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]

Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified in Canada? Are you interested in teaching English in Guelph, Canada? Check out our opportunities in Guelph, 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 noted that the way a classroom is organized will change the way students feel during class. In addition, certain layouts may reduce the time needed to put students into pairs for work. For...  [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 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]

  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]

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]

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 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]

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]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word captious. This word describes a person who likes to point out flaws and errors and enjoys raising objections to other people's statements or opinions. Common synonyms for captious can be critical, faultfinding, and judgmental. 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. Unit 5 discusses the many ways in which a teacher must manage the classroo. Eye contact can be used to maintain discipline,...  [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]

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]

4. Conclusion: Fostering a Collaborative Learning Environment for English Language Learners Collaboration and peer learning are essential components of language acquisition, especially in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) contexts. When English language learners engage in collaborative activities, they have the opportunity to practice their language skills in authentic contexts, receive immediate feedback from their peers, and develop a sense of community within the classroom. Moreover, collaborating with others helps learners build confidence, improve their speaking and listening skills, and gain exposure to different accents and communication styles. By working together on tasks and projects, students can also learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses,...  [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]

Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified in Uzbekistan? Are you interested in teaching English in Angren, Uzbekistan? Check out our opportunities in Angren, 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 last unit we have learnt how to deal with certain situations we might encounter in the classroom. When it comes to the first lessons, it is important to use activities to establish...  [Read more]

Teaching pronunciation in TESOL is crucial as it directly impacts learners' communication effectiveness. Clear pronunciation enhances listening comprehension, promotes better speaking skills, and boosts overall confidence. Pronunciation is not only about producing sounds accurately but also about intonation, rhythm, stress, and connected speech. Without proper pronunciation instruction, learners may face difficulties in making themselves understood and understanding others in real-life communication situations. Therefore, focusing on pronunciation in TESOL helps learners become more proficient and confident communicators. There are various effective strategies for teaching pronunciation in TESOL. Firstly, teachers can use the imitation technique where learners listen and repeat sounds,...  [Read more]

English pronunciation is a crucial aspect of language learning as it not only affects how understandable a speaker is but also plays a significant role in communication and language comprehension. Poor pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication, so it is essential to help students improve their pronunciation skills. By focusing on pronunciation, students can enhance their overall language proficiency and feel more confident in their English-speaking abilities. There are several strategies that teachers can employ to help students improve their English pronunciation. One effective approach is to start with the basics, such as teaching students the sounds of the English language and how they are produced. By breaking down the sounds into phonemes and...  [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]

  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]