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The Most Distinct Differences between American and British English - TEFL Blog
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
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha C.
Growing up in the USA, I learned to spell in... [Read more]
What are the main differences between American and British English? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
The Most Important Differences Between British and American English - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
British English vs. American English: 50 Differences Illustrated - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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The differences between British English and American English are always fun to take a look at. Below are 40 differences between the two illustrated.
Learn the difference between American English vs British English.
British vs American English
1. Post ………… Mail
2. Film ………… Movie
3. Rubbish ………… Garbage
4. Football ………… Soccer
5. Chips ………… Fries
6. Rubber ………… Eraser
7. Zip ………… Zipper
8. Sweets ………… Candy
9. Biscuit ………… Cookie
10. Maize ………… Corn
... [Read more]
How Important is the Difference Between American English and British English for EFL Learners? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This summative essay will exam the importance of teaching the differences between American English and British English for EFL learners. I will examine the intention behind teaching these differences, and when these teachings should be applied, and to what effect and purpose. This essay will focus primarily on the problems of pronunciation and spelling, which are the two main differences. I am a British citizen, born and raised in London, England, and currently teach at a public high school in Tokyo.
Spelling
Challenges for Beginners and Intermediate Learners
What do Students Think?
Grammar
Interesting Experience for Adults
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate... [Read more]
Some of the differences between American English and British English ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
British and American English differs in several ways that encompass vocabulary, grammarand spelling, and a student is not wrong if they use either version. Teachers should teach the English that they themselves speak but also have an awareness of the differences between the two. If a teacher is required to teach a course book that is in a version of English different to their own, then they should teach the English used in the book.
Some of the differences in vocabulary covered in this graphic are fairly well known such as ‘pavement’ (GB) and ‘sidewalk’ (US), others not so much as in the case of ‘fortnight’ (GB) and ‘two weeks’ (US). While the differences between the two don’t generally matter, a teacher may prefer to teach one version... [Read more]
British English vs American English. Which is Better? - TEFL Blog
Jon ITTT
Alumni Experiences
As more and more countries place a growing importance on its people to learn English as a secondary language, for work purposes or for general use, there is a growing debate about which is the better English to learn - British English or American English.
Both versions are essentially the same
Prioritise teaching "Good English"
Certain students may need specific versions of English
Points to consider when choosing a version to teach
Exploring the differences can be an interesting lesson
Don't get obsessed with minor differences
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Max E.
The argument stems from the growing influence of America in the modern world. British... [Read more]
Why Teachers Need to Be Careful with British English and American English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Learning English is very difficult, there are many various grammatical and spelling differences between the English spoken throughout the world. Most notably is British and American English grammar. There are also differences in the pronunciation and meanings of many words. While you would think learning English would be a simple task, it is not, after all how different can English be from English? There are a few additional factors - Canadian, Australian, South African, Indian English, etc. have their own differences, these are differences that must be taken into consideration while you study the English Language.
Why Learners Have to Know Variasions
Differences in Spelling
Differences in Pronunciation
Differences in Vocabulary
Differences in... [Read more]
All About British Tea - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: infographixdirectory . com/food/all-about-english-tea/
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The Difference Between Business English and General English For EFL Teachers - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
The term business English is used to cover the English language taught to a wide range of professional people, and students in full-time education preparing for a business career. There's a lot more to learning a second (or third or fourth!) language than just vocabulary and grammar because languages are used differently in different contexts.
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This post was written by our ITTT graduate Rupanpreet K.
Business English is the type of English used in business contexts. Some types of English, like novels or law briefings, welcome long, sophisticated vocabulary. Business English isn't like that. Good writing is direct and to the point. There is less focus on grammar in... [Read more]
Tips for Stating the Date in English - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Writing dates in English can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some common ways to write dates in British and American English.
What is the correct format for dates in English? This is something very important to teach your students when teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).
How to write the date in English usually depends on the following things: Whether you write a formal letter or an informal note; and whether you use British or American English. Let's take a look at the examples below. As you can see, there are a number of ways in which you can write the same date. As a general rule we can say that the more complicated the style of date, the more formal it is.
In British English (which is mainly used in... [Read more]
British English v American English - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: www . lebonbon . co . uk/lifestyle/infographic-you-sound-like-youre-from-london/
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British vs. American: Which English Accent to Choose? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
British English versus American English always sparks a lively discussion. I have read some articles so far as to compare these 2 languages and gather the information from the online resources.
Personal experience
The history of English
Vocabulary challenge
Teaching implications and classroom problems
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zahra J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I am Iranian and have many American and British friends and I have been living abroad for about 6 years. As an English speaker as a second language, it took me a while to learn what is British and what is American English.... [Read more]
The Difference Between Teaching English to High School Students and University Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching English to high-school students and teaching English to university students are uniquely different and require different skills and teaching methods. High school students are in a period of development known as adolescence. One of the leading developmental psychologists, Erik Erikson, defines adolescence as a period of struggle between identity versus role confusion (Hutchison, 2013). During adolescence, high schoolers are going through many physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes (Hutchison, 2013). They are struggling to define who they are in this world not about their parents. They want to make their own choices in life based on their reasoning. A high schooler may choose on their own to learn English as a foreign language, but... [Read more]
The British Isles Worksheet - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is a great worksheet for ESL students to learn more about the British Isles.
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Difference Between UK Great Britain England? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: visual . ly/difference-between-united-kingdom-great-britain-and-england
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Spring Spot the Difference - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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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.
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What is the difference between EFL and ESL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
The Difference Between ON Time vs. IN Time - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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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]
Do or Does ESL Worksheet - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is a worksheet to practice the difference between do and does in English.
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What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is the difference between EFL and ELL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is the difference between TEFL and IELTS? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
The Difference Between Teaching One-to-One and Groups - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
The Difference between Formal and Non-Formal Language - TEFL Blog
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
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This post was written by our ITTT graduate Thomas H.
Defined simply formal language avoids "I",... [Read more]
What is the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
The Difference In Teaching ESL vs. EFL - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
There are many similarities, but also many differences, in teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English as a second language. Teaching English as a foreign language is when you teach English in a country that does not have English as an official language. Teaching English as a second language is when you teach English to someone who speaks another language as their first language, normally in a country where English is the official language. I have taught both English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL) and these two experiences had quite a few similarities and quite a few differences.
EFL and ESL Example
Similarities between EFL and ESL
Differences between EFL and ESL
"This was a big difference for me as a... [Read more]
The Difference Between Teaching ESL and Teaching EFL - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences
In my experience, many teachers are not really sure about the difference between teaching ESL and teaching EFL in the classroom. In this post I will try to explain both situations and give some insight into each as they are actually quite distinct.
The Basic Difference
Potential Problems of Both Situations
Typical Students of EFL and ESL
The Importance of Speaking English in the Classroom
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amal S.
ESL refers to teaching English as a Second Language in a English-speaking country where the student's native language is not English, while EFL refers to teaching English as a Foreign Language in a country... [Read more]
Why it is Important to Know the Difference Between ESL and EFL - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Just like any profession, teaching English has specific terms and acronyms that can be used to describe the job. While teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is an overarching term to describe the job of teaching English to those who do not use English as their native language, ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) must be distinguished. ESL and EFL describe different locations, purposes, and techniques for teaching English. Additionally, it may be beneficial for instructors to experience teaching both ESL and EFL to be a well-rounded and sympathetic instructor.
English as a Second Language
English as a Foreign Language
For Teachers' Consideration
Influence on Teaching Experience
Do you want to teach... [Read more]