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 enjoy this list of the most popular posts on our blog. There’s lots to learn and practise, so let’s go.

1. The 10 Best Instagram Accounts for Learning English

At the top of our list, we’ve got a roundup of the 10 best Instagram accounts for learning English. If Instagram is your go-to social media platform, why not use it for enhancing your vocabulary, practising your grammar and improving your pronunciation?

Each of these accounts has a unique approach to making learning fun. You’ll find a mix of images, videos and infographics, all packed with invaluable tips to help you master the English language. Some have a clean and straightforward style, others opt for a quirky, personal tone. Have a browse and pick your personal favourite!

Read more about The 10 Best Instagram Accounts for Learning English.

2. How To Write A Review: Cambridge B2 First

This article is essential for anyone preparing for their B2 First Certificate exam (FCE). A step-by-step guide to writing reviews in English, it will get you ready for Part 2 of the Writing Paper.

We give you tips on how to plan the structure of the review, useful vocabulary to include, how to write an introduction, and more. The guide also includes some example questions so you can practise on your own.

Read more about Writing a Review (Cambridge B2 First Certificate exam).
 

3. Passing C2 Proficiency: A Guide to Reading Part 5

This blog is the most popular instalment in our Passing C2 Proficiency series and walks you through Reading Part 5.

We explain how to make sense of the often ambiguous questions related to complex fictional and non-fictional texts. We give you a tried-and-tested strategy for marking the right option. Last but not least, you’ll benefit from a range of study tips and resources that will help you prepare for the challenge ahead.

Read more about Passing C2 Proficiency: Reading Part 5.

4. Improve Your English Accent With These 6 Great Songs

Singing is possibly the most fun way of learning a language – and a great tool for improving your understanding of different English accents.

Try identifying accents in popular songs. It’s a good game, and it can help you become more conscious of different accents and how they sound.

In this article, we list a few of our favourite artists who all have different accents, from Southern American to Irish English and everything in between. Now let’s turn on that stereo and blast some Johnny Cash or Bob Marley!

Read more about Improving Your English Accents With 6 Songs.

5. Our 10 Favourite YouTubers To Help You Learn English

Since we looked at Instagram accounts, we thought we’d share our favourite YouTubers who for language learners, too.

Whether it’s grammar tips, exam tactics or pronunciation practice you’re looking for, you will find a video for it on these 10 YouTube channels. Thanks to the countless references to everyday life and pop culture, you’ll be able to learn things that you can instantly apply to your speaking.

Who wouldn’t want to improve their accent with a Game of Thrones tutorial, or learn Americanism through movies like The Martian?

Read more about Our 10 Favourite YouTubers To Help You Learn English.

6. 4 Past Tenses and When to Use Them

Many learners have difficulty differentiating between the four past tenses used in the English language. We wrote this blog post so you’d have a clear overview of when to use each past tense and how to form it. You can come back to this guide whenever you have doubts and review all the basic rules of use and conjugation.

We even included an activity so you can practise at home!

Read more about 4 Past Tenses and When to Use Them.

7. How To Pass Your First Job Interview In English – Tips From Four International Companies

Job interviews are stressful, especially if you have to do them in language that you’re still learning. But don’t be scared: we’ve got you.

In this article, we asked four recruiters at international companies in Barcelona to share with us their tips for passing a job interview in English. Take the advice of these experts from companies like N26, TravelPerk and Typeform and you’ll walk into that interview room feeling more confident about your speaking skills than ever!

Read more about How To Pass Your First Job Interview In English.

8. 7 Graded Readers To Help You Practise English At Home

Don’t feel ready to tackle an entire book in English? No problem. That’s what readers are for! They are adaptations of novels that aim to help learners get comfortable with reading in a second language.

We’ve rounded up our favourite readers, all of which you can find in the Oxford House library. No matter your level or your taste in books, you’ll find something to your liking.

Read more about 7 Graded Readers To Help You Practise English At Home.

9. Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced – Part 1 Reading and Use of English

The Use of English paper is often the most challenging part of the C1 Advanced (CAE) exam, so it’s no surprise this guide to Part 1 has made it into the top 10.

Learning how to manage your time, develop a strategy and build your confidence is going to be crucial for passing this section. Here, we give you tips on how to answer the questions (which can be very tricky!) and provide you with resources that you can use to prepare.

Read more about Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced – Part 1 Reading and Use of English.

10. 8 Hidden Benefits of Being Bilingual

There are many advantages to growing up speaking two or more languages. From multitasking to adapting easily to new situations and protecting your brain against ageing, here we list all the benefits of being bilingual.

Read more about 8 Hidden Benefits of Being Bilingual.

Which blog post was your favourite? What content would you like to see on our blog in 2020? Head over to our website and find out all about our upcoming courses for the New Year.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

In a flash (exp):: very quickly.

Go-to (adj): something that can be regularly turned to or sought out.

Enhance (v): improve in quality.

Opt for (v): choose.

Instalment (n): one of several parts.

Ambiguous (adj): not obvious, open to interpretation.

Conscious (adj): aware of something.

Tackle (v): have a shot at, try to deal with.

Multitasking (n): dealing with more than one task at the same time.

Key

exp = expression

adj = adjective

v = verb

n = noun

Study English at Oxford House Barcelona

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