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No matter where you are in the world, as long as you have Internet access, then we can help you.

Contact Deborah today to schedule a free 1/2 hour lesson and to discuss your learning goals. I look forward to hearing from you!

How to contact me:

email me : esltutor7@yahoo.com

           Thank you to everyone who kindly sent the following testimonials!

I am writing to let you know that I got a good score at TOEFL. With your help I made a great improvement on my speaking and writing skills. Many of my classmates and colleagues at lab are Chinese. Consequently, although I have studied in the U.S. for two years, my English ability didn't reach as high a level as I expected. I love your approach of teaching and practising. Also I greatly appreciate your specific strategies for TOEFL. I strongly recommend anyone who is struggling to improve English ability or preparing for TOEFL to take your courses. (Liangzi )

Thank you very much for your course. Your lessons helped me a lot with my English skills and I improved my score at IELTS. I recommend everyone who wants to learn English to try these one to one lessons. I think that with one of these lessons you learn more than with conventional schools. Thank you very much indeed from Barcelona (SPAIN).

 I'm writing to let you know I passed the IELTS. I got 7.5 in speaking. Thank you for all your help, I am very happy! (Kelly V. Peru) -November

  I passed the IELTS exam!!! Thank you!!! I really appreciate all your help and I am going to recommend you to all of my colleagues! (Nanci - Argentina)

I am writing to let you know that I passed the IELTS exam. I would like to thank you for your help. I couldn't have done it without you. You encouraged me in each of our classes. My spoken, writing and listening skills improved a lot with your teaching method. I enjoyed the lessons and I feel more confident now. I really appreciate your dedication, patience, and your punctuality. You are a great teacher!.

Patricia Mochon (Argentina) 

I would like to thank you for the trial lesson and for being a good listener. I had never told anyone about my English problems and to tell you the truth, for some reason I feel much better now. It was like talking to the doctor when you have a health problem, or to the chaplain /counselor. (Walter - The Philippines)

The lessons are fun and I enjoy them. It is well worth the money and I feel more confident now. Thank you.


I would like to thank you for the quality of your course. I really appreciate the way you handle each lesson. It has been really difficult to find a teacher able to point out each weakness and to provide the answer to correct it. I have been learning so much about grammar and pronunciation that I now feel comfortable to handle a conversation with my English colleagues. The way I speak now is much more natural and sophisticated.
Thanks,

Laurent (Belgium)

Thank you so much for everything. You helped August to become what he is when it comes to English. His scores in the IELTS were really good, even in speaking,..more sessions with you will really make a difference. God bless you.
Januarie (Kansas)

 You are a perfect English teacher. The interesting thing is that she is more than a teacher, she is a very awesome lady, who encourages us. The way she spoke to me the first time and told me which country I was from just by my accent, surprised me. She makes English very easy for anybody who seeks her classes. All the best to every one who wants to learn English. I can tell you that in these classes you will see that "learning English is not a Rocket science."

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to write a testimonial about you.

Dr. Lakshmi ( India)

Thank you very much for your help. Although my English is at advanced level, I feel my writing has improved since I started one on one sessions with you. Your attention to subtle points in grammar and meaning warns your students about the mistakes which can easily be made and avoided. Your method of teaching makes your students more accurate both with their speaking and writing skills. Your patience, diligence and your punctuality (which I would call the icing on the cake) makes your teaching even more helpful and effective. I am looking forward to having more sessions with you.

Farideh
Hi, I am Yushi. I found the English site through the internet and we began our lessons.
I am on a business trip to the US. At first ,I felt a little afraid of talking to people in English but after a few lessons, my spoken and listening skills improved very quickly. I can talk to my US colleagues in English now.
Thank you! (Yushi, China)

"Online learning is very convenient. We do the same things as you would in a classroom. I feel very comfortable talking with my tutor, she is a great teacher. I don't have to go anywhere to do my lessons, it's great." (Jennifer, New York)

"Hi, I contacted the program by browsing the Internet; I was tired of trying to find the perfect English school with the perfect schedule and price and I just didn't want to lose my money or my time. I was afraid of trying a tutor by Internet because I thought it would be too impersonal but it wasn't true. She is great! We contact each other through messenger, we write and speak in our class, we do home work, the sound is very good and she corrects my pronunciation. It's like being in a personalized class but better because I do it from my comfortable home. I am very excited about our classes and I feel very confident she will help me to perfect my English. Of course she doesn't do magic, I have to study by myself too! " (Victoria- East Coast)

"Thanks for your teaching. You are a very nice and patient teacher." (D .S - CA)

