☀Debate Debate: Would you rather swim in the ocean or the pool?Imagine being transported to a beach town. You are staying in a resort with a large room, buffet-style meals, and...
☀☀Dialogue Tips for Preparing for a HurricaneA hurricane is in the Atlantic ocean and appears to be heading towards Venica, the city where Mary and Frank...
☀☀Debate Debate: Is Animal Testing Inhumane?When it comes to skincare and makeup, there are many consumers who only purchase products which are not tested on...
☀Conversation Bilingual Chats: FernandoA conversation with Fernando, who speaks Portuguese and English.
☀☀Debate Debate: Are TV shows or movies better?After a long day of work, a great way to unwind is to sit in front of the television. The...
☀Dialogue Scheduling an Appointment with a Physical TherapistAfter speaking briefly over the phone, Melissa meets Mark, a physical therapist, to work on her shoulder pain. Mark: Hey! Thanks...
☀☀Debate Debate: Should the US drinking age change?The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. While the US is not the only country...
☀☀Debate Debate: Should teens be allowed to have (voluntary) cosmetic surgery?In the height of lip fillers and injections, many teenagers have gone under the knife. Should teenagers be allowed to...
☀Debate Debate: Are School Uniforms Necessary?School uniforms play a big role in a student or parent’s life. Where do you stand on this issue? Uniforms...
☀☀☀Article Tips for Being More Eco-FriendlyDo you live an eco-friendly lifestyle? Check out these tips on improving the environment and your wallet. Buy consciously. In...
☀Dialogue Buying New ShoesDoug walks into a shoe store hoping to find a new pair of sneakers he could use at the gym....
☀Podcast English Learning ToolkitEpisode 2: Ashwini and Monica discuss active and passive activities.
☀Debate WYR: Teleportation or time travel…?Which is better, the ability to teleport or to time travel?
☀☀Short Story Let’s Escape“I’d like to buy a ticket to the farthest destination.” Ramon said to the attendant on the other side of...
☀☀Interview Crafting an Explicit Language PolicyDr. Xiomara Rivera Pagán from Language Policy Consultants LLC is a leading expert on crafting personalized (equitable) language policies. In...
Article Tips for writing an effective essayWriting an essay in a foreign language can be challenging. The key is to have a clear message you want...
☂Grammar Quiz Quiz: Is it good or well?Quick! Is it you bake good or you bake well? Is the bread good or is the bread well? Good...
☀Article A Year in Review: 2020 SnapsThe year 2020 has been quite chaotic and full of unexpected occurrences. Our hearts are heavy as we look back...
☀☀Speech Speech: “On the Future of Women in Flying”To celebrate National Aviation Day, we’re going to reflect on the accomplishments of Amelia Earhart. Earhart was a pioneer who...
☀Article Presidents’ DayToday is Presidents’ Day, an important holiday in the United States. Many people celebrate it by enjoying a day off...
☀☀Dialogue Making a Doctor’s AppointmentAngela calls the doctor’s office to make an appointment for a physical exam. Mark: Hello, this is Dr. Williams’ office....
☀☀☀Short Story Unethical Practices in JournalismThis article demonstrates how passive voice and changes in verb tenses can be used to retell events that have happened...
☀☀Article Zurich: City GuideIn a country known for its chocolate, cheese, and mountains lies its biggest city Zurich. In summer, Zurich has warm...
☀Dialogue Small Talk on the First Day of ClassesRebecca and Santiago are sitting next to each other on the first day of the semester. Rebecca: Hi, I’m Rebecca. ...
☀Short Story Lesson LearnedWhen I was a child, I loved scaring my younger sister. I would hide behind doors and yell “boo!” several...
☀Short Story Let’s be PositivePatrick is a pessimist, and has been his whole life. He can’t believe that some people walk outside and say...
☀Dialogue Calling in Sick to WorkBob is feeling very sick. He is calling his boss, Natasha, to tell her that he cannot go to work today. ...
