Are you using the verb “arrive” correctly? On today’s Tear Up Your Textbook Tuesday, learn when to (and when not to) use the verb “arrive” with native speakers! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now For a native English speaker, “arrive” is not always the most natural-sounding word to use. It probably fits best in formal situations, such as a job interview or a speech. Instead of “When did you arrive?” a native speaker might ask “When did you get here?” or “When did you get in?” Both mean the same thing as “arrive”, but are more common. How can you use “get” instead of arrive? Show us what you’ve got in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are Americans paranoid? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss why a few towns in the United States are banning a common winter activity for kids! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS training course now Most Americans live in places that get snow in the winter. As children, they probably went sledding at least a few times. But today, some places are trying to ban sledding because it can be dangerous! Towns with sled hills are afraid somebody will get hurt, and the town will be sued. Some lawsuits are justified, but there is such a thing as a “frivolous lawsuit,” which is a lawsuit that has little merit but is being pursued for money, rather than justice. What do you think about banning sledding? What do think about suing a “haunted house” park because it’s too scary? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you try to speak fast to sound like a native English speaker? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss why you shouldn’t leave your heart behind on the IELTS Speaking Section! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Nobody expects you to sound exactly like a native speaker. People just want to understand you. So if you’re talking too fast and trying to sound like a native, you might actually become more difficult to understand. Speed is not important. If you speak with clarity and confidence, you will always sound better than if you’re in a rush. You have to be able to relax, pause between sentences, and use intonation and emotion. If you want a high score on the Speaking Section, the examiner must be able to understand what you’re saying. Intonation is important — practice expressing your feelings so you DON’T sound like a robot! How are you going to speak English with your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many words should you learn at a time? On today’s Wisdom Wednesday, Lindsay and Michelle talk about why it’s important to pace yourself so you don’t get overwhelmed! Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you afraid of being asked an unfamiliar question in the IELTS speaking section? Today, Lindsay and Jessica tell how NOT to handle it, and give you two tips on what you can do to unfreeze! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where do you find inspiration to learn English? Today, learn 3 places where you can find compelling, interesting content to move you to the next level! We live in a time of abundant online resources for learning English. In fact, there are so many that it can be overwhelming! But Thaddeus believes finding the right ones are the key to keeping your interest so you stay motivated. Come back to our site for more info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you use “as long as” in English? On today’s Tear Up Your Textbook Tuesday, find out how to stop using “if” all the time and start using “as long as”! The phrase “as long as” is a connector similar to “if”, or “provided that”. It means that meeting certain conditions will allow something to happen. The emphasis is on the importance of meeting the conditions. Here are a couple ways “as long as” might be used: * When do I have to be home? * Whenever you want, as long as you bring the car back in good condition. * “Is your landlord nice?” * “He is, as long as we pay the rent on time.” How can you use “as long as”? Write us a sample sentence in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you prepared for the IELTS Writing Task 2? Today, Lindsay and Jessica give you 3 strategies to help you take charge! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know there are differences between British and American English? Today, Lindsay talks with teacher and author Douglas Amrine about three key differences, and why these matter for you in a job interview! Douglas has spent half his life in the United States and half in the United Kingdom, so his accent is somewhere in the middle of the two. His experience has given him clarity about the differences in how Americans and British speak, and how speech is perceived in each country. Come back to our site for more info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling anxious about the IELTS exam? Today, Lindsay and Jessica talk about four tactics for overcoming fear and finding calm before test day! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s the difference between deceived and disappointed? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss these two words, and how ‘false friends’ from other languages might cause trouble when translating! Come back to our site for a summary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever thought of going to Austin, Texas? Today, Lindsay talks with Tyler Lockett from Austin about why that city is unique and “weird,” and how you can connect with locals using three phrases! Come back to our site for a summary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices