After admiring these acer tree leaves today, I was reminded of a memorable conversation among the Dashwood sisters in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (1811): “Dear, dear Norland,” said Elinor, “probably looks much as it always does at this time of the year. The woods and walks [are] thickly covered with dead leaves.” “Oh,” cried Marianne, “with […]
When we are learning a language, we often memorise new vocabulary by using flashcards or repeatedly writing out lists of words. These methods can be helpful, but not everyone remembers what they have so diligently studied afterwards! 🤔 A French teacher once shared a very helpful tip with me, and I want to share it
Lesson #115: Some Tips for Memorising Even More Vocabulary Read More »
This morning, we picked some flowers from our garden to brighten the kitchen. I think one of them is a carnation, the other a dianthus, but I am open to correction! It brought to mind a passage in one of my favourite books, Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South (1854): ‘… the sun-flower, shining fair, Ray
Lesson #113: Searching for the Best Words to Describe the Small Things in Life Read More »
Have you ever heard the advice: ‘You should READ MORE to improve your English’? When I try to get better at something, like French, I always hear the same thing. Additionally, I agree with the advice that reading increases your vocabulary and helps you become aware of the language’s natural turn of phrase. I’ll be
Lesson #111: Finding a Reading Partner (or Buddy) can Improve Your English Read More »
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL Seeing this rose in my garden reminds me of the process of learning and improving our competence in any language. We learn one language word by word, step by step, layer by layer, just like these rose petals overlay each other. Another point of similarity: as these petals are relatively small, the slow
Lesson #109: Steps for Enriching Your Writing with the Right Vocabulary Read More »
ADVANCED LEVEL More autumnal fruits from the garden! I hope to make applesauce by peeling these apples, chopping them into small chunks, then placing them in a saucepan with a little water and allowing them to simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring them gently. It reminds me of how the British novelist George Eliot
Lesson #102: Enjoying Autumn Fruits with George Eliot’s ‘Middlemarch’ Read More »