Welcome to Trevor Kafka's American English Pronunciation Guide, where we will break down and analyze the details of American English pronunciation in a systematic and detailed manner. 😁

📢 American English Pronunciation Guide

How do you improve your IELTS band score. In this podcast I’m going to give you 1 simple strategy to help you get the band score you need.

The technique I’m going to teach you is paraphrase. Yes, paraphrasing is very important, and it’s something that IELTS examiners listen out for. In the IELTS band descriptors you will see that you can not get a band score 6 or 7 unless you can paraphrase effectively.

Let me give you an example.

Let’s say in part 1 the examiner asks you about your hometown and asks you this question: Is your hometown a popular destination for foreigners?

You should answer the question by choosing a synonym for foreigners, for example, tourists.

You could also choose a synonym  for destination, for example visit.

So, when the examiner asks you “Is your hometown a popular destination for foreigners?” you could answer like this:

Yes, many tourists visit my hometown. 

So, you’ve answered the question using paraphrase.

Instead of foreigners you said tourists and instead of destination, you said visit.

Let me teach you again. If the examiner asks you “Is your hometown a popular destination for foreigners?” you could answer:

Yes, many tourists visit my hometown. 

Book an IELTS speaking exam preparation lesson with me to improve your IELTS score.




IELTS Speaking Practice

1 IELTS strategy to improve your IELTS score - paraphrase

In this episode I introduce myself and tell you my story about how I came into teaching Levantine Arabic and why I started the podcast.
If you'd like to answer the questions I asked in this episode. Your answer may be read/played in a future episode! 

Real Syrian Arabic

Real Syrian Arabic Podcast - Episode 1: Who am I? مين أنا؟

... 
Как-то на чердаке мы нашли деревянную чёрную шкатулку. На крышке её медными буквами была выложена английская надпись: «Эдинбург. Шотландия. Делал мастер Гальвестон».
Шкатулку принесли в комнаты, осторожно вытерли с неё пыль и открыли крышку. Внутри были медные валики с тонкими стальными шипами. Около каждого валика сидела на бронзовом рычажке медная стрекоза, бабочка или жук.

Это была музыкальная шкатулка. Мы завели её, но она не играла. Напрасно мы нажимали на спинки жуков, мух и стрекоз – шкатулка была испорчена.

За вечерним чаем мы заговорили о таинственном мастере Гальвестоне. Все сошлись на том, что это был весёлый пожилой шотландец в клетчатом жилете и кожаном фартуке. Во время работы, обтачивая в тисках медные валики, он, наверное, насвистывал песенку о почтальоне, чей рог поёт в туманных долинах, и девушке, собирающей хворост в горах. Как все хорошие мастера, он разговаривал с теми вещами, которые делал, и рассказывал им их будущую жизнь. Но, конечно, он никак не мог догадаться, что эта чёрная шкатулка попадёт из-под бледного шотландского неба в пустынные леса за Окой, в деревню, где только одни петухи поют, как в Шотландии, а всё остальное совсем не похоже на эту далёкую северную страну.
...

Нескучные истории - Not boring stories

Константин Паустовский, отрывок из рассказа "Жильцы старого дома"

“什么？” 王后对魔镜大喊，
“谁比我更美？” 
“白雪公主。” 魔镜说。
"What?" the queen shouted at her mirror.
"Who is more beautiful than I am?"
"Snow White," the mirror said.

王后非常生气。
“大家都说白雪公主很美！
说她很善良，很完美！
我可不信！” 
The queen was very angry.
"Everyone says Snow White is so pretty!
She's so nice, so perfect!
I don't believe it!"

那天晚上，王后在村庄里和猎人见面。
猎人带着一把斧子。
王后在他耳边说了几句悄悄话。
然后给了他一些金币。
That night the queen met a hunter in the village.
He carried an ax.
The queen whispered in his ear.
Then she gave him some gold coins.

Listening & Speaking (Mandarin)

白雪公主与七个小矮人（猎人-1） Snow White and the seven Dwarfs    (中级）


"Katie Woo Has the Flu" is a children's book that tells the story of Katie, a young girl who becomes sick with the flu. Throughout the book, Katie experiences symptoms such as a fever and aches, and she learns the importance of rest and taking care of herself while she's ill. With colorful illustrations and simple language, the book helps children understand what it feels like to be sick and the importance of listening to their bodies.

Story Time for Kids with Teacher Amanda

Episode 8: Katie Woo Has the Flu

ACTION _ POWER words to use in your CV

When it comes to communication we do it in number of ways. Through words, tone of voice and the body languge.

Here is he percentage split between body language, voice and words:

Body Language – the visible actions that we show to others using all parts of our body – 55%
Voice – the pitch, pace, tone and volume of our voice – 38%
Words – the actual words that make up our message – 7%.

This often surprises many people as they often think the words make up most of the communication. In reality, it’s the visible things we show that communicates most of the message as this is where most people’s perceptions are formed – from what they can see.

Since my students are GMs, CEOs and various C-level managers I have the ability to learn it directly from them and I am excited to share my discoveries with you.

Dive into the podcast and benefit immensely! 

If you found it to be of value please share with those who'll benefit by it & join one of my VIP 1-1 trainings now.


Job Interview Preparation | CEO Interview Strategies From Diverse Business Sectors!

ACTION _ POWER words to use in your CV. Episode 64

CHISTES MEXICANOS

UNA MUJER ADIVINADORA.

Don't live in your head. BE KIND. We do not know what people are going through behind the scenes. We do not know so the least we could do, I am including myself is to be less judgmental and to be more empathetic because everyone has their own struggles.