Idiom of the Day: On the Flip Side

Idiom of the Day 

on the flip side 

Example: I'll have to work really long hours and be away from my family for a long time, but, on the flips side, I will be able to travel the world. 

Definition: Looking at something differently or with a new perspective

ESL Conversation Questions: Identity

1. What is identity?

2. What are some common ways people define their identity?

3. What does the expression "midlife crisis" mean?

4. Is it important to be able to define your identity to others?

5. What can destroy a person's identity?

6. What part of your identity do you think people first notice about you?

Life in Colombia: Interview with Teresa

What's your favorite city to visit in Colombia? 

My favorite city in Colombia is Cartagena, where I was born. The city is very beautiful and has a lot of incredible history. 

Its colorful streets, delicious food, music, and culture make it a very amazing and unique city. Also near Cartagena are spectacular beaches and islands, which can be fun to visit. 

My favorite activity is to walk in the historic center and watch light from the sunset fall on the walls named "Murallas". These walls were built during the colonial period when Spain conquered most of South America. 

What are the three most popular types of music in Colombia? 

In Colombia, we have many different genres of music that are popular, but it depends on the region of the country. On the Caribbean coast people listen to music such as cumbia or mapale. 

However, in other parts of the country people like to listen to salsa, merengue and many others. 

To be honest, I love dancing to salsa music even though I am not very good. I don't go to clubs very often, but I do like dancing at home when I have a house party or when I'm feeling happy.

Why do you like modeling? 

I like modeling because it is a way for me to express myself and recreate new ways to understand the world. 

When I am modeling, I represent what the designer wants to communicate with his or her ideas through the clothes and accessories they make. 

Do you think learning English is important? 

Actually, learning English is very important. It opens up so many doors that can improve your career and even for studying abroad. 

I used to practice my English by listening to music, watching movies and talking with my friends from abroad. 

Do you like using online dating apps such as Tinder in Colombia?  

Well, I've never used something like Tinder, so I don't really know. But I think it could be a nice chance to meet some interesting people. 

I know cases of people who have actually become couples by using apps such as Tinder, so I think it could be good! 

  

Giamo's Thoughts: Gender Roles

What is misogyny?

Misogyny is a noun and is when someone disrespects or has hatred for women as a group. 

In the past there were many more men who were misogynistic, because  disrespecting women wasn't a problem in society. 

Today, people see misogyny as a problem, but there are many less misogynistic people than in the past. 

Why do you think some men disrespect women? 

I think some men disrespect women, because they feel superior. Some men believe that most or all men are stronger physically and mentally compared to women. 

Some men have grown up in homes where the father is the breadwinner for the family and the mother is the homemaker. So, they might believe that the traditional job of the man is more important. 

Does your country have a patriarchal society? 

Yes, the United States is a patriarchal society, because 76.3% of government officials in the capital of the U.S., Washington D.C., are men. 

However, family life in the United States is not patriarchal. 64.2% of families have both the mother and father earning money for the home. 

Are men better than women at some professions?

Yes, men are better than women at some professions. For example jobs that involve more physical labor such as construction or furniture movers tend to have male employees.

However, it's more common to see women in childcare roles or even caring for the elderly. Also in the film industry it is very common to see women working as editors.

Is it ok for men to wear pink in your country?

I believe that it is ok for men to wear pink in the United States. Most people do not care if a man is wearing a pink shirt, yellow shirt, or even a purple shirt. In general people in the United States are open-minded.

Is it common for women to participate in sporting activities in your country?

Yes! There are many amazing female athletes from the United States. One of my favorite American female athletes is Serena Williams. She is a professional tennis player who has won many championships.

My favorite female sport to watch is volleyball. I like volleyball because it is a great team sport and involves a lot of strategy. My favorite volleyball player is Tandara from Brazil.

ESL Grammar: Type 3 Conditional Sentences

Form of Type 3 Conditional 

If + past perfect ( condition)   +  perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional (result)

Example: If it had rained, you would have gotten wet. You would have passed your exam if you had worked harder.

Uses of Type 3 Conditional 

The type 3 conditional is used to make statements or ask questions about an impossible condition in the past and its probable result in the past.

Note: In the type 3 conditional sentences the time is in the  past and the situation is hypothetical.

Conversation Questions with Type 3 Conditional 

1. If you had perfected English as a teenager, what language would be studying now?

2. If you had chosen to study abroad for high school, in which country would have you studied?

3. Would you have travelled more in 2019 if you had known that coronavirus was going to stop international travel this year?

4. If you had been aware of Cambly three years ago, would you have started taking lessons then?

ESL Conversation Questions: Faith

1. What is faith?

2. What do people put their faith in?

3. How does faith benefit people?

4. What does the term blind faith mean?

5.  Can faith ever be dangerous?

6. Which religion is the most popular in your country?

Life in Brazil: Interview with Kimberlly

What are you studying in university?

I am studying law. My university is in a city named Colatina. To finish this degree it takes 5 years.

I want to study law because I have the intention to become a lawyer who helps disadvantaged people and those who are unaware of their rights!