" Just three lessons and, I started seeing an improvement in my speech and pronunciation of words. My co-workers and supervisors noticed immediately the change in my speaking. I highly recommend Deborah, she is great." Crystal (CA)

" After just a few lessons  I notice that I am speaking more confidently and now I am catching myself before I make mistakes." Miguel Contreus ( Peru)

"My English improved quickly learning . I became more confident and learned a lot of new vocabulary" - Thubten (Tibet)

"I am writing to let you know that I passed my exam with flying colors. I couldn't have done it without you.... "Anabel (Madrid)

" ...I never thought learning over the internet would work but this turned out to be the most convenient method for me and my English improved quickly. Thank you so much. This was just what I needed...." Aleck (California)

We have taught students from

• Spain
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• and more
  

Qualifications:

We are qualified and highly experienced English Language Teachers offering private tutorials to help improve your understanding and spoken English. Grammar, conversation practice, reading and listening skills will improve after just a few lessons. Expert help is given with exam and interview preparation.

All tutors are University graduates with accredited ESL credentials and have taught English to foreign learners for over 16 years.

Our goal is to help you achieve excellent results quickly with the main emphasis on improving your spoken English. Our expertise in teaching includes :

• Language skills for the work place 
• Intermediate and advanced levels.
  
• Preparation for exams including TOEFL, IELTS, FCE, GRE, TOEIC.
  
• Experience with teaching teens and adults .
• Grammar - explaining grammar in a clear and interesting manner.
• Conversation practice
  
• Pronunciation
  
• Accent reduction
• Business English
• Comprehension
• Confidence building
• Proof-reading and editing : essays, business letters, course work, resumes and more
  
• Weekend tuition available
• Interview preparation.

We available for online tutoring. For online tutoring you will need access to a computer, headset and the Internet. We offer competitive rates and flexible hours.

For further information and to redeem your free lesson please contact Deborah via email. We look forward to helping you improve your English .

To schedule your free introductory lesson, email today!

• esltutor7@yahoo.com

IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy!

IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy

Everything You Need to Know to Ace the IELTS Speaking Exam

The IELTS is one of the most internationally recognized exams and a crucial part of immigration and university admission. But the speaking portion may be the most intimidating for test takers. Very few classes and resources properly address how to pass this exam while overcoming the natural pressure that comes with public speaking. Fortunately one book solves both problems.

IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy is a handy all-inclusive guide to the speaking portion of the IELTS exam. We left no aspect of the speech test behind and cover everything from conversational skills to improvisation to some of the most commonly asked questions. And IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy covers both versions of the IELTS exam:

Academic Version

For university enrollment candidates and aspiring professionals such as doctors, nurses, pilots, and engineers. Prepare for more advanced English-speaking evaluations and start gaining the skills and experience needed to compete in the academic and professional worlds.

General Training Version

For future immigrants, those seeing general advancement in their place of work, and those simply looking to improve their English-speaking abilities. Gain a generalized understanding of conversational English that will suit you well not just in this test but also in everyday life.

Guidance for All Three Parts

As one of the most comprehensive IELTS preparation guides on that market, IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy includes advice, strategies, and examples for all three sections of the speaking exam:

1. Prepare to speak about yourself in part one. Learn what test givers commonly ask interviewees and mentally prepare yourself to speak fluently on topics already familiar with you.
2. Review specific unfamiliar topics examiners typically give in part two. Develop the pacing and concentration required to speak for up to two minutes. Many test takers find this part the most intimidating, so get ahead of the learning curve and prepare for whatever your examiner has in store.
3. Formulate better answers for the general discussion portion of part three. Review general conversation skills and learn how to make abstract concepts easier to understand.

Handy step-by-step guides and sample questions are also included, making IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy the closest thing to the actual exam experience as possible.

The preparation tips in IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy will prove invaluable for any test taker. But this book doesn’t just contain information about the exam. [Author] covers mental strategies that many test takers find to be the difference between success and needing to try again.

• Gain confidence and go into test day with a clear mind.
• Learn aspects of speaking English you might have missed in other prep courses.
• Review practice topics and learn exactly what is in store for you.
• Start the process of integrating into a new and exciting environment before the test begins.

Nobody likes taking exams: the pressure, the rules, the tension. And when the test involves university admission or immigration, the pressure gets even more intense. The best way to make the IELTS Speaking Test easier for you is by purchasing IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy.

Take a look around to learn more about IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy. Order your copy today right on this website. Good luck with your exam!

 

 

IELTS Test Dates in The Philippines 2013

Here are the upcoming test dates for The Philippines for the next few months for 2013. Contact the British Council Test Centers for particulars for your location.

