1. Missed classes
If you’ve missed a class, here’s the updated booking form with available slots.
Just a quick reminder: even if your missed slot was 45 minutes, you’ll only see 30-minute options on the form — but you’ll still get your full 45 minutes. The form is just structured this way for easier scheduling.

2. Quizlet test
After our first round of Quizlet test, and I have to say — well done to everyone who’s been so systematic with their sets. A few tips to keep it tidy:
– When definitions are too similar, add the first letter as a hint.
– If it’s an idiom or phrase, mark it clearly or mention 2/3 words
– If some words feel irrelevant or overwhelming right now, you may remove up to 10% from your revision set only. (100 words → 10 deletions max.)

3. Bits & Bobs
This week’s Bits & Bobs mix language, reflection, and something sweet:
– On my ❤️English blog, you’ll find a new post in the Pragmatic Communication series — this one explores anger: what happens to us linguistically when emotions hijack reason, and how words can help us take back control.
– On my Rosemary & Lavender blog, I’ve shared a tomato cake recipe — with both a longer, storytelling version and a shorter one for quick reading. Perfect for a cozy autumn weekend.
– Abby is back in her Learn English with Abby series, teaching a brand new word — available on both Instagram and YouTube.

​Revisions are now in full swing.
Please combine all your Quizlet sets from September onwards into one master set — name it accordingly.

There will be no classes on 11 November (Tuesday) due to the bank holiday. If your class falls on that date, please book another slot that suits you — this helps keep the schedule ship-shape and fair for everyone.
And just a gentle reminder:
If you’re planning to be absent, please fill in the online absence form, even if you’ve already told me during class. It’s linked to my booking system and makes planning (and giving your slot to someone else) much easier. Don’t wait until the last moment — someone else can often benefit from that free slot. Thank you for being considerate.

Once revisions are done, we’ll return to video recording tasks.
This time, you’ll record via Zoom (using the recording function) or WhatsApp — both are acceptable.
There’s no automatic link on your page this year, so you’ll manage it manually. Recordings should be around one minute — not 42 seconds and not two minutes 😉.

I’ve joined Peterson Academy for a year-long programme packed with high-calibre lectures on humanities, business, and the psychology — a challenge I’m genuinely excited about.
I’m also finalising a collaboration with an academic institution to deliver communication training for their researchers — a project that could link real-world communication training with academic insight.

A tiny professional favour: as you are my living portfolio — the most authentic evidence of what I build here — I’d be grateful for giving me your short recommendation on LinkedIn. Thank you to everyone who’s already done so — it really helps! 

On a more serious note, I’ve recently posted a short piece about the 5 Why Method — a fascinating tool for digging deeper into motives and meanings, partly inspired by one of my latest lectures. I’d love to explore it with some of you in class and show how it can be applied in practice.

A small thing to brighten your day — there’s a new accent video inspired by one of my recent class discussions, and…🐾Abby’s YouTube debut.

​There will be no catch-ups next week — I’m undergoing a dental procedure on Monday and, frankly, I already have a lot on my plate.
So, apart from what’s already booked, I won’t be accepting new catch-ups for the coming week. Thank you for understanding and keeping your slots as planned.

A special round of applause for everyone who’s been doing their vocabulary workouts — with the READER — and who diligently records new words.
You’re doing excellent work.

We’re heading towards the end of the month, which means — time for revision.
This will apply especially to Cappuccino and Americano courses.
For INKA students: revision is optional. 

If your pot of development hasn’t changed recently, it doesn’t mean I’ve fallen asleep — it simply means there’s little visible progress at the moment.
But if you notice movement there — that’s a wonderful sign.
Congratulations to all whose pots are currently sprouting something new 🌱

In our Bits & Bobs section this week, we’ve got two little gems.
First, the utterly charming Benedict Cumberbatch teams up with Jimmy Fallon in one of their delightfully ridiculous sketches. HERE
Second, we have a wry little video translation of what certain English phrases really mean — especially when introverts say them. HERE

Not much to say this week; I'm getting back on track - slowly but surely. Below, there's an updated schedule for catchups. 
PS. And Abby is teaching a new word on Insta. 

