The English teachers voice

Compound adjectives are powerful tools in English that allow us to describe people, objects, situations, and concepts with precision. By combining two or more words, we can convey nuances and specificity in ways that single adjectives can’t. From well-known to time-consuming , compound adjectives are everywhere in our language. In this article, we’ll dive into what compound adjectives are, how they’re formed, their grammatical rules, common pitfalls, and how to use them effectively. What Are Compound Adjectives? Definition and Purpose A compound adjective is a phrase composed of two or more words that, together, describe a noun. They can be made up of adjectives, nouns, adverbs, and participles. When used correctly, compound adjectives make our writing more precise, preventing ambiguity by clearly modifying the nouns they describe. Examples: High-quality products Sun-dried tomatoes Well-known author How Are Compound Adjectives Formed? Compound adjectives come in various forms, typi...

The Duolingo English Test ( DET ) is an online, computer-based English language proficiency test designed to assess a test-taker's skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking . It is commonly used by universities and institutions as an alternative to standardized tests like TOEFL and IELTS , especially since it can be taken from home. The test is adaptive , meaning that the difficulty of questions changes based on the test-taker's responses, aiming to provide a more accurate assessment of their proficiency. Structure of the Duolingo English Test The test is divided into three main sections: 1. Introduction and Setup (5 minutes): This is the initial part where you verify your identity, take a photo, show your ID, and complete any setup steps. There is a brief walkthrough of the test’s rules, which include ensuring you’re alone in a quiet room and that there are no interruptions. 2. Adaptive Test (45 minutes): This is the core section where questions adjust in difficul...

Achieving and maintaining an advanced level of English can open doors to a multitude of opportunities in both personal and professional realms. Whether you are a non-native speaker looking to enhance your skills or a native speaker aiming for mastery, there are practical strategies to elevate your English proficiency. Below, we present 15 detailed tips to help you achieve and sustain an advanced level of English, along with actionable ways to implement each tip. 1. Immerse Yourself in English Details : Immersion involves surrounding yourself with the language in various contexts. This can significantly enhance your vocabulary, understanding of idioms , and overall fluency. How to Utilize : Watch English Media : Engage with films, TV shows, documentaries, and YouTube channels in English. Choose content that challenges you but also interests you. Listen to Podcasts : Find podcasts on topics you enjoy. Pay attention to the vocabulary and expressions used, and try to mimic the pronunc...

This is an original article written by myself over a period of several years, although I wish to state that due to our ever changing world, and the fact that as humans, we can sometimes make mistakes, before publishing, I verified the content through the use of AI . Whilst this did bring a few small issues to my attention, it did not in any way alter the content, or create additional content that affected the authentisity or individuality of the article. I am a teacher and teacher trainer with more than 20 years of experience including in schools, institutes and universities. My wife and I are also the owner of a successful private institute, and when I took on the role, and responsability of being the Director / Headmaster of a prestigious iB bilingual school in the city where I live in Peru, something that I had experienced many times in the past, the challenges of successfully teaching of students with learning and behavoiral problems became more profound. It is for this reason tha...

Second language learning is an integral part of global education . As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, acquiring a second language offers both practical and cognitive benefits. However, traditional methods often emphasize strict goals, rigid classroom rules, and a heavy focus on grammar drills , which can lead to stress, disengagement, and a lack of motivation in learners. There is a growing consensus among educators that second language acquisition should be reimagined to focus more on engagement, success, and, importantly, fun. This article explores the theory behind second language learning, the purposes for language acquisition, and why learning should be less complicated and more enjoyable. It also presents 25 fun guidelines for teachers to create a lively, effective learning environment. The Theory Behind Second Language Learning To understand why second language learning should be less complicated and more fun, it’s important to dive into the theories that shape...