A collocation is the way in which words are combined with one another. To move from a receptive to a productive vocabulary, students of English need to learn a wide variety of ways that words collocate with each other.

For example, please review these "Heavy Collocations" or phrases commonly associated with the adjective "heavy."

heavy duty
heavy heart
heavy meal
heavy weight
heavy breathing
heavy eyelids
heavy feet
heavy handed
heavy snowfall
heavy artillery
heavy thinker
heavy dose
heavy industry
heavy blow
heavy work
heavy depression
heavy sleeper
heavy trading

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn as your English Coach directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Expressions with Make

Important Expressions with 'Make'

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.

make plans
make an exception
make arrangements
make a telephone call
make a decision
make a mistake
make noise
make money
make an excuse
make an effort

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn as your English Coach directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

To Do or To Make?

The two verbs 'do' and 'make' are often confused. The meanings are similar, but here are key tips for their different uses.

Use 'Do' for Activities

Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object. Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity.

do homework
do housework
do the dishes

Use 'Make' for Constructing, Building, Creating

Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.

make food
make a cup of tea / coffee
make a mess

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In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn as your English Coach directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Job Hunt in English Part I

English is an essential career booster in Argentina. A casual glimpse at job descriptions online demand some level of English.

To kick off our series on Job Hunt English, we provide you the essential vocabulary below:

human resources manager
someone who employs people for a firm, also known as a personnel manager

deadlines
the dates or times when certain tasks must be completed

to work on your own initiative
to make decisions about your work without having to wait for someone else to help you

to multi-task
to do more than one piece of work at a time

a proven track record
evidence you've been successful in the past in your area of work

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Do you need English for your job or want to improve your career? Hire your personal English Coach today!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Writing effective introductions and conclusions

A good essay presents the reader with a logical, clear and detailed argument. The main strands and structure of this argument should be established clearly in the introduction.

The conclusion of an essay should then bring these strands together, and reiterate the most important parts in order to convince the reader of the main argument. This does not mean the argument should come to a simplistic solution-type conclusion, but rather that whatever has been explored, once the evidence has been weighed/the text analyzed/the situation assessed, should be clearly stated so that the reader of the essay has a clear understanding of the subject.

This means that introductions and conclusions need to be clearly written: they are probably the sections of the essay which will need the most tweaking and re-drafting in the re-writing process.

A good introduction should:

• indicate that you understand the question and how you are interpreting it
• establish what you will be arguing and how
• begin to define the key terms of the essay
• locate your argument in a critical debate/historical context

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Hire your personal English Coach today to improve your essay writing!

Please enjoy an Argentine news story translated from Spanish to English.
Courtesy: Buenos Aires Translator

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Essay planning - developing an argument

Present an Argument

All essays need to present an argument, whether it is to do with assessing or analysing a particular text, situation or event, comparing factors, or coming to a conclusion about a specific issue or theory. When planning how you are going to answer a particular essay question, you should bear in mind the need to come up with an argument to demonstrate that you can think critically: no essay requires you simply to describe a situation.

Planning

Everyone plans in different ways; you will be planning your essay all the way through the research process, and most probably throughout the writing process as well. You may find it helpful to keep a record of your thinking process either writing a list of how your main ideas connect, producing a spider diagram, or writing your main ideas for paragraphs on post-it notes which you can then move around when thinking about the most helpful structure for your essay.

You may find that you need to start doing the research first to work out what the different sections of the essay will be. The important thing is to give yourself the space and time to think through and explain an argument - so once you have decided what material you need to cover you need to make a decision about how you will analyze this material.

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Hire your personal English Coach today!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Standard Written English

Standard written English is a solid basis to help you communicate effectively in a host of situations.

Written assignments test your ability to communicate an argument effectively.

Using the correct spelling, punctuation and grammar will help you communicate clearly.

Effective word choice, recognition of sentences and sentence parts, and basic English usage are essential.

One should be able to generate sentences that clearly express ideas.

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Hire your personal English Coach today! Boost your career and get the job you deserve!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Medical English in Buenos Aires

Limited English May Be Life-Threatening

Forbes.com reports a disturbing trend in the United States - those who speak limited English are in life-threatening situations. Medical care may not be available because of the language barrier.

In a larger point, Medical English is essential as here in Argentina.

Medical personnel can attend to tourists or residents who speak English.

A fast way to test your English medical vocabulary is try the 40 terms and phrases contained in my Quizlet flashcard set.

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Hire your English Coach today to improve your Medical English today!

If you are in Buenos Aires and want English lessons personally designed to fit your needs, please call Professor Winn at 1160 461 342 or send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in English-language services or translations (Sp/Fr/Pt>En) may send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation.

Buy your English-language texts today!

Bite-Size American Literature Audio Clips

Bite-size audio clips available for mp3 download are available on the world-famous Cliff Notes page.

Today's technology meets the canon of literature.

While aimed at US teenagers to the horror of their high school English teachers, anyone who loves literature can indulge!

These podcasts are three to four minute capsules of the great works of literature including Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby and To Kill A Mockingbird and a couple of plays by the Bard.

Load up on your literature today!

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Hire your personal English coach today!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Test scores hurt international recruitment

credit: youreducationmatters.com

Test scores hurt international recruitment

Does your company require a measurement of your English proficiency?

Do you want to know your true dominance of the language?

Don't hurt your chances for advancement like the students mentioned in the above article.

An alphabet soup of international tests is available whether for academic or career purposes.

Ah, but the heart of the matter is test preparation!

Each test basically covers the four essential areas of language usage: 1) reading 2) writing 3) speaking and 4) listening.

Your average English class is too broad and moves along at too slow of a pace to prepare you for the rigors of an international English exam.

Therefore, it is essential to register for a test prep class for the test you will take.

Don't miss these TOEFL/IELTS tips!
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If you are in Buenos Aires and want English lessons personally designed to fit your needs, please call Professor Winn a, your personal English coach, at 1160 461 342 or send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in English-language services or translations (Sp/Fr/Pt>En) may send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation.

Buy your English-language texts today!

English for Executives in Buenos Aires

Language of Business

English is the language of business. Whether at the office or on the road, business executives need sharp English skills to close the deal.

Business executives can benefit from improving their English skills and knowledge about their industry to assist their clients.

Your proficiency in English is tied to your career advancement usually.

Sometimes companies require a measurement of your language ability. For English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) may be requested.

Preparation for the specific vocabulary of your industry and TOEFL or TOEIC preparation is ideal to achieve your career goals.

Examples of Vocabulary

I am writing to… Le escribo para… El motivo de la presente…

I would be delighted to … Me / Nos encantaría …

I am enclosing … Estoy adjuntando …

Please find enclosed …Adjunto a la presente sírvase encontrar …

Enclosed you will find …Adjunto a la presente encontrará …

Hire an English Coach, Professor Winn!

For English for Business Executives or translations of business documents, email Professor Winn at mrenglish101@gmail.com. My English services include writing effective resumes, cover letters, and business letters.

Do you need business research in French, Spanish or Portuguese written in an English-language report? That is also a specialty of Professor Winn.

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation.

Buy your Business English texts here!

English for Hoteliers

Language of Tourism

English is the language of tourism. From airlines to your destination, to check-in at the hotel, and dining under the stars with your significant other, English is the lingua franca for a smooth trip.

Airline, hotel, restaurant and other tourism personnel can benefit from improving their English skills and knowledge about their industry to assist their clients.

Your proficiency in English is tied to your career advancement usually.

Sometimes companies require a measurement of your language ability. For English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) may be requested.

Preparation for the specific vocabulary of your industry and TOEFL or TOEIC preparation is ideal to achieve your career goals.

Examples of Vocabulary

¿Me permite ver la habitación primero?
May I see the room first?

¿Tiene alguna habitación más tranquila?
Do you have anything quieter?

¿Tiene caja fuerte?
Do you have a safe?

¿Está incluido el desayuno?
Is the breakfast included?


Hire an English Coach, Professor Winn!

For English for Hoteliers or translations of business documents, email Professor Winn at mrenglish101@gmail.com

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation.

Buy your English-language texts here!

English for Pilots in Buenos Aires Part 3

Aqui encuentra una lista de abreviaturas en inglés, pero con la significa en español.

¿Necesita mejorar los conocimientos de ingles? Por favor, llamame pronto para concretar un programa de clases!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

English for Pilots in Buenos Aires - Part 2

Aviation's Lingua Franca

English, for now, is the language of international aviation.

Thus, pilots, airline flight crews, and air traffic controllers are obligated by international norms to show a measurable proficiency in the English language.

If you currently work or want a career in the aviation industry, you need to pay attention to these guidelines.

ICAO English Language Criteria

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a Level 4 competence must be achieved.

A pilot, flight crew member, and air traffic controller must meet the following criteria:

Pronunciation:
(Assumes a dialect and/or accent intelligible to the aeronautical community.)

Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation are influenced by the first language or regional variation but only sometimes interfere with ease of understanding.

Structure:
(Relevant grammatical structures and sentence patterns are determined by language functions appropriate to the task.)

Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are used creatively and are usually well controlled. Errors may occur, particularly in unusual or unexpected circumstances, but rarely interfere with meaning.

Vocabulary:

Vocabulary range and accuracy are usually sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete, and work-related topics. Can often paraphrase successfully when lacking vocabulary in unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Fluency:

Produces stretches of language at an appropriate tempo. There may be occasional loss of fluency on transition from rehearsed or formulaic speech to spontaneous interaction, but this does not prevent effective communication. Can make limited use of discourse markers or connectors. Fillers are not distracting.

Comprehension:

Comprehension is mostly accurate on common, concrete, and work-related topics when the accent or variety used is sufficiently intelligible for an international community of users. When the speaker is confronted with a linguistic or situational complication or an unexpected turn of events, comprehension may be slower or require clarification strategies.

