Help is here, do not fear!

Check out this useful app! Not only does it contain a wealth of idioms, but also the collocation section looks pretty good. Plus, it is a nice, easy way to practice those tricky prepositions wherever you are!



English Idioms and Phrases

Podcasts! Get those ears ready!

Podcasts are a great way to not only practise your listening skills but also pick up some useful vocab. Here is a list of podcasts, some specifically for learners of English, so get those ears ready! I have also some more podcasts on my 'links' page.

The English We Speak  - very short podcasts (around 3mins) to learn a different English phase or piece of slang everyday.

6 Minute English - longer podcasts (around 6 mins) to hear discussions using everyday English.

The Why Factor - interesting stories (around 18 mins) explaining 'why'.

Global News - news stories (around 30 mins) from around the world.

Desert Island Discs - famous/successful people explain what music and literature they would take to a desert island (around 35 mins) (useful to hear language of opinion and attitude).

A Point of View - short reflections (around 9 mins) on topical issues.

The Listening Project - interviews with British people on British culture (good for listening to different British accents)

Moral Maze - debates on controversial topics (around 30 mins) (great for agreeing/disagreeing language)

Kermode and Mayo's Film Review - film review show (around 90 mins) with interviews from famous stars and directors (useful to hear language of opinion and attitude).

Serial - a real life murder mystery (around 1 hour per episode). Get hooked on this murder investigation, looking into the innocence (or guilt?) of a 17-year-old high school student.

You can never have enough linking words!

Here is a list (but not exhaustive!) of some usual linking words/cohesive devices - learn them and love them!

Furthermore (!!), click here for a CAE booklet of linking words!

Now enjoy!

The idea of using nominalisation in writings can be scary but don't fear, help is here!

Have a looked at these two websites for a greater understanding of how nominalisation works and why it's important to use in formal writings.

Click here for a very easy guide with great exercises

Click here for some more practice but much more difficult!

It all links up!

Here is an extremely detailed website, containing everything you need to know about how to connect sentences together. It also has help on a wide range of grammar points.

* Warning! Some of the explanations are very complex!


If that is too much for you, check out this helpful website which shows you different ways to connect your ideas. Alternatively, you can take a look at this list of linking words.

Reading part 6 - help is here!

Check out this powerpoint (you need to download it) which step by step shows you how Reading Part 6 could be done.

I need to learn/learning/learn....ah Verb Patterns!!

Often the Use of English paper tests your knowledge of verb patterns - what follows the verb: an infinitive, a gerund, base form of the verb or a preposition? Unfortunately, verb patterns are something you just have to memorise. But to help, click here for a list verb patterns.