Answering the Telephone

I am always trying to think of new listening tasks to help English students expand and improve their language skills. One type of task is a combination of a PowerPoint slide and video into a mini-lecture on a particular topic.

Here is one example of this new project which I will continue to experiment throughout this year:

- http://esl-lab.com/phone/phone-videolecture.htm

Randall

Spring is Here

Winter's grip on our state in Utah is slowing falling away as we now are entering spring. However, because we live in the mountains at a relatively high altitude, it isn't uncommon to see snow in the valleys well into April and perhaps May. Here is a video activity on the weather in my state and what you can expect.

- http://www.esl-lab.com/weat1/weather-video.htm

Randall

Valentine's Day

Many people celebrated Valentine's Day yesterday, and my wife and I spent the evening doing indoor rock climbing and having a meal at a restaurant. Over the years, I have found that spending time together doing things you both enjoy is so important. Building the relationship every day cements your friendship more than giving flowers and candy once in a while. Here is one of my listening activities from www.esl-lab.com on what NOT to do.

- http://www.esl-lab.com/flowershop/flowershoprd1.htm

Career Search: Difference is Cultural Expectations

The types of jobs both men and women hold in different countries are not universal, and often cultural, social, and religious factors play a role in employment decisions. Even government policy and rules often determine how employment decisions can be made. What might be an acceptable hiring/employment practice in one place might not be true in another country.

In this listening activity, we discuss these issues in a somewhat humorous way. Give it a try.

Career Search
http://esl-lab.com/careersearch/careersearchrd1.htm

Randall

Happy New Year 2013 (esl-lab.com)

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. May you be able to reach the goals that you set. You might enjoy my newest video activity that discusses how you can succeed in your resolutions for the new year:

http://www.esl-lab.com/seasons/newyear-video.htm

Feel free to share your own resolutions for the new year and the reasons why you want to make those changes in your life.

Best,

Randall

Happy New Year 2013

With every new day come new beginnings. Yes, a new year is quickly approaching, and it can allow us to rethink and make new commitments, but if we falter (which as humans we do), then we should see the coming of every new moment an opportunity to better ourselves and help those around us.

Happy New Year! --- Randall

English Slang

One of the greatest challenges facing English students is the ability to understand, interpret, and, where appropriate, use idiomatic expressions and slang. This is often due to the face that slang usage is so dependent on the content, your relationship with your conversation partner, and other social cues. Because you can't avoid encountering such language, I created a Web site to help students understand slang more. Give EZSlang.com a try.

Randall
http://www.ezslang.com