A-1 English School Blog
New posts every Saturday
Real English. Real Confidence.
Welcome to the A-1 English School Blog. Every Saturday, I share practical English tips, natural American expressions, pronunciation advice, and strategies to help you communicate more confidently in real-life situations.
As a native American English teacher based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, I especially focus on the challenges Japanese learners often face when speaking English — including pronunciation, natural phrasing, listening, fluency, and the confidence to speak without constantly translating in your head.
You'll find articles covering English conversation, Natural American English, pronunciation and fluency, Business English, Travel English, and IELTS preparation.
Have an English question?
If there's a question, situation, or English challenge you'd like me to cover, feel free to send me a message. Your questions can help shape future blog posts and lessons.
Learn English You Can Actually Use
My goal is simple: to help you understand how English is actually used and give you the confidence to use it yourself.
If you enjoy the blog and would like personalized help with your English, you can also try a free first lesson and see whether my teaching style is right for you.
No obligation • 30-minute first lesson
— Teacher John
Native American English Teacher | Asahikawa, Hokkaido
IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure a Band 7+ Essay
A Band 7+ IELTS Writing Task 2 essay starts with a clear structure. Learn the proven four-paragraph format, see a model introduction and body paragraphs, avoid common mistakes, and discover practical tips that help you write coherent, well-organised essays that impress IELTS examiners.
Why Collocations Are the Secret to a 7.0+ on IELTS
Want a higher IELTS score? Discover why collocations are essential for Band 7+ performance and practice high-frequency IELTS vocabulary used by successful test takers.