Language Archives - BSC Education /blog/category/language/ International Education & Training Group Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:32:29 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-鶹Ƶ-Favicon-32x32.png Language Archives - BSC Education /blog/category/language/ 32 32 How to Improve Your English at Home: 5 Simple Tips /blog/how-to-improve-your-english-at-home/ /blog/how-to-improve-your-english-at-home/#respond Tue, 19 May 2026 15:02:04 +0000 /?p=28004 Learning English is one of the best things you can do for your future. But you do not always need to be in a classroom to improve. There are simple things you can do every day, from home, on your phone, or in just a few minutes of free time. In this article, we share […]

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Learning English is one of the best things you can do for your future. But you do not always need to be in a classroom to improve. There are simple things you can do every day, from home, on your phone, or in just a few minutes of free time.

In this article, we share 5 easy ways to improve your English skills at home. Whether you are preparing to study abroad or just want to practise English every day, these tips will help you make real progress.

1. Change your phone to English

This is one of the easiest things you can do right now. Go into your phone settings and change the language to English. Every time you use your phone, to send a message, check the weather, or open an app, you will see new English words.

You do not need to study. You just need to look. Over time, these small moments add up and your vocabulary will grow without you even noticing.

2. Watch English TV and films with subtitles

Watching TV and films in English is a great way to improve your listening. The key is to use subtitles in English, not in your own language.

When you read and hear the same words at the same time, your brain makes a connection. You start to understand how words sound in real conversations, not just in a classroom.

Start with something you already know and enjoy. Familiar stories are easier to follow when you are still building your listening skills.

3. Learn 5 new words every day

You do not need to learn 100 words a day. Even 5 new words a day will make a big difference over time.

Here is a simple method:

  • Write down 5 new words in a notebook
  • Write a simple sentence using each word
  • Try to use at least one of the words when you speak or write that day

After just one month, you will have learnt over 150 new words. That is real progress.

4. Listen to English podcasts every day

Listening is one of the most important English skills and one of the hardest to practise at home. Podcasts are a great solution.

You can listen whilst you walk, cook, or travel. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day will help your ear get used to the sounds and rhythm of natural English.

A good place to start is . It is free, easy to use, and designed for learners at every level.

5. Think in English

This one sounds simple but it is very powerful. When you are going about your day, try to think in English instead of your own language.

When you see a chair, think “chair”. When you feel hungry, think “I am hungry”. When you are getting ready in the morning, try to describe what you are doing in English inside your head.

The more you think in English, the more natural it will feel when you speak.

 

Want to practise English online with a real teacher?

Practising at home is a great start, but nothing replaces learning with a real teacher and real classmates.

鶹Ƶ now offers Online English classes, with live lessons taught by experienced 鶹Ƶ teachers, from wherever you are in the world. Classes are small, friendly, and flexible. You can start from just 4 weeks, and your first week is completely free for a limited time.

It is the perfect way to build your confidence before you travel, or to keep improving your English from home.

Message us to get your free first week

 

Ready to take your English to the next level?

If you want to improve your English quickly, the best thing you can do is surround yourself with it every day. That is exactly what happens when you study at a 鶹Ƶ school.

鶹Ƶ has English language schools in London, Brighton, Manchester, York, Edinburgh and Malta. You will study in small international classes, practise English every day inside and outside school, and make friends from all over the world.

Book your course

 

To summarise

Here are the 5 things you can do today to improve your English at home:

  • Change your phone language to English
  • Watch English TV and films with English subtitles
  • Learn 5 new words every day
  • Listen to English podcasts for 10 minutes a day
  • Think in English throughout your day

Small actions every day will make a big difference. And when you are ready to take the next step, 鶹Ƶ will be here.

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]]> /blog/how-to-improve-your-english-at-home/feed/ 0 Definition of Onomatopoeia with examples in English /blog/definition-onomatopoeia-examples-english/ /blog/definition-onomatopoeia-examples-english/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:21:09 +0000 /?p=24694 Have you noticed that sometimes a word sounds like the noise it describes? These are called “onomatopoeias”. Onomatopoeias are fun and easy to use. They help us bring sounds to life with words, making stories, poems, and everyday speech more colourful and fun. This helpful article will give you a definition of Onomatopoeia with examples […]

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Have you noticed that sometimes a word sounds like the noise it describes? These are called “onomatopoeias”. Onomatopoeias are fun and easy to use. They help us bring sounds to life with words, making stories, poems, and everyday speech more colourful and fun. This helpful article will give you a definition of Onomatopoeia with examples in English.

Onomatopoeias are helpful because they can help listeners imagine sounds even when they can’t hear them. For example, if you read, “The fireworks went bang and pop in the night sky,” you can almost hear the fireworks!

 

What is the definition of Onomatopoeia?

An onomatopoeia (say it like this: “ON-uh-mah-tuh-PEE-uh”) is a word that sounds like the noise it describes. These words are great, because they help us hear what we’re talking about. For example:

  • Bang: The sound of a gun.
  • Boom: A big explosion.
  • Smash: A plate breaking.
  • Splash: The sound water makes when something falls into it.
  • Buzz: The sound a bee makes.

The is “the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (such as buzz, hiss). Visual artist and composer Christian Marclay explained: In comic books, when you see someone with a gun, you know it’s only going off when you read theonomatopoeias”.

