Author: Xela

E learning and its role in English Language Teaching

Posted on by Xela

With predictions of growth to a total spend of $250bn by 2020, EdTech is clearly a global phenomenon and has growing implications for the future of English Language Teaching

(ELT)

But what is E-Learning and Ed Tech?

EdTech stands for Educational Technology. Sometimes referred to as EduTech or e-learning. In general terms, it covers any form of teaching or learning that embraces technology

At its heart, the aim of EdTech is to improve the student’s learning experience by making the learning processes more efficient and/or effective. And by integrating technology into education a much more diverse learning environment can be created. This may also result in quite fundamental changes in approaches to pedagogy.

The Advantages of E-Learning

Apart from learning a subject through technology and potentially improving a student’s tech skills at the same time, it is argued that EdTech allows for more individualised learning as students work at their own pace

Potentially, it also ‘democratises’ education by allowing more students, more access to more educational content, and potentially from almost anywhere. This can then also result in benefits of time, cost and convenience.

Studies also show that there is an increasing acceptance of online educational qualifications in the workplace even if in reality this is still relatively low in comparison to more traditional qualifications, especially when those qualifications may be potentially career changing.

In addition, research shows that educational apps generally have a positive impact on learning and interestingly apps that encourage feedback and collaboration can help improve group work and it is argued that in fact, a blended approach can result in students learning more than with traditional approaches and in less time.

In the world of ELT It is perhaps no surprise then that language learning apps like Babbel, Busuu and especially Duolingo with its almost addictive elements of gamification have become so popular

The Disadvantages of E-Learning

One of the major drawbacks can be unrealistic expectations in terms of what the service can actually deliver and how dramatic those changes and improvements will actually prove to be to the learner. Perhaps this is why there are calls for more of the focus of the results to be centred on the learner’s interaction with the technology … not the technology itself. Technology is wonderful, it is a facilitator by which content, and in this case, educational content can be delivered to a learner. But in the end, it is the content that is inseparable from the learning outcome

Then there are ‘sociocultural’ questions around the impact on students of working individually rather than socially or collaboratively and being more easily distracted. While students and teachers alike appreciate the convenience of Edtech many prefer and benefit from greater engagement in face to face learning environments

E-Learning and Cheating

And of course, there is the potential for taking shortcuts or even cheating. This can happen in terms of the learning process itself (fast forward to the next task, this one is boring) However the equivalent can happen in any learning process and it’s really the learner who is cheating himself.

Testing and Accreditation

More significantly is the important question of testing and assessing accurately; the results of which can be career-defining for the learner and so critical to the reputation of the awarding body. Online providers can currently provide self-certification (like with continuing professional development programmes where the user attests to have completed a course of studies) and technologies are being developed to ensure that a candidate is actually who she claims to be. For the moment at least, in the context of English Language learning, Cambridge Assessment English, the providers of the world’s leading range of qualifications and tests for learners of English (including the prestigious IELTS and Cambridge exams) insist that these exams can be prepared for online, but must be taken offline.

The Future

Despite the drawbacks, it’s clear that Edtech is here to stay: technology is disrupting industries everywhere and clear the education sector in general and ELT in particular, are no exceptions.

 

 

Why It’s OK to Ask People to Speak Slowly or Repeat Something in a Business Meeting

Posted on by Xela

When you are learning English for business there will come a time when you are using your new skill in a business meeting. The meeting could be online via Skype, on the phone or in person, it could be a presentation and it can be tough! But do not worry, the challenges are something a lot of people go through, and they are not something to be embarrassed about. In this blog, we look at some of the issues around asking people to slow down and help you understand.

The Same Thing Twice

What a lot of people do when asked to repeat something because someone doesn’t understand is say the same thing again. This is really no help at all. They think you simply may not have heard them properly but the real reason to ask them to repeat is that you didn’t understand the terms or vocab they used. It is important to state this when asking them to repeat. It is perfectly OK to say “sorry, I don’t understand that phrase, can you explain” rather than saying “sorry, I didn’t get that”

Accents

People from different parts of any country will speak differently. But people learning English who live in different countries will also speak differently. So how someone speaks can be a really big challenge in a business meeting. It may be you are talking to an English company but you find the accent very hard to understand. It is not offensive to politely say “I am very sorry, I find your lovely accent hard to understand”. You can compliment them on it and ask where they are from and most people will be happy to talk about their home town and help you understand them. It may be useful to ask any colleagues before the meeting about any strong accents so you can prepare a little or have them be ready to help you if you get stuck.