Do you usually eat your lunch at home or the university?

Well, my classes at university are at night, so I seldom eat anything at my university. I usually eat my lunch at home.

In Brazil a typical plate for lunch will include rice, beans, and meat, which can be beef or pork.

Personally, my favorite dish includes rice, beans , chicken,  tomato salad and puree.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to watch investigation series on Netflix such as The Blindspot or Serial Killers. I like watching these type of shows, because of the drama and also it helps me understand the mind of a criminal a little bit.

Also I like to hang out with my friends. Sometimes we take walks around the city or go to a restaurant to eat.

What transportation do you use to go university?

Well, usually my father takes me either with his motorcycle or the car.

I have many friends who use public transportation here. But they tell me that the public transportation system in this city is very slow and is usually overcrowded.

Do you think it is important to learn English?

Yes, because English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Currently, potential employees who speak English will stand out to employers.

However, it is not easy to learn English in Colatina, because it is very small. The English courses here are very expensive and people do not use English on a daily basis.

And my final question to you is would you date a foreigner?

Yes of course I would. If I like him and  he was a good person and had the same plans for the future as I do then I don't see why I wouldn't date someone just because they are from another country.

Giamo's Thoughts: Friendship

What is your definition of a friend?

I don't have many friends at this time in my life. I have more acquaintances. An acquaintance is someone you may talk to often because you are both in the same place such as a classmate or a co-worker.

There are different levels of friendship such as a casual friend,  a good friend and the highest level of friendship, best friend.

A best friend is someone you spend lots of time with and with whom you share special thoughts, feelings, dreams and secrets.

How would you describe the personality of one of your best friends?

The person I probably spend the most time with is my younger brother, Carlo. I would describe his personality as being very smart, curious, creative and open-minded.

Usually people either have an extroverted or introverted personality. My brother is an extrovert, because he enjoys spending time with other people.

What was one of your most favorite memories with your friend? 

This memory is not my favorite, but definitely one of the most memorable is when I received advice from my cousin Chisama in Miami.

When I arrived in Miami at the end of 2016 my life was very unstable and I had a lot of problems.

Fortunately, I spent time with my cousin, who was also living in Miami,  and she told me that having freedom is sometimes painful and that it's okay to trust in people such as your parents.

What words would people use to describe you who do not like you?

Well, in my university I know for a fact that there are people who do not like me. I know this because there are some people I do not like!

But I imagine that these people think I am stuck up or indifferent. Someone who is stuck up is a person who thinks they are superior to other people or arrogant.

Can men and women just be friends?

Of course men and women can just be friends. However these type of relationships can be complicated when you spend a lot of  time alone with one female or male friend.

Sometimes if you spend a lot of time alone with one person you may want more than a platonic friendship, but something more romantic.

ESL Grammar: Type 2 Conditional Sentences

Form of Type 2 Conditional

If + simple past (conditional clause)   + present conditional or present continuous conditional (main clause)

Examples: If it rained, you would get wet. You wouldn't be so tired if you went to bed earlier.

Note: In type 2 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of would.

Uses of Type 2 conditional

The type 2 conditional is used to make statements about an unlikely or hypothetical condition and it's probable result.

Note: In type 2 conditional sentences the time is now or any time and the situation is hypothetical

Conversation Questions with Type 2 Conditional

1. If you won the lottery, what would be your first purchase?

2. If you changed your name, what name would you choose?

3. If you were stuck on an island, what three items would you want with you?

4. If you could travel in time, would you prefer to see the past or the future?

5. If you had the choice to have no children or ten children, what would you choose?

6. If you could give yourself one skill, what skill would it be?

ESL Conversation Questions: Innocence

1. What is innocence?

2. What are some ways people lose their innocence?

3. Can you be a very knowledgable person and still retain your innocence?

4. What is naivety?

5. What is the difference between innocence and naivety?

6. People say that ignorance is bliss. Do you agree with this saying? Why or Why not?

Idiom of the Day: Cat Out of the Bag

Idiom of the Day 

To Let the Cat Out of the Bag 

Example: Tim was fired from his job because he let the cat out of the bag about the date release of the new Hollywood movie. 

Definition: to reveal a secret 

Giamo's Thoughts: Culture

What is culture? 

Culture is a very complicated word. There are many aspects of culture such as music, language and food.

When we talk about food and culture we can use the word cuisine. This words means a style of food from a particular country or region. For example I could say I love Italian and Thai cuisine. That is actually true!

Other aspects of culture are fashion, architecture and literature.

Literature is a word used to describe written works such as books that are seen as great or classic. My favorite author is an American man named Ernest Hemingway. One of his most popular books is called the "The Old Man and the Sea".

What is interesting about your culture? 

Well I am from the United States, so I belong to American culture. In my opinion the most interesting aspect of American culture  is the entertainment.

Many people from around the world know about the United States because of the movies, tv shows, music and many other forms of entertainment created in the country.

My favorite form of American entertainment is the NFL and NBA. These two sports leagues are exciting to watch, provide great drama and are an escape from reality for a moment.

When people from other countries think about your culture what do they usually think of? 

