Gerund Or Infinitive Rules

  And now we'll have a look at both the infinitive and the gerund. Infinitive is the word "to", followed by the base form of the verb. We"ll typically use it after a verb, specifically verbs like "want" or "hope". We can make statements like "I want to go to the beach." We also have our gerund. Our gerund is a verb followed by "-ing", but specifically used as a noun within the sentence. We have a verb plus a gerund: "I enjoy playing poker." The main verb is "enjoy" and, although "playing" looks as if it's a verb, it's actually used as the noun within the sentence. We also can use it with a preposition followed by a gerund: "How about going to the beach?" We could also put it in the front of a sentence: "Smoking is bad for you." Again, the verb plus "-ing" can act as two things...  [Read more]

  Here are some tips on completing your parts of speech worksheet. When providing examples for each part of speech, five one-word answers will suffice for almost all of them. However, we'll need to clarify this for the gerunds. This is basically due to the fact that what you've written can either be used as the main verb in a sentence, that would be the present participle, or can be used as the gerund. For example the word "playing" wouldn't be enough, as it can be used both as the verb or the gerund. So, an example sentence such as "I like playing poker." would suffice rather than simply the word "playing". Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units...  [Read more]

  As there are still some travel restrictions and quarantine rules in place in many countries, the best option currently for most trainees is to take one of our online or combined TEFL courses.  [Read more]

  Mary from the US took the 120-hour TEFL course with tutor support and videos after being recommended the course by her friends who are already teaching. In this TEFL review video, Mary discusses her experience of taking the course. Mary found the course videos to be helpful in presenting the course materials in a more visual way, which helped her to better absorb the information. She also found the tutors to be very responsive to her questions often replying within 24 hours. One of the main benefits of the course was that Mary was able to study in her own time enabling her to fit study around her job. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Kathryn describes her experiences as a TEFL/TESOL student at the training center in Phuket Thailand. Like Kathryn you can select the location that best suits you to complete your TEFL/TESOL course. No matter which international location you select you can be assured that the professional and most up to date level of training and the learning acquired on our course will enhance your employment prospects. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the...  [Read more]

Teaching grammar in context is crucial in a TEFL classroom as it helps students understand how language works in real-life situations. By presenting grammar rules within meaningful contexts, students can see the practical application of the language and are more likely to retain the information. Contextualized grammar lessons also make learning more engaging and relevant for students, as they can immediately see how the language structures are used in communication. There are several effective strategies for teaching grammar in context. One approach is to use authentic materials such as newspaper articles, songs, or dialogues from movies to introduce grammar concepts. This not only provides real-world examples of language use but also exposes students to different styles of writing and...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of modal verbs. They are used to express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. Richard checks the understanding of his students by doing a worksheet exercise discussing various statements including modal verbs. ITTT's Observed Teaching Practice courses (OTP) are ideal for teachers wanting to improve their teaching skills remotely from anywhere in the world." Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto...  [Read more]

  Cassandra has recently completed the 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support. In this TEFL review video she outlines the process involved with completing ITTT?s online certification course and recommends the course to anyone thinking about teaching English abroad or has an interest in ESL and would like to find out more. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit gave a large but specific overview of the parts of speech of the english...  [Read more]

  This video from one of ITTT's online TEFL courses looks at the structure of the future perfect tense. Positive: Subject + will + have + past participle I will have finished... Negative: Subject + will + not + have + past participle I will not (won't) have finished ... Question: Will + subject + have + past participle? Will you have finished ...? More and more people see teaching English abroad as great way to learn new skills and gain valuable experience in an international setting before returning home and embarking on their career. Alternatively, others see teaching English as an opportunity to change direction in their career and to try something new. Either way, anyone looking to start teaching English abroad will need to be appropriately qualified. Have a look at the link...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'advice' and 'advise'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. In fact, the two words are both are from the same word stem but 'advice' is the noun and 'advise' is the verb. Therefore, their usages are not the same. 'Advice' refers to a proposal for an appropriate course of action. Please give us some advice about planning a trip to France. In this example, we use 'advice' because it is the noun. When we want to describe the action of giving advice or offering a suggestion, we use the verb, or 'advise' spelled with an 's'. A good example would be: I advised them to visit the Pyramids of Giza when they are in Egypt. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section...  [Read more]

  In this online TESOL course video we will look at a useful teaching idea for the past perfect tense. Students are given statements written in the past simple and will have to complete the statement with sentences in the past perfect. Each statement would have been cut out before the class and distributed to pairs or small groups. The student will turn over their card, read out the statement then complete it with their own past perfect sentence. For example: I didn't do my homework ... because I hadn't brought my book home. Teaching ideas such as this become an important part of an English teacher's resources, enabling them to create interesting plans when required. To learn more about this tense and others consider taking one of ITTT's online TESOL courses. Follow the link above...  [Read more]

