OK, and how do you do it?

Let me show you how people practice writing in English - about English language, culture and many other interesting topics.

Not all of the writers are English teachers. And none of them is a native speaker. Still, they practice English writing - and they do it better and better!

I am really proud and thankful to be a member of this team.

November, 2014

English Tea Time magazine

October, 2014

December, 2014

January, 2015

February, 2015

Online 'clubbing'

Link to the source

I find it important to understand how difficult is to remember new words and use correct grammar in a foreign language.

I enjoy learning languages.

I wanted to try PC language programs to tell you a well-rounded opinion.

I've decided to test the much advised Duolingo. I set my language as English and the target one as German. I did a placement test because I'm not on a beginner level. First bad point: I didn't get any feedback. Still, I went on. I didn't go very far though. I gave up when the program marked my sentence "This is a kitchen." as wrong solution and informed me that the correct one was "It is a kitchen." Let me admit: this does not teach real language use at all. A doubt raised in me: what if I know a lot of things right but the program marks my solutions always in this false way? All in all it has turned out that Duolingo will not improve my language knowledge.

I went on to look for alternative options for real language practice. Quite a number of sites came to my sight. Here is a list of them:

• http://www.language-exchanges.org/
• http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/Default.asp
• http://www.lets-talk-in-english.com/
• http://www.conversationexchange.com/index.php?lg=en
• http://reallifeenglish.com/en

They offer a very interesting cultural adventure, a virtual travel round the world from your armchair, namely: language exchange. You list the language(s) you know and share what level you speak them. Then you add the language(s) you would like to learn. Fill in your profile with your name and interests (+ some pages also offer local face-to-face meetings if you are interested) and that's it! Start looking for a partner who is happy to have a conversation with you any time in any of the given languages.

It's the perfect opportunity to speak to a foreigner, even a native speaker however far you live from a real language club.

It's the absolute possibility to enjoy real live conversation in a foreign language and experience how much vocabulary you still need to learn and how much grammar accuracy you are lacking.

I tell you: go online and try yourself because this helps you set your goals for the new period of your learning!

Let's go clubbing - in the countryside

source: Pixabay.com

In this post I would like to show you that foreign language clubs exist in the countryside too. Those
working in the capital are listed on this page.

1. Baja
This town is famous for its unique fish soup which is celebrated yearly in a festival featuring a cooking contest. So I suppose many tourists visit the city who you can talk to in English. This makes this club worth to visit and practice your knowledge with a native moderator on a weekly basis. German evenings are also available.
When: 90 minutes every Thursday at 6 p.m.
Where: Katedra language school
Price: 1650 HUF
More details: http://baja.katedra.hu/baja-landing/idegen-nyelvi-klub-angol-es-nemet-nyelven

2. Kaposvár
In this south-western Hungarian town qualified language teachers talk to you together with volunteers arriving from different countries. You can find out about their culture and practice daily situations. There are different groups to choose from, depending on your age.
Where: Compass Egyesület
More details on price and time: http://www.compassegyesulet.hu/hu/ifjusagi-klubok

3. Roxfort Angol Klub, Pécs
Small chat groups await you to talk about TED lectures. The events are held by the English teacher of the secondary school which provides the venue.
When: in the 8th teaching lesson on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Where: Leowey Klára Secondary School, Classroom U3
Price: free of charge
More details: http://www.leoweypecs.hu/?p=13883#more-13883

4. American Corner
American Corners are available in 4 major cities besides the capital: Pécs, Debrecen, Veszprém and Eger. Of course they specialize in American pronunciation, idioms and culture. They offer English practice and cultural events to enjoy. You can also ask for information and assistance if you are planning an educational stay in the US.
Price: free of charge
More details on place and timing in any of the listed cities: http://www.americancorner.hu/htmls/americancorner.html

5. Nyíregyháza
Foreign volunteers have been working in Mustárház center since 2007. Young people arrive here from different parts of the world. All of them speak English and are glad to share their knowledge with local people. You have to check out the website of the center to see who is available and contact them directly to make an appointment for a private speaking lesson,
Price: free of charge
Mustárház website: http://www.mustarhaz.hu/ingyenes-nyelvi-klubok/

