Concordancers Can Help

Sometimes the right way to use a word in a sentence can elude students. Fortunately, concordancers can help resolve any uncertainty.  Users enter words, phrases or structures into the concordancer which outputs a list of all instances of the word, phrase, or distributed structures along with immediate contexts, from a corpus or text collection. Many concordancers are available on the Internet. My favourite is the Université du Québec à Montréal Lextutor concordancer. Click the image below to try it. The interface may seems frightening, but don't worry because all you need to do to get a concordance is enter is the keyword(s) and choose a Corpus . Once you get better at it you can try out the options and other controls. 



http://www.lextutor.ca/concordancers/concord_e.html

Here is sample output so you know what to expect:



Concordancer Sample Output

American English Pronunciation

If you're looking for pronunciation help, you must visit and subscribe to Eva Easton's YouTube Channel. There are close to one hundred videos on more topics than you can shake a stick at. There are also several useful grammar videos. Click the image below to visit the Eva Easton's YouTube Channel. Don't forget to check her website http://evaeaston.com/ because you'll find interesting and useful material there too!

http://www.youtube.com/user/evaeaston

Students and Teachers Get Out Your Defibrillators Now!

You'd better learn CPR because you're having an English Attack! This site lets teachers teach and learners learn like never before. It's focused on increased and enhanced exposure to English through entertainment. Great videos, photos, and games abound. The site states: "Our approach is anchored in the latest EFL/ESL pedagogical thinking, including the lexical and communicative methods; a lexical approach to grammar; and contextual learning. We reinforce this by applying the principles of cognitive neuroscience (a non-threatening learning environment; stimulation of learning via emotion; motivation through discovery; repetition to enhance retention; learning by doing) and games-based learning (immediate reinforcement; challenge vs. stress; "failure" as a normal part of the learning curve; very achievable rewards and enhanced social status instead of grades and proficiency tests), especially those most relevant to teen and young adult language learners". Click below and see for yourself.

english-attack.com

Perhaps My Favorite

Of all the words games I play, Boggle is perhaps my favourite. It's fun, easy, and educational. English students at any level can play. The number of players is from one to however many can be squeezed around the table. Click here to read a little more about the history and rules of Boggle. Most department store toy sections carry Boggle. Last time I checked, the game cost was under $20 and I recommend buying this box version. For me the iphone/ipad version is better than any online version. Click below if you want to try an online version just get a feel for the game. If you enjoy using and expanding your vocabulary Boggle is for you.


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Boggle - Box Version

If you can't find the box set above, there is a newer version which looks like the image below. I've never tried it but it's probably all right.

Newer Version of Boogle

Great for Spelling and Vocabulary

To create and practice spelling and vocabulary word lists, here is a great site. Students, teachers and parents should be interested because it features a comprehensive set of interactive spelling lessons, games and exercises. Unlimited practice is available on each topic which allows thorough mastery of the concepts. Click below to visit the site:


aaaSpell.com



More Favourite Games and Puzzles

If you're like me, you often get the urge to do a crossword puzzle. The Universal and Newsday Crosswords are two of my favourites. I know they're not in the same league as the NY Times Crossword but for me their degrees of difficulty (which usually augment as the week progresses) is just about right. Click on the puzzles below and you can print them out or complete them on line. 

                                                           

   Universal Crossword

Newsday Crossword

Which Dictionary?

Students often ask me for advice on which dictionary they should buy. I always advise them:


1) Never buy a dictionary at the buck store. Those dictionaries aren't worth the paper they're printed on.
2) Buy a dictionary that includes both American and British English.
3) The dictionary should provide understandable pronunciation detail and other etymological information.


So which dictionary satisfies the criteria? The Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary satisfies the criteria and it's not all that expensive under $30. It's not compact enough to carry to class but it's one you will want at your desk for as long as you're a student and throughout your entire work career.


For about $150  The Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary comes in pocket-size electronic form and offers audio for pronunciation as well as annual online update.

Some Favorite Games and Puzzles

I think it's time for me to begin sharing some of my all time favourite games. They're all fun and help me improve my vocabulary. I'm sure they'll help you. Click the logos and check out JUMBLE and Fowl Words. I know you'll enjoy them. You may need to install Shockwave.

Great Book

Do yourself a favour and check this book. It's a great pronunciation aid.


Elements Of Pronunciation

Welcome

So let's get to it!