Author: Xela

How to read the IELTS score

Posted on by Xela

Do you know how to read the IELTS score?

What is IELTS and why is it important?

 

IELTS stands for “International English Language Testing System.” It is a globally recognized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. Whether you are a student, a professional, or an immigrant, IELTS can play a crucial role in achieving your dreams of studying, working, or settling in a country where English is the native language.

IELTS measures your ability to communicate effectively in English across four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These skills are essential for your success in academic and professional environments. Many universities, colleges, and employers in English-speaking countries require IELTS scores as part of their admission or hiring process.

 

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Understanding IELTS

There are two types of IELTS tests:

  • IELTS ACADEMIC – This version is suitable for individuals planning to pursue higher education, such as undergraduate or postgraduate courses, in an English-speaking country. It evaluates your academic language skills.
  • IELTS General Training – If you intend to work, live, or undertake training programs in an English-speaking country, the General Training version is for you. It focuses on practical language usage in daily life and workplace settings.
Understanding IELTS: How to Read the IELTS Score
Best tips to get a high IELTS score

How is IELTS Scored?

The IELTS scoring system uses a band scale from 1 to 9, with each band representing a specific level of English proficiency:

  • Band 1 to 3: Non-user: You have little or no ability to use English for communication.
  • Band 4 to 5: Limited user: You can understand basic English but struggle in most situations.
  • Band 6: Competent user: You have an effective command of English, especially in familiar situations.
  • Band 7 to 8: Good user: You can handle complex language and understand detailed reasoning.
  • Band 9: Expert user: Your English proficiency is almost at a native speaker’s level.

How to read your IELTS score:

When you receive your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF), you’ll find your overall band score and individual scores for each section. Here’s how to interpret your scores:

Overall Band Score: This is the average of your scores in all four sections. It indicates your general English proficiency level. For instance, if you get a Band 7 overall, it means you are a “Good user” of English.

 

Section Scores: Apart from the overall score, you’ll receive scores for each section. These scores range from 0 to 9 as well. They indicate your performance in specific language skills.

  • Listening Score: Your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts.
  • Reading Score: Your comprehension skills in reading passages and answering questions.
  • Writing Score: Your ability to present and organize ideas coherently in writing tasks.
  • Speaking Score: Your spoken language skills, including fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

 

Individual Module Scores (Academic Only): If you take the IELTS Academic test, you’ll also receive individual scores for the writing and speaking modules. This breakdown provides more detailed insights into your language abilities.

Using IELTS Scores:

Different institutions and organizations have specific IELTS score requirements for admission or employment. It’s essential to check the minimum score needed by your chosen university, college, employer, or visa program. If your scores fall short of their requirements, you may need to retake the test to improve your band score.

 

Preparing for the IELTS:

To achieve a desirable IELTS score, preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

  • Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Understand the structure of the IELTS test, types of questions, and time constraints for each section.
  • Practice Regularly: Take practice tests to get used to the test format and improve your time management skills.
  • Identify Weak Areas: Identify your weak language skills and work on improving them. Seek help from teachers, study materials, or online resources.
  • Improve Your English: Engage in regular conversations, read English articles, and listen to English podcasts to enhance your language skills.
  • Join Preparation Courses: Consider joining IELTS preparation courses offered by language schools or online platforms to get expert guidance and tips.
IELTS Tests - How to Read the IELTS Score

Remember, IELTS scores are not only a reflection of your language proficiency but also an opportunity to grow and improve. That’s why all our courses at Perfectly Spoken align with IELTS levels so you can easily check the best courses and practice at your level.

 

Our message to you:

Stay focused, practise diligently, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired IELTS score and fulfilling your dreams in an English-speaking world.

Good luck!

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Is Duolingo the best way to learn a language?

Posted on by Xela

In today’s interconnected world, learning a new language, such as English, has become increasingly vital. With the advent of online learning platforms, students now have access to a wide range of tools and resources to aid their language learning journey.

Before making a final decision it’s important to examine the effectiveness of Duolingo as a language learning platform and look at the best alternatives.