6. Speaking club for young mothers, Zalaegerszeg
Speaking groups are available for mothers with babies. English and German can be practiced. The greatest advantage is that moms can bring their babies too and they don't have to organize a baby sitter.
When: once in two weeks but for a limited period!
Where: Esélyteremtési Ház
Price: free of charge
More details: https://hu-hu.facebook.com/pages/Zala-Megyei-Es%C3%A9lyteremt%C3%A9si-H%C3%A1z/111638612331764
Please contact: ehzala@zalcivil.hu

7. The Free English Club, Zalaegerszeg
This has been working for a long time and open mostly for economists but people with a wide range of interests are also welcome. You can sit still only listening to the lectures about far away countries and foreign cultures presented by the speakers. Of course you can join the discussion also. The events are hosted by a Hungarian coordinator who is a qualified language teacher.
When: once a month
Where: GKZ campus, Building F, Room 20
Price: free of charge
More details: http://en.bgf.hu/news
Contact: editberces@zalaszam.hu

8. International Club, Szolnok
6 foreign languages (English, German, Russian, French, Italian and Spanish) can be practiced in the events organized by the Foreign Language Support Group since 2010. Every week another language is offered for the members. You can listen to native guests speakers including managers, experts, sportsmen and artists, take part in quizes, enjoy concerts or watch films.
More details: http://kollegium.szolfportal.hu/catview/index/id/75//page/19

9. English club for kindergarten-aged children, Szolnok
Qualified pedagogues teach children in small groups of maximum 7 in a playful way.
When: daily
Where: Angol mesekert
Price: 1500-6000 HUF/lesson
More details: http://angolmesekert.hu/gyermek_klubok

10. Country-wide
As I have already pointed, American English conversation can be imrpoved at 23 different locations throughout Hungary. Native speakers invite you to talk no matter how well you already speak English. Please pay attention to dress code and be prepared to talk about belief as these occasions are held by missionaries.
When and Where: please visit this site for info: http://www.angolora.info/hol
Price: free
More details: http://www.angolora.info/

As you can see, many of these opportunities are free and offer a great chance who live far from the capital city. 

It's your decision to choose a face-to-face meeting to enjoy an evening for free - or choose an online teacher to achieve your goal.

Let's go clubbing!

I understand you had enough of practicing all that grammar.

source: Morguefile.com

I know you have learned a lot of vocabulary and now you are curious how much you can remember.
I have experienced that it is motivating to talk to people who speak less fluently (good to know more) and to those who speak more professionally (want to know more).

The Hungarian capital offers a number of possibilities for those who would like to test their oral language skills and improve them in an entertaining way. Let's see where you can meet fellow language students and what costs you should count with.

Check out this page if you need such possibilities in the countryside.

1. Idegennyelvű klub
This club has been operating since 1992. Young people are invited to practice speaking to each other. They are open to the older generation too. Besides English you can practice German, French and Spanish. Language exam is not a must. Generally about 25-45 people are present. The mother tongue of all the people here is Hungarian. Some of them speak the language at a professional level, some of them have just started to learn it.
When: Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., including summer and winter holidays.
Where: 8th district, Szentkirályi street
Price: 800 HUF for one occasion or for 4 occasions.
More details: https://sites.google.com/site/idegennyelvuklub/

2. Polyglot klub
This is an international initiative: such clubs can be found in many cities all over the world. People aged 0-99 can join and talk about any topics they are interested in. The same venue offers language practice in English, French, German and Italian. Hungarian speakers have different knowledge levels from Elementary to Advanced. Foreign people also visit the club.
When: Thursdays 7-10 p.m. (English also on Tuesdays 5-7 p.m.)
Where: 13th district, Váci út
Price: free but you are asked to pay at least one soft drink
More details: http://www.vilagcsucsok.hu/nyelvi-klubok.html

3. Bábel
This has been a very special club since 1995. It specializes in providing language learning possibilities for those who live with a psychiatric problem. The club offers learning materials. Private consultations and a library support the learners. About 30 people take part in these lessons regularly.
When: Wednesday from 4 p.m.
Where: 7th district, Murányi street
Price: no information
More details: http://www.c3.hu/~lelekhan/babel.htm

4. Beszél Ön...?
One of the several libraries in Budapest is open to those who would like to practice English, German, Italian or Russian. The clubs are led by language teachers. They prepare a topic to discuss but it is always free to change that. The teachers are also happy to answer any grammar related questions.
When: once a month on Monday from 5 p.m.
Where: 20th district, Bíró Mihály str.
Price: free but you must have a valid membership to the library
More details: http://www.fszek.hu/konyvtaraink/biro_mihaly_u__7_/idegen_nyelvi_klubok/?article_hid=11029

5. Teatime
In small groups of 4-6 you can practice English speaking with the help of a language teacher. There is a wide range of topics defined by the teacher and the speakers. Learners of different level can join in. Between two occassions you can continue the discussion in writing: in the e-mail group created by the club.
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6-8 p.m.
Where: 8th district, Práter str.
Price: 4000 HUF for 4 occassions
More details: http://www.csoportteka.hu/klubkartya/teatime-klubkartya.html

6.
If you are specially interested in American English, you can visit the events led by speakers of different nationalities coming mainly from the United States. These natives help you improve your English speaking communication regardless of your age or knowledge level. The occassions are held by missionaries who are most happy to share their beliefs. Please pay attention to dress code.
When and Where: please visit this site for info: http://www.angolora.info/hol
Price: free
More details: http://www.angolora.info/

7.
Mostly advised for those who are planning to work abroad, there is a club where you can practice situations as an active participant of the lessons. You can find out more about English speaking cultures, talk about your grammar problems and practice reading. You must register because maximum 4 people are allowed to take part in the program.
When: once a month
Where: 19th district, Ady Endre str.
Price: 2000 HUF, including a soft drink and an ice-cream in this conditory
More details and registration: http://kulfoldremegyek.hu/nyelvi_klub_mi_ez

8. English-speaking open club
The club of Budapest Melting Pot is open bot for foreigners and native Hungarians to speak English and enjoy different programs together. The venues and meeting dates differ each month. Registration is neccessary to get information in time.
When: different dates and times monthly
Where: different places
Price: no information
More details: http://www.azfund.org/

9. Dover Klub
The events of the Dover Language School are open not only for those who study at this school. You can talk about culture and films - for the latter the world famous director Lajos Koltai is often a guest.
When: once a month
Where: 7th district, Király str.
Price: free
More details: http://www.dover.hu/info-dover_klub_vii_kiraly_u_9__@1

10. Angol társalgási klub
The language school of Újpest offers speaking lessons once a week for a 10-week period. These lessons are led by a native teacher.
When: Fridays, 5.30-7 p.m.
Where: 4th district, Árpád str.
Price: 25.900 HUF for the whole period
More details: http://www.ujpestinyelviskola.hu/

You should always check the webpages as clubs tend to have a pause during holidays and summer.

I must admit it was not easy to collect all this information. Although I have found many sites about language clubs, most of them contained outdated information.

As you see: all of the above listed possibilities are real meetings. That is: you can talk to people who you meet face to face. So if you are available at the given times and have the means to go to the given places, go ahead and enjoy the evening.

Read about options in the Hungarian countryside here.

Do you live far from these places?
Are you free other days or mornings but not these evenings?
Do you have a list of topics that you would like to discuss - but faith is not included?
Would you like to get advice and feedback that is specified for you?
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes: you need another solution.

? ! ? . ? - ???

Asking questions is important:

• for language learners, who would like to ask something or for something in a lesson or as a tourist abroad. They also want to know what to expect in a situation.
• for students, who are preparing for a language exam and would like to prepare for the examiner's questions with creative answers. Or just don't want to be surprised.
• for teachers, when they are preparing interesting lessons for their students and help them practice fluency and accuracy.

