Making Resolutions for the New Year

Making Resolutions for the New Year

12, May, 2025

Episode 245: Making Resolutions for The New Year

In this podcast, we look into setting resolutions for the New Year, and should we even bother setting resolutions?

New Year's Resolutions

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we examine the good and the bad of setting resolutions for the New Year. Is it of any use? Did you know that 93% of all resolutions made on 31 December are abandoned just a week or two later?

Notes

Whether or not to set New Year’s resolutions depends on your mindset, personal goals, and what works best for you. Here’s a breakdown to help decide:

Reasons to Set Resolutions:

  1. Fresh Start Effect: The new year feels like a clean slate, which can motivate you to pursue goals.
  2. Reflection and Growth: Resolutions can help you evaluate your past year and set intentions for growth.
  3. Structure: Setting goals gives you direction and a framework for self-improvement.
  4. Accountability: Declaring a resolution often makes people more committed to their goals.

Challenges with Resolutions:

  1. Unrealistic Expectations: If goals are too lofty, it can lead to frustration and burnout.
  2. Pressure and Guilt: Not achieving resolutions can cause feelings of failure.
  3. Short-Term Mindset: Many resolutions fade by February because they lack a long-term plan.
  4. External Influence: Resolutions driven by societal pressure rather than personal desire often lack meaning.

Recap & Takeaways

Alternatives to Resolutions:

  1. Set Intentions: Focus on a word or theme for the year (e.g., “balance” or “growth”) rather than rigid goals.
  2. Break It Down: Set small, achievable goals throughout the year instead of one big resolution.
  3. Reflect Regularly: Monthly or quarterly reviews can help you adjust goals as life changes.
  4. Celebrate Progress: Focus on the process and celebrate small wins along the way.

Ultimately, if resolutions inspire and motivate you, go for it! If they feel overwhelming, there are other ways to reflect and grow without the pressure. What’s your take—do you set resolutions, or do you prefer another approach?

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Language Learning: How To Stay Motivated

Language Learning: How To Stay Motivated

12, May, 2025

Episode 219: Language Learning: how to stay motivated

In this podcast, we talk about staying motivated when language learning. Listen in to our 10 tips.

How to stay motivated learning English

Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this episode we discuss the ups and downs of language learning. Sometimes we need to be reminded of our “why” to get us back on track. This podcast will provide some useful tips to keep going.

Notes

When we start learning something new, it can be a novel experience at the start and we want to put a lot of effort into our learning, but as time goes on, we can start to flag and at times we just cannot get the motivation to continue learning.

Lack of motivation is a common problem faced by many language learners, so if you’re struggling to get motivated to learn, you aren’t alone! For those of us who have taken up the task of independently learning a language, low motivation can be even more difficult without peers around you for encouragement.

To kick-start your motivation you may need to reveiw these points:

Why do I need this language ? Is it for work, for travel, for intectual stimulation, to learn a song, to watch a film ?

Recap & Takeaways

BEFORE LISTENING, THINK ABOUT YOUR ORIGINAL GOAL

You  should always have clear goals in sight, review and change your goals regularly.

Have some form of testing in place to find out whether they have successfully achieved your aim. This could be a traditional test on-line or just a conversation in a language club….. but do expect progress to be in small baby steps.

Language is essentially about communication, so join a club (on-line) or a class, or a group. Having a support group is fun too.

Listen up to our 10 tips and let us know if you find them useful…. we would love to hear from you! 

 

 

 

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What are the advantages of using music to work on grammar

What are the advantages of using music to work on grammar

What are the advantages of using music to work on grammar?

1. Enhanced Memory Retention: Research suggests that music can aid in memory retention by creating strong neural connections. When grammar rules are set to music, learners may find it easier to recall and apply them in real-life language situations.

2. Increased Engagement: Music has the power to captivate learners’ attention and create an immersive learning experience. By incorporating music into grammar lessons, educators can boost student engagement and motivation, leading to more effective learning outcomes.

3. Improved Pronunciation: Music often emphasizes rhythm and melody, which can help learners improve their pronunciation and intonation. By singing along to grammatically correct lyrics, students can practice proper pronunciation patterns in a natural and enjoyable way.

4. Enhanced Vocabulary Acquisition: Many songs feature rich and varied vocabulary, providing learners with exposure to new words and expressions. By listening to and analyzing song lyrics, students can expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of grammatical structures in context.

5. Cultural Understanding: Music is deeply intertwined with culture, offering learners valuable insights into the customs, traditions, and values of English-speaking communities. By exploring music from different genres and time periods, students can develop a richer appreciation for the cultural nuances of the English language.

6. Positive Emotional Association: Music has the ability to evoke emotions and create positive associations with learning experiences. By incorporating music into grammar lessons, educators can create a supportive and enjoyable learning environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation.

7. Increased Fluency: Singing along to songs can help improve fluency by promoting natural rhythm and flow in language production. Through repeated exposure to grammatically correct lyrics, learners can develop a greater sense of fluency and confidence in their speaking and writing abilities.

