Next week is our final oral test. Make sure you are well-prepared and ready to demonstrate your range of skills. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you have the basics covered:

1. Organize Your Spidergrams/Notes: Ensure your spidergrams and notes are well-organized and clear.
2. Familiarize Yourself with the Vocabulary: Make sure you know all the words you included in your notes.
3. Plan Your Structure: Think through the structure of your responses. Know what you want to say and how you want to say it.
4. Be Ready for Paraphrasing: Be prepared for me to change or paraphrase your original questions.
5. Expect Follow-up Questions: Anticipate that I will ask you to clarify or elaborate on certain points.
6. React to the Question First: Start by reacting to the question. For example, "That’s a great question," "That’s a valid point," or "That’s a difficult question." This helps you buy a moment to organize your thoughts.
7. Enjoy the Process: Remember, the test is about engaging and demonstrating your knowledge, not just finishing quickly. Take your time, give examples, and extend your stories.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to acing the test. Good luck!

​After a year of implementing 45-minute sessions alongside 1-hour sessions, I have concluded that I will no longer offer the 1-hour format. Several factors have influenced this decision, and I will outline some of the key reasons below.

​Based on my observations, I've noticed that a 45-minute session aligns well with the natural attention spans of most individuals. Typically, concentration starts to diminish after 30-45 minutes. By adapting my sessions to this rhythm, I've found that my students remain more engaged and attentive from start to finish, leading to a more productive learning experience.

​In our 45-minute sessions, which are now primarily focused on speaking rather than on reading extensive materials or doing vocabulary exercises, the shorter duration compels both me and my students to concentrate on the most crucial aspects of language learning. This structure necessitates a higher level of organization and focus, enabling us to dive directly into active, spoken communication. This approach not only streamlines our sessions but also enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the learning process.

​Taboo questions are the kind of questions that can make a conversation go from chill to awkward in no time! They often dig into very personal areas like someone's health, money matters, or what we believe about big, thorny issues like politics or religion. While what's considered "too personal" can vary from one place to another, these are generally the questions that can make us feel uncomfortable or like we’re being put on the spot. 

When someone asks you a question that feels too personal or uncomfortable, it’s important to handle the situation gracefully. You can always decline the answer saying, for example:

However, when you're gearing up to dive into a touchy subject, here are some easy and engaging tips to keep in mind:

Start with Observation
Begin by observing the current weather. It's direct, relevant, and gives the other person an easy way to engage.
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• Isn't it beautiful outside today? The sun really makes the city look different.
  
• I can't remember the last time it rained this much. Have you seen any good movies on these rainy days?

Share a Personal Insight or Activity Related to the Weather
This adds a personal touch without oversharing, inviting the other person to share their experiences or preferences too.

• I love this kind of weather because it's perfect for hiking. Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
  
• Cold days like this make me want to stay in and bake cookies. What's your go-to cold weather comfort food?

Connect the Weather to Local Events or Activities
This can lead the conversation into new, interesting directions related to local culture, events, or shared experiences.
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• With the weather warming up, the local farmers' market should be starting soon. Have you ever been?
• This rain should be great for the gardens in the park. Have you seen the tulips they plant every year?

Use Humour (When Appropriate)
Light humour can make small talk more enjoyable and memorable, but gauge the other person's mood and receptiveness.

• I heard we might get snow tomorrow. Time to break out the shorts and sandals, right?
• This weather is so unpredictable, I'm thinking of leaving an umbrella in every room of my house.

One of the most effective and genuine ways to engage in small talk is by complimenting or inquiring about personal items someone has. This strategy not only breaks the ice but also opens the door to learning more about the other person's interests, tastes, and personality.
​
Why Personal Items?
Personal items, whether it's a pen, a piece of jewellery, a book, or even a phone case, often carry stories or sentiments. They can reflect the owner's personality, interests, hobbies, or achievements. When you notice and comment on these items, it shows that you're paying attention and value what makes the other person unique.

And now to more practical approach:
When You Know the Person:

• Noticed your colleague sporting a new watch? A simple, "Hey, that's a sleek watch! Is there a story behind it?" can lead to an engaging conversation about personal tastes, recent celebrations, or memorable experiences.

When You Don't Know the Person:

• At a networking event and spot someone with a unique pen? Break the ice with, "That pen caught my eye. It looks quite unique. Where did you find it?" This can open up a dialogue about interests, hobbies, or even lead to discussions on work-related topics if the pen has a professional significance.

Small talk is more than just casual conversation; it's a  key indicator of trustworthiness and social skil l. By excelling in small talk, you show that you understand social norms and have strong communication abilities. This not only helps in assessing mutual interests and compatibility, but also signals that you're a safe and reliable partner for deeper, more meaningful conversations. In essence, being adept at small talk opens the door to richer, more engaging interactions, making it a vital tool in effective social exchange.

