Stop by our friendly HELP! Desk, where English grammar is made easy to understand. Listen to an audio of a story written by an ESL student. Ask that question that you've needed an answer to. We have the answers for you, whether you are a native speaker or somebody learning English as a Second Language, whether you are a student or writing a business letter. A new podcast every week. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/index.html podcasts Copyright 2007, Software for Students http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en-us Wed, 9 Sep 2009 12:45:40 -0400 jane@eslhelpdesk.com (Jane Hanser) Wed, 9 Sep 2009 12:38:46 -0400 jane@eslhelpdesk.com (Jane Hanser) FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com Grammar HELP and Podcasts for the Inquisitive Learner of English. Stop by our friendly HELP! Desk and learn a few do's and don't's of English grammar. At the HELP! Desk, English grammar is made easy to understand. Ask that question that you've needed an answer to in our interactive forum. Listen to an audio of a story written by an ESL student. All our examples are authentic student-generated language. Whether you are a native speaker or somebody learning English as a Second Language, whether you are a student or writing a business letter, we have the answers for you! Writing, grammar, communication, podcasts, audio stories, and more! We're open 24/7, and we're interactive. A new podcast every week. ESL HELP! Desk Jane Hanser jane@eslhelpdesk.com English grammar, ESL, writing, podcasts, grammar rules, listening comprehension no no http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/whats_that.jpg http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/index.html English Grammar HELP and Podcasts 144 126 Ever wonder when to use present perfect continuous? Ever wonder how it's different from present perfect? Here we will answer your questions and give you lots of examples from authentic language. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/present_perfect_continuous.htm 7FDB3408-8117-4B70-B846-6BE9B096AA47 Wed, 9 Sep 2009 12:38:46 -0400 When to use? How to use? Ever wonder when to use present perfect continuous? Ever wonder how it's different from present perfect? Here we will answer your questions and give you lots of examples from authentic language. 4:54 The ESL Help! Desk present perfect progressive, verb tense, English no no Want to learn how to express a command? Here we teach you positive ("do") and negative ("don't") commands. And we wish you a good summer at the same time! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/imperatives_have_a_nice_summer.html C3D3DD96-F738-4F24-BF5C-D4982AE10C87 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:53:32 -0400 Imperatives and Commands: Have a Nice Summer! Want to learn how to express a command? Here we teach you positive ("do") and negative ("don't") commands. And we wish you a good summer at the same time! 6:02 ESL HELP! Desk commands, imperative sentences, english grammar no no Here's a lesson in which you can learn how to save money, save energy, save the Earth, and improve your English grammar all at the same time! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/Paper_or_Plastic.htm F2F3BF40-2BB2-42F3-B19A-B6AC9FA3AB16 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:21:02 -0500 Paper or Plastic? Here's a lesson in which you can learn how to save money, save energy, save the Earth, and improve your English grammar all at the same time! 5:01 The ESL HELP! Desk commands, imperatives, english grammar, listening comprehension no no Today is the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. Millions are taking to the National Mall in Washington DC to witness Barak Obama take the Oath of Office. Mr. Obama is making history: He is the first person of African-American heritage to become the leader of our nation. Come join us as we watch history being made. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/Barak_Obama.htm 25453EA7-7F1D-4A10-BDBE-7E1139FD2BE9 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:08:01 -0500 Barak Obama: A New Day for the USA Today is the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. Millions are taking to the National Mall in Washington DC to witness Barak Obama take the Oath of Office. Mr. Obama is making history: He is the first person of African-American heritage to become the leader of our nation. Come join us as we watch history being made. 5:27 ESL Help Desk listening comprehension, Barak Obama, english grammar and vocabulary, American history no no We continue our lessons with demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, and those. We embellish our exploration of these, adding subject-verb agreement (is, are, was, were). And we learn more about food from countries such as Italy, Spain, Columbia, Israel and the Middle East, South Korea, and even the United States. Join us for a tasty lesson. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/Definitely_Fattening.htm 46010C24-AEE1-4EA1-B346-11541DD67921 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:07:13 -0500 Definitely Fattening We continue our lessons with demonstrative pronouns: this, that, these, and those. We embellish our exploration of these, adding subject-verb agreement (is, are, was, were). And we learn more about food from countries such as Italy, Spain, Columbia, Israel and the Middle East, South Korea, and even the United States. Join us for a tasty lesson. 