Posts in Grammar

Mastering Complex Sentences in IELTS Writing

Many students use overly complex grammar in IELTS writing to impress the examiner. This misconception leads to grammatical errors and lost marks in various areas. In this post, we will explore complex sentences in IELTS writing, understanding what they entail, when to use them, and how to create them effectively.

IELTS, GrammarRichard ForrestJuly 28, 2023IELTSComment

100 Past simple questions for conversation | IELTS Speaking Skills

These questions should provide various topics and opportunities for conversations about past experiences with different subjects. Enjoy your conversations!

GrammarRichard ForrestJuly 27, 2023grammarComment

Expressing your opinion in English

Whether you are studying for IELTS or TOEFL, or just learning English in general, it is essential that you learn how to express your opinions. I have compiled a list of essential expressions that will help you to express yourself in any situation.

What is the difference between of, to and for?

Of, to and for are some of the most common prepositions in English. However, they are often confused. In this blog we explain the difference between the prepositions. At the end is a quiz for you to test your knowledge!

Grade 7 IELTS, British English, Grammar, To/ ForRichard ForrestJune 14, 2018grammar, What is the differnce between of, to/ for, what is the difference between to and for?, What is the difference between of, English learning blog, learn english, British English Comment

Jul 25, 2023

Marlete | IELTS | Brazil

Richard helped me prepare for the IELTS LIFE SKILLS exam, and I passed my first attempt. He teaches in a very didactic, objective, and uncomplicated way.

May 5, 2021

Mike | UK | IELTS

I found the classes really helpful and I did follow most of the information and links that were on the website. Now I have passed IELTS I plan to move to Canada.

Shalu | TOEFL | France

Richard is an excellent teacher and an amazing conversationalist. He knew exactly which areas I should focus on to get the score I needed. He ensured that I was prepared for all aspects of the exam. I would not have got the necessary score in TOEFL without Richard's help.

Oct 7, 2020

Connie - TOEFL - Hong Kong

I got much help from Rich when I was preparing my test. Against all odds, I got quite a satisfying result in my toefl. Although I took the lessons targeting at toefl, which I had thought to be exam skills-oriented, I was able to learn grammar, accents, and some UK culture. Anyway, he is a friendly and humorous person. You won't be bored if you join his lesson. Thank you Rich :)

Gabriel - IELTS 7.5 - Brazil

I’ve recently had around a year of lessons with Richard. Those lessons were taken in order to improve my skills to seat the IELTS exam, which I successfully took only once and achieved my goal score! I am pleased to have found him. I achieved a 7.5 overall.

Jul 28, 2020

Ibad - TOEFL - Netherlands

I was fortunate to work with Richard. He helped me a lot to pass the Toefl test. I appreciate his help, which was also beyond the lessons. I sincerely recommend Richard to other students :)

Sergei - IELTS - Russia

Before my IELTS exam, I wasn’t pretty sure about my speaking part. So, I took 5 lessons for IELTS with Richard. Richard was a kind and helpful teacher. He gave me some great tips and pieces of advice about the IELTS exam. Also, we practiced the speaking part several times. After that, I was much more confident about my exam and achieved 6.0 for the speaking part as I hoped. Sergei Tulupov

Jun 30, 2020

Svetlana - General English - Russia

I have been learning English with Richard since summer and I feel I have made huge progress. First, I forgot about my language barrier. I used to get nervous when I was speaking in English. But now I am comfortable speaking in English and I have completely forgotten about this feeling.

Daniela - General English - Brazil

He is an excellent teacher, always makes me feel comfortable speaking English, and helps me with the smallest details. We have very nice conversations and he is very friendly and fun.

Olga - IELTS - Ukraine

Great tutor in every aspect. Has a very unique approach towards each student. Lessons are always fun, interactive, and informative. My IELTS requirement was 7.0, yet thanks to Richard I managed to get 8.0. I will definitely recommend his classes to anyone who wants to prepare for IELTS or to practice speaking in general.

Oct 28, 2024

Mastering IELTS Task 1: A Complete Guide to Process Diagram Questions

In Part 1 of the IELTS Writing test, you may be asked to describe a process. While process questions are less common than charts or graphs, they do appear occasionally. Fortunately, process questions are generally easier to answer, though many people overlook preparing for them. This is a missed opportunity, as it doesn’t take long to become familiar with these types of questions and learn how to respond effectively.

Oct 15, 2024

100 Future Perfect Continuous Questions for IELTS Speaking Practice

The Future Perfect Continuous tense describes an action that will have been happening for a certain period of time at a specific point in the future. This tense allows you to emphasize the duration of an ongoing activity up to a particular moment.

100 Present Perfect Continuous Questions for IELTS Speaking Practice

The Present Perfect Continuous tense is vital for describing actions that began in the past and are still continuing, or have recently stopped but have a present result. It’s a tense that frequently comes up in the IELTS Speaking test when you're asked about activities that you have been doing recently, changes, or habits that have been ongoing.

100 Past Perfect Continuous Questions for IELTS Speaking Practice

The Past Perfect Continuous tense is used to describe actions that were ongoing in the past before another action or time. For IELTS Speaking or Writing, mastering this tense will help you describe past experiences in a more sophisticated way, which can boost your score in the grammar and coherence categories.

Oct 4, 2024

Can You Go Off-Topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you're given a cue card with a specific topic, and after one minute of preparation, you need to speak for up to two minutes. This part of the test assesses your ability to speak fluently and coherently. But one common concern for many candidates is: what happens if you go off-topic?

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Practice Questions for 2024

In the 2024 IELTS Speaking test, Part 3 focuses on a two-way discussion where you’ll be asked more abstract and complex questions related to the topic from Part 2. The aim is to assess your ability to discuss ideas, analyze issues, and express opinions on broader subjects. This part of the exam gives you the opportunity to showcase your critical thinking, depth of knowledge, and fluency in handling more challenging themes.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Practice Questions for 2024

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key themes and practice topics for IELTS Speaking Part 2 in 2024. These topics will help you prepare effectively and build confidence for the exam.

Sep 29, 2024

100 Future Perfect Questions for IELTS Speaking Practice

Practicing these 100 Future Perfect questions for IELTS Speaking will help you build fluency and confidence when discussing future actions and plans. The future perfect tense is a powerful tool for expressing what you anticipate completing at specific points in the future, which can be useful in many IELTS Speaking contexts.

100 Future Continuous Questions for IELTS Speaking Practice

The Future Continuous tense is used to describe actions that will be happening at a specific point in the future. It’s a crucial tense to understand for the IELTS Speaking test, especially when talking about future plans or predictions. Practicing with future continuous questions will help you communicate fluently when discussing upcoming activities or events.

100 Past Continuous Questions for IELTS Speaking Practice

By regularly practicing with these questions, you will gain confidence in discussing past events and situations, which is crucial for your IELTS Speaking exam success!

100 Present Continuous Questions for IELTS Speaking Practice

These 100 questions in the present continuous tense are designed to help you practice for the IELTS Speaking test. As you go through them, focus on forming complete, grammatically correct sentences to improve fluency and accuracy. Happy practicing!

Sep 28, 2024

Guide to Writing a Discussion Essay for IELTS

In an IELTS Discussion essay, you are required to present two opposing viewpoints on a specific topic and then provide your own opinion. This type of essay assesses your ability to discuss multiple perspectives while articulating your stance clearly.

How to Structure a Cause and Solution Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2

By following this structure and approach, you'll be well-prepared to write a high-scoring Cause and Solution essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.

Sep 22, 2024

How to Write an IELTS Advantage and Disadvantage Essay: the 3 types

In this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide for effectively addressing each of these question types. Whether you're preparing for your first attempt or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive approach will help you navigate the complexities of IELTS Writing Task 2 with confidence.

Sep 21, 2024

Mastering the IELTS Opinion Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, crafting a well-structured opinion essay efficiently is crucial. While there's no strict word limit, staying within 250-300 words helps you manage your time effectively and enhances your overall score. Here’s a concise approach to writing an effective opinion essay.

Sep 19, 2024

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Practice Questions for 2024

In the 2024 IELTS Speaking test, Part 1 focuses on everyday topics and familiar themes. This section is designed to assess your ability to engage in a natural conversation, covering a wide range of common subjects. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key themes and practice questions for 2024, giving you an idea of what to expect and helping you prepare confidently for this part of the exam.

Sep 13, 2024

How to Structure a Problem and Solution Essay for IELTS with model answer grade 9

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, the problem and solution essay asks you to explain a particular issue, discuss its causes, and suggest practical solutions. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to clearly organize ideas, explain problems, and propose solutions.

Sep 12, 2024

Can You Tell Lies in the IELTS Speaking Test? Navigating Honesty and Creativity

One common question among test-takers is whether it is permissible to tell lies or fabricate details in their responses. Understanding how to balance honesty with effective communication can help you perform better in the test. Here’s a detailed exploration of whether you can tell lies in the IELTS Speaking test and how to navigate this aspect effectively.

What Happens If You Don’t Speak for the Full 2 Minutes in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

Not speaking for the full two minutes in IELTS Speaking Part 2 can negatively impact your scores in fluency, coherence, and task achievement. To ensure you make the most of this time, prepare thoroughly, expand on your ideas with details and examples, and practice speaking for the full duration.

Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2: The "Comfort Zone" Technique

By applying the "Comfort Zone" technique, you can approach any topic with confidence and clarity, enhancing your overall performance in IELTS Speaking Part 2. Good luck with your preparation!

Mastering IELTS Speaking: Contractions and Informal Language

Using contractions effectively in the IELTS Speaking test can enhance the naturalness and fluency of your speech. While contractions help convey a conversational tone, it’s important to avoid informal and colloquial contractions in formal writing.

Mastering IELTS Speaking: The Impact of Filler Words and How to Minimize Their Use

While filler words are a natural part of everyday conversation, their excessive use can negatively impact your IELTS Speaking score by affecting your fluency, coherence, and overall impression.

Why the IELTS Examiner Might Interrupt Your Answer: Understanding the speaking test

Interruptions by the IELTS examiner during the Speaking test are a normal part of the process and are designed to ensure a thorough assessment of your language abilities. By understanding the reasons behind these interruptions and preparing accordingly, you can handle them with confidence and use them to showcase your language skills effectively.

Using Colloquial Language in the IELTS Speaking Exam: A Key to a Higher Band Score

If you’re preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, you’ve probably come across the term “colloquial language” in the band descriptors. It’s one of the factors that can help boost your score, especially in the Lexical Resource category. But what exactly is colloquial language, and how can you use it effectively during the test?

Detailed Summary of IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors

By understanding and working on these four criteria, you can improve your overall band score in the IELTS Speaking test. Aim to strengthen your weaker areas while maintaining your stronger ones to maximize your performance.

100 Future Simple questions for IELTS Speaking practice

Here are 100 Future Simple questions for IELTS Speaking practice. These questions are designed to help you use the Future Simple tense ("will" or "going to") and are similar to those asked in the IELTS Speaking exam, especially in Part 1 and Part 3.

100 Present Simple questions for IELTS Speaking practice

Here are 100 Present Simple questions for IELTS Speaking practice. These questions are similar in style to what you might encounter in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on everyday topics and habits.

Jan 3, 2022

S01 - E27 - Mariana - The psychology of stress and addiction

In today's episode, Rich speaks again with his student Mariana. She is a psychologist from Brazil specializing in stress and addiction.

S01 - E26 - Rachel - Travel idioms

In today's episode, Rich speaks again with his friend Rachel. They discuss some essential travel-based idioms for you to speak English the way it is spoken on the streets.

S01 - E25 - Rachel - English for travel

Hey, in today's episode, Rich speaks with Rachel about her experiences with travel and her experiences working in the travel industry.

S01 - E22 - Mariana - Brazilian Psychologist

In today's episode, Rich speaks with his student Mariana. They discuss what it is like to be a therapist in Brazil and the reasons why people go to therapy

S01 - E21 - Kathrine - Covid catch up & more dog idioms

In today's episode, Rich speaks with Kathrine. The episode was recorded at the start of the 2020 pandemic and it is interesting to revisit the conversation and see what life was like then for us. They cover more dog idioms (of course) to help you speak English in a natural way.

Dec 31, 2020

S01 - E20 - Svetlana - Living in London & London slang

Hey, in today's episode Rich speaks with his student Svetlana. They discuss what it is like to live in London and how it compares with life in Russia. During the episode, they also review some London slang vocabulary that you can try out the next time you are in the UK.

S01 - E19 - Svetlana - Death and funerals in the UK

Hey, in today's episode Rich speaks again with his student Svetlana. They talk about death and funerals in the UK. Don't worry it's not as depressing as it sounds!

S01 - E18 - Jack and the London Police

Hey, in today's episode Rich speaks again with his friend Jack who currently works for the London Police. They talk about what it is like to be a police officer in one of the world's major cities and the type of crime that exists in London.

S01 - E17 - Rafaela Part 2 - Life in Texas and minimal pair pronunciation practice

Hey, in today's episode Rich speaks again with his student Rafaela from Brazil. She has recently passed the TOEFL test after classes with Rich and is now living the American dream in Texas. We talk about what life is like in the USA and at the end, we review a minimal pair for some pronunciation practice.

Sep 18, 2020

S01 - E16 - Talita, my online Portuguese teacher

Talita is my Brazilian Portuguese teacher and I have been taking classes online with her for many years. I couldn't ask for a better teacher and I have also had the pleasure of teaching her English. In today's episode we talk about what it is like to be an online language teacher and about our shared love for languages.

S01 - E15 - The History of Oasis with Jack Perrett

Hey, in today's episode Rich speaks with indie rock and roll star Jack Perrett about one of his main influences --- Oasis. We cover the history of the band and also cover some key music idioms. Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher, Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll.

Sep 17, 2020

S01 - E14 - Cultural differences between the USA and Brazil and American idioms - Linna

In today's episode I'm joined once again by my lovely student Linna. She shares a few stories about life in Brazil and how it compares to her new life in the USA. We also discuss some key American idioms to help you speak like a real American.

S01 - E13 - Rafaela's journey to the USA & some American Idioms

Hey everyone, thanks for joining me again. In today's episode, I speak with my former TOEFL student Rafaela about her experience moving from Brazil to the USA. At the end of the episode, we also discuss some essential American idioms to help you speak English the way it is spoken on the streets.

Aug 14, 2020

S01 - E12 - Svetlana and life in Siberia

Hey guys, welcome back! In this exciting episode, I speak with my student Svetlana about what life is like there and we discuss some interesting cultural differences.

Jul 24, 2020

S01 - E11- Claire Paffey, Illustrator and author of "The Lost Twins"

In today's episode, I speak with the amazingly talented author and illustrator Claire Paffey. Later this year she will be launching her first book "The Lost Twins".

Jun 27, 2020

S01 - E10- Moving to the USA, TOEFL and American Idioms - Linna

In this episode, I speak with my former student Linna. She studied for the TOEFL test with me and I am very proud to say passed with a great grade. Linna has since moved to the USA and is now living the American dream. At the end of the episode, we also discuss some great American idioms that you can use in your day to day life.

Jun 4, 2020

S01 - E09- Competitive gaming with cerealgaming.com - Dan

In today's episode, I speak to Dan who is the founder of the popular competitive gaming website and app cerealgaming.com. He is a young entrepreneur seeking to revolutionize the way people game online.

May 28, 2020

S01 - E08 - Guy Fawkes night - Talita

In this episode, I speak with my Portuguese teacher Talita about Guy Fawkes night. Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Fireworks Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in the United Kingdom. We talk about the history of this tradition and cover some of the celebrations that are made on this night.

May 13, 2020

S01 - E07 - Coronavirus Part 2 - Amina

In this episode, I am joined by the lovely Arina who is a radiologic technologist working hard to fight the coronavirus in Iran. We discuss her involvement in fighting the virus and we also explain some key coronavirus vocabulary.

May 6, 2020

S01 - E06 - Dog agility competitions and dog idioms - Kathrine

In today's episode, I speak once again with my good friend Kathrine. We talk about "Dog agility" which is a dog sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. In addition, we cover some of the most important dog-related idioms.

Apr 30, 2020

S01 - E05 - Coronavirus part 1 - Gabriel Vieira Marcque

Today, I speak with Gabriel who is a medical student currently helping in the fight against coronavirus. In this episode, we answer some of your most common questions about the virus and in the end, cover some essential coronavirus vocabulary.

Apr 16, 2020

S01 - E04 - Jack and the British army

In today's episode, I talk with Jack about his career in the British army and experience serving in the Afghanistan conflict.

S01 - E03- The past simple vs the present perfect

In today's episode, I look at the difference between these two commonly confused tenses. At the end, there will be questions and detailed explanations of the correct answers.

Apr 10, 2020

S01 - E02 - Who is Jack Perrett?

In today's episode, I speak with indie rockstar Jack Perrett about the music industry. At the end, we cover some essential music idioms.

Apr 9, 2020

S01 - E01 - Kathrine the dog groomer

In today's episode, I speak to my friend Kathrine about dogs. We also cover vocabulary for the most essential dog commands so you can train your dog in English.

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