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 […]
How to Teach English Through Stories (and Why It Works So Well) Read More »
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
A Day in Tokyo — reading about cities and cultures to build real-world English skills Read More »
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.
A Day in the Life of a Teacher — Talking About Jobs in English for Reading and Speaking Read More »
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
Winner of the September ManWrites Reading Competition Read More »
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
10 Ways to Say “I Don’t Know” Politely in English Read More »
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
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,
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
Ten More Short Stories Every English Learner Should Read Read More »
A playful black-and-white dog bursts from the woods—and then speaks. Hey Boy! blends wonder with a creeping menace as Jaron faces a dangerous choice. This B2–C1 lesson includes the full story, 12 comprehension questions with model answers, a 12-item vocab pack, five exercises, discussion prompts, a role play, and creative-writing tasks. Download the full lesson
Hey Boy! — a short story for English reading and speaking Read More »
Aisle Three — ESL Lesson (B2–C1) Hook your class in minutes with a compact, twisty supermarket story about memory and guilt. This lesson packs close reading, a 12-item vocab set, 5 practice exercises + answer key, discussion prompts, a short play, and writing tasks—all low prep, high impact. Download the full lesson here: Download the
Aisle Three — a short story for English reading and speaking Read More »