Microlearning
Each week, I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
Microlearning is a teaching method that offers short, focused lessons lasting 3-5 minutes. It helps learners easily understand and remember information. This approach simplifies complex topics into smaller, manageable pieces, making it easier to engage with and apply the knowledge immediately. Microlearning aims to help people retain what they learn by combating the “forgetting curve” and it is a great approach when learning a language.
The key to the success of utilizing microlearning for language learning is repetition. Put it on your calendar and schedule 10 minutes a day to review vocabulary, watch a video, or read an article. It doesn’t have to be boring and no matter how busy you are, you can commit to just 10 minutes a day! That’s why I give you bite-size pieces in this newsletter. Just pick one section a day and do it. 😉
Vocabulary
Language Level – B2
We continue to add to our vocabulary words from the Oxford 3000.
A list of 3000 words someone should know if they are taking the CEFR (Common European Framework Reference) language tests.
- Offense (n)
- Offend (v)
- Offensive (adj)
- Official (n)
- Opening (n)
- Operate (v)
- Opponent (n)
- Oppose (v)
- Opposition (n)
- Organ (n)
Study this set with this quizlet
Grammar Tip
Language Level – B1
Collocations are common combinations of words in English that naturally go together. Using them correctly helps your language sound more fluent and natural.
For example:
- make a decision (not “do a decision”) → I need to make a decision soon.
- catch a cold (not “take a cold”) → She caught a cold last weekend.
- fast food (not “quick food”) → Let’s get some fast food tonight.
Some common collocations:
- take a shower → He takes a shower every morning.
- heavy rain → We couldn’t go out because of the heavy rain.
- strong coffee → I prefer strong coffee to start my day.
Let’s practice!
Choose the correct collocation to complete each sentence below: (make a decision, catch a cold, fast food, take a shower, heavy rain, strong coffee)
- I usually ______________ after playing sports.
- She doesn’t like cooking, so she often buys ______________.
- I couldn’t sleep because I drank ______________ late at night.
- It’s important to ______________ before tomorrow’s meeting.
- I forgot my umbrella, and I got wet in the ______________.
- If you don’t wear a coat, you’ll ______________.
- My brother loves ______________, especially hamburgers.
- When you travel, sometimes you must quickly ______________.
Listening and Reading Tip
Language Level – B2
Watch this video, listen and read along with the CC to learn how you can fit microlearning into your day:
Weekly Challenge
Language Level – C1
Compare and Contrast Structures
Comparison and contrast language helps us examine similarities and differences between two or more items, ideas, or concepts, typically using sophisticated and precise vocabulary suitable for advanced English learners.
Common expressions:
- Similarly / Likewise (show similarity) → Both novels explore complex relationships; similarly, they address moral dilemmas.
- Conversely / On the contrary (highlight differences) → This approach improves efficiency; conversely, it increases overall costs.
- Whereas / While (contrast situations within a sentence) → Whereas city life offers numerous entertainment options, rural life provides tranquility.
- In contrast to / Unlike (highlight distinct differences) → Unlike traditional schools, online learning offers greater flexibility.
Practice:
Choose the appropriate phrase (similarly, conversely, whereas, unlike, likewise, on the contrary) to complete each sentence:
- The economic crisis affected many businesses negatively; ______________, some companies experienced growth.
- ______________ cats, dogs typically need more daily exercise.
- ______________ his brother, who enjoys adventure, James prefers calm and quiet vacations.
- Technology can simplify tasks; ______________, it may create dependency issues.
- The film version of the story is exciting and fast-paced; ______________, the novel is slow and detailed.
- Both countries have high standards of living; ______________, they face significant economic challenges.
- ______________ their European counterparts, American universities often have higher tuition fees.
- Traditional methods emphasize memorization, ______________ modern techniques focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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