Learner Differences

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   "Have to" and "must" are both used to show that something is necessary, but there are some differences. Let’s understand how to use these words with some with natural English examples below.   The two expressions "have to" and "must" both show that something is necessary, but there are some differences.   If we have to do something it means it is necessary and we are required to do it, for example:   "Must" can be used in the same way as "have to", such as here: It’s getting late, I must go. = It’s getting late, I have to go.     Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   Do you confuse the two words "so" and "such"? This article will explain the differences clearly with helpful examples.   To learn this English Grammar let’s look at the meaning of So and Such. For Example: “Sally is so nice. I really like talking to her.”   For Example: “Sally is such a nice person. I really like talking to her.”   SO can be used with the determiners much, many, little, and few to make these words stronger. In English grammar, a determiner is a word that comes before a noun to show how the noun is being used. For Example: Bill has so much responsibility at work. I feel bad for him, he works overtime every day. He has so little free time. *We don’t use SUCH this way. Bill...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a fun ESL speaking practice but also vocabulary and grammar reinforcement.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When we talk about the English language, we are referring to its base form or proper English as the Brits would say. American English is a version of British English, which has been modified over time and has thus been altered to suit the different geographical locations, different culture and so on. Lexical Differences Grammar Structure Spelling Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: There are several areas of the English language which present the most noticeable differences and these are in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kristian B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are hundreds of...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When it comes to learning English, non-native speakers can feel quite torn on whether they should learn British English or American English. They have their similarities, but can contrast each other strongly. The differences can be confusing for English speakers as well. The diversity in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary can really throw you off. In this article, I will be focusing on these three topics. Let's explore spelling, shall we? Important Spelling Differences Differences in Word Choice Same Word - Different Pronunciation Other Things to Consider Are you ready to teach English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha C. Growing up in the USA, I learned to spell in...  [Read more]

hello hello uh it's liza here um while i'm waiting for uh more people to join us let me introduce myself for those who will watch it um as a recording so my name is lisa i am a tefl expert uh at itt team and i am also a self-employed online esl teacher i am a non-native speaker and i am based in ukaterenburg russia so i hope that today's session will be useful for as many people as it is possible because it basically covers one of the most controversial topics uh in tefl certification so uh to be more exact uh the main point of today's session is uh what are some differences between tefl tesol and uh the other certifications which are celta and delta and uh right now please let me know if you can hear me clearly and see me well uh there is a chat box uh so you can communicate with me via...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences American English and British English are two varieties which are taught in English teaching programs around the world. Although it is accepted that no one version is corrected, there are certainly preferences in use. Someone who can speak, read or understand one variety of English, he/she'll also probably be able to understand most of the other varieties without problem. Pronunciation differences Vocabulary differences Spelling differences Grammar differences Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sumeyra Y. The differences between American and British English can be categorized in four ways: British English and American sound remarkably different. The...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Anyone who has tried to learn a language as a second language is likely to express at some stage or another how difficult it is. We speak of absorbing our first language and having to work hard for our second. We will often look towards those who have learned more than one language at the same time, bilingual for example, as being lucky and that the path was easier for them. So, is the first language easier to learn and why, and can we use those techniques to learn or teach a second language? Language of Our Close Environment Artificial Process Which Language is Easier to Learn? Do you want to teach English as a second language? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kevin A. Please note that...  [Read more]