Interactions:

Responses are usually immediate, appropriate, and informative. Initiates and maintains exchanges even when dealing with an unexpected turn of events. Deals adequately with apparent misunderstandings by checking, confirming, or clarifying.

Hire and English Coach, Professor Winn

Maintain or improve your English language proficiency!

Are you in Buenos Aires and need an English coach? If you currently work or seek a career in the aviation industry, you can easily improve your English skills today!

Hire Professor Winn as your English coach!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation.

Buy your English-language texts here!

English for Pilots in Buenos Aires - Part I

English, for now, is the language of international aviation.

Thus, pilots, airline flight crews, and air traffic controllers are obligated by international norms to show a measurable proficiency in the English language.

If you currently work or want a career in the aviation industry, you need to pay attention to these guidelines.

ICAO Regulations

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a Level 4 competence must be achieved.

In broad terms, a pilot, flight crew member, and air traffic controller must:

1. communicate effectively in voice-only (telephone/radiotelephone) and in face-to-face situations;
   
2. communicate on common, concrete and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity;
   
3. use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognize and resolve misunderstandings (e.g. to check, confirm, or clarify information) in a general or work-related context;
   
4. handle successfully and with relative ease the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events that occurs within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar; and
   
5. use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community.

Our next post will relay exactly how these broad descriptors are defined by the ICAO.

Hire and English Coach, Professor Winn

Are you in Buenos Aires and need an English coach? If you currently work or seek a career in the aviation industry, you can easily improve your English skills today!

Hire Professor Winn as your English coach!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Mejorá tu comunicación en entrevistas, carta de presentacion

Get Hired Today!

Are you facing an interview with a English-speaking company here in Buenos Aires?

Do you believe your English skills are sufficient to speak confidently and get the job?

Are you thinking about sending your CV/resume to an English-speaking company? Is it formatted correctly?

Does your cover letter (carta de presentacion) communicate effectively your skills and knowledge?

Hire your own English coach, Professor Winn

If you need to communicate effectively in English (written, oral) or otherwise improve your English skills, hire your own personal English coach, Professor Winn!

I will prepare you for the interview and rewrite your resume and cover letter to achieve the success you seek!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation.

Buy your English-language texts here!

Interview Success in English

This week Professor Winn prepared a corporate lawyer for a high-profile interview at an American firm in Buenos Aires.

I thought I'd share some insights from the joyful two day experience. These thoughts are not limited to the legal industry, but may be generally applied to your interview as well!

Helpful Tips

First, when conducting an interview in any second language, it is important to be poised. Especially at the lower level interviews, human resource officers try to trip you up with pointed questions like "What's your greatest weakness?" Naturally, you want to turn the question around to be able to speak about your greatest strength while answering the question.

Second, it is important to have a personal narrative ready to be stated at any moment. Indeed, think of it as your sales pitch. Create a two-minute speech about yourself. It's not a gloat session, but a direct presentation of what you can offer the firm.

Third, in English as in any language, it is important to listen carefully to the question. Listening comprehension is a very desirable skill in any business and in any language. Answer the questioner precisely and simply and show you understand the question!

Hire an English-language coach

Are you facing a job interview in English and need to boost your confidence in English? Hire your own personal English coach, Professor Winn! Get the job you deserve and speak confidently and professionally in English!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

Well-rounded education includes English language

Spanish University Increases English requirement

As pointed in the article, "Los alumnos de la UPNA deberán tener un nivel medio de inglés para graduarse," the inclusion of a higher than basic level of English is necessary to have a well-rounded education today.

Moreover, "el nivel de inglés obligatorio al acabar las carreras será el B1."

B1 Level

B1 is a designation in the European langauge framework. One's mastery of a language exists in quantifiable levels.

B1 is defined as:

1) CAN express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements.

2) CAN understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area.

3) CAN write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters.

Hire your English Coach

Do you need to improve your English to reach your career goals? Do you want to use English at or beyond the B1 Level?

Hire your personal English coach, Professor Winn, today!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

2 More Effective Email Skills

Emails are essential in communicating effectively in the global economy.

Professor Winn presents two more important email skills in Business English:

1. Uses proper spelling and punctuation.
Again, you have only one chance to make a first impression. Poor spelling and punctuation do not speak well about your company.

2. Proofread, proofread, proofread!
If all possible have a native English speaker proofread your communications. Proofreading for style, proper spelling and punctuation, and coherence is worth the investment no matter the size of the business deal.

Professor Winn is available for coaching your staff in Business English from copywriting and proofreading to translation and interpretation.

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!

4 More Key English Words to Clinch Negotiations

Here are 4 more key English words to clinch your negotiations:

1. equivalent - a proposed agreement that is different from, but equal in value to, a previous proposal

2. facilitation - a process where people, called facilitators, try to make it easier for two people to reach an agreement

3. final agreement - the results of the negotiation that everyone agrees to put into action

4. good faith - being honest about your intentions

Professor Winn can coach your staff during negotiations with English-speaking clients.

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts here!