Author name: David Buckley

Let’s Talk About Cycling — talking about hobbies and interests in English

This is the first lesson in a brand new ManWrites series — The Hobbies & Free Time Series – “Let’s Talk About…” Each lesson in this series explores a popular hobby or interest through an easy-to-read short story, followed by practical classroom activities. Learners can read, discuss, and share their own experiences while improving their […]

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From Reading to Speaking: Turning Short Stories into Real Conversations

Introduction Many English learners can read stories — but struggle to speak about them. They understand the text, yet hesitate when asked to discuss it. The solution isn’t more drilling; it’s connection. When we move from reading a story to talking about it, learners start using English as real communication. My article below shows teachers

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How to Teach English Through Stories (and Why It Works So Well)

Introduction Stories are as old as human culture. From myths and folktales to short stories and personal narratives, stories are how we make sense of the world — and they also make powerful tools for language teaching. When used well, stories can transform a dry grammar or vocabulary lesson into a meaningful, memorable experience. In

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A Day in Tokyo — reading about cities and cultures to build real-world English skills

This is the first lesson in the new A Day in… series. A collection of short reading lessons that take you inside daily life in cities around the world. Each lesson helps you build your English vocabulary, reading fluency, and cultural understanding while exploring how people live, work, and relax in different places. Are you

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A Day in the Life of a Teacher — Talking About Jobs in English for Reading and Speaking

Welcome to the first lesson in my new A Day in the Life… series. This is a collection of short, story-based lessons all about different jobs and working lives. Each lesson takes you inside a typical day at work, showing what people really do, how they talk, and what challenges or rewards their job brings.

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Winner of the September ManWrites Reading Competition

September ManWrites Reading Competition Winner! I’m thrilled to announce the winner of the September ManWrites Reading Competition — Maura Cattaneo, an inspiring English teacher from Italy! Maura impressed me with her heartfelt reading performance and her passion for teaching English in a way that connects people through language. Her enthusiasm truly reflects the spirit of

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10 Ways to Say “I Don’t Know” Politely in English

Introduction We’ve all been there. Someone asks a question, and the truth is—you just don’t know the answer. The problem is, blurting out “I don’t know” can sometimes sound too blunt, even rude. In English, there are many softer, more polite ways to express uncertainty without sounding dismissive. Here are 10 natural and polite alternatives

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Learn English With The Feynman Technique

Introduction Learning English can sometimes feel like wrestling with a puzzle that has too many pieces. You study the grammar rules, try to remember endless vocabulary lists, and then someone uses an idiom you’ve never heard before. And just like that, you’re lost again. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most learners hit this

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20 Onomatopoeic Words in English

If you want to make your English lessons fun and memorable, onomatopoeia is a fantastic tool. These are words that imitate real sounds — the kind of words you almost hear as you read them. For both English learners and English teachers, mastering onomatopoeic words adds colour, rhythm, and vividness to your everyday conversations, stories,

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Ten More Short Stories Every English Learner Should Read

Introduction Short stories are one of the best ways to improve your English. They’re short, fun to read, and full of useful vocabulary and grammar in context. Even better, they make you think, laugh, and sometimes even feel surprised. I’ve always loved using short stories to learn and teach English. They’re my favourite way to

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