What is the IELTS English exam? Who takes it, and why? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss all the basics of the IELTS exam!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you achieve English fluency where you live? Today, find out why you don’t have to live in an English-speaking country to become fluent in English! Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know the difference between “by” and “until”? Today, learn how they’re not the same, and how to use them like a native speaker!   Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you want to impress the examiner in the IELTS speaking section? Today, find out why exaggerating will give you a better score!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you in danger of making a cultural mistake in writing? Today, learn the biggest cultural mistake people make in Writing Task 2 of the IELTS! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can the arts take your English to a higher level? Today, Lindsay talks with TEDx speaker and ESL expert Mindy Young about how to use music, painting and poetry in learning English!   Come back to our site to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you address people in English? Today, Lindsay and Michelle tell you what you should call people, and when!   Come back to our site to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should you bring to your IELTS exam? When should you go, and what should you watch out for? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss how you can be prepared to succeed on your IELTS test day!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should you speak American English or British English on the IELTS? Today, Jessica and Lindsay talk about accents, and what you can expect on the exam!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does the IELTS examiner stop you in the speaking test? Today, Jessica and Lindsay talk about why this happens, and why you shouldn’t worry about it!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you motivate yourself for English learning? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss a tip to help you be a better self-guided learner!   Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you talk about love in English? Today, Lindsay and Michelle give you 8 English prepositions to use when discussing romance and finding the right person!   Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did the IELTS examiner ask you a difficult question? Did your mind just go blank? Today, Lindsay and Jessica share 6 phrases to help you fill that time void! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now If you get asked a question that you can’t immediately answer during your IELTS exam, you don’t want to go silent. It’s important to keep speaking even if you need a moment to decide how to answer the actual question. Native English speakers use many different phrases to help them do this. It’s important to understand that using a time-filling phrase won’t hurt your score.  In fact, it’s likely to improve it!   Here are a few phrases to use if you need a moment to think about how to answer a question during your IELTS exam: “Honestly, I am a little bit nervous right now and my mind just went blank.” This says that you’re being honest, and trying. “My mind went blank” is also an idiom. “Frankly, this isn’t something I’m used to talking about.” Again, this is honest, and sounds like something a native speaker would say. “That’s a good question.” This welcomes good intonation, and that will help your pronunciation score.   Other simple and common English time-fillers: “Wow, let me think about that.”  “I’ve never thought about that before.”  “Let’s see.”   Which phrases do you plan to use, and why? Tell us what you think in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should you wear for the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica talk about how to dress for success on exam day! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Our clothes affect how we feel, and how we conduct our behavior. Other people can sense if we appear confident and comfortable. Not only that, they might even reflect what they see in us. On test day, it’s important to project an image that says you’re intelligent, that you take the exam seriously, and that you’re relaxed. You want to be comfortable while sitting through the Writing and Reading sections of the test, but you also want to show your best self to the Speaking section examiner.   In order to do both, consider the following “business casual” items: Slacks: These are the formal pants that would go with a suit. If they’re black, they can go with almost anything. Boots and leggings: For women, remember to stick with something comfortable — no high heels. Blouse or collared shirt: For men, there’s probably no need for a necktie, but a nice button-up shirt can allow you to look and feel relaxed while appearing professional.   You might want to stay away from: Sweat pants or suits: These might look lazy, even if they are comfortable. Blue jeans: While jeans are better than sweat pants, you might look better and feel just as relaxed in a nice pair of slacks. T-shirts: This might come off as too casual — especially if its a t-shirt with images or text on it.   What are you thinking of wearing for your IELTS exam? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can ignorance help you learn English? On today’s Deep Thoughts Thursday, learn the secret to success, and how you can apply it to learning English! Come back to our site to read the quote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should you connect not perfect your English for the IELTS exam? Today, learn how to connect with the examiner, and something you probably don’t know about the exam day schedule!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course   In the IELTS, you’re not graded for being perfect. You’re graded for communication ability. It’s important to understand that this is connection, not perfection. After you complete the Reading and Writing sections, there will probably be some waiting time before the Speaking section of your test. While you’re waiting, don’t get nervous! Instead, keep in mind that the examiner is not expecting you to be perfect. He or she only wants you to communicate your ideas the best you can. They want you to be able to connect with them.   Does connection not perfection work for you and your English learning? How will you use it with your IELTS examiner? Tell us about it in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you stuck on the rules of English? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss how to go from obsessing over the rules, to freeing your mind to get more creative with your English! Come back to our website for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you need some phrasal verbs for the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica share 5 English phrasal verbs you can use to stand out and get the score you need!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   You will probably be asked to talk about the topics of home, shopping, food and studying in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Section. You need to prepare for this. One way you can do that is have some phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are a way to sound more natural and native when speaking informally. Though there are many of these to choose from, you only need to use of a few to stand out.   Here are five that are easy to use and will impress your examiner: Bone up on: This means to learn. It’s not only a phrasal verb, but also an idiom. “I had to bone up on my English studies.” Figure out: This means to learn the details of something, or discover how it works. “I figured out how to fix the television.” Goof off: When you are having fun, but not working or studying, you can say “I spent the afternoon goofing off.” Clam up: This is another phrasal verb and idiom. It means that you’re so nervous you couldn’t think of what to say. “I clammed up when she asked me to answer the question.” Catch up: If you’re behind, and you’re trying to shorten the distance, you might need to catch up.  This can be used physically, like you’re chasing someone, or with your studies. “I fell behind in my homework and have to catch up.”   Do you have any other phrasal verbs you’d like to use in the IELTS exam? Let us know what they are in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are Americans paranoid? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss why a few towns in the United States are banning a common winter activity for kids!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS training course now Most Americans live in places that get snow in the winter. As children, they probably went sledding at least a few times. But today, some places are trying to ban sledding because it can be dangerous! Towns with sled hills are afraid somebody will get hurt, and the town will be sued. Some lawsuits are justified, but there is such a thing as a “frivolous lawsuit,” which is a lawsuit that has little merit but is being pursued for money, rather than justice.   What do you think about banning sledding? What do think about suing a “haunted house” park because it’s too scary? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you try to speak fast to sound like a native English speaker? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss why you shouldn’t leave your heart behind on the IELTS Speaking Section!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Nobody expects you to sound exactly like a native speaker. People just want to understand you. So if you’re talking too fast and trying to sound like a native, you might actually become more difficult to understand. Speed is not important. If you speak with clarity and confidence, you will always sound better than if you’re in a rush. You have to be able to relax, pause between sentences, and use intonation and emotion.   If you want a high score on the Speaking Section, the examiner must be able to understand what you’re saying. Intonation is important — practice expressing your feelings so you DON’T sound like a robot!   How are you going to speak English with your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many words should you learn at a time? On today’s Wisdom Wednesday, Lindsay and Michelle talk about why it’s important to pace yourself so you don’t get overwhelmed!   Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you afraid of being asked an unfamiliar question in the IELTS speaking section? Today, Lindsay and Jessica tell how NOT to handle it, and give you two tips on what you can do to unfreeze!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where do you find inspiration to learn English? Today, learn 3 places where you can find compelling, interesting content to move you to the next level!   We live in a time of abundant online resources for learning English. In fact, there are so many that it can be overwhelming! But Thaddeus believes finding the right ones are the key to keeping your interest so you stay motivated.   Come back to our site for more info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you use “as long as” in English? On today’s Tear Up Your Textbook Tuesday, find out how to stop using “if” all the time and start using “as long as”! The phrase “as long as” is a connector similar to “if”, or “provided that”.  It means that meeting certain conditions will allow something to happen. The emphasis is on the importance of meeting the conditions. Here are a couple ways “as long as” might be used: When do I have to be home? Whenever you want, as long as you bring the car back in good condition.   “Is your landlord nice?” “He is, as long as we pay the rent on time.”   How can you use “as long as”? Write us a sample sentence in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you prepared for the IELTS Writing Task 2? Today, Lindsay and Jessica give you 3 strategies to help you take charge!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know there are differences between British and American English? Today, Lindsay talks with teacher and author Douglas Amrine about three key differences, and why these matter for you in a job interview!   Douglas has spent half his life in the United States and half in the United Kingdom, so his accent is somewhere in the middle of the two. His experience has given him clarity about the differences in how Americans and British speak, and how speech is perceived in each country.   Come back to our site for more info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling anxious about the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica talk about four tactics for overcoming fear and finding calm before test day!