8. Cross-Cultural Connections: Music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. By exploring English-language music from different cultures and regions, learners can develop a deeper understanding of global perspectives and forge connections with speakers of English around the world.

9. Personalized Learning: Music offers learners the opportunity to engage with language in a personalized and self-directed manner. By selecting songs that resonate with their interests and preferences, students can take ownership of their learning and tailor their study materials to suit their individual needs.

10. Long-Term Retention: Studies have shown that information learned through music tends to be retained for longer periods compared to traditional learning methods. By integrating music into grammar instruction, educators can help students build a solid foundation of language skills that will endure over time.

In summary, scientific evidence supports the use of music as a valuable tool for working on grammar for learners of English. By harnessing the power of music, educators can create engaging and effective learning experiences that enhance memory retention, increase engagement, improve pronunciation, and foster cultural understanding and fluency.

Language learning strategies and tips for busy lifestyles

Language learning strategies and tips for busy lifestyles

12, May, 2025

Episode 210: Language learning strategies and tips for busy lifestyles

Welcome to another episode of English Podcasts the podcast where we unravel the secrets to mastering English.

Your hosts Chris and Sue today give some language learning tip for busy people with hectic lifestyles to learn English and we look at 16 idiomatic English expressions linked with being busy and how to effectively learn English.

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of language learning, offering not only ten incredible tips for those with hectic schedules but also throwing in a delightful mix of 16 idiomatic expressions to spice up your language skills!

Sounds good – then listen or watch the Youtube video to find out more… and please subscribe to our channel on Youtube ????????

Notes

Episode Highlights: 1. **Time Mastery:** Chris and Sue share their top ten time-tested tips to help you seamlessly weave language learning into your busy lifestyle.

2. **Express Yourself:** Immerse yourself in the richness of language with 16 idiomatic expressions that add flair to your conversations.

Recap & Takeaways

Ten Tips for Busy Learners: –

**Microlearning Magic:** Discover how short, focused bursts of learning can make a significant impact. –

**Daily Dose:** Uncover the power of consistent, small efforts each day for steady progress.

**Tech Tools Triumph:** Explore the latest language learning apps that fit seamlessly into your on-the-go lifestyle.

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Ten tips to stop translating when you speak English

Ten tips to stop translating when you speak English

12, May, 2025

Episode 209: Ten tips to stop translating when you speak English

Welcome to another episode of English Podcasts the podcast where we unravel the secrets to mastering English.

I’m your host Chris, and today, we’ve got a gem of a topic: “How to Speak Directly in English Without Translating.”

In this podcast we talk about the problems that many learners of English face – translating in your head into your own language when listening and speaking English. If you feel tired when speaking or listening to English after a certain time, this could be you.

Don’t worry we have ten actionable tips that you can use to avoid this and to feel less tired, increase the fluidity, accuracy and ease of your English and help you improve your English skills?

Sounds good – then listen or watch the Youtube video to find out more…

Notes

The problem faced by a lot of learners is that they often translate into their own language when speaking English ) which is a big barrier to fluency, fluidity and to actually progressing in a language.

If you think about it, sometimes when you are speaking English, you feel tired.

Well, it’s not a surprise if you translate as you are trying to accomplish at least two or three things at a time – translating into your own language, then translating it back into English, which causes a problem due to response time, accuracy of your response and also that most languages differ grammatically from English, which leaves it open to many mistakes.

Recap & Takeaways

Let’s see what you can do if you don’t translate -Stick around because I’ve got 10 fantastic tips coming your way. Let’s dive right in!

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What can I listen to to learn English

What can I listen to to learn English

20 October, 2023

Episode 101: What can I listen to to learn English?

Welcome, English enthusiasts, language learners, and word wizards from around the globe! You’re tuning in to the one and only English-Podcasts.com, your go-to source for leveling up your English skills, no matter where you are on your language journey. We are here to help you with ideas and tips and today, we’re going to be looking at what you can listen to to level-up and improve your English listening skills.

What can I listen to to learn English

by English-Podcasts.com | Episode 101: What can I listen to to learn English

Are you struggling with phrasal verbs? Puzzled by pronunciation? Fumbling with grammar? Lost in the maze of what is out there to listen to?Or simply looking to finesse your fluency and sound like a native?

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an advanced learner looking to sharpen your listening skills, we are talking about YOU and what you can do to keep your listening skills as sharp as a pin!

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the content that is available on the web, on streaming services or on the radio, it can be difficult to find out what is the best way to improve your listening skills.

 Fear not! We’ve got a little something for everyone. You can pick and choose, mix and match, and discover the English that suits you best.

Notes

So, no matter where you are, whether you’re commuting, sipping tea  or coffee at home, listening on the go, or chilling at the beach, let us help give you some ideas and to navigate all of the material and resources out there. We promise to motivate, inspire, and keep you coming back for more.

Recap & Takeaways

We give you some tips on what you should be listening to along with some ideas of links that you can visit to help improve your listening.

Remember that you can suggest topics, subjects or specific learning points that you would like us to explore – and we will mention you on our podcasts, so get involved, drop us a line and let’s help you to improve your English learning!

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