16th February 2022
A quick thank you to everyone who has listened and shared the video from my band Butterfly Decal.
I see that we have reached 120 hits already, and every one is truly appreciated.
Hopefully we shall upload more music very soon: a Jazz EP, some guitar rock tracks, and then a suite of music inspired by Berlin, after that …
Again, thank you very much everybody.
16th February 2022
A collection of exercises to prepare students, who need practice, for IELTS speaking which tests the use of grammatical range and accuracy.
The aim is to get students forming complex sentences naturally in order to pass with flying colours.
So, without further ado, let’s go to London which is my hometown as well as being the capital of the UK.
Exercise 1 A day in London. The aim is to introduce aspects of London in the form of complex sentences, using
who where which whose
EXAMPLE
Please allow me to introduce you to London, where I was born, so you can experience first hand what it is like to live in this incredible historic city.
Firstly, we can visit the British Museum, which is a must-see sight, as it contains some of the world’s most amazing treasures such as a giant stone figure from Easter Island, Egyptian mummies and the unique Rosetta Stone.
Secondly, I would be pleased to introduce you to the buskers and street performers at Covent Garden. These artists, who work for tips, really lend the area a bustling, friendly atmosphere. In my opinion this area, which is close to many sights, is not to be missed although prices can be sky-high.
No trip to London would be complete without sampling fish and chips which, along with shepherd’s pie and the Sunday roast, is traditional British food.
We have a variety of ways to get around. The famous black London taxis are ubiquitous in central London however, they cost an arm and a leg. Most Londoners use the Tube, which is the subway system, as it connects most areas of the city. Having said that, avoid using at rush hour, because it will be chockablock.
In the example I mentioned one famous sight, some people, some food and how to get around.
Now … your turn
Work in small groups and plan a day for me in your hometown. Assign one paragraph to each student so that everybody prepares work and speaks.
Remember, the aim of the exercise is for you to use relative pronouns.
The formula
An introduction
First paragraph a famous sight
Second paragraph about some people
Third paragraph about local food
Finally, how to get around.
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
7th February 2022
Indeed, this week the language schools reopen in Sai Gon after an incredibly long break due to the COVID pandemic.
Furthermore, Tet Holiday has just finished so time to put your noses to the grindstone and get back to work.
Thus, some warm up games to practise using complex sentences.
First up, tell me about a member of your family using a relative pronoun for a subordinate clause. This means, in a nutshell, adding extra information about a subject.
EXAMPLE:
My uncle lives in Singapore.
My uncle, who is a doctor, lives in Singapore.
My uncle, who is a doctor and works at a private clinic which is extremely expensive, lives in Singapore.
My uncle, who lives in Singapore, is a doctor and works at a private clinic which is extremely expensive.
If you want to pass IELTS with flying colours, and why wouldn’t you, forming complex sentences is imperative. After all, if you don’t employ such sentences, you will not get high marks for grammatical range and accuracy.
So what are you waiting for ? I give you two minutes … Go !
Vocabulary Bank
Expressions to help you give more colour and complexity to your answers:
Positive
a heart of gold (My mother has a heart of gold)
firm but fair
life and soul of the party
a little angel / is as good as gold
he looks out for me / he has my back
never has a bad word to say about anybody
is a good sport
Negative
a real tiger mum
won’t listen to reason
is a bit of a wallflower
is a little devil / looks like butter wouldn’t melt in (his or her) mouth
drinks like a fish
is a real prima donna
is very touchy, can’t take a joke
For Top Cats: look at these pictures and give me astounding, jaw-droppingly brilliant complex sentences. Because I have a heart of gold, allow me to offer an example.
My close friend Pete, who lives in Birmingham which is the second biggest city in the UK, plays bass guitar in a band called The Deep Six. Pete, who is a good sport, never has a bad word to say about anyone, in fact he always looks out for me when I go to visit him because my London accent makes me stand out. However, and I’m sure he won’t mind me spilling the beans, he enjoys a beer or two. To be honest, he drinks like a fish although he can still play which I find truly amazing. Cheers, Pete, keep on rocking.
Piece of cake, yeah ? OK, impress me. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination … GO !
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
5th February 2022
A chance for younger students to watch short videos in order to practise their listening skills. After the clips, the teacher can ask basic comprehension questions.
Top Five Activities for Children in HCMC
What was the name of the first activity ?
What is special about the pictures ?
Where is the museum ?
How high is the climbing wall ?
How much does it cost ?
What can you hear at a water puppet show ?
On what day is the Water Park closed ?
How old was the youngest child on the bike tour ?
What would you like to do, and why ?
Is there any place you would not like to visit ? Tell me why.
Answers
Now to my home town: what can kids do in London ?
First, board some new words and expressions. The kids can shout out when they hear them spoken.
loads and loads / I reckon / really / very / amazing
What are the names of the kids from the UK ?
What can you see at the Natural History Museum ?
Where does the Queen live ?
What can people do on the South Bank ?
How many people can ride in the London Eye ?
What was the girl’s favourite waxwork ?
How much are the Crown Jewels worth ?
What is the name of the bus that can drive into the river ?
What films were made at Warner Brothers Studio ?
How can people travel around London ?
What is the most exciting thing for YOU in London ? Choose 3 things to want to do or see in London.
Answers
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
31st January 2022
Interview Language
Many interviews have similar questions. Read the following and then role-play with a partner. Feel free to add your own information, or make up something new.
Possible questions:
What experience do you have ?
What do you know about the company ?
Have you ever had to work to a deadline ?
Tell me about yourself
I was born in …. and I graduated from …. University in 2019 with a major in Business Administration. Since then I’ve had two year’s experience in administrative work at ABC and XYZ Corporation.
I’m a very organised person, well-balanced and efficient. I’m hard-working and dedicated.
In my free time, I like to travel and I love to paint. Furthermore, I enjoy going out having coffee with friends.
What do you know about (COMPANY) ?
DFG are an established company with a good reputation. They help …….. and there are over (x) sites in VN (or your country).
What are your strengths ?
I feel I am easy-going, hard-working, careful and diligent. I think my greatest strength is my positive outlook, even during times of stress. I can work under pressure and I really enjoy a challenge. Lastly, I like working in a team.
What are your weaknesses ?
Well, my English isn’t perfect, so this will be a great chance to improve. Maybe I can be a little quiet sometimes; that’s why working as part of a team will help bring me out.
Can you give an example of when you had to deal with an angry customer ?
One time, a customer didn’t like the price of a visa, and he began shouting and getting angry. I asked him if I could explain the reason. I then told him how it wasn’t our fault, but that I understood his anger and said sorry. Then I told him he could check elsewhere, but we would still be happy to serve him. He calmed down, said sorry to me and bought the visa and was happy.
Where do you see yourself in two years ?
My short-terms goals are to work hard and efficiently, so I can master this job. However, in the long-term, I would be interested in possibly doing more courses so I could be a manager.
What can you bring to the job ?
I’m very friendly and enjoy working with people. I always try to be happy at work and share my positive outlook. I’m very motivated and open to learning. I’m very excited about being a part of this great company.
Do you have any questions ?
May I just ask, what career opportunities are there at ABC ?
It is not a good idea to ask immediately about salary, money and bonuses, although this is an important part of the interview process.
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
30th January 2022
New Vocabulary
solar system
planet (Earth, gas giant, rock)
moon (the Moon)
star
asteroid
vacuum
Sol was the Roman God of the Sun. All stars are suns
All the planets are names after Roman Gods, except Uranus who was a Greek God, and Earth which is an English-German word.
The first four planets from the sun are small, and have a rock centre (core).
The outer four are mostly made of gas.
The rings of Saturn, which look amazing and so beautiful, are just made of dust and ice, with bits of rock.
FUN FACTS:
The speed of sound is 343 metres per second (usually given as 330 m p s)
The speed of light is 299 792 458 metres per second or approximately 300 000 000 m p s or 300 000 km per second.
Sound cannot travel through a vacuum
To demonstrate the last point, show NOT tell. Here’s a good example (start around the 0:24 second mark): An iPhone not making sound in a vacuum.
Space Cadets Quiz
Who was the first man on the moon ?
Buzz Aldrin / Michael Collins / Neil Armstrong
What is the biggest planet ?
Jupiter / Saturn / Mars
The sun is a … ?
planet / star / moon
What is faster ?
light / sound / Ms Bao Tran speaking (just give the name of any talkative students, and then elicit the adjective talkative).
In space, people are … ?
heavier / lighter / weigh the same
The first animal in space was a … ?
monkey / elephant / dog
Answers: Neil Armstrong / Jupiter / star / light / lighter / dog
The Last one could seem to be a trick question. The answer is Laika, the Russian dog. Fruit flies and then monkeys were first put into rockets but they didn’t go high enough to officially enter space.