Duolingo has gained significant popularity as a language learning app due to its user-friendly interface and gamified approach. It offers bite-sized lessons, interactive exercises, and a fun learning experience. However, whether or not Duolingo is the best way to learn a language depends on various factors and individual preferences.

Duolingo’s advantages & limitations

Duolingo’s advantages include its accessibility, affordability (with a free option available), and its ability to provide a basic foundation in vocabulary and grammar. It is particularly useful for beginners or individuals looking for a casual introduction to a new language.

However, Duolingo has some limitations when it comes to developing more advanced language skills. The platform’s focus on gamification and limited opportunities for live conversation practice can hinder the development of fluency and nuanced language understanding.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What are the best duolingo alternatives?

While Duolingo is a popular language learning app, there are other excellent alternatives available for English language learners. Some of the best alternatives include:
 

Rosetta Stone: Known for its immersive language learning approach, Rosetta Stone provides comprehensive courses that focus on all aspects of language acquisition, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
However, it is argued that its content tends to prioritize vocabulary and sentence structure over practical conversational skills and students may have limited ability to understand and communicate effectively in real-life situations.

 

Babbel: Babbel offers a wide range of interactive lessons designed by language experts. The app provides real-life dialogues, grammar exercises, and vocabulary building exercises to help learners develop practical language skills.
Language experts argue that Babbel’s main limitation is its focus on vocabulary and basic grammar without offering extensive practice in speaking and listening skills which will limit its attraction for students who want to develop fluency and engage in real-life conversations.

Learn languages with Duolingo

Perfectly Spoken: Combining Self-Study and Live Practice

Perfectly Spoken is becoming an increasingly popular choice for English language learners, especially for those seeking a more comprehensive and immersive language learning experience. It offers a combination of self-study materials and live practice with expert teachers, providing a well-rounded approach to language acquisition.

Self-Study Materials cover various aspects of language learning, such as grammar, pronunciation, listening skills, and vocabulary expansion. The structured curriculum ensures systematic progress through different levels of difficulty, enabling learners to develop a solid foundation in the English language.

Live Practice with Expert Teachers: Experienced native teachers offer live online classes which allow learners to practice their speaking and listening skills in a supportive environment including engaging conversation practice where learners can enhance their fluency, pronunciation, and overall language proficiency. The combination of self-study and live practice ensures a holistic learning experience that addresses both individual study needs and the importance of real-life communication skills.

 

So, Is Duolingo the best way to learn a language?

Duolingo provides a convenient and accessible platform for language learning – and for learning many different languages. However, when looking specifically at English language learning, its limitations in terms of developing advanced language skills and live conversation practice make it less suitable for those seeking a comprehensive language learning experience.

Other alternatives like Perfectly Spoken, on the other hand, offer self-study materials with live practice led by expert teachers. This delivers a more well-rounded approach to language acquisition. By utilizing a combination of self-study and live practice, learners can enhance their language skills and develop the fluency and confidence to interact in real-life situations.

Duolingo alternatives

Start your English learning journey with Perfectly Spoken today

 

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10 easy ways to practise & improve your English with just 20 minutes every day

Posted on by Xela

Hello English language learners! Today we bring you some tips to improve your English with just 20 minutes every day.

Do you really want to improve your English skills but find it hard to dedicate a lot of time?

Well, good news! You can practice English every day with just a 20-minute routine. It’s like watering a plant – a little bit each day can make a big difference.

Let’s explore 10 simple and fun ways to improve your English skills regularly.

Follow these tips and  improve your English with 20 minutes every day

1. Read a Story:

Spend 5 minutes reading a short story, news article, or a blog post in English. Reading helps you learn new words and understand sentence structures.

2. Listen to Music:

Play a song you like and read its lyrics while listening. Music helps you with pronunciation and rhythm. You can sing along too!

3. Speak to Yourself:

Stand in front of a mirror and talk about your day. This boosts your speaking skills and confidence.

4. Flashcards for Vocabulary:

Make flashcards with new words. Review them during your 20 minutes. Repetition helps you remember!

5. Watch a Video:

Watch a short video or a part of a movie in English. Try to understand the dialogue. Videos give you exposure to real conversations.

