The English you didn't know that you knew!

The English you didn't know that you knew!

A rencent book from Vaughnan Systems called This Book is The Milk!  It's an amusing and funny book which calculates that you must know thousands of words in English already, and that you are capable of using them. It's a light hearted take on learning English, perfect for those fed up with grammar and listenings! The book was written by Alberto Alonso y Damián Mollá. Alberto is an English teacher and works as a presenter on televison and radio. Damien has worked for may season on EL Hormiguero as well as being a singer. If you need a bit of a laugh to inspire your English then this book is for you.

1000 × 1000 - elcorteingles.es

I think I have some up-to-date phrases which will be right up your alley.  Another way to say this is: I have some current phrases, which you would probably like. Listen to the conversation and learn new phrases, you can also read the tape script as you listen.
Listening Activity - Catch up on the latest English words and phrases

Listening activity - relative clauses

Here is a fun listening and some activities to practice defining and non-defining relative clauses. How can defining and non-defining clauses be fun? I hear you say! Well maybe it is and maybe it isn't, you will have to try it and see.  Good luck.
BBC Learning English - Relative Clauses 

Practice for the CAE Advanced Exam

If you are studying for the CAE Advanced Exam, you will probably be trying to find more practice exercises. Here is a website that gives you a chance to practice all the papers.
Flo Joe

Phrase of the day with an explanation of it's origin 

Today's phrase is a phrasal verb with a sports origin.

To keep it up

Definition:
To persevere at a task and to continue in the same way.


Origin:
In Victorian times playing badminton was very popular in the summer in the garden. The shuttlecock needs to be kept up in the air at all times and so the phrase "keep it up" was shouted to encourage the players to continue a rally.

An interesting article which shows the differences between American English and British English:

http://www.theguardian.com/media/mind-your-language/2014/mar/12/english-to-english-translating-cultural-divide?CMP=fb_us

Phrase of the day with an explanation of it's origin

Today's phrase is a phrasal verb with a nautical origin.

To be taken aback

Definition:
When someone has been really surprised by something unexpected and it stops them in their tracks.


Origin:
'Aback' is a nautical term for when there is a sudden change in the direction of the wind which flattens the sails against the mast. This can mean that sailing boats and especially the old tall square-rigged ships will be slowed down or even blown backwards.