Fresh on the blog

I have been teaching consultants since 2011. In that time, I have seen a lot of different approaches to studying for the GBC. test. One study method fails every time.

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an important figure who has a particular way of approaching some topics: he openly says, "I don't know." 

Some of our teachers' favorite songs to learn natural Enligh and sing at karaoke night!

Singing karaoke is a great way to learn English vocabulary and pronunciation—listen to a song, learn the lyrics, and sing!

Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb-ing). For instance, these sentences are both grammatically correct: "Remember to study", and "Remember studying." However, the meanings are quite different.

A portmanteau is the combination of two words to make a new word. Using portmanteaus is quick and convenient, and it makes you seem more natural. 

Mistakes are an accident. You know it's wrong, but the wrong word slips out. An error, on the other hand, is something you don't know. But what's the difference when you study?

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. 

When something bad happens, don't assume anyone did it on purpose. Instead, use Hanlon's razor to look for other reasons for people's behavior.

Use Occam's razor to keep things simple when designing a business plan.

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.

Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. test 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.

Simple, safe English is often not the best choice. Take, for example, the word "happy". If you can read this blog post, you can use that word, but should you? 

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.

You 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?).

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

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.