ESL News: Teachers Uses New Method to Teach ESL

This article by Alla O. Schlate in the Tribuna Connecticut is about the use of recordings to help students to start to think, speak and express themselves in English. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Since I believe that language is more than just “plugging in the words of one language into the English slots” (J. McWhorter 2000) and that students must share ownership of the second language acquisition, I require that my students keep journals, starting with their reflections on my classes and then proceeding to insightful observations of their learning process. 

One example is a grammar course, “Recording Your Inner Voice: Think and Dream in English” for ESL students, in which I complement a learning centered syllabus based on the readings from S. Pinker and P. Bloom with interpretive dance, Kundalini meditations and other non-orthodox techniques. Students are required to think and “speak inside themselves” in English while outside the classroom and to reflect upon the process of their learning in the form of journals documenting every obstacle they came across when expressing themselves in English. (A major benchmark of success has been the moment the students begin dreaming in English, hence, the title.)

The rest of the article can be read here.

ESL News: ESL Class Incorporates Slang

This article by David Britto of the Daily Pennsylvanian discusses a  learning strategy used in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class. This class embraces informal English with slang, idiom and other overlooked components of English. Here is an excerpt of the article:

While most would easily call the presidential election a ‘big deal,’ foreign students may be stumped by these kinds of idioms.

Thankfully, one English as a Second Language program, that is celebrating its 15th anniversary at Penn, helps internationals cross the language barrier.

‘SLANGuage,’ a free ESL class hosted by The Christian Association at Penn, aims to educate students about idioms and slang language that they might not learn in a more formal English language course.

According to William Kelly, the founder of SLANGuage and the Coordinator of International Programs at the Christian Association, the ESL course is designed to allow foreigners to interact more successfully with Americans.

The full article can be read here.

ESL News: Professor Articulates the Need for ESL Teachers

This article by Christine Metz at JL World discusses Professor Hyesun Cho's speaking on the importance of ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. Here is a brief excerpt:

“Every teacher will have an ESL (English as Second Language) student at some time. If not now, in the future. That is pretty much guaranteed. Unfortunately, these teachers aren’t being prepared to utilize the student’s background,” said Hyesun Cho, an assistant professor of curriculum and teaching at KU. 

Cho has co-authored an article with Terri Rodriguez of Duquesne University that examines the experiences of bi- and multilingual student teachers and the insight it could provide in developing more effective teaching practices. 

The article, published in the journal Teaching and Teacher Education, studied the experiences of Latino teaching candidates in the Midwest and a group of bilingual student teachers in Hawaii. Those in the study described what it was like to be a bi- or multilingual student and how their backgrounds influenced their teaching styles.

The rest of the article is available here.

ESL Lesson: Internet Part II

This blog entry is about helping you better navigate the internet in the English language. Here are some more terms to help you know more about internet web browsing:

URL: This stands for "uniform resource locator." In other words, this is where you type in the "address" of the website you wish to visit. Normally businesses', clubs', individuals', etc. websites feature .com, .net, .uk, etc...while schools might feature .edu and governments might feature .gov

Attachment: This is a file that you can send along as part of an email. The message of the email will appear as will a chance to view/listen and/or download the file, which might be a word document, excel document, image, video or audio file.

SPAM: This is unsolicited emails sent to a mass number of email addresses. SPAM is the internet equivalent to junk mail. Some email servers offer users spamblockers to counteract and remove these annoying spam emails.

CC: This stands for carbon copy. Select this option when drafting an email if you wish to send the email to multiple recipients. Recipients can see other recipients email addresses in carbon copy emails.

BCC: This stands for blind carbon copy. A blind carbon copy is used to send a message to a large number of recipients without them being able to see each other's addresses.

Email List: This is a subscription you can sign up for including announcement lists, discussion lists, ezines, email newsletters, etc. For instance, your favorite website to shop at can send you notifications for sales and coupon codes or your favorite newspaper can send you periodical updates with headlines and links to articles.

Emoticon: This is an internet cultural phenomenon that uses punctuation marks like the colon, semicolon and parentheses to represent facial expressions like a smiling face.