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever thought of going to Austin, Texas? Today, Lindsay talks with Tyler Lockett from Austin about why that city is unique and “weird,” and how you can connect with locals using three phrases! Come back to our site for a summary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you need resources to prepare for the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica talk about three creative practice recommendations, and three textbooks to help you prepare for the IELTS exam!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does your English sound natural? Or do you sound like a textbook when you speak? Today, get 7 tricks to update your English and sound more natural by using real talk instead of textbook talk!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now   Speaking natural-sounding English can be difficult when you only work with textbooks.  While what your textbook says may be technically correct, some of the phrases might sound outdated or odd to native ears.   Can’t find native speakers to practice English with you? Can’t get your English corrected by your native-speaking friends? Get a professional, native English teacher in seconds at italki. For a limited time, italki is offering 10 USD in free English lessons. Click here to get your 10USD in italki credits before this offer runs out!   Here are 7 ways your textbook might tell you how to say something, as well as the ways a native English speaker would really say it.   Textbook: Hello. Real: Hi!, Hey!, or What’s up?   Textbook: Are you having a good day? Real: Having a good day?   Textbook: How are you?, How do you do? Real: How’s it going?, How you doin’?, or How’ve you been?   Textbook: I’m fine, thanks. Real: Doin’ well., or Not bad.   Textbook: What are your hobbies? Real: What do you like to do?, What are you into?, or What do you do for fun?   Textbook: I wish to (do something). Real: I wanna (do something), or I’d like to (do something).   Textbook: See you. Real: See ya., Take care., or Bye.   Do you speak textbook English? Do you know any other differences between what your textbook says and how native English-speakers speak? Let us know in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know how important it is to show charisma in American English? Today, Lindsay and Michelle talk about why it’s important, and give you three ways to be charismatic in English!   Come back to our site for more information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you making an impact? Today, get two quotes by two famous entrepreneurs, and learn how to talk about the impact you want to make on the world in 2015! Come back to our site for more info   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you raise a bilingual child? Today, Lindsay chats with Marianna Du Bosq, a bilingual educator who has three ways to help you raise your child to speak more than one language!   The benefits of raising a bilingual child are many. Not only will knowing more than one language open career opportunities for the child when they grow up, research is also finding significant positive cognitive advantages to having a bilingual brain.   Marianna believes bilingualism (and even tri-lingualism) is definitely achievable if parents are focused enough. Here are Marianna’s three main points to focus on: Expose your children to quality language input. Read books, or even use audio books. This way, your child is hearing voices other than those of their parents. Create a need to use the language. If the child doesn’t have to use the language to get what they want, they’re naturally going to fall back on using the dominant language. Ask your family members help by only speaking one language or the other. Keep it fun! Children will be far more involved in the language if they are doing the kinds of things they already love to do.   Are you a parent interested in raising bilingual children? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments section below!   Marianna Du Bosq is a bilingual mother, former bilingual educator, and lifetime language learner. She is the host of the Bilingual Avenue podcast and blog where she interviews parents and experts raising and teaching multilingual children, and provides an excellent collection of tips and strategies for anyone choosing this journey. She is originally from Venezuela, has spent the last twenty years in the United States, and is currently on a one year adventure in the Black Forest in Germany with her husband and two year old daughter. Click here to get “7 Ways to Increase Exposure in the Target Language” a free PDF guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you use the word ‘even’ in English? On today’s Tear-Up Your Textbook Tuesday, Lindsay and Michelle talk about four situations for using the term ‘even’, and how to use your tone of voice to make it work in an English conversation!   Get more info here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you declare a New Year’s resolution in English?  Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss five easy English phrases to use for your intentions in the new year!   Come back to our site to see the phrases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you prepare for the Reading Section of the IELTS? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss two strategies to help you answer questions quickly and correctly!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can you use your body to learn English? Today, Lindsay chats with Jessica Coyle about some of the ways the art of improvisational technique can help you use your body to improve your English!   Come back to our website to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you build a “Brain Box” for the IELTS Listening Exam? Today Lindsay and Jessica talk about two strategies to make the listening part of the IELTS exam easier!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you have trouble understanding American speech habits? In today’s Tear Up Your Textbook Tuesday, Lindsay and Michelle discuss 5 weird ways Americans use English, and how to understand what they’re saying!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s so difficult about the IELTS Speaking Part 1? What can you do to prepare? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss some tactics for avoiding the dangers and allowing yourself to stand out!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   Speaking Part 1 of the IELTS includes questions about yourself. You will be asked about three topics, and though it may seem like simple stuff, the danger is that you might become too relaxed and start using one-word answers. You want to do better than that. In fact, ideally your answers will be 2-4 sentences each! How can you do come up with that? Do some brainstorming. Think of the question words. Question words can help you think of better answers.   