What You Say in English! artwork

What You Say in English!

121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago -

It's a weekly podcast where I listen to you and give you my professional feedback on how you use grammar, vocabulary, discourse, and pronunciation. I will also share some tips and ideas with everyone out there who wishes to improve on their speaking. Go to the companion website: http://whatyousayinenglish.wordpress.com, check the questions of the month to get started. Be brave! Send your recordings to [email protected]. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/support

Language Learning Education
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Episodes

Episode 39: Unpacking Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in ELT with Laura Patsko

July 30, 2023 10:00 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MB

In this final episode of the third season of What You Say in English, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Laura Patsko, a language and communication specialist with a focus on English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). We delved into complex concepts such as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Inclusive Education. Laura's insights into these topics were enlightening, and it was fascinating to explore their implication...

Episode 38: Unleashing the Power of Community in Education with Kate Bodrova.

July 23, 2023 10:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Bodrova, co-founder of the innovative EdTech startup, Amazy. We explored her journey from a language-loving student to an entrepreneur, and how her passion for teaching and belief in the power of community led to the creation of Amazy. This platform is truly revolutionizing language learning, empowering educators to become more independent, visible, and financially successful. We discussed how Amazy allows teachers to share and monet...

Episode 37: Breaking Barriers in ELT - A Chat with Rachel Tsateri on Pronunciation, Teacher Talk, and Nativespeakerism

July 16, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MB

In this episode of What You Say in English, I had the pleasure of hosting Rachel Tsateri, an inspiring figure in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). We delved into various aspects of Rachel's work, including her passion for teaching pronunciation for listening purposes and her insights on teacher and trainer talk. We also touched on the topic of nativespeakerism, a subject very dear to me and one that Rachel, along with other figures in the field, has been actively challenging. Thi...

Episode 36: Javier Bardem's English skills

July 09, 2023 16:22 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MB

In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delve into the English language skills of renowned Spanish actor Javier Bardem. I explore his journey with English, from his self-professed method of learning English through rock music to his current fluency. Through an analysis of several interviews, I highlight Bardem's effective storytelling skills, his use of discourse norms, and his unique personality that shines through his English communication. Despite minor grammatical and vocabulary ...

Episode 35: IELTS Speaking test with Romelia + Feedback

July 02, 2023 09:55 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

In this episode, I'm diving into the intricacies of the IELTS speaking test with my dear friend and former student, Romelia. After recently passing her C1 Advanced exam from Cambridge, Romelia reached out to me for a one-to-one speaking assessment. We decided to opt for an IELTS speaking test, which I believe fits her needs perfectly. You'll get to listen to Romelia's entire speaking test, after which I'll provide my professional assessment based on the IELTS speaking criteria. Romelia has a...

Episode 34: Embracing Plurilingualism in Language Assessment

June 25, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MB

In this episode of "What You Say in English," I explore the fascinating world of plurilingualism and its impact on language assessment. I delve into the definition of plurilingualism, its growing recognition in language learning, and how it challenges the traditional monolingual approach. Throughout the episode, I discuss how language testing bodies like Cambridge Assessment English are incorporating plurilingualism into their assessments. We explore innovative approaches such as cross-ling...

Episode 33: C2 Proficiency Mock Speaking Exam with Kamar and Sahar + Commentary

June 18, 2023 11:03 - 1 hour - 122 MB

Today's episode brings you two amazing candidates: Kamar and Sahar. They did an incredible job in this C2 Proficiency mock speaking and I can't wait for you to listen to them. As usual, this episode comes packed with advice, so take your notepad and start jotting down all the tips I have for them. Remember you can also download the visuals I used for this mock. This episode is almost 1.30 hours but I think it's absolutely worth it. Visuals for the exam As always, please contact me if you w...