 

Where does the word “Onomatopoeia” come from?

The word onomatopoeia come,from the Greek words onoma, meaning “name”, and poiein, meaning “to make”, so it translates as “to make a name or sound” English speakers have used the word since the 1500s. English native speakers often struggle to spell it.

 

What are some common Onomatopoeia examples in English?

Here are some common onomatopoeias you might already know:

Animal Sounds

  • Woof: The sound a dog makes.
  • Meow: The sound a cat makes.
  • Moo: The sound a cow makes.
  • Quack: The sound a duck makes.

Everyday Sounds

  • Tick-tock: The sound of a clock. (Do not confuse this with ‘‘!)
  • Ding-dong: The sound of a doorbell.
  • Clap: The sound of hands coming together.

Funny Sounds

  • Boing: The sound of something springy, like a bouncing ball.
  • Zap: The sound of electricity.
  • Gulp: The sound of someone swallowing.

Nature Sounds

  • Rustle: The sound of leaves moving in the wind.
  • Crash: The sound of waves or something falling.
  • Howl: The sound of the wind or a wolf.

 

How to practice using Onomatopoeias

You can use onomatopoeias in your writing to make it more exciting. Here’s an example:

Without onomatopoeias: The dog ran into the table and knocked over a glass of water.

With onomatopoeias: The dog ran into the table with a thud and knocked over a glass of water, which fell with a smash.

You also might like to make up a story using as many sound words as you can. For example:

“The cat went meow as the pig approached. Suddenly, a bird flew by, singing tweet-tweet! The pig stepped on a crunchy leaf that went crack.”

You can also watch old Batman fight scenes, as these are a fun example of onomatopoeias being used in action scenes!

 

 

We hope you have enjoyed this definition of Onomatopoeia with examples in English. Want to improve your English with native speakers? Check out our English courses in Brighton, London, Edinburgh, Malta, Manchester and York – and get the skills you need to succeed.

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]]> /blog/definition-onomatopoeia-examples-english/feed/ 0 British English vs American English – What is the difference? /blog/british-english-vs-american-english/ Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:12:21 +0000 https://www.british-study.com/en/?p=11511 The English language has a global reach, mostly thanks to two main varieties: American English and British English. Let's look at some of their differences.

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British English vs American English - Beyonce and Harry Styles
American pop star Beyoncé and British pop star Harry Styles

When you are learning English, there is a constant confusion: British English vs American English. Although both versions have a shared history, they have slowly grown apart and their differences cause a lot of debate between their speakers.

To make things even more complicated, modern technology (like global TV stations and social media) have made it easy for both varieties of English to borrow words, phrases and grammar from each other again! But don’t worry, in this blog, we’ll be looking at some of the main differences between British English (UK) and American English (US).

 

Why is American English and British English spelling different?

An easy way to tell the difference between American and British writing is the spelling. This is because in the 1700s an American named Noah Webster wrote a new dictionary that used his own ideas to standardise spelling. Webster thought spelling could be made easier and more logical, but also wanted to help make American independent from British.

Webster made lots of changes, but the most common ones include:

  • Changing ‘-ise’ to ‘-ize’ (realise becomes realize, apologise becomes apologize)
  • Changing ‘-re’ to ‘-er’ (theatre becomes theater, centre becomes center)
  • Removing the ‘u’ in words like colour, flavour or mould
  • Not using a double ‘l’ in the middle of words, so travelling is traveling

 

British English vs American English examples

Sometimes, Americans and Brits use different words entirely. There are too many examples to count, but here are some common ones:

British English

American English
Autumn Fall
Biscuit Cookie
Bonnet (of a car) Hood
Boot (of a car) Trunk
Car park Parking lot
Chemist Drugstore
Chips Fries
Crisps Potato chips
Dummy Pacifier
Film Movie
Flat Apartment
Garden Yard
Holiday Vacation
Jumper Sweater
Lift Elevator
Lorry Truck
Mobile phone Cell phone
Nappy Diaper
Pavement Sidewalk
Petrol Gasoline
Postcode Zip code
Queue Line
Rubbish Trash/Garbage
Shop Store
Tap Faucet
Torch Flashlight
Trainers Sneakers
Trousers Pants
Underground Subway
Wardrobe Closet
Zebra crossing Crosswalk

Fortunately, all of these words will usually be understood on either side of the Atlantic. There are a couple of examples that get a bit more confusing though!

For example, what the Brits call football, Americans think of as soccer. In the USA, football is a completely different sport (that is known as ‘American football’ in the UK).

When you’re ordering food in the UK, crisps are a thinly sliced potato snack that come in a packet, but chips are thick strips of potato, deep-fried and served hot (thin strips might be called fries). Americans call the packet-snack chips and the hot food fries (thick-cut ‘fries’ are less popular). You can read more about this in our article about British food.

 

Do American English and British English have different grammar?

British and American grammar is largely the same, but there are some exceptions.

One common example is the verb get. In British English, the past tense of get is always got (“the room has got warmer”). In American English, it’s correct to say “the room has gotten ɲ”.

Another difference is in the preposition choice. An American might tell you what they’re doing on the weekend, but a British person is more likely to say at the weekend.

You might be surprised to learn that American English sometimes has more rigid grammar rules than British English.