We've all been there – a clumsy bump into a stranger, a small mistake at work – and out pops the instinctive "sorry." This simple word can be a social lifesaver, smoothing over the tiny ripples we make in our day-to-day interactions. But is "sorry" always enough? Let's explore when this magic word works and when it falls short.

When "Sorry" is Generally Appropriate:

• Minor Mistakes or Accidents: For small inconveniences or accidents, like bumping into someone or being a few minutes late, a simple "sorry" is usually sufficient.
• As a Gesture of Politeness: In many cultures, saying "sorry" is a polite way to navigate minor social mishaps. It's a sign of good manners, whether you're slightly interrupting someone or asking them to pass the salt.

When "Sorry" Doesn't Cut It​

• Serious Situations Need More: In cases of significant mistakes, harm, or offenses, a mere "sorry" can seem insincere or dismissive. These situations often require a more thorough acknowledgment of the harm caused, an explanation, and a commitment to making amends. Imagine you've accidentally spilled coffee on a colleague's important paperwork. Ouch. Here, a mere "sorry" can seem like you're brushing off the gravity of the situation. This calls for a more heartfelt apology, perhaps a promise to help fix the issue.
• The Sorry Overload: Constantly apologizing for trivial matters or things outside one's control can come across as a lack of confidence or even insincerity. It can also diminish the impact of apologies when they are truly warranted. Ever met someone who says "sorry" for just about everything? Over time, this can come off as insincere, or it might seem like they're always walking on eggshells. In these cases, "sorry" loses its sincerity.
• Sarcasm or Insincerity: A sarcastic "sorry" can be worse than no apology at all. This kind of sarcastic apology can be like a double-edged sword. It not only fails to heal the wound caused by the original mistake but often cuts deeper. Sarcasm in apologies is like saying, "I acknowledge the need to apologize, but I don't really mean it." It sends a conflicting message and can leave the other person feeling more disrespected and hurt than before.

Crafting a Meaningful Apology

• Beyond the Basics: For complex issues, especially where emotions run high, a simple "sorry" won't do. A meaningful apology shows you understand what went wrong and why it hurt the other person. It's about taking responsibility and showing you're committed to making things right.
• Building Bridges: In relationships, a thoughtful apology can do wonders. It's not just about saying "sorry" but also about explaining, understanding, and growing together.

My INKA journey began with a clear realization: it had to be shorter, more flexible, yet rich with opportunities.

It was clear to me that many people had a strong desire to learn English but found it tough to commit to regular classes, especially with their busy lives. The traditional way of doing things just didn't fit into their schedules. This frustration was something I could relate to, and it made me want to find a solution.

That's how INKA came to be. I wanted to create something that would bridge the gap between ambition and reality. INKA was designed to complement the conversational classes I was already teaching because I knew my students were looking for an alternative that was more flexible and convenient.

The core idea behind INKA was beautifully simple—just 30 minutes of casual conversation practice each week. It was a way for people to stay connected with a language, keep up their fluency, and stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed by additional work. It was a lifeline for those of us with hectic lives.

But here's the thing: INKA isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. I've always been upfront about that. It's not for folks looking for a super intense, exhaustive language learning experience. INKA is for those who already use the language daily and want to keep it alive without any added stress. It's a handy refresher, an alternative that fits right into the modern world.

In the end, INKA is my way of bringing flexibility and practicality to language learning. It's about helping both my students and myself find joy and success in our language journeys without the need for extra tasks that can be burdensome.

​If you want to try INKA out or find out more, you can do it HERE.

​Agnieszka: Hello Ola, thank you for joining us today. I heard you recently took a trip to the USA. Could you tell us about your experience?

Ola: Hello Agnieszka, thank you for having me. Yes, I had an amazing trip to the USA, visiting the Bahamas, Miami, and the Kennedy Space Centre.

​Agnieszka: One last question. Can you tell me about the estate where you stayed in Tampa?

Ola: Sure! The estate I stayed at in Tampa was absolutely charming. It was a typical American house with a small swimming pool and a cosy atmosphere. The neighbourhood was picturesque, with narrow streets and numerous houses, each featuring spacious garages. It felt like being part of a movie scene.

We thank Ola for sharing her experience. Please leave a sign of your presence in the comments section below. 
Also, if you feel you would like to share your experience, passion or hobby in an interview just drop me a line. You know how much I will appreciate that. 

English is easy... but English is also hard. So don't worry, you're not alone in your struggles to understand the complexities of the language. In this post, we'll share some amusing examples of the challenges that both natives and non-natives can face when trying to master English. Join us for the ride and enjoy some witty insights!