Learning Focus

How you view language learning matters

If you had to draw a picture of your language learning journey, what would it look like? It’s really important...

English Idioms

Quiz: Is it advice or advise?

Debate: Should composting be free?

Composting is an excellent way to lower household waste, keep organic matter (opens in a new tab) out of landfills,...

Fund My Dreams

When Melody was fifteen years old, her grandmother gave her a necklace which belonged to her great-great-grandmother. It was beautiful...

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...

Debate: Are video games worth it?

Small Talk on the First Day of Classes

Rebecca and Santiago are sitting next to each other on the first day of the semester.  Rebecca: Hi, I’m Rebecca. ...

Tips for Managing Anxiety

In less than three months, a disease transformed into a pandemic infecting thousands of people around the world. The pace...

Spring Cleaning with a Hoarder

Samantha was a hoarder. She loved to organize, but could not get rid of objects that were sentimental, or items...

Taking the Bus

Marissa is visiting Miami for the first time. She is getting around by bus. She asked the person at the...

Debate: Are there too many streaming platforms?

Out With the Old, in With the New

Lesson Learned

When I was a child, I loved scaring my younger sister. I would hide behind doors and yell “boo!” several...

Tips for Traveling Light

Backpacking is a popular way to travel. The name comes from the fact that you pack everything you need into...

New City, New Stories

Jason: When I was 18 years old, I moved to New York to become an actor. Before I moved, I...

Unexpected Phone Calls

Sofia had recently changed her phone number because she was tired of receiving countless spam calls a day. It felt...

Goodbye Distractions, Hello Motivation

Motivation for most people is full of ebbs and flows, of spurts of high level concentration and lows of Netflix...

Craving for Spring by D. H. Lawrence

The poem Craving for Spring by D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930) anticipates the joy of a new season. Let’s read a...

New Year Resolutions

Finding Mañana by Mirta Ojito

Semicolon by Cecelia Watson

Ordering Pizza

Becca is calling Fromino’s to order pizza.  Roland: Hello, Fromino’s. Please hold.  Becca: Hi, ok.  After 30 seconds.  Roland: Hello? ...

Fun Fashion

Felicity loved fashion and dreamed of being a fashion designer since she was a girl. Her grandma taught her how...

Presidents’ Day

Today is Presidents’ Day, an important holiday in the United States. Many people celebrate it by enjoying a day off...

A Hidden Message

Tina loved Valentine’s Day, mainly because she loved the candy hearts that have little messages written on them. One will...

Crafting an Explicit Language Policy

Dr. Xiomara Rivera Pagán from Language Policy Consultants LLC is a leading expert on crafting personalized (equitable) language policies. In...

At-home Immersion

Have you ever heard that immersion is the most effective way to learn a language? Immersion means you travel to...

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...

Mastering English in 12 Months

Did you know 100% of people choose ‘Learn a New Language’ as their New Years Resolution? Okay, so maybe that’s...

Prompt: My Hobbies

Tips for Reading More Books

It’s hard to finish a book cover to cover. Sometimes the book you are reading has boring sections that are...

Secrets Kept by a Janitor

Johnathan was a janitor at the local high school and had been for fifteen years. He loved his job, not...

The Writers Who Never Write

From the age of 5, Douglas knew he wanted to be a writer. He was always lost in his daydreams...

Going to a Pharmacy

Lily is picking up a prescription at her local pharmacy.  Molly: Next in line.  Lily: Hi, I’m here to pick...

Tips for Sleeping Well

I have never struggled with sleep. In fact, sometimes I think I sleep too much. Sleep affects everything from mood...

What does “fluency” mean?

“Fluency” is a word that used to scare me. I would pause before typing that word next to a language...

Scheduling an Appointment with a Physical Therapist

After speaking briefly over the phone, Melissa meets Mark, a physical therapist, to work on her shoulder pain.  Mark: Hey! Thanks...

Fairest by Meredith Talusan

Don’t Think of the Elephant by George Lakoff

Vocabulary Study Tips

Students carry dictionaries, not grammar books. -McLaughlin Vocabulary is the base of all languages. On the first day of an...

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...

Unethical Practices in Journalism

This article demonstrates how passive voice and changes in verb tenses can be used to retell events that have happened...

Making Mistakes

Prompt: April Fool’s

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are never conjugated, meaning they don’t change based on time, person, or number. This should make them easier...

