AEE 299: 4 Topics that You Should NEVER Discuss in a First English Conversation

Are you stuck on the rules of English? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss how to go from obsessing over the rules, to freeing your mind to get more creative with your English! Come back to our website for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Tammi 201515min

Do you need some phrasal verbs for the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica share 5 English phrasal verbs you can use to stand out and get the score you need!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   You will probably be asked to talk about the topics of home, shopping, food and studying in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Section. You need to prepare for this. One way you can do that is have some phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are a way to sound more natural and native when speaking informally. Though there are many of these to choose from, you only need to use of a few to stand out.   Here are five that are easy to use and will impress your examiner: Bone up on: This means to learn. It’s not only a phrasal verb, but also an idiom. “I had to bone up on my English studies.” Figure out: This means to learn the details of something, or discover how it works. “I figured out how to fix the television.” Goof off: When you are having fun, but not working or studying, you can say “I spent the afternoon goofing off.” Clam up: This is another phrasal verb and idiom. It means that you’re so nervous you couldn’t think of what to say. “I clammed up when she asked me to answer the question.” Catch up: If you’re behind, and you’re trying to shorten the distance, you might need to catch up.  This can be used physically, like you’re chasing someone, or with your studies. “I fell behind in my homework and have to catch up.”   Do you have any other phrasal verbs you’d like to use in the IELTS exam? Let us know what they are in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Tammi 201519min

Are Americans paranoid? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss why a few towns in the United States are banning a common winter activity for kids!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS training course now Most Americans live in places that get snow in the winter. As children, they probably went sledding at least a few times. But today, some places are trying to ban sledding because it can be dangerous! Towns with sled hills are afraid somebody will get hurt, and the town will be sued. Some lawsuits are justified, but there is such a thing as a “frivolous lawsuit,” which is a lawsuit that has little merit but is being pursued for money, rather than justice.   What do you think about banning sledding? What do think about suing a “haunted house” park because it’s too scary? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 Tammi 201515min

Do you try to speak fast to sound like a native English speaker? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss why you shouldn’t leave your heart behind on the IELTS Speaking Section!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Nobody expects you to sound exactly like a native speaker. People just want to understand you. So if you’re talking too fast and trying to sound like a native, you might actually become more difficult to understand. Speed is not important. If you speak with clarity and confidence, you will always sound better than if you’re in a rush. You have to be able to relax, pause between sentences, and use intonation and emotion.   If you want a high score on the Speaking Section, the examiner must be able to understand what you’re saying. Intonation is important — practice expressing your feelings so you DON’T sound like a robot!   How are you going to speak English with your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Tammi 201514min

How many words should you learn at a time? On today’s Wisdom Wednesday, Lindsay and Michelle talk about why it’s important to pace yourself so you don’t get overwhelmed!   Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 Tammi 201513min

Are you afraid of being asked an unfamiliar question in the IELTS speaking section? Today, Lindsay and Jessica tell how NOT to handle it, and give you two tips on what you can do to unfreeze!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Tammi 201513min

Where do you find inspiration to learn English? Today, learn 3 places where you can find compelling, interesting content to move you to the next level!   We live in a time of abundant online resources for learning English. In fact, there are so many that it can be overwhelming! But Thaddeus believes finding the right ones are the key to keeping your interest so you stay motivated.   Come back to our site for more info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Tammi 201519min

How do you use “as long as” in English? On today’s Tear Up Your Textbook Tuesday, find out how to stop using “if” all the time and start using “as long as”! The phrase “as long as” is a connector similar to “if”, or “provided that”.  It means that meeting certain conditions will allow something to happen. The emphasis is on the importance of meeting the conditions. Here are a couple ways “as long as” might be used: When do I have to be home? Whenever you want, as long as you bring the car back in good condition.   “Is your landlord nice?” “He is, as long as we pay the rent on time.”   How can you use “as long as”? Write us a sample sentence in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20 Tammi 201515min