Using Television to Improve Your English Speaking and Comprehension Skills

When I studied in Russia a few years ago, I stayed in a dormitory with students from all over the world, from Europe to Africa to both the Americas and more. While all the students were there to learn Russian, our common language -the common language of the world- was English. Although English was my first language, the vast majority of students spoke English as their second language. I was interested by how some ESL speakers were far more advanced than others in their speaking skills.



The most impressive student told me he never took a formal class—he learned everything he knew from watching television, mostly cartoons and MTV. I myself learned Spanish predominantly from watching Mexican soap operas. Here are a few tips for using the communicative power of television to improve your English language skills.



1. Start out with using captions



Some people are strongly visual learners, while others are more aural learners. Still, almost everyone falls somewhere in the middle. As such, it is important to first start out watching television with the captions set on, so you can read what you don’t understand when characters may be speaking too fast for you to keep up.



2. Watch shows that you enjoy



It has been proven time and again that you mostly retain information that you processed when you were having fun. As such, it is absolutely vital that you watch programming that you find enjoyable. Whether it's sports, news, cartoons, or music videos, find something that you would watch in your mother tongue, and enjoy yourself!



3. If you are just beginning, watch children's programming



Although watching something you enjoy is essential when trying to learn something new, it is also important that you start small so that you have the confidence of understanding almost everything that you watch. There's no point in watching news stations if you don't have the vocabulary to understand current events. If you have a small vocabulary, start with children's shows and work your way up to more complicated shows and movies.



4. Record programs and watch them several times until you understand everything



The value of watching television to improve your speaking and comprehension skills is already quite apparent. However, if you'd like to learn all the new vocabulary you picked up watching a specific show, it's best to record the show, and then watch it multiple times. Write down all the words you don't know, look them up, learn them, then watch the show again until you can see the whole thing without stopping.



Of course, many language learners on this blog and others suggest other forms of media to enrich your language skills, especially media that involves the Internet. At the same time, I strongly believe that there's nothing quite like watching some good old fashioned television.

This guest contribution was submitted by Lenore Holditch, who specializes in writing about top online colleges. Questions and comments can be sent to: holditch.lenore @ gmail.com.

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

A friend recently invited you to a special party. You intended to go but at the last minute you were unable to attend.



Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

Apologise for not going to the party

Explain what prevented you from going

Suggest a way of making up for this



Dear Isabel,



I’m really sorry for not coming to your party. I know this was a special occasion for you to celebrate your graduation and I wanted to be there. I had every intention of coming but unfortunately while I was getting ready to come, I had a huge argument with my boyfriend.



I don’t want to get into the details of the argument but you know that my relationship has been shaky recently. We exchanged some nasty words and I was too upset to come after that. I locked myself in the bathroom and cried the whole night.



I feel sad that I let you down and I hope you will let me make it up to you. If you are free on Saturday night, I would like to take you out for dinner to that Mexican restaurant that you like. We can go clubbing after that.



Love,

Laura

Question taken from New Insights into IELTS Student's Book p.118

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You recently stayed in a hotel in another city. When you got home you discovered that you had left something of value in the room.

Describe the item that you left behind and say where you left it

Ask the hotel to arrange to send it to you

Suggest a way to pay for the postage



Dear Sir or Madam,



I was a guest at your hotel from the 14th to the 18th of November, staying in room 812. When I returned home I discovered that I had forgotten my watch in the bathroom.



It’s an Omega watch with a brown leather strap. There are no numbers on the face of the watch but there is a personal inscription at the back. When I went to wash my face, I removed it and placed in on the sink. At that moment my mobile rang and I was distracted.



The watch is expensive and a gift from my husband so I would like you to send it to me by courier to the address provided at the top of the letter. This will ensure that I receive it early and safely. With respect to paying for the delivery, you may inform the courier company that I will pay cash on delivery.



Yours faithfully,

Gina Davis

Question taken from New Insights into IELTS Student's Book p.118

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

Two days ago you had a meal at a well-known restaurant. Unfortunately, you were ill after the meal.



Write a letter to the restaurant. In your letter

Describe what you ate

Say how you feel about the situation

Tell them what they can do about it



Dear Mr. Lui,



I have just returned from hospital where I spent four unpleasant days on the drip because of food poisoning I believe is the result of eating unfit food at your restaurant.