For instance, combine the colon and the right parenthesis (control + 0) and you get this smile :)

Combine the colon and the right parenthesis (control + 9) and you get this frown :( 

Combine the colon and a capitalized letter D and you get a big grinning smile :D


Filter: A search or filtering function within your email collection. Find emails with certain subjects or keywords using your filter.

Signature: A promotional device used at the bottom of email posts submitted by senders to recipients automatically showing things like contact information, title, an inspirational quote, etc.

ESL Lesson: Internet Part I

This blog entry is all about writing English on the internet. Now, the English language has a lot of different rules and usage, but the English language on websites and messages over the internet takes some unique characteristics. There are slang terms, abbreviations (or acronyms) and cultural idioms born from internet use and popular culture. Perhaps you have seen some of the following terms while using the internet. Keep in mind that these are all very informal instances or writing

AFK: Away from keyboard....announcing that you are taking a break and stepping away from your computer
ATM: At the moment 
OR 
At this moment
B/C: Because
Blog: Web log; a site like this one to read posts by writers.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions...a part of a website where pre-written questions and answers are displayed for web browsers. 
FB: Facebook
FWIW: For what its worth
FYI: For your information
GTG OR G2G: Got to go 
IIRC: If I recall correctly
IM: Instant messaging...a communication service for real time chatting with other users. This is like email, except very fast since it is instant.
ISWYM: I see what you mean
LOL: Laughing out loud...to find something funny or humorous.
TTYL: Talk to you later
TTYS: Talk to you soon
W/: With

'An Opportunity, Not A Problem', Says School With Only 26 English-Speaking Students

This article by Lucy Sherriff of the Huffington Post is about a school providing a flourishing learning environment despite the obstacle of having many students of different linguistic backgrounds. Here is an excerpt:

A primary school has 26 out of 700 pupils who speak English as their native language but this has not stopped the school from receiving positive feedback from inspections body Ofsted and ranking high in league tables.

The rest of the pupils, who amount to 96.3% of the Bradford school's population, use another language, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed.

According to the FOI response, primary school children in Bradford speak 140 languages, ranging from Polish to Punjabi.

Despite the difficulties the school may face with communication and language barriers, the school ranks in the top 25% in the country based on its exam results. Nearly 80% of Year 6 pupils gaining the required English and maths standards, the Telegraph reported, a figure higher than the national average.

ESL Lesson: Tenses (Part 1)

This blog entry is all about tenses in the English language. What are tenses? Tenses are a part of speech involved with verbs (action words) that let you know what time something occurred. It is a bit complex, but tenses are very important in the English language. The three basic tenses are past, present and future tense. Past refers to events that have happened already. Present refers to events that are happening right now. Future refers to events that will happen.

Consider the following verbs with special tenses:

To be

In the past tense, this verb becomes was for singular nouns or pronouns and were for plural nouns or pronouns.

In the present tense, this verb becomes is for singular nouns or pronouns, am for the pronoun “I” and are for plural nouns or pronouns.

In the future tense, this verb becomes will be for singular and plural nouns and pronouns.

To go

In the past tense, this verb becomes went for all singular and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the present tense, this verb becomes goes for singular nouns or pronouns, and go for the pronoun “I” and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the future tense, this verb becomes will go for singular and plural nouns and pronouns.

To eat

In the past tense, this verb becomes ate for all singular and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the present tense, this verb becomes eats for singular nouns or pronouns, and eat for the pronoun “I” and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the future tense, this verb becomes will eat for singular and plural nouns and pronouns.

To have

In the past tense, this verb becomes had for all singular and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the present tense, this verb becomes has for singular nouns or pronouns, and have for the pronoun “I” and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the future tense, this verb becomes will have for singular and plural nouns and pronouns.

To see

In the past tense, this verb becomes saw for all singular and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the present tense, this verb becomes sees for singular nouns or pronouns, and see for the pronoun “I” and plural nouns or pronouns.

In the future tense, this verb becomes will go for singular and plural nouns and pronouns.

Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news!

If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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ESL Lesson: Formal English and Informal English

English as a Second Language

Formal English and Informal English
This blog entry is all about formal English and informal English. Two major styles of English, both writing and conversational(or talking), are formal English and informal English.