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
29th January 2022
Introducing yourself
If you meet a new friend or business acquaintance, you may say
Hello, how are you ?
Very well, thank you, and yourself ? / I’m great, thanks for asking
How do you do ?
This question is formal, and the correct response is
How do you do ?
How’s it going ? How’s it hanging ? (these are both very informal)
All good, going well. / Yeah, I’m fantastic !
Asking about people’s jobs
What do you do ? I’m a designer at ABC company (then explain more about your work).
What line are you in ? Engineering.
What’s your profession ? I’m a nurse.
Asking about their family life
Remember, English-speakers can be quite private so don’t ask why a person isn’t married, or why a married person doesn’t have children
Are you a family man ?
Yes, I have a wife and two kids
You married ?
No, my job leaves me no time for romance !
Do you have kids ?
Ha, I’m married to my job
Asking about free time
How do you relax ?
I enjoy sports and meeting up with friends
How do you unwind ?
I just crash on the sofa and watch movies
What do you do in your spare time ?
I love to travel and drink beer.
Listening and vocabulary
Here is a very good video for extra practice
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
27th January 2022
A compilation of videos used for the themes of love, dating, marriage and wedding traditions. Links to previous blogs will be listed at the end.
First, some Listening practice: How did these couples meet ?
This video was shot (filmed) in New York, so you will hear American English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6rYRyoqpeI
Some people try blind dating which is arranging a date with someone that you don’t know. Maybe a friend suggests someone for you, or you go on television:
Blind date TV show (this is from UK 1994)
Do you have game shows like this is your country ?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj_ewz53Frk
There are different UK accents here, so it is useful listening practice.
If the dates are successful, they could lead to weddings, married life and children.
Wedding vocabulary and listening exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPsrWWyTRz8
The lady speaks slowly and clearly; try to understand without subtitles.
Here’s some clips of when the big day doesn’t go to plan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCkcU9h5ggc
Weddings can be a nerve-wracking time. Do you recognise anybody famous in this clip ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKkT8_RGDYg
Every wedding needs a good party. We start with a Jewish tradition, before moving on to Mexico.
Now back to life, back to reality. Let’s look at some grammar:
Phrasal verbs and family situations: http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/grammar-vocabulary/phrasal-verb-videos/family
More in-depth blogs on the subject maybe be found here:
Lesson 1: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/11/adult-speaking-class-theme-traffic/
Lesson 2: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/12/adult-speaking-class-theme-love-marriage-part-2/
Lesson 3: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/13/adult-speaking-class-theme-love-and-marriage-part-3/
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
25th January 2022
A compilation of animal videos for comprehension, information or just end-of-lesson entertainment.
First, a chance to practise superlatives.
What is the largest mammal ? // What is the smallest one ?
How much does a blue whale weight ?
What is the largest bird ? // What is the smallest one ?
What is the largest reptile ? // What is the smallest one ?
How long is the crocodile ? // How long is the dwarf gecko ?
What is the largest fish ? // What is the smallest one ?
How long is the whale shark ?
A whale shark can be up to 10 meters long
The text book, which I follow, uses the USA spelling (meters not metres).
Activity: Make two crosses at the front of the class. Have two students stand on them; one will ask the question, the other answer. Repeat until all the class has participated.
Encourage full answers:
How long is the whale shark ?
“It’s up to 10 meters long.”
OR
“The whale shark can be up to 10 meters long.”
Answers:
The blue whale // the bumblebee bat // [up to] 200 tonnes // ostrich // hummingbird // saltwater crocodile // dwarf gecko // whale shark // stout infant fish
Bonus points for additional facts such as a hummingbird can fly backwards, an ostrich can’t fly.
Secondly, amazing facts about the animal kingdom
When do ants sleep ? How do dolphins sleep ?
What can’t elephants do ? Is a giraffe noisy ?
How many hearts does an octopus have ?
How do butterflies taste ?
Why do camels have three eyelids ?
What is different about a hummingbird ?
How does a man penguin ask a woman penguin to marry him ?
And now, just for fun. Does an orangutan appreciate magic ?
Can a gorilla play drums ?
What can make a panda jump ?
Everybody, thank you for visiting this blog.
Happy year of the Tiger
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
21st January 2022
My IELTS students have some speaking tests coming up, so I’d like to boost their confidence by giving them a speaking exercise. I shall choose topics they feel confident with, namely pets, and shopping.