Episode 32: C1/C2 Listening Part 1 (Strategies and Explanations)

June 11, 2023 10:00 - 51 minutes - 70.4 MB

This time, I'm bringing another task designed by me, which I hope you find useful. It could be used to train your listening skills on your own or if you're a teacher, with your class. If you need the isolated listening track, get in contact and I'll make it available to you. I also explain how I recommend these tasks should be done in study mode and as a class activity with a group. I curated the material from the input I got from chatGPT. Speaking of which, it's a great tool, but still need...

Episode 31: Unlocking Success: Mastering Cambridge Exam Reading Papers

June 04, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MB

In this episode of 'What You Say in English,' I delved into the reading papers of the B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency Cambridge exams. We explored the challenges learners and teachers face at each level and discussed effective strategies for developing reading skills. Throughout the episode, I shared activities and strategies for each part of the reading papers, focusing on key areas such as skimming, scanning, and vocabulary comprehension. I emphasized the importance ...

Episode 30: Overcoming Language Anxiety and Linguistic Racism in English

May 28, 2023 10:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

In this episode, I explore the issue of confidence, or lack thereof, among English learners when speaking, especially with native speakers. I delve into the phenomenon of 'language anxiety' or 'communication apprehension,' and discuss how it can significantly affect the performance and progress of English language learners. I also touch on the issue of 'linguistic racism' or 'accent discrimination,' and how it contributes to language anxiety. Throughout the episode, I provide practical tips...

Episode 29: IELTS Speaking Test - TikTok Challenge 2

May 21, 2023 10:25 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

This is another follower who kindly did one of the IELTS speaking tests I've posted on my TikTok channel. The specific one she did can be found in this link. Of course, you can also do it yourself and create a duet and tag me if you're looking for feedback. I'll be more than happy to showcase your wonderful skills in my podcast. In this particular case, it's a girl from Zambia, which is quite interesting because Zambia has English as an official language and although they speak it as their ...

Episode 28: Using simple and complex structures in the Cambridge speaking

May 14, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 48.9 MB

In this episode, I delved into the importance of using both simple and complex grammatical structures for candidates taking the Cambridge English exams at B2 First and C1 Advanced levels. I shared detailed analyses of four candidates' performances and highlighted their strengths and areas for improvement, providing valuable insights into how a balanced approach to grammar can enhance communication. Throughout the episode, I emphasized the need for consistent practice, learning from mistakes...

Episode 27: Enquiries, Appeals and Special Requirements in Cambridge English Exams

May 07, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 49.6 MB

In this episode, I will guide you through the process of obtaining accommodations for your Cambridge English exam and what to do if you feel your exam result is not fair. I'll be sharing crucial information about special arrangements, such as extra time, supervised breaks, and alternative formats, which can be made for candidates with hearing or speaking difficulties, specific learning difficulties, or other disabilities. We'll also discuss the Enquiry and Appeal process in detail. If you b...

Episode 26: Choosing the Right English Proficiency Exam for You

April 30, 2023 10:00 - 50 minutes - 68.8 MB

In this episode, I delve into the world of English proficiency exams, helping you navigate through the various options available and choose the best exam for your needs. We start by discussing the factors to consider when selecting an exam, such as the purpose of taking the exam, test format, availability, recognition by target institutions, and cost. Next, I provide an overview of common English proficiency exams, including IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Exams, PTE Academic, Duolingo Engli...

Episode 25: Celebrating The English International Day with an original story

April 23, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MB

Do you remember Francesco Burgio? He was my guest in episode 10 of the first season of this show. We've still kept in touch and he's just sent me an incredible message from his new home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He's doing great, his family is happy and still feels proud of his Italian accent. Way to go Francesco! Remember, this podcast is also your home! Also, the title of today's episode celebrates the international day of the English Language, a day full of activities around the world t...

Episode 24: TikTok IELTS Speaking test challenge #1

April 16, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MB

This is the first follower who did my IELTS Speaking test challenge. Of course there are more, but I've chosen this one as it's a great example of a candidate with a lot of potential to get a high band score. Check out my TikTok profile to do the same challenge, you can make a duet and tag me. I hope you enjoy this episode. My TikTok profile. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatyousayinenglish/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.c...

