Studying for the U.S. Naturalization Interview?
The National Museum of American History and USCIS have created a new tool for studying for the naturalization interview.
http://americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/
For personal tutoring* for your interview and improving your English, contact me here. I offer classes online via Skype or in person in Greenville, SC.
*NOTE: Instruction does not include or constitute legal advice. Please consult an immigration lawyer before starting the U.S. citizenship application process. All Things ESL is not endorsed by the USCIS.
Pronunciation Tips: Using Phrasing on the Speaking Section of the TOEFL® test
Here’s the latest podcast!
Listen to Podcast
Here is the script for the sample independent speaking response* you will hear as you listen. The appropriate places for pauses are marked with this forward slash (/).
I prefer exercising outdoors / First / I spend my whole week at work inside / and the weekend / is my only chance / to see nature / My desk at work / is in a small cubicle with no windows / and by the end of the work week / I’m usually very depressed and restless / Exercising on the weekends / gives me a chance to move / and to improve my spirits / Also / in my hometown / we have a wonderful cycling trail / At my gym / you can rent bikes for free / and ride the trail / Last weekend / I went on a date / with my boyfriend /and we rode the entire trail together/ The weather was perfect/ And at the end / we had a romantic picnic /So I definitely prefer that intimate experience / over a crazy night clubbing.
After you listen to the podcast practice reading the script with correct phrasing.
*sample responses are given in American English
Learn English with me! Click my picture to get started!
All Things ESL sponsoring a new Greenville English Conversation Group
If you are new to Greenville and need free English conversation practice click the picture below and join our meetup group!
Pronunciation Tips: Using Linking on the Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT™
Here’s the latest podcast!
Listen to Podcast
Here are the examples* you will hear as you listen:
Example of Consonant-Vowel Linking
Can I turn on the TV now?
Can I becomes Ca-ni
turn on becomes tur-non
Example of Vowel-Vowel Linking
Who is going with Jack to the party?
I am.
Who is becomes who-wis
I am becomes I-yam
*pronunciation examples are given in American English
Join my online classes. Click here to request more information.
Pronunciation Tips: Using Contractions and Reductions on the Speaking Section
Here’s the latest podcast!
Listen to Podcast
Here are some questions to answer while you listen:
- What are some contractions?
- Why should you use contractions?
- What are reductions?
- What are some examples of reductions?
Join my online classes. Click here to request more information.
How does my TOEFL® test relate to other English proficiency tests?
Sometimes students ask me how their TOEFL® test score compares with other scores for English tests. The same company that made the TOEFL® test publishes a helpful tool online which compares TOEFL® test scores to IELTS and CEFR scores. Click here for a link to that website.
If you need help or have other questions about the test, join my online classes. Click here to request more information.
The Grading Rubric for the Speaking Section of the Test
Students ask me sometimes about how they will be graded on the Speaking Section of the TOEFL® test. You don’t have to wonder. The company that made the test publishes the grading rubric online. Click here to see it.
You are graded on three areas: delivery, language use, and topic development.
If you’d like help improving your score on one or all three areas. Join my online classes. Click here to request more information.
Pronunciation Tips: Sentence Stress on the Speaking Section
Here’s the latest podcast!
Listen to Podcast
Here are some questions to answer while you listen:
- What is delivery?
- What is sentence stress?
- Which kind of words do you usually stress in English: content or function?
- Why is sentence stress important on the speaking section?
Join my online classes. Click here to request more information.
Listening: Categorizing and Summarizing Questions on the TOEFL iBT™
Here’s the latest podcast!
Listen to Podcast
Here are some questions to answer while you listen:
- What are categorizing and summarizing questions focusing on ?
- What are clues you can listen for in the lecture that will help you on the summarizing questions?
- What were the 7 steps in the lecture?
- How many summarizing or categorizing questions are on each listening passage?
Join my online classes. Click here to request more information.
Note Taking Skills on the Reading and Listening Sections
Many ESL students struggle to take notes while listening. And note taking is an important skill to master for the TOEFL iBT®. Here are some great links to note taking methods, tips, and practice. Happy studying!
For personal help to improve your listening skills join my online classes. Click here to request more information.
