The maths of forgetting
By Matthew, February 22 2020
You forget faster than you think! There are two ways you can fight against forgetting. Read on to find out how you can forget less.
Fresh on the blog
Do you misuse the word GLOBAL? Probably!
By Matthew, February 15 2020
In Japan, "global" is a buzz word that people like to use. Students want to be more "global". They want to work on the "global stage" for a "global company". In English, maybe you should choose a different word.
How NOT to present with visuals
By The English Farm, February 01 2020
If you have to give a presentation in English, you will likely spend a lot of time preparing your slides. However, there is a danger of relying too heavily on slides.
Use the singular "they" to include everyone
By The English Farm, January 18 2020
Linguists in America have voted the singular "they" as the word of the decade.
Student writing: What would I change about Japan?
By James, December 21 2019
As you have more time off over the holidays, why not take time to write in English? You can use the questions in our discussion posts for inspiration.
Idioms: 10 ways to use your "nose"
By Di, December 14 2019
There are a lot of idioms in English that use the word "nose". Apparently, we like to talk about our noses a lot! Here are just 10 to add to your phrasebook (plus a bonus one to amaze your friends and colleagues with).
How long should a G.B.C. answer be?
By Matthew, November 16 2019
One of the most frequent questions I get is, "How long should my G.B.C. answer be?"
My immediate thought is always, "How long is a piece of string?"* But this is not a helpful answer! What follows is the actual answer I give to students who ask me this.
All you should know about the G.B.C. test
By Matthew, November 15 2019
I have been teaching consultants for the G.B.C. test since 2011. I have learned a few things about it that I would like to share with you to help you better prepare for the test.
The fastest way to go nowhere with G.B.C.
By Matthew, November 06 2019
I have been teaching consultants since 2011. In that time, I have seen a lot of different approaches to studying for the G.B.C. test. One study method fails every time.
How to say, "I don't know" like intellectual Ta-Nehisi Coates
By The English Farm, November 02 2019
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an important figure who has a particular way of approaching some topics: he openly says, "I don't know."
TEF staff pick the best karaoke songs
By Di, October 26 2019
Some of our teachers' favorite songs to learn natural Enligh and sing at karaoke night!
Learn English with karaoke
By Di, October 19 2019
Singing karaoke is a great way to learn English vocabulary and pronunciation—listen to a song, learn the lyrics, and sing!