For example, when you’re using collective nouns (like team, family or band), followed by a verb. In American English, the verb should always be singular (the team has ten points, my family eats meat, the band plays together). However, in British English, it’s acceptable to treat the collective noun as a singular or as a plural and say: the team has/have ten points, my family eats/eat meat, the band plays/play together.

 

 

British or American English – Which is best to learn?

Generally, when deciding between British and American English, the choice depends on personal preference, geographical location, or professional requirements.

While there are lots of differences between American English and British English, they are so similar that you will almost always be understood, whichever you use. A teacher might highlight the differences to help you with your accuracy, but it’s unlikely that anyone will comment in casual conversation.

There isn’t much evidence to show that one type of English is easier to learn than the other, either. So, don’t worry too much about the variety of English you learn, or memorising the ways in which it’s different to English spoken elsewhere.

Remember there are lots of variations of English – British and American are just the ones most likely to be taught. If you study English in a different English-speaking country (like Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, the Caribbean or many other places), you might notice other differences in the way people speak and write.

Despite these differences, American and British English are mutually intelligible, and speakers of either variety can usually understand one another without much trouble. However, being aware of these variations can enrich your understanding of the language and help you communicate more effectively.

 

 

Want to improve your English with native speakers?

Check out our English courses in the UK and Malta and get the skills you need to succeed.

Alternatively, follow us on or to get our helpful tips about English language and life in the UK.

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]]> English Tongue Twisters to Improve Pronunciation /blog/english-tongue-twisters-to-improve-pronunciation/ Fri, 03 Jan 2025 10:23:58 +0000 https://www.british-study.com/en/?p=11548 Improve your pronunciation, vocabulary and fluency with these tricky tongue twisters!

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At 鶹Ƶ, we’re always finding new and fun ways to help you learn or improve on your English Language skills! One of our favourite tasks is challenging students to pronounce some popular English tongue twisters, to practice their pronunciation and vocabulary skills.

 

What is a Tongue Twister?

A Tongue Twister is a sentence or series of words that is hard to say. Usually, they are made up of words beginning with the same letter, or sound, which is called alliteration. They are challenging, but they provide the perfect opportunity for you to practice your pronunciation and improve your fluency! Traditionally, they are meant to be said quickly, and it’s very funny to hear how the letters and words can be jumbled up. It is important to start these slowly and build up your confidence until you can say these correctly.

  1. Begin by saying the tongue twister slowly. Increase your speed as you gain confidence and clarity.
  2. Record yourself – listening back helps you identify areas for improvement in pronunciation.
  3. Break it down into smaller parts. Master each segment before attempting the full phrase.
  4. Practice makes perfect!

 

Why English Tongue Twisters Are Perfect for Practice

Are you studying English or looking to improve your speaking skills? Tongue twisters are a must-try tool for mastering English. Here’s how they can help!

  1. Practicing tongue twisters forces you to focus on enunciating each syllable correctly. This improves your ability to pronounce tricky words in everyday conversations.
  2. Speaking clearly involves various facial muscles. Repeating tongue twisters helps exercise these muscles, making your speech more precise over time.
  3. Understanding the nuances of similar sounds is key to mastering English. Tongue twisters help you differentiate between challenging phonemes, such as “s” and “sh.”
  4. Successfully mastering a difficult tongue twister gives you a confidence boost. With time, you’ll notice a greater ease in speaking English fluently.
  5. Repetition of tongue twisters encourages smooth and quick transitions between words. This practice helps you speak naturally without unnecessary pauses.

 

What Are The Best English Tongue Twisters?

For an extra challenge, try and say the sentences 2 or 3 times in a row! Remember, practicing a few tongue twisters daily can significantly improve your speaking skills.
 

Easy English Tongue Twisters

  • “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?”
  • “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?”
  • “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream”

 

Medium English Tongue Twisters

  • “A proper cup of coffee from a proper copper coffee pot.”
  • “Which witch is which?”
  • “Red lorry, yellow lorry.”

 

Difficult English Tongue Twisters

  • “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
  • “Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?”
  • “The sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick.” (According to The Guinness Book of World Records, this is the toughest tongue twister!)

Competing to say these English tongue twisters the fastest can be a fun game you can share with friends or classmates, and adding tongue twisters to your English-speaking routine is a powerful way to improve pronunciation, fluency, and confidence. You’ll be amazed at how much it can transform your speaking skills—and how much fun you’ll have along the way!

 

Vocabulary you may have learned from this article


 

English lessons in the UK and Malta

If you want to improve your English skills and improve your future opportunities, our friendly team of expert teachers can help. Learn more about our English language lessons in London, Brighton, Edinburgh, Manchester, York, or Sliema (Malta).

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]]> English Idioms – 18 Strange Phrases /blog/common-english-idioms-phrases/ Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:51:07 +0000 https://www.british-study.com/blog/?p=10134 English is a language that is rich with colourful sayings and phrases. Unfortunately, though, this can make it pretty hard to understand. That’s why we’ve listed some of the strangest English idioms to help you understand its most interesting expressions while you study with us at BSC Education.   What is an idiom? An idiom […]

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]]> Hold your Horses is one many unusual English idioms
‘Hold your Horses’ is one many unusual English idioms.

English is a language that is rich with colourful sayings and phrases. Unfortunately, though, this can make it pretty hard to understand. That’s why we’ve listed some of the strangest English idioms to help you understand its most interesting expressions while you study with us at BSC Education.

