Technology In ESL Classrooms
Technology has grown into a critical component of English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. Our Atlanta-based ESL school uses technology to enhance learning outcomes for F-1 visa students in our intensive English courses. While there is a wealth of information and research indicating that technology has advantages for learning languages in a classroom setting,…
Read MoreDifferences Between American and British English
British English and American English are two dialects of English with subtle differences between them. These two dialects often confuse ESL students. The primary categories of differences include vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling. Spelling is most likely the difference that new ESL students will encounter. The historic reasoning for spelling differences is that British English tends…
Read MoreCulture Shock: What it is and How to Manage it
What is “Culture Shock?” “Culture shock” is the experience of feeling anxious, confused, homesick or lost while living in a foreign culture. These feelings arise when the host culture creates unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable experiences as a part of daily life. This is a common experience for international students who come to study in the…
Read MoreEnglish Words with Spanish Roots
The English Island, located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, offers the highest quality English as a second language (ESOL) courses in Atlanta, Georgia. Many of our students come from Spanish speaking countries seeking English as a second language lessons (ESL), and they are often surprised by the abundance of words used in English that are derived…
Read MoreFour Benefits of Learning a New Language
Learning a new language provides a multitude of benefits for students of all ages. Some of the benefits include increased levels of concentration, positive changes in brain structure, higher degrees of creativity and cultural enrichment. While there are many great reasons to learn a language, perhaps some of these benefits will provide a good reason…
Read MoreHoliday Vocabulary: Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Holiday A holiday is a special day of celebration or a day when most people do not have to work. In American English, the holiday season refers to the time from November until the beginning of January. Wishing someone a “happy holidays” is a polite and inclusive way of expressing seasonal greetings. If you want…
Read MoreEnglish Grammar Myths
The English language has many rules that must be adhered to, along with a number of guidelines that are typically true for constructing sentences. In this lesson, we’re going to explore three myths about English grammar and reveal the truth behind each. The first two myths take what are essentially guidelines and turn them into…
Read MoreEnglish Mistakes in Advertising
Native English speakers make mistakes not just in conversation, but in advertising for businesses. Remember, even prominently-displayed examples of English grammar can sometimes contain errors! Wrong word forms This campaign for an international women’s brand included this tagline: You’ve never seen body’s like this! This is the singular possessive form of body, but the…
Read MoreConfusing Word Pairs
In English, there are a number of words that share similar spelling or meanings that can make them hard to differentiate from each other. Here we will be looking at some commonly confused word pairs that can be tricky to master, even for those who speak English as a native language. Confusing Lose and…
Read MoreAbbreviations
As a general rule, you should avoid abbreviations in formal writing unless you are sure that the abbreviations you are using will be familiar to your audience. The situation is somewhat different in scientific and technical writing. Depending on your specific field, it may be acceptable or even preferable to use agreed upon abbreviations for…
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