Phrasal Verbs

Some newcomers are confused when they listen to conversations and partially it is because we, as 1st language English speakers, use thousands of phrasal verbs.
There is a previous post about phrasal verbs.
Essentially they are verbs that change their meaning with the addition of a preposition.
Here are some examples:
think of the verb BREAK - everyone knows this meaning
now add the preposition UP
BREAK UP - now the meaning has changed to:  ending a relationship
so different from the verb BREAK

Here is an excellent website to help you FIGURE OUT more phrasal verbs:
http://www.eslcafe.com/pv/pv-b.html

If you have questions, WRITE THEM OUT....
send an email, we'll help

LISTENING PRACTICE!

This blog has had a lot of reading and writing practice and all the students tell teachers that they need listening practice.
Newcomers have difficulties hearing specific words and understanding North American accents.
Well, here is an excellent website for everyone.
You can listen, read along and then do activities after you watch and listen to the short videos.
http://www.esl-lab.com/

On the left hand side of the window, you'll see "Watch Culture Videos"
CLICK on this and then choose a topic.

Good luck and enjoy the website.  It is used by many teachers and students.
Again, if you have any questions, please email us.

The Seasons

Canada has four seasons although in Ontario, some people say it has 2; construction and winter.
Each season is beautiful and remarkable for many different reasons including the winter.  Winter is especially difficult for newcomers who may be unaccustomed to the drop in weather temperatures.
There is a special need to be prepared for winter as it could be potentially dangerous.
What would you recommend to a newcomer to buy for the winter?
Summer can be very humid depending on where you live.
Here are some terms to look up:
humidex
wind chill
sleet
hail
white out
black ice
hazy
scorching
The weather channel is also a very good source for anyone wanting to learn more vocabulary.
Send us your comments, questions.
How can you compare the seasons in your home country with those in Canada?

O Canada!

July 1st was Canada Day!  The best country in the world!
Here are the lyrics for all of the newcomers to our great country.....

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.