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In this final episode of the third season of What You Say in English, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Laura Patsko, a language and communication specialist with a focus on English as a Lingua Franca (ELF).We delved into complex concepts such as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Inclusive Education. Laura's insights into these topics were enlightening, and it was fascinating to explore their implications in the English Language Teaching (ELT) industry.We discussed the importance of inclusivity in lesson planning, the role of identity in language learning, and the impact of the Sustainable Development Goals on the ELT world. Laura's expertise and passion for these subjects were evident throughout our conversation, and I found myself learning so much from her.This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in language, communication, and the evolving role of English in the world. It's an educational and insightful conversation that I believe you won't want to miss.Remember to check out the episode description for links to further reading on the topics we discussed. This is the last episode of this third season of What You Say in English. I'll be taking a break for the month of August, but I'll keep active on TikTok. I hope to start the fourth season halfway through September. RESOURCES:Laura's suggested sites
Universal Design for Learning principles Martin Bloomfield speaking about his experience of education and having dyslexiaEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Education:
Diversity and Inclusive Teaching - University of Delaware Cultivating Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity: Resources for Educators - Resilient Educator The key steps to equity and inclusion in education - OECD iLibrary An overview of diversity, equity and inclusion in education - OECD iLibrary What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? - Teaching/Learning Center - Otis LibGuidesSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Education:
Goal 4 - Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Sustainable Development Goals Education - United Nations Sustainable Development Home | #LeadingSDG4 | Education2030 - UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals - Resources for educators - UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) | SDG4 Education 2030Inclusive Education:
Inclusive Education: Definition, Examples, and Classroom Strategies - Resilient Educator -
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Bodrova, co-founder of the innovative EdTech startup, Amazy. We explored her journey from a language-loving student to an entrepreneur, and how her passion for teaching and belief in the power of community led to the creation of Amazy. This platform is truly revolutionizing language learning, empowering educators to become more independent, visible, and financially successful.We discussed how Amazy allows teachers to share and monetize their content, creating a source of passive income. Plus, its AI-powered features are a game-changer, helping teachers create lesson plans in a fraction of the usual time.For those of you intrigued by our conversation and eager to learn more about Amazy, I'll be creating a short video tutorial on my TikTok channel explaining how it works. And, thanks to Kate's generosity, I'll be giving away 5 full-year business licenses for Amazy to 5 of my most committed followers. So, stay tuned for that!This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of language education and the transformative power of technology in teaching. Don't miss it!
My TikTok channel Kate's LinkedIn profile Amazy Official Website--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/support -
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In this episode of What You Say in English, I had the pleasure of hosting Rachel Tsateri, an inspiring figure in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). We delved into various aspects of Rachel's work, including her passion for teaching pronunciation for listening purposes and her insights on teacher and trainer talk. We also touched on the topic of nativespeakerism, a subject very dear to me and one that Rachel, along with other figures in the field, has been actively challenging. This episode was a journey of insights and reflections, and I hope it provides listeners with valuable perspectives to consider in their own practice of teaching English.
People mentioned in the podcast:
Rachel Tsateri - LinkedIn profile Marek Kiczkowiak - LinkedIn profile / TEFL Equity Advocates Laura Patsko - LinkedIn profile Anna Jovic - LinkedIn profile Tomasz Paciorkowski - LinkedIn profile Vincent Richard - LinkedIn profileRemember to follow these professionals to stay updated with their work, but please maintain professionalism and respect their time and space.
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In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delve into the English language skills of renowned Spanish actor Javier Bardem. I explore his journey with English, from his self-professed method of learning English through rock music to his current fluency. Through an analysis of several interviews, I highlight Bardem's effective storytelling skills, his use of discourse norms, and his unique personality that shines through his English communication. Despite minor grammatical and vocabulary errors, Bardem's ability to express complex thoughts and emotions in English is commendable. This episode serves as a reminder that language learning is a journey, and the goal is effective communication, not perfection. Join me as I uncover the fascinating aspects of Bardem's English language journey.