 

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase or group of words with a meaning that’s different from the literal meaning of the words. Sometimes we might use idioms in a conversation or in writing to make it more creative and interesting.

 

Why do English speakers use so many idioms?

You may have noticed idioms being used a lot in British books, films, music, and TV shows. English speakers often like to use these phrases to add humour or lighten a mood, in order to make better personal connections. If you are learning to speak English or trying to have deeper conversations with native speakers, becoming familiar with these expressions is a great idea.

 

What are some common English Idioms?

 

1. Turn a blind eye

Turning a blind eye means pretending something isn’t happening. For example, a police officer might ‘turn a blind eye’ to a minor crime if the person doing it was polite and apologised a lot.

Example: “I’ll turn a blind eye this time, but don’t let it happen again”.

 

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2. To kick the bucket

As in many cultures, talking about death in English can be difficult. That’s why we have a number of euphemisms that refer to death or dying. ‘To kick the bucket’ is an informal and sometimes crass way of saying ‘to die.’

Example: “There are loads of things I want to do before I kick the bucket.”

 

3. To drop the ball

To ‘drop the ball’ is to make a mistake, normally by doing something stupid or careless.

Example: “I’m really sorry everyone, I really dropped the ball on this one.”

 

4. A different kettle of fish

To say something is a ‘different kettle of fish’ is to say that something is very different from the subject being spoken about.

Example: “Wanting a car is one thing, paying for it is a whole different kettle of fish.”

 

5. Happy as a pig in muck

Saying you’re ‘as happy as a pig in muck’ is to say that you are very happy and serene. The phrase also conveys the fact that you are in your favourite place or particularly at ease.

Example: “When those kids are in the swimming pool they’re happy as a pig in muck.”

 

6. Barking up the wrong tree

‘Barking up the wrong tree’ is an English phrase that is used to suggest a mistaken conclusion. The phrase relates to when dogs mistakenly think that their prey has gone up a tree when it has actually flown away.

Example: “If you think it was me that ate the last brownie, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

 

10. Hold your horses

Sometimes in the UK when we want someone to stop rushing, we say “hold your horses”. This means “slow down” or “be patient“, and may come from the days when people would travel by horse and cart.

Example: “We can’t leave until everyone is ready! Hold your horses!”

 

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8. A chip on your shoulder

To have a chip on your shoulder generally means that you are holding a grudge against someone, which is causing you to be in a bad mood. Similarly, the phrase can also mean that someone is entitled or full of themselves.

Example: “Pete thinks he’s so clever. He’s got such a chip on his shoulder.”

 

9. Born with a silver spoon in your mouth

In English, the word ‘silver spoon’ is used to describe someone who was born into money. The phrase is often used to say that the person does not deserve their inherited privilege.

Example: “He’s from such a wealthy family, he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”

 

7. Once in a blue moon

To do something ‘once in a blue moon’ is do it very infrequently. The phrase relates to the appearance of a ‘blue moon,’ which is the second full moon within one calendar month. This generally only happens once in around 32 months.

Example: “You get up early once in a blue moon!”

 

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11. Wild goose chase

Saying something is a ‘wild good chase’ is a way of describing a hopeless search or pursuit of an impossible solution.

Example: “I’ve been on a wild goose chase this morning trying to find a birthday present for your Dad.”

 

12. The greatest thing since sliced bread

‘The greatest thing since sliced bread’ is an idiom that means that something is a particularly innovative or useful invention. Although sliced bread was invented in 1928, the phrase was not used in written language until the 1950s.

Example: “These new wireless headphones are the best thing since sliced bread.”

 

13. Bob’s your Uncle!

The expression’s meaning is similar American phrase “easy as pie”. You might say it instead of “It’s as simple as that” when explaining how to do something.

Example: “Just plug the toaster into the wall, and Bob’s your uncle!”

 

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14. Walking on eggshells

An eggshell is the fragile outer part of an egg that breaks easily. To say you are walking (or ‘treading’) on eggshells is to say that you are being very careful not to offend anyone, normally because of a delicate or sensitive social situation.

Example: “My aunt is so sensitive. When she comes to stay, I feel like I’m walking on eggshells.”

 

15. Beat around the bush

If you are beating around the bush, you are avoiding or delaying talking about a difficult topic.

Example: “Just stop beating around the bush and tell me what’s wrong.”

 

16. A piece of cake

If you say that something is a ‘piece of cake’ it means that the task is really easy, as easy as eating a piece of cake.

Example: “Mental maths is a piece of cake.”

 

17. Raining cats and dogs

Nobody is sure where this phrase comes from, but it means that the weather is terrible and the rain is very heavy. It has nothing to do with animals falling from the sky!

Example: “Don’t forget your umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs out there!”

 

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18. Let the cat out of the bag

To ‘let the cat out of the bag’ is to reveal a secret, either deliberately or accidentally.

Example: “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag and told Sarah about her surprise birthday party.”

 

Vocabulary you may have learned from this article

  • Barking – the noise a dog makes
  • Euphemism – a different, less direct way of saying something difficult to talk about
  • Kettle – traditionally a cooking pot, but in modern times, a kettle usually boils water to make tea or coffee with

 

Learn more English idioms

Follow us on or to see more helpful videos.

