Grammar Guru: I asked her how much…
“How much do I need to pay?” I asked her how much… do I need to pay. did I need to pay. I need to pay. I needed to pay. This is reported speech and a quoted, or indirect, question. Two rules apply: Make the verb match the tense of the reporting verb, “asked” (change […]
#hiddengems part 2
I’m doing this #hiddengems homework – digging for gold in the archives of teacher blogs – in parts. Here are two more: Karenne Sylvester wrote about disappointment as a topic for an EFL lesson in “Life is no bed of roses“, building around student input. An excellent business English lesson for managers. I’d update the […]
#hiddengems
Darren Elliot gave us homework: Go to your favorite blogs and dig out #hiddengems for the world to see. Mike Harrison has passed this on to me – an honor, thank you very much – and to simplify things I limited myself to posts: written by EFL teachers and related to teaching but not among […]
My six jobs before becoming a teacher
Lindsay Clandfield on his lovely “Six Things” blog has invited us to think back to six jobs we held before becoming a teacher. Good question! None of the English teachers I know have had a straight career. Something drives us to do this crazy job, opening up to anyone and everyone as we support them […]
Recipe For Happiness
http://annehodgson.de/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/recipe.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadRecipe For Happiness Khaborovsk Or Anyplace by Lawrence Ferlinghetti One grand boulevard with trees with one grand cafe in sun with strong black coffee in very small cups. One not necessarily very beautiful man or woman who loves you. One fine day. I wonder about the meaning of the […]
Bettye LaVette: Love Reign
Bettye LaVette is publishing her new album ‘Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook’ on 25 May (itunes). It includes her wonderful performance of the Who’s “Love Reign” in 2008 – just watch Pete Townshend with tears in his eyes: Only love Can make it rain The way the beach is kissed by the sea Only love […]
Grammar Guru: Must or has got to?
This week’s question is one of business register. From an order form: “Please note that payment for food platters ___________ be received in advance.” Must or has got to? How would you say the same thing to a customer?
