Elicited Meaning In English

The term TESOL is one that is often used in a general sense, although it does have a specific meaning. Generally the meaning of TESOL is some form of ‘the Teaching of English to people whose first language is not English’ and is often used interchangeably with terms such as TEFL, TEAL, TESL and many others. It is also generally used as the name of a qualification, such as a TESOL certificate, which relates to the result of a TESOL training course. Here we will look at the meaning of TESOL in these broad terms and also give its specific meaning, along with many other common acronyms used throughout the industry. The general acronym for the field of teaching English is ELT: English language teaching. This term applies across the board to teaching English, be it to American high school...  [Read more]

  Even though many people use "may" and "might" interchangeably, they actually have slightly different meanings. The word "may", for example refers to a possibility, while "might" conveys slightly more uncertainty. In the example "There are dark clouds in the sky. It may rain later", we use "may" because the dark clouds suggest the possibility of rain. The sentence "I'm sick but I might come to the party" uses "might" because it is not certain the person will go to the party. This means, you should use 'may' when there is some kind of a sign that predicts or indicates future happenings. You should use 'might' when expressing something a little more unlikely or uncertain. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification...  [Read more]

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Common Linguistic problems Contronyms, Heteronyms, Idioms, Oh my! English is an extremely complex language. Before a student can be considered truly proficient, he/she must not only master a variety of tenses and irregular verbs, sentence structure and parts of speech, but he/she must also work to understand and master lexical and structural ambiguities. Lexical ambiguities are very common and have a variety of names and definitions depending on the level of ambiguity. Homonyms are words that have the same spelling, but two or more meanings. An example of this is: mean. Is it describing an unkind person? Is it an average? Is someone talking about the definition of a word? Another type of lexical ambiguity is the heteronym. These are words that are spelled the same, but have different...  [Read more]

One of the essential components of language learning is vocabulary acquisition. In a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) classroom, it is crucial to employ effective strategies to help students learn and retain new vocabulary. This article will discuss various strategies, techniques, and activities that TESOL teachers can utilize to teach English vocabulary effectively. When teaching vocabulary meaning, it is essential to provide context for the words to help students understand their usage. One effective strategy is to use visuals such as pictures, realia, or videos to illustrate the meaning of new words. Additionally, using synonyms, antonyms, and definitions can help students grasp the nuances of word meanings. Another helpful technique is to teach vocabulary in...  [Read more]

Slang and Teaching Idioms In TESOL education, idioms appear particularly daunting for students and teachers alike and for this reason they are often neglected in English courses. A brief overview of everyday slang reveals an intimidating array of idioms that could easily go unnoticed by the native speaker but prove confusing for the student of English. On Kenneth Lawrence’s website devoted solely to idioms, he has attempted, like many other books on idioms and websites that focus on them, to organize idioms into coherent categories. The categories are diverse; there are bird idioms, money idioms, and even arm, head and finger idioms. It is clear from the amount of idioms in existence and the limited activities used for teaching them that idioms are a subject for more advanced English...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word firebrand. This word has two different meanings. The first meaning is quite literal and describes burning wood. The second meaning is rather figurative as it refers to a person who is usually inflicting change as a result of being passionate about a certain topic or cause. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. First thoughts about this lesson: was a bit more intricate than I expected! Had to...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'adverse' and 'averse'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. While they are both adjectives, they have slightly different meanings. 'Adverse', for example, means unfavorable or harmful, while 'averse' means strongly disliking or opposed. Let's take a look at two example sentences: "He listened to no adverse criticism and receded before no obstacle." and "My children are quite averse to the suggestion of having year-round school". Since they are both adjectives, they are always used in combination with the verb 'to be', such as 'is adverse' or 'are averse', or before a noun: 'adverse criticism'. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online...  [Read more]

Pronunciation and intonation are crucial aspects of language learning, as they directly impact communication effectiveness and comprehension. In TESOL classes, focusing on pronunciation helps students be understood by others, while intonation conveys meaning, emotions, and attitudes in speech. When learners have good pronunciation and intonation skills, they can engage in more meaningful interactions and build confidence in using the language. To help students improve their pronunciation, teachers can employ various strategies. Firstly, modeling correct pronunciation is essential. Teachers should articulate sounds clearly and provide ample opportunities for students to listen and repeat. Incorporating phonetic exercises can also be beneficial, as they help students grasp the nuances of...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'aisle' and 'isle'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. The word 'aisle' is a noun and describes a passage between rows of seats in a church, in a theater, an airplane or between shelves in a supermarket. A suitable example sentece for the word 'aisle' would be: The aisle was crowded with people looking for seats. The word 'isle' is also a noun but has a very different meaning. It usually refers to a small island, such as here: The pirates were in search of the lost isle for buried treasure. As you can see, once you know the meanings of the two words, you will not confuse them as their meanings are very different. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one...  [Read more]

--- In Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), grammar and vocabulary are essential components that contribute to effective communication skills. Grammar provides the structure and rules necessary for conveying meaning accurately, while vocabulary enhances the richness and precision of language use. A solid foundation in grammar and a diverse vocabulary repertoire are crucial for language learners to express themselves clearly and comprehensively in both written and spoken English. Moreover, mastering grammar and vocabulary enables learners to comprehend and produce language in various contexts, fostering fluency and confidence in communication. To effectively teach grammar and vocabulary in a TEFL classroom, it is vital to integrate these elements seamlessly into lesson plans....  [Read more]

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  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word amphibology. This word refers to the ambiguous meaning of sentence due due to confusing grammar patterns. A good example for this would be He sees more of his children than his wife. This sentence is an amphibology as it has two meanings. It could either mean that the husband sees his children more often than his wife sees their children, or it could mean that the husband sees his children more often than he sees his wife. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get...  [Read more]

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Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) involves various aspects of language learning, including vocabulary and idioms. Vocabulary is essential for language proficiency, while idioms add depth and cultural understanding to communication. Teaching these aspects effectively requires the use of diverse resources that cater to different learning styles and levels of proficiency. In this guide, we will explore some of the best TESOL resources for teaching English vocabulary and idioms, ranging from online platforms to traditional teaching materials. 1. Vocabulary.com: This online platform offers a comprehensive range of vocabulary activities and exercises suitable for learners of all levels. It utilizes adaptive learning technology to customize the learning experience for each student,...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Nepal presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities due to the rich cultural heritage and diverse linguistic landscape of the country. Understanding and respecting the cultural nuances of Nepal is essential for effective language teaching and learning. In this article, we will explore the cultural considerations that teachers should keep in mind when teaching English in Nepal. Nepal is a culturally diverse country with over 100 ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and beliefs. It is essential for English teachers to be aware of and sensitive to this diversity in the classroom. Recognizing and celebrating the different cultures represented in the classroom can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for students. Nepalese...  [Read more]