Want to expand your English vocabulary and boost your opportunities in the UK or Malta?

Our expert team can help you with English language lessons in London, Brighton, Manchester, York, Edinburgh, or Sliema. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

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]]> English Reading – How Can I Improve? /blog/english-reading-how-can-i-improve/ /blog/english-reading-how-can-i-improve/#respond Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:37:49 +0000 /?p=23079 Looking through a menu in a restaurant, checking road signs, or scanning through Netflix reviews: these are all activities that involve reading. Using your English reading skills to interpret what is on a page or a sign quickly will make lots of tasks easier and could even save your life!   English Reading Tips from […]

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Looking through a menu in a restaurant, checking road signs, or scanning through Netflix reviews: these are all activities that involve reading. Using your English reading skills to interpret what is on a page or a sign quickly will make lots of tasks easier and could even save your life!

 

English Reading Tips from 鶹Ƶ

Have a look through our tips to improve your English reading skills.

 

1. Read, read, read!

This might sound obvious, but the more you read, the easier it becomes and you improve more. Could you set some time aside every day for an English reading session? One idea is to read while you travel to work or college: lots of cities publish free newspapers every day that you can find at public transport stops. Another suggestion is to read something just before you go to bed – a couple of pages of a book, something in a magazine, a message from friends or family.

 

2. Read something you enjoy

Tim, College Manager at 鶹Ƶ York, suggests “Reading something you would read in your own language.” This means you are more likely to know some of the vocabulary already, and to continue reading to the end. Tim also suggests looking for an English language version of a book you have read in your native language.

Top Tip: Lots of longer books can be found in shorter versions, specifically designed for English language learners. We call themabridged or graded readers. You can find these at many libraries (free to join if you are in the UK), at the college where you are studying English (speak to your College Manager) or via a publishing company like .

 

3. Read little and often

The more you practice something, the easier it starts to become. If you allow time to read most days, it will become a habit that is easier to keep up. Also, reading doesn’t just have to be from books, magazines or newspapers! Does your favourite football team have an English language version of their website? Can you try to read an article of news on the BBC website most days? What about changing your social media account into English?!

 

4. Read aloud

Reading aloud is a FANTASTIC way of practising your spoken English. Here, you have a script (something written down) for you so you don’t have to think about what to say. Maria, who teaches at 鶹Ƶ Malta, suggests: “Try recording yourself so that you can listen back and improve.”. This can really help with your pronunciation and is so easy to do on your phone!

This, too, is a great tip if you need to give a presentation in class or for work. If you record yourself when you practice, you can spot mistakes before giving the talk for real!

 

5. Read with purpose

Are you reading because you are interested in the topic? Read at your own pace! Are you reading to get the gist, or the main idea? Look through the text briefly and search for words or ideas that are repeated. Are you reading for specific information? Have the concept you are looking for in your head, and search for the term in the text. Read around the idea slowly. How are other words in the sentence connected to it?

Another suggestion here is to keep a vocabulary diary, where you can make notes about new words that you have read. Use the to look up new words. Note down what part of speech (verb/noun/adjective/adverb etc..) the are. Listen to how they are pronounced. Look at any example sentences the dictionary suggests. Can you use them in a sentence of your own?

 

6. Read and listen at the same time

Audiobooks are a favourite of our Group Academic Manager, Hannah. “I love listening to other people reading some of my favourite books. They’re great to have on in the background while I am walking or even to help me relax during the evening.”. One of her favourite authors is the famous crime writer, Agatha Christie. “There are lots of great Agatha Christie audiobooks that have been adapted for English language learners! Many also have the text version of the book so that you can read and listen at the same time.”

Her personal recommendation for people new to Agatha Christie, looking to improve their English reading? “Oh, it has to be The Death of Roger Ackroyd, which changed how mystery stories were written forever!”

Teacher Susan (based in Bangkok) also suggests reading and listening at the same time: “If you use more than one skill, you are more likely to take in new information. This can really boost your confidence!”

 

Improve your English reading with our experienced teachers

Do you want to learn English with native speakers? Check out our English coursesin the UK, Malta, or Thailand and improve your English today.

Other tips for language learners from the 鶹Ƶ blog:

Best Novels for English Language Learners

Best TV & Netflix Shows for Learning English

Best Songs for Learning English

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]]> /blog/english-reading-how-can-i-improve/feed/ 0 Gen Z Vocabulary – 15 English phrases you should know /blog/gen-z-phrases-and-terms/ /blog/gen-z-phrases-and-terms/#respond Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:52:48 +0000 /?p=23213 Gen Z are people born after Millennials but before Generation Alpha. They were born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, so are mostly teenagers or young adults in their 20s. Like with any generation, some Gen Z vocabulary might be confusing if you don’t know what they mean. Don’t worry though, this list will […]

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Gen Z phrases and terms may confuse older people

Gen Z are people born after but before . They were born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, so are mostly teenagers or young adults in their 20s. Like with any generation, some Gen Z vocabulary might be confusing if you don’t know what they mean. Don’t worry though, this list will help you understand what young people are talking about when they use these phrases.

 

Bet

What does bet mean?: “Bet” means you agree enthusiastically. You might otherwise say “OK!”, “sure”, or “you bet!”.
Example: “Do you want to get Chinese food tonight?” “Bet!”