Episode 23: Mastering the 4 Key Listening Skills for IELTS Success

April 09, 2023 09:59 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MB

Today's episode of "What You Say in English" is super short, but I delve into the four essential listening skills crucial for acing the IELTS Listening Test: anticipation, active targeted listening, thinking and preparing, and noticing. Throughout the episode, I discuss the importance of each skill, provide insightful tips, and offer engaging activities to help my listeners improve their listening comprehension and overall IELTS performance. Additionally, I invite my audience to join me on T...

Episode 22: Assessing TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew's English skills

April 02, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MB

As it's been almost a tradition in my podcast, I'm analyzing another influential person's English. This time, I chose the CEO of TikTok, Mr. Shou Chew. He's become sort of a a celebrity of late because of the hearing in front of the US Congress to defend the app he represents, TikTok, from some serious allegations regarding user privacy and possible ties with Beijing. I chose him because he displayed an incredible command of his speaking skills. I'd say he's a role model to imitate if you wi...

Episode 21: Writing reviews at B2, C1 and C2 levels

March 26, 2023 10:00 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MB

Because not everything is listening, reading or speaking. Writing also has a space in this podcast. Today, we’ll be looking at what makes a good review for Cambridge exams. I’m bringing three examples at three different levels: B2, C1 and C2. Also, I’m adding an extra review on the recent installment of Shazam! Fury of the Gods! Pay close attention to the vocabulary and expressions I’ve used and start building your own set. Download the 4 reviews below: Download the reviews on PDF. Remembe...

Episode 20: Advanced Listening part 4: Strategies and practice task

March 19, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MB

In today's episode of What You Say in English, we dive deep into part 4 of the listening exam for C1 and C2 students. This challenging task requires you to understand the gist of five short monologues and complete two parallel multiple-matching tasks. We break down the essential skills you'll need to develop, such as listening for gist, understanding context, and developing listening strategies. Additionally, we discuss tips and techniques to help you succeed in this demanding task. Finally,...

Episode 19: International Women's Day Exam Task [RUE pt 5]

March 12, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 45 MB

For this episode, I wanted to commemorate International Women's Day, which took place this last March, 8. I've created a Reading and Use of English part 5 exam task. So, I know how much you guys like to just "listen" to the show, but this time, I want you to practice a little for your upcoming exam. If you've already taken it, then use it as a way to learn new vocabulary. Make sure you download the task, the answers and explanations, as well as the accompanying video I created for you.  Exa...

Episode 18: Can you use AI to check your exam writing?

March 05, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MB

In this episode, I explore the use of artificial intelligence-powered tools like ChatGPT3 for improving writing skills for Cambridge exams. ChatGPT3 can provide instant feedback on grammar, vocabulary, syntax, sentence structure, and organization, as well as generate prompts and provide suggestions for improvement. It's a valuable supplement to traditional writing instruction and can help students build confidence and motivation. The use of AI-powered tools has made language learning more ac...

Episode 17: Silent Letters in English

February 26, 2023 16:04 - 56 minutes - 77.9 MB

Episode 17 of "What You Say in English" explores the topic of silent letters in English. The episode explains that silent letters in English are a way of preserving the history of the language and are often relics of the pronunciation of words in their original languages. The episode also discusses why silent letters are important for both pronunciation and spelling, and how phonics can be helpful in teaching children and English learners about silent letters. By understanding silent letters...

Episode 16: Reacting to Rosalia's English [Feedback and commentary]

February 19, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 78.3 MB

This time I wanted to go back to analyzing other people's English. I've chosen Rosalia, the incredibly popular singer from Spain, to give people another role model they can follow. Despite some limitations, she's quite fluent. She showed great confidence and aplomb during this first interview in an American Late Night talk show. She had fun and let everybody know that she can handle herself just fine. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did when analyzing her English.  Don't forget t...