Funny in Farsi

Sick again!?

Carol Anne was a hypochondriac. She had never gone to a psychiatrist to get a formal diagnosis, but every morning...

Stuck in a Rut

Bilingual Chats – Porsha

Let’s Escape

“I’d like to buy a ticket to the farthest destination.” Ramon said to the attendant on the other side of...

Just Speak: Conversation Practice From Day 1

My proficiency level when I arrived in France was low-beginner. I knew a couple or words and phrases, but had...

Memorial Day: A New Meaning

Today, many Americans will reflect on the lives of people who have died during military service. Normally, this paid holiday...

Working from Home

Social distancing has led to many people working from home. Many people associate their home with a place to unwind...

Summer Memories

It was the perfect summer day. Alice looked out the window and had a view of the ocean. She could...

Book Recommendations for Intermediate ESL Learners

At an intermediate level, it is important to read material outside of your English textbook. You don’t have to be...

Calling in Sick to Work

Bob is feeling very sick. He is calling his boss, Natasha, to tell her that he cannot go to work today. ...

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...

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...

Waking up Sick

Emily woke up sick and won’t be able to go to her chemistry class today. She is calling her friend...

Small Towns vs Big Cities

Laura and Garrett are meeting at a coffeeshop in Mola.  Garret: So, do you live here in Mola? Laura: No,...

Debate: Cats vs. Dogs

People who love pets tend to divide themselves into two camps: cat people and dog people. Although there are people...

Tips for writing an effective essay

Writing an essay in a foreign language can be challenging. The key is to have a clear message you want...

Tips for Being More Eco-Friendly

Do you live an eco-friendly lifestyle? Check out these tips on improving the environment and your wallet. Buy consciously. In...

Mother’s Day

Several countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, will be celebrating Mother’s Day this coming Sunday. The holiday celebrates motherhood...

Bilingual Blues

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...

Asking a Friend for Advice

Marissa is asking her friend Bob for advice. She is considering quitting her job at the bank and going back...

Learning to Cook with Grandma

Riley is teaching her grandson, Jeremiah, how to cook.  Riley: First, let’s take out all of the ingredients. We’re going...

Business Networking – Part 2

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...

Ice Skating

Kate and her friends are in line to go ice skating. They are waiting to purchase their tickets.  Fred: Hi!...

Rain, Rain I Guess You Can Stay

I’ve always loved the rain. I find it so calming to be home working on my computer listening to the...

Bilingual Chats: Fernando

Ordering Ice Cream – Part 1

But the Others

When Sue was eight years old, her school had Career Day, a day when parents come to class to talk...

Moving Out

Hunter and his sister are talking in the dining room. Hunter: So… how much time do I have? Sally: A...

False Friends: Brazilian Portuguese

Brazilian learners beware! English and Portuguese are full of words that appear to be the same, but unlike cognates, they...

How to Gain Confidence Speaking English

A not-so-relaxing camping trip

Karen and Philip decided to go camping this weekend. They enjoyed driving out to a nearby forest and escaping the...

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...

Learning English in Miami

The Pros & Cons of Solo Travel

Solo travel, especially solo female travel, is marketed as an activity people should try at least once in their lives....

Business Networking – Part 1

Housemate Wanted

Since being asked to move out of his sister’s house, Hunter needs to find a new apartment as soon as possible....

Does language affect thought?

Languages have different structures. Some languages, like German or Spanish, have grammatical genders. Some languages, like Greek or Russian, have...

Sharing is caring (sort of)

The Benefits of Volunteering

In many high schools in the US, students need to finish community service hours before they graduate. This means they...

How to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

A Year in Review: 2020 Snaps

The year 2020 has been quite chaotic and full of unexpected occurrences. Our hearts are heavy as we look back...

Brussels: City Guide

Brussels is a city lined with architecture which is neither fully French nor fully Dutch. This city is a mix...

Grocery Delivery

Anita works for a grocery delivery program. Everyday, she logs onto the Groceries 2Day app to see if any customers...

Asking for Directions – Part 1

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...

Buying New Shoes

Doug walks into a shoe store hoping to find a new pair of sneakers he could use at the gym....

Enhance your Habits

Everyone has habits. From brushing your teeth to drinking coffee every morning, most people have more habits than they would...