5:31 ESL Help! Desk listening comprehension, English language, demonstrative pronouns, grammar, subject-verb agreement no no You're in a bakery, a restaurant, or a store, and you see something you want - but you don't know how to ask for it! You don't have the right vocabulary. Do you point to what you want? We're going to talk about this and that, and these and those. And we're going to see some delicious international foods while we're learning! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/Ill_Have_That.htm 50B3E5AB-DD88-438B-938E-9ABDFE36FBC3 Wed, 7 Jan 2009 19:50:53 -0500 I'll Have That, Please! You're in a bakery, a restaurant, or a store, and you see something you want - but you don't know how to ask for it! You don't have the right vocabulary. Do you point to what you want? We're going to talk about this and that, and these and those. And we're going to see some delicious international foods while we're learning! 3:29 The ESL Help! Desk this, that, those, these, vocabulary, english as a second language, listening comprehension, ESL no no Do you hate finals? If you are or have every been a college student or a college teacher, or the parent of a college student, you know how stressful final exams can be. We're going to discuss finals, listen to some of the complaints people have about them, and listen to some suggestions about how to deal with the anxiety and stress of final exams. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/I%20hate%20finals.html D9BB6F68-06C5-435B-81E5-2E97FBC1B946 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:03:54 -0500 I Hate Finals! Do you have finals? If you are or have every been a college student or a college teacher, or the parent of a college student, you know how stressful final exams can be. We're going to discuss finals, listen to some of the grips people have about them, and listen to some suggestions about how to deal with the anxiety and stress of final exams. 5:07 The ESL Help! Desk ESL, english as a second language, vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension no no Confused by acronyms ESL, EFL, TESOL, L1 and L2? Do you feel like an outsider with all these codes? We have good news for you: You and other learners of English are not alone, and have come to the right place. Today we talk a little about these codes and others and try to sort matters out. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/CodeName_ESL.htm 52A5671E-9150-4925-8868-05C3811E96D0 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:38:21 -0500 Code Name ESL Confused by acronyms ESL, EFL, TESOL, L1 and L2? Do you feel like an outsider with all these codes? We have good news for you: You and other learners of English are not alone, and have come to the right place. Today we talk a little about these codes and others and try to sort matters out. 4:26 ESL HELP! Desk ESL, EFL, English language, grammar, listening, comprehension, communication no no This week we are kicking off a new feature for our users - the Inner Circle. The Inner Circle is for learners of all levels - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. In each of the Inner Circle's weekly lessons, you are presented with three mini-lessons, which feature the writing of other learners of English from all over the world. One writer might be from your native country! We know you'll enjoy reading these lessons and essays. Read an essay that has grammar errors in it; correct the errors. Or just enjoy reading an essay that has is correct. Finally, sit back and close your eyes and listen to inspiring, thoughtful, and entertaining writing from another learner of English. This feature promises to delight. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/inner_circle.htm D8F356F4-9B56-4A14-8314-57E292260EB2 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:41:07 -0400 The Inner Circle This week we are kicking off a new feature for our users - the Inner Circle. The Inner Circle is for learners of all levels - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. In each of the Inner Circle's weekly lessons, you are presented with three mini-lessons, which feature the writing of other learners of English from all over the world. One writer might be from your native country! We know you'll enjoy reading these lessons and essays. Read an essay that has grammar errors in it; correct the errors. Or just enjoy reading an essay that has is correct. Finally, sit back and close your eyes and listen to inspiring, thoughtful, and entertaining writing from another learner of English. This feature promises to delight. 4:19 ESL HELP! Desk listening comprehension, grammar, error correction, essays, academic writing no no Another grim grammar lesson! You've heard the present progressive tense used to refer to the present, to now. You've heard the present progressive tense used to refer to the future. Could this possibly be confusing? In our lesson we'll try to untangle - or we'll be untangling - the confusion so you'll be using this tense with confidence. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/I_am_going.htm E7895CD9-A97A-4284-9A8C-9D5B17FAB511 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:32:18 -0400 I'm Going. I'm Leaving. Another grim grammar lesson! You've heard the present progressive tense used to refer to the present, to now. You've heard the present progressive tense used to refer to the future. Could this possibly be confusing? In our lesson we'll try to untangle - or we'll be untangling - the confusion so you'll be using this tense with confidence. 4:35 ESL HELP! Desk present continuous, verb tense, present progressive, grammar no no Tired of being put on hold while you're on the telephone? We'll take you to a baseball game and give you a little practical knowledge about dealing - in English - with this frustrating but common experience. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/green_monster.htm FAFD2839-739B-4CB4-BBFC-40C3B2A1F427 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:12:33 -0400 The Green Monster: Please hold. Tired of being put on hold while you're on the telephone? We'll take you to a baseball game and give you a little practical knowledge about dealing - in English - with this frustrating but common experience. 3:44 ESL HELP! Desk communication, listening comprehension, conversation no no Beep, Honk, Honk...Do you find yourself stuck in traffic more often than you would like to? Like it or not, traffic is a topic of conversation in our lives. In today's podcast and communication lesson, we will talk about traffic and learn useful vocabulary for such discussions. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/traffic.htm CF904E44-E5FB-4B31-B8D5-76E61DE1E205 Wed, 5 Dec 2007 20:36:51 -0500 Traffic Beep, Honk, Honk...Do you find yourself stuck in traffic more often than you would like to? Like it or not, traffic is a topic of conversation in our lives. In today's podcast, we will talk about traffic and learn useful vocabulary for such discussions. 3:32 ESL HELP! Desk English language, communication, listening comprehension, ESL, vocabulary, life skills no no Thanksgiving is America's most popular and highly celebrated Thursday and national holiday. Join us for a summary of how we celebrate this prized day. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/thanksgiving.htm B6329183-A50C-483C-BEC2-0A7D20F267A3 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:45:51 -0500 America's Day of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is America's most popular and highly celebrated Thursday and national holiday. Join us for a summary of how we celebrate this prized day. 2:40 ESL HELP! Desk American culture, holidays, listening comprehension no no Are you thirsty for grammar? Don't know when to say "I love to ski" and when to say "I love skiing"? Don't know the difference between "Did you remember to go?" and "Did you remember going?" Stop by today for an introductory lesson in gerunds and infinitive phrases. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/gerunds_intro.htm 1804524C-2527-40EA-BDD3-882382390496 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:37:14 -0500 Gerunds and Infinitive: More Grammar! Are you thirsty for grammar? Don't know when to say "I love to ski" and when to say "I love skiing"? Don't know the difference between "Did you remember to go?" and "Did you remember going?" Stop by today for an introductory lesson in gerunds and infinitive phrases. 4:16 ESL HELP! Desk ESL, grammar, gerunds, infinitives, English no no Have you ever been invited to a social gathering and not known what to bring your host or hostess? Should you bring wine? Chips? Or nothing at all? In today's podcast, you will learn all about our social customs and you will learn how to communicate successfully and appropriately in this situation. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/podcastpages/BBQ.html BAE9BF32-1B4A-43EC-B173-A15AF7A9514A Wed, 7 Nov 2007 08:56:24 -0500 What Should I Bring? Wine, beer or chips? Have you ever been invited to a social gathering and not known what to bring your host or hostess? Should you bring wine? Chips? Or nothing at all? In today's podcast, you will learn all about our social customs and you will learn how to communicate successfully and appropriately in this situation. 4:07 ESL HELP! Desk communication, conversation, vocabulary, getting together no no Nine thoughtful and entertaining answers to nine thoughtful and clever questions! Listen to the answers, and see if you can figure out the questions! Then do the additional listening activities provided by this week's podcast, guaranteed to improve your listening comprehension. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/Nine%20Answers.html A45E6536-B896-4565-AA6E-FAAE398D291C Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:29:11 -0400 The Nine Answers Podcast for Learners of English Nine thoughtful and entertaining answers to nine thoughtful and clever questions! Listen to the answers, and see if you can figure out the questions! Then do the additional listening activities provided by this week's podcast, guaranteed to improve your listening comprehension. 