Author: italkyoutalk

[Easy English Blog]Goal setting

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I have set some language learning goals. I study better when I have a goal. There are so many languages I want to learn. However, I want to reach a high level in each language, so I need to focus.

These are my goals:

2020: Pass levels 3 and 4 on the Chinese HSK test, and the Korean TOPIK elementary level.

2021: Pass level 5 on the Chinese HSK test, and the Korean TOPIK intermediate level

2022: Pass level 6 on the Chinese HSK test, and the Korean TOPIK advanced level

2023 – 2024 Pass levels 3,2,1 on the French test (仏検）

I want to learn many other languages, so I think I will learn the basics of a few on Duolingo in my spare time. Russian and Arabic look interesting.

Having goals really helps me to focus. How about you?

Heather @ I Talk You Talk Press

Have a soft spot for (someone)

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Do you know the English expression “to have a soft spot for (someone)“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Martin: I think Dave is happy that he is working with Faye on the next project.

Sue: Yes, he is. He has a soft spot for Faye. She is like a daughter to him.

Does it mean:

a) dislike someone

b) like someone very much

c) be soft

d) be kind

The answer is below!↓

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Answer: b) like someone very much

Foot the bill

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Do you know the English expression “to foot the bill“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Peter: What’s wrong? You don’t look happy.

Roger: The air conditioner in my house broke, but my landlord won’t pay to get it fixed. I have to foot the bill.

Does it mean:

a) kick a bill

b) get angry

c) pay for something

d) ask someone to pay for something

The answer is below!　↓

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Answer: c) pay for something

[Easy English Blog]Finding more study time

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I love studying languages, so I am trying to find more time to study. I want to study every day. I also want to exercise every day. So, I decided to combine the two, and exercise and study at the same time.

I have an exercise bike in my house. This is an indoor bike. (It is not the bike in the photo!) I try to use it for 30 minutes every day. While I am on the exercise bike, I read one of my textbooks. I learn new words or grammar. While I am studying, the time seems to pass really quickly.

I tried studying when I go running. I tried to listen to the audio for my textbooks instead of listening to music, but this didn’t work. I need music when I run. I am learning Chinese, so I should look for some Chinese music to listen to while I run.

There are many times in the day when I can study while doing something else. When I clean, I listen to the audio of my textbook or listening practice on YouTube. When I drive, I listen to the audio of my vocabulary book.

There is always more time to study. Studying and exercising together is a good combination for me. I feel healthy and I learn some new things!

By Heather @ I Talk You Talk Press

At the drop of a hat

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Do you know the English expression “at the drop of a hat“? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the meaning?

Keiko: Are you going to buy a new car?

Marie: I’d buy one at the drop of a hat if I could, but we can’t afford it.

Does it mean:

a) immediately

b) when someone drops their hat

c) much later

d) next week

The answer is below! ↓

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Answer: a) immediately

Hand in (one’s) notice

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Do you know the English expression “to hand in (one’s) notice? Read the conversation below. Can you guess the answer?

Kate: I heard that Hiroko handed in her notice today.

Mari: No way! She didn’t tell anyone she was leaving!

Does it mean:

a) tell your boss you are going to quit

b) leave a job straight away

c) walk out of the office

d) be fired

The answer is below!↓

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Answer: a) tell your boss you are going to quit

[Easy English Blog]TikTok

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We joined TikTok a few weeks ago. Do you know it? It is a video sharing app. People post short (usually 15 second) videos with music.

I wondered what kind of videos to post. I decided to post videos of the area of Japan where I live. It is in the countryside, and not many people get to visit it. So, I thought people would enjoy watching these videos. Also, I spend a lot of time in my office. Taking videos gives me a reason to go out more, especially to the scenic spots in my city.

Taking the video is easy. The difficult part is choosing the music. There are so many songs to choose from. For the first few videos I made, I chose classical music and local Japanese folk music. The most famous folk music in this area is called Yasugi Bushi. I like this folk music. I found it on TikTok and used it in some of my videos.

If you are on TikTok, please take a look! Our ID is italkyoutalkpress.

I plan to upload some videos of the autumn scenery in this beautiful area of Japan.

by Heather @ I Talk You Talk Press