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Hi Reader Where on earth did this year go? One moment I was watching new year fireworks on a beach in Mexico, the next I'm looking for batteries for my childhood Christmas decorations back in the UK! Whilst it's easy to look ahead and make goals for next year, I like to take time in December to look back and reflect on the highs and lows of the year. Today I'm sharing some of my statistics with you, and would love you to get involved by replying with yours too. 2025 language learning (this year I focused on Spanish)
2025 language teaching
Top phrases most repeated this year:
If your business 2025 numbers feel a bit messy too, congratulations, you’re thriving in style! Let’s keep learning.....together. Tip of the monthHave you ever head of a a phrasal verb, Reader? The end of the year is a time to look back at what you've achieved, look ahead to plan new goals and look forward to new challenges. In this sentence I've used "look" three times with three different meanings. The verb (to look) stays the same, but the prepositions (back/ahead/forward) change the definition. Some more examples of phrasal verbs with look are listed below, and I challenge you to use them in English conversations next month.
December 2025Coaching cornerA moment for quiet reflection or journalling, even just thinking about your answers can help you notice patterns and shift your focus. What’s improved in your English in the last 3 months? What’s your next small, achievable goal? I hope your festive season brings joy, peace and reflection (hopefully mine will also involve eating far too many strawberry cream Quality Street chocolates, in a quintessential, pink British tradition!) Looking forward to working together in 2026. Meg P.S Don't forget my exclusive offer for newsletter subscribers is still valid until December 31st 2025. Message for more details! Fully certified Business English coach
“Megan is an excellent teacher! Our classes are so dynamic that the 50 minutes pass too quickly. Having lived in different countries and loving to travel gives her knowledge of other cultures and languages which enriches our conversations.” |
I'm an English coach, polyglot, entrepreneur, and digital nomad who loves to talk about education, travel, and business & entrepreneurship. Subscribe to my newsletter, I look forward to meeting you!
Hi Reader Giving feedback might seem simple, but cultural differences can completely change how it's delivered, and received. Let’s compare three common styles: British. Polite and indirect. Criticism is often softened with phrases like “Perhaps you could…” or “It’s not quite there yet.” This is known as using a downgrader, a softening phrase to make feedback sound less harsh. It’s also common to wrap criticism in praise (the classic “feedback sandwich”). American. Confident and clear....
Hi Reader Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, your English just doesn’t improve? That could be learned helplessness. This is when past experiences of being corrected, misunderstood, or embarrassed make you believe you’ll never get it right. But that belief isn’t a fact. It’s a pattern you’ve learned, and you can unlearn it. The good news is, you're not failing, you just need another approach! With small actions like recording voice notes, tracking your English time (not your...
Hi Reader I hope you've had a serene September. As my Mexican adventure finishes and I prepare for the next chaper, I want to share some reflections which may be useful in your own journey. "Oh the places you'll go" by Dr Seuss is a book that I loved as a child, even before I could read it myself. (I've heard rumours of a film adaptation coming soon, which will be a great chance to practice English comprehension!) This book taught me that we don't know where we will go in the future, and to...