You may recall the engagement party that was held there last week and the lovely dishes on offer. I distinctly remember trying the fried silk worm cocoons for which your restaurant is famed. Immediately after eating a couple I began to feel ill and could eat nothing else.



Unfortunately this situation caused me great discomfort. I could not return to work and I also did not want to spoil such a wonderful occasion by telling other guests about my bad experience. Your restaurant is regarded as the best in the city and this incident could ruin your reputation.



I suggest you speak to your kitchen staff to find out why the food was likely to lead to food poisoning. I would also appreciate some assistance with paying the hospital bill.



Yours sincerely,



Dao Lee

Question taken from New Insights into IELTS Student's Book p.118

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knew you when you were at school.



Write a letter to one of your old teachers asking for a reference. In your letter

Say what job you have applied for

Explain why you want this job

Suggest what information the teacher should include



Dear Mrs. Lloyd,



You may remember me as an A-student in your IT class. I am writing to ask you for a reference letter which I need for a job I am applying for. I hope to be employed in the Data Processing Department of a large multinational market research company.



This job suits my academic qualification and offers many attractive perks. I believe that this experience in a highly demanding environment will prove beneficial in the long run. The Head Office of the company is located in my area so I will not waste any time travelling to work. The manager has informed me that I will be eligible for a promotion in a year if I meet all the requirements set out by the company. What is more, I am entitled to bonuses if I finish the tasks on time.



The reference letter will determine whether I obtain the position or not. I would appreciate it if you could include a character reference, a list of my class grades and an outline of what your course involved.



Yours sincerely,

Zafor Hasan

Question taken from New Insights into IELTS Student's Book p.112

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

Last week you went to a musical concert. You were very impressed with the performance.

Write a letter to a friend about the concert. In your letter

Say what the concert was and why you went

Describe the performance

Suggest why he/she should go to the concert



Dear Hanif,



You won’t believe who had a concert here last week! Ayub Bacchu the Rock star from Bangladesh. I had no idea that he was performing here. Tuhin surprised me by buying the tickets.



The stadium was full of fans singing along to his greatest hits. Ayub delivered an energetic concert with all the new tracks on his latest album. He also sang many of his old songs. Standing at centre stage with his electric guitar and his humble style made the audience wild. It was a truly great performance which lasted 3 hours. Even though he didn’t sing any songs in English and I couldn’t understand anything, the music and his talent kept me on the dance floor.



I know you appreciate rock music and you don’t miss any concerts that involve Bangladeshi artists so I think you should go to this remarkable one. I heard there are some shows next week. Due to popular demand Ayub has extended his stay here!



Love,

Sandy Wu

Question taken from New Insights into IELTS Workbook p.61

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

An English-speaking friend is coming to study at your college next year and has written asking for information and advice.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

Give advice about accommodation in the town

Describe the best thing about the college

Offer to show your friend around the college



Dear Hongmei,



I was so excited to find out that you are coming to study at Prince College next year. As I have been studying here for four years now, I will be happy to answer all your questions.



It is quite difficult to find accommodation in the town. You will have to stay with a host family and share the bathroom, kitchen and living room area. The average rent per week for this type of accommodation is Euro 100. This includes breakfast and dinner.



The college is fantastic. The teachers are enthusiastic and know their subject well. We have all the facilities a student needs such as a modern cafeteria, a big library, free internet, sports fields and student bars. The thing I enjoy most however is the diversity of students. The international students come from 100 different countries around the world. I have made so many friends already and my English has improved immensely.



As soon as you arrive I will arrange a day to show you around the college so you don’t feel lost. I can’t wait for you to get here. I’m sure this will be a great experience for you.



Love,



Sunyifei

Question taken from Objective Ielts Workbook p.45

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You recently bought a large expensive item but when it was delivered to your home you found some problems with it.

Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter

Give details of what you bought

Describe the problems with your item

Say what you want the shop to do



Dear Sir or Madam,



Last week I purchased a washing machine from your High Street branch which was delivered to my home and subsequently installed. The washing machine (model BS-251) has attractive features – low energy consumption, 15 kilo load, includes dryer function, special introductory price etc – which is why I chose it.



When I used the machine for the first time, it did not perform the rinse cycle. As a result when I opened the door to remove the clothes they were soaking wet. I also had to remove the excess water in the machine manually. In addition, even though I had a colour load one of my pink sweaters became purple.



