

My top five places in the North East
When friends or family come to stay from abroad, you want to show them that you live in a beautiful place. If, like me, you live in...


What power does the queen have?
Today we have a new Prime Minister. She was chosen 2 days ago, but she couldn't become Prime Minister because she was waiting to meet the...


Who will choose the next Prime Minister? NOT the public.
Today our Prime Minister, David Cameron, has said he will resign in autumn 2016. Why? And what next? The people voted Yesterday the...


Stop worrying! No earthquakes, and other reasons to love Britain.
I remember a day when I made my students very happy. We were talking about an earthquake in Pakistan, which was in the news. Everyone...


Five ways to learn perfect English.
The English language seems easy at first, but it's hard to get really good at it. Why? What do foreign learners find so difficult about...


5 types of strangers who speak to you in the street
Imagine this situation- you're walking along the street, and a stranger tries to talk to you. Surprising, isn't it? And maybe a little...


Five problems with the Life in the UK test.
I think it's important to teach foreigners about our country before they become citizens, and I love helping people to pass the Life in...


Free English lessons for Muslim women: good news or bad news?
Yesterday David Cameron promised to spend £20 million on English classes for Muslim women. Excellent news! Or is it? Many people are...


David Bowie: Why so famous?
David Bowie is one of Britain's most important musical artists. He was more influential than Elton John, more inventive than The Beatles,...


Are all Brits alcoholics?
If you're a muslim, or if you're from a country like China, you probably avoid pubs and can't understand why British people like them so...