Formal English is usually used in business, academic and scientific settings, business letters, professional emails or essays. Formal English is viewed by many as more articulate*(well said), professional and sharp.
Here are some characteristics of formal English:

• Writes in the third person. 
• Almost never uses the pronoun I, except in business letters. 
• Does not uses slang or colloquial words or expressions. 
• Does not use contractions. 
• Does not use abbreviations. Writes out full words. 
• Longer and more complex sentences to express ideas. 
• Oriented towards logic. 

Informal English is usually used in casual, social or non-professional settings, casual emails or letters, and creative expressions such as songs, poems or jokes. Informal English is viewed by many as friendlier, more natural and smooth.
Here are some characteristics of informal English:

• Often addresses readers with pronouns, sometimes in a friendly way. 
• Uses first, second, or third person. 
• Uses abbreviations. 
• Uses contractions. 
• Often uses short sentences or even sentence fragments. 
• Uses slang.

These are a few of the main differences between formal and informal writing. Remember both modes are useful and effective, but in different contexts and settings. Use each one when appropriate. Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news!

If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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ESL Lesson: Asterisk

This blog entry is all about the asterisk (pronounced as aste-risk). What is the asterisk? The asterisk is a unique symbol used in writing. It is sometimes called star or the star sign since it looks like a star. The asterisk is shaped like this:

                                     *

So, when and why do we use the asterisk?

1. An asterisk is used to indicate a footnote*. This tells readers that the writer has additional or more information for readers regarding what the asterisk (*) is next to... 
2. Asterisks are used to represent *emphasis* or special attention when bold text is not available. This is especially true online, with texting and other electronic writing. 
3. Asterisks are used in situations where the writer wants to censor or leave out information, either because of foul language or making a name anonymous (either unknown or generic). An example of this: "Our customer, James S********, complained that his computer was malfunctioning."

An asterisk can be made while typing by either pressing the eight button or holding the "FN" or "CTRL" buttons, and then pressing eight (8). I hope this helps you understand the asterisk better. Have you seen or used the asterisk in writing before? 

Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news!

If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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*This is an example of a footnote. Footnotes are special messages with extra information on a topic at the bottom or foot of a page.

ESL Lesson: More Contractions

Here are some more examples of contractions:

I'm

I'm is a contraction of the words I am. The “a” is replaced by an apostrophe (‘), and the space in between the two words is eliminated. Consider the following two sentences.

I am going to jog in the park this afternoon.

I'm going to jog in the park this afternoon.

You're

You're is a contraction of the words you are. The “a” is replaced by an apostrophe (‘), and the space in between the two words is eliminated. Consider the following two sentences.

You are going to receive a phone call from Ms. Smith tonight.

You're going to receive a phone call from Ms. Smith tonight.

They're

They're is a contraction of the words they are. The “a” is replaced by an apostrophe (‘), and the space in between the two words is eliminated. Consider the following two sentences. 

They are studying to improve their English language skills. 

They're studying to improve their English language skills. 

He's/She's/It's

He's/She's/It's are contractions of pronouns and the word is. The "i" is replaced by an apostrophe ('), and the space in between the two words is eliminated. Consider the following sentences.

He is going on vacation next week.

He's going on vacation next week.

She is graduating from medical school next Monday.

She's graduating from medical school next Monday.

It is a cold and bitter day outside.

It's a cold and bitter day outside.

I hope these explanations help you understand the concept of contractions better. Remember that contractions are informal and that these are general contractions. We’ll post even more on other contractions in the future. Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news! If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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ESL with Pictures: Signs

                                   SIGNS
What are signs? Signs are symbols used in everyday life that send messages to inform people. They can come in different sizes, shapes, colors and purposes. Some signs warn people, direct drivers of vehicles and pedestrians*(people who walk) alike, inform people or advertise for businesses, buildings and organizations. 


Here are some examples:

This is a stop sign. Stop signs are a type of traffic signs, which are meant to inform drivers of automobiles or cars. When driving, you should stop briefly when approaching a stop sign.

This sign is a warning sign. The word danger means something might cause harm or hurt you if you are not careful. This sign is specifically warning against the danger of unmarked holes, which people might fall into if they are not careful!