☂Learning Tips How to Practice English ConversationTips on improving your English conversation skills.
☀Short Story Summer MemoriesIt was the perfect summer day. Alice looked out the window and had a view of the ocean. She could...
☀☀Dialogue Small Towns vs Big CitiesLaura and Garrett are meeting at a coffeeshop in Mola. Garret: So, do you live here in Mola? Laura: No,...
☀☀☀Debate Debate: Should individuals be fined for not recycling?With climate change on the rise, it is more important than ever to change wasteful habits. In some countries, you...
☀☀Debate Debate: Is online education replacing traditional education?Education is moving more and more to online platforms. Education technology, also known as edu-tech, is a billion dollar sector....
☀Article Memorial Day: A New MeaningToday, many Americans will reflect on the lives of people who have died during military service. Normally, this paid holiday...
☀☀Short Story Spring Cleaning with a HoarderSamantha was a hoarder. She loved to organize, but could not get rid of objects that were sentimental, or items...
☀☀Dialogue Asking Your Boss for an ExtensionMark is tasked with having 100 customers complete a survey by the end of this month. It is the last...
☀Dialogue Ice SkatingKate and her friends are in line to go ice skating. They are waiting to purchase their tickets. Fred: Hi!...
☀☀Article Tips for Sleeping WellI have never struggled with sleep. In fact, sometimes I think I sleep too much. Sleep affects everything from mood...
☀☀Short Story No, not yetMy great-grandmother was going to die. The doctors told us that she had a lot of internal bleeding and since...
☀☀☀Article Life in Miami: Summer with KidsSummer is a great time for kids, but what about parents? Below are some keywords and concepts to help you...
☀☀Short Story The Morning Routine of a Night OwlMartha has a consistent morning routine. Being a mother of two sons, and not exactly a morning bird, Martha set...
☀Debate Should cellphones be allowed in the classroom?Teachers often get angry when they see a student on their phone and take the phone away. Is this warranted?...
☂Grammar Quiz Negation in the Past TenseIn English, negation requires the auxiliary verb “do” if the main verb of the sentence is not “be” or a...
☀☀Dialogue Learning to Cook with GrandmaRiley is teaching her grandson, Jeremiah, how to cook. Riley: First, let’s take out all of the ingredients. We’re going...
☀☀Debate Debate: Are teachers overreacting about cheating?Students are kicked out of schools for plagiarizing papers and cheating on exams. While wrong, it is more work for...
☀☀Debate Debate: Is advertising to children unethical?Last year, the highest-paid Youtuber was an eight-year-old boy, whose audience consisted primarily of children. As most Youtubers are, this...
☀Article Practice English from Home (for free!)Thanks to the Internet, studying at home has never been easier. If social distancing and staying at home have given...
☀Dialogue A Walk in the ParkJanice enjoys going on long walks. After having breakfast and drinking a cup of hot coffee, she puts on a jacket...
☂Learning Tips Syntax: The Golden Rule to Learning English GrammarSyntax refers to a language’s word order. In English, the word order is very strict, meaning that it is almost...
☀Debate Debate: Cats vs. DogsPeople who love pets tend to divide themselves into two camps: cat people and dog people. Although there are people...
☀☀Short Story Unexpected Phone CallsSofia had recently changed her phone number because she was tired of receiving countless spam calls a day. It felt...
☀☀☀Short Story Ben’s Packing TipsMany of you have read the story of the time I procrastinated to pack and ended up missing my flight....
☂Learning Tips Vocabulary Study TipsStudents carry dictionaries, not grammar books. -McLaughlin Vocabulary is the base of all languages. On the first day of an...
☂Grammar Quiz Short AnswersA conversation like this is not very common: Alex: Do you want a glass of water?Kate: Yes, I want a...
☂Learning Tips At-home ImmersionHave you ever heard that immersion is the most effective way to learn a language? Immersion means you travel to...
☀☀Debate Is studying abroad worth the hype?Many universities offer study abroad programs, in which students can continue earning credits towards their degree while studying in another...