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In this episode, I'm diving into the intricacies of the IELTS speaking test with my dear friend and former student, Romelia. After recently passing her C1 Advanced exam from Cambridge, Romelia reached out to me for a one-to-one speaking assessment. We decided to opt for an IELTS speaking test, which I believe fits her needs perfectly. You'll get to listen to Romelia's entire speaking test, after which I'll provide my professional assessment based on the IELTS speaking criteria. Romelia has a knack for using some fantastic expressions, and I'm sure you'll find them quite useful for your own English speaking skills. Join me in this insightful journey of language learning!
The examiner frames can be downloaded here.
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In this episode of "What You Say in English," I explore the fascinating world of plurilingualism and its impact on language assessment. I delve into the definition of plurilingualism, its growing recognition in language learning, and how it challenges the traditional monolingual approach.
Throughout the episode, I discuss how language testing bodies like Cambridge Assessment English are incorporating plurilingualism into their assessments. We explore innovative approaches such as cross-linguistic mediation and bilingual assessments that aim to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of individuals' linguistic repertoires.
I also address the challenges involved, particularly in enhancing teacher assessment literacy and addressing concerns about fairness and feasibility. By raising awareness and sharing best practices, we can foster a more inclusive approach to assessing plurilingual abilities.
Join me as we navigate this evolving landscape and uncover the opportunities and challenges that plurilingualism brings to language assessment. Together, let's embrace the transformative power of recognizing and valuing the complex linguistic repertoires of multilingual individuals.
Until next time, happy language learning!
The Cambridge Research Notes (Issue 78) can be downloaded here.
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Today's episode brings you two amazing candidates: Kamar and Sahar. They did an incredible job in this C2 Proficiency mock speaking and I can't wait for you to listen to them. As usual, this episode comes packed with advice, so take your notepad and start jotting down all the tips I have for them. Remember you can also download the visuals I used for this mock. This episode is almost 1.30 hours but I think it's absolutely worth it.
Visuals for the examAs always, please contact me if you want to do a mock speaking like this one.
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This time, I'm bringing another task designed by me, which I hope you find useful. It could be used to train your listening skills on your own or if you're a teacher, with your class. If you need the isolated listening track, get in contact and I'll make it available to you. I also explain how I recommend these tasks should be done in study mode and as a class activity with a group. I curated the material from the input I got from chatGPT. Speaking of which, it's a great tool, but still needs some fine-tuning to really reflect a Cambridge exam task. The voices were synthesized using various AI tools available, including 11 Labs and some other Microsoft Voices available in the browser (Microsoft Edge). Hope you like the final result.
The PDFs for this task can be downloaded from here:
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In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delved into the reading papers of the B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency Cambridge exams. We explored the challenges learners and teachers face at each level and discussed effective strategies for developing reading skills.
Throughout the episode, I shared activities and strategies for each part of the reading papers, focusing on key areas such as skimming, scanning, and vocabulary comprehension. I emphasized the importance of practicing with diverse texts and provided insights into the assessment process for each level.
To further support your exam preparation, I recommended accessing the official Cambridge English guides for teachers and learners. These guides provide comprehensive information and classroom activities for developing reading skills at the B2, C1, and C2 levels.
Additionally, I announced that I will be offering one-off workshops on different parts of the Cambridge exams during the summer. Stay tuned to my TikTok channel for updates and details about these workshops.
As a comprehensive summary, I recommended accessing the official Cambridge English guides for teachers and learners, which provide in-depth information on developing reading skills for each level. You can find the guides at the following links:
Developing reading skills with classroom activities for B2 First for Schools Developing reading skills with classroom activities for C1 Advanced Developing reading skills with classroom activities for C2 Proficiency--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/support -
In this episode, I explore the issue of confidence, or lack thereof, among English learners when speaking, especially with native speakers. I delve into the phenomenon of 'language anxiety' or 'communication apprehension,' and discuss how it can significantly affect the performance and progress of English language learners. I also touch on the issue of 'linguistic racism' or 'accent discrimination,' and how it contributes to language anxiety.