I would like to keep the washing machine as I believe it will be useful once it functions well. Therefore, I would like you send one of your technicians to my home to fix the problem which I believe is technical.



Yours sincerely,



Carla Stanford

Question taken from Official IELTS Practice Materials p.53

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

There have been some problems with public transport in your area recently.

Write a letter to the manager of the public transport company. In your letter

Describe the problems

Explain how these problems are affecting the public

Suggest what changes could be made



Dear Sir or Madam,



I regularly use Bus 150 to the city centre and whereas in the past travelers were satisfied with the services provided we are now experiencing some problems.



Firstly, for some reason the bus does not keep to schedule. Many of the commuters need to be at work by 8 o’clock and because the bus arrives at the station late we are also twenty minutes late. Our supervisors sent out a memo saying they would not tolerate any more excuses. Secondly, the newly appointed bus driver smokes while he is driving. When we informed him that this was against public transport policy he was rude to us and refused to put out his cigarette. Many of the elderly passengers were disturbed with his attitude.



I suspect the delay is due to the road works in Pavilion Street so I suggest you inform the driver to use Ringo Street instead. Please also speak to the bus driver about his anti-social behaviour and give him a copy of the public transport policy to read.



Yours faithfully,



Derek Young

Question taken from Official IELTS Practice Materials p.50

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. You live near the airport.

Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter

Explain where you live

Describe the problem

Give reasons why you do not want this development



Dear Sir or Madam,



I read about the future plans of the local government to extend the airport in Queens to allow a greater number of flights. As I live less than 1km away from the airport, I was not happy when I found this out.



I have already experienced numerous problems in the past even when the airport was a smaller size. The airport was built after I had settled in the area so I had to double glaze all my windows to prevent the noise from coming through. This of course was expensive. Local residents suffer from breathing problems due to the pollution and we are unable to hang our clothes outside to dry as they become dirty. Our children are also unable to enjoy playing outside in the garden when the planes are flying low. All these problems will increase when the airport becomes bigger.



We have become accustomed to living in the area but I believe any further developments at the airport will have a negative impact on the way we live and therefore do not support it.



Yours faithfully,



Maria Gomez

Question taken from IELTS 3 Past Papers p.125

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VocaTube - learn vocabulary related to the musical instruments in English

Do you like music? Do you play any musical instrument? Would you know the English word for that musical instrument? Whether you know it or not, we’d like to invite you to read the following article that contains a series of videos from YouTube about the musical instruments in English to help you increasing and improving your vocabulary.



Remember that vocabulary can only be improved with practice and listening through repetition. It’s difficult for everyone to understand from the beginning but you’ll notice that the more hours you listen, the better your understanding.



Introductory video about the musical instruments – elementary English







Link to the video on YouTube



More basic vocabulary about music – elementary English







Link to the video on YouTube



Some of the most and less common musical instruments in the World – intermediate English







Link to the video on YouTube



Types of musical instruments – intermediate English







Link to the video on YouTube



Music instruments of the orchestra – advanced English







Link to the video on YouTube



The future of musical instruments – advanced English







Link to the video on YouTube

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems.

Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter

Explain your situation

Describe your problem

Tell him/her when you think you can start



Dear Mrs. Parker,



As per our contract, I am due to begin working at your company on the 2nd of March. I regret to inform you that I will be unable to keep to this agreed date due to some unexpected personal issues.



My sister living in Vancouver is undergoing emergency surgery and as she is a single parent, I have been called over to tend to her four young children for the duration of her stay in hospital. The doctors have informed me, if all goes well she should be fully recovered in 2 weeks time.



Therefore, I would like to request an alteration of my starting date. I believe the 2nd of April is a realistic date to set if we take into account the travel and recovery time.



I do apologise for this unforeseen inconvenience and I hope we can agree to some sort of arrangement.



Yours sincerely,



Angelina Ford

Question taken from IELTS 3 Past Papers p.112

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You want to sell some of your furniture. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you.



Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

Explain why you are selling

Describe the furniture

Suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture



Dear Max,



I finally decided to study architecture in Rome and I’m leaving at the end of this month. As I’ll be in Italy for four years it is pointless for me to keep renting my apartment in London. All the furniture belongs to me so I need to sell it before I depart. To be honest, I could do with some extra money to pay for my expenses as well.



