Qs & As about ELT, IELTS, English Language and Essay Writing by Riaz Laghari

Qs & As

1. What's an estimated percentage of how many Dominicans who speak English?

Ans. A database of global languages called Ethnologue estimates that 12% of people in the Dominican Republic are English speakers. It's crucial to remember that English competence can vary significantly depending on a number of variables, including education level, region, and personal interests. English speakers may be more prevalent in urban areas and among individuals working in the tourism sector.

2. Which one is the best app to improve my English skills at a C1 level?

Ans. You can find a tonne of fantastic apps to assist you to reach a C1 level of English proficiency. Here are a few well-liked choices:

Popular app Duolingo for enhancing vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and speaking abilities: https://www.duolingo.com/

Babbel, a mobile application that emphasizes interactive talks and conversational English: https://www.babbel.com/

Rosetta Stone is an immersive language learning program that employs visual and aural clues to enhance vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation: https://www.rosettastone.com/

Busuu is an app that provides individualized instruction, opportunities to practice speaking with native speakers, and grammar drills: https://www.busuu.com/

Memrise is a vocabulary-building app that combines entertaining and engaging games: https://www.memrise.com/

While using language learning apps can be a terrific way to sharpen your skills, it's vital to remember that you should also use other tools like textbooks, online courses, and in-person practice with native speakers.


3. Should I learn more English before I learn a second language?
Ans. Depending on your hobbies and ambitions. Before beginning to learn another language, it may not be required to be entirely fluent in English if your main objective is to acquire a second language for personal or professional purposes. Many people who are still honing their English skills can acquire a second language with ease.


Nonetheless, it could be advantageous to establish a strong foundation in English before beginning to learn another language if you intend to utilize English as a tool for learning the second language. This is due to the fact that many tools and materials for learning languages, such as textbooks, and online courses, are frequently only available in English.


The choice of honing your English proficiency prior to studying a second language ultimately depends on your own objectives and circumstances. To find out your present level of skill in both English and the language you wish to learn, take a placement exam or, if you're unsure, talk with a language learning specialist.


4. What are the best podcasts to learn English( B2/C1 level)?
Ans. You can find a tonne of excellent podcasts to help you reach a B2/C1 level of English proficiency. These are five well-liked choices:


"6 Minute English" by BBC Learning English - this podcast covers a variety of topics in each episode and includes vocabulary and comprehension exercises. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9tn/episodes/downloads


"The English We Speak" by BBC Learning English - this podcast focuses on common English phrases and expressions used in everyday conversation. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9xz/episodes/downloads


"English at Work" by BBC Learning English - this podcast follows the employees of an international company as they navigate the challenges of working in a multicultural environment. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9bb/episodes/downloads


"TED Talks" - these talks cover a wide range of topics and feature speakers from around the world. Listening to these talks can help improve your listening comprehension and vocabulary. https://www.ted.com/talks


"All Ears English" - this podcast offers tips and strategies for improving your English skills in a fun and engaging way. https://www.allearsenglish.com/episodes/

It's crucial to try out several podcasts to determine which ones suit you the most. Remember that consistent practice at speaking and writing in English can help you become more proficient overall.

5. I make up stories and speak alone to improve my spoken English so I can speak without thinking. Will it help? (Quora)

Ans. You can practice speaking out loud and making up stories to hone your spoken English abilities. By doing this, you are allowing yourself the freedom to talk without interruption, which can improve your fluency and confidence.


Yet it's crucial to keep in mind that conversing with others is a crucial component of language acquisition. Speaking with people allows you to get feedback, pick up new vocabulary, and practice your communication skills in a natural setting. In order to improve your skills, it's crucial to practice with people in addition to alone.


Recording your own voice and listening to the recordings to find areas for improvement is one technique to mix practicing alone and practicing with others. To practice communicating with others, you can also discover conversation partners through online groups or language exchange programs.


In general, practicing your spoken English alone can be beneficial, but it should be combined with other types of practice, such as chatting with others and listening to native speakers.

Q.6. How can I get certified to teach English as a second language (TESL/TEFL) on a budget? (Quora)
Ans. Teachers wishing to advance their knowledge and get TESL/TEFL certification can check out Electronic Village Online (EVO) and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL).


EVO is a free community for online teacher development that provides a range of courses on teaching English as a second language, including TESL/TEFL certification programmes. Teachers from all over the world can enrol in the courses, which are led by seasoned instructors. The length of an EVO course is typically five weeks, with a weekly workload of 5–6 hours.



English language teachers can take advantage of a variety of resources, activities, and training opportunities through IATEFL, a professional association. A range of webinars, workshops, and conferences are also available, in addition to TESL/TEFL certification courses. Some of the IATEFL's events and resources are only accessible to members, however they do provide a free basic membership option.


Both EVO and IATEFL provide affordable or even free opportunities for professional development, making them excellent choices for educators wishing to advance their knowledge and get TESL/TEFL certification.


https://www.iatefl.org/


http://evosessions.pbworks.com/w/page/10708567/Welcome_to_EVO




For individuals wishing to become certified to teach English as a second language on a tight budget, Canvas offers a free online course. Here is the link: Advanced TESOL Certification (Language Teachers Training) Self-paced:
https://www.canvas.net/browse/tesol-foundation/courses/advanced-tesol-certification

To access the course, simply register for a free Canva account. Recognize that this course isn't meant to be comprehensive like other TESL/TEFL certification programs; rather, it's meant to serve as an introduction to teaching English as a second language.

On a budget, there are numerous ways to become certified to teach English as a second language (TESL/TEFL). Here are a few ideas:

Online education: There are lots of affordable online courses available for TESL/TEFL certification. Search for programs that have received accreditation from reputable bodies like the British Council or the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Popular choices include BridgeTEFL, i-to-i TEFL, and TEFL Online.

https://accet.org/

Consider volunteering to teach English as a second language, either locally or internationally. Many organizations offer training and certification for volunteers, including the Peace Corps and the English Opens Doors program in Chile. Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your resume and gain experience in the classroom.

Community colleges: Several community colleges charge less than traditional universities for TESL/TEFL certification courses. To find out if your local community college offers similar programs, enquire there.

Consider enrolling in an international TESL/TEFL certification program. Several programs provide certification training at a lesser price than those in the US or Europe, including those in Thailand, Vietnam, and Costa Rica. However, make sure to do your homework and confirm the program's legitimacy and accreditation.


In general, there are several affordable choices for being certified to teach English as a second language. Make sure to conduct your homework and pick a program that suits your requirements and objectives.

Q.7: How to speak English more effectively?

Ans. Here are some tips to help you speak English more effectively:

Regular speaking practice: Seek out opportunities to speak English as frequently as you can, whether it is in conversation groups, through language exchange programs, or with a tutor.

Listen to native speakers: To hone your listening and speaking abilities, watch English-language movies, TV shows, podcasts, and other media.

Pay close attention to how English words are spoken and practice pronouncing them correctly. To improve your pronunciation, you can use tools like online dictionaries or language-learning apps.

Increase your vocabulary by reading books, articles, and other materials written in English and making a note of any new words or phrases you come across.

Get feedback: Consult native speakers or language instructors for their opinions on your speaking abilities. This might help you find areas where you need to improve and boost your confidence.

Use technology: There are numerous apps and online tools available to assist with language learning, including speaking practice apps, language exchange platforms, and online courses.

Always keep in mind that developing your speaking abilities requires time and practice, so be persistent and patient in your attempts.