6:01 ESL HELP! Desk listening comprehension, questions and answers, grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, ESL no no Is your English teacher always talking about grammar? Does he or she expect you to know how to identify the subject and verb of a sentence? Do you think that knowing this helps you to communicate better in English? Here is a podcast for those of you who love grammar, and for those of you who hate it! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/talking%20about%20grammar.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 115F4AE1-9C04-435B-8B49-F6478A72B986 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:10:31 -0400 He's Always Talking about Grammar. Is your English teacher always talking about grammar? Does he or she expect you to know how to identify the subject and verb of a sentence? Do you think that knowing this helps you to communicate better in English? Here is a podcast for those of you who love English grammar, and for those of you who hate it! 3:06 ESL HELP! Desk English grammar, listening comprehension, vocabulary no no People never stop asking ourselves questions. Short and sweet, challenging and thought-provoking, questions without a right or wrong answer....Stop by and listen to some very interesting questions; try your hand at answering them! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/questions.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 59B9FA79-00D0-42C8-A115-41A245C575E0 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:22:04 -0400 Questions: People Who Ask Questions People never stop asking ourselves questions. Short and sweet, challenging and thought-provoking, questions without a right or wrong answer....Stop by and listen to some very interesting questions; try your hand at answering them! 3:46 ESL Help Desk Qquestions no no Perhaps you have to write a formal business letter in English, and you do not know how to end your letter. Using the wrong closure could be disastrous if you're trying to get a job or be admitted into a special program. Should you end with "Thanks", with "Yours", or with "Respectfully"? This lesson is second in a series that will tell you important information about the language and culture of writing formal letters in English. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/dearhelpdesk_how%20to%20end%20a%20letter.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening BE71D661-11EB-471A-AF32-0A1D5D1E6DF8 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:39:44 -0400 Dear Help Desk: How to End a Formal Letter in English Perhaps you have to write a formal business letter in English, and you do not know how to end your letter. Using the wrong closure could be disastrous if you're trying to get a job or be admitted into a special program. Should you end with "Thanks", with "Yours", or with "Respectfully"? This lesson is second in a series that will tell you important information about the language and culture of writing formal letters in English. 8:33 ESL Help Desk how to write a formal letter, vocabulary for writing a letter in English, how to end the letter no no How does your family solve its problems? Do you have regular and open communication with each other? Come and listen to our podcast, in which we listen to an essay written by Adimir Ramos, in which he describes his family's way of dealing with each other's needs. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/SolvingFamilyProblems.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening DEC54263-5F57-451C-AE38-431D5C554571 Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:59:02 -0400 How does Adimir's family solve its problems? Listen to An Audio Story Good communication between family members is essential to family life. How does your family solve its problems? Come and listen to our podcast, in which we listen to an essay written by Adimir Ramos, in which he describes his family's way of making sure that everybody's needs are met. 5:27 ESL Help Desk listening comprehension, english as a second language, solving problems no no Perhaps you have to write a formal business letter in English, and you do not know how to even begin! Should you write "Dear Jane" or "My Dear Jane"? Should you comment on the weather or ask the reader how his family is? This lesson will tell you important information about the language and culture of writing letters in English. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/dearhelpdesk.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 252DBA9F-AFF3-454D-BE47-2F065F38E0E2 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:18:59 -0400 Dear Help Desk: How to Begin a Formal Letter in English Perhaps you have to write a formal business letter in English, and you do not know how to even begin! Should you write "Dear Jane" or "My Dear Jane"? Should you comment on the weather or ask the reader how his family is? This lesson will tell you important information about the language and culture of writing letters in English. 