We have similar taste in designer furniture so I thought you might have the first choice in selecting some items to purchase. In particular, I think you would appreciate the black leather sofa in my living room. It was designed and handmade in the 1950s so it really is priceless. Another piece I believe you will want to add to your collection is my grandmother’s 1930s wooden rocking chair with a comfortable red velvet cushion to go with it.



You are welcome to come by this Saturday when you are not working to view this furniture. Naturally I will give you the best offer I can.



Take care,



Karen

Question taken from IELTS 4 Past Papers p. 129

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket.

Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter

Say who you are

Give details about the accident

Suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents



Dear Sir or Madam,



I am a regular customer at your branch in Grey High Street. In fact, I have the highest bonus points in your super save scheme and I have received many generous offers from there.



Despite the excellent service I receive from the supermarket, last week I had a small accident near the fridge which stocks the dairy products. The staff responsible for stocking the fridge did not mop the floor after they had finished and there was a tiny pool of water which I failed to notice. As a result I slipped when I was reaching for some milk and bruised my leg slightly.



Kindly inform your employees to wipe the floor next to the refrigerators to prevent this accident from occurring again or place a sign informing customers that the floor is wet so that they are careful when walking in that area. Even though I did not hurt myself badly, another customer might be subjected to greater injury on another occasion.



Yours faithfully,



Patricia Hall

Question taken from IELTS 4 Past Papers p.115

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course.

Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter

Describe the situation

Explain why you cannot continue at this time

Say what action you would like to take



Dear Mr. Hoff,



You may have noticed that I have been missing some of your evening classes recently. Even though I enjoy your lesson immensely I work full time at a law firm and as I sometimes work late or because of sheer exhaustion I often cannot attend.



The senior partner in the law firm informed me that I have a certain future there and that I should channel all my energy into work. As I am unable to dedicate the time to my studies I believe it is unwise for me to continue with this course in plumbing.



I would like to focus on my professional career at the moment, so I have decided to put my hobby on hold for the moment. When I have received the promotion I deserve and I have some free time for myself I would like to return to your class and continue where I left off with Drain Management.



Regards,



Jane Sink

Question taken from IELTS 5 Past papers p.127

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat.

Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter

Explain the reasons for the noise

Apologise

Describe what actions you will take



Dear neighbours,



I have received your collective letter of complaint about the noise coming from my flat and I would like to provide you with an explanation for this temporary upset.



As you are aware my father-in-law is staying with us for a few days. He has a severe problem with snoring and due to his old age he sleeps many hours throughout the day. As the walls in our block are not sound proof, Mr. Russel in Flat 101 is subjected to this irritating noise coming from the bedroom where my father-in-law is staying. I am truly sorry for this disturbance.



My father-in-law is being admitted to hospital in two days time for an operation to stop the snoring. Following the operation, he will return to his own home. I can assure you that the silence will return to our peaceful block soon.



Your kind consideration in this matter will be appreciated.



Regards,



Rita Kipling

Question taken from IELTS 5 Past Papers p.113

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour.



Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter

Introduce yourself

Describe your plans for the party

Invite your neighbour to come



Dear Mr. Yoshi,



We haven’t been formally introduced but I am your neighbour, the one living directly opposite you in Flat 982. I moved in last week but due to the fact that you are at work all day I wasn’t able to meet you.



I’m planning to have a party this Saturday in order for my friends to view my new flat. I expect there will be some noise as all the guests are in their early 20s and we are inviting a well-known DJ to play the music. We are heavily into rock music so I anticipate some energetic singing, jumping and head banging. There will also be food and alcoholic drinks for everyone.



Our other neighbours informed me that you are young and never miss out on a party. So I would love to have you join us. All the apartment block has been invited and this will be a great opportunity for us to bond and get to know each other.



I hope to see you on Saturday,



Your neighbour,



Thorn Maiden

Question taken from IELTS 6 Past Papers p.126

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English-speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture.

Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter

Introduce yourself

Explain what is wrong with the furniture

Say what action you would like the landlord to take



Dear Mr. Patel,



I am one of the tenants renting fully-furnished accommodation in Sunset House in Civil Street; flat 225 to be exact. I moved here six months ago and unfortunately the furniture in the apartment is extremely dangerous.