6. Grammar Time:

Spend a few minutes focusing on a grammar rule. Learn how to use a specific tense or structure.

7. Write a Diary:

Write a few sentences about what you did during the day. This improves your writing and helps you express thoughts in English.

8. Language App Fun:

Use language-learning apps for interactive exercises. They make learning enjoyable and track your progress.

9. Chat with Friends:

Find a language partner or a friend who speaks English (in person or online). Have a quick chat and practise everyday conversation.

10.Word of the Day:

Learn a new word daily. Use it in sentences to remember it better. And to help you. Perfectly Spoken will soon offer a new Word of the Day -with transcript of the definition and audio to give examples of use and help with pronunciation- every day to all learners on their dashboard

But why a routine, even on holiday?

Now, you might wonder, “Why should I practise English daily, even when I’m on vacation?” Well, let me explain!

  • Consistency is Key: Regular practice, even for a short time, is better than occasional intense study. Just like exercising, a routine keeps your skills in good shape.
  • Forget Forgetting!: When you take a break from practising, you might forget what you’ve learned. Daily practice helps reinforce your memory.
  • Build Confidence: Consistent practice boosts your confidence. You’ll feel more comfortable speaking, writing, and understanding English.
  • Stay Connected: English is a global language. With a routine, you can connect with people from different parts of the world easily.
  • Great way to use free time: During holidays, you have some extra time. Instead of doing nothing, invest those 20 minutes to improve your skills.
  • Create a Habit: When you practise daily, it becomes a habit. You won’t have to struggle to find time; it’ll be a natural part of your day.
  • Enjoy the Process: Learning should be enjoyable, not hard work. With a routine, you can make learning English a fun part of your daily life.

Perfectly Spoken’s Head of Education, Stephanie Marston always advises regular practice -little and often.

She says “a 20-minute daily routine might seem small, but its impact can be huge. You’ll gradually see improvement in your English skills, and you’ll be more confident using the language”.

Even during holidays, this routine keeps your progress on track and helps you stay connected to the world. So, grab your 20 minutes each day, and let the journey of improving your English begin – one enjoyable step at a time!

Start your English learning journey today

 

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What is IELTS

Posted on by Xela

IELTS is hugely popular across the world with some 5 million tests taken each year with an average score on 6.5 -8.  It’s owned by is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP (International Development Program) IELTS; and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It’s accepted in 140 countries and considered essential for students planning to study or work in English speaking countries.

 

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is one of the most widely recognized English language proficiency exams for non-native English speakers.

It serves as a measure of language skills required for study or work, and designed to help you study or migrate to a country where English is the native language including countries such as the UK, US, Australia and Canada.
Your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in English are assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.
Major institutions all over the USA recognise that IELTS gives a true reflection of a student’s ability to understand English and communicate in it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam

 

Understand the Exam Format:

Familiarize yourself with the IELTS exam format, which consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section assesses specific language skills, and understanding the format will help you prepare effectively.

Know the Assessment Criteria:

Become familiar with the assessment criteria for each section of the exam. This will enable you to understand how your performance will be evaluated and allow you to focus on the key areas of improvement.

Set Clear Goals:

Determine your target score and set clear goals for each section of the exam. This will help you create a study plan and allocate time accordingly to focus on areas that require improvement.

Build Vocabulary:

Enhance your vocabulary by reading extensively, listening to podcasts, and engaging in conversations with native English speakers. Make a habit of noting down new words and phrases, and regularly review and practice using them in different contexts.

What is IELTS exam and how to prepare for it
Best tips to get a high IELTS exam score

Improve Reading Skills:

Develop your reading skills by reading a variety of English texts such as newspapers, magazines, and online articles. Practice summarizing the main ideas, identifying key details, and improving reading speed without compromising comprehension.

Enhance Listening Skills:

Improve your listening skills by regularly listening to English audio materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, and TED Talks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, identifying specific details, and following conversations.

Practise Writing Tasks:

Work on your writing skills by practicing different types of writing tasks, including essays, reports, and letters. Pay attention to structuring your writing, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and managing time effectively.

