Downtown San Diego is known for its beautiful Coronado and Bay views, gorgeous Petco Park, (home of the Padres baseball team: go Pads!), its exciting Gaslamp District filled with restaurants and bars, and . . . the library. The library? Well, San Diego’s new central library might not be something that the city is “known”...
Are you thinking of studying English in California? The state’s laid-back culture, beautiful beaches, and amazing weather are of course appealing . . . but what else makes California so special? We asked some of our California natives and then compiled a list of some of their favorite things about living in The Golden State....
A New Year means New Year’s Resolutions: do you have any for 2016? When you are studying English in San Diego or San Francisco, there are so many fun resolutions to make! For January’s Grammar Lesson of the Month, we are looking at the modal MUST and 5 things you simply MUST do while living...
Happy New Year to our CISL students! Do you have a resolution for 2016 to improve your English skills? If so, we have the perfect lesson to implement your new resolution: practice CAE and FCE Use of English Part II with these quotes about the New Year! Before you begin, make sure that you understand...
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Have you ever heard of a White Elephant party? Today we are looking at this hilarious holiday custom and teaching our students how to host (and play) this traditional holiday party game! A White Elephant party is a great way to recycle old gifts . . . and have a laugh....
“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...
There are many things that Americans do to get in the Christmas spirit (other than drinking a few peppermint lattes at Starbucks!). In addition to attending holiday festivals, eating traditional foods, and (of course) shopping, there is one American tradition that many practice during the holiday season: caroling! What is CAROLING? It is singing Christmas...
Hosting parties, buying gifts, attending holiday events: there are many fun things we have to do during the holidays. This makes December the perfect month to discuss Modals of Obligation. Do you know what they are and how to use them? Modals of Obligation in English Some modals are stronger than others. For example, look...
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...
Volunteering is a great way to help those in need and become involved in your community. For an English learner, it also offers an excellent opportunity to practice speaking English! Perhaps this is why so many wonderful, giving CISL students are interested in volunteering. But how can you volunteer? Read on and find out! Volunteering...
