Hundreds of Uber drivers risk losing their jobs after London’s transport authority declared all private hire drivers will face new English language tests. From October, all private hire drivers applying for a new license or renewing their existing license will need to have passed a B1 English language writing, reading, listening and speaking test. Some people have welcomed the news, but others are disappointed and angry. Should Uber drivers need to pass a comprehensive English language test? (more…)
How Will Brexit Affect Language Learning?
In a startling result, the UK has voted for a ‘Brexit’. This means the wheels have been set in motion for the UK to leave the European Union. Some people are thrilled, while others are worried about the future of the UK and the EU. The possibility of a No-Deal Brexit has raised even more concerns.
Apart from the concern over economic stability, international trade, European travel, residency rights for expats and much more, there is also a growing concern about the role of the English language in Europe and the future of language learning in the UK.
Will the English language become less important internationally? Will British people stop learning foreign languages altogether? We explore the consequences of Brexit for English and how Brexit could affect language learning… (more…)
‘Babel Fish’ Pilot Earpiece Will Translate Languages in Real Time
If you have ever dreamed about a handy real-time translation device as futuristically cool as the Babel Fish in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy then look no further. The Pilot Earpiece by Waverly Labs is set to be released this autumn and promises to translate your conversations in real time. Two people speaking different languages will be able to communicate easily with each other using this nifty little device that sits snugly in the ear. Sounds too good to be true? Let’s investigate… (more…)
Jump on Stage for the Eurovision Song Contest!
Eurovision is the colourful, over-the-top, cheesy and fabulous international music competition that is broadcast every year across Europe, Asia, the US and Australia to millions of fans and ironic supporters! The Eurovision Song Contest Final always offers an evening of fun and excitement, packed with wacky musical delights.
The Eurovision Final 2025 airs on Saturday 17th May. Come along and explore how the competition works and how the Eurovision Song Contest can add a melodious edge to your next EFL lesson! (more…)
Cinco de Mayo – Join the Fiesta!
Cinco de Mayo (5th May) is a celebration day in the US and Mexico when people celebrate Mexican culture, heritage, food and music with street festivals and parades. The day commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. This is an ideal time to think about using this seasonal event in a vocabulary and culture lesson. So come and spread some guacamole on your tacos while you enjoy our Cinco de Mayo EFL lesson, complete with gap-fill exercise. Olé! (more…)
Robot Teachers Take Over Language Lessons
British academics have programmed a child-sized robot to teach languages to children. The design has been piloted in the UK and is now being tried out across Europe. The Nao robot teachers are designed to look friendly and approachable and react to children’s moods and facial expressions.
Originally designed to teach History and Maths, the dwarf robots are currently being used in Germany to teach language skills to refugee children as part of the L2TOR language project.
Experts believe that robot teachers will soon become a regular part of the general school education system. Read more to find out about the robot teachers currently being used in Europe’s language classrooms – and how robots could revolutionise education and language learning. (more…)
Pancake Day EFL Lesson Ideas
Pancake Day is just around the corner, which means everyone in the UK will be preparing to make delicious crispy pancakes! The proper name for Pancake Day is of course Shrove Tuesday. This is the day when people traditionally used up all their luxury foods – milk, sugar and eggs – to make pancakes before they began fasting for Lent.
In 2025, Shrove Tuesday falls on Tuesday 4th March. Read on to find out all about this mini celebration day and its religious origins. We’ve included an easy pancake recipe, plus we have some great ideas for Pancake Day EFL lessons! (more…)
Raise a Glass to the Haggis – it’s Burns Night!
Burns Night is a celebration dedicated to the life and works of the great Scottish poet Robert (Rabbie) Burns. On 25th January, many people will be throwing a Burns Night supper, featuring all the traditional elements. The classic celebration includes a piper to welcome the guests, speeches, prayers to bring in the food, a special address and toast to the haggis, lively entertainment, a ‘toast to the lassies’ and many other fun elements.
How will you be celebrating Burns Night in the EFL class? Read on to discover more about this fascinating Scottish tradition and how you might use it to create a fun, Scottish-themed EFL lesson.
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New Year’s Resolutions for Language Learners – Part 2
As we move through January, it is easy to lose a bit of motivation for our language-related New Year’s resolutions. The buzz of freshness has dissipated a little as we get back into our normal routines. But wait! Stay strong and focus your goals. If you keep on practising and stay true to your resolutions, you will continue to improve your language skills and see big changes in 2023.
We have some more interesting ideas for effective New Year’s resolutions for EFL which can help you push into new territory this year with your language learning. Whether you want to focus on your speaking or writing skills this year, or aim to improve all your areas of knowledge, there is a resolution perfect for you. Read on as we continue with the second part in our series of New Year’s resolutions for EFL learners! (more…)
New Year’s Resolutions for Language Learning
New Year’s resolutions are at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the start of January. Learning a language is a popular New Year’s resolution but those of us already learning can also benefit from a January boost. Setting some realistic New Year’s resolutions for language learning can give you a sense of renewed vigour and can help you redefine your long-term and short-term goals.
When learning a new language, it’s easy to lose motivation. New Year is a perfect time to remind yourself why you started learning English in the first place and rekindle your passion for the language. Read on for the first part in our series of blog posts about New Year’s resolutions for language learning. (more…)