Firstly, the bed is uneven and this causes my wife to roll onto the floor while she is sleeping. As you can imagine this is quite disturbing and could lead to some serious injury. Then, the kitchen table collapsed as we were enjoying our Sunday lunch spilling all the dishes with our delicious food onto the floor. Our guests were shocked and we had to order take away. The incident last week, however, when the lampshade in the living room caught fire made this matter pressing.



We would appreciate it if you could replace these faulty items which are causing distress in our household. A simple bed, kitchen table and hazard free lamp would be useful.



Awaiting your response,



Yours faithfully,



Mr. Costas Georgiou

Question taken from IELTS 6 Past Papers p.113

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just sent you some photos of your holiday.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

Thank them for the photos and for the holiday

Explain why you didn’t write earlier

Invite them to come and stay with you



Dear Sarah and Craig,



I have just received the envelope with our holiday photos. I really enjoyed looking at them and in particular the ones of us in central London. I couldn’t have wished for a better break. Thank you for your hospitality and taking the time to show me around the main attractions of the city.



I realize that I should have been in contact with you earlier but I was so busy on my return. I went straight into work from the airport to deal with a crisis there. Unfortunately the fact that I was also moving house the same week didn’t help. Things have finally settled down so I decided to drop you a line.



I can’t wait for you to visit me in Beijing. You’ll be amazed by all our wonderful sights and culture. My new house is located in the old part of the city and I’d love to welcome you there. I have a spare bedroom with antique furniture which I’m sure you’ll appreciate.



Please let me know when you can come and I’ll make all the arrangements.



Love,



Lee

Question taken from IELTS 7 Past Papers p.128

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General Training Model Answer – IELTS (Task 1)

You have recently started work in a new company.



Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter



Explain why you changed jobs

Describe your new job

Tell him/her your other news



Dear Emma,



Do you remember the last time we spoke and I told you that I had been invited for a second interview at Creative Solutions? Well, they were really impressed with my portfolio so they hired me. The package was too good to refuse. I will be getting double the salary, plus commission. The working hours are also better than my previous job. What is more, the two hour journey to my previous job was really draining so it’s great that I can now walk to the office.



As I’ve been given the title of Creative Director, it is my responsibility to come up with new concepts for our clients’ advertising campaigns. I have a team of five members to manage and the accounts of large clients. I will be in charge from the initial idea all the way through to the final product.



I have also moved in with David! His apartment is much better than the place I was renting and I was allowed to take my cat with me. I’ve also lost 2 kilos as David cooks healthy meals daily and after dinner we walk around the neighbourhood for an hour.



I’m waiting to hear your news.



Love,



Rachel

Question taken from IELTS 7 Practice Tests p.116

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SEN Teacher - free teaching resources

SEN Teacher is a great site in English that offers teaching materials specially designed for students with special needs. Many of the resources found on this website can also be used to teach English to primary and elementary students and there is a huge amount of printables that will be of great benefit to the class.



Among the resources that SEN Teacher offers, it’s worth mentioning:

• Math Printables: print worksheets to read clocks, count the coins, how much change and shape recognition.
• Literacy Printables: handouts and teaching aids which support reading and writing, like word search generator, letter mash, word scramblers, alphabet cards and even literacy dominoes.
• Other Printables: certificates as well as resources for science and other subjects. It includes skeleton labels and others cards to learn how to recognise facial expressions.

As a printable example, you can see one below to read clocks in English:







There is no doubt that SEN Teacher is an essential online resource to find material and printables that are really helpful for the English teacher.

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Subjective vs. Objective - Dennis and I? Or Dennis and Me?

Proper grammar is important no matter what you’re writing. Whether you are writing fun fiction stories and informal communications or a paper for a course you are taking at an online school, correct grammar shows a good grasp of the English language. Although most people believe they have a good handle on the basics, as they likely learned them in elementary school, the reality is most people don’t know how to use parts of speech properly. In fact, one of the most common grammatical errors is misuse of subjective and objective pronouns.

Subjective vs. Objective

Understanding the subjective and objective cases is the first step in learning which pronouns to use in your writing. Whether a noun or pronoun is subjective or objective depends on where the action of the verb is directed. A subject is the person or thing performing the action of a verb, while an object is the person or thing that the action is being performed upon. For example, in the sentence, “Robert bought a newspaper,”

• Robert is doing the buying, and is therefore the subject, and
• the newspaper is the thing being bought, making it the object.