Episode 15: Is Spaced Repetition the Key to Effective Vocabulary Building?

February 12, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MB

In this episode, I delve into the topic of spaced repetition and its impact on vocabulary building. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals in order to reinforce memory. I discuss the importance of finding the right frequency of repetition and the fact that this frequency will vary from person to person, depending on factors such as prior knowledge, memory capacity, and available study time. The episode covers common spaced repe...

Episode 14: Preparing for your English exam on your own?

February 05, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Today's episode is dedicated to everyone who is preparing for the IELTS, Cambridge exam (or any other English proficiency exam) on their own. It's a difficult road to follow, but filled with learning opportunities. I will give you here some pointers on how to start, what to consider, where to look for materials and other important things. I start by telling you what the possibilities are and the types of tests available, the importance of simulating the exam conditions, how to understand you...

Episode 13: Active listening and note-taking for learning success

January 29, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MB

In today's episode, we're talking about the importance of active listening and note-taking for acing exams. Active listening is key for understanding the meaning behind the words and picking up on key information to take notes on. As for note-taking, it's important to find a technique that works best for you, like the Cornell Method, Outline Method, Mapping Method, Charting Method, Sentence Method, and Mind Map Method. Each one is suited for a different type of information and exam format. R...

Episode 12: Lander Hawes, English teacher and CEO of Kinjugo, introduces "Preposition Safecracker"

January 22, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MB

In this episode of What You Say in English, I sit down with Lander Hawes, CEO of Kinjugo, an EdTech startup that has developed a game for learners of English who are preparing for IELTS called 'Preposition Safecracker'. This is the first video episode of the podcast and listeners on Spotify will be able to watch it on their devices and desktop app. Lander explains how the game, which is designed to make repetition and learning more engaging and fun, is specifically geared towards preparing f...

Episode 11: Debunking myths about the IELTS speaking test

January 15, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MB

In this episode, I do the role of an IELTS Speaking Mythbuster. I set to debunk four common misconceptions surrounding the IELTS Speaking exam. I discuss the importance of using language precisely, flexibly, and appropriately, rather than relying on "big words" to get a high band score. I also address the myth that students must have a British or American accent to do well in the exam, emphasizing that accent is not an evaluation criterion and that any accent is acceptable as long as the spe...

Episode 10: Tips for your language resolutions for 2023

January 08, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MB

As my new wish for 2023, I want to thank all of my listeners for their support. I hope you've enjoyed my episodes and have found them helpful in your language learning journey. In today's episode, I'm going to be talking about learning English and setting new year's resolutions. Whether you're just starting out on your language-learning journey, or you're looking for ways to boost your progress, this episode is for you. I'll be discussing the importance of setting specific, achievable, and...

Episode 9: An official IELTS speaking test and commentary

December 18, 2022 12:33 - 54 minutes - 75.4 MB

For the last episode of the year, I wanted to retake the IELTS speaking test. Here, I'm using a recording which is available on the official IELTS website. It's not a full recording, but it will serve to understand how the speaking criteria should be applied when preparing for the exam. Make sure you have a copy of the speaking scales with you, as I will quote from them at times. Also, download the accompanying prompts and transcript. You will be able to highlight and write down my comments ...

Episode 8: Big news from Cambridge Assessment English and Cambridge exams set texts

December 11, 2022 11:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MB

These things rarely happen... That we get big news from Cambridge Assessment English. The organization is undergoing some major rebranding and redesign, not only about their corporate image, but with the way they will handle exams. They'll remove tasks, add other options to take the exams, and 'finally' embrace some new technology to offer new ways of going through the Cambridge experience, among other things. If you're preparing to take the exam any time between what is left of the year or ...

Episode 7: C1 Reading and Use of English part 6 - The Cross-text Multiple Matching

December 04, 2022 15:56 - 1 hour - 83.6 MB

We're approaching the end of the year. And as usual, Anchor published my wrapped for 2022 and it's nothing but good news. This podcast has grown exponentially. If you wish to see it, visit this link. Most of the growth is probably because of the number of new listeners from India. I'm here for you guys! I'll try to cover more about the IELTS exam. As promised, this is the first episode in which I experiment with other parts of the Cambridge exams. I've created this task which is slightly hi...

Episode 6: Consonant clusters

November 27, 2022 11:00 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MB

The previous episode had a great reception. So much so that I decided to extend on how to improve your fluency and intelligibility by working on your consonant clusters. The five sample sentences are: O n my first trip, I traveled the length and breadth of Sri Lanka. Scientists say that humans’ sixth sense can be explained. Last February, meteorologists measured the temperature in the forests in the Arctic circle. He asks exactly what we need to know about the nuclear program. She liked...

Episode 5: Reacting to Tenoch Huerta's English on Jimmy Kimmel live.

November 13, 2022 18:55 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MB

It's been some time since I haven't reacted to a celebrity's English. This time is Black Panther's Prince Namor, Tenoch Huerta. Personally, I don't know how long he's been learning English, but he behaved like a champion in this interview. You can listen to how he used natural fluency to overcome his lack of grammatical and phonological control. You too can deliver a successful interview for live TV without having to master English with the mastery of a C2 speaker. Tenoch is an excellent rol...

Episode 4: C2 Full Mock Speaking with Francisco and Maria

November 06, 2022 12:54 - 1 hour - 83.9 MB

This is yet another C2 Speaking mock with two great students: Francisco and Maria. They'll soon take their exams and wanted to do one last mock speaking with me before their big day. The questions and the visuals can be downloaded from here: Examiner's questions Candidate Visuals part 2 Candidate Visuals part 3 I'm sharing the examiner's questions, as I know there are other teachers who would like to do the same exam with other students. I recycled some questions from other sources, but ...

Episode 3: How polywords can help you improve your fluency in speaking and more

October 30, 2022 12:35 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MB

This idea of thinking of groups of words as one unit is nothing new, but it might help you think of different word categories (e.g., idioms, phrasal verbs, fixed phrases, binomials, among others) as having more things in common as you might have initially thought. They're Polywords. I've prepared some activities that can help you understand polywords better: Matching task Reading and Use of English part 1 (C1/C2) Reading and Use of English part 2 (C1/C2) Answers can be found here. --- ...

Episode 2: Understanding Part 2: the individual Long Turn at C1 Advanced

October 23, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MB

This episode is devoted to explaining how students can ace the second part of the speaking test: The Long Turn. As I mention in the episode, you can prepare the way you wish to organize your discourse, but not what vocabulary or grammar you will use. You will listen to three students speaking about three sets of images. They all had time to prepare and even write down what they wanted to say. So, when preparing, this might be a good idea to get used to the structure of your answer. You'll se...

Episode 1: Chat with teacher and ELT author Ethan Mansur

October 16, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

I met Ethan back when I worked for International House Madrid. He's the sort of person you'd love to work with: knowledgeable, experienced, and, most importantly, quite approachable whenever you had doubts about your teaching. Nowadays, he keeps quite busy writing materials for exam preparation, Teacher Training courses and is also quite active in delivering presentations at many teaching conventions. Macmillan Publishers called him to write the Teachers Books for the newest edition of their...

Minicast 05: Wild, Wild West

July 31, 2022 12:00 - 4 minutes - 6.84 MB

Today, I'm bringing some American expressions that have been used worldwide. And they come from the time when the United States of America became independent from Great Britain, and the original 13 colonies expanded to the west. As usual, the transcript can be downloaded from here. How do you like these minicasts? Send your opinions to [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayin...