Details and Notes

There are certain points that come up in meetings that are important. It might be an email address or a website, it could be a phone number or some important meeting points. It is really important you are confident you have the correct details in this situation. Do not be afraid to ask the person to slow down while you write it all down and then confirm the details. On online meetings, you can ask someone to simply write these details in the chat window to make sure they are correct. But getting it wrong because you didn’t ask to clarify could cause problems later on. Be confident and make sure you have the right details.

Slow Down

Most business meetings would benefit from everyone slowing down and making sure all the point are covered properly. It is important you feel confident to ask other team members or clients to slow down so you can understand them properly. You are learning a new language and it is something to be proud of, but you cannot learn it all from the beginning. Most people will be happy to go over anything and help support you, and that bit of extra time is far better than a list of confused notes and mistakes because you chose not to say you didn’t understand.

 

Sing Your Way to Better English

Posted on by Xela

It may seem silly but music can help when learning English just as much as movies can. Singing can also help make you happy and singing is very healthy even if you don’t think you are very good at it.

Singing and Vocab

Most popular songs are sung with a wide range of both good and bad pronunciation. You can listen to one song and understand what they are singing about then another song comes on and it makes no sense at all. This is why it can be so helpful, well partly. By listening to vocab sung in songs by all sorts of different voices and styles you will build up your experience with those words. The great thing with the internet is that you can look up the words any time. So sing along, learn the words if you can but check online so you know what the words are and what they mean. It can be a great way to not only learn new words but learn new slang and regional words too.

Happy Learning

Singing and music can really help with happiness and even during a learning period a music break can help you study a lot better. Obviously playing really loud music while trying to follow one of our online English lessons isn’t going to work but you can pause the lesson if you need a rest and sing a long to a song with English lyrics as a break. Singing is also proven to be very good for your health, so having a good sing can have many benefits.

Sings to Help You Remember

Another great way to use singing is to help you remember vocabulary and other parts of the English language. You may find it hard to remember a set of verbs or just a few new words. If you put them to the tune of your favourite song and sing it all day you will find it far easier to remember them for your next lesson.

Watching movies in English is certainly very helpful and should be something you do as often as you can but why not mix things up a bit and bring some English speaking music into your learning. There are lots of places to hear music but YouTube may be a good free place to start. Also, apps like Spotify work very well. You can also make playlists for friends who are learning English too and challenge each other to work out what the words all mean.

Learning English can be tough but it can also be fun and adding music, movies, games and more will really help you learn more and learn faster.

 

Are children better at learning languages than you?

Posted on by Xela

Have you ever wondered why children seem to learn languages so easily? Maybe a child can pick up new words in English, Spanish, or another language faster than you. Many people think that only children can learn new languages well. But is this really true? Let’s talk about why children are good at learning languages and why adults can still do it too.

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Why are children so good at learning languages?

Scientists say that children’s brains are “plastic.” This means they can change and grow quickly. For example, when a child hears a new word, their brain connects it to what they see or feel. This helps them remember it.

Another reason children learn quickly is because they are not afraid to make mistakes. When a child says a word wrong, people often correct them kindly. They keep trying until they get it right. Adults, on the other hand, often feel shy or embarrassed about making mistakes. This can slow down learning.

Also, children hear languages all the time. They spend many hours at school, playing with friends, or listening to their parents. This gives them lots of practice. Adults may not have as much time to practise a new language.

Best tips to get a high IELTS score

Can adults learn languages too?

Yes, adults can learn new languages! In fact, adults have some advantages that children do not. For example, adults already know many things about the world. They can use this knowledge to understand new words. If you are learning English, you might already know some English words from TV, songs, or books. This makes it easier to start learning.

Adults also know how to study. Children do not usually think about grammar or practise words in a notebook. Adults can plan their learning. They can study grammar, use apps, or join a class.

One important thing is motivation. Adults often have strong reasons to learn a language. Maybe you want a better job, want to travel, or want to help your children. This motivation can make adults work hard and learn faster

What do studies say?

Scientists have studied how children and adults learn languages. They found that children are better at learning pronunciation. For example, children can sound like native speakers if they start learning a language before they are about 10 years old. Adults might always have an accent, but that’s okay! Many people love hearing different accents.

One published study* showed that adults can learn new grammar rules as well as children. The key is to practise regularly.

Other studies have found that adults who spend just 15- 30 minutes a day learning a language can improve quickly**

 

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Tips for learning a language at any age

Whether you are 6 or 60, you can learn a new language. Here are some tips to help you:

  1. Practise Every Day: Even 10-15 minutes a day can help. Study and practise with Perfectly Spoken, listen to songs, or watch videos in English.
  2. Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes: Remember, mistakes help you learn! Speak as much as you can, even if it is not perfect.
  3. Have Fun: Play games, sing songs, or watch your favourite shows in the new language.
  4. Find a Friend: Practise with someone who is also learning. You can help each other.
  5. Set Goals: For example, learn 5 new words each day. Small goals can make a big difference.

 

Learning Together

If you have children, you can learn together. Children love teaching their parents new words. You can also play language games as a family. This helps everyone improve and have fun.

Final thoughts

Children may seem better at learning languages, but adults can do it too! The most important thing is to start and keep going. Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone learns at their own speed. Remember, learning a new language is like a journey. Take small steps, enjoy the process, and you will succeed.

So, are children better at learning languages than you? Maybe they are, but that does not mean you can’t learn too. Start today, and you will be surprised at how much you can achieve!

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Useful vocabulary

  • Pick up – To learn something quickly or easily, often without trying too hard.
  • Sponge- Something that takes in or absorbs water or, in this case, information.
  • Embarrassed- Feeling shy, awkward, or ashamed about something.
  • Motivation- A reason or desire to do something
  • Accent- A way of speaking that shows where someone comes from.
  • Succeed- To do well or reach a goal
  • Achieve- To accomplish or complete something after working for it

*A study published in Language Learning examined the relationship between different types of language learning aptitude and adult second language (L2) speech production attainment in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) classrooms. The research found that adult learners’ aptitude in phonemic coding, rote and associative memory, and language analytic ability were moderately predictive of their phonological and morphological accuracy, suggesting that adults possess the capacity to acquire new grammar rules effectively.

**Experts emphasize that daily practice is crucial in language learning. Engaging in regular and consistent language practice leads to faster learning outcomes. By dedicating time each day to language learning, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of grammar rules, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

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Additionally, incorporating language learning into daily routines, even in short sessions, can significantly boost retention and fluency. Being exposed to and using the target language on a daily basis helps learners establish a routine and develop a habit of learning, which is crucial for language acquisition.

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A Simple Guide to Brexit Vocabulary

Posted on by Xela

Whatever country you are in you have probably heard about Britain leaving the EU. It is a very complex situation and people learning English with a view to working or studying in the UK or with people from the UK may find it useful to understand a bit more about it. Some people are very passionate about this subject and can get angry about different sides of the argument. It is really important to be careful about discussing this topic with people from the UK at work or other places. However, understanding some of the key terms used can be very useful!

Here is a shortlist of the main vocabulary and terms used when talking about Brexit. Understanding and being able to use these terms will make understanding Brexit a lot easier.

Article 50

When the UK joined the EU it agreed to all the rules and Article 50 is part of the agreement that allows any country to leave the EU. An article is simply part of an agreement like a chapter of a book.

No Deal

This simply means that the UK will leave the European Union with no agreement relating to trade or anything else. This is an extreme situation and one that many people fear while others feel it would be OK.

WTO Rules

The WTO is the World Trade Organisation. This organisation sets trade fees that countries who do not have a trade agreement use. It is a baseline way of doing business with any country when no discussions and agreements are made. Often WTO rules are more expensive than trade deals agreed between countries so buying and selling with countries under the WTO rules costs more.

Transition Period

Transition means change and this period of time after the UK leaves the EU was agreed to help both sides plan how their relationship would work. For the transition period to be started the UK would need to agree on the plan Theresa May had negotiated with the EU. During this period the UK could not have any kind of say in any EU laws but would still have to abide by the existing rules.

Backstop

This is one a lot of people have heard of but most people do not understand. At the moment Ireland is split into two countries; Northern Ireland which is part of the UK and The Republic of Ireland which is a separate country. At the moment there is no border between the two countries so goods and people can move freely. Because the Republic of Ireland is in the EU and wants to stay there is a lot of confusion about if there should be a border once the UK leaves the EU. The backstop is an agreement between the UK and EU that there will be no Irish border during the transition period while a solution is found. It is a very contentious issue and one that it is best to avoid talking about.