8:17 ESL Help Desk how to write a formal letter, vocabulary for writing a letter in English, no no So much dialogue today is idiomatic: Expressions like "That works for me" or "I'm going to pencil that in" are essential to interpersonal communication nowadays. What do they mean? How do we use them correctly and still sound natural in conversations or even in written communication such as email? Today's dialogue and vocabulary will provide you with the language you need to make a date to get together socially with others. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/gettogether.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening CCCB55CB-F9C7-48F5-839A-68B39FA7240E Thu, 31 May 2007 18:53:34 -0400 It's a Date! Making Plans to Get Together So much dialogue today is idiomatic: Expressions like "That works for me" or "I'm going to pencil that in" are essential to interpersonal communication nowadays. What do they mean? How do we use them correctly and still sound natural in conversations or even in written communication such as email? Today's dialogue and vocabulary will provide you with the language you need to make a date to get together socially with others. 5:31 ESL Help Desk how to make plans, listening comprehension, English as a Second Language, ESL, oral communication, vocabulary, English grammar no no Imagine a country with sun, sand, blue water, banana and papaya trees, roses, and more. Imagine Ecuador! Join us today when we listen to an audio story written by an ESL student about his native country. Our photos of the Galapagos Islands will delight you! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/ecuador.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 44B2D6A1-AE62-4C46-A250-B70F3D982F77 Sun, 20 May 2007 00:47:31 -0400 An Audio Story about Ecuador Imagine a country with sun, sand, blue water, banana and papaya trees, roses, and more. Imagine Ecuador! Join us today when we listen to an audio story written by an ESL student about his native country. Our photos of the Galapagos Islands will delight you! 5:25 ESL Help Desk listening comprehension, English as a Second Language, ESL, oral communication, vocabulary, English grammar no no Are you planning or considering taking a trip by train? Do you want to avoid having to deal with parking and traffic? In today's podcast, we're going to get you to the train station - on time. All aboard for today's lesson, where we teach important vocabulary and expressions dealing with transportation, how to make suggestions and to respond to suggestions. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/trainstation.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening BA806CF6-E0D9-4CBA-84F7-D8D3265EC910 Mon, 7 May 2007 22:33:57 -0400 All aboard...We teach important vocabulary and expressions dealing with transportation, how to make suggestions and to respond to suggestions. Are you planning or considering taking a trip by train? Do you want to avoid having to deal with parking and traffic? In today's podcast, we're going to get you to the train station - on time. Get on board for a lesson about talking about transportation, making suggestions and responding to suggestions. 5:35 ESL Help Desk writing, requesting information, making suggestions, responding to suggestions, transportation vocabulary no no Surely you have tasted something so delicious that you wanted to get the recipe for yourself, so you could cook it in your own home. In today's lesson, we'll guide you along with how to get that recipe. And while you're at it, you'll get a wonderful Japanese recipe for salmon and yogurt! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/recipe.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 536A08A6-37E1-437B-8E8D-0FC33DB900ED Tue, 24 Apr 2007 23:44:07 -0400 How to Ask for and Follow a Recipe for that Special Dish Surely you have tasted something so delicious that you wanted to get the recipe for yourself, so you could cook it in your own home. In today's lesson, we'll guide you along with how to get that recipe. And while you're at it, you'll get a wonderful Japanese recipe for salmon and yogurt! 5:26 ESL HELP! Desk writing, asking and answering questions, listening comprehension, grammar no no Millions of people worldwide love to ski and cross-country skiing is one of the more popular types of skiing. Listen to our podcast today as we present a dialogue between two skiers enjoying a beautiful afternoon on skis. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/xcskiing.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening D9D276EC-07C6-4626-8AF8-C12D2D60933D Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:47:24 -0400 An Audio Dialogue about an Afternoon Cross-country Skiing Millions of people worldwide love to ski and cross-country skiing is one of the more popular types of skiing. Listen to our podcast today as we present a dialogue between two skiers enjoying a beautiful afternoon on skis. 5:20 ESL HELP! Desk writing, gerunds and infinitives, articles, non-count nouns, listening comprehension, grammar no no This verb tense, the present perfect, seems so difficult. After all, it refers to the past, despite its name, and it's hard to know what is so perfect about it. We're going to explore this verb tense so that it becomes easy to use. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/presentperfect.