esl school
7 Crucial Tips for Writing Good Emails
Email communication is crucial for every day life; thus, this is an area ESL students have to master if they want to effectively immerse themselves into any English-speaking culture.
Anyone who writes an email must make it understandable for the recipient, and the simpler, the better. In many cases, the recipient has to work really hard to decipher what the sender is trying to say, and this is not just a thing of knowing the language or not. A bad email shows disrespect for the recipient; it is not polite to make someone work hard to understand a few lines that you have written carelessly.
Here are 7 tips to help you write effective emails easily, even if you are not an English master yet:
1. The Subject, Cc: and Bcc: boxes
The subject must tell the recipient what the email is about before he or she reads the message. It allows them to organize their inbox. It is indispensable to write a meaningful and relevant subject, a truly helpful and descriptive one.
The ‘Cc:’ (carbon copy) and ‘Bcc:’ (blind carbon copy) boxes must be used with care. Email addresses that you add to the ‘Cc:’ box will be seen by the main recipient, and he or she will know that these people are also getting the message sent directly to them, while under the ‘Bcc:’ the recipient will not be aware of whom else is reading the message.
2. Include only relevant attachments
If you are going to include an attachment in your email make sure it is absolutely necessary, because the recipient may not have the program to open it installed. It may be a very big file, or it may contain a virus. Many people don’t like to receive attachments, thus, make sure they are aware of the fact that you are including an attachment, and only because it is important.
3. Write short lines and paragraphs
Different email programs treat lines differently; thus, keep your lines short to ensure these don’t get cut in a weird way on the other side. In the same way, short paragraphs are easier to read and understand; try to keep them at five lines.
4. Use simple language
An email, even if it is about an important subject, is better when it is written using simple vocabulary. Do not feel that you have to use big words to impress; it is much more impressive to read a simple but well articulated, clear, and intelligent email.
5. Do not SHOUT
Never use ALL CAPS (all capital letters). In English this means you are shouting, and it makes the text difficult to read because the human brain processes letters and words based on their shape; ‘ENGLISH’ has a single shape, while ‘English’ has movement. If you want to highlight a word in the text, use asterisks (*) instead of capital letters.
6. Use abbreviations wisely
There are very common and useful abbreviations, like btw (by the way) and ASAP (as soon as possible). Everyone understands them and these make communication more fluid; however, if you use lots of abbreviations and these are not known by the recipient, they’ll feel like they’re reading an alien language.
7. Sign every email
A signed email is more respectful and highly helpful. You can add your address, phone number, and any other relevant information below your signature.
If writing emails is a big part of your daily routine, and you don’t master the English language yet, ask your ESL school for practice tools to sharpen your skills. There is no such thing as too much practice or too much learning.
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Essentials for ESL Students - The Three Best Ways to Start a Conversation
ESL students all have one main frustration in common. Your teachers at your ESL school, family, everyone you know tell you that the best way to improve your English speaking skills is to practice, practice, and practice. Get out there and put everything you’re learning in your ESL class to good use. So, you go out, armed to the teeth with great vocabulary, useful expressions, and motivation to spare, but…you don’t know how to start a conversation. It can be awkward enough for those who are native speakers, imagine for those who are learning the language and perhaps are able to handle only the basics.
No matter what your level is, no matter how long you’ve been taking ESL classes, everyone has to practice. If you’re unsure as to the best way to start a conversation, here are some sure-fire hits:
1) Seize an opportunity to make a comment
If you happen to be a social event, like someone’s birthday party, Christmas dinner, or run-of-the-mill informal gathering, comment on the food, music, or décor. Chose someone to direct the comment to and say something like, “This is delicious! Do you know what this is?” or “I love this song! Do you like Gwen Stefani?” The conversation should flow from there on. Don’t forget to introduce yourself at an opportune moment.
