Types of TOEFL Writing Prompts + California Missions
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Types of TOEFL Writing Prompts + California Missions

“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” -Arthur Ashe  If you are planning to take the TOEFL exam, it is important that you understand the test format and its many question types. Today we are focusing on the Writing Section of the TOEFL exam and looking at the...

Business English: Expressions about working (and studying!) hard
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Business English: Expressions about working (and studying!) hard

We all work hard, but do you know how to express this in English? The following expressions are incredibly helpful for the ESL classroom and the English-speaking workplace. These are useful expressions to know if you are going to interview in English, but also great to use when talking about how much you study! Expressions...

FCE and CAE preposition practice (through San Francisco quotes!)
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FCE and CAE preposition practice (through San Francisco quotes!)

Do you have a problem with prepositions? Most English learners do! Prepositions are important of the English language and they are particularly important for students who are studying for tests like the Cambridge FCE and CAE. In both of these tests, you must often deal with prepositions in the exam, especially in Part 2 of...

Business English: Marketing Vocabulary and Expressions
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Business English: Marketing Vocabulary and Expressions

From surgeons to CEOs, we have had the pleasure of teaching students from many professional backgrounds in our CISL Intensive, Business, and Premier classes! Today on the CISL Blog we are looking at Marketing Vocabulary, which is something our business, advertising, and sales students need. As you can see, however, you don’t necessarily need to be...

Useful Expressions and Vocabulary for CAE and FCE Speaking Part 1
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Useful Expressions and Vocabulary for CAE and FCE Speaking Part 1

At CISL San Diego and San Francisco, we are proud of how well we prepare our Cambridge ESOL (FCE & CAE) students: our wonderful teachers make sure that students have the language skills necessary to excel, and the numerous practice exams in our test preparation classes ensure that students completely understand the test requirements and format. Today we are looking...

Business English: Making Formal Requests
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Business English: Making Formal Requests

Many languages have a formal and informal way of expressing oneself. Do you know how to formally and politely ask for something? People who use English in business settings must do this often. Let’s take a look at some useful phrases to help you get your way.*  Making Formal Requests in Business English Would it...

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CAE Listening Part 2 Practice: TED Talk “Why Videos Go Viral”

What is your favorite YouTube video? We all have a few Internet videos that we love. Some make us laugh, others make us think . . . whatever they are, the videos are probably very popular. When a video becomes popular, we use the expression TO GO VIRAL. This means that the video’s popularity increases...

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Business English: Formally addressing someone

Formalities are important in both written and spoken English. Do you know how to properly address someone in English when you meet them in person or write to them in an email? The level of formality and appropriate greeting depend on if you know the person and how well you know them. Read on to...