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening F27B5DFE-F72E-4C36-BC78-4453462C9090 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 22:56:38 -0400 The Present Perfect Tense: Introduction This verb tense, the present perfect, seems so difficult. After all, it refers to the past, despite its name, and it's hard to know what is so perfect about it. We're going to explore this verb tense so that it becomes easy to use. 6:55 ESL HELP! Desk present perfect, verb tense, English grammar, past perfect, grammar rules no no When you write, do you like to have music playing in the background? Or does background noise confuse you? Try writing in a different environment, and write about your experience as it is happening. In this audio story, you will listen to Alexandre write about his experience writing in a new situation. When you write, do you like to have music playing in the background? Or does background noise confuse you? Try writing in a different environment, and write about your experience as it is happening. In this audio story, join Alexandre in his experience trying to write amidst background noise. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/thiswriting.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening D4B55D70-4C0F-4A0F-9ABC-128DC46B0BDF Wed, 7 Mar 2007 21:53:54 -0500 Is it difficult for you to write when there is music or talking in the background? When you write, do you like to have music playing in the background? Or does background noise confuse you? Try writing in a different environment, and write about your experience as it is happening. When you write, do you like to have music playing in the background? Or does background noise confuse you? Try writing in a different environment, and write about your experience as it is happening. In this audio story, you will listen to Alexandre write about his experience doing just this, writing in a new situation. Join him in a journey with trying to write amidst background noise. 4:22 Software for Students writing, present continuous, present progressive, focus, concentration, English grammar no no Much or many, less or fewer, these noun quantifiers can be too much! Join us for this lesson, when we continue our lesson on countable and noncountable nouns, focusing on quantifying such nouns. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/alotofnothing.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening D0AE7B1B-E806-490D-B903-3048AFB8134D Wed, 28 Feb 2007 23:17:59 -0500 Much or many, less or fewer, these noun quantifiers can be too much! Join us for this lesson, when we continue our lesson on countable and noncountable nouns, focusing on quantifying such nouns. Then practice quantifying your vegetables, or anything else. 9:07 Software for Students quantifying nouns, count and noncountable nouns, listening comprehension, English grammar, ESL no no Today we have a grammar lesson for you, in which we explore countable nouns, both regular and irregular forms. We have some fun listening activities, as well as a visual activity too. Come snack on a few tidbits of English grammar today! http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/onetwothree.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening A9664DA0-4C7A-4EA6-BBF9-216C20CC133D Tue, 20 Feb 2007 23:06:39 -0500 One, Two, Three Little Countable Nouns Today we have a grammar lesson for you, in which we explore countable nouns, both regular and irregular forms. We have some fun listening activities, as well as a visual activity too. Come snack on a few tidbits of English grammar today! 9:31 Software for Students listening comprehension, English grammar, ESL no no What do you know about the great Spanish artist Diego Velazguez, or his slave Juan de Pareja? Join us for this fascinating podcast in which we learn about both, and about the famous painting by Velazgues, Juan de Pareja. You will be listening to an audio story written by an ESL student who used to be an art curator. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/juandepareja.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 71085D96-48E7-41F8-9BB9-1F85232EF13D Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:03:32 -0500 Juan de Pareja: An Audio Story What do you know about the great Spanish artist Diego Velazguez, or his slave Juan de Pareja? Join us for this fascinating podcast in which we learn about both, and about the famous painting by Velazgues, Juan de Pareja. You will be listening to an audio story written by an ESL student who used to be an art curator. 5:30 Software for Students listening comprehension, English grammar, ESL no no Did you ever wonder how to express concern, to be grammatically correct and socially appropriate at the same time? Join us for this lesson when we discuss a variety of expressions and when to use - and not use - each one. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to express concern in a grammatically correct way and in a variety of social situations. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/areyouokay.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 69A4864E-F49E-4B40-82C8-737829EC4A18 Tue, 6 Feb 2007 19:48:38 -0500 Are You Okay? How to Express Concern. Did you ever wonder how to express concern, to be grammatically correct and socially appropriate at the same time? Join us for this lesson when we discuss a variety of expressions and when to use - and not use - each one. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to express concern in a grammatically correct way and in a variety of social situations. 7:22 Software for Students expressing concern, English grammar, polite request no no Listen to a short essay written by an ESL college student, in which he describes saving two people's lives. If you have the Easy Writer CD-ROM, you can read along while the audio is playing. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/savedalife.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening D13F0D12-7727-45E9-8623-B9B87A03573C Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:31:18 -0500 "How I Saved Somebody's Life", an Audio Story. Written by Alexandr Vishnevetsky. Listen to a short essay written by an ESL college student, in which he describes his saving the lives of two men. If you have the Easy Writer CD-ROM, you can read along while the audio is playing. 3:57 Software for Students podcast, audio, ESL, listening comprehension no no A fun lesson in which we visit ways to begin a telephone call. We pay special attention to using the pronoun "this". At the end of the lesson, you will be able to call the White House and speak to the President. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/thisisluis.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 7AB1923F-1FF0-4D85-8C0F-903882FEE2F7 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:30:42 -0500 Hello, this is Luis. How to Begin a Telephone Call. A fun lesson in which we visit ways to begin a telephone call. We pay special attention to using the pronoun "this". At the end of the lesson, you will be able to call the White House and speak to the President. 4:37 Software for Students talking on the telephone, English grammar, polite request no no Today we learn when to use "would" and when to use "will". Learn the proper way to make a polite request. You'll also learn how to propose marriage while you're improving your English grammar. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/wouldyouplease.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening FCAC5758-7C0C-448F-BE89-0B176580B168 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:07:54 -0500 We discuss when to use "would" and when to use "will". Learn the proper way to make a polite request. Learn the proper way to make a polite request. You'll also learn how to propose marriage while you're improving your English grammar. 5:04 Software for Students modals, will, would, English grammar, polite request no no Listen to a short essay written by an ESL college student, in which she describes her wedding in Puerto Rico. If you have the Easy Writer CD-ROM, you can read along while the audio is playing. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/mywedding.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening 78F4A68B-7335-405A-B463-B872914DF26A Tue, 9 Jan 2007 11:14:06 -0500 "My Wedding", an Audio Story. Written by Sonia Diaz. Listen to a short essay written by an ESL college student, in which she describes her wedding in Puerto Rico. If you have the Easy Writer CD-ROM, you can read along while the audio is playing. 5:32 Software for Students podcast, audio, ESL, listening comprehension no yes How do you express gratitude? In this episode, we visit several ways to say "thank you". We look at commonly made mistakes in saying "thank you". Then we show you how to express gratitude correctly. Finally, our friendly Help Desk explains the grammar rules of saying "thank you" and the reasoning behind these rules. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/thankyouverymuch.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening D8F964D0-C31B-4F9A-8DDC-F81E24685AC6 Tue, 2 Jan 2007 10:06:20 -0500 "Thank You" and "Thanks": How to Express Gratitude How do you express gratitude? In this episode, we visit several ways to say "Thank you". We look at commonly made mistakes in saying "Thank you". Then we show you how to be grammatically correct when you express gratitude. Finally, the Help Desk explains the grammar rules and the reasoning behind these rules. Join us for a great lesson. 7:14 Software for Students podcast, gerunds, infinitive phrases, grammar, English, grammar rules, expressing gratitude, saying thank you no no We introduce you to our website and podcasts. Are you curious to know a little about the person behind the Help Desk? In this podcast, you will be able to read and/or listen along while we tell you. And while you're here at the HELP Desk, send us your questions and comments about English grammar and writing for next week's show. After all, your feedback is our feed. http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/gettingtoknowme.html podcast/education/english/writing/grammar/listening http://www.eslhelpdesk.com/public_html/gettingtoknowme.htm Wed, 6 Dec 2006 12:42:21 -0500 Our First Podcast: Get to Know Us a Little! In today's lesson, learn about our podcasts. And learn a little about the person behind the Help Desk. Find out how you can interact with us at the ESL Help Desk. 4:42 Software for Students ESL, Writing, Grammar, Interactive, Audio, English as a Second Language, podcast no no