2) Pick someone to introduce yourself to
At a social event, you may recognize someone from school, the gym, or any of your extracurricular activities. Just walk up to the individual in question and say, “Hi! You attend classes at …, don’t you? I’m …., by the way.” Maybe you know who someone is although you haven’t been properly introduced. Starting a conversation is as easy as saying, “Hi there! You’re John’s brother, aren’t you?”
3) Ask a question
Asking someone a question is an infallible way to start a conversation. You may use any excuse like, “Excuse me. Do you know what this is?” (about exotic food) or “Are you a friend of Sarah’s or Michael’s?” (at a wedding). Your options should be obvious depending on the situation. Other useful questions are:
- “Where are you from?” (to a foreign-looking person – another ESL learner, perhaps!)
- “Do you work/study with Josh?”
- “How do you know Jack?”
- “I’m not from here. Is this a typical/important tradition/custom in the US? (about Halloween/Thanksgiving or any American holiday).
Remember to say Hi or Hello first; smile and try to sound friendly and honestly interested in talking to the person. Wait and see what their answer is before going on with the next question. Don’t attack an unsuspecting individual with an arsenal of questions.
So, overcome your shyness; don’t worry about your accent or pronunciation. Try to do the best you can, after all, you’re not being tested here, like at your ESL school. The goal is to communicate! You should strive to be spontaneous and speak English in a real, informal setting. It may be difficult at first, but, as we say, “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”, and you’ll notice improvement in no time. You’ll be speaking like one of the locals. And making friends at the same time! What more could you ask for?
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How to Write a Killer Admissions Essay
Graduate college applicants must write a relevant admission essay as part of their application process. This essay will be evaluated by an admissions committee; it will set you apart from other students, and will allow them to know you a little better before you start your studies with them.
The admission essay is so crucial that it could mean the difference between you being accepted or rejected by a college. This is why it is imperative that it be interesting, truthful, well-organized, and well- written.
There are students that write essays that are basically beyond understanding for the person reading them. You must do better if you want to be accepted by the university of your dreams.
The organization of your essay plays a vital role in its quality. Organization is the key to create interest in the reader and to show that you are capable of writing great quality material, presenting you thus as a person who thinks with clarity and employs logic.
There are many ways to organize an essay, however, the most used style has an introduction, a body, and a closing argument:
Keys to write a killer introduction:
- The introduction is the essay’s most important part. The first sentence will present your essay, thus, if it is not good, the first impression you have created is less than encouraging.
- The introduction’s job is to keep the reader interested so that he or she keeps on reading until the end, so, put yourself in the reader’s shoes and think: What would make me want to go on?
- Make the first sentence a one of a kind and create emotion, challenge the reader so that he or she finds a worthy contestant in your words.
- The introduction must explain why is it that you want to study law, physics, math, literature, or whatever it is that you feel inclined towards; tell the reader what made you choose this area and make it personal.
- The whole introduction must support your first sentence through a meaningful and short explanation.
Keys to write a killer body:
- The body must be comprised of around three well-written paragraphs with clear details to support the statement you made in the introduction. The writing style has to flow and be pleasant to read, through the use of transitions and resolutions.
- Each paragraph must have a transition and a specific topic. Transitions begin a paragraph by offering affirmation that states the paragraph’s topic, letting the reader know what’s coming. These also connect paragraphs in between to keep the flow smooth.
- Each paragraph must contain a resolution. Resolutions are sentences that end paragraphs and let the reader move to the next one. They must be meaningful phrases that connect facts. Resolutions, along with transitions, make the text clear and understandable.
- Within the body, make sure you include details about your experience and accomplishments; these should support your statements and introduction. Don’t forget to also include your future goals and dreams.
- You can write a little about your educational background at the beginning.
- If you are going to write about your personal experiences and motivations for going to college, do it in the second paragraph.
- Do not repeat yourself by writing what is already clear in your application.
- In the last paragraph of the body, tell the reader why you should be accepted, what the university will gain from having you there, and how you can enrich its history.
Keys to write a killer closing argument:
- The conclusion is the last paragraph of your essay.
- Say why you want to study the subject you selected.
