Asking for Help: Polite English When You Don’t Understand
For the first two years in Sydney I nodded at things I didn't understand. I was ashamed to ask. I would nod, walk away, and then try to figure it out alone. One day my…
Tag: B1
Understanding Australian English: Accents and Slang
My English teacher in Dhaka taught me British English. When I landed in Sydney, I heard: 'G'day mate, how ya going?' I understood zero words. Not zero — I understood 'how'. Australians shorten everything. 'Afternoon'…
Finding a Place to Live: Renting English for New Countries
Finding my first room in Strathfield, Sydney, took me two weeks of reading listings I didn't fully understand. 'Util incl' meant utilities are included — I didn't know that. 'No pets, no smokers' — I…
Writing a Menu: How to Describe Food in English
At Popolo in Sydney, I helped rewrite part of the menu. The chef's original line said: 'Pasta with tomato sauce and herbs.' I changed it to: 'House-made fettuccine, slow-cooked San Marzano tomato, fresh basil.' Same…
Dealing with Complaints: Staying Calm in English
A customer once threw a menu at me in a busy Sydney restaurant. He was angry. Not at me — his food was cold. But I was the nearest person. My manager came over and…
Taste in Words: Describing Wine Like a Sommelier
At Uccello in Sydney, I once described a Barossa Shiraz to a table of eight. I used three adjectives — smoky, full-bodied, long finish — and the table ordered a second bottle. Language sold the…
Travel Vocabulary — From Airport to Hotel (B1)
I've moved between four countries. Every airport, every immigration queue, every check-in — here's the vocabulary that gets you through.
Writing a Short Story — The 5-Part Story Shape (A2/B1)
I grew up reading Dostoevsky in secret. Stories saved me. Here's how every great story is built — and how you can write yours.
Pronunciation: Word Stress — The Secret of Being Understood (B1)
My French accent in English used to trip people up — not because of the sounds, but the stress. Stress is everything.
Writing an Informal Email to a Friend (A2/B1 Writing)
When I first arrived in Australia, email was how I kept in touch with home. Here's how to write a great informal email in English.