Throughout the episode, I provide practical tips and strategies to help learners gain confidence in their English-speaking ability. These include using positive self-talk, speaking louder and slower, speaking in full sentences, reading out loud, not worrying too much about making mistakes, and setting realistic goals. I also discuss ways to address linguistic racism and create a more inclusive environment for all English speakers.
Finally, I share some inspiring stories from English learners who have overcome their fears and achieved fluency. These stories serve as a reminder that with determination, perseverance, and the right strategies, anyone can become a confident English speaker.
Links I used in this episode:
The Pervasive Problem of Linguistic Racism - BBC How to Gain Confidence in Your English Speaking - VOA Learning English Why Native English Speakers Fail to be Understood in English - The Conversation Video: Overcoming Language Anxiety - YouTube--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/support -
This is another follower who kindly did one of the IELTS speaking tests I've posted on my TikTok channel. The specific one she did can be found in this link. Of course, you can also do it yourself and create a duet and tag me if you're looking for feedback. I'll be more than happy to showcase your wonderful skills in my podcast.
In this particular case, it's a girl from Zambia, which is quite interesting because Zambia has English as an official language and although they speak it as their own variety of English, it is highly intelligible. I'm glad she took part in this because it served to point out at aspects that might also prevent other people from getting higher scores.
I hope you like it.
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In this episode, I delved into the importance of using both simple and complex grammatical structures for candidates taking the Cambridge English exams at B2 First and C1 Advanced levels. I shared detailed analyses of four candidates' performances and highlighted their strengths and areas for improvement, providing valuable insights into how a balanced approach to grammar can enhance communication.
Throughout the episode, I emphasized the need for consistent practice, learning from mistakes, focusing on coherence and cohesion, expanding vocabulary, and seeking feedback from others to improve one's grammatical competence. I wrapped up by offering practical tips to help listeners enhance their use of grammatical structures and achieve success in their English language endeavors.
Download the visuals and the audioscripts from here:
Candidates' Visuals Part 2 AudioscriptTune in to "What You Say in English" to discover more about this topic and many others that will help you improve your English language skills! Don't forget to subscribe and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes.
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In this episode, I will guide you through the process of obtaining accommodations for your Cambridge English exam and what to do if you feel your exam result is not fair. I'll be sharing crucial information about special arrangements, such as extra time, supervised breaks, and alternative formats, which can be made for candidates with hearing or speaking difficulties, specific learning difficulties, or other disabilities.
We'll also discuss the Enquiry and Appeal process in detail. If you believe your exam result is not fair, it's essential to contact your examination center immediately. Your center can then request an Enquiry or an Appeal from Cambridge English, and we'll delve into both of these processes, so you know what to expect.
Lastly, I will remind listeners that I am available to provide further guidance on any of these situations discussed in the episode. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need support in navigating the accommodations and appeals process for your Cambridge English exam.
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In this episode, I delve into the world of English proficiency exams, helping you navigate through the various options available and choose the best exam for your needs. We start by discussing the factors to consider when selecting an exam, such as the purpose of taking the exam, test format, availability, recognition by target institutions, and cost. Next, I provide an overview of common English proficiency exams, including IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Exams, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, and LanguageCert International ESOL, highlighting their unique features, test formats, and pros and cons.
We then explore the pros and cons of choosing these alternative exams. I also share tips for selecting a lesser-known exam, emphasizing the importance of verifying acceptance by target institutions or employers, assessing the quality and reputation of the exam provider, and considering potential future needs for a more widely recognized exam.
