GuruEAP

First page IELTS #1

This is the first in what will hopefully be a series of posts focusing on the first pages of novels. (more…)

Random academic collocations

Can anyone guess why I chose this particular image for the post’s profile pic? Answers in the comments below..! (more…)

More academic idioms

Here are some more academic idioms for you to use in IELTS speaking!

Guess the meaning of the idioms (highlighted in bold type), then click the card to see the meaning on the reverse. (more…)

Awareness of ‘towards’

This approach represents their awareness towards the environment.

I think this another example of the clash of the collocation civilisations!

Indonesians are probably thinking ‘kesadaran terhadap..’, and translating terhadap as towards. I’m afraid that’s not English collocation. Here’s what you need: (more…)

The this, the that

‘The’ is a word largely missing from some languages. Listen to the song and sing along (lyrics below..)!

Especially important for Indonesian students of English!

Lack of ‘lack’

A new song focusing on the word ‘lack’, which can often be mistaken with ‘lack of’. The rule for deciding which to use is in the chorus of the song, so listen carefully and choose the correct item – ‘lack’, or ‘lack of’! (Scroll down for lyrics and gapfill!)

When present simple is too simple

Bali’s unique culture and traditions lead to an enormous increase in tourism. As a result, the number of job opportunities grows significantly.

This is grammatically correct, but the choice of present simple tense has – I think – resulted in meanings quite different from those intended by the writer. (more…)

Past tenses explained

Video animation contrasting past tenses. Includes examples and timelines to illustrate meaning. (more…)

Present tenses explained

Video animation contrasting present tenses. Includes examples and timelines to illustrate meaning. (more…)

Perfect tenses explained

Video animation contrasting perfect tenses. Includes examples and timelines to illustrate meaning. (more…)