This sign is informing people that they cannot swim in these waters. This could be due to a lack of lifeguards or unsafe conditions in the water. It is really important to follow such signs as the area may be dangerous even if the sign does not use the word danger.

This is an exit sign. Exit signs are very common in buildings as they allow people to know where the closest exit is. An exit is a door or pathway that leads someone from inside a room or building to outside the room or outside the building.

This sign says "No dogs allowed." Signs like this are often seen in certain parks or buildings. Some parks allow people to bring their pet dogs, but others do not. Whenever a red line cuts through something in a sign, that means that thing is prohibited(not allowed).  

 

This sign is informing(*telling) people that they must have their bags with them at all times. These signs are very common at airports and bus stations. Sometimes the signs will say "Do not leave bags unattended." Unattended means you are not with your bags, such as if you were to walk away from them.

This sign is for informing people when a train is departing. Departing means going, leaving or going away. This sign tells you the train's destination, departing time, and where it is stopping. Destination means the final stop of a trip or where the trip ends.

Have you seen signs today in your community? What do they mean? Are they helpful to you? Let us know your opinions! 

Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news! If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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ESL Lesson: Symbols w/ Pictures

Symbols can be figures in writing and typing, but they can also be everyday objects. Remember, symbols are things that stand for, represent* or signify* something else. Sometimes symbols represent situations, ideas, places such as countries or people among other things. Here are some examples of symbols in everyday life. Perhaps you have seen some of these symbols.

Apple

The apple is a fruit that is often a symbol for a teacher, school or a classroom, because students often give apples to their teachers as a gesture* of gratitude* in some places.

Flag

A flag is a piece of cloth that is a symbol. A flag can represent a nation, country, state, province, territory, city, team or organization. Here is a flag flown on a pole. This flag represents Sweden.

Animals

The swan is a bird considered to be very graceful and lovely. It is often used as a symbol of gracefulness. 

The owl is a nocturnal* bird that is often called wise due to an old legend about the owl warning other birds of the danger of birdlime.* The owl is a symbol of wisdom.

The butterfly is an insect known for transforming from a caterpillar to a beautiful flying creature. It is a symbol of beauty and transformation or change.

Ring

This is a ring. Rings are a symbol for unions, membership and weddings.

Clock

This is a clock. Clocks are a symbol for time.

Rose

This is a rose. Roses are flowers and a symbol for love and passion.

Fireworks

These lights and explosions in the sky are called fireworks. Fireworks are a symbol of celebration, New Year's and Chinese New Year's. 

Pumpkin

This is a pumpkin. A pumpkin is a large, tough orange fruit. The pumpkin is a symbol for autumn (or Fall)in much of the world as well as Halloween.

This is just a sample of the many symbols seen in every day life. What are some symbol you see in your life?

Do you have any questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news! If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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*Vocabulary Terms:
Represent (rep-ree-sent): To stand in the place of; to act the part of another thing.
Signify (sig-na-fi): To be a sign or symbol of something. It can also mean to make important.
Gesture (jest-ur): A sign or signal of feelings through action or the movement of hands.
Gratitude (grat-it-tude): The feeling of appreciating (liking or be glad about something)
Nocturnal (nok-turn-ul): An animal that is awake during the night instead of the day.
Birdlime (bird-lym): A natural substance that traps and threatens birds in the wild.

Learn More About the Teachers at Kingston University

Are you looking for one-on-one assistance in learning? Perhaps you are a student looking for tutoring in a specific subject and its materials such as medicine, philosophy, chemistry or history. Or are you a student who struggles in university courses taught in English because English is not your native language? Are you simply an E.S.L. (English as a second language) learner who wants practice and instruction to improve your English writing, reading and conversational skills?

If so, Kingston University can help you no matter where you live and what your current skill level is!

Would you like to meet some of the teachers willing to help you along your journey in learning and improving yourself?

This is Joe. He is an empathetic teacher with years of experience in education and the subjects of chemistry and physics. He enjoys hiking, raquetball and movies. If you are interested in selecting Joe as your teacher, his ID number is 120510. Watch his introduction:

Meet Daniel. He is an experienced tutor for ESL learners helping learners online and in his community. He enjoys reading, writing, and philosophy. If you are interested in selecting Daniel as your teacher, his ID number is 120203.