An illustration of subjective and objective pronoun use is found in sentences like, “I gave the newspaper to him,” in which

• “I” is the subject, the person doing the giving, and
• “him” is the object, being the person receiving the newspaper.

Keep these examples in mind as you consider subjective and objective pronouns.

Subjective and Objective Pronouns

Before you can use the proper pronouns, you have to know which ones are subjective and which are objective. You’ll probably find that you already know some of these pronouns and their uses, whether or not you already think of them in terms of subject and object. However, becoming familiar with which pronouns are which will aid a great deal in choosing the correct words for your writing.

The subjective pronouns of the English language are:

• I
• you (singular and plural)
• he/she/it
• we
• they

The objective pronouns are:

• me
• you (singular and plural)
• him/her/it
• us
• them

I and Me

One of the most common errors in both writing and everyday speech is the misuse of the pronouns “I” and “me.” Such mistakes can be understandable if you’re speaking in a hurry, but you should always use the correct pronoun forms when writing. The more you understand proper pronoun usage, the fewer mistakes you will make.

Although “I” may sound more formal than “me” in a sentence, there are times when it is incorrect. Since “I” is a subjective pronoun, it should only be used in the subjective case. “Me” is objective and is therefore used in the objective case. If this seems confusing, there is an easy way to check for proper usage.

To figure out which pronoun is correct, take apart the sentence and look at each subject or object at a time. For example, the sentence “Bob went to the store with Dennis and I” is incorrect. Take Dennis out and you’ll see why this is the case. You wouldn't say, “Bob went to the store with I;” but rather, “Bob went to the store with me.” Therefore, the use of “me” is correct in this case. Remember that this is because Dennis and “me” are objects in this sentence, and “me” is an objective pronoun.

The opposite is true in this sentence: “Dennis and me ran around the yard.” “Me ran around the yard,” is incorrect grammar, so in this case you must use “Dennis and I.” This is because these are the subjects, two people performing the action of running. Since “I” is subjective, it is the correct pronoun to use.

Who and Whom

Another frequently confused set of pronouns are “who” and “whom.” The first thing to keep in mind when deciding which to use is that “who” is the subjective form while “whom” is objective. Thus the same rules apply as when you’re choosing between “I” and “me.” For example, asking, “Who went to the store?” is correct, because the person “who” refers to is the one who has performed the action of the verb “went.” In contrast, “Bob went the store with whom?” correctly uses the objective form, showing someone that is the recipient, or object, of the action.

A simpler way to remember this is to use “who” when you would use “he” and “whom” when you would use “him.” The previous examples illustrate this well:

• Who went to the store? He went to the store.
• Bob went to the store with whom? Bob went to the store with him.

In the first pair of sentences, “who” and “he” are both subjects, whereas in the second pair, “whom” and “him” are objects.

Understanding the difference between subjective and objective pronoun use is a crucial part of English grammar. Subjective and objective pronouns are just one aspect of proper grammar, but are quite commonly misused. Whatever you may be writing, correct grammar will make a good impression on the recipient, which is an especially important when it comes to formal messages such as cover letters and resumes. Choosing the right pronouns when writing and speaking gives your communications credibility and ensures that they flow smoothly.

Guest post by Lindsey Wright. Lindsey is fascinated with the potential of emerging educational technologies, particularly online schools, to transform the landscape of learning. She writes about web-based learning, electronic and mobile learning, and the possible future of education.

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GrammaTube - learn everything about the Irregular Verbs in English

Irregular verbs in English are usually one of the “dangerous zones” for the ESL student. The absence of rules to form the past simple and past participle make it necessary to learn them by heart in order to used them properly. Moreover, some of these irregular verbs are quite difficult to pronounce.



This post shows a selection of YouTube videos that contains a list of irregular verbs with explanatory images, English classes with explanations about irregular verbs and exercises.



Grammar can be one of the most difficult skills to develop in English but it is without doubt the key to progress throughout your learning. A good grammar base will help you to write properly and speak in English, hence improving communication with other people.