☀☀Short Story Last Minute PackerBen’s suitcase is almost as small as a carry-on. There’s enough space for a few t-shirts and board-shorts, a light...
☀☀Short Story Carrie’s First and Last Blind LateCarrie was not fond of blind dates, but when her best friend Sally told her that she had found her...
☀Debate Debate: Is being a child better than being an adult?A game like peek-a-boo shows how easy it is to entertain a child: make a funny face and repeat the...
☀☀Short Story Sick again!?Carol Anne was a hypochondriac. She had never gone to a psychiatrist to get a formal diagnosis, but every morning...
☀☀Journal Entry April Fools’ DayOne of my biggest regrets is failing Driver’s Ed so many times. I don’t know why but driving didn’t come...
☀Short Story Grocery DeliveryAnita works for a grocery delivery program. Everyday, she logs onto the Groceries 2Day app to see if any customers...
☀☀☀Article Enhance your HabitsEveryone has habits. From brushing your teeth to drinking coffee every morning, most people have more habits than they would...
☀Conversation Recipe InstructionsMelissa and Carla are speaking over the phone. Melissa asks for cooking advice. Carla gives Melissa a recipe for a...
☀☀Article Making homemade giftsNothing is quite like the excitement of finding the perfect gift for your friend or family member. Around the holidays,...
☀☀☀Debate Do you sit on public toilets?As the saying goes “when you gotta go, you gotta go!” But what if you are using a public toilet?...
☂Article The Handsomest Drowned Man in The World by Gabriel Garcia Marquez#TowardsAwareness | May 2021
☀Dialogue New City, New FriendsAnna and Jason are meeting for the first time. Anna: Hello, are you Jason? Jason: Yes, I’m Jason. Nice to...
☀Dialogue Going to a PharmacyLily is picking up a prescription at her local pharmacy. Molly: Next in line. Lily: Hi, I’m here to pick...
☀☀☀Debate Debate: Should spring break be cancelled?Week-long breaks are common in many school systems. They give students, parents, and teachers time to relax, catch up, or...
☂Learning Tips How to Memorize New VocabularyDo you ever struggle to learn or recall new words? If you do, you’re not alone! As an intermediate to...
☀Dialogue Asking for Help at a StoreLinda is at a store and cannot find her size for a shirt she would like to buy. Linda: Hi,...
☀☀Short Story Secrets Kept by a JanitorJohnathan was a janitor at the local high school and had been for fifteen years. He loved his job, not...
☀☀Learning Tips The Anxiety of Learning a New LanguageFor many people, learning a new language causes a lot of anxiety. Will I sound unintelligent if I make a...
☀Conversation ParkingTwo friends are discussing parking arrangements, listen to the audio clip before reading the transcript. A: Did you park in...
☂Learning Tips How to Gain Confidence Speaking EnglishInterview with Monica Ruda-Peachey on becoming an English instructor.
☀☀Opinion Column Life with PetsHere at Language Snaps, we’re no strangers to writing about animals. We wrote a lesson on the age-old cats vs...
☀Dialogue Ordering PizzaBecca is calling Fromino’s to order pizza. Roland: Hello, Fromino’s. Please hold. Becca: Hi, ok. After 30 seconds. Roland: Hello? ...
☀☀Short Story The Dreaded DentistMark hates going to the dentist. It takes him months to even make an appointment. He usually goes once every...
☀Interview Looking Ahead: 2021 SnapsAn interview with Monica on 2020 and 2021. First listen, then read the transcript. Repeat as needed.
☂Podcast Studying English in SchoolEpisode 3: Ashwini and Monica reflects on studying English in school.
☀☀☀Short Story Word-crossed LoversRuth is 75 years old. For the past 40 years, she has started her day by reading the newspaper while...
☀☀☀Article Tips for Managing AnxietyIn less than three months, a disease transformed into a pandemic infecting thousands of people around the world. The pace...
