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Top Tips for Getting Ready for a New Quarter

 Starting a new quarter at American English Language School (AELS) is an exciting opportunity to continue your journey of mastering English. To make the most of your experience and set yourself up for success, here are some valuable tips to help you get ready for the upcoming quarter. Organize Your Study Space : A clean and organized study space can significantly enhance your focus and productivity. Make sure your study area is free from distractions, well-lit, and equipped with all the necessary supplies, such as notebooks, pens, textbooks, and a computer. A dedicated study space helps create a routine and signals to your brain that it’s time to learn. Set Clear Goals : Setting specific, achievable goals for the quarter can keep you motivated and on track. Whether it's improving your speaking skills, expanding your vocabulary, or mastering a particular grammar concept, having clear objectives will give you direction and purpose. Write down your goals and review them regularly to m...

Culture Week at American English Language School

  At American English Language School, we believe that language learning is deeply intertwined with cultural understanding. To foster this connection, we proudly host an annual Culture Week, a vibrant celebration of the diverse backgrounds and traditions of our students. This week-long event is a cornerstone of our community, providing an enriching experience that goes beyond the classroom and brings language and culture to life. During Culture Week, students and staff come together through a variety of activities and events. The students are taken out of the classroom to various restaurants and places so that they can practice their English and gain more confidence in the non academic world. They also have the ability to experience the community around their school with their classmates and teachers.  Our ESL (English as a Second Language) program at American English Language School is designed to support and enhance these cultural exchanges. Our comprehensive curriculum focu...

TOEFL Preparation at American English Language School

 The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a crucial step for non-native English speakers aspiring to study at English-speaking universities. Achieving a high score on the TOEFL can open doors to academic opportunities and enhance your career prospects. At American English Language School, our TOEFL preparation class is meticulously designed to help you excel in this essential exam. Our TOEFL preparation class provides comprehensive coverage of all four test sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. We employ a variety of teaching methods to ensure that students develop the necessary skills and strategies to succeed. For instance, our reading sessions focus on improving comprehension and speed, while our listening exercises help students become adept at understanding different accents and extracting key information. Speaking practice includes simulated test scenarios to build confidence and fluency, and our writing instruction emphasizes clarity, coherence, an...

Understanding the Difference Between "Can" and "May"

  One of the subtleties of English that often confuses ESL learners is the proper use of "can" versus "may." While both words are used to ask for permission, they are used in different contexts and have distinct connotations. "Can" is generally used to denote ability or capacity. For example, "Can you swim?" is asking if someone has the ability to swim. It is also used informally to ask for permission, especially in casual conversation, such as, "Can I use your phone?" However, using "can" in formal settings or with people you do not know well can come off as impolite or overly casual. On the other hand, "may" is traditionally used to ask for permission in a more polite and formal manner. For example, "May I leave the table?" shows respect and is considered more appropriate in formal or respectful contexts. "May" is less commonly used to talk about ability, but it is the go-to choice for permissio...

hanging Status from B1/B2 to F-1 Visa: Understanding the Benefits and Reasons

In the realm of visa statuses in the United States, the shift from a B1/B2 tourist or business visa to an F-1 student visa is not uncommon. This transition marks a significant change in purpose and opens up a myriad of opportunities for individuals seeking educational enrichment and professional advancement. Let's delve into the reasons behind this shift and explore the benefits it brings. Educational Pursuits: One of the primary motivations for changing status from B1/B2 to F-1 is to pursue academic endeavors in the U.S. The country boasts a plethora of esteemed educational institutions offering diverse programs and opportunities for intellectual growth. By obtaining an F-1 visa, individuals can enroll in accredited academic or language programs, enhancing their knowledge and skill set in their chosen field. Long-Term Stay: While B1/B2 visas allow for short-term visits for tourism or business purposes, they come with limitations on the duration of stay. Conversely, an F-1 student ...

Irregular Verbs in the Past Tense

Learning to use irregular verbs in the past tense can be one of the more challenging aspects of English grammar for ESL students. Unlike regular verbs, which simply take an "-ed" ending to form the past tense (e.g., "walk" becomes "walked"), irregular verbs do not follow a consistent pattern. This means that each irregular verb must be memorized, which can be daunting. However, with practice and effective strategies, it is entirely possible to master them. Irregular verbs can take many forms in the past tense. For example, the verb "go" changes to "went," the verb "see" changes to "saw," and the verb "take" changes to "took." There are no rules to predict these changes, so the best approach is to learn them through practice and repetition. Consider using flashcards, engaging in conversation practice, and reading extensively to become more familiar with these verbs. Some other common irregular verb...

Understanding the Simple Present Tense and Present Continuous Tense

 Learning when to use the simple present tense and the present continuous tense is a fundamental part of mastering English. These two tenses are used frequently in everyday conversation and writing, and understanding their differences is crucial for clear communication. The simple present tense is used for actions that are habitual or generally true. For example, we say, "She walks to school every day," to describe a routine action. This tense is also used for facts and generalizations, such as, "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius" or "Dogs are loyal animals." Additionally, we use the simple present for scheduled events in the near future, like "The train leaves at 6 PM." On the other hand, the present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or around the current time period. For instance, "She is walking to school right now" indicates an action occurring at this moment. It is also used ...