 

Drip

What does drip mean?: “Drip” means someone who wears very stylish clothing or accessories.
Example: “That teacher has drip”.

 

Flex

What does flex mean?: “Flex” means to show off something, like a bodybuilder would flex their muscles.
Example: “He keeps flexing his new hat”.

 

FOMO

What does FOMO mean?: “FOMO” means “Fear Of Missing Out.” It’s the feeling you get when you think others are having fun without you.
Example: “Everyone else is at the party, and I’ve got FOMO”.

 

Ghosting

What does ghosting mean?: “Ghosting” means to suddenly stop talking to someone.
Example: “We went out for a coffee but she ghosted me afterwards”.

 

GOAT

What does GOAT mean?: “GOAT” means “Greatest Of All Time.”
Example: “Lionel Messi is the GOAT of football.”

 

Lit

What does lit mean?: “Lit” means when something is really fun, exciting, or great.
Example: “鶹Ƶ colleges are lit!”

 

No Cap

What does no cap mean?: “No cap” means you’re telling the truth. You might otherwise say “no lie” or “I’m serious.”
Example: “That dog was so cute, no cap.”

 

Rizz

What does rizz mean?:“Rizz” means attractive or charming. It is short for “charisma”.
Example: “She’s got so much rizz”.

 

Slay

What does slay mean?: “Slay” means someone is doing a great job, or looks really good.
Example: “You slayed that karaoke tonight!”

 

Stan

What does stan mean?: “Stan” can be used as a noun or a verb. It means to be an obsessed fan of someone. It’s based on the of the same name.
Example: “She stans Taylor Swift”.

 

Sus

What does sus mean?: “Sus” means “suspicious”. If something is dodgy or strange, you might call it “sus.”
Example: “Something is wrong, he’s acting sus.”

 

Tea

What does tea mean?: “Tea” means Gossip or news. When someone says “spill the tea,” they want to know the latest gossip.
Example: “How was your date? Spill the tea!”

 

W / L

What do W and L mean?: “W” and “L” mean win and loss.
Example: “Nobody laughed at my jokes at the comedy show. It was a massive L. But then I scored a W on the way home – I found £20!”.

 

Yeet

What does yeet mean?: “Yeet” means to throw something very strongly.
Example: “I yeeted that terrible sandwich straight into the bin”.

 

Confused by English Gen Z vocabulary?

We are to help you understand the language you are likely to encounter when you arrive in the UK or other English speaking countries. We have English courses to suit the needs of anyone, whether you are looking to build a career, or just improve your conversations. Check out our courses today!

You can also follow us on or , where we explain British slang and idioms.

 

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]]> /blog/gen-z-phrases-and-terms/feed/ 0 Easy Novels for English Language Learners to read /blog/novels-for-english-language-learners/ Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:20:09 +0000 https://www.british-study.com/blog/2013/11/alexs-top-5-books-for-language-learners/ Want to improve your English but finding it hard to find a novel for your level? We list some of the easiest novels to start improving your vocabulary.

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鶹Ƶ York student Hamad from Saudi Arabia enjoying the book ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl

Reading books is one of the best ways to improve your English. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or just studying to improve your speaking and listening skills, reading is a fantastic way to gain new vocabulary, explore new structures, discover complex expressions, and really get a feel for the language. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right kinds of stories for beginners. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best English novels for English Language Learners.

What are the best easy novels for English Language Learners to read?

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time is considered one of the best novels for English Language Learners

1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – Mark Haddon

is a book about a young boy, Christopher, who has autism. Christopher goes to a special school and finds it very hard to understand and communicate with people from the outside world. He discovers that his neighbour’s dog has been murdered and decides to investigate the crime. This takes him on a terrifying and challenging journey that changes his life.

The story is told by Christopher, which means the language is simple and easy to understand. Its short length also makes this book easy to read, even for beginners!

Fantastic Mr Fox is considered one of the best novels for English Language Learners

2. Fantastic Mr Fox – Roald Dahl

A great tip when choosing books to improve your English is to read stories written for children. We chose , but we could have really chosen almost any book by the iconic writer Roald Dahl, who is arguably one of the greatest children’s authors of all time.

Fantastic Mr Fox is the story of three mean local farmers and a sly fox who steals their chickens, geese and apple cider to feed his family and friends. Boggis, Bunce and Bean (the horrible farmers) plan to capture the fox by digging into his home, but Fantastic Mr Fox has a plan of his own….

Another great thing about these books is the illustrations by Quentin Blake. Reading a book with pictures also helps you to better understand the story.

The Old Man and the Sea is considered one of the best novels for English Language Learners

3. The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway

is a short novel about an epic battle between an old Cuban fisherman and a giant fish. Hemingway uses the simple story as a fable which explores the themes of challenge, courage, survival, defeat and personal triumph.

Hemingway is famous for his clean, minimalist style of writing, which is perfect for language learners. Using short sentences and getting straight to the point, every level of an English learner will find the language in his books accessible.

Lord of the Flies is considered one of the best novels for English Language Learners

4. Lord of the Flies – William Golding

is a modern classic, and a popular one to read at school. It was once the set text for the Cambridge Advanced Exam, which makes it an even better choice when thinking about English books for beginners! Whether you’ve read it in your own language or not, it’s a good one to try in English.