- Quickly remind the reader about the experience and accomplishments that support your choice of subjects.
- Finish with a sentence that catches the attention and produces emotion.
Always ask someone to read your essay once you are done writing it. Someone at your ESL school could help, since they have lots of experience with different students, schools, and fields. Just make sure the person you choose can provide valuable and knowledgeable feedback to really enhance your essay.
The essay must be a personal and detailed statement. Its purpose is to show you as a special person amid all the other applicants, so you should strive to make it interesting and unique in order to convey your passion for the subject of your choice and for the school you are applying to.
However, remember that lots of passion has no meaning if it can’t be communicated effectively, thus, you must organize your ideas in a way that is easy for the reader to grasp what you mean. If you achieve this, you will certainly be accepted.
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How To Choose the Right ESL School
Many people around the world come to the United States every year to learn English and prepare themselves for their futures. Many students may just want to improve their English, while other students may be preparing themselves for English speaking colleges or universities they may be entering in the near future. But before you decide what ESL school is right for you, there are a few things you should carefully consider.
First off, many colleges do not offer English intensive speaking classes, and ESL programs are not always part of the college’s or university’s academic degree. If your college does not offer a full time intensive English program, you might be better off studying at a strictly ESL school first, before starting your college career. However, if your college of choice has university-based ESL programs, they can offer several advantages. One of them is that English students live on campus and have full time access to the college libraries and other facilities. Another advantage of taking university-based ESL classes is that according to your visa privileges, you may be able to work 20-30 hours per week as well.
But if your college does not offer these programs you may want to consider attending a private English language facility. Many of these schools are usually located near a college or university campus, and many provide housing as well. These schools can also be perfect if you are interested, or only have time for, a two to three week program. These ESL programs are designed for students seeking short time study options, to prepare themselves quickly before going to the university. Some ESL schools even offer advanced classes at a local college or university, allowing you to gain credit in the process. Some even offer vacation ESL programs.
Before choosing as ESL school that best suits you, first carefully consider your options. Do you want a serious ESL program or are you just looking to learn the basics of the language? You also need to consider you budget. You need to consider how much money you have available to pay for tuition, books, living expenses, etc. What is your determination to learn English? Many intensive English programs meet 20-30 hours per week, and you need to fulfill these hours if you even want to qualify to get a visa. And lastly, make sure the school is accredited, and have professionally trained and experienced teachers working there. Finding a good ESL school will be an important first step in learning English as your second language.
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Use English as a Native Speaker
Many call center recruiters know that the prospects with the most diplomas and certificates extended by the best English institutes are not always the ones that speak more fluently. This is due to a basic fact: usually, institutes focus more on writing and grammar than on speaking and listening skills, the reason being that most teachers were taught that way, and, as they are not native speakers, they don’t have good speaking skills themselves. This is, of course, the case in general, but there are always exceptions.
Call centers, among many other businesses, need people that know how to speak better than they write. Of course, overall knowledge, as covered in ESL lessons, is preferred, but recruiters know that oral communication is essential in today’s changing world. This means proficiency in verbal and listening skills, and any student that wants to progress with the English language should take this into serious consideration.
One of the biggest barriers English learners will face is their own language. Teachers get tired of repeating the same: “Think in English”. But most students find this impossible: they tend to think in their own language and then translate that into English. This creates, at least, two problems: one, is that the translation is literal (similar to what you would expect from Google Translator, for instance) and two, that the whole process takes double the time than what it would normally take if no translation were necessary.
Another big challenge is vocabulary and grammar. English is a dinamic language, and is expanded every day. Recently, for example, the term “Web 2.0″ was accepted as a new English term. Even if this is a commonly used term and most people know it, there are others that are not so well-known. Native speakers have daily access to words and learn everyday how to use new ones. People that don’t live in English-speaking countries have, however, fewer opportunities in this sense. But the great advantage English has, as opposed to other languages, is that there is a vast variety of audio and video material to get reference from and this way learn to listen and speak fluently. Of course, you should make sure the movies are not dubbed, but subtitled. In some countries, like Spain, movies are distributed officially without subtitles, that is, dubbed in Spanish by Spanish actors. This is meant to preserve their language. But if that’s your case, you can find online lots of movies, music, and videos in English, so that you can learn directly from the source and study different accents and ways of speaking, apart from the use of idioms and expressions of daily use.