Foreigners usually think about fast food, obese people, gun violence and some other things when they think about America.

Also when foreigners think about America they may think about the diversity in the U.S. For example in the city of Miami there is a lot of diversity because we have many people from different countries such as Cuba, Israel, Colombia, Haiti and many others.

What has surprised you when you have met people from other cultures? 

Well one time I was talking to a student from Saudi Arabia. I asked him how many brothers he had and he told me he had six. Then I asked him how many sisters he had and he told me he had 7. I was amazed at how many siblings he had, but then he told me that he had such a big family because his father had two wives.

That really surprised me at the time, because in the United States polygamy is illegal. But I guess having more than one wife at a time doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing!

ESL Grammar: Type 1 Conditional Sentence

Form of Type 1 Conditional 

If + simple present (condition) +  simple future (result)

Examples: You will get wet if it rains. If Karen is late again, I will get mad.

Uses of Type 1 Conditional 

The type 1 conditional is used to make statements about a possible condition and its probable result. If I go to Brazil in 2022, I will be happy.  She will love it, if you give her a diamond ring.  

Notes: In these sentences the time is in the present or the future and the situation is real.

Conversation Questions with Type 1 Conditional 

1. If it rains today, will you walk to the store?

2. Will you be surprised if I speak your native language?

3. Will you watch a movie if you feel bored later today?

4. If you go to the club tonight will you wear a gold chain?

5. If you are forced to wear a mask at the store will you complain?

6. Will you be happy if you learn a new English idiom today?

ESL Grammar: Type Zero Conditional Sentence

Form of Zero Conditional

If +  simple present (conditional clause)  +   simple present (main clause)

Examples: If you go to the club, you hear music.  The grass gets wet if it rains.

Uses of Zero Conditional

1. The zero conditional sentence is used to make statements about the real world. Often referring to general truths such as scientific facts. If you freeze water, it will become solid. Plants die if they don't get enough water and sun.

Note: In these sentences, the time is now or always and the situation is real and possible.

Conversation Questions with Zero Conditional

1. What happens if it rains?

2. What happens if you mix red and blue?

3. What happens if a husband has a cold?

4. What happens if public transportation is efficient?

5. What happens if you heat ice?

6. What happens if a baby is hungry?

Life in the Dominican Republic: Interview with Yanilsa

What's your favorite beach to visit in the Dominican Republic?

My favorite beach to visit is called Playa Bonita in the city of Las Terrenas. I like it because it is not very crowded. If I stay at the beach all day I like to eat pizza for lunch. Most of the women on the beach will wear a bikini, but I like to wear a shirt and shorts.

What are some popular dishes in the Dominican Republic? 

The three most popular dishes in the Dominican Republic are Moro, Sancocho and The Flag.

Inside of moro are red or black beans and brown rice.

Dominicans usually eat Sancocho during special occasions such as a party or festival. Sancocho is served in a bowl of stew with beef, chicken and various vegetables such as yucca, plantains, yams and corn.

The Flag, called La Bandera in Spanish, is a plate served with beans, rice, salad and chicken. This is the most typical dish in Dominican Republic.

What do you like to do for fun with your friends in the Dominican Republic? 

I like to go to the river or to the beach with my friends. Now during the coronavirus situation I can't hang out with my friends.

Before the pandemic I also liked to go to the mall with my friends. There are two small malls in my city named Pola and Chito.

Is it easy to learn English in the Dominican Republic? 

Not really because in my city there is only one English program that's called English Immersion. This program is very intense. The course lasts for one year every weekday for four hours.

Sometimes to practice my English I use the app Duolingo or watch English videos on youtube with subtitles.

Also I talk to my American friend who lives in Phoenix from time to time.

Is it easy to find a boyfriend in the Dominican Republic?

Haha no it is not. It's hard to find a boyfriend where I live because the boys my age are not serious. Dating is like a hobby for them here. 

Idiom of The Day: Piggyback

Idiom of The Day 

Piggyback 

Example: A lot of teachers piggyback off of my lessons from my blog and use them with their students. 

Definition: to use something that someone else has made or done in order to get an advantage 

ESL Conversation Questions: Education

1. What is education? 

2. How would you describe your educational experience in high school?

3. In your opinion when does education end?

4. What did you learn from university that you still remember today?

5. Is education a right or a privilege?

6. If you could study another subject what would you study?

ESL Conversation Questions: Freedom

1. What is freedom?

2. Why is freedom important?

3. Is freedom always a good thing?

4. What does happiness feel like?

5. Can you be happy without freedom?

6. In your life do you pursue happiness or freedom more?

Idiom of the Day: To be Lit

Idiom of the Day 

To be Lit

Example: Maria's party was so lit last night. 

Definition: something or someone that is exciting or fun 

ESL Conversation Questions: Privacy

1. What is privacy?

2. What type of information do people usually prefer to keep private?

3. Is complete privacy possible in today's digital age?

4. What is security?

5. Is privacy or security more important to you?

6. Should the government focus on respecting people's privacy or doing whatever it takes to keep the people secure?

7. Which one would you be willing to sacrifice?