Michael
My name is Michael and I am a native New Yorker. I have been helping language students for over 20 years here in New York and all over the world including Japan. I started out as a music teacher here in the 1980′s and then began helping international students with English in 1989. I began my formal language teaching career in Sendai, Japan in 1994. Since then, I have worked in the ESL field as an instructor, a teacher trainer, an academic director, and a language school manager. I have a Bachelor of Music Degree from a local college, and in 2004 I earned my MBA. I am a native English speaker and have been studying and speaking Japanese since 1990.
Homepage: http://blog.myhappyenglish.com
Posts by Michael
International Language School Wins Two Cambridge English Awards
May 9th
Students enjoying the Leicester Square
Hot off the press from the Cambridge English Centenary CEM Meeting, Kaplan International Colleges is celebrating winning two awards. In fact, Kaplan was the only school to take home two awards at the event in Somerset House including: “Best performing new centre” and “Best use of Facebook for promotion.” It’s not surprising considering their facebook fanpage has over 83,000 fans!
Schools from all around the United Kingdom who are hosting the Cambridge English exams got together in the picturesque surroundings of Somerset House to be acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the Cambridge English Language Assessment mission in the UK.
Kaplan Leicester Square, a Cambridge ESOL examination centre is located in a modern building in the heart of the capital. Students who learn English in London with Kaplan, have the opportunity to prepare for several Cambridge Exam Preparation courses including: the First Certificate (FCE), the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).
The school’s Principal, Craig Sargent, said that the Kaplan school in Leicester Square “is delighted to receive such recognition at the Cambridge Centenary Awards.” He went on to mention that the achievement of being the only school to win two awards is a testament to the hard work of their entire staff. I’m sure that Craig and his team will enjoy continued success this year and in the future. I you are looking to prepare for one of the Cambridge exams, why not check them out?
If you know anyone who is interested in this topic, why not help them out! Just share this article with them.
Thanks for studying today!
English Grammar Lesson: Am Not vs. Do Not
May 8th
It’s not diet food!
Hi there all of you English Grammar Fans. Today, I’d like to teach you the difference between am not and do not. A lot of my students have said that they feel confused with this point. Maybe you are too? I hope today’s lesson can help you remember this English Grammar easily!
We use am not + noun
- I am not Jack, I’m Michael. Not, I do not Jack
- Jack is not the president. He is the VP.
- Bob is not a student. He is the instructor.
We also use am not + gerund
- I am not watching much TV these days. Not, I do not watching ~
- Jack is not working in head office anymore.
- This restaurant is not serving dessert on weekdays.
We also use am not + adjective
- I am not tired today. Not, I do not tired ~
- Jack is not younger than Bob.
- This restaurant is not expensive and the food is delicious.
We use do not + verb
- I do not understand economics very much. Not, I am not understand ~
- Jack does not live in New York anymore.
- This restaurant does not serve many appetizers.
Now it’s your turn. How about trying to write an original sentence using some of the above patterns. Use the comment box below!
If you know anyone who has trouble with this English language point, why not help them out! Just share this lesson with them.
Thanks for studying today!
One-Point English Idiom Lesson: Pipe Dream
May 7th
Are you a dreamer? Do you have big dreams for your future? Well, one or some of those dreams may just be a pipe dream. Have a look at today’s lessongraphic. I’m going to show you how to use this English idiom.
Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below and let me know what your pipe dream is!
If you know anyone who has trouble with this English language point, why not help them out! Just share this lesson with them.
Thanks for studying today!
