This is the second of four videos about the speaking test of the FCE exam (now called the B2 First exam). FCE speaking part 1 is a Q&A – a question and answer session with the examiner. To get a good mark, candidates need to avoid one word responses and extend their answers. In this […]
FCE Speaking Part 1 (B2 First Exam) + Practice questions Read More »
This is the first of four videos about the B2 First speaking exam. (B2 First is often known by its former name, FCE or Cambridge First Certificate.) When we ask our students what makes them most nervous about the exam, they often say FCE speaking, so that’s what this series is all about. In this
The FCE (B2 First) Speaking Test – Things you need to know Read More »
There aren’t many British and American grammar differences but a notable one is how we use the present perfect and simple past. In this video we’re joined by Jennifer ESL of English with Jennifer and together we explore how we use the words just, yet and already on each side of the Atlantic. You’ll learn
The Present Perfect Tense in British and American English Read More »
Here are 10 British words and phrases that I rarely hear in the US, or if I do, they have rather different meanings. For example, my British ground floor is an American first floor, and my first floor becomes a second floor. Cheers is another one. It can also mean thank you and goodbye in
10 British words and phrases that Americans don’t use Read More »
Do you know what boot and ground floor mean in British English and can you understand British slang and colloquial phrases like pants, cheers and knock up? Test yourself in this British quiz video. Watch two Brits talking with an American in a meeting and see if you can spot ten British expressions that cause
Test your British slang and colloquial expressions Read More »
There’s a short vowel that we use in British English that doesn’t occur in American. You’ll find it in words like ‘lot’, ‘rock’ and ‘bomb’. In this vowel pronunciation video, we compare it with two other vowel sounds that Americans commonly use instead. Working on English vowels is a great way to improve your accent.
The British short vowel ‘ɒ’ & other English vowel sounds Read More »
‘There is’ and ‘it is’ are really common and useful phrases. In some languages, you can translate both these phrases with just one phrase, so they can be confusing. We show you how to use them in this video lesson and you’ll also learn how to use it and there as dummy subjects in lots
How to use ‘There is’ and ‘It is’ Read More »
Learn how to pronounce the R sound in British and American English. Jay has a rhotic accent and Vicki has a non-rhotic accent. You’ll hear how that affects our pronunciation of R before consonants and at the end of words. We’ll help you recognize the pronunciation differences and also share some tips for making perfect
The R sound in British and American English Read More »
Some and Any – do you know how to use these words with countable and uncountable nouns? In this video you’ll learn three important grammar rules that will help you get them right. You’ll also learn how we make lentil soup! Click here to see our video on much , many, a lot of and
Some and Any – Three rules you need to know Read More »
English spelling is tricky because sometimes words look nothing like they sound. But here’s a rule that can help: i before e except after c. Join Vicki and Jay at a spelling bee, or spelling competition as we call them in the UK. You’ll learn when it’s useful to apply the rule and when it
i before e except after c – a useful English spelling rule Read More »