Develop Speaking Fluency:

Practice speaking English with friends, English teachers and other English learners. Work on fluency, pronunciation, and coherence by engaging in conversations on various topics. Practice speaking within the time limits to simulate the real exam experience.

 

What is a Good Score for IELTS?

Overall Band Scores:

The IELTS exam is graded on a scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest. The overall band score is the average of the scores obtained in each section. Different institutions or immigration authorities may require specific band scores, so research the requirements of your intended institution or country.

Differentiate Band Scores:

The band scores correspond to different levels of English language proficiency. While a band score of 4 or 4.5 indicates limited language skills, a score of 6 or above demonstrates a good command of English. Higher band scores, such as 7 or 8, are usually required for academic or professional purposes.

Individual Section Scores:

Apart from the overall band score, individual section scores are also important. Institutions or authorities may have minimum requirements for each section, so aim to achieve balanced scores across all sections.

Benchmarking and Comparison:

Remember that a “good” score is relative to your goals and the requirements of the institution or country you are applying to. Research the average scores accepted by your desired institution and use them as benchmarks to assess your performance.

Best tips to get a high IELTS score

Preparing for the IELTS exam requires dedication, practice, and a clear study plan.

 

Perfectly Spoken can help you improve your score in all 4 skills areas and apart from invaluable general English courses which will help you achieve your goals and achieve a ‘good score’ you can also study specialist courses for example on grammar and pronunciation as well as specific IELTS preparation courses. 

With your preparation and determination and our help you can work towards achieving your desired IELTS score and unlock exciting opportunities in your English language journey.

 

Prepare your IELTS exam with Perfectly Spoken

Start your learning journey today

 

 

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10 Top Tips for learning English on holiday

Posted on by Xela

Are you going on holiday? Get ready for our 10 Top Tips for learning English on holiday.  Our selection of fun and easy ways to practise English, ensuring that your travel experience becomes an enriching language adventure.

Going on holiday is a fantastic way to relax, rejuvenate, and escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life. However, it doesn’t mean you have to take a break from learning. For language enthusiasts and English learners, vacations present a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the language while enjoying their time away.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  1. Practise with the locals

Engaging in conversations with native speakers is a great way to improve your English fluency, even in non-English speaking countries where English is often the shared common language. While you’re on holiday, interact with locals in markets, cafes, or tourist spots. Don’t hesitate to start up a friendly conversation and practise your English. Most locals are keen to share their culture and language with visitors, providing an excellent opportunity to learn new phrases and expressions.

  1. Book local tours and activities

If you’re travelling overseas, you’ll be able to go on tours or enjoy activities conducted in English. Whether it’s a city tour, a cooking class, or a historical excursion, participating in English-speaking activities will expose you to the language in a practical, engaging, and fun way.

  1. Read English books or e-books

While sunbathing on the beach or relaxing by the pool, why not pick up an English book or e-book to read. Select a theme that interests you and take your time to understand the story (or even a book in English you’ve read in your own language) Reading helps improve vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills, all while enjoying your holiday.

Learn English speaking with other people
Practise your English on social media

  1. Practise English through social media

Share your travel experiences on social media platforms in English. Write captions for your photos, post travel updates, and interact with other English-speaking travellers. This not only improves your written skills but also helps you make connections with people who share similar interests.

  1. Watch English movies or shows

In the evenings, unwind with English movies or TV shows. Listening to native speakers will expose you to different accents, colloquial expressions, and conversational patterns. If possible, you could use subtitles to help your understanding.

  1. Language apps and games

Of course, you can always improve, and practise English with Perfectly Spoken wherever you go! But maybe you it’s also time for a break from your normal studies so you come back refreshed and ready to re-join us after the holiday! Instead, use your smart phone to access language learning apps and games to practise English during downtime or while travelling. Many apps offer interactive exercises, quizzes, and language challenges that make learning enjoyable and convenient. From vocabulary builders to conversation simulators, these apps can be your pocket-sized English tutor on holiday.

  1. Take a short course or go to classes

Before you go on your trip, research language workshops or classes available at your destination. Many cities offer short-term language courses for tourists, allowing you to learn in a structured environment while connecting with fellow learners.

