English Teacher in Prague

B2 First (FCE exam) tip

TIP #1 🠮 stop Listing what you see.
Don't just say "In the first photo..." and "In the second photo..." 💤

Examiners want you to use Complex Linking Words. Try these upgrades to compare the photos instantly:

❌ Basic: In photo one it’s quiet. In photo two it’s busy.
✅ B2 Upgrade: "Both pictures show people on vacation, but whereas the first is indoors, the second is outdoors."

❌ Basic: He is indoors. She is outdoors.
✅ B2 Upgrade: "On the one hand, they are appreciating art, but on the other hand, the couple are enjoying a physical activity."

🔥PRO-TIP: Phrases like "In contrast to," "While," and "In comparison with" are your best friends!🔑

TIP #2 🠮 Speculate! ✨👀

When answering "How might they feel?" about the photos above, never just say "They feel good." or "They look happy." ❌

To get into the higher grade band, you must show Speculation. Try these structures:

✅ "I'd imagine they feel quite calm and reflective, given how quiet the museum appears."
✅ "It seems likely they are feeling excited and perhaps a bit nervous before entering the ocean."
✅ "Judging by their stance, I’d guess they are experienced surfers, feeling eager."

👉Remember: Use Modal Verbs (might, could, must). Example: "They must be enjoying their free time."

Challenge: Write ONE complex comparison sentence about the two photos in the comments! 👇👇👇

❌ Common mistake:
“I did a photo”

✅ Correct:
“I took a photo”

✔️ take a photo
✔️ take a picture
✔️ take a selfie
✔️ take a video

But “take” is used in MANY other situations:

Time & actions:
✔️ take a break
✔️ take a nap
✔️ take your time

Travel:
✔️ take a bus
✔️ take a taxi
✔️ take a train

Health:
✔️ take medicine
✔️ take vitamins

Everyday actions:
✔️ take notes
✔️ take a shower
✔️ take a seat

🗣️ 5-Minute English Speaking Challenge

No partner? No problem.

Try this today:

Set a timer for 5 minutes
Choose a topic: “My vacation”, “My job”, or “My weekend”
Speak out loud — don’t stop, don’t translate

💡 Tip: If you don’t know a word, explain it in another way!

Example:
“I went to a place where you buy medicine… (pharmacy!)”

Do this every day and your speaking WILL improve.

Want to sound more natural? 🗣️✨
Use these phrases to sound like a native

"I am very tired." ➔ "I'm beat."
"I don't understand." ➔ "I don't get it."
"I will pay the bill." ➔ "It’s on me."
"I am very busy." ➔ "I'm tied up."
"Tell me the secret." ➔ "Spill the beans!"
"You're annoying me." ➔ "You're driving me up the wall!"
"I agree with you." ➔ "I feel you."
"I'm very excited!" ➔ "I'm stoked!"
"Wait a minute." ➔ "Hold your horses!"
"It is easy." ➔ "It's a breeze."

SPEAKING LIKE A NATIVE

Link two words together when you speak (Consonant to Vowel)

If a word ends in a consonant and the next starts with a vowel,say them together without a pause! Think of it like moving the last letter of the first word to the beginning of the next word.

❌ Textbook: "An... apple... in... a... box."
✅ Natural: "Anapple ina box." (Pronounce it like one long word!)

Try these 5 examples out loud:

1️⃣ Check in ➔ Say it like: "Che-kin"
2️⃣ Pick it up ➔ Say it like: "Pi-ki-tup"
3️⃣ Turn off ➔ Say it like: "Tur-noff"
4️⃣ Look at it ➔ Say it like: "Loo-ka-tit"
5️⃣ Hold on ➔ Say it like: "Hol-don"

Try reading these longer sentences out loud.

1️⃣ It is an amazing opportunity.
👉 Say it like: "I-ti-za-na-ma-zing o-ppor-tu-ni-ty"

2️⃣ I have an appointment at eight.
👉 Say it like: "I ha-va-na-ppoin-tmen-ta-teight"

3️⃣ Could you turn it off and on again?
👉 Say it like: "Coul-dju tur-ni-to-ffan-don a-gain?"

4️⃣ She is always in a hurry in the morning.
👉 Say it like: "Shei-zal-way-zi-na hur-ry i-nthe mor-ning"

5️⃣ Take it out of the oven and leave it alone.
👉 Say it like: "Tay-ki-tau-to-fthe u-ve-nan lea-vi-ta-lone"

💡 The Goal: Don't stop the air coming out of your mouth until the end of the sentence!

BUSINESS ENGLISH PHRASES
Stop sounding like a robot! 🤖➡️👤

Check out these 5 quick upgrades for your next email:

1. Asking for a Meeting
❌ "I inquire if you have availability for a consultation."
✅ "Do you have 15 minutes to chat this week?"

2. Admitting a Delay
❌ "Please accept my apologies; I have been unable to finish."
✅ "Sorry for the delay—it's taking a bit longer than expected."

3. Asking for Help
❌ "I would be grateful if you could provide your assistance."
✅ "Could you give me a hand with this when you're free?"

4. Giving an Update
❌ "I wish to inform you that the document is finalized."
✅ "Just letting you know the report is finished!"

5. Closing an Email
❌ "Should you require clarification, do not hesitate to contact me."
✅ "Let me know if you have any questions!"

⏰ WHEN = At that specific time.
⏳ DURING = Within a period of time (followed by a noun).
🛑 UNTIL = Up to a specific point (then the action stops).
👈 BEFORE = At an earlier time.

Fill in the blanks! Write your answers (1-8) in the comments below! 👇

We cannot go out ______ the rain stops.

Please call me ______ you arrive at the hotel.

The fire alarm rang ______ the middle of the exam.

They played video games ______ their parents came home.

I always brush my teeth ______ I go to bed.

We learned so much about history ______ our trip to Rome.

Don’t open the oven door ______ the cake is finished baking.

I will be on vacation ______ the first week of August.

Answers in the comments below! Can anyone get 100%? 🏆🙌

Quick English Check! 🧠

Do you know the difference between FOR and SINCE?
⏳ FOR = A period of time (2 hours, 5 years, a long time)
📅 SINCE = A specific point in time (Monday, 2010, I was a child)

Check the comments for the correct answers! 🔑

1)I have been waiting here ______ 20 minutes!
2) We haven’t seen them ______ ages.
3)She has worked at this company ______ she left university.
4)It has been raining ______ 8 o’clock this morning.
5)They have been married ______ nearly 30 years.
6)I haven’t eaten anything ______ breakfast.
7)He has known her ______ they were children.
8)I’ve had this headache ______ hours.

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Who doesn't love cooking, am I right? 🙃😋. How many kitchen items can you name? Bonus points if you also use prepositions of place to describe where the item is located. Post in the comments

EXAMPLE: There is a metal kettle on the the stove