Writing rhetorical questions is a literary device that professional writers love to hate, but if you’re writing an article for an exam, they can be a very useful tool. You may need to write an article in Cambridge Preliminary (PET) or First (FCE) and in Trinity ISE I, II, or III. Writing an article is […]
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On the first day of any new class you need to get to know your students and they need to get to know each other. Every teacher seems to have a few tricks up their sleeves whether it’s ball games, name tags or the classic find someone who. I like to keep it simple with
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In the Cambridge First Certificate Speaking test, there are 4 parts. Each part offers its own set of difficulties and challenges. The best way to prepare for the First (FCE) Speaking is to practise as much as possible. There are phrases you can learn, vocabulary you can memorise and expressions you can use, but in
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If you haven’t seen the film A Star Is Born yet, you’re missing out on a very enjoyable couple of hours. This romantic musical drama explores the ups and downs of fame while being set to an excellent soundtrack. The acting is quality, but it was the main song, Shallow, which won the film an
First (FCE) Song – Shallow – Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper Read More »
The Use of English paper in the Cambridge First (FCE) exam is a challenge. It’s a challenge for students, but it can sometimes be a challenge for teachers to train for as well. Of all the activities in the paper, it’s FCE Use of English Part 2, also known as the open cloze, which consistently
How to do First (FCE) Use of English Part 2 “Open Cloze” Read More »
Word formation is probably the easiest part of Cambridge exams to gamify (from the root word GAME of course). Use any of these word formation games as a quick intro or filler for your classes. Most of them require little to no preparation so you can keep them in your bag of TEFL tricks for
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Cambridge English exams are taken by over 5.5 million candidates per year in 130 different countries. Since introducing the first English language assessment in 1913, Cambridge exams have steadily grown to become the most reputable and recognised English language qualifications across the globe. As a teacher of English, this is great news for you because
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What better way is there to cheer up a class and spark some lively conversation than to ask your students about their most personal wishes and regrets? It’s the ideal grammar point for personalisation and to help your students get to know each other a bit better. I designed these materials to use as a
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FCE Speaking Part 2 is also called the “long turn”. In fact, it’s only a minute long, but for B2 First Certificate candidates, that minute can seem like an eternity. During the long turn, candidates are asked to speak by themselves for a minute about a pair of pictures and to answer a question about
How to do First (FCE) Speaking Part 2 – Useful Phrases Read More »
Expressing preferences is one of those functional areas that will come in useful across so many parts of any exam. For Cambridge exams, you’ll find a use for this language during the speaking part of the exam, but it could also pop up in readings, listenings or Use of English. For Trinity exams, expressing preferences
Expressing Preferences – Would you rather… Read More »