British and American English showcase several key differences that learners should be aware of: These differences underline the richness and diversity of the English language, influenced by geographical and historical contexts. Differences in vocabulary Differences in grammar Collective nouns Have and take Prepositions Past tense verbs Differences in spelling Differences in dates Vocabulary discrepancies constitute a major source of confusion. Numerous words have distinct meanings in the two language versions. While teaching English, it is natural to focus on the words that make the most sense to you personally. However, it is important for students to be aware of alternative terms to avoid confusion later on. While the extensive list of vocabulary differences is too lengthy to present...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are several differences that exist when a teacher is teaching one student only versus teaching a class of students at a given time. For this essay, each difference will be compared against each other to effectively highlight the distinction between the two. Student-Centered Approach Choice of Materials Challenged Motivation Students' Individual Needs Student-Teacher Relationships Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Roxanne C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Firstly, if the student doesn't show up for class, then that's it, the class cannot go on as that student is the only person the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Second language acquisition is used to refer to any language other than the first language, so it refers to the acquisition of any language after the acquisition of the mother tongue. How do we learn languages? Why does a person need to learn a second language? What is assimilation? What is developing during second language acquisition? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Abdelkabir E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. It functions as a recognized means of communication among members who speak some other language as their mother tongue. For example; English as a second language is learned in...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Discover proven strategies to engage every student in large classrooms, from personal connections to group activities. Sara Stojanovic TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore Gardner's 8 intelligences and tailor your teaching methods to tap into students' unique strengths for effective learning. Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Explore key differences in teaching children and adults. Adapt your methods to enhance learning for all age groups. Sara Stojanovic TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Unlock the power of language education! Explore effective techniques for teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   "For" and "since" are prepositions used when talking about time. Let’s look at the difference between the two words.   For and Since are prepositions. Let’s look at the difference between these two words.   "For" is used with a period of time. This is often a number plus a time word. "For" is used when we measure the duration of something or how long it lasts. It has a start point and an end point and can be used in different tenses.   "Since" is used with a starting point or a time or date. It refers to something that started in the past and continues until now. "Since" is mostly used with the present perfect and perfect progressive tense. For example:   Register now & get certified to...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Let's take a look at the difference between all, every and each.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   The verbs "do" and "make" are among the most used words in the English language. These two words often confuse English learners because they often use one verb for both in their native language (like "hacer" in Spanish). To help your students understand this better, take a look at the following chart below showcasing the difference between "do" and "make".   "Do" and "make" are two verbs that frequently confuse students learning English. The following explanations will help you better understand the difference between "do" and "make" and when to use each one. 1. "Do" is used when talking about work, jobs or tasks: 2. "Do" is used to refer to non-specific activities, for example: 3. "Do" can be used to replace a...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Let's take a look at how to use MUST and SHOULD correctly in sentences.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a simple spot-the-difference worksheet to be done in pairs in your ESL classroom.   Share this worksheet with your ESL students and have them complete it in pairs.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

ESL (English as a Second Language) pertains to students learning English while living in an English-speaking environment. In contrast, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is for students learning English in a country where it isn't the primary language. Essentially, the distinction lies in the learning context: ESL learners are surrounded by the language daily, while EFL learners study English in settings where the primary language isn't English. What do EFL and ESL actually stand for? What are the main differences between EFL and ESL? Teaching strategies for English as a second language Teaching strategies for English as a foreign language EFL and ESL represent the two primary categories of English language learning globally. While understanding these definitions isn't mandatory (since...  [Read more]