Tips for Language Learning from Linguist Dr. Adele Goldberg

In this video, Christian from Canguro English interviews linguist Adele Goldberg. They talk about topics ranging from how babies learn...

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....

Prompt: My Goals for 2021

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...

Recipe Instructions

Melissa and Carla are speaking over the phone. Melissa asks for cooking advice. Carla gives Melissa a recipe for a...

Let’s be Positive

Patrick is a pessimist, and has been his whole life. He can’t believe that some people walk outside and say...

How to Practice English Conversation

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?...

The Morning Routine of a Night Owl

Martha has a consistent morning routine. Being a mother of two sons, and not exactly a morning bird, Martha set...

Life in Miami: Summer with Kids

Summer is a great time for kids, but what about parents? Below are some keywords and concepts to help you...

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...

Never or Forever?

Penelope and Fredrick have been dating for two years. Tonight, on November 2, Penelope was planning on breaking up with...

Halloween

Halloween is a holiday that is celebrated on October 31st, and is popular in the United States, as well as...

Carrie’s First and Last Blind Late

Carrie was not fond of blind dates, but when her best friend Sally told her that she had found her...

New City, New Friends

Anna and Jason are meeting for the first time. Anna: Hello, are you Jason? Jason: Yes, I’m Jason. Nice to...

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,...

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...

Benefits of Owning a Cat

Cats have a bad rap for being moody and independent. Many people forget that cats, like humans, all have different...

Zurich: City Guide

In a country known for its chocolate, cheese, and mountains lies its biggest city Zurich. In summer, Zurich has warm...

A Terrible Mistake

John is taking his first Spanish class this semester. He has an important assignment due soon.   John had promised...

Hopeless Love

Getting a Haircut

Melinda is walking into Ernesto’s salon to get her haircut.  Ernesto: Hi, welcome to the salon. Have a seat.  Melinda:...

Learning The Grammar of Animacy

Free at Last

As the car turned onto campus, Rob looked out the window at the town which would soon be his home....

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: Valentine’s Day

February 14th has become a popular day to celebrate love, relationships, and all things chocolate. But has the holiday gotten...

Scattered all over the Earth by Yoko Tawada

Ben’s Packing Tips

Many of you have read the story of the time I procrastinated to pack and ended up missing my flight....

Flight Services

Lindsay is a flight attendant. Claire is a passenger in economy class.  Lindsay: Ladies and gentlemen we have now reached...

April Fools’ Day

One of my biggest regrets is failing Driver’s Ed so many times. I don’t know why but driving didn’t come...

Making a Grocery List

Miranda and Freddy are roommates. This week is Miranda’s turn to go grocery shopping.  Miranda: Hey, I’m going to go...

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...

General Conversation

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...

Tips for Indoor Plants

One of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday is at a plant nursery picking out a new plant to...

Sunday Dinners

Grandma had a sixth sense for dinner parties: she knew exactly when you were ready to eat, what type of...

Studying English in School

Fred the Forager

Fred had recently become interested in biological history. Reading about how early humans spent their days foraging for food and...

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...

Negation in the Past Tense

In English, negation requires the auxiliary verb “do” if the main verb of the sentence is not “be” or a...

I have a Dream

On August 28th, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered one of the world’s most iconic speeches. It targeted major human...

The Handsomest Drowned Man in The World by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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,...

Small Talk

Eva is in the elevator. The doors open and Peter walks in. Eva: What floor? Peter: Lobby, please. Oh, it’s...

A Messy 4th of July

Melany and her husband are hosting a July 4th barbecue. Jonathan: Hey honey… how’s the salad going?Melany: Great! Almost done with...

Ordering Ice Cream – Part 2

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....

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...

Word-crossed Lovers

Ruth is 75 years old. For the past 40 years, she has started her day by reading the newspaper while...

Asking for Directions – Part 2

Surprise Birthday Party

Kevin had to do a double-take – the banners, balloons, and streamers – did he walk into the wrong apartment?...

Too tired!

Coronavirus

The Coronavirus is a global pandemic. The disease caused by the Coronavirus, CO-VID 19, began in China late last year....

WYR: Teleportation or time travel…?

Asking for Help at a Store

Linda is at a store and cannot find her size for a shirt she would like to buy.  Linda: Hi,...

Parking

Two friends are discussing parking arrangements, listen to the audio clip before reading the transcript. A: Did you park in...

