Using Adjectives: ExcitING or ExcitED?

What's the difference between excited and exciting? 


In today's post, we will discuss how to use "ed" and "ing" adjectives (words used to talk about people, places, things, and ideas). 


Let's look at the photo at the top of this page. Choose the best word to complete the sentence below:

Kelly is __________ because she's going to Hawaii tomorrow. 

a) exciting

b) excited

Read more to see the answer.

English Conversation Textbook: The New Interchange Series

The New Interchange: English for International Communication by series of ESL textbooks, by John C Richards, is great for English language students who just want to learn basic, everyday conversation, review their grammar, practice reading and writing, and work on pronunciation and listening skills.

Each unit focuses on a communication task, and two or three grammar points, with listen and repeat drills for pronunciation. There's also a student workbook included in the full package set for study and review along with CDs and DVD ROMs. So, it's a good value for ESL students. New Interchange: English for International Communication units also include read and listen sections that are excellent for group lessons.

New Interchange: English for International Communication is an outstanding textbook because it makes each unit helpful, but also interesting. Topics like film, sports, movies, music, etc, are used to make the textbook interesting for ESL students. There are also many fun student-to-student activities at the back of every edition. There's a lot of material and focus on group and home study.

You can order New Interchange: English for International Communication elementary textbook here.

Jack C Richards has published other ESL textbooks that you can find on Amazon. 

Below is a sample from Unit 6 of the New Interchange Intro (for beginner ESL students). 

Giving Street Directions: Vocabulary & Practice

Yes, now, there is Google Maps, but, sometimes people still need help getting  around the city. In this post, we will look at the words we need to give street directions.

The words we need first are prepositions of place  (beside, on, in, etc) and direction (go left, turn right, go straight). Below are graphics to show you what these words mean. Please take a few minutes to study and/or review the vocabulary.

English Teachers On YouTube

Students usually like to stay with one teacher as long as they can, but, it's a good idea to receive lessons, and advice from other teachers. All teachers have different strengths, and approaches, and also come from different backgrounds. You can learn Canadian, American British, Australian, Irish, Scottish, etc.


This is why the Internet, and YouTube especially, are great resources for ESL learners. They are (usually) free, and can be used any time. I recently found this YouTube channel: Learn English with Emma, part or the EngVid group on YouTube which has many teachers you can choose from, and there's also the EngVid homepage.There's also a Facebook page.



This blog has had posts about telephone English. Below are two videos from EngVid's teacher, Emma.

Emma's lessons are outstanding: she, and the other EngVid, speak clearly, and have  vocabulary and expressions clearly written on a whiteboard.

Remember: if you'd like to practice telephone English, try a simple business call like ordering a pizza. It's a fun, comfortable place to start. Practice in real, "live" situations is very important.

Business English: Making A Phone Call/Leaving A Message

Last month, we talked about answering the phone and taking messages. In this post, we'll go over language for making business phone calls, leaving a message, and calling a non-English speaking country.


First,  always "have a smile in your voice" when you're talking on the phone, especially in a business situation. Even if you make a grammar mistake, use the wrong words, etc, if you sound friendly, you'll get better results from a phone call.



Now, let's look at an example of "bad phone manners" from a caller. What mistakes did the caller make?


Receiver: Good morning, ABC Company, sales office. How may we help you today?

Caller: Bob Jones, please.

Receiver: Certainly, may I ask who's calling, please?

Caller: Jim Porter.

Receiver: Please hold, Mr Porter. I'll put you through to Mr Jones.

(phone rings five times)

Receiver: Hello? Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr Porter. I am afraid Mr Jones isn't at his desk at the moment. May I take a message?

Caller: Please tell him to call me back at 514-867-5555,  and that I'll be in Vancouver tomorrow afternoon, around 3.

Receiver: I see. Your number is 514-867-5555, and you'll be in Vancouver tomorrow afternoon, around 3? Is that correct, Mr Porter.

Caller: Yes. Goodbye.

Receiver: Thank you for calling, Mr Porter. I'll make sure Mr Jones gets your message. Have a good day.

Asking Directions: Trains & Metros

In this post, we will learn how to ask and give directions for train and metro systems. There will be times when you can't use your smartphone, or a visitor to your city will ask you for directions.

Business English: Fast Talkers On The Phone

Using the phone in a second language is very difficult, especially at work. Today, we'll look at how to handle fast talkers on the phone.

Fast Talkers

First, politely ask the caller to slow down.  Use indirect questions to help you with the problem (see post).

Situation 1: The Caller is talking too fast.


Excuse me. _______________________

a) Slow down. You're talking too fast.

b) Speak slowly!

c) Speak slowly, please.

d) Could you speak more slowly, please?

Think about the answer then click "read more" to learn the answer.

Communication: Indirect Questions

Need help? Ask an indirect question.


Indirect questions are used mostly when we need help or information from a stranger. Today, we'll look at how to use indirect questions.