Firstly, a reminder of what you need to do in order to pass with flying colours.
An introduction to the question
Use complex sentences and relative clauses
Use an idiom or two
Use L-FWs (replace basic words with ‘better’ ones e.g. use ‘ubiquitous‘ instead of ‘everywhere’ ‘tedious‘ instead of ‘boring’)
Check your pronunciation and intonation.
Now, without further ado, the questions:
Do you have any pets ?
Do you like shopping ?
What is your favourite possession and why ?
Let’s start with pets (I know one of my students has three cats).
Introduction
Do you like all animals, some or only one type ?
Are you allowed to keep pets where you live ?
Talking points
What are the names of the animals ?
How old are they ?
What do they look like ?
What are their personalities ? (You now have an opportunity to use great adjectives)
Where did you get them ?
Who looks after them ?
Do you have any funny stories about they did ? How do they make you feel ?
Idioms: burning the candle at both ends (Playing with my pets helps me unwind after I’ve been burning the candle at both ends with work and study.)
Moving on to shopping, so much to talk about …
Introduction
What do you feel about shopping ?
Is shopping something you dread doing, or is it fun, or even an obsession ? Are you a shopaholic ?
What stops you from shopping ? (Lack of money, or safety concerns now during the pandemic ?)
Talking points
Tell me about the types of shops and shopping areas (street markets, small independent stores, chain shops, malls).
What do you like buying most ?
With whom do you go ?
What else do you do at a mall ?
Do you have a funny story about buying something, or having to return an item ?
What do you think of online shopping ? What is good and bad about it ?
Is internet shopping becoming more popular in Vietnam (your country) ? Why do you think so ?
Idioms: costs an arm and a leg (I really enjoy going to Diamond Plaza and just looking at the beautiful designer dresses. However, as a student, I can’t afford one because they cost an arm and a leg.)
Sample answer
My Kindle
One of my favourite electronic devices is my Kindle, an ebook reader, which is small and light. I always take it with me when I travel; I’d be lost without it.
The Kindle is primarily a way to buy, store and read books in electronic format. At first, I wasn’t convinced, I liked reading real books. However, books take up a lot of space and, at least in the UK, are rather expensive. When I saw what a Kindle can do, and that so many books are free, I was hooked ! I had to get one. I bought my device in 2014 and I’m still using it today.
As mentioned, I use my Kindle for reading. Literature and poetry is one of my passions. Instead of going to a shop, I just browse the online store, click and wait for it to download. With reasonable wifi, this can just take a minute or so … then I can start reading. It is no surprise that ebooks are ubiquitous in the UK.
Although I read a lot, the Kindle is more than just an ebook. It has wifi so I can access the internet, play music, write notes and play games.
The wifi is vital, especially when I travel. I can maintain contact with friends and family, watch YouTube if the hotel TV is less than enthralling, or read travel guides such as Trip Advisor. Naturally, I can also book tickets or make reservations and therefore pay significantly less.
I recently travelled to Thailand to meet some friends. I didn’t want to buy a new SIM card, and my friend only had an old phone, so there was a dilemma; how to stay in touch ? Thanks to my Kindle, I had email access, so we could plan when and where to meet.
I can’t watch Vietnamese TV, due to the language barrier. Consequently, the Kindle plays an even bigger part of my life, as I need some way to relax after burning the candle at both ends.
The choice of books is amazing. In the stores, a single book can cost around £10, but recently I downloaded the entire output of the Russian writer Tolstoy for less than £1.50 … incredible !
Kindles come in many shapes and sizes, so before you buy, you need to ascertain how you’ll be using it. For example, do you want a basic ebook reader, just for books, or the latest model with wifi ? This will, naturally, affect the cost. Then you have to decide upon the extras, for example how much storage space do you require, or a super-fast charger or protective case ? All of these bump the price up considerably.
If you’re interested in purchasing one, I have some information for you. I did a quick Google search and saw prices started at under 2 million VND, averaged around 5 million, but some were over 15 million. That, for me, is too extravagant.
In conclusion, my Kindle is very much a part of my life. It accompanies me everywhere. I simply don’t know what I would do without it.
Please Note: All photos are taken from Google Images or free photo sites, and are used for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement or offense is intended. If I have used your photo or image, and you wish me to remove it, just ask. This site is not monetized, I run it on my own dollar. Thank you.
Thay Paul's Notes 