Knowledge-building is the best way to learn
By Di, December 31 2022
The best learning takes place when you dig into something until you know it inside and out.
Fresh on the blog
Difference between a speaking test and a typical interview
By The English Farm, December 24 2022
Many people taking a speaking test make this mistake: they focus on communicating their answer specifically to their test administrator. This is a problem because you are graded on the level of English you use, not on how easy it is to understand you. Your goal is not to give information, but to show your English ability.
Add impact to spoken English with questions
By Craig, December 17 2022
Many non-native English speakers find it difficult to add detail and expand. As a result, their speaking test scores are lower than they should be, and their writing lacks sophistication and impact. Find out how to solve this problem.
The English Farm Origin Story: Part 1
By Patrick, December 10 2022
In this first of two blog posts about the history of the company, we interview Matthew and tell the story of his incredible journey from English teacher in Japan to CEO and founder of The English Farm.
Analysing speech patterns: Steve Jobs
By The English Farm, December 03 2022
There are many different ways to speak well and many different people who do so. Today, let's look at Steve Jobs's speaking style.
Think of your English like meat and potatoes
By Craig, November 26 2022
Spoken language is like "meat and potatoes". The meat is the main information, and the potatoes are the supporting language. The good thing about potatoes is they go with all sorts of meat, which means you can use potato language in any answer, regardless of the subject.
Where did we get the term COMPUTER BUG?
By The English Farm, November 19 2022
Most of us have used the term "computer bug", but have you ever wondered where it comes from, and who coined the expression?
Choose the right word: RENT, BORROW, or LEND
By Di, November 12 2022
Non-native speakers often confuse the words rent and borrow when speaking English. On the surface, these words seem very similar, but actually, they are quite different. Discover the difference in this blog post.
Business concepts: When we discuss trivial matters instead of important ones
By Di, November 05 2022
The Law of Triviality describes how people often waste time focusing on small things instead of the important ones. We might be meeting to approve plans for a nuclear power plant, but we spend most of the time arguing about what color to paint the bike shed.
Speaking test sample answers: Inductive reasoning
By The English Farm, October 29 2022
Sample speaking test answers using inductive reasoning.
Logic in spoken English: Inductive
By The English Farm, October 22 2022
This post looks at simple inductive logic. We start with a specific example and work out a conclusion based on it.
Speaking test sample answers: Deductive reasoning
By The English Farm, October 15 2022
Sample speaking test answers using deductive reasoning.