Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay (Mini-series Part 3) – Final tips

Posted on 11/11/202021/01/2021 by Inglés Vitoria

Take every essay assignment as a golden opportunity to start training for exam day

I have hardly seen any students rejoice at the idea of writing an essay task for homework but here is the key to achieving that level of confidence you are aiming at. If you are consistent in dedicating time to writing periodically before exam day, you will get there with, admittedly, considerable effort, but also with the guarantee that the essay will not be a problem for you. Continue reading “Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay (Mini-series Part 3) – Final tips” →

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay (Mini-series Part 2) – Writing Stage

Posted on 28/10/202021/01/2021 by Inglés Vitoria

This is the second part of a CAE Essay writing mini-series of blog posts. Click here for part 1.

Let’s begin by taking a step into the future. To make sure your essay is up to the mark, you should be able to answer with a “yes” to the following questions once you have finished your writing:

CONTENT: Did I cover all the points?
COMMUNICATIVE ACHIEVEMENT: Did I use the right register and develop the points effectively?
ORGANISATION: Are my ideas organised into a suitable layout?
LANGUAGE: Did I make use of advanced grammar structures and appropriate connectors?

Continue reading “Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay (Mini-series Part 2) – Writing Stage” →

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay (Mini-series Part 1) – Getting started

Posted on 30/08/202021/01/2021 by Inglés Vitoria

There is no choice here. If you take the CAE -C1 Advanced, the essay is mandatory.

It is, therefore, crucial to be prepared and well-informed about what is expected of you. Daunting as it may seem at first, breaking it down into smaller tasks will help you get the hang of it. Let’s give some thought to what to do before you start writing. This simple action will guide you through and help you elaborate a successful piece of writing.

Continue reading “Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay (Mini-series Part 1) – Getting started” →

5 ideas to keep learning English outside the classroom this summer

Posted on 30/06/202027/11/2020 by Inglés Vitoria

Summer 2020, a most unusual one, but that is not to say that we should let it slip through our fingers. Every moment counts and more so than ever. We have come to realise that nothing is certain, and life as we knew it can change overnight.

So many sweeping changes, but I am going to speak about the one that my blog is devoted to English learning. Don’t let it stop!

Our plans to travel abroad to English speaking countries have been, for the most part, put on hold this year. I encourage you to try and find alternative engaging ways to keep your English in check. Here are five ideas to get you started. For more on this subject, you can read last summer’s post: here. Continue reading “5 ideas to keep learning English outside the classroom this summer” →

8 manageable tasks to keep your English afloat during the summer holiday

Posted on 24/06/201930/11/2020 by Inglés Vitoria

The long summer break is around the corner. Classes, teacher’s supervision and weekly homework will be over for an extended period of time and it is now in you to take the reins of your own learning so that you do not fall behind and lose the momentum you have gained throughout the course.

This list contains 8 activities that you can easily tackle by yourself. It is a source of ideas from which you can select what motivates you. Alternatively, you could create your own list. One way or another, try to find a way to let English be part of your summer if you intend to keep it up and continue learning in September without that unpleasant feeling of rustiness. Continue reading “8 manageable tasks to keep your English afloat during the summer holiday” →

New Year, Clean Slate

Posted on 11/01/201902/12/2020 by Inglés Vitoria

Why not take the New Year vibe in your stride and give shape to a few resolutions that will boost your English in 2019? *

English is the chalk and the year ahead is your slate. So how are you going to fill that space in?

Here are some considerations you might want to take account of. Continue reading “New Year, Clean Slate” →

The ins and outs of collocations

Posted on 25/05/201804/12/2020 by Inglés Vitoria

One of the joys of learning a language is that there is always room for improvement, in spite of your level. For example, by learning collocations. Increasing your knowledge in this area can have a major impact on the way you come across as an English speaker.

Continue reading “The ins and outs of collocations” →

Shut the door on procrastination

Posted on 10/04/201804/12/2020 by Inglés Vitoria

Procrastination goes hand in hand with demotivation. Not sure which one comes first, it may be one of those “Chicken-and-egg”* situations where it is not clear what triggers what. Does putting things off create demotivation? Or, is it the other way around? Continue reading “Shut the door on procrastination” →

Use translation as a learning technique

Posted on 25/03/201804/12/2020 by Inglés Vitoria

Translation as well as writing is a form of production that relieves the pressure speaking entails. No one is looking, there is room for hesitation or a pause for the search of a word that conveys the exact meaning you want to express but doesn’t spring to mind. On account of all of these reasons and more, translation can be a very effective way to learn in a stress-free environment.

Naturally, you may be wondering about who is going to revise your text. The good news is that there is a “DIY” technique, so to speak.

Continue reading “Use translation as a learning technique” →

Self-motivation

Posted on 10/03/201804/12/2020 by Inglés Vitoria

Broadly speaking, I am blessed to be surrounded by students who are into English and demonstrate interest and love for the language.

However, learning a language is a long-distance race and over the years I’ve also heard some students’ complaints such as: “I feel stuck” / “I’ve been studying English all my life and my level is still intermediate“ / “I always make the same mistakes”/ “In spite of all my efforts here when I go to English-speaking countries I don’t understand people”/ “Phrasal verbs are impossible to learn” and the list goes on. Continue reading “Self-motivation” →