☀☀☀Video Does language affect thought?Languages have different structures. Some languages, like German or Spanish, have grammatical genders. Some languages, like Greek or Russian, have...
☀Dialogue Going to the Optometrist (Eye doctor)Jeff is going to the optometrist to get a new prescription for his contact lenses. Macey: Hi, Jeff. Come in...
☀Conversation Bilingual Chats – PorshaA conversation with Porsha, who speaks English and Jamaican Patois.
☀☀Article Common American GesturesGestures are motions made by the body which carry meaning. This ranges (at least in America) from a nod of...
☀Dialogue Fear of FlyingMary is terrified of flying. She asks her coworker Andy for advice. Mary: I bought my ticket to visit my...
☀Article How to Find the Best Place to ExerciseIf you live in a big city, you may have noticed numerous new gyms and fitness studios popping up. There...
☀☀Debate Are New Years Resolutions Worth Making?In the last week of December, it is common to reflect on the year. Many people then create a list...
☀☀☀Speech Mother’s DaySeveral countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, will be celebrating Mother’s Day this coming Sunday. The holiday celebrates motherhood...
☀Article Benefits of Owning a CatCats have a bad rap for being moody and independent. Many people forget that cats, like humans, all have different...
☂Grammar Quiz Quiz: Is it stationary or stationery?Quick! Which is which: Are you stationary or stationery? You have stationery or stationary? The difference is subtle: Stationary with...
Article Tips for Traveling LightBackpacking is a popular way to travel. The name comes from the fact that you pack everything you need into...
☀☀☀Learning Tips How you view language learning mattersIf you had to draw a picture of your language learning journey, what would it look like? It’s really important...
☂Grammar Quiz Modal VerbsModal verbs are never conjugated, meaning they don’t change based on time, person, or number. This should make them easier...
☀☀Debate Debate: Does counting calories do more harm or good?Nowadays, counting calories is all the hype. There are plenty of apps which can input the number of calories a...
☀Article Tips for Buying Clothes Second HandBuying clothes second hand, also known as thrifting, is a great way to save money and help the environment. You...
☀Dialogue Small TalkEva is in the elevator. The doors open and Peter walks in. Eva: What floor? Peter: Lobby, please. Oh, it’s...
☀☀Debate Debate: Should composting be free?Composting is an excellent way to lower household waste, keep organic matter out of landfills, and contribute to the growth...
☀☀Learning Tips Tips for Reading More BooksIt’s hard to finish a book cover to cover. Sometimes the book you are reading has boring sections that are...
☀☀Article The Pros & Cons of Solo TravelSolo travel, especially solo female travel, is marketed as an activity people should try at least once in their lives....
☀☀Dialogue Asking a Friend for AdviceMarissa is asking her friend Bob for advice. She is considering quitting her job at the bank and going back...
☀☀☀Video Tips for Language Learning from Linguist Dr. Adele GoldbergIn this video, Christian from Canguro English interviews linguist Adele Goldberg. They talk about topics ranging from how babies learn...
☀☀Debate Which is better: start-ups or big companies? With countless new start-ups opening everyday, many people are faced with choosing between working for a start-up or going the...
☀☀Dialogue A Messy 4th of JulyMelany and her husband are hosting a July 4th barbecue. Jonathan: Hey honey… how’s the salad going?Melany: Great! Almost done with...
☀☀☀Speech I have a DreamOn August 28th, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered one of the world’s most iconic speeches. It targeted major human...
☀Debate Debate: Is thrifting better than fast fashion?Thrift is Better! Fast Fashion is Better! Thrifting allows you to find unique pieces which no one else owns. It’s...
☀Debate Debate: Valentine’s DayFebruary 14th has become a popular day to celebrate love, relationships, and all things chocolate. But has the holiday gotten...
☀☀Learning Tips Book Recommendations for Intermediate ESL LearnersAt an intermediate level, it is important to read material outside of your English textbook. You don’t have to be...