CATCH UP

Those who missed their classes on Thursday or Friday are more than welcome to book a CATCHUP slot here. I was unwell on those days, so the cancellations were entirely on my side. It’s completely up to you whether you’d like to make up for the class — I just wanted to give you both options. 

VOCAB BOOSTER

This week in In Vocabulary Booster, we’ve been looking at lukewarm, grow and grow up, and sympathetic. Check the link to see what it’s all about and get a feel for how to use them naturally.

BITS AND BOBS

really short and light videos
- communication in marriage
- sauna

long podcast 
​-There's no such thing as a dragon by Jordan Peterson
This one’s a bit more challenging to listen to, but really worth it. The key takeaway is based on a children’s story used as a symbolic model for denial and willful blindness — the idea that when we ignore small issues (our dragons), they grow into bigger problems. The point is to face your dragons in small doses before they get out of hand.

bonus
And if you really have a lot of time on your hands, you can join my mini-series on Instagram - Learn English with Abby. This week we focused on bad, autumn weather.

1. Quizlet Check
Next week (from 6th October) I’ll be checking your Quizlets. If you don’t have your sets ready, please go back to previous announcements and update them. Revisions are coming.

2. Extra September Classes
Classes on 29–30 Sept counted as additional. If you joined, you won’t need to “catch up” later (e.g., in December). Reminder: a regular course always covers 4 full weeks.

3. Tutorials
Tutorials are back! These are “how to learn” 15 minute sessions (e.g., Quizlet setup, reader use, note-taking). Each student: 1 free tutorial/semester. Newbies: 2 free tutorials. Book yours if needed.

4. Pod of Development
Check your Pod of Development in your Learning Space. I’m updating it regularly with my feedback. Any questions—ask.

5. Idiomatic Expressions
Congrats to those who watched the last snippet and collected idioms. If you missed it but still want to try, here’s the LINK. I’ll be making this a regular habit.

Okay, everybody, here’s the challenge for this week.
Actually, it shouldn’t even be a challenge—but I’m giving you a week to get your Quizlet sorted out properly.

What does that mean?

• Everyone must have a Quizlet account.
• The class must be created.
• I need to be invited and given access to all the sets you’ve made.
• Your sets must be visible to me and editable by me.
• Every set must be clearly labelled with the date of the lesson it comes from. Don’t lump too many things together.

Content:

• Vocabulary from lessons.
• Vocabulary from conversations.
• Everything must be entered—no gaps.

Standards:
​Messy, sloppy, or low-effort sets are not acceptable. Deal with them now. I will be checking them, and we’ll review them together in class next time. If you treat your Quizlet with a sloppy, low-effort attitude, that same attitude will creep into your learning later.
I’ve spotted problems, so I’m being proactive and giving you the chance to fix them this week. If you don’t know how to organize something—ask me.

C’est tout.

Please reflect and prepare to discuss the questions below.

All the information about your final test is HERE
Please reach out if you have any questions.
📌 Assignments should be submitted by the end of the second week of June.
The third week will focus on individual feedback.

​There will be no regular classes in July or August.
If you're continuing next year, you'll find a question in the form about optional summer conversation sessions. Tick the box if you're interested!

If you've declared you're continuing in September, please take a moment to complete this short 6-question form. Your feedback helps me shape next year’s course for you.

Thank you to everyone who has confirmed their spot for next year!
If you’re finishing your course—thank you as well for your commitment and energy this year.

The early bird offer for new students runs until June 15.
Feel free to share it with anyone who might be interested. A short intro interview is always part of the process.

​Huge thanks to those who’ve written a recommendation for me on LinkedIn—it means so much.
If you'd still like to leave one, it would be greatly appreciated.