Rachael is an American teacher working for Kingston University. She would love to help you achieve your learnig goals! Her ID number is 120801. Watch as she tells you a bit about herself.

Contact Kingston University USA to find out how you can live locally and learn globally!

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ESL in Pictures: Singular and Plural Nouns

Here are some pictures that illustrate the concepts of singular and plural nouns.

Since there is just one tree and one house in the following picture, the nouns are singular.

The tree is in front of the house.


Since there are many trees here, the noun is plural. The plural form of the word tree is trees.

The trees in the park are changing colors during autumn.


The following picture features one apple, because there is only one apple, apple is in the singular form.

The apple is on the table.


The following picture features more than one apple, so the noun apple is in the plural form.

There are two apples on the table.


Try practicing yourself with the images below and other persons, places, things, animals, ideas and events you see today!


Can you write sentences describing the following pictures with proper singular or plural forms of the nouns?

What are some nouns that you see in these pictures? Are they in plural or singular form? Do you have difficulty with plural and singular forms or do you understand it? Share your thoughts, comments and questions with us. 


If you want personalized tutoring for learning English as a second language, contact Kingston University USA today!



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ESL Practice: Singular and Plural Nouns

Hello ESL learners! 
Now that we have been introduced to the concepts of singular and plural nouns, let us practice these concepts. Try to fill in some of the following sentences with the right plural or singular form of the noun provided before the sentence. The answers will be at the end of the blog post.

1. Noun: Glove

Laura is wearing two black ______ right now.

2. Noun: Hat

That is a sharp looking _____ you are wearing.

3. Noun: Fish

There are over forty ____ in the aquarium.

4. Noun: Box

Pack your clothes away in the four ______ over there.

5. Noun: Child

The classroom was filled with over thirty _____.

6. Noun: Month

I have one ______ to complete my business project for school.

7. Noun: Woman

The two ______ walked to the office building to attend a business seminar.

8. Noun: Loaf

I bought three ______ of bread today at the grocery store.

9. Noun: Car

The ____ were slow moving today on the highway.

10. Noun: Dog

The lone ____ chased a bird in the park today. 

Can you make the following singular nouns plural?

1. Bus

2. Teacher

3. Book

4. Kiss

5. Hand

6. Foot

7. Sheep

Can you name the singular form of the following nouns?

1. Mice

2. Cities

3. Men

4. Toys

5. Trees

Answers:

Fill- in-the-blank

1. gloves

2. hat

3. fish

4. boxes

5. children

6. month

7. women

8. loaves

9. cars

10. dog

Can you make the following singular nouns plural?

1. Buses

2. Teachers

3. Books

4. Kisses

5. Hands

6. Feet

7. Sheep

Can you name the singular form of the following nouns?

1. Mouse

2. City

3. Man

4. Toy

5. Tree

Do you have any questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!

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English Language Courses at Kingston University USA

English Language Courses at Kingston University USA

Are you learning the English language? Have you considered enrolling in English language courses at Kingston University USA? All English Courses at Kingston University USA are self-contained and designed by English speaking tutors to help you learn our language regardless of what your current level is. You will take a test and then be guided to select the learning courses that are especially designed for your current level. The courses are designed with 12 units including audio, slides, worksheets and unique to Kingston University, videos of USA students in an everyday setting demonstrating the lesson to be taught.

Tutors will help you select your courses:

Basic English 101

Intermediate English 102

Advanced English 103  

All courses use examples that demonstrate getting a job. Job interviews, writing Business letters, the difference between Business English and Casual English, and many more lessons help to prepare you for the work environment while teaching you English 24/7 on YOUR TIME.

100 Basic English:

Learn the basics of the spoken American English language taught by American speakers videotaped in everyday settings. There are twelve lessons and each one includes a slide presentation, worksheet, audio component, video tapes of English used in everyday life.  Lessons 1-3 concentrate on the foundation of the spoken language.  Lessons 4-6 build upon the sound foundation into the learning of commonly used terms. This is followed by lessons 6-12 which increase the new learner’s skills in conversational and written situations. An audio component is a part of each unit.