  1. Join English speaking groups

Search online for English-speaking meetups or language exchange groups in the area you’re visiting. These gatherings offer the chance to meet locals and fellow travellers, enabling you to practise English in a relaxed and supportive setting.

  1. Keep a travel journal

Writing a journal not only helps you save your travel memories but also helps enhance your language skills. Write about your daily experiences, the places you visit, and the people you meet. Challenge yourself to describe events in a lot of detail, using a wide range of vocabulary and grammar. When you return home, you’ll have a valuable collection of written English to review and analyse.

And finally…

  1. Set language learning goals

Before and during your holiday, set specific language goals. It could be to learn a certain number of new words, have a daily conversation with a native speaker, or complete a language challenge. Goals give direction to your learning and provide a sense of accomplishment when achieved.

Learn English on holidays

Travelling is not only about seeing new places but also about exploring different cultures and languages. By incorporating these ten fun and effective ways to practice English while on holiday, you can transform your vacation into an exciting language-learning adventure. Please welcome the opportunity to improve your English proficiency combined with enjoying unforgettable memories in your dream destination.

 

Did you like our 10 Top Tips For Learning English On Holiday? We hope so!

Happy learning and safe travels from all the team at Perfectly Spoken!

Transform your English skills with Perfectly Spoken

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How do I start learning basic English: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on by Xela

Are you ready to start your journey to learn English?
If you have little or zero knowledge of the language, we will give you some great advice on how to start learning basic English and take your first steps towards becoming proficient in the language. Learning English or any language  can be difficult, but with dedication and the right approach, you can achieve your goals.

Here’s: How to start learning English from zero

 

Set Clear Goals
Before you begin your English learning journey, it’s important to set clear goals. Be clear why you want to learn English and what you hope to achieve. For example, it could be to communicate with English-speaking friends, study higher education, or improve your job or career prospects. Having a clear objective will motivate you throughout your learning process.

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Start with the Basics
Every language has its foundation, and English is no exception.

Begin by learning:

  • the alphabet,
  • pronunciation of sounds, and
  • basic greetings.

Familiarize yourself with common words and simple sentence structures.
Online resources, apps, and English language learning platforms can provide you with beginner-level lessons and exercises to get you started.

Learning basic english tips. Learning online
Learn basic English top tips from expert teachers

Practice Listening Skills: Developing good listening skills is essential to comprehend spoken English. Start by watching movies, TV shows, or listening to podcasts in English. Even if you don’t understand everything at first, focus on familiarizing yourself with the sounds and rhythm of the language. Engage with English audio materials regularly to improve your listening comprehension.

Build Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases every day. Start with common everyday words and gradually increase the complexity. Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, or create word lists to practise and review regularly. Associating words with images or situations can help in better retention.

Speak, Speak, Speak: Speaking is a crucial aspect of language learning. Don’t be afraid to practice speaking English, even if you make mistakes. Find a language exchange partner or join language groups to engage in conversations. Practice speaking aloud by repeating phrases and sentences from textbooks or language learning apps. Confidence comes with practice, so take every opportunity to speak in English.

Writing Exercises: Improving your writing skills is equally important. Start by practicing simple sentence construction, grammar rules, and basic punctuation. Keep a journal in English and write about your daily activities or thoughts. You can also get feedback from English speakers or join online writing communities to enhance your writing abilities.

Immerse Yourself in English: Listen to English songs, watch movies or TV shows with English subtitles, and read English books or articles. Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible to improve your overall language skills. 

Practice Consistently: Consistency is key when learning a new language. Try and have regular study sessions and practice English every day. Just dedicating 15-30 minutes daily can make a significant difference in your progress. Remember, regular small steps taken consistently will deliver significant results. 

Get help from experts: Most of us need some expert help when we are learning a language – to motivate, clarify difficulties and guide our practice and learning. Going online to find that help is the more affordable and convenient way for most English learners.

Learn basic English online with expert teachers

There are many options including 1-2-1 tutors but that can be expensive so most people choose an English learning platform like Perfectly Spoken where students can combine the flexibility of self-study and be guided by expert teachers and enjoy live practice with other English learners from around the world.