March 9th 2013 Academic and General Training
 Naga,
 Leyete
Iloilo 
Manila

March 14th 2013 Academic
Manila
Cebu

March 23rd 2013 Academic and Training
Manila
Cebu
Baguio
Davao

April 6th 2013 Academic and General Training
Manila
Bacolod
CDO
Pampanga

April 18th 2013 Academic
Manila
Cebu

April 27th 2013 Academic and General Training
Manila
Cebu
Baguio
Davao

May 11th 2013 Academic
Manila
Cebu

May 16th Academic and General Training
Manila
 Iloilo
CDO
Pampanga
   
May 25th 2013 Academic and General Training
Manila
Cebu
Baguio
Davao
Naga

Sports Idioms

 English is an idiomatic language, meaning that the use of idioms in every day conversation are an important part of the way we use language to communicate. However, learners of English and even advanced students often find it challenging understanding the meaning of these words and phrases. There are a huge number of idioms in English and I find a useful way to learn and classify them is to divide them into groups. Today I want to focus on common phrases that uses phrases or words found in popular sports. This is a very common category and it will serve you well to understand some of the more common idioms in this section as they are used quite often in conversational English. This is not an exhaustive list, and I will make further posts as this is quite a long category to cover!

Ballpark figure - I don't need an exact number on your test score, just give me a ballpark figure. (meaning to give an estimate).
Came out of the left field- He came out of left field, I was taken completely by surprise with his actions. ( meaning an unexpected occurrence).
Cover all of one's bases- I think I'll be completely safe with that insurance, it covers all of my bases. ( Meaning to be extremely well prepared and covered).
Drop the ball- You really dropped the ball on fixing the car, everything is broken! (meaning you didn't do it properly, you weren't accountable and didn't do a good job).
Hit a home run- She hit a home run when she got that job. She's so lucky! (To reach or obtain a big goal. In baseball it means the batter hot the ball so far that he could run around all four bases before the fielders were able to throw the ball back).
Home free- Now that we've escaped the cops we're home free! ( Meaning to be out of trouble).
In full swing-The party was in full swing by the time I arrived. ( Meaning the party was at the height of activity).
Off base- You missed the point on my last lecture, I thought your comments were a bit off base. ( Meaning the ideas were not understood properly).
Pitch an idea- She pitched an idea that we all go together instead of taking separate cars. ( Meaning to share an idea with others in order to get their agreement and co-operation).
A curve ball- She threw me a curve ball with that presentation, I definitely didn't see it coming! ( Meaning to be surprised by an action).
Play hardball- Now that the practise round is over, it's time to play hard ball! ( Meaning to play for real, in a determined way).
Right off the bat- Right off the bat he knew what he was doing. ( Meaning immediately)
Step up to the plate- Somebody needs to step up to the plate and do this difficult presentation. ( Meaning to take responsibility on, often of a challenging nature)
Take one's eye off the ball- I took my eyes off the ball for one second and I missed the opportunity.  (Meaning to lose concentration or focus)
Touch base- Let's touch base on Sunday, it's been forever since I've heard anything from you! ( Meaning to connect with someone, to be in contact)
Whole new ball game- It's a whole new ball game now that Sally has taken over, I don't expect anything shall be the same. ( Meaning a new set of ideas or approach- different than before)
Slam dunk- He slam dunked his performance, I've never seen him perform so well. ( Meaning an excellent performance)
Call the shots- Dad's the one who calls the shots when we go on holiday. No one else gets a say. (Meaning the person is in charge. The person who calls the shots has all the decision making power)
Play the game- Just go along with the joke and play the game! ( Meaning to be a part of something.)
Name of the game- Greed is the name of the game in gambling. ( Meaning that this is the definition of something. Abba the famous Swedish pop group had a song called the Name of the Game. Goggle the lyrics!)
Give the game away- She gave the whole game away by telling the mum about the wedding before Sarah. ( Meaning to share a secret or give away inside information.)
Game plan- How are going to approach this new report? What's the game plan? ( Meaning plans and ideas, strategy.)
Team player- I work well together with other people, I'm a real team player! ( Meaning that the person likes to work with other people and will do their part to help the group reach its' goals.)
No sweat- No sweat Jimmy, it wasn't really a big deal anyways. ( Meaning no problem.)
In good shape- We have to get in good shape for the next debate if we want to win. ( Meaning to be well prepared.)


I'll add more idioms to the list soon so check back later!

IELTS Academic Reading Exam

The reading test for both the academic and general exam is an hour long. There are 40 questions and three reading passages. Most students find that time flies by, so regardless of which test you are taking practice time management. Try not to spend too long on any one question, and definitely attempt a few practice tests before the real event.