An Infallible Plan to Maximize your ESL Learning
You´ve made your decision. You´ve signed up for classes at an ESL school. This is it! A wonderful chance to work on your English skills and enjoy all the things American culture has to offer. However, you must think about this: no matter how fantastic your course is, no matter how skilled your instructors are, you could miss out on wonderful chances to take your English fluency to the next level.
Put your speaking abilities to the test by meeting and hanging out with local residents!
So, you really want to SPEAK English? Feel all speechless and bashful when trying to make friends? Face your fears! Staying with a host family could be awkward, difficult sometimes, but it is a tremendously enriching experience, a unique opportunity to get to know the American way of life and also a fantastic way to improve communication skills.
In class, you learned how to ask, how to respond, what to say, when to say it, how to say it. You name it! You learned it in your ESL program! But with your instructor it is one thing; experiences out in the street are a little different. The recommended way to learn how words and phrases are used in real social scenarios is to go out and mingle! Ask about what people your age generally do for fun, where they go, and plan outings with your fellow classmates. You could talk to really cool people, and even make long-lasting friendships.
If just the thought of initiating a conversation with a total stranger makes you tremble, find activities that will give you the perfect chance to talk to people. Think of the interesting people you could meet while learning to ski, or during a hike. Any sport or outdoor activity offers a great chance to engage in lively conversation, plus the added benefit of keeping you in shape.
Or take another course. Music lessons, arts and crafts, art courses, business courses - you´ll have a variety to choose from- and yet again ANOTHER incredible opportunity to communicate and share. If you happen to be interested in, for example animal rights, go on down to the local animal shelter, or wildlife preserve, and talk with the volunteers.
So, when the bell rings and school´s out for the day, resist the inclination to go home, stay in, and call it a day. Put what you´ve learned at school to good use. Don´t be self-conscious. And don´t fret about what they´ll think of your fuency. Chances are they´ll just be happy to have met you.
ESL Programs – A Large Variety to Choose from
English as a Second Language (ESL) has been instrumental in developing the English skills of individuals whose native language is another. ESL has a set of programs in which each one is different in its own way and is engaged in the task of imparting English knowledge. The number of programs has increased over the years as the needs of students have been on a rising trend.
The diversity of programs can be attributed to three major reasons, namely:
- The student population that is to be served
- Individual characteristics of the students
- Resources available at a particular place
The classification of programs chiefly depends on where the focus of the program lies and based on this criterion, there are two classifications:
- Stand-Alone ESL
- ESL Plus
The Stand-Alone ESL program is very much similar to Foreign Language classes, as the focal point is on Linguistics aspects. These programs are conducted for a special class of people who taken away from the normal classroom surrounding, and classes are exclusively conducted for them with extra care and attention. It covers only a lesser portion of the instruction material and hence the classes may be there for 2 to 3 days a week. Here are the few examples:
Pull Out: This is a situation adopted in elementary environment where the students are taken away from their normal classes to be provided with separate classes by a single teacher or by a teacher who is entrusted with a single building.
Class Period: This instruction is followed in middle or secondary school setting, where the students learn the ESL instruction along their normal course of classes in the normal class hours and are provided with credits for this course based on their level of proficiency achieved.
Resource Center: The Resource Center is the enhanced version of the pull out program in the sense that, the students from various classes or schools are taken away from their regular classes. To provide a better learning experience, the resources are all centralized at a single location.