Learning English from zero may seem an impossible challenge, but with the right mindset and approach, anyone can achieve proficiency. Set clear goals, practise listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and immerse yourself in English as much as possible. Remember, progress takes time, but Perfectly Spoken is here to help. So why not join us and enjoy the journey. Good luck!

Transform your English skills with Perfectly Spoken

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Perfectly Spoken partners with Open Arms

Posted on by Xela

Perfectly Spoken, a leading online English language learning platform, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Open Arms, a dedicated humanitarian organization committed to protecting the most vulnerable in emergency situations. By extending our services to the staff and other individuals who work and collaborate with Open Arms, we aim to empower them with the transformative potential of the English language. This partnership reflects our shared vision of making a positive impact in the lives of those who selflessly serve others.

 

Empowering Humanitarians Through English Language Learning

Open Arms is at the forefront of providing crucial aid and support to individuals abandoned in international waters, fleeing from war, persecution, and poverty. Recognizing the extraordinary tasks faced by the dedicated personnel and volunteers of Open Arms, Perfectly Spoken is proud to support their mission by offering English language learning opportunities. By equipping them with strong English communication skills, we can amplify their ability to effectively carry out their tasks and make a difference in the lives of those they assist. Clear and effective communication is vital in their humanitarian work, enabling them to build trust, convey empathy, and provide the necessary assistance to those in need.

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Laura Lanuza - Communications & Projects Director at Open Arms / Xela Falgueras - Co-director at Perfectly Spoken / Ángeles Schjaer - Education Coordinator at Open Arms
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Astral boat

Enhancing Cultural Understanding and Empathy

At Perfectly Spoken, we recognize that language learning goes beyond mere communication skills; it fosters cultural understanding and empathy. Through our collaboration with Open Arms, we aim to create an environment where language becomes a bridge, fostering connections and promoting mutual understanding.

By providing free access to our comprehensive English courses, we enable Open Arms‘ staff and volunteers to develop their language skills at their own pace and convenience. Our platform offers a wide range of engaging lessons.

Help Open Arms with a Donation

Cultural Sensitivity

Our curriculum has been designed to integrate cultural sensitivity and embrace diverse perspectives, enabling learners to grasp the nuances of different cultures and deepen their connections with the individuals they serve. This cultural understanding then enriches the experiences of those working and collaborating with Open Arms.

 

Diversity of courses

Through this partnership, we aim to empower Open Arms‘ personnel with improved communication skills, enabling them to carry out their tasks with greater efficiency and empathy. To this end we not only offer access to a wide range of general English courses to suit the needs and learning objectives of individual team members but plan to work with

Open Arms to create specialist English courses to equip them linguistically to face the specific challenges the Open Arms team face daily at an international level.

Together, Perfectly Spoken and Open Arms exemplify the transformative power of collaboration, compassion, and education. By working hand in hand, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to helping others, creating a world where language becomes a catalyst for empowerment.

 

Xela Falgueras & Ángeles Schjaer

Do you work in the Third Sector ?

Do you think Perfectly Spoken could empower your Team?

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ChatGPT: AI and chatbots in plain English

Posted on by Xela

Chat GPT has become the world’s fastest growing consumer app acquiring more than 100 million users in just 2 months since its launch. And, according to Perfectly Spoken’s global media partner Reuters, this is faster than even TikTok which took 9 months to reach that number or Instagram which took two and a half years.

 

But what is it?

In its description of itself, ChatGPT is ‘an AI-powered chatbot based on the GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) language model. It uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like responses to text inputs in a conversational manner.’
So, it’s a natural language processing tool that can create content, images and even code on demand via conversations with a chatbot.
And it’s a very powerful tool. It can take written inputs from users and then produce human-like responses in numerous different forms from jokes to advice, even to complete essays

 

Is it really so special?

Yes. Because it has the ability to produce human-like responses which come from the enormous amounts of data it has been trained to use.
And, experts believe that with use, the responses will become more and more human-like, something that computers haven’t been able to do until now.
Furthermore, it can take content that users have put in earlier messages in a conversation and use them to form responses later in the conversation!

