The English Farm's blog

A modal is a helping verb like can, should, may, might, must, have to, would and will. Modals enable you to use a single main verb in different ways or "modes".

Remembering is not just accessing information; it can also involve vivid use of the imagination. In fact, the more you imagine, the more you'll remember. 

Specific language is far stronger than general language. Specifics transport the reader or listener and give them a clear image, while general language forces the reader or listener to do the work of imagining what is meant. Let's look more deeply into this. 

Many non-native English speakers make the mistake of thinking that formal language is always a safe language choice. This is not the case. These days, the American workplace style is becoming more casual and language is going the same way.

The Vietnamese government is betting heavily that the next generation will be bilingual and has been discussing making English the second official language—even though few people speak it fluently. I have been teaching here for 7 months, experiencing the transformation first-hand. 

The G.B.C. test now has nearly an infinite number of questions that can be asked, just like in te real world. Assessors will also interrupt, as often happens in conversation and business meetings.

Sometimes the best way to answer a question isn't to list a bunch of numbers and facts—it’s to tell a story.

Many students are familiar with the word increase, but fail to use it correctly. Try to spot the error in the following sentence:

Elderly people are increasing in Japan.

When asked difficult questions, many non-native English speakers tend to stall immediately. The problem with this is that the person asking has to wait a long time for your opinion. Instead, answer the question as quickly as you can, and then buy time when you are supporting your initial opinion.

Students 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.

Strong answers require strong endings. This post will teach you a very simple way to end with maximum impact. 

First, let's take a look at an answer with good evidence and reasoning: 

Do you think work-life balance is important?

The word "can" is used in different ways in English—it can mean ability, possibility and permission. When native English speakers talk about what they can do, what do they mean?

Consider this: 

Students 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.

In English, the subject of the sentence is not always the one who does the action. This can get a little confusing for non-native speakers.

Imagine someone spots something different about their friend:

Students 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.

Test season is stressful—after preparing for months, the last thing you want is for your performance to be limited by your nerves. One way to manage anxiety is by using Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).

Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, so we are going 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.

As spring comes, so does allergy season. Millions of people around the world suffer from pollen allergies, so let's look at the words and phrases you can use to describe how this allergy affects us. 

All person-administered tests are vulnerable to examiner bias, but don't worry—if you are likable, then it can work in your favor. One study showed that even with a rigorous, standardised, and well-known test, examiners scored likeable, warm people much higher than average.

Overconfidence can affect anyone—even you.

Students 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.

Students 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.

While the words "value" and "values" are deceptively alike, they actually have two different meanings. 

• Value (uncountable) is your worth. What you bring to the table. In Japanese, the equivalent to it would be the word 価値.
• Values (countable, usually used with “s”) are your important and lasting beliefs or ideals. In other words, your principles. The Japanese word here would be 価値観.

Japanese people say "delicious" far more often than native English speakers do. The reason is that "delicious" is a direct translation from a Japanese word that is very commonly used in Japanese. But translating directly from your native language is a big roadblock when you are learning a language.

Have you ever said something like this?

A: How was your weekend?
B: It was fine. I could enjoy a relaxing time.

Language is a major factor in what makes humans unique. We use language as a tool to explain how we see the world. But could language actually be what determines how we see the world around us?