--- Teaching English grammar in context is crucial for ESL students as it helps them understand how grammar rules are applied in real-life situations. By presenting grammar in context, students can see the practical use of grammar rules, making the learning process more meaningful and engaging. Contextualized grammar lessons also help students improve their comprehension skills and develop their ability to communicate effectively in various situations. Moreover, teaching grammar in context allows students to learn how to use language structures naturally, leading to better retention and application of grammar rules in their own writing and speaking. --- There are several effective strategies that teachers can use to teach English grammar in context to ESL students. One approach is to use...  [Read more]

  This video reviews the four future tenses; the future simple, future continuous, future perfect and future perfect continuous. The future simple: Subject + will + base verb Used for predictions without evidence/threats/promises/spontaneous decisions. I'll have an orange juice. The future continuous: Subject + will + be + present participle Used for actions in progress at a particular time in the future. This time next year, I'll be teaching English in Thailand. The future perfect: Subject + will + have + past participle Used for actions completed before a certain time in the future. I'll have finished my TESOL course by the end of the month. The future perfect continuous: Subject + will + have + been + present participle Used for talking about the duration of an action...  [Read more]

  TEFL related jobs are available in cities, towns and beach resorts in dozens of countries spread right across the world, but what is the best way to secure the right position for you? Unfortunately there is no simple answer as it varies from one region to the next. Here we look at the main job hunting strategies that you can use to find and land that dream job teaching English abroad. Online Job Application If you are looking for a job outside the country you are currently in, then using online searches is a common option. There are many jobs boards online that post available positions from countries worldwide. The majority of these jobs will be in regions where the demand for teachers is so high that employers are happy to hire teachers without the need for a face-to-face...  [Read more]

In a TEFL classroom, setting clear expectations and rules from the beginning is crucial for managing discipline issues effectively. Start by discussing classroom rules with your students and ensure they understand the consequences of breaking them. Use simple language and visual aids to reinforce these rules, and make sure they are consistently applied. By creating a structured environment, you can prevent many discipline problems before they arise. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for promoting good behavior in the classroom. Praise students for following the rules, participating actively, and showing respect to their peers. Use a variety of rewards such as stickers, extra free time, or special privileges to motivate students to behave positively. By focusing on rewarding good...  [Read more]

Setting clear expectations is crucial for managing student behavior in a TEFL classroom. Make sure your students understand the rules and consequences from the very beginning. Create a list of classroom rules together with your students, so they feel involved and responsible. Be consistent in enforcing the rules to establish a routine and create a structured learning environment. Building a positive relationship with your students can help prevent behavior issues. Get to know your students on a personal level, show interest in their lives, and create a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere. Use icebreakers, group activities, and pair work to encourage interaction among students and between you and the class. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for managing student behavior....  [Read more]

Establishing clear and concise rules and expectations is essential for effective classroom management as a TEFL teacher. Begin by discussing these guidelines with your students on the first day of class. Make sure the rules are easy to understand and are displayed visibly in the classroom. Consistency is key - enforce the rules consistently and fairly to create a structured learning environment. Be sure to explain the consequences of breaking the rules and follow through with them when necessary. By setting expectations early on, you can prevent disruptions and create a conducive atmosphere for learning. Building a strong rapport with your students is crucial for successful classroom management. Take the time to get to know your students individually, learn their interests, and show...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'interested' and 'interesting'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. 'Interesting' describes the people or things that cause the feeling of interest to someone, for example: Today's lesson about world history is very interesting. 'Interested', on the other hand, describes how someone feels, such as here: I am very interested in learning another language. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section...  [Read more]

--- As a TEFL teacher, handling disciplinary issues in the classroom is a crucial aspect of maintaining a positive and productive learning environment. By following certain strategies and approaches, you can effectively manage and address behavior problems while fostering a supportive atmosphere for your students. One of the key ways to prevent and manage disciplinary issues in the TEFL classroom is by setting clear expectations from the beginning. Establishing rules and guidelines helps students understand what is expected of them in terms of behavior and participation. Take the time to explain these expectations clearly and discuss them with your students to ensure comprehension. Consistency is key, so make sure to enforce these rules fairly and apply them equally to all students. By...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word canoodle. This word is used as a verb and describes the action of kissing and cuddling amorously. The origin of the word is widely unknown. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. As a native English speaker it is easy to forget a lot of grammar rules, since we base off grammar on what \"sounds right\". It is important for TEFL to not only have a firm understanding on grammar, but also be aware...  [Read more]