TESOL and TEFL, though frequently confused, address distinct teaching environments. TESOL encompasses teaching English to non-native speakers, whether in English-speaking countries like the U.S. or elsewhere. Conversely, TEFL is specifically geared towards instructing English in regions where the language is foreign. TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Where are TEFL and TESOL most commonly used? What are the technical differences between TEFL and TESOL? TEFL is predominantly used in the UK and Europe, whereas TESOL is the preferred term in the United States, Canada, and Australia. These terms, while often used interchangeably, indicate regional preferences for English teaching certification. Despite the difference in...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   The two prepositions "on time" and "in time" are widely used but also often used incorrectly. Let's take a look at the difference between the two below.   When something happens "on time", it happens at the planned time. = punctual = on schedule = at the arranged time = at the planned time = at the correct time = neither early nor late   The meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. -> This means I wasn’t late. I arrived at the planned time. -> This means she never arrives at the correct time. She is never punctual.   When you are in time, you are early enough to have spare time, usually to be able to do something else. = before something happens = before the scheduled time = with time to spare ...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Lesson planning for an individual ESL student can be successfully adapted from lesson planning for a group once the teacher recognizes the differences and similarities between teaching a group and teaching an individual in a one-to-one setting. My first teaching experience was volunteering to teach a multilingual, adult class. After the class ended, Yordanka, one of the students, approached me for private help with her English conversation skills. I kept the following concerns in mind when conducting one-to-one sessions with Yordanka. These concerns address seven issues: student needs, student talk versus teacher talk time, trust between teacher and student, scheduling, lesson duration, the timing of lesson elements, and supplies. Listen to this blog...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are many tools a teacher of language can use to impart important aspects of the target language like grammar and vocabulary to their students. For example, writing keywords on the board from a text may be a useful way to highlight important words or key information for learners. Furthermore, worksheets can be particularly helpful with grammar exercises, allowing students a lot of repetition and free-hand practice with the language point. Memes as a Tool What are Memes? Activate Phase Who to Teach With Memes? Useful or Not? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Levi L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Let's take a look at the difference between YOUR and YOU'RE in English with example sentences.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Further and farther are easily confused as both words can be used to say “at a greater distance”. To be sure you are using them correctly take a look at the following explanation.   How to Use Further Further Examples: How to Use Farther Farther Examples: Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Where are TEFL and TESOL primarily utilized? TEFL finds its main application in the UK and Europe, whereas TESOL is the preferred terminology in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite their interchangeable usage, these terms reflect regional preferences for English teaching accreditation. Nonetheless, both TEFL and TESOL certifications offer comparable training and qualifications. What are the technical distinctions between TEFL and TESOL? Should I get TEFL or TESOL certified? Why get TEFL / TESOL certified. Video Testimonials. TEFL and TESOL, though frequently interchanged, possess distinct technical scopes. TEFL is geared towards teaching English to individuals in non-English speaking regions, typically for purposes like travel, business, or personal enrichment. In contrast,...  [Read more]

In the field of English language instruction, various abbreviations often get mixed up, leading to confusion. A typical mix-up occurs between the terms EFL and ELL. Simply put, EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, and ELL signifies English Language Learner. EFL pertains to the course or class, while ELL denotes the English student. What exactly does "EFL" mean? What does "ELL" stand for? EFL, or "English as a Foreign Language," denotes programs specifically constructed for ELL students. Many educational institutions offer EFL classes designed for English learners, utilizing EFL-centric curricula and programs. The term EFL broadly encapsulates the techniques and resources employed in teaching English to learners. ELL, an acronym for "English Language Learner," represents students...  [Read more]

TEFL and IELTS, while both situated within the realm of English language education, serve distinct purposes: In essence, while TEFL certifies teaching capabilities, IELTS gauges English language proficiency. What does TEFL stand for? What does IELTS stand for? TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a widely used term in the teaching profession, referring to the instruction of English to non-native speakers. It is primarily used in contexts where English is taught in countries where it is not the native language, for instance, teaching English to French speakers in France. However, it also broadly applies to any context or location where English is being taught. In addition to representing the act of teaching English, TEFL also signifies the training courses and the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching a whole class of students is a lot different than teaching a single student in a one-to-one setting. When teaching a whole group, I have had to split my attention in so many directions. When I teach a student one-to-one, my whole focus is solely on that one child. Diversity in the classroom Advantages and disadvantages Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jennifer H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There can be a wide range of diverse students in a classroom setting, which can create more of a demand for attention from the teacher, in some situations. For example, I have seen...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When approaching formal and non-formal language it's imperative to keep in mind that people are by nature designed to be different, therefore arguing which is more important is a waste of time. Based on cultural upbringing and life experience both play an important role in regards to teaching a student. Formal and informal language are used daily, though, both habituate different societal spaces and their ratios change. Either can bleed into each other when language becomes really interesting. The Use Of Formal Language The Use Of Non-Formal Language Things to Keep in Mind Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our ITTT graduate Thomas H. Defined simply formal language avoids "I",...  [Read more]

In the field of English language teaching, acronyms like TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA frequently surface, often leading to confusion for both newcomers and seasoned educators. While course providers, job boards, and teaching resources brim with these acronyms, understanding their distinctions is crucial. So, what sets TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA apart? What does TEFL mean? What does TESOL mean? What does CELTA mean? Which type of course should I choose? What if a course doesn't meet this criteria? Does the quality of a training course vary by location? TEFL stands for 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language.' A prevalent term in the world of teaching English overseas, TEFL isn't tied to a specific training program or provider. Instead, it broadly encapsulates various training and...  [Read more]