Lord of the Flies begins with a plane crash which leaves a group of boys marooned on an island. Alone on the island, they elect a leader and create their own society. Things go horribly wrong and a war for leadership begins. The boys turn savage and form two rival tribes, resulting in panic, fear and death.

It will make you think about human nature. Will our cruelty and hunger for power end up destroying us?

Empty World

5. Empty World – John Christopher

When Nick’s parents are killed in a car crash, he moves to live with his grandparents. Shortly after the move, a deadly virus spreads around the world and kills most of the population. Nick is left alone to survive in a lonely and empty world…..

The language in is simple because it was written for a teenage audience, but it is as dark, disturbing and thought-provoking as any adult book. Although it might be an easy read, it’s also one that will make you think!

To Kill a Mockingbird

6. To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee

is a classic American novel that many students in the UK and the US will study in secondary school.

The book is set in in the United States and follows the story of a crime in a small, rural town and its repercussions. Its told from the point of view of a child, so the language is never overly complex, making it a great novel for English language beginners.

Harry Potter

7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

So it may be an obvious choice, but the early books make for a great introduction to the English language for beginners. Written for children and Young Adults, the language is somewhat simple, making the books accessible for people with a low level of English. If that wasn’t enough, you’re probably already familiar with the storyline- which always makes reading in your second language a lot easier!

 

We hope you enjoyed reading about some popular novels for English Language Learners to read. Do you want to learn English with native speakers? Check out our English courses and improve your English today.

All images are used for educational purposes to illustrate a critical analysis of the novels. All image rights belong to the book’s publisher or cover artist. Inclusion in this English books for beginners list is not an endorsement of the expressed views of each author.

Other tips for language learners from the 鶹Ƶ blog:

Best TV & Netflix Shows for Learning English

Best Songs for Learning English

 

 

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]]> 10 of the Best TV Shows for Learning English /blog/best-tv-shows-for-learning-english/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:44:03 +0000 https://www.british-study.com/blog/?p=9474 So, you need to improve your listening skills but you don't know where to start? Check out our list of the best TV shows to help you improve your English.

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]]> A woman learning English by watching Netflix

So, you need to improve your English listening skills, but the idea of spending hours listening to BBC news fills you with horror. Don’t worry, we’ve come up with a great list of shows (in both British and American English) to help you improve your vocabulary and have fun at the same time! These 10 series are amazing TV shows for learning English, and can help you while you are taking an English course at 鶹Ƶ.

 

Best American TV shows for Learning English

 

1. Friends

Okay, so this is an obvious one, but you’ve probably watched Friends in your native language. When you start watching it in English, it’ll be much easier to follow because you already know the storyline.

Vocabulary to look out for: “We were on a break”
Meaning: This means to stop doing something for a while. When Ross and Rachel go “on a break”, it means when two people in a relationship are separated for a period of time.

 

2. Brooklyn 99

Brooklyn 99 is a fun twist on a regular American “cop show.” It’s a light-hearted sitcom series made up of short 30-minute episodes and adorable characters. The fast-paced comedy might be a little hard to understand at first, but after series one, you’ll be speaking like a real Brooklynite (person from Brooklyn, New York).

Vocabulary to look out for: “NǾ”
Means:‘Nice’ spoken with emphasis. It refers to something exceeding the limit of nice, i.e. something really, really nice.

 

3. Stranger Things

You’ve probably heard of the addictive SCI-FI series, Stranger Things, but have you thought about watching in its original English? Yes, some of the kids’ slang words might be a little bit hard to understand, but, in general, children speak a lot slower and clearer than adults, making their conversations and the series pretty easy to follow.

Vocabulary to look out for: “The Upside Down”
Refers to: ‘Upside down’ means something that is the wrong way – the top is where the bottom is supposed to be. This is the name 0f the parallel universe that is opened in the show.

 

4. Modern Family

Like with ‘Stranger Things’, the best thing about learning English with Modern Family is that most of the cast are children. With the kids speaking a lot slower and using simpler vocabulary, you’ll find it easy to learn English with this hilarious show. The cast also explains a lot of English phrases to Colombian Gloria (played by Sofia Vergara).

Vocabulary to look out for: “Male cheerleader”
Meaning:Cheerleaders are performers at American Football games who are normally female. The joke in the show is that Phil was a male cheerleader in college.

 

5. The Good Place

Although the premise for the good place might be a little strange (it takes place in a fictional ‘Good Place’ that represents heaven) the Good Place is one of the best TV shows for learning English. As well as its fairly slow-moving plot, many of the stories are repeated – making it the perfect starting point for someone new to English TV.

Vocabulary to look out for: “Forked up”
Meaning:You can’t swear in the ‘Good Place’, so common bad language is replaced by similar sounding words.

 

Best British TV shows for Learning English

 

1. The Crown

What better way is there to learn ‘the Queen’s English’ than from the Queen herself? The series follows the life of Queen Elizabeth from coronation as she deals with the pressures of life in the royal family. Not only will you pick up an incredibly posh (meaning upper-class) British accent, but you’ll also learn lots about the history of the British monarchy.

Vocabulary to look out for: ٴDZ𾱲”
Means: A supreme ruler.

 

2. Downton Abbey

Much like the Crown, if you find ‘the Queen’s English’ easiest to understand then Downton Abbey is the perfect TV show for you. Despite being set in Yorkshire, all of the characters speak with posh British accents making it easy to follow the English conversations.