 

102 Intermediate English: 

This course assumes that the speaker has a mastery of Basic English and begins with emphasis on the written word. There are 12 lessons and each one includes a slide presentation, worksheet, audio component, video tapes of English used in everyday life.  An emphasis of English in the workplace adds to the everyday language experience.

103 Advanced English: 

This course assumes that the speaker has a mastery of Intermediate English and begins with emphasis on the Business Communication. There are 12 lessons and each one includes a slide presentation, worksheet, audio component, video tapes of English used in everyday life.  An emphasis of formal English as it applies in more structured environments adds to the everyday language experience.

Contact Kingston University USA to find out more about enrolling in an English language course. You will discover that you can live locally and learn globally no matter what your current English abilities are!!!

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News: Online Classes as a New Path to Learning

More and more people are noting the rise and prominence of online classes across the globe. From renown traditional universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States and Cambridge in the United Kingdom to online universities such as Kingston University USA, institutions are taking advantage of digital technology and education tools in their efforts to help people increase their knowledge and skills in this globalized knowledge economy.

Writers like Emily Wang have noted that increases in tuition fees at traditional university programs have made the convenient and less expensive online programs even more attractive to students. She has written an article for The Daily Trojan called "Online Education Provides an Alternative." You can view it here:

Online Education Provides an Alternative

With college tuition continuing to rise with no guarantee for jobs after graduation, some prospective college students might choose alternative paths to education.

Because of the increase in costs, enrolling for a postsecondary education online has become an attractive option — not a last resort.

What do you think of this growing trend? Do you think online education opens doors and creates new opportunities for many people? Have you taken advantage of this new alternative? There are many programs and courses available at Kingston University to help students succeed at university or learn new skills such as business ethics and English as a second language. Contact Kingston University USA today to find out more about how you can live locally and learn globally.


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ESL: Singular and Plural

This blog post is about helping you better understand singular and plural nouns in the English language. 


What is a singular noun? A singular noun is a noun that refers to one person, one animal, one thing, one place, one event or one idea.
Here are some examples where the singular nouns are underlined:
The woman goes to the cafe to have a drink.
A runner races through the park.
The puppy wags his tail.
The bird sings a song.
Sarah picked up her backpack and her books.
The apples are in the fruit bowl.
What day is today?
Happiness is an exciting feeling to have.


A plural noun is a noun that refers to a number besides one. 
This could be anything more than one, zero or negative numbers.


Most plural nouns are made by adding -s or -es to the singular noun.
Singular - Plural:
room - rooms
hat - hats
house - houses
river - rivers
day - days

minute - minutes

student - students 

gas - gases

box - boxes

A noun ending in -y preceded by a consonant makes the plural with -ies.
Singular - Plural
fly - flies
puppy - puppies

city - cities

baby - babies

lady - ladies

There are some irregular formations for noun plurals. Some of the most common ones are listed below.
Singular - Plural:
person - people
woman - women
man - men
child - children
tooth - teeth
foot - feet
mouse - mice
leaf - leaves
fungus - fungi
nucleus - nuclei 

goose - geese
half - halves
knife - knives
wife - wives
life - lives
loaf - loaves
cactus - cacti
focus - foci
syllabus - syllabi/syllabuses
analysis - analyses
thesis -  theses
crisis - crises

Some nouns have the same form in the singular and the plural.
Singular - Plural:

sheep - sheep

fish - fish

deer - deer

shorts -shorts

moose - moose

you - you

species - species

aircraft - aircraft

Some singular nouns group more than one person, place, or thing together. Even though the group contains more than one, the noun is still considered as singular because there is one group. These types of nouns are called collective nouns.
Examples:
Corps
Team
Neighborhood
Litter
Pride
Group

Remember, singular means one. It could be one person, one place, one idea, or one thing, as well as a single group of multiple people, things, ideas or places.

Nothing can improve ESL and general language skills more than practice with specialized instructors. Contact Kingston University USA to find out more about enrolling in an English language course or receiving ESL tutoring. You will discover that you can live locally and learn globally no matter what your current English abilities are!

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Today is Digital Learning Day!

With all the advancements in computers and the internet as well as their interconnectedness with all of the parts of society, it is no wonder we live in an era known as the Digital Age. Education is no exception in the digitalizing of society. Both traditional and distance learning programs are using new tools online to help students learn more effectively and conveniently. We here at Kingston University USA know firsthand that motivating, personalized instruction to a global classroom can greatly improve a student's understanding of a subject and the world.

