See all of our blog posts »
So that’s it! It’s decided, you’re moving to the USA. It’s time to hike the soaring mountains, listen to country music in Nashville, explore the sand dunes of cape cod - and see the bright lights of Vegas! But what’s the next step? There’s a ... Read More
The is an excellent qualification to aim for if you’re thinking of studying or working abroad. It’s recognised by universities and governments all over the world and also helps you prove your language skills to future employers. One of the most dema... Read More
Like it or not, small talk is an important part of business. Whether it’s in a lift, at a conference, in a meeting room or even over the phone, it might seem inconsequential, but it actually has several functions. Small talk is there to break the ice... Read More
It’s time for that famous celebration of love and romance - Valentine’s Day! It is inspired by the sad story of Saint Valentine of Rome. According to legend, he performed weddings for Roman soldiers who were forbidden to marry under Roman law. He was ... Read More
When it comes to exams, preparation is the key to success - and the IELTS Writing Paper Part 2 is no exception! It is worth twice as much as Part 1 and is the longest part of the writing paper. So it’s important to perfect your technique before the big ... Read More
At Oxford House, we know learning a language extends beyond the classroom. It’s important to practise your skills in more authentic settings too. That’s why we organise clubs and events where you can speak, enjoy yourself, and socialise with other lan... Read More
Congratulations! You’ve passed your Cambridge B2 First exam. It was a hard road but you did it. Now what’s next? Some people may want to take a break from their English exams. Others might want to throw themselves back in the deep end and start prepar... Read More
Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle. When you see its lush green landscape and breathtaking views, it’s easy to see why. It’s a lively and vibrant country with a history deep in folklore, not to mention a rich culture in music, dance and literature. ... Read More
New year, new you. As one year ends and another begins, many of us like to set ourselves goals in order to make our lives better. You might even be thinking about how you can improve your English level this year! To help you achieve your objectives, ... Read More
Each year new words enter the English language. Some are added to dictionaries like . Others are old words that are given new meanings. These new words show the evolution of language and the issues affecting the world today. And the most popular words of ... Read More
2019 went by in a flash - and what a year it’s been! We’re just as excited to be looking back on the past 12 months as we are for the New Year. If you’re like us and you’re ready to get cosy with a hot chocolate in hand, we’re sure you’ll ... Read More
Telephone interviews in English can seem scary. Employers often use them to filter-out candidates before the face-to-face round. It’s really important to make a good impression, but there’s so much to think about. What will you say? How do you sound?... Read More
Writing in your only language can be a challenge, but writing in another language can be a complete nightmare ! Where do you even begin? If you are taking your Cambridge B2 First exam you’ll have to write two texts in an 80-minute period. In part 1 y... Read More
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally, it signals the start of the Christmas shopping period. Expect to get lots of your favourite products at discount prices and to see lots of shops bustling with people! What once began as a day of ... Read More
The (CAE) is a high-level qualification, designed to show that candidates are confident and flexible language users who have the linguistic skills to live, work and study in English-speaking environments. But like any exam, achieving a good mark isn’t ... Read More
Many people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) translators are surpassing human translators in their ability to accurately translate foreign languages. With the growing popularity of home voice recognition systems like Alexa and apps such as Google... Read More
Apps are a great tool for learning English. They are quick, easy to access and fun. It’s almost like having a mini classroom on your phone - there to use whenever you are bored or have some time to kill. And although apps can’t replace your real-life... Read More
There are four linguistic skills that you utilise when learning a new language: reading, writing speaking and listening. Of the four skills, speaking is often the skill that students find the most difficult. Having a conversation in a foreign language can... Read More
So, you’ve moved onto Part 3, and after completing Part 2 it’s probably a welcome relief to be given some help with the missing words in the text! It’s true that many students feel this to be the easiest part of the Reading and Use of English pap... Read More
Whether it’s in meetings, telephone conversations or networking events, you’ll find specific vocabulary and buzzwords everywhere in the world of business! Knowing these words in English can help open career opportunities and help you communicate effec... Read More
It’s time for some back-to-school motivation. The new school year is about to start and everyone is feeling refreshed and energised after the summer holidays. It’s the best time of the year to really think about how you’re going to approach learning... Read More
Haven’t you heard? Nobody is watching the TV anymore - 2019 is the year of the YouTuber! If you’re an English language student, there’s some great news for you: there are hundreds of thousands of videos to help you learn English and thousands of te... Read More
So, you’ve completed the of your Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE). Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the rest of the exam. But when you turn to Part 2, you see something which looks the same, only they’ve taken away all of the multiple choice options!... Read More
“The problem with the French is that they have no word for entrepreneur.” This phrase was attributed to George W. Bush, evidence of his famed stupidity. ‘Entrepreneur’ is a French word, duh! In fairness, he never said this, but it’s still a fu... Read More
The Gràcia Festival, or , is an annual celebration taking place in the lovely, bohemian neighbourhood of Gràcia in uptown Barcelona. Organized between the 15th and 21st of August, the barrio’s lavishly decorated streets and the festival’s many activ... Read More
Barcelona residents will often tell you than nothing happens in August. It’s too hot and everyone escapes to little villages on the Catalan coast. But is it true? Does Barcelona really shut down in August? Not at all! In fact there are plenty of things ... Read More
Do you have difficulty with the past tenses in English? Do you know the difference between the past simple and past perfect? Knowing what they are and when to use them can be tricky, but don’t worry we are here to help you with all your past tense doubt... Read More
Students who are taking their B2 First Certificate exam (FCE) will be asked to do two pieces of writing within an 80 minute time limit. Part 1 is . Part 2 is where you can get a bit more creative. You might, for example, be asked to write a letter, a repo... Read More
Unless you were raised to be bilingual, speaking two languages can require years of study and hard work. Even once you’ve acquired a second language, it’s a case of use it or lose it. If you don’t regularly speak, read in, or listen to that second l... Read More
What’s better than watching a fantastic, original-language movie in a theatre? Watching a fantastic, original-language movie in an open-air theatre! This summer, returns with an unmissable programme of films to watch on a big white screen stretched acr... Read More