Finally, I wrap up the episode by recapping the importance of choosing the right English proficiency exam and encouraging listeners to carefully evaluate their options. Best of luck to all test-takers as you embark on your journey towards mastering the English language and achieving your goals in English-speaking environments!
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Do you remember Francesco Burgio? He was my guest in episode 10 of the first season of this show. We've still kept in touch and he's just sent me an incredible message from his new home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He's doing great, his family is happy and still feels proud of his Italian accent. Way to go Francesco! Remember, this podcast is also your home!
Also, the title of today's episode celebrates the international day of the English Language, a day full of activities around the world to boost comprehension and proficiency in this beautiful language. For that reason, I decided to share a story I wrote many moons ago called "Blend of Two Worlds" when I was still a teenager. I hope you like it.
And if you want to support the labor I do with this podcast, you can download it from here:
Blend of Two Worlds (4 EUR + VAT)
When you proceed to do the checkout, you can add a 50% discount where it says: Have a coupon code? The code is WYSEBOOKDAY
Hope you like the story.
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This is the first follower who did my IELTS Speaking test challenge. Of course there are more, but I've chosen this one as it's a great example of a candidate with a lot of potential to get a high band score. Check out my TikTok profile to do the same challenge, you can make a duet and tag me. I hope you enjoy this episode.
My TikTok profile.
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Today's episode of "What You Say in English" is super short, but I delve into the four essential listening skills crucial for acing the IELTS Listening Test: anticipation, active targeted listening, thinking and preparing, and noticing. Throughout the episode, I discuss the importance of each skill, provide insightful tips, and offer engaging activities to help my listeners improve their listening comprehension and overall IELTS performance. Additionally, I invite my audience to join me on TikTok for more language learning tips and support. Don't miss out on this valuable episode packed with advice and strategies for mastering the listening skills needed for IELTS success!
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As it's been almost a tradition in my podcast, I'm analyzing another influential person's English. This time, I chose the CEO of TikTok, Mr. Shou Chew. He's become sort of a a celebrity of late because of the hearing in front of the US Congress to defend the app he represents, TikTok, from some serious allegations regarding user privacy and possible ties with Beijing. I chose him because he displayed an incredible command of his speaking skills. I'd say he's a role model to imitate if you wish to become a proficient user of English. As I haven't included the interview I analyzed in this episode, I suggest you watch it in full here: https://youtu.be/EE5Pcz99JFI
I also spoke about Lander Hawe's app, "IELTS Preposition Safecracker", which I spoke about in episode 12 of this season. To download the app, go to:
iOS AppStore (Mac compatible) Google PlayStoreUse the following codes to unlock the app only in the month of April of 2023. So, be quick! And remember that once the month is over, you'll be charged a month of subscription, so make sure you cancel it before the grace period ends! (Although I think it's quite cheap)
Apple: TEACHER0423 Android: APRIL2020--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/support -
Because not everything is listening, reading or speaking. Writing also has a space in this podcast. Today, we’ll be looking at what makes a good review for Cambridge exams. I’m bringing three examples at three different levels: B2, C1 and C2. Also, I’m adding an extra review on the recent installment of Shazam! Fury of the Gods! Pay close attention to the vocabulary and expressions I’ve used and start building your own set. Download the 4 reviews below:
Download the reviews on PDF.Remember to follow me on TikTok and look for the different speaking tasks on my profile playlists.
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In today's episode of What You Say in English, we dive deep into part 4 of the listening exam for C1 and C2 students. This challenging task requires you to understand the gist of five short monologues and complete two parallel multiple-matching tasks. We break down the essential skills you'll need to develop, such as listening for gist, understanding context, and developing listening strategies. Additionally, we discuss tips and techniques to help you succeed in this demanding task. Finally, we provide a listening task for you to practice, ensuring that you apply the strategies and skills discussed in this episode. Tune in to boost your listening skills and get one step closer to acing the exam! All answers will be explained in the episode.
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