☀Dialogue But First, CoffeeMike is next in line to order coffee. Jenna: Hi! Welcome to Miller Cafe! What can I get you? Mike:...
☀Debate Are wedding rings outdated?In many cultures, wedding rings signify a romantic union. But has this practice become outdated? Put a Ring on it!...
☀Debate Debate: Are e-readers are better than paperbacks?Nowadays, people read on their phones, tablets, or e-readers all the time. Are E-readers really better than paperbacks? Unbeatable Convinience...
☀☀Short Story Ghosts in my MindMacey is already in bed. It is only 9PM. Her three pillows and two blankets make it so that her...
☀Dialogue Flight ServicesLindsay is a flight attendant. Claire is a passenger in economy class. Lindsay: Ladies and gentlemen we have now reached...
☀☀Article Airport DelaysHow do you prepare for airport delays? In addition to packing for your destination, it’s important to pack for the...
☂Learning Tips False Friends: Brazilian PortugueseBrazilian learners beware! English and Portuguese are full of words that appear to be the same, but unlike cognates, they...
☀☀☀Short Story Fund My DreamsWhen Melody was fifteen years old, her grandmother gave her a necklace which belonged to her great-great-grandmother. It was beautiful...
☀Debate Debate: Should zoos be banned?Most children love going to the zoo and seeing all the different animals. Is their joy coming at an expense...
☀☀☀Article HalloweenHalloween is a holiday that is celebrated on October 31st, and is popular in the United States, as well as...
☀☀Short Story Never or Forever?Penelope and Fredrick have been dating for two years. Tonight, on November 2, Penelope was planning on breaking up with...
☀Dialogue Moving OutHunter and his sister are talking in the dining room. Hunter: So… how much time do I have? Sally: A...
☀☀Short Story A not-so-relaxing camping tripKaren and Philip decided to go camping this weekend. They enjoyed driving out to a nearby forest and escaping the...
☀☀☀Short Story A Terrible MistakeJohn is taking his first Spanish class this semester. He has an important assignment due soon. John had promised...
☀Debate Debate: Are paper calendars worth it?The start of a new year is big business for the paper industry. Shopping malls, boutique shops, and general stores...
☀Article Tips for Indoor PlantsOne of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday is at a plant nursery picking out a new plant to...
☀☀Article Working from HomeSocial distancing has led to many people working from home. Many people associate their home with a place to unwind...
☀☀Short Story The Fun Nursing HomeFrancine was not used to being old. Even though she was 85, old by anyone’s standards, she still felt very...
☀Dialogue Making a Grocery ListMiranda and Freddy are roommates. This week is Miranda’s turn to go grocery shopping. Miranda: Hey, I’m going to go...
☀☀Debate Is social media making people anti-social?Social media has changed the way we give, receive, and share information. There isn’t a consensus on whether this change...
☀☀Short Story Surprise Birthday PartyKevin had to do a double-take – the banners, balloons, and streamers – did he walk into the wrong apartment?...
☀☀☀Short Story Stay out of my Territory!A year ago, I moved into a house with four complete strangers. Upon walking into the house, I noticed a...
☀Debate Debate: Is eating out or eating in better?Cooking is something which some people find enjoyable and relaxing, while other people think of it as consuming and burdensome....
☀☀Short Story Free at LastAs the car turned onto campus, Rob looked out the window at the town which would soon be his home....
☀Debate Debate: Are there too many streaming platforms?Discussion on whether there are too many streaming platforms.
☂Learning Tips Just Speak: Conversation Practice From Day 1My proficiency level when I arrived in France was low-beginner. I knew a couple or words and phrases, but had...
☀Debate Debate: Is Homework unnecessary?Students spend around six hours each day at school. Many students spend extra time after school doing extracurricular activities, like...
☀☀☀Poetry Craving for Spring by D. H. LawrenceThe poem Craving for Spring by D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930) anticipates the joy of a new season. Let’s read a...
☀☀Short Story But the OthersWhen Sue was eight years old, her school had Career Day, a day when parents come to class to talk...