Today is Digital Learning Day, which commemorates the merging of education and learning in general with the transforming force of the internet and global communication. Educators, learners and their family and friends from around the world are participating online and in-person to engage in Digital Learning Day. Esther Wojicki of the Huffington Post has published an article on today's events. Learn more by reading it below:

Digital Learning Day Is Happening Today

Want to know how we can improve our schools using technology? Want to know how your son/daughter's education can be more effective? Today is the day to watch Digital Learning Day. It is happening all day.
You can see teachers and students talking about what works in the classroom using technology. It is being broadcast on the website Digital Learning Day.Today at 1 p.m. EST, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will be speaking at a Town Hall Meeting. Anyone can pose a question through the website.

What do you think of digital learning? Have you heard of Digital Learning Day?  Share your comments or questions about this subject below!

Kingston University USA
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ESL: Educational Vocabulary

ESL: Educational Vocabulary

This blog entry is about learning new words in English that are important in educational and academic environments. The words will be listed with a pronunciation (how to say it), part of speech (e.g., verb or noun), definition, and examples of the word in sentences. We hope this blog will be useful for learners of English as a second language (ESL learners).

Education-related vocabulary:

Attend (ah-tendd) [verb] : To go to, show up or interact with a classroom, teacher, class, event or group.
Example sentences:
John attends his distance learning program by watching lectures,
completing assignments and talking with his instructor.
I attend class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 11 a.m.

Bachelor’s degree (Baa-chlurs duh-gree) [noun]: An education degree earned after studying beyond the secondary or high-school level. The bachelor’s degree is also called the undergraduate degree.
Example sentences:
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in English by enrolling at this university.
I will earn my bachelor’s degree after I finish this semester.

Credits (cred-itz) [plural noun]: Amount of academic work by a student acknowledged by his or her university.
Example sentences:
This class is worth three credits towards your degree.
I need twelve more credits to earn my degree.

Cram (kram) [verb]: This is a word students use for studying very hard for a test or assignment in a short amount of time.
Example sentences:
I have a test tomorrow, so I will cram for it by studying several hours tonight.
It is better to study on a regular basis than to cram at the last moment.


Distance learning (diss-tins luhrn-ing) [noun]: Formal education which takes place through long distance by mail or email rather than in a local classroom.
Example sentences:
I prefer distance learning because it is more convenient, interactive
and modern than traditional modes of education.
Does this school offer distance learning programs?

Enroll (in-rowl) [verb]: To join a class, university or a specific learning program.
Example sentences:
How do I enroll in this class?
I am glad I enrolled at Kingston University. I really learned a lot!

Instruct (in-strukt ) [verb]: To teach, tell or show someone how to do something, what certain information means or how to develop a certain skill.
Example sentences:
Can you instruct me how to use this new computer program?
The professor instructed the classroom of students on the proper
application of mathematics in chemistry.

Major (may-jur) [noun]: The focus of someone’s study for an undergraduate, masters, or doctoral degree. Examples of majors include physics, business administration and education.
Example sentences:
What is your major?
My major is business administration with a concentration in business ethics.

Master’s degree (mah-stirs duh-gree) [noun]: An education degree earned after studying beyond the undergraduate level.
Examples sentences:
Do you have a master’s degree?
I earned a master’s degree in business administration two years ago.

Semester (Sah-mess-tur) [noun] The period of time it takes to complete a course at university. This is similar to a school term.
Example sentences:
How long does this semester last?
This semester begins in January and ends in May.
This class was very engaging; the semester flew by!

Have you come across any other educational terms? Would you like to know more about education terms? Do you have any questions, comments or curiosities about the English language? What are your challenges in education as an ESL learner? Please leave a comment here and tell us about it!

Nothing can improve ESL and general language skills more than practice with specialized instructors. Contact Kingston University USA to find out more about enrolling in an English language course or receiving ESL tutoring. You will discover that you can live locally and learn globally no matter what your current English abilities are!

Kingston University USA
Live Locally. Learn Globally.
Official Website
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