 

And what is the competition doing?

ChatGPT has been developed by AI start up OpenAI which is backed by Microsoft. Microsoft has launched a version of its Teams messaging service with ChatGPT integration.

Other firms, like China’s Baidu, are quickly developing their own chatbots.
However, the biggest threat is to Google. Instead of using our favourite search engine to find answers, we could just ask ChatGPT. This is possibly why Google has launched its own competitor to ChatGPT, called Bard.

But experts still argue that ChatGPT not only has a first mover advantage in the market but will also benefit from the massive numbers of users it is gaining on a daily basis who will help to train the AI system.

 

Are there any concerns?

Concerns have been raised over potential abuses.

While hackers have begun testing it to write malicious code, in classrooms, students have used ChatGPT to generate entire essays. AI plagiarism is a new challenge and teachers are concerned that the tool could be sued by students to do their homework and undermine learning especially critical thinking and creativity which marks us out as humans. This has now led to a ban across all New York City public schools and many other schools across the US.

In response, a spokesperson for the company has said it is “already developing mitigations to help anyone identify text generated by that system”

 

Are there any drawbacks to ChatGPT?

Researchers say chatbots like ChatGPT have their limitations. They can provide responses that are simply factually inaccurate, fail to solve a maths problem and even invent names and book titles.
So while it can seem to provide realistic engaging content on nearly any topic, there’s no guarantee that that content is factually accurate.
This means AI is still yet to be able to understand or learn any intellectual task that a human being can.

 

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A person using ChatGPT

What’s the future?

Unsurprisingly also has many fans of people who work in both the fields of education and artificial intelligence and believe that institutions will need to find ways to integrate chatbots like ChatGPT into their learning programmes rather than ban them – making them acceptable for some uses in the classroom just as we have accepted mobile phones and calculators

As an associate professor of Emory University is quoted as saying

“There’s always been this concern that technologies will do away with what people do best, and the reality is that people have had to learn how to use these technologies to enhance what they do best”

Clearly AI will have a role in shaping the future of education schools and everywhere

For now, perhaps the best advice comes from a university student who uses it to create a rough draft for many tasks and then adds the finishing touches himself.

Can I use ChatGPT to improve my English?

The short answer. Yes, most definitely. In the blogpost Learning English with ChatGPT we explore some of the ways students can use a chatbot on their own to help them improve their English and ta the same time look at some of the uses Perfectly Spoken can and will be incorporating chatbots to help offer an even better English language learning service to students!

ChatGPT access screen

In the meantime, to make progress with your English create a Free account and try our courses and live classes with our real expert teachers!

 

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The best Valentine’s Day phrases in English

Posted on by Xela

Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is celebrated on 14th February each year.

On this day people celebrate by sending messages of love and affection to their partners (husbands and wives) and to family and friends.
The true origin of the day is unclear – one possibility is that it was it was established as a day to honour one or two Christian martyrs called Valentine

What is clear is that Valentine’s Day customs such as sending greetings cards known as “valentines”, gifting confectionery like sweets and chocolates and giving flowers developed in England in the 18th century and spread through the English-speaking world in the 19th century and then eventually to almost every country in the world.

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Before we tell you the best Valentine’s Day phrases in English,

let’s check your knowledge about love and Valentine…

  • Which is the language of love?

English possibly? Well, French is considered to be the most romantic language followed by Spanish and Italian -the so-called ‘Romance’ languages
But as more non-native speakers use English to communicate with each other than any other language and that will include messages of love, you could say that English is the language of love!

  • Which city is best to celebrate Valentine’s day?

Paris of course. Known as “the city of love’ the city becomes the world capital of Valentine’s Day as lovers travel from all over the globe to spend the special day there.

  • How much do people spend on Valentine’s Day?

A lot. According to our global media partner Reuters, Americans will spend $26 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts in 2023 – with young adults spending an average of $336 each!

  • What are the most popular gifts?

That hasn’t changed over the years. In America for example, most people (57%) buy candy (sweets and chocolates) followed by greeting cards (40%) and flowers (37%) but also popular are dates (32%) -a nice romantic dinner for two for example- and jewellery (21%): a nice diamond ring if you’re extremely lucky!

  • So is Valentine’s Day most popular in the UK & US?

You would think so, wouldn’t you? But actually, according to Google Trends data, Valentine’s Day is most popular not in America or the Western world but in the Arab countries, Asia and Latin America. And in fact, Chinese and South Koreans spend the most money on Valentine’s gifts.

If you are romantic and would like to send a Valentine’s Day message in English or express your love in English, here are a few popular examples

What to write in English

You’ve bought your greetings card and now you want to express your love in writing to that special person

Here are some popular expressions you could use (Perhaps not all of them in one go!)

  • Happy Valentine’s Day to the most special person in my life.
  • You’re my everything. Happy Valentine’s Day!
  • Happy Valentine’s Day, handsome / beautiful.
  • I love you to the moon and back
  • You take my breath away, every single day.
  • It’s just one day in the year, but you should know that I love you every day and every moment
  • The more time we spend together, the more we fall in love with each other. Happy Valentine’s Day!
  • I love you more than pizza. (Not sure if this is this one is too serious😊?)

And what to say in English!

Maybe you don’t like writing and you want to speak In English directly and to the point:

Our top 3 recommendations

  1. Simply say “I love you” Or if your partner says it first, then your reply could be “And I love you (so much) too”
  2. “I’m (so) in love with you”. And you could say “You make me so happy” before you say that. This is extremely romantic and is often used before someone asks their partner to marry them. So be a little careful!!
  3. “I love you with all my heart”. “I’m crazy about you” and “You take my breath away”

Try any combination or even all three together. You will certainly get your  ❤️ message across

If you want to make sure your English is perfect for Valentine’s Day and every other day, start your 7-Day Trial account (you only need an email) and try over 200 video lessons and a selection live classes & Conversation Café  – you’ll love ❤️ learning English with us.

 

Start your 7-Day Trial now

2022’s most ‘iconic’,’ innovative’, ‘successful’, ‘inspiring’, ‘influential’ CEO you’ve never heard of?

Posted on by Xela

Can anyone beat this?

During the course of this year -and we aren’t finished yet, though maybe I am now, I have been short-listed to feature in, or more often appear as the cover story, in no fewer than 12 purportedly industry sector leading publications.

Despite no prior contact with me, my team or any relevant stakeholder, and as a proud CEO/MD of a SME slowly and gradually carving out a niche in the EdTech sector with honesty and humility, unbeknown to me, my achievements appear nevertheless to be already legendary. So much so that I deserve to be invited to join the ranks of the elite and included in reports with titles where superlatives are almost universally obligatory:

 

Is it thus that I was identified as one of “The Most Iconic CEOs to follow in 2022“, one of The Most Innovative Business leaders in, 2022 Insights Success magazine and of course “The Most Influentional Business Leaders shaping the Modern Industry”.

Being invited to appear in “Innovative Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022“  sounded almost mundane by comparison.

Sometimes the short-listed category can be quite competitive: just one of the best of 30 as in “30 Best Leaders to watch” (really!) or one of 20 as in The 20 Most Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference, 2022 (but at least the cover story was an option here).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]

David de Jager Perfectly Spoken MD at BETT2020
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However, it was reassuring that as a natural result of intensive, exhaustive research, most had concluded that I was at least top 10 material as in: “The 10 Most Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference 2022” (Jan-2022) “10 Admired CEOs to Watch, 2022” and “10 Most Influential CEOs in 2022“.

 

But my two favourite accolades have to be:

Cynically you might conclude that all this would have come at a cost. And you are right. But reassuringly just ‘nominal” or ‘minimal’ fees of between $700 to $5000.

And despite having been identified as such a star attraction that publications seemed desperate to feature me, I suspect you’re not that surprised to find that when I responded to approaches explaining that we were not interested in paying fees, interest in me seemed to drop off a cliff.

Which is why I’m still possibly 2022’s most ‘iconic’,’ innovative’, ‘successful’, ‘inspiring’, ‘influential’ CEO you’ve never heard of.

 

Maybe 2023 will change that. Or not