☀☀Dialogue Waking up SickEmily woke up sick and won’t be able to go to her chemistry class today. She is calling her friend...
☀☀☀Article Are dialects and languages the same thing?Have you ever questioned it before? The difference is actually not as straight forward as you might think. For example,...
☂Learning Tips Mastering English in 12 MonthsDid you know 100% of people choose ‘Learn a New Language’ as their New Years Resolution? Okay, so maybe that’s...
☀☀Short Story The Writers Who Never WriteFrom the age of 5, Douglas knew he wanted to be a writer. He was always lost in his daydreams...
☀Dialogue Taking the BusMarissa is visiting Miami for the first time. She is getting around by bus. She asked the person at the...
☀☀Short Story Fred the ForagerFred had recently become interested in biological history. Reading about how early humans spent their days foraging for food and...
☀Composition Prompt: My Favorite PersonPractice English writing by describing someone you care about.
☀☀Article Goodbye Distractions, Hello MotivationMotivation for most people is full of ebbs and flows, of spurts of high level concentration and lows of Netflix...
☀Journal Entry Sunday DinnersGrandma had a sixth sense for dinner parties: she knew exactly when you were ready to eat, what type of...
☀☀☀Article CoronavirusThe Coronavirus is a global pandemic. The disease caused by the Coronavirus, CO-VID 19, began in China late last year....
☀☀Short Story Anxiety: be gone!“If you take this pill, all of your anxieties and worries will be gone forever,” said the witch. The thought...
☀☀☀Debate Debate: Are cellphones bad?Nowadays it’s quite common to walk into a public space and see a sea of bright blue screens. For many,...
☂Learning Tips What does “fluency” mean?“Fluency” is a word that used to scare me. I would pause before typing that word next to a language...
☀Dialogue Ordering Food at a RestaurantMacey walks into a restaurant. She walks to the counter and orders food. Employee: Hi, what can I get you?...
☀Journal Entry Rain, Rain I Guess You Can StayI’ve always loved the rain. I find it so calming to be home working on my computer listening to the...
Article Why is English so tricky to understand?Learning pronunciation “rules” separately can be really confusing. It will seem like English is an inconsistent mess when it comes...
☂Grammar Quiz Oh no! I spilled water on ____.Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence refer to the same person. In other...
☀Dialogue Getting a HaircutMelinda is walking into Ernesto’s salon to get her haircut. Ernesto: Hi, welcome to the salon. Have a seat. Melinda:...
☂Learning Tips How to become a better writerIn the beginning of a language-learning journey, writing is quite easy. Textbooks and online resources alike encourage us to start...
☀Dialogue Returning an Item to the StoreMaxine recently bought a blue dress online. When it arrived in the mail, she realized that it was too big....
☀Dialogue Job InterviewAnnabelle is waiting in the lobby for an interview. She recently graduated from law school and is hoping to secure...
☀☀☀Article Who is a “native speaker” of English?Close your eyes and picture a “native speaker” of English. Who did you picture? What did they look like? Where...
☀☀Short Story Fun FashionFelicity loved fashion and dreamed of being a fashion designer since she was a girl. Her grandma taught her how...
☀☀Article Brussels: City GuideBrussels is a city lined with architecture which is neither fully French nor fully Dutch. This city is a mix...
☀Conversation Let’s Go to the BeachTwo sisters decide to go to the beach together. In this conversation, they plan what they should take with them.
☀Short Story Housemate WantedSince being asked to move out of his sister’s house, Hunter needs to find a new apartment as soon as possible....
☀Dialogue New City, New StoriesJason: When I was 18 years old, I moved to New York to become an actor. Before I moved, I...
☀Article The Benefits of VolunteeringIn many high schools in the US, students need to finish community service hours before they graduate. This means they...
☀☀Short Story A Hidden MessageTina loved Valentine’s Day, mainly because she loved the candy hearts that have little messages written on them. One will...