As for ESL Plus, it is just an extension of the Stand-Alone ESL and hence covers a larger portion of the instruction. It is inclusive of all the aspects of Stand-Alone ESL but its focus extends beyond the Linguistic aspects to the medium of instruction of the content area which may be in English or the native language. Following are the few examples of ESL Plus:
Bilingual Education Programs: These programs on the basis of success levels are further classified as ‘Early Transition’ and ‘Late Transition’ and these programs are used at the elementary or the secondary level.
Structured Immersion Program: These programs at its various levels concentrate on enhancing English skills as a language and in the phase of content area instruction.
Sheltered English Or Content-Based Program: These programs are those which are provided simultaneously with other academic subjects.
High Intensity Language Training (Hilt): This program is characterized by intensive ESL training and it also shares various aspects of the sheltered program.
Thus, ESL programs have been very effective in imparting English skills with their wide range of exclusive programs.
How To Choose The Best ESL School For You
If your friends think that you are a walking version of Wikipedia and keep asking you for definitions, tips, and counseling on all kinds of stuff, here’s a good way to surprise them with some very useful information.
Or, on the contrary, if you are the one planning to study English abroad and are looking for the right information so you don’t feel so lost, you will find below a set of tips that will make your day.
Here’s a list of tips on how to choose the best ESL school for you. There are hundreds of such programs being offered everwhere and for everyone. How can you know if the program suits your needs, or if they will fulfill the contract and not leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere? Just a few steps to follow and no big worries afterwards:
-Define your goals: This is the key issue here. You must be very clear about your objectives, what level of English you want to acquire, how long you are planning to take for that, where you want to go and why. Choosing the right ESL program has nothing to do with the nice colors of the website or the great name the Institute or University has. You are staying in a foreign country where they speak a language you don’t master, and with obvious cultural differences, so you’d better choose a place where you think you’ll feel comfortable.
-Search for local agencies (using your mother tongue): This may sound a bit too logical, but believe me, there are many people who make the mistake of contacting agencies in the “target” language and they can’t understand all the implications of the trip, stay, or contract. A source of bad times is when you don’t understand all the rules of the game.
-Ask all the important questions: Wherever you go they will give you lots of information, flyers, pamphlets, catalogs, and testimonies telling you how wonderful job they do. Just concentrate on the vital things for your trip and life in the foreign country:
• Costs: How much the total program is, how much you need to carry with you; find out if there are extra costs.
• Housing: Is it included in the program? If so, where, and under what conditions?
• Meals: How many meals does the program include a day? (if any) For the whole period?
• Cost of living in general: General information about the cost of things there, just in case you have to stay on your own means for some time.
• Activities and support provided: Will you be alone or become part of a group? Can you do other things apart from studying? Do you have to pay extra for that?
• Extent of health insurance and others: What if you have an accident or need to be admitted into hospital? What if you need an urgent visit to the dentist?
-Establish direct contact here with the person who’s receiving you there at the agency (get all details): Don’t accept a “we’ll contact you there” for an answer. You need to know who to resort to in case of trouble. He/she is going to be the only contact with your mother country at the beginning, so you’d better feel confident about him/her.
-Contact people who have been there: Look for real, live testimonies, not the typical “I went there and my life changed forever” sentence. Find two or three people who have undergone this experience. They are the ones who can give you the best advice on what to do, what to avoid, and what to expect.
There. A few tips to get a nice ESL school and not die in the process. They will be of much use to you as they have been for many people. Now, you can show off among your friends about how clever and well-informed you are, and your popularity will increase for sure.
Now, if you’re preparing that trip to an English-speaking country to learn, you probably feel less insecure about all the aspects to consider. So, follow the tips and good luck there! By the way, remember to check your passport before leaving!
5 Things to Avoid During Your ESL Class
Have you ever wondered why some people don’t seem to make any improvement in their English level? Even though they have been studying for years?
If you asked them, they would probably complain about the teacher, first, then the system (methodology), the schedule, their hearing capabilities, the time, and of course, the language itself. Very few people, not to say, no people at all, would admit that they are responsible to a great extent for their lack of progress when taking on an ESL course.