Good video with a list of irregular verbs and images to learn them







Link to the video on YouTube



Another video that contains a list of irregular verbs with images







Link to the video on YouTube



10 Minute Class: Irregular Verbs Class - part 1







Link to the video on YouTube



10 Minute Class: Irregular Verbs Class - part 2







Link to the video on YouTube



Video with explanations about regular and irregular verbs







Link to the video on YouTube



How to pronounce irregular verbs in English







Link to the video on YouTube



5 less common irregular English verbs







Link to the video on YouTube

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Subject And Object Pronouns

Pronouns are words used instead of a name in the English language. They are divided into pronouns subject and object, in accordance with their investment and their association with the meaning of a sentence. Instead of saying "Bill has taken Bill car to the garage in the District of Bill", you can replace the noun "Bill" with pronouns so that the sentence is easier to say and read. The new sentence would therefore "Bill took his car to a garage in his neighborhood.

The difference between the subject and object of pronouns, that those who are used as objects in a sentence are used instead of the names of the object. Now, this may seem confusing, especially if you have not covered a lesson on object names. Subject pronouns are used at the beginning of a sentence and after all conjugations of the verb "to be". There is a specific list of pronouns used as objects in a sentence: me, him, her, them, you, she and we. These are the only ones that can be used in this way, which should make it a little more simple.

See how some of these words are used in the sentences.

"I visited my aunt today." "I like him really." In this sentence, aunt is the subject of the first sentence. When you replace it this name by a pronoun, you use it, it is still an object in the second sentence.

You can also consider a pronoun subject as indicating that has been the recipient of an action in a sentence. In the following sentence: "I have seen of Pete today and your message with him", the word "him;" is the object because he was the person who receives your action of passing along a message.

When you take a course of English online, this topic is covered in depth and in terms you can understand. Initially you watch and hear a sequence of dialogues using the words where suitable in a sentence. Will with learn on these pronouns, the lesson also introduce you to the other key vocabulary, which is listed at the bottom of the first screen containing dialogues. Therefore, you are exposed to more than the rules for the use of these pronouns correctly.

Then you will proceed to the instruction and when you are comfortable with this, you go to practical exercises. In the first series of practical exercises, you will read a sentence in which there is a name used in the position of the object. The second sentence will be omitted noun and you must type in the correct to use pronoun.

Once you complete the practice, and are satisfied with your answers, you can have the page calibrated to see how you did. You then have the choice to return to dialogue and education or to proceed to the next series of practical exercises. Finally, there is a page of exercises using dialogue instead of simple sentences so that you have to fill the correct pronoun to complete each short conversation.

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How to Talk English Easily

If you want to learn to speak English, it is important that you do so by listening and talking to those for whom English is the language. The best and easy way to become fluent in English Speaking is to immerse you in the language. It means residing in a society where people speak English. For example, if you go shopping all the sales staff and to speak English so you can speak with them, you need to be able to say a few words. Many non-English speakers who want to learn the English language does not change to a location English speaking school, but in many cases, this is not always possible. For these people, there are online courses they can take and stay at home while they learn.

You should be aware that when you start to learn English, you will make mistakes. Making mistakes is an important part of learning in all cases. You learn from your mistakes, especially if you have good support from those around you. English-speaking children make mistakes when they first start talking and the parents and people around them correct when they say words incorrectly or use them correctly. The same is true of adults who are learning the language so when someone does not correct your speech, you need to accept it as constructive criticism and we know they are trying to help.

One way to learn to speak English is to watch English television. If you use subtitles in your own language, then you can understand the thread of the history of cinema. However, some aspects of discourse, such as using sarcasm does not translate well when using closed captioning because the language is translated literally.

While visiting an English speaking Country you need Language dictionaries that translate words and phrases in your native language to English which is very useful to teach you the vocabulary for communicate. You need to practice the speech in order to be able to say words correctly. The essential part of learning English is learning the alphabet and how letters are pronounced. When the first children start school they learn letter sounds and then learn to combine them into words. If you start to read books for children begins, these books have pictures for words and books that tell stories, pictures match the story. Most of these books are available as audio books so you can read along as you listen to your own history being played.

In an English course online audio, you listen to the English reading passages that begin relatively simple and gradually progress to more difficult subjects. The themes are what you need for conversational English and those who read passages from the stories and passages of information. These passages also have comprehension exercises, you can complete to ensure that you understand the meaning of what you have heard and read on your own. With these passages, you can listen to the passage being read and practice reading it on your own.

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Expressteach in London

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