So I have collected some professional sites where you can find free materials for your preparation. I am also sharing some details with you so you can find out which suits you the best.

http://iteslj.org/questions/ - many topics with lots of questions.
:( Some of the questions are repeated.
:) You can find questions for all levels from beginners to advanced students. The topics cover a wide range of details; eg. you can find Sports and also Baseball, Basketball.

http://www.eslconversationquestions.com/english-conversation-questions/topics/ - currently 104 topics, so you can be sure to find the one you need.
:( No more than 15-20 questions within each topic.
:) The questions are really interesting and thought-provoking. Some of them are quite fun to be answered.
EXTRA feature: http://www.eslconversationquestions.com/english-conversation-questions/grammar/ lists grammar topics under which you find questions that help you practice for accuracy.
Levels: intermediate and above.

http://www.esldiscussions.com/ - very many themes from A-Z, including Antarctica, Hangovers and Zombies. Each of them offers 20 questions for pairwork discussion.
:( Some questions are suitable for lower levels but they are difficult to collect from the lists.
:) Questions are downloadable in doc or pdf format.
Levels: mostly for pre-intermediate and above.

http://teflpedia.com/Category:Conversation_questions - 163 themes from Abortion to Your country.
:) Quite convenient to use if you are familiar with Wikipedia. The themes are divided into subtopics to give you more ideas and questions.
Levels: pre-intermediate and above.

http://www.proofreadingservices.com/blogs/esl/14711713-24-excellent-esl-conversation-questions-for-adults - 24 questions altogether.
:( No topics.
:) Perfect to be used in daily life. This site is not only for those who are preparing for a language exam! Some questions really make a conversation lively.
Levels: intermediate and above.

http://tigertesl.blogspot.co.at/2008/06/converstation-topics-and-questions-for.html - 15 topics altogether.
:) You might think that this is not enough. However, each of the themes is divided into further subtopics and include lots of questions. Besides, the topics themselves are up-to-date.
Levels: intermediate and above.

http://bogglesworldesl.com/question_prompts.htm - 12 themes.
:) Each link will open a doc for you. This inlcudes not only questions but also a worksheet to help you study topic-related vocabulary.
With some tailoring, this site is suitable for all levels.

http://printdiscuss.com/category/esl-conversation-questions - 5 topics with 20 questions in each.
:( Although a vocabulary list is also available for all of them, this does not include too many words.
Suitable for all levels, best for beginners to pre-intermediate.

http://simpleesl.com/english-conversation-questions/
- 16 role plays. Now you will know what questions you can expect in everyday situations.
:) Perfect for those who are preparing to travel abroad as a tourist or to pass an elementary or intermediate level language exam.

- The same site offers 79 conversation question topics for all levels. Some of these are perfect examples of question formation (eg. Questions using 'who'). The lists are downloadable.

The importance of being grammatically correct

Look at the title of this blog: have you noticed the strange spelling? I tell you: it was on purpose. Regarding these purposes you will have to read another entry...

But regardless of spelling, it is still understandable. What if there is a grammar mistake in the text here and/or there? To put it in another way: is it a must to learn proper grammar? Is it not enough to remember and use the basics?

Well, if you remember and use the basics, you will not find it difficult to do the same with a higher level grammar. It gives you an entry to:

• another style
• deeper understanding of the real message of the text you are working with
• the opportunity to share your ideas and feelings without creating misunderstandings.

Let's see how well you master it. Can you find the proper articles in the marked spaces (if any articles are needed at all)? Answers in the comments field please.

Dressed to kill

All right, you should not kill anyone int he very first meeting. Still, if you want to make a good – that is: long lasting – impression, your garment should be chosen quite carefully.

There are more aspects to be taken into account than you think. It is like in a folk tale: it should be comfortable but not too casual (even if you are applying for a cleaner’s job), elegant but not the most expensive latest fashion (expecting you are invited to a ball in the Opera)…

This Hungarian lady shows you how to get dressed elegantly and comfortably every day.

Here you can get the latest fashion news if that is what you need for your environment.

Fashion experts give you loads of advice on what you should wear daily.

Of course you also have to consider the matching accessories.

You do not have to turn to a stylist to dress you up for the big occassion. However, they have some useful ideas on dos and donts of clothing.

I know this topic is not equally popular with everyone. For discussion on themes that are more relevant for you, start the Communication Course by mailing to communication.guide@gmail.com.