Why is this so? There are always certain acquired behaviors that prevent you from grabbing all the contents in an ESL program. These are repeated maybe unintentionally, but they do create a specific kind of atmosphere during the class, that would not only bother your teacher and classmates, but also distract you completely from your main goal: learning.
That special kind of atmosphere refers basically to the set of interrumptions and distractors that you can add systematically to your class, and which your classmates (if any) can also add on their parts. The result is usually a class with ups and downs, very few moments of deep concentration, a lot of frustration, and a few exercises to be done more or less successfully.
If asked about the factors taking part in this “sabotage” to your learning, many teachers would be able to pinpoint clearly what these factors are, and they would also agree that these can not only make your learning slower, but they could also prevent it completely. Here is a list of the things that you need to avoid if you want to make the best use of your ESL class.
What to avoid:
- Late arrivals: If your class starts at 8:00, don’t show up at 8:20 or you’ll lose up to 30% of your lesson (60’ class). If you arrive this late every class and you took up a 60 hour-course, how much real benefit are you wasting? You do the math.
- Interruptions: Cell phones can be your worst enemy here. Constant ringing, bleeping, and vibrating distract you considerably. It’s even worse if you answer, because your mind will travel to the issue that originated the call, and stay there, for sure. This is like going out of the room, walking for one block and coming back. How much concentration do you have left when you rejoin the class?
- Ignoring corrections: If the teacher corrects you, apply that correction immediately. There’s no point in saying “OK” and continue with the sentence. “OK” will not replace the term when you need to say something similar again. If the teacher makes you repeat, you repeat. Repeating helps you remember.
- Eluding note-taking: Paper was invented for some reason. There’s a whole mental process behind writing what you need to remember. Your ideas become clearer, more organized, and you have a good memory-helper afterwards.
- Leaving exercises incomplete: Saying: “OK, got it” is not the right way to exercise what you are learning. This is like trying to master a joystick: you need to practice, practice, and practice until the structure and your mind are fully synchronized.
Make sure the next time you attend your ESL class you start applying these tips. Maybe not all of them at the beginning, but do make the effort. You will notice the difference immediately.
As for your phone calls, you usually turn the cell off when in a meeting, why not pretend the class is an important meeting too? Not only your teacher and classmates will be grateful, so will your nervous system, as you will be more in control of your personal life. And your English will probably give you a nice surprise sooner than you think.
English Corner: The Chinese Social Occasion Made for English Students
There are English students eager to practice their skills all over the world. China is not the exception. This wonderful country has amazed the world with its meteoric economic double-digit growth during the past couple of decades, along with a fantastic display of organization and skill during their 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Its accelerating opening to the economies of the rest of the world has made it a necessity for the diligent and ambitious Chinese (this description suits practically the whole population) to acquire at least an acceptable level of command of the English language.
University students in Beijing and other cities are the most interested and motivated to learn and practice. If you happen to be around Beijing, and have some free time, don’t miss the opportunity to cooperate with this interesting group of English students. You will enjoy their company, get an inside look at their culture, and they will be very happy to get practice time with a fellow English student or an English speaker. Almost every university organizes an “English corner” which refers to the practice of getting together every day in a designated “corner” of their campus and basically engaging in a mingling session where they will practice English with anyone they find.
The English corners sessions at Beijing Normal University and Beijing Foreign Studies University, for instance, are quite famous for their crowds and nice international environment. You don’t have to be a university student to attend, so, while the crowds are composed mostly of Chinese students and Chinese people looking to practice English, there are many foreign attendees who are after a nice conversation and ambiance. The mix is cosmopolitan and very interesting; it also makes for a perfect setting to use English in a real-life situation, even though everyone there knows most of the speakers aren’t native or even fluent, which makes it very relaxing.
These kinds of sessions can be found elsewhere in the world, at any ESL school, and are extremely useful and enriching to an ESL or EFL student. English schools in the USA encourage these sorts of gatherings as an integral part of the learning experience.
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