Brexit is very complex but it will be an important part of UK history and whatever happens, will affect living and working in the UK for millions of people for many years to come. Learning about it while learning English may be useful.

Spring in the UK

Posted on by Xela

Spring is a wonderful time to visit or study in the UK. With its beautiful parks, gardens, and countryside, the UK comes alive with vibrant colours and new life during this season.

Read this article and learn some  new spring related vocabulary in English (definitions at the end)

Signs of Spring

 

The UK is known for its beautiful blossoms that come out in full bloom during Spring. Parks and gardens around the country are filled with cherry blossoms, magnolias, and other colourful flowers that create a picturesque backdrop for any outing. Whether you are visiting the Kew Gardens or taking a stroll in Hyde Park, you will be amazed by the stunning beauty of the blossoms in the UK.

Spring in the UK is also known for its rainy weather. Rainstorms are quite common during this time of year, but they also bring new life to the land. The rain helps to sprout new plants and flowers, giving rise to a renewed sense of growth and vitality. So, don’t worry about the rain- it is an essential part of the renewal process in Spring and a great talking point for everyone and an opportunity to practise your English!

Pollen is also an important aspect of Spring in the UK. As the flowers and trees begin to bloom, the air becomes filled with pollen, which can cause allergies in some people. However, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the beauty of nature. Just remember to take the necessary precautions and enjoy the view of the colourful blooms without letting the pollen get to you.

Spring in the UK is not just about rain and pollen. It is also a time of sunshine and warmth, making it perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. Whether you are having a picnic in the park, going for a hike in the countryside, or simply lounging in the sun, the UK offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during Spring – a perfect time to get outdoors and meet people from the UK and other visitors from overseas and chat in English

The daffodil is another iconic flower that blooms during Spring in the UK. The bright yellow blooms can be seen everywhere, adding to the beauty and joy of the season. You can visit the Lake District to see the vast display of daffodils in various colors and sizes. You can learn new words like daffodils while appreciating the beauty of nature.

Easter is also a significant event that takes place during Spring in the UK. This holiday marks is celebrated with various religious traditions and customs, especially related to searching for chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies – a tradition for children and adults alike and a sure way to get involved in a conversation.

Finally, no Spring in the UK is complete without the appearance of the butterfly. These colourful creatures can be seen flitting around in gardens and parks, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the season. Seeing a butterfly is a great way to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of nature. 

In conclusion, Spring is a wonderful time to visit or study in the UK with something to offer everyone. So, why not plan your visit now and experience the magic of Spring in the UK for yourself?

 

Word definitions

  • Blossom – the state or period of flowering; to produce flowers.
  • Rainstorm – a heavy rainfall, typically accompanied by thunder and lightning.
  • Sprout – to begin to grow, as a plant from a seed; a new growth on a plant.
  • Pollen – a fine, powdery substance produced by flowers and trees that fertilizes other plants.
  • Sunshine – direct sunlight, especially when considered as a source of warmth and energy.
  • Renewal – the act of making something new again; the restoration of energy or vitality.
  • Picnic – an outdoor meal, usually taken in a park or other natural setting.
  • Daffodil – A daffodil is a type of plant with long, flat leaves and a yellow or white flower with a trumpet-shaped central part.
  • Easter – a religious holiday, typically celebrated in the spring.
  • Butterfly – a flying insect with large, colorful wings, often seen in the spring as they emerge from their cocoons.

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3 Foods that British people love and American people don’t

Posted on by Xela

When you are learning English you will probably be watching a lot of movies with American actors and listening to a lot of American music. It is very common for people learning English to actually learn American English rather than the more traditional BBC style British English. English people certainly have a lot in common with Americans and share many of the same traditions, music, books, movies and more. But one thing that is often very different is the food. While everyone loves a Pizza or a Burger there are some very British foods that American people don’t like or even understand.

Even though people in Britain and America both speak English, their food habits are very different – just like some of their words!

Let’s talk about some yummy British foods that might surprise American friends and also some American foods that are not so popular in Britain.

British foods Americans might find strange

Marmite

Marmite is a spread that British people love to put on toast or mix into porridge. It has a very strong taste – salty and yeasty. Some Americans find the taste (and smell) strange, but Brits think it’s delicious! It’s definitely a love-it-or-hate-it kind of food.

Black Pudding

Black pudding is a breakfast food. It’s not a pudding like a dessert! It’s a type of sausage made with pig’s blood, oatmeal, and spices. Many Brits eat it as part of a big breakfast called a Full English Breakfast. Americans might think the ingredients are unusual, but Brits love it.

Scotch Eggs

A Scotch egg is a snack with a hard-boiled egg inside sausage meat, covered with breadcrumbs, and baked or fried. Brits often eat these at picnics or as a snack. Americans might not be used to this mix of flavours, but it’s a favourite in Britain.

 

And also….

Branston Pickle

This is a tangy and sweet relish made with vegetables, vinegar, and spices. Brits love to add Branston Pickle to their sandwiches to make them tastier. Americans might find it unusual, but in Britain, it’s a game changer for sandwiches.

Bubble and Squeak

This is made from mashed potatoes and leftover vegetables, fried together. It’s a clever way to use up extra food. Brits enjoy it, but Americans might scratch their heads at the idea of mixing these foods.

American foods Brits might find strange

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

This is a classic American sandwich with peanut butter and sweet fruit jelly. Brits enjoy peanut butter, but putting jelly with it might seem strange to them.

Root Beer

Root beer is a fizzy drink that Americans love, but many Brits think it tastes like medicine! It’s a flavor that hasn’t caught on in Britain yet.

Bubble and squeak

Food Brings Us Together

British and American tastes in food are as different as the Atlantic Ocean is wide. But trying these different foods can tickle your taste buds and teach you more about each other’s cultures.

If you want to learn more about British and American differences, check out the Perfectly Spoken British v American English course. Happy eating and happy learning!

FOOD WORD DEFINITIONS

  • Spread: Something you put on bread or toast, like butter or jam.
  • Porridge: Warm food made from grains (like oats) cooked with water or milk.
  • Yeasty: Tastes like bread or beer – salty and tangy.
  • Oatmeal: A kind of porridge made from oats.
  • Breadcrumbs: Small pieces of dry bread used to make food crispy.
  • Snack: small amount of food you eat between meals
  • Tangy: A sharp, slightly sour taste.
  • Leftovers: Food from a meal that wasn’t finished.
  • Peanut Butter: A spread made from peanuts.
  • Jelly: A sweet fruit spread in America (similar to jam in Britain).

USEFUL IDIOMS

  • Game changer: Something that changes a situation. Example: Branston Pickle is a game changer for British sandwiches.
  • Scratch your head: To feel confused. Example: Americans might scratch their heads at bubble and squeak.
  • Catch on: To become popular. Example: Root beer hasn’t caught on in Britain yet.
  • Tickling your taste buds: To make your taste buds happy and excited.

 

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3 Easy Ways to Make Friends in the UK

Posted on by Xela

If you are planning on coming the UK to work or to study then making friends is going to be really important. Being away from your friends at home and your family can be tough and building a range of new people to speak to and hang out with is really good for your happiness as well as your English learning.

Work vs School

If you are coming to the UK to study you may find you make friends very easily in class, you may find there are people from your country or even town studying too. If you are coming to the UK to work it can be a little harder to make friends so it is important to make an effort to create relationships.

Just Say Yes!

A great way to start making friends is to be confident and say yes if you are invited out. If someone at work asks you to come out with the team for a drink, just say yes. It is important to be safe and tell someone if you are going out alone with someone you do not know very well. But being brave and going out with new people at work is a great way to start making friends. They may not all be people you become close with but it is a great start point.

Join Groups and Classes

You may already have a hobby like Yoga, or Cycling so have a look on Facebook or ask the local bike shop or gym if there are any groups locally. By joining groups of people who enjoy the same things you can very easily start making friends. Shared interests are the best way to get talking.

Do Things

While joining a group can be a great way to meet people so is simply getting out there and doing things you enjoy. If you like jogging…go jogging and you may find you can say hello to some people who run in the same place as you. Go to the gym and get talking to people. If you do not have any hobbies then try going to a comedy club or a wine tasting event, take a cooking class or something similar. By being active and around other people you will naturally start forming conversations and these can lead to friendships. Why not check out our Facebook page and see if there are any people local to you that you can meet up with and talk about learning English?

By making new friends you will find your English learning will improve. Even speaking with other people who are learning can be really useful. Making friends can be hard but it is worth the effort.

