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Practice Mirror Talk Daily: Boost Your Speaking Confidence!
Learn how talking to yourself in front of a mirror can improve your fluency, pronunciation, and confidence in speaking English.
Hello, English explorers!
Today’s newsletter brings fresh ways to sharpen your English skills. We’ll cover a mistake to watch out for, introduce a new word, share a quick grammar rule, and recommend a fun tool to keep you practicing daily.
Plus, we have a book suggestion to make your reading experience enjoyable. Let’s dive right in!
Use “mirror talk” to improve speaking fluency.
A quick way to gain confidence when speaking English is to practice talking to yourself in front of a mirror.
This is called “mirror talk.”
Choose a topic and speak about it for 2–3 minutes while looking at yourself. It will help you focus on pronunciation, body language, and fluency.
Plus, it’s a great way to overcome the fear of speaking aloud!
“I need an advice.”
vs.
“I need some advice.”
Many learners say, “I need an advice,” but this is incorrect. “Advice” is an uncountable noun, so it doesn’t take “a” or “an.”
Incorrect: “I need an advice.”
Correct: “I need some advice.”
If you want to make it countable, say, “a piece of advice.”
“Mingle”
Word | Meaning | In sentence |
---|---|---|
Mingle (Verb) | To mix or move around in a social setting; to interact. | At the party, she loved to mingle with new people. |
“Mingle” is a great word for describing what you do when you walk around at an event and have short conversations with different people. It’s perfect for talking about social situations, parties, or networking events.
“any” vs. “some”
Use “some” when making offers or requests in positive sentences.
Example: “Would you like some coffee?”
Example: “Can I have some water, please?”
Remember, “some” is often used in polite offers or when you expect a “yes” answer.
Can you lend me ______ money?
A) some
B) any
The answer is at the bottom of the page.
English words with 2 different pronunciations.
Did you know some English words are spelled the same but pronounced differently depending on their meaning?
For example, “lead” (the metal) rhymes with “bed,” but “lead” (to guide) rhymes with “need.”
These words are called heteronyms. Fun to learn, but tricky to master!
“Beelinguapp”
Try Beelinguapp, an app that lets you read stories in English side by side with your native language.
It highlights the text while an audio plays, helping you match the sound of English words to their meaning.
It’s a great way to build vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and enjoy interesting content at your level.
Watch “Wonder.”
For an inspiring movie that’s perfect for English learners, try watching “Wonder.” The film tells the heartwarming story of a young boy with a facial difference who faces new challenges at school.
The dialogue is clear, and the language is simple, making it easy to follow. This movie is full of everyday conversations and positive messages, helping you improve your listening skills and pick up common phrases while enjoying a touching story.
“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.”
– W. B. Yeats
This quote is a reminder to take action, rather than waiting for the perfect moment. In English learning, it means don't wait to feel "ready."
Practice speaking, reading, and writing whenever you can. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
Listening to music in English won’t help you learn. ❌
Not true! Music is a powerful tool for improving your English. Listening to songs helps with pronunciation, rhythm, and vocabulary.
Plus, music has a way of sticking in your memory, so words and phrases you hear in songs are more likely to be remembered.
Start with lyrics that are slow and clear, then gradually try more complex songs as you progress.
Quiz answer
A) some
Explanation: Use “some” for polite requests when you expect a positive response, like “Can you lend me some money?” “Any” is used in neutral or negative contexts, without expecting a specific answer.
I'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don't forget to check out the ESL Advice Website for new learning materials!
We’re constantly striving to improve our ESL resources to help you more effectively. We’d appreciate it if you filled out this feedback form. You can also request topics you'd like me to cover in the future.
That’s all for today’s newsletter! Remember to take small steps each day, and before you know it, you’ll see big progress. Keep practicing, stay motivated, and have fun with your English learning journey!
Until next time, happy learning!
Warm regards,
ESL Expert, ESLA
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