As ESL tutors, we’ve all had students who pause mid-sentence, scrambling to translate words in their heads before speaking. It’s a habit that feels natural to them—after all, their first language is their comfort zone. But relying too much on translation slows down progress, making English feel like a constant puzzle instead of a tool for communication. Our job isn’t just to teach vocabulary and … Continue reading Helping ESL Students Think in English Instead of Translating

Teaching English to students who couldn’t care less about learning it? Now that’s a challenge. Some show up because they have to, not because they want to. Others stare at the screen, barely responding, while a few make it painfully clear they’d rather be anywhere else. As an ESL tutor at Rare Job, I’ve seen all kinds of students—young and old, beginners and advanced learners, … Continue reading Teaching English to Disinterested Students: Tips for Keeping Them Engaged

Learning English can feel awkward, nerve-wracking, and a little intimidating. Many learners hesitate to speak because they’re scared of making mistakes. Others feel stuck, thinking they’re not “good enough” to hold a conversation. But here’s the thing: learning a language doesn’t have to be a stressful, textbook-heavy process. It can actually be fun, engaging, and something to look forward to. As an ESL tutor for … Continue reading How to Make English Learning Fun and Less Intimidating