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The Reading Room
Want to explore English language, British culture, and practical learning tips?
Grab a cup of tea, get cosy, and step into the Reading Room...
Fillers in English: The Secret to Sounding More Natural
Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and found yourself thinking, “What should I say next?” You’re not alone! We all need a...
Katy
Jan 263 min read
Trick or Treat: A Halloween Idiom Quiz
Test your knowledge of English idioms with our fun Halloween costume quiz! Can you guess them all?
Katy
Oct 30, 20243 min read
How English Loanwords Connect Us All
Discover how loanwords from languages like French, Spanish, and Japanese shape English and connect us through words.
Katy
Sep 15, 20243 min read
Travel Talk: Advanced English Expressions for Your Summer Holiday
Elevate your travel stories with advanced English expressions! Go beyond "beautiful" and learn to vividly describe your summer adventures.
Katy
Jul 7, 20243 min read
Cockney Rhyming Slang 101: Discover London’s Secret Language
Discover Cockney rhyming slang, London's unique and playful secret language. It’s a great way to add some fun to your British English!
Katy
Jun 10, 20242 min read
Say It Right: How to Sound Polite in English
Understanding British manners can help you feel more confident in your conversations. Here are five quick tips...
Katy
May 7, 20243 min read
Dictionary Delights: Our 5 Favourite Words Added in 2023
New year, new words! Here are our five favourite new slang words added to the English dictionary in 2023...
Katy
Jan 21, 20242 min read
The Playful Path to English Proficiency
We're exploring the best language games to boost your English communication skills...and debunking the myth that games are just for kids!
Katy
Nov 25, 20232 min read
Discover the Joy of Summer Reading...in English!
Explore how summer reading can enhance your English language skills and add a splash of fun to your learning journey...
Katy
Aug 14, 20233 min read
Egg-cellent Easter Traditions You Didn't Know About
From colourful kites to wicked witches, we explore how different cultures celebrate the Easter holiday!
Katy
Apr 5, 20232 min read
Be My Valentine: A Guide to the Sweetest Holiday of the Year
Happy Valentine's Day! Let's take a closer look at some of the traditions and language surrounding this special holiday in the UK.
Katy
Feb 14, 20232 min read
Don’t Feel Blue! 5 Colourful English Expressions
English is a very colourful, expressive language and we often use colours to describe our mood. Here are 5 of the most popular phrases...
Katy
Jan 15, 20232 min read
Great Greetings...and What NOT to Say
Want to greet someone like a true native? Here are a some awesome alternatives to the boring “How are you?” – “I’m fine, thanks”.
Alev
Oct 11, 20222 min read
Seven Spooky Idioms
Spooky season is officially here! So check out our top 7 halloween-related idioms to give your English vocabulary a boost.
Katy
Oct 31, 20212 min read
The BIGGEST Mistakes You Can Make in Your C1 Advanced Speaking Exam
Here's our handy guide to success in the C1 Advanced speaking exam, to make sure you stay cool under pressure and achieve your CAE goals!
Francesca
Sep 5, 20213 min read
6 of the Most Magical Off-Grid Getaways in the UK...
After such a stressful year, we’re all in need of a break! Here are our Top Picks for off-grid holidays, plus 6 great idioms for relaxation.
Francesca
Aug 8, 20215 min read
6 of the Weirdest British Easter Traditions we Bet You didn’t Know!
Have you heard of Egg Jarping, Bottle Kicking or Morris Dancing? Discover the 6 weirdest British Easter traditions we bet you didn’t know!
Francesca
Mar 28, 20215 min read
Sing Your Way to Brighter English!
Fast-track your English skills by simply plugging in your headphones and turning on some tunes!
Francesca
Feb 28, 20215 min read
How to Get Great at English by Watching Your Favourite Netflix Shows
Watching more Netflix these days? Supercharge your English skills while watching the shows you enjoy! Not sure how? Here are our top tips...
Francesca
Jan 31, 20214 min read
New Year, New You
The key to making sure you reach your language goals is to make them realistic and achievable. Here are some ideas to think about...
Maxine
Jan 17, 20213 min read
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