Minicast 04: The name of the game

July 24, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 5.81 MB

Today's minicast is rather musical, because of the references I'm using, but all three idioms actually come from the sports world. As usual, I open with some real-life examples and tell you how you can use them in your everyday life and during speaking exams. The transcript can be downloaded from here.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/support

Minicast 03: France is bacon

July 17, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 6.76 MB

Who doesn't want more knowledge? Today I'm bringing three wonderful expressions with the word knowledge. One of them, knowledge is power, even has a funny story of a guy who misunderstood it until he was an adult. Read more about this by following this link. As always, this minicast has a transcript that you can download from here.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/support

Minicast 02: The sword in the word.

July 10, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 5.57 MB

A sword is a fantastic weapon. It can cause admiration and terrible fear in people. Maybe that's why we've coined so many expressions with it. Today, you'll learn three fantastic ways in which you can use it during speaking exams. As in the previous minicast, download the transcript from here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/support

Minicast 01: Are you a buff?

July 03, 2022 10:00 - 3 minutes - 4.2 MB

As promised, a series of minicasts with an English expression (or expressions) that you can use in your everyday life or during a speaking test. You can download the transcript here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/support

Episode 40: C2 Full Speaking Mock and commentary

June 26, 2022 10:00 - 40 minutes - 55.6 MB

Inga, from Russia and Rebeca, from Spain, took part in this recorded mock exam with interesting things to analyze. They were both living in Oxford by the time they did this recording, and you can tell that they show a wide range of strong features in her speaking skills. Inga as Dphil student and Rebeca as part of the Bodleian libraries at the University of Oxford. Grab a notebook and make your notes as I offer my impressions of their performance. The visuals for this test can be downloaded ...

Episode 39: C1 Full Speaking Mock and commentary

June 20, 2022 09:56 - 56 minutes - 78.2 MB

This is a full speaking mock for C1. Luca and Lorenzo did well enough to make a pass and listen to my advice so you can use the tips to ace your speaking exam. The visuals for this exam can be downloaded here. As I mentioned last week. I finally bring information about the courses I'm planning for August. To save a spot and read all the preliminary information, go to the following websites: C1 Advanced Intensive course  C2 Proficiency Intensive course If you still have questions, please ...

Episode 38: The tense-aspect system in English (part 2)

June 12, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MB

This is the second part (and final) where I explain the remaining tenses of the whole "tense-aspect" system in English. Here you'll find the different uses of the perfect, progressive and perfect-progressive aspects. That would conclude the information about the "12 tenses" in English. These tenses are covered in the course of the different levels of the CEFR. Even at top levels, students need to fine tune their understanding of this system and appropriately use them in speaking and writing ...

Episode 37: The tense-aspect system in English (part 1)

June 05, 2022 13:17 - 41 minutes - 56.5 MB

I decided to get more technical and explain the tense-aspect system in English starting from its core meaning. It's not very complicated when you see what the present, past and future times have in common. You could say that meanings repeat but with minor modifications that make all the sense in the world if you see them from this perspective. I will cover the remaining points in the last episodes of this season. Also, I'm giving updates about the upcoming intensive courses I'm organizing fo...

Episode 36: Message from Manuel and Minimal Pairs

May 29, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 27.7 MB

Manuel, a listener from Chile, sent me this incredible message. He was expecting me to give him extensive feedback, but his voice note was so good that I honestly had nothing to say. The only thing I could comment on was on the pronunciation of his "b" as opposed to a "v", which prompted me to talk about minimal pairs today. So, enjoy! And once again... Thanks for the message, Manuel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatyousayinenglish/message Support this podcast: https://...

Episode 35: Do you know what's the washback effect in testing?

May 22, 2022 10:00 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MB

This effect is well known to all of us who prepare for exams. Language exams, more than other types, seemed to be affected the most. That classic "study to pass the exam" attitude that tends to push students to memorize stuff which is usually forgotten once the exam is over. In this brief episode, I talk about its positive effects, its negative effects and what you can do, as a teacher and as a student, to minimize the latter effects.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatyo...