The “Waking” Consonants

Have you ever noticed that English spelling feels like a game of hide-and-seek? Sometimes letters are silent, sometimes not. For high-level English students, mastering aspects like this is a game-changer. It will make you sound more advanced and confident. Today, we’re looking at why certain letters stay silent in short words but “wake up” the moment the word gets longer. 

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B2 First Speaking Part 1 – List of questions to practise

Preparing for the B2 First speaking exam can feel like a daunting task, but the key to success lies in consistent practice and self-preparation. By regularly engaging with a wide range of questions, you’ll build confidence, fluency, and a natural speaking style. It’s important to remember that while familiarity with common questions is helpful, memorising answers isn’t the goal. Instead, aim for spontaneous expression. Continue reading “B2 First Speaking Part 1 – List of questions to practise”

10 unnatural sentences frequently used by Spanish B2-First for schools

 

How would you correct the following mistakes?

Think first, before reading the answers below.

  1. The council prepares visits to local galleries.
  2. The meeting will be long, so have something to eat before
  3. Make the order online and a few minutes after, you will get a confirmation email.
  4. They will provide you all the information. (something missing)
  5. We enjoy a higher level of life than previous generations.
  6. We are trying to encourage teens to practise more sport.
  7. The castle is placed on the top of a hill.
  8. He got into the bathroom to brush his teeth.
  9. Religion is a theme that often sparks debate.
  10. Coordination is an important point of dancing. 

Click here for the key

Structures that elevate your writing: “Not Only … But Also”

If you’re aiming to improve your formal writing or essay skills at B2 or C1 level, one grammar structure you need in your toolkit is “not only … but also.” This phrase is a powerful way to emphasise ideas, making your sentences more sophisticated and persuasive.

This structure is used to highlight two related points, showing that they are both true or important. It is commonly used in essays, reports, and academic writing. Continue reading “Structures that elevate your writing: “Not Only … But Also””

Other ways to say “How are you?” and how to respond

Free question mark sign question vectorGo Beyond “How are you?”

When learning English, many students fall back on the same exchange:

A: How are you?
B: Fine, thank you. And you?

That’s correct, but it can sound a bit repetitive — and native speakers often use other expressions in everyday conversation. Here are some great alternatives you can try.

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