English Learning Toolkit

Syntax: The Golden Rule to Learning English Grammar

Syntax refers to a language’s word order. In English, the word order is very strict, meaning that it is almost...

Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks

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...

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...

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...

Ordering Food at a Restaurant

Macey walks into a restaurant. She walks to the counter and orders food.  Employee: Hi, what can I get you?...

Quiz: Is it faze or phase?

The Anxiety of Learning a New Language

For many people, learning a new language causes a lot of anxiety. Will I sound unintelligent if I make a...

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?...

Last Minute Packer

Ben’s suitcase is almost as small as a carry-on. There’s enough space for a few t-shirts and board-shorts, a light...

Borderlands by Gloria Anzaldúa

Rethinking the Brazilian Amazon with Márcia Wayna Kambeba

How to Memorize New Vocabulary

Do you ever struggle to learn or recall new words? If you do, you’re not alone! As an intermediate to...

Older Sister by Jenny Heijun Wills

How to become a better writer

In the beginning of a language-learning journey, writing is quite easy. Textbooks and online resources alike encourage us to start...

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...

No, not yet

My great-grandmother was going to die. The doctors told us that she had a lot of internal bleeding and since...

Prompt: The Road Not Taken

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...

Hi, I’m Lonely

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...

Quiz: Is it breath or breathe?

The Dreaded Dentist

Mark hates going to the dentist. It takes him months to even make an appointment. He usually goes once every...

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...

A Fishy Situation

Prompt: My Surroundings

Tips for Preparing for a Hurricane

A hurricane is in the Atlantic ocean and appears to be heading towards Venica, the city where Mary and Frank...

Looking Ahead: 2021 Snaps

Airport Delays

How do you prepare for airport delays? In addition to packing for your destination, it’s important to pack for the...

A Walk in the Park

Janice enjoys going on long walks. After having breakfast and drinking a cup of hot coffee, she puts on a jacket...

Ghosts in my Mind

Macey is already in bed. It is only 9PM. Her three pillows and two blankets make it so that her...

Tips for Buying Clothes Second Hand

Buying clothes second hand, also known as thrifting, is a great way to save money and help the environment. You...

Making homemade gifts

Nothing is quite like the excitement of finding the perfect gift for your friend or family member. Around the holidays,...

The Fun Nursing Home

Francine was not used to being old. Even though she was 85, old by anyone’s standards, she still felt very...

Debate: Is Homework unnecessary?

Students spend around six hours each day at school. Many students spend extra time after school doing extracurricular activities, like...

Common American Gestures

Gestures are motions made by the body which carry meaning. This ranges (at least in America) from a nod of...

Anxiety: be gone!

“If you take this pill, all of your anxieties and worries will be gone forever,” said the witch. The thought...

Fear of Flying

Mary is terrified of flying. She asks her coworker Andy for advice.  Mary: I bought my ticket to visit my...

Short Answers

A conversation like this is not very common: Alex: Do you want a glass of water?Kate: Yes, I want a...

Kiss me, I’m Irish!

Big Mouth!

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Let’s Go to the Beach

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...

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...

Juneteenth Celebration

Bilingual Chats: Allison

Prompt: My Favorite Person

Job Interview

Annabelle is waiting in the lobby for an interview. She recently graduated from law school and is hoping to secure...

Like, stop telling us what to sound like

How to Find the Best Place to Exercise

If you live in a big city, you may have noticed numerous new gyms and fitness studios popping up. There...

On Being Crazy by W.E.B. du Bois

Are wedding rings outdated?

In many cultures, wedding rings signify a romantic union. But has this practice become outdated? Put a Ring on it!...

Earth Day Poetry

Making a Doctor’s Appointment

Angela calls the doctor’s office to make an appointment for a physical exam.  Mark: Hello, this is Dr. Williams’ office....

Returning an Item to the Store

Maxine recently bought a blue dress online. When it arrived in the mail, she realized that it was too big....

Asking Your Boss for an Extension

Mark is tasked with having 100 customers complete a survey by the end of this month. It is the last...

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...

Video: Balcony Garden

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: 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...

Life with Pets

Here at Language Snaps, we’re no strangers to writing about animals. We wrote a lesson on the age-old cats vs...

But First, Coffee

Mike is next in line to order coffee.  Jenna: Hi! Welcome to Miller Cafe! What can I get you? Mike:...

Bilingual Chats – Felipe