Learning English at Home

Advice on learning English at home
from Cognitive Science PhD Candidate and Tutor at UCD

In the last week we have been forced to move all of our classes online. We have been amazed by the creativity and adaptability of our teachers and the flexibility and enthusiasm of out students.

We know that studying at home comes with a lot more challenges and the Covid19 situation has put a lot of you into a situation where your normal routines have been turned on their head. As you know Everest was

Coronavirus precautions

While we still do not wish to worry or alarm you, we are continuing to take the threat of this virus seriously and we are placing the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff at the top of our list of priorities. With this in mind we would like to provide you with the following information:

Have you been exposed to the Coronavirus?

If within the last 14 days, you have come to Ireland from an outbreak zone or have been in contact with a

IELTS Listening Tips

General Tips for the IELTS Listening Exam

Stay focused while you’re listening and then carefully transfer your answers to the answer sheet. 

Use the time when examples are being played to read ahead through the questions – if you’re familiar with the exam you know the format, you don’t need to listen to the long example at the very beginning

You have 30 second at the end of each section to read over answers but this could be better spent looking at the next section

Practice the full exam, at home, lots

IELTS Speaking Tips

A few general IELTS speaking tips:

Show the examiner what you can do and use every opportunity to talk – no monosyllabic answers!
Part 1 is “easy” in content but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use complex grammar and vocabulary. 
Ask the examiner to clarify or repeat if you’re not sure. These types of interactions also show your level of English, they don’t have to be a problem. Say something like “Sorry, could you repeat that”, rather than “eh?” or “what?”
Record yourself on your phone and listen back to improve. You

IELTS Reading Tips

 

IELTS READING TIPS:

In this week’s podcast Conor and Rob discuss the the IELTS reading test. The give you lots of IELTS reading tips, strategies and techniques. As well as this they look at the trickiest reading question, the dreaded True, False, Not Given.

Enjoy and please let us know on Facebook or Instagram if you are enjoying the podcast 🙂

Skimming & Scanning

Skimming and scanning are skills you have to practice. It’s not a natural way, or a comfortable way to read a text. The IELTS is about very, very

IELTS Writing Tips
Everest Podcast Ep 13 – IELTS Writing Tips

IELTS Writing Tips: In this week’s podcast our teachers discuss the exam and offer some IELTS writing tips and techniques. Below are some notes about the exam. You can listen to the podcast here, on Spotify or any podcast app.

The IELTS writing exam

1 hour in total

Two tasks (20 minutes & 40 minutes) but you need to leave time for planning & proofreading.

Task 1 (150 words) – you get a graph, table, chart or diagram and you have to describe, summarise or

Business English Courses
Business English Courses in Everest Language School Dublin

Everest Language School has introducing a brand new 4 week business English courses for students who are looking to work in an English speaking country or need to improve their English for their job back home!

At Everest Language School, we believe that improving your general level of English including your grammar, speaking, listening and understanding should come first and foremost. However, we also understand that when applying for a job or starting a new job there is lots of specific vocabulary

Cambridge Writing Tasks & Listen Test

1. Cambridge Writing Tasks – Tips and Strategies
What are some good tips for improving your writing skills generally? 

Practice as much as possible (writing tends to be least practiced skill)
Find a reason to write (start a blog, send emails home, find a “pen pal” etc)
Get someone to correct your writing – highlight, think about, learn from your mistakes
Proofread
Make sure spell and grammar check is on when typing – and pay attention to it!
Use an app or other online tool – Grammarly for example to help you

Everest Podcast Ep 11: Cambridge Use of English

Cambridge Use of English (Podcast)

Some tips for Cambridge Use of English and reading
Practicing your English outside the classroom:

Reading as much as you can and taking note of grammar

Listening to and breaking down grammar of favourite songs

Watching local TV rather than just your favourite shows online

Keeping a vocab notebook with language chunks and examples, not just individual words (e.g To be interested in sth / in doing sth” not just “interested = word in my language”

Write a blog, force yourself to write things to

Cambridge Reading Test – Cambridge Podcast Ep2

 

Cambridge Reading Test

Some ways you can improve your skills for the Cambridge reading test:

Reading as widely as possible
Read in areas that interest you (don’t make it a chore!)
Try graded readers
Try to set aside a certain time every day to read, make it a habit 
Find a balance between taking notes of new vocabulary, looking up words & getting into the flow of a book 
Read a book you’ve already read in your own language (or seen the film of, etc). 
Read a book in a series so