A Guide to Speaking Like a Geek..or a Nerd

Posted on by Xela

The terms Geek and Nerd have been around for a very long time but it is only in the last 10 years or so that they have really become popular and used as a positive way to describe yourself. Once being called a geek or a nerd was a serious insult. It normally described people who found it very hard to speak to people in a social situation, could not talk to the opposite sex and spend a lot of time studying and learning. 20 years ago playing video games was not very cool and the term nerd and geek was also associated with that movement, now video games are very popular and played by all sorts of people.

The TV show “The Big Bang Theory” also helped make geeks and nerds popular and cool and it is a very funny and useful show to watch if you want to learn more terms around this subject.

Slang

The terms used in this guide are all slang and many are only rally used online or on messaging services like WhatsApp as well as online gaming platforms. These terms are fun to use and very useful to understand if you are learning English and you are a bit of a geek or nerd yourself.

Geek Terms

Pwned – This word is a misspelling of the word “powned” which originally comes from the word “owned. It means to be beaten and dominated. The original term came from World of WarCraft when a player was beaten the computer game said “you have been owned” but there was a spelling error and it said, “pwned”. This can be used if you have in any way been beaten in a game or by a task.

Noob – This is a derivation of the word “newbie” which means someone new and someone who doesn’t know very much. Again, this comes from video game culture but is used in other ways. If you were new to a workplace someone might call you a noob but it would be quite a geeky thing to say.

Woot – This is a very interesting word that came from role-playing board game culture. It was once used when the characters in the game found some treasure or “loot” and they said, “wow, loot”. This was shortened to woot. But since then it has simply become a word to describe the excitement in the geek and online world.  “I have a day off work woot!” would be a good example of how to use it.

Fanboy – This word is used to describe someone who is an extreme fan or follower of a certain game, TV show, comic or any kind of medium. The term refers to someone who likes something so much they are not able to hear any negative comments about it. Many people like Apple products a lot and often these people are called “apple fanboys” because they will not consider using any other type of phone.

Easter Egg – While you may know this term and think it describes chocolate eggs given out around Easter time there is another meaning. In the geek world, Easter eggs are hidden items or moments placed in a movie, TV show or video game. These items, mentions, references or secret things are things geeks love. It is assumed only true fans of a movie or game would see and find the Easter egg. In gaming terms Easter eggs are often hidden in very hard parts of the game. The term actually came from the 1975 movie “the Rocky Horror Picture Show” where the cast had a traditional Easter egg hunt but most of the eggs were never found. However, they could be seen in the movie in silly places throughout the duration.

 

These are just a few terms you might come across when speaking to people online playing games or just speaking to people who enjoy the geeky nerd culture. While these terms do not really make up part of learning English they are words that are used and therefore can be helpful to understand.

 

Top 5 Christmas TV Shows to Help You Learn English

Posted on by Xela

If you are living in the UK and learning English or if you have access to UK TV online then these Christmas TV shows are great for learning English. TV and Movies are a brilliant way to help support your online English lessons and this Christmas there are some really useful ones.

Strictly Come Dancing

This classic British TV show is on Christmas day. It may not be something everyone likes but it is very popular in Britain. The reason it is good for learning English is because the judging panel all have different accents but there is also some very traditional English spoken throughout too. It uses a range of different voices and is great for picking up general spoken English.

Michael McIntyre Christmas Special

This comedian does speak very fast during his show and this can be a really good test of your English skills. He also uses a lot of modern vocabulary but not slang. If you can understand what he is saying when he is speaking quickly then you are doing very well.

Call The Midwife

This is a very old fashioned TV show set in the past. It can be very good to learn formal English and a much more traditional way of speaking. There is almost no slang on it and the grammar is very good. Not many people speak like this anymore but it is still very good to learn from.

Eastenders

This is a soap opera that is set in East London. It is full of slang and strong London accents. Words like “water” are pronounced without the “t” sound for example. It is a very useful show to learn how to understand people from London but it is important you do not copy it all when trying to learn how to say things properly.

The Great British Bake Off

This is very much like Strictly Come Dancing in that it’s a very popular British competition based TV show. It is good for learning English because, once again, there different presenters and contestants all have different accents and use different dialects. By watching the show you can get some feel for how different people speak English from different parts of the UK. This can be very useful if you are planning on working in the UK.

If you cannot watch these shows over Christmas don’t worry, most of them are available online and there are lots of seasons of most of these. Have fun!