Vocabulary is also important in Speaking Part 1. If you want to achieve a higher score, you will need to use a range of vocabulary, including slang and idioms. The examiner wants to hear that you know more than what’s in your textbook. A good strategy is to have a short list of slang and idioms ready to use.   What are some good English slang words or idioms that might be helpful to have for Speaking Part 1 of the IELTS test? Let us know in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you persist in learning English? Do you expect it to ever get easier? Today, learn how a New York-based painter went from poverty to riches by sticking with it, and how you can achieve success by following his example! Come back to our site for more tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can movies cause problems in speaking natural English? Today, find out why mimicking phrases from movies can make it difficult to have natural-sounding English conversations!   Hollywood is drama. Its stories are fiction. This means that the language used by characters is often unrealistic. Because of the unnatural dialogue, you don’t want to quote from movies unless it’s understood that you are quoting. Native English speakers do it all the time by slightly changing the tone of their voice. Even then, such quotes are usually made in a context that makes it clear that the usage is a little joke.   Some popular American movie quotes: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump “May the odds be ever in your favor.” – The Hunger Games “May the force be with you.” – Star Wars “Houston, we have a problem.” – Apollo 13   While it can be fun to directly quote movies, you want to try to sound more like a real English speaker, not a fictional character.   Do you have any favorite movie quotes in English? Share the ones you love in the comments section below!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you need a plan for Writing Task 1 on the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica share two clear steps for helping you beat it!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   The IELTS exam’s written section is divided into two tasks. Task 1 requires you to interpret a map or chart in approximately 150 words, while Task 2 is about 250 words on your own thoughts. Even though it is longer, Task 2 is often easier for test-takers. Task 1, because of the vocabulary needed, can be much more difficult. The Task 1 chart is usually some kind of line or graph that shows a change over time. To give yourself the language needed to discuss this chart, a good tactic might be to read the business section of the newspaper and pick up the vocabulary you need – words like that describe change, like increase, decrease, decline and skyrocket.   In writing your answer for Task 1, keep it clear and simple. A good plan might be to discuss increases in paragraph one, and decreases in paragraph two. That way, your answer is organized.   How are you preparing for the IELTS exam’s Task 1? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you have trouble using English modals? Today, Lindsay and Michelle give you three crazy role-plays to understand when to use should, could and would!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   Correct use of modals like should, could and would can be confusing.  All three deal with time and possibility, and all three involve telling or asking someone to do something.   Should describes the strong possible likelihood of something.  It is also used to give advice. “I should arrive on time.” “You should apply for the job.”   Could describes a possibility in the past or the future.  It can also be used as a polite request. “She could have eaten dinner already.” “Could you pick me up at the airport?”   Would is most commonly used to make a polite request. “Would you like to come with me?” “Would you ask him about the book?”   How can you use should, could and would? Give us some examples in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you preparing to take the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss what you need to know to pass with the score you want!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you have trouble writing an email in English? Do you worry about what kind of impression you’re making? Today, Lindsay and Michelle share four common email mistakes made by non-native English speakers, and how to correct them!   Come back to our site for more info   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever thought about taking the TOEIC? On today’s Test Talk, Lindsay and Jessica talk about using prediction in testing, and how it can help!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   When getting a bank account, cell phone, or internet connection in a foreign country, you need to be able to ask questions and know the right structures of conversation. If you don’t, you might not be told all of the information you need to know. By practicing, especially if you’re able to do so with a partner, you can learn to anticipate what might be said by the other person. Doing this is learning to predict, and see what you’re missing. It might make you a better test-taker.   A practice conversation might go like this: “I need to open a bank account.” “Okay, to open an account, please complete this form.”   “Where should I take the form?” “Give it to the woman in the office down the hall.”   “When can I have my account? Today?” “No, it takes two weeks.”   “Do you need my passport?” “Yes, and your birth certificate.”   If you would like to learn about this strategy, hear advice on how to strengthen it with resources that are free online, and get a practice guide written by Jessica, purchase the full episode.   Are you taking the TOEIC-1? If so, let us know in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s Deep Thoughts Thursday, Lindsay and Michelle consider a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States.   When he was a child, Teddy Roosevelt was weak, sickly and asthmatic. He had poor eyesight, too. Yet he grew up to be one of America’s greatest symbols of achievement and individual strength. His attitude continues to inspire today, and is summed up in the following quote: Come back to our site to leave a comment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices