Word Pairs

  The two words "farther" and "further" are a pair of words that is often used interchangeably to talk about distances. However, not many know that there is actually a slight difference between the two. "Farther" is used for physical distances. So we would use it in this example: "Tokyo is farther away than Beijing". When using "further" we talk about non-physical, figurative distances, for example "I'm falling further away from my goals". As you can see, the two words have slighty different usages. However, in spoken English the two words are often used interchangeably without a difference. However, if you are keen to use them properly, you should stick to the rules mentioned above. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL...  [Read more]

In a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) classroom, teaching pronunciation is crucial as it directly impacts learners' ability to communicate effectively in English. Pronunciation is not only about producing sounds correctly but also about conveying meaning clearly. Poor pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder communication. By focusing on pronunciation, teachers can help students improve their listening comprehension, speaking fluency, and overall communication skills. 1. Minimal Pairs: Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by only one sound, such as "ship" and "sheep." Using minimal pairs in activities helps students distinguish between similar sounds that may not exist in their native language. This strategy can improve students' ability to hear and...  [Read more]

  In this video Linda breaks down the difference between "look", "see" and "watch". The differences surrounding these three words can be quite difficult to understand for non-native English learners. However, this video looks at the three words in detail breaking down exactly how to differentiate between them. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I would like to share some teaching idea. a) Future simple Going to the vegetable market , what will...  [Read more]

English pronunciation is a crucial aspect of language learning as it directly impacts communication effectiveness. Clear pronunciation enhances comprehension, reduces misunderstandings, and boosts confidence in non-native speakers. It is essential for both academic and professional success, as well as for everyday interactions. A focus on pronunciation also helps learners feel more integrated into English-speaking communities and improves their overall language proficiency. 1. Phonetic Awareness: Start by building phonetic awareness through activities that highlight the sound system of English. Teach students about vowel and consonant sounds, stress patterns, intonation, and linking sounds. Use phonetic charts and diagrams to visually represent these concepts. 2. Minimal Pairs Practice:...  [Read more]

  In this video, we provide you with a useful overview of the various past tenses. We focus here especially on the differences between the past perfect and past perfect continuous. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. The final unit was dedicated to troubleshooting the most frequent possible problems we may face when working with our student. From our first lesson, we must set the tone of a fun, inviting atmosphere by getting to know our...  [Read more]

English pronunciation plays a crucial role in communication as it affects how well a speaker is understood. Poor pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. Additionally, pronunciation impacts one's confidence in speaking English. Therefore, focusing on pronunciation is essential for language learners to improve their overall language skills. 1. Phonetic Awareness: Teaching phonetic symbols and sounds can help students understand the sounds of English. Using tools like the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can aid in teaching the correct pronunciation of words. 2. Minimal Pairs Activities: Engaging students in minimal pairs activities, where words differ by only one sound, can help them distinguish between similar sounds. This practice improves their...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'If I were' and 'If I was' as their usage is often confused. 'If I was' is used for things that could have happened in the past or now, for example: If I was rude, I apologize. 'If I were', however, is used when we speak about imaginary situations or things that are contrary to fact, such as here: If I were a dog, I would sleep all day. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. A teacher must use eye contact,...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word canoodle. This word is used as a verb and describes the action of kissing and cuddling amorously. The origin of the word is widely unknown. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. The most common problems teachers will face are: their first lesson with a class; a class with different levels; large classes; reluctant students; difficulties with listening texts; and the use of the native...  [Read more]

Teaching English pronunciation to beginners is crucial as it lays the foundation for effective communication in the language. Clear pronunciation helps learners be understood and build confidence in speaking. Beginners need to focus on mastering basic sounds, stress patterns, and intonation to improve their overall communication skills. Pronunciation instruction from the start can prevent the development of fossilized errors that are harder to correct later on. One effective strategy for teaching pronunciation to beginners is the use of minimal pairs, which are words that differ by only one sound (e.g., ship/sheep). Practicing minimal pairs helps learners distinguish between similar sounds that may not exist in their native language. Another strategy is to focus on word and sentence...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we look at some of the most common business English exams people take around the world. Many EFL teachers around the world need to prepare their students for these international proficiency tests. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit overviews the different methodologies that have been used when teaching foreign languages to student....  [Read more]

Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified in China? Are you interested in teaching English in Tongren, China? Check out our opportunities in Tongren, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English in your community or abroad! Teflonline.net offers a wide variety of Online TESOL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language. Here Below you can check out the feedback (for one of our units) of one of the 16.000 students that last year took an online course with ITTT! In this unit I learned about class management. As a teacher, it is important to use correct eye contact, gestures, and voice when engaging students. When organizing activities, the teacher must decide...  [Read more]

Effective communication in a second language involves not only vocabulary and grammar but also pronunciation. Clear pronunciation enhances comprehension and fluency, making interactions smoother and more effective. For non-native speakers, mastering pronunciation can boost confidence and lead to better opportunities in both academic and professional settings. It helps them convey their ideas accurately, engage in meaningful conversations, and build connections with native speakers. Therefore, teaching pronunciation is crucial in TESOL to equip learners with the skills needed for successful communication. Various strategies can be employed to teach pronunciation effectively to non-native speakers. One approach is the use of minimal pairs, which are pairs of words that differ by only one...  [Read more]

In a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) setting, the importance of teaching pronunciation and phonetics cannot be overstated. Clear and accurate pronunciation is crucial for effective communication, as it aids in conveying meaning and understanding. Without proper pronunciation and phonetic skills, language learners may struggle to be understood or comprehend spoken English. Moreover, mastering pronunciation and phonetics enhances listening skills, boosts confidence in speaking, and contributes to overall language fluency. When teaching pronunciation in a TEFL context, it is essential to employ various strategies to cater to different learning styles and needs. One effective strategy is the use of minimal pairs, which are pairs of words that differ by only one sound, such as...  [Read more]

Shyness is a common trait among students, especially when learning a new language. As a TEFL teacher, it's crucial to understand that shyness can stem from various factors such as lack of confidence, fear of making mistakes, or cultural differences. By recognizing the root cause of shyness in your students, you can tailor your approach to better support and engage them in the classroom. One of the most effective ways to engage shy students is by creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Encourage open communication, mutual respect, and empathy among students. Provide positive reinforcement, constructive feedback, and opportunities for students to share their thoughts and ideas without judgment. By fostering a safe and welcoming space, shy students will feel more...  [Read more]

Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified in Japan? Are you interested in teaching English in Takaoka, Japan? Check out our opportunities in Takaoka, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English in your community or abroad! Teflonline.net offers a wide variety of Online TESOL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language. Here Below you can check out the feedback (for one of our units) of one of the 16.000 students that last year took an online course with ITTT! I have read and learned in unit 3 a great deal about classroom management. How seating situation is very important. How the different seating situations can give different results, both pros and cons....  [Read more]

English pronunciation is a crucial aspect of language learning as it directly impacts communication effectiveness. Clear pronunciation enhances comprehension and enables learners to express themselves accurately. Poor pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder fluency. Therefore, focusing on pronunciation from the beginning stages of language learning is essential for overall proficiency. 1. Phonetic Awareness: Introduce students to the phonetic alphabet to help them understand the sounds of English. Practice distinguishing between similar sounds that may not exist in the students' native language. 2. Word Stress and Intonation: Teach students about word stress and intonation patterns in English sentences. Emphasize the importance of stress on certain syllables to convey...  [Read more]

Collaborative and cooperative learning are essential components of effective TEFL instruction. By engaging students in group activities, teachers can create a supportive learning environment where students can interact with each other, practice language skills, and develop their communicative competence. Collaborative learning encourages students to work together to solve problems, complete tasks, and achieve common goals, fostering a sense of community and teamwork in the classroom. There are various strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to promote collaborative and cooperative learning among their students. These include assigning group projects, facilitating group discussions, using pair work activities, implementing peer teaching and peer feedback, and incorporating collaborative...  [Read more]

  Here's a teaching idea that focuses on two very specific aspects of the present simple tense, one of which will be making statements about a habit and a routine. The other will be conjugating the verb into the 'he', 'she' or 'it' form. Here we'll present students with a picture. They will see various objects in the picture. Based upon the presence of these objects in someone's room, the students will have to make an observation such as 'She drinks coffee,' 'She plays the guitar,' 'She watches television,' 'She doesn't smoke.' Again, it's very specific used for the 'he', 'she' or 'it' form and habits and routines. At the end of the activity, the teacher will have the pairs or the small groups report back their various findings. Another idea for the present simple tense will be the...  [Read more]

  Now an example of a straight arrow ESA lesson for our engage phase. What we're going to do is to show the students a video of animals and they are going to say what they like about those animals and try to create a list of some more. So, remember what we're trying to do here is to get the students talking and thinking in English. We're using a typical engage activity, which is to create a list and we try to make sure that all the students have been involved in some way in creating those lists. Moving on to the study phase, the first part is going to be the board work and the teacher is going to try to elicit from the students what each of those animals can and can't do. Typically, what the students will say is just single words, so "run," "jump," "fly," etc. What we would then...  [Read more]

  Here's an idea for teaching the present perfect continuous tense. However in this activity what the students will be doing, is comparing and contrasting this tense with the present perfect tense. This is something that a teacher will want to do after they've explored both tenses and because both tenses are quite confusing, we'll ask the students to compare and contrast the two, making sure that they can tell the difference. In this activity, the teacher will have cut out each individual card. The teacher will distribute the cards to the students and after a minute has gone by, the teacher will then ask the students to fold their cards over and get into a pair. One student in the pair will then present a certain result and ask the student to form the question. Here, with the...  [Read more]