--- One of the key aspects of effective classroom management in TEFL classes is setting clear rules and expectations from the beginning. This helps create a structured learning environment where students know what is expected of them. Start by discussing and establishing rules together with your students to ensure they understand and buy into them. Keep the rules simple, consistent, and prominently displayed in the classroom. Make sure to also explain the consequences of not following the rules, and be consistent in enforcing them. --- Engaging lesson plans play a crucial role in managing a classroom effectively. Plan your lessons carefully, incorporating a variety of activities to cater to different learning styles and keep students interested and motivated. Use a mix of visual, auditory,...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TESOL review video Stratton talks about his TEFL experience in Phuket, Thailand. He talks about some of the course content including grammar, phonology and Thai culture and traditions. He also talks about the many advantages of doing the course, meeting new people and experiencing new adventures. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I had not realised that the present tense was so complicated. Rather, I should say that I did not know...  [Read more]

Building rapport with your students is essential for effective classroom management. Get to know your students individually, learn about their interests, and show genuine care for their well-being. Use icebreakers and group activities to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the classroom. By building strong relationships with your students, you can establish trust and respect, making it easier to manage the class effectively. Clearly communicating your expectations from the beginning is crucial for maintaining control in the classroom. Establish rules and routines, and make sure your students understand them. Use visual aids and gestures to support your instructions, especially for students with limited English proficiency. Be consistent in enforcing rules and addressing any...  [Read more]

  And now we'll take a look at a few teaching ideas for the present continuous tense. The present continuous tense is quite a visual tense. We use it to describe actions that are happening at the present moment. So, we could give our students a picture, such as the one seen here. It is important that in the picture there are many activities going on. The teacher can give a time limit to pairs or small groups. In that time limit, the pairs or small groups will make various sentences based upon what they see in the picture. These sentences may include 'He is taking a picture,' 'He is throwing a boomerang,' 'They are playing with the ball,' 'He is digging a hole.' At the end of the time limit, the teacher will ask for some feedback and get feedback from the pairs and the groupings to...  [Read more]

  So let's have a look now what might take place in a typical writing lesson and, again, we're going to use the format of a straight arrow ESA lesson. Our first stage is to the go to the engage stage and, if we think back to what we said before, what we need to do is try to generate interest. So, an example here could be we show a picture first of all taken from a newspaper or magazine and then we can ask the students some questions. From looking at the picture we can ask them if they can tell us what is actually happening now as shown by the picture. Then, we can generate a bit more interest by asking them to give us ideas about what they thought was happening before this picture took place and what happened after. So, here we're just trying to build up the idea of a sequence of...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review Jason describes his experience during his TEFL/TESOL course in Shanghai, China. He talks about the hands on teaching opportunities that the course provided. The majority of ITTT's trainees who do our four week intensive course come with no prior knowledge or experience of teaching English. Our challenging but rewarding courses give trainees the confidence and skills to be able to take up teaching positions in countries all over the world. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each...  [Read more]

As a new TEFL teacher, it is essential to understand the importance of effective classroom management. Classroom management refers to the strategies and techniques that teachers use to maintain a productive and positive learning environment. It involves setting clear expectations, establishing routines, and addressing student behavior in a proactive manner. Without proper classroom management, teaching and learning can be disrupted, leading to a less effective educational experience for both teachers and students. There are several strategies that new TEFL teachers can employ to enhance classroom management. First and foremost, it is crucial to establish clear rules and expectations from the beginning of the course. This helps create a structured environment where students know what is...  [Read more]

--- Effective classroom management is crucial in a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) setting as it sets the tone for learning, ensures a conducive environment for all students, and maximizes instructional time. In a diverse classroom with students from different cultural backgrounds and language proficiency levels, good classroom management techniques help create a harmonious and productive learning environment. Teachers who can effectively manage their classrooms are better able to engage students, facilitate learning, and maintain discipline, leading to improved academic outcomes and student satisfaction. There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to effectively manage classroom behavior. Firstly, establishing clear expectations and rules from the beginning is...  [Read more]

In the realm of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), grammar plays a crucial role in enabling students to communicate effectively. Grammar provides the structural foundation upon which language is built, allowing learners to convey their ideas accurately and clearly. Understanding grammar rules helps students to construct meaningful sentences, comprehend texts, and engage in conversations with confidence. Moreover, mastering grammar enhances students' writing skills, enabling them to produce coherent and cohesive pieces of writing. In TEFL, grammar serves as the backbone of language learning, empowering students to express themselves accurately in a new language. When it comes to teaching grammar in TEFL, employing effective strategies is essential to engage students and foster...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'adapt' and 'adopt'. Due to their similar spelling, their usage is often confused. 'Adapt' describes the action of taking something and changing it for a special purpose, for example: A screenwriter successfully adapts the book to make it work as a movie. The word 'adopt', on the other hand, refers to the action of taking something and using it or making it your own, such as here: Because they couldn't have children of their own, they decided to adopt a child. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means...  [Read more]