A selection of different question types are used including the ability to summarize  information, completing notes and sentences, matching correct headlines to the relevant paragraph, multiple choice, completing diagram labels, completing information in a table or flow chart.

The material used is taken from sources such as books, newspaper and magazine articles as well as other publications. One does not need to be an expert or have prior knowledge of the subject matter as each article is written to be of general interest. If technical or specialist terms are used in the articles then definitions of the vocabulary will be given.

It is important to be aware that texts can include diagrams, graphs or illustrations. A variety of writing styles may be employed. Often times the articles might be written in a narrative manner, argumentative style, be descriptive or presented as a discussion.

Remember that you will need to record your answers onto the answer sheet within the allotted hour. Your handwriting needs to be legible so make sure you have enough time to write clearly. Grammar and spelling are also important. Please click here for more IELTS tips.



Click here to contact us to find out about expert IELTS tuition and study materials.

IELTS exam preparation review.

It's that time of year again when students start booking their IELTS exam. Recently we have had a number of people start preparing for their upcoming exam. Some people are in the process of applying to university and need a solid IELTS score in order to be accepted. Others are seeking a good IELTS score for their careers and others are needing top IELTS marks for immigration purposes.

Whatever your reasons are for taking the ILETS exam, remember that adequate exam preparation is key to your success. Ensure you get plenty of practice with essay writing and that you can write a four or five paragraph essay of at least 250 words in under 40 minutes.  Review sentence structure, linking devices and topic sentences. Make sure you offer reasons and examples for your point of view. If possible have a teacher review your essays with you so that they can point out where you can improve. Be aware of spelling problems and keep your handwriting neat and legible. Click here for more IELTS writing tips.

Speak English everyday! Practice as much as possible. It is a good idea to record yourself speaking , especially for part 2 of the spoken exam. Time yourself so that you get a good sense of what one to two minutes of solo speaking feels like. Pay attention to whether you pause a lot. Do you say um a lot? Are there particular sounds that are difficult for you? Does your intonation sound correct? If possible have a native speaker review your recordings so that they can give you some feedback as to the quality of your voice and material. Click here for more IELTS speaking tips.

Read English everyday. You can read a newspaper, magazine, book, scour the Internet for interesting articles. Practice reading quickly. This activity will also have the added advantage of giving you ideas and information that you might be able to use in the writing and speaking sections. Pay attention to the grammar, punctuation and the way in which the writer puts their ideas across. Do you follow the gist of the reading? Can you summarize the main points of the article? These are some of the skills that are tested in the reading section of the IELTS.

Listen to English everyday. You can watch T.V., movies, listen to podcasts, news reports, even songs. Listening to a lot of English will help you with your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation as well as give you ideas that might come in handy for the writing and spoken sections. The more English you read, listen to, speak and write the more confident you will be when it comes to the exam. Click here for more IELTS listening tips.

Set some time aside every day to review the exam and become familiar with the format. Try not to leave it until the last minute before seeking help, the IELTS exam is not an exam to rush. Give yourself enough time to absorb the learning material and to practice. In the long run this usually proves to be cheaper and is more likely to get you the score you need.

Good luck with your IELTS preparation and do let us know if we can be of help! Click here for contact information.

Consider investing in my brand new ebook IELTS Speaking Test Made Easy!

 

Taking the IELTS exam in Hong Kong

As an IELTS tutor I have met people from all over the world who are preparing to take the IELTS exam. In previous articles I wrote about taking the exam in The UK, Canada and Australia. This article will focus on taking the exam in Hong Kong. 

Many employers view IELTS results as the gold standard when it comes to determining a person's English skills. Hong Kong is home to many multinational companies and English is the preferred language of communication. It has become increasingly common for employers to specifically ask for IELTS results from candidates when interviewing for jobs. 

If your dream to is to study at an English speaking university or college then a solid IELTS score will help open the door for you. Virtually all further and Higher Education organizations accept IELTS results. Contact specific institutions for their entry requirements. Remember that there are two IELTS exams - the academic test and the general test. The academic test is required for students wishing to further their studies. Commonly the general test is taken for immigration or employment purposes.

There are three British Council test centers in Kong Kong. They can be found at the following locations :

British Council Hong Kong

3 Supreme Court Road
Admiralty
Hong Kong

Tel: 852 2913 5100

IDP Education Pty Ltd Wanchai
Room 2807-2809, Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road
Hong Kong

Tel: 852 2827 6362


Hong Kong
IELTS CEPAS Management Unit
Rm 2801, 28F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai
Hong Kong

Tel: 852 2620 0321

Good luck with your IELTS studies!