and vocabulary on the two different pasts in English: learning what "sounds good" and what doesn't.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary on different types of shirts.
A lesson and vocabulary about on how to describe your office.
A lesson and vocabulary about tasks and projects.
A lesson and vocabulary about jobs and money.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary about the workplace and its atmosphere.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary about my car accident.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary on my life as a young student in school.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary for schoolwork.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary that we use on school grounds.
A lesson, audio, and vocabulary on school insults.
A lesson on when to use "can" and when to use "may."
A lesson and audio on learning vocabulary.
A lesson and audio on how to get enough vocabulary practice.
A lesson and audio on how to find a penpal, some warnings, and helpful advice.
A lesson, worksheet and quick quiz on the simple past vs the present perfect.
A lesson and audio on describing yourself and your hobbies.
A lesson and audio on some common character traits.
A lesson and audio on your teacher Toby.
A lesson and audio on pregnancy and babies vocabulary.
A lesson and audio on Christine and Toby's first trimester of pregnancy.
Another lesson and audio in Christine and Toby's pregnancy series.
A lesson and audio on Christine and Toby's preparations for the new baby.
A lesson and audio on clothing and fashion.
A lesson and audio on style. Do clothes make the man? Can you be dressed for success?
A lesson and audio on a person's history as part of their personality and wearing clothes that express that.
A lesson and audio to get to know your teacher better.
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