Vocabulary to look out for: ٱܾڴڲ”
Meaning: An old-fashioned way of saying slightly drunk.You can also check out these

 

3. Sherlock

Get to know an iconic British literary character in a fun and modern format. Although Benedict Cumberbatch speaks quite quickly, the show is a great example of a British Television series that you’ll find too captivating to turn off.

Vocabulary to look out for: “Got my eye on”
Meaning:When you have your eye on someone, you are paying close attention to them from a distance because you are interested in what they are doing. For a detective, this would usually be because they are suspicious that the person is going to do something bad.

 

4. Killing Eve

Killing Eve is an intense and addictive spy-drama that has won multiple awards at both the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes. But aside from this, with Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy) speaking in a clear, Canadian accent and Jodie Comer speaking slowly with a Belgian twang, it’s also a great TV series to start improving your English vocabulary.

Vocabulary to look out for:“You should never call a psychopath a psychopath”
Meaning:A psychopath is someone suffering from a mental disorder, but saying this to them would upset them.

 

5. The Great British Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off is an excellent example of British Television. Twelve amateur bakers compete for the title of Britain’s best baker. There’s drama, competition and a lot of laughs. Not only will you learn a lot about British food, but you’ll also learn a lot about British humour on the way!

Vocabulary to look out for:“Soggy bottom”
Meaning:This is a regular joke on the show with a double meaning. When the bottom of a cake isn’t cooked properly it goes ‘soggy,’ meaning too wet. But a ‘soggy bottom’ also means that your butt (or to use a more British term, ‘bum’!) is wet.

 

 

Tips for learning English with TV series or Netflix shows

    1. Choose shows with shorter episodes so that you don’t get too overwhelmed with all the new vocabulary.
    2. Watch the TV shows with English subtitles NOT subtitles in your own language. Reading and listening to English at the same time is the best way to get your brain to absorb new vocabulary.
    3. Try not to pause and look up words you don’t understand, as this will stop you from enjoying the plot. Instead, try and work out the word’s meaning from the show’s context.

 

The best way to learn English

 

Improve your English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills with lessons from our expert teachers in:

 

Find out more about our courses, destinations, or money saving deals.

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]]> How do I get into university in the UK as an international student? /blog/how-do-university-in-the-uk-international-student/ /blog/how-do-university-in-the-uk-international-student/#respond Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:01:29 +0000 /?p=22433   Are you interested in studying for a university degree in the UK or another English-speaking country? We can help! Read this article to discover some possible options! Do I need to pass an exam like IELTS to get into university? If you are a non-native speaker of English, you might need to prove you […]

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]]> Some graduates at a University in the UK.

 

Are you interested in studying for a university degree in the UK or another English-speaking country? We can help! Read this article to discover some possible options!

Do I need to pass an exam like IELTS to get into university?

If you are a non-native speaker of English, you might need to prove you have the right English level for university study. One way of proving this is through an IELTS test.

Even if you have a good level of English, IELTS preparation classes can help you improve your technique before you take your exam to give you a better chance of success.

 

Will I need a good level of English to study at university in the UK?

Universities will need to make sure you have the necessary English language skills to complete a degree course. They will expect students to be ready, so it is really important to make sure you can cope with the demands of your studies. Most courses require lots of reading and self-study: you will need to be able to study outside of lectures and tutorials.

Some universities (or particular courses) have higher requirements than others. For example, if you want to study a subject like medicine or law, you will need a higher IELTS score. You might be asked to complete an additional qualification, such as an International Foundation Year before you can study.

 

What is an International Foundation Year?

An International Foundation Year (IFY) is a bridging course between the end of high school or secondary school, and the start of an undergraduate university degree. It is specifically designed for students who have not studied in an English-speaking country. It will help you improve your studying and academic skills, and prepare you to begin your university course with confidence.

An IFY usually lasts for an academic year – around nine months of study. Depending on where you study, you will take in-person classes on a variety of different subjects. You will usually study for between 20 and 25 hours a week. There may be additional supporting tutorials and workshops to help. In addition, you will need to study outside class and complete homework tasks.

One of the subjects that you are likely to study is English for Academic Purposes or EAP. During your EAP classes, you will be supported with Academic English – this includes writing essays and giving presentations in English.

You will also have support with applying to university. This includes writing a personal statement and providing an academic reference.

You will be assessed before, during and at the end of your IFY course. These scores will show universities that you have the language and academic ability to study for a degree.

 

What are the differences between a Foundation Year and an International Foundation Year?

A Foundation Year is an additional year of study for students who don’t have the required A-level results to apply to university.

An International Foundation Year is an additional year of study for students from non-English speaking countries who want to study at university.

 

Do I have to study an International Foundation Year in the UK if I want to go to a UK university?

No!

There are study centres and colleges in many different countries that offer IFY programmes. 鶹Ƶ’s brand new college in beautiful Malta has IFY programmes supported by , our long-time collaborator.

NCUK has partnerships with more than 45 universities in five different countries, including the UK.

As English is one of the official languages of the island and spoken by the majority of the population, you will be immersed in language both inside and outside the classroom!

 

 

 

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We hope this article has been helpful. If you need any more advice, our expert team will be happy to help you decide on your best option for study. Contact us today or follow BSC Education on or to see more from us.

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