43 ways to use the word "work"
December 15, 2018You have probably said the word “work” many times: to do a job (I work a lot of overtime), to make an effort (That’s hard work!) or to function (does this thing work?).
Fresh on the blog
How to use anecdotes as evidence
December 8, 2018Sometimes the best way to answer a question isn't to list a bunch of numbers and facts—it’s to tell a story.
Analysing speech patterns: Steve Jobs
December 1, 2018There are many different ways to speak well and many different people who do so. Today, let's look at Steve Jobs's speaking style.
Student writing - What can be done to prevent natural disasters caused by extreme weather events?
November 24, 2018Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, and we like to share the best of the best.
This piece has had minor corrections by a teacher, but the logic, structure, and word choice are the student's.
G.B.C. sample answer: What you like about your job
November 17, 2018Today, let’s look at a couple of ways to show sophistication in a G.B.C. answer. The question is about your work life, a common topic in the G.B.C. test.
Here's the question: What do you most like about your job and why?
Describe flavors like a pro
November 10, 2018As your English progresses, you need to expand your ability to describe flavors. Most people start by saying they like or don't like something—it can be delicious or disgusting, but that doesn't communicate how it tastes.
Timed writing will improve your speed and style
November 3, 2018There is a good chance that you have written a lot in English but you still find that writing is frustratingly slow. You have been practicing, but the bottleneck issue could be that the way you practice reinforces your bad habits.
How word stress can completely change meaning
October 27, 2018Stressing a word when speaking, by saying it longer, louder or with higher intonation, will show the listener which word is key.
Talking about generations
October 20, 2018Many Japanese people learning English use the word “generation” to talk about “people” in general, as in,
Younger generations shop online much more than older generations do.
Put negatives early in the sentence
October 13, 2018In English, the negative component can be put in a variety of places. But, as long as the meaning is the same, the negative element should go as close to the front as possible.
Count naturally by saying THERE ARE
October 6, 2018Try to spot what's unnatural about the following statement: “The number of people on my team is 5.”
Don't say NATURE, describe it instead
September 29, 2018When talking about rural places like vacation spots or a far-away hometown, it's common to talk about nature. However, native speakers never say, “You'll enjoy nature,” or, “It has beautiful nature.” It’s too general. It doesn't bring to mind any mental image.
