Second Language Studies
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Learning - Teaching Resources
Practical English On-Line
Comments for Discussion
Is it important to study the differences between American and British English?
Students of English are sometimes bothered by what they think of as differences between the US and the UK branches of the language. They shouldn't be. We all speak American now. Well, more or less... continued
Can I learn English by watching television?
The short and simple answer is, “No.” If you are tired and cannot sleep, then watch television. If you enjoy American football or baseball, watch television. If you are too ill to work or walk, watch television. But... continued...
Is it easy to learn a foreign language? Well, it really depends on who you are.
If you are one of the lucky ones, one of the very few who have a natural ear for languages and can pick them up in minutes just by listening, then English or any other language will be very easy for you indeed.... It seems as if a particular part of the brain... continued
Success story: how do you compare with Joseph Korzeniowski?
Joseph Korzeniowski was born in the Ukraine. His parents were Polish. He left school at 17, went to France and lived there for four years. Then, at the age of 21, he went to England. Unable to speak a word of English... continued...
Audio Comprehension Practice Test and vocabulary builder for lower intermediate (FCE) level.
How good are you at listening to English? Do you understand, and do you retain what you have heard?
Here is a passage at intermediate level. Listen to it twice, and then answer the questions. If you find it difficult, listen several times before going to the questions. You can also make notes as you listen. Or you can click to pause the recording.
When you check the answers, read through the vocabulary comment, especially if you had any difficulty understanding.
Note. Your English comprehension is at a reasonable intermediate level if you can listen to the passage twice and then answer six of the nine questions correctly. This is what (the minimum standard) you should aim for.
How wide is your vocabulary? Do you have a good understanding of the differences in nuance between one synonym and another? Are you ready to succeed in the Cambridge Proficiency examination?
