A-1 International English School Blog
New posts every Saturday and Wednesday
Real English. Real Conversation.
Every Saturday, I share practical English conversation tips, natural American expressions, and advice to help you speak confidently and fluently. Whether you’re a professional, a traveler, or simply looking to improve your everyday English, this blog is designed for you.
Every Wednesday, enjoy a light mid-week read with my bonus series, “English Through Antiques.” Each post features one vintage item from my online store, Tanuki Treasures, and teaches useful English words, phrases, or idioms inspired by it — a fun way to learn real English through culture, history, and conversation.
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Thank you sincerely for your support!
— John Haines
Think in English: 3 Easy Daily Habits
Want to stop translating and start thinking in English? 💭 In this week’s post, you’ll learn three simple daily habits that train your brain to stay in English mode. These easy techniques — naming what you see, talking to yourself, and switching small parts of your routine to English — will help you speak more naturally and confidently every day.
How to Keep a Conversation Alive in English
💬 Have you ever been in the middle of an English conversation and suddenly didn’t know what to say next? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Keeping a conversation alive is a skill, and like any skill, it can be practiced. In this post, I’ll share simple techniques you can use right away—like asking follow-up questions, showing interest with active listening, and using natural expressions—to make your conversations flow smoothly and feel more natural.
By the end, you’ll have practical tools to avoid awkward silences and build confidence every time you speak English.