The English Channel

English in England!

2008-02-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

We are very happy to announce that we will be offering 1-2-1 Business English courses for the first time in Summer 2008. Contact us or visit here for more details.

Conditionals (Zero & First)

2008-01-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

One of the most common problem areas for learners of English is the grammar of Conditionals. Of course, conditionals are actually not that difficult and now, thanks to The English Channel Online they are a little bit easier to understand. Introducing the latest video to hit the web explaining the first 2 conditionals - the Zero

If + Present + Present Simple

and the First!

If + Present Simple + Future Simple

Switch over now to the Grammar Channel, sit back, relax and get to grips with Conditionals.

English Level Test

2008-01-05T13:55:00.001-08:00

Finally!

We are pleased to announce that all visitors to the English Channel Online can try our level test beta page here. There are 30 questions for you to try and check your level. We use the Common European Framework or CEF (for more information click here) which is the standard for language schools in Europe. Try the test now and see where you are in the CEF using this scale as a guide - A1: 0-6 points, A2: 6-12 points, B1: 12-18 points, B2: 18-24 points, C1: 24-29 points and if you scored full marks you are clearly a C2! In 2008 we will be adding to the level test and of course adding more content and videos. Look out for comparatives and conditionals - coming soon to The English Channel Online.

English Tenses

2008-01-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

There are 12 tenses in the English language (14 if you include "going to" and "used to"). This is not as stressful as many students might think, however, there are many ways us English teachers like to present these tenses.
Very often we start with the Present Simple (or Simple Present) to describe a "habitual" action or an everyday thing like "I work in a shop" or "She drinks tea".
Then we move onto Present Continuous (or Present Progressive) and start talking about things that you are doing now "at the moment" for example "I am writing this blog and you are reading it".
Once this has been mastered by students the next step is the Past Simple (or Simple Past) - only this time we talk about habitual actions in the past - "When I lived in Spain I spoke Spanish".
This is then thrown into the mix with the Past Progressive (or Past Continuous) as an interruption - "I was drinking a cup of tea when the phone rang". At this point a large proportion of students are looking longingly at the door and praying for the next break but no such luck because we have the Present Perfect ready and waiting to ambush them. And so it goes on as we labour through the Present Perfect Progressive (or Continuous) not forgetting Future Simple (or Simple Future or Future I or whatever it is called this week).

There is, of course, some merit to this procedure - it can work for new English students who need to take it one step at a time. For more advanced students lets say B2 and above it often pays dividends to group the tenses. Now here the tendancy is to put all the presents, pasts and futures together but this creates problems. Is the Present Perfect a past tense or a present tense?
Both can be argued.
So rather than deal with times i.e. past present or future, let's deal with titles and group the 12 tenses with their namesakes. Let's keep the Simples together and the Progressives, the Perfects and the Perfect Progressives and compare each of them like that. After all, the Present Simple and the Past Simple have many traits in common - it is just the time that changes and everyone can tell the difference between past and present, can't they?

Comparatives & Superlatives

2007-11-08T10:55:00.001-08:00

Having problems comparing things? Don't know your 'then' from your 'than'? No problem, because soon we will be premiering our unique guide to this particular grammar problem.

Remember! The English Channel Online is the only web resource for ESL learners that takes the stress out of learning by letting you sit back, watch and learn without the usual text exercises. Just choose a channel and start watching. Go on...Go Global!

Telling the time, el tiempo, le temps, die Zeit and il tempo!

2007-11-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

It's time to tell the time here at the English Channel. New content has been added to the General English part of the site - not just numbers but now our guide to telling the time in English. Everything you need to know fromt the big hand to quarter past.
Check out the definitive time guide now. It's online here!

English Numbers

2007-11-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Start counting with The English Channel! Online now and recently updated ordinal numbers; first, 2nd, third and 4th etc. You will also find the cardinal numbers 1-100. Just go the "General English" button below and help your students start counting in English. Or if you are a learner yourself - here's a great way to refresh your memory and check your pronunciation!

Increase Your Word Power!

2007-09-25T01:08:00.000-07:00

Follow these top tips in our new video found in the exam preparation section of the English Channel to increase your vocabulary and maximise your chances of exam success.

So vs. Such - now showing.

2007-09-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

So, we started with a few promo videos, then the reflexive pronouns video arrived and now we have a couple more videos in the grammar section of the english channel.

Introducing So vs Such - Parts 1 & 2.

Part 1 is an introduction (aimed at CEF A2 speakers - see diagram below for levels) to why and how we use so and such. Part 2 is a more detailed look (CEF B1+) - showing how we use them for consequence - not just for emphasis. Have a look for yourself.

Content Update - Reflexive Pronouns

2007-09-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Showing now - a brief introduction to reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself etc). Just click on the Grammar tag on the media player, sit back and watch.

More videos coming soon!

English as a lingua franca

2007-09-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

"There is the kind of English that Czechs speak to Spaniards and Italians speak to Russians. Here you understand 100%.
American English - you get about 50%.
Then there's English English, of which you understand nothing."
Václav Havel (1st President of the Czech Republic)

Clearly the man doesn't know what he is talking about! Well, ok, maybe he does - but it does go to illustrate the point that although as English teachers and trainers we like to enlighten our students with the intricacies of the English language - we may be doing our students a disservice. How important is the -s ending when talking in the third person? Is it so impossible to understand "She arrive later"? Is "right away" a better aid to communication than "immediately"? And if we are really honest (and it pains me to say this) why say "it's raining cats and dogs" when surely "the weather's bad" or "it's Wimbledon fortnight again" would suffice?!

Here at the English Channel we will provide resources for people who want to study, practice or just review English grammar. But we are mindful of the ultimate goal - communication.

English is a great language. It is an international language. It should also be fun.

Relax, get a cup of tea (milk, 2 sugars) and come to the English Channel. THE online ESL resource.

Go on...go Global!

Start Learning English Through Video!

2007-08-30T13:57:00.001-07:00

The design of the website is starting to take shape (it's not final but it is getting there!) and slowly but surely we are starting to add content to the video player at www.englishchannelonline.com.

During the last 2 months we have been busy writing scripts, preparing and filming short segments to help learners of English. It's an ongoing process and the website will be updated regularly with new content as and when it is ready. There is a new short introduction clip up on the site now and an introduction to reflexive pronouns in the grammar section of the player.

We'll also be keeping regular weblogs to keep you informed of any updates.

And remember - if you have any ideas for a show or requests for a clip let us know at info@englishchannelonline.com and we'll get in touch.

The English Channel begins...

2007-08-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Over the next few months one of the most exciting developments in the world of web 2.0 will take on a new format. The English Channel will throw open its doors and invite everyone and anyone involved in the world of "English as a Second Language" to contribute to the internet's sole web tv station for learners of English and teachers of English.

Soon there will be content about all aspects of ESL designed in such a way that passive learning and the integration of modern teaching techniques enable people to sit back, relax and learn English in a "pain free" way. No more sweating over grammar exercises and deciding where the present perfect should be used.

The English Channel will be the web's one-stop portal for ESL.

Have a look at the Beta version now on www.englishchannelonline.com and keep visiting as more and more content is added. General English, Business English (meetings, presentations, telephoning etc), Exam Preparation, Kids' English and Teachers' Resources - it will all be there over the next few months.