English Skills For Living and Studying in the USA.
Practical blog posts and video lessons designed to help international students learn and practice English communication skills.
Recommended English Language Programs. University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
Recent Blogs
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How to Find Reliable Sources for Your Next Research Paper
Read more: How to Find Reliable Sources for Your Next Research PaperWriting a research paper can be daunting, but a focused approach simplifies the process. Start with…
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Understanding Should vs. Must in Advice and Rules
Read more: Understanding Should vs. Must in Advice and RulesThe article explains the differences between the modal verbs “should” and “must.” “Should” is used for…
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A or An? How to Choose the Right Word Every Time
Read more: A or An? How to Choose the Right Word Every TimeRule: Use “a” before words that begin with a CONSONANT SOUND and “an” before words that…
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![have gone vs. have been [are they the same?]](https://i0.wp.com/rcarrigan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/richard-carrigan-english-language-coaching-6a5e60dccd141.png?resize=1376%2C768&ssl=1)
have gone vs. have been [are they the same?]
Read more: have gone vs. have been [are they the same?]The difference between “have gone” and “have been” is significant in English. “Have gone” indicates a…
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![Inferences [reading between the lines]](https://i0.wp.com/rcarrigan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/carrigan-english-language-coaching-6a504fb8a68d2.png?resize=1376%2C768&ssl=1)
Inferences [reading between the lines]
Read more: Inferences [reading between the lines]The content explains how readers can draw conclusions and make inferences beyond the literal text. It…
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Useful Transitions for Expressing Cause and Effect
Read more: Useful Transitions for Expressing Cause and EffectThe content explains how to express causes and effects in writing. To express a cause, use…
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Essential Guide to Writing College Papers
Read more: Essential Guide to Writing College PapersStarting university presents exciting opportunities and challenges, especially in mastering academic writing. The recommended book, “Student’s…
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Don’t Just Drop It: How to Seamlessly Integrate Quotes in Your Essays
Read more: Don’t Just Drop It: How to Seamlessly Integrate Quotes in Your EssaysThe passage explains the importance of avoiding drop quotes in academic writing, which can confuse readers…
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Finding Your Rhythm: The Secret to a Consistent Writing Voice
Read more: Finding Your Rhythm: The Secret to a Consistent Writing VoiceMaintaining a consistent writing voice is crucial for effective communication. A writer’s voice, shaped by vocabulary…
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Why Knowing Your Audience Changes Everything
Read more: Why Knowing Your Audience Changes EverythingEffective essay writing goes beyond mere knowledge display; it involves understanding and tailoring your content to…
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The Weakest Link: How to Spot and Fix Comma Splices
Read more: The Weakest Link: How to Spot and Fix Comma SplicesThe text explains comma splices, which occur when two complete sentences are joined by only a…
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The Rule You Can’t Ignore: Subject-Verb Agreement
Read more: The Rule You Can’t Ignore: Subject-Verb AgreementSubject-verb agreement is crucial for clear English communication. This rule states that singular subjects take singular…
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Beyond Google: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Credible Essay Sources
Read more: Beyond Google: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Credible Essay SourcesTo write a successful B2 level essay, it is crucial to use credible sources to support…
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How to Develop Good Content
Read more: How to Develop Good ContentHave you ever stared at a blank piece of paper or a computer screen, wondering what…
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What is Cohesion?
Read more: What is Cohesion?Cohesion is essential for smooth writing, connecting sentences like glue. It involves using transition words, pronouns,…
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The Secret to Better Writing: Paragraph Unity
Read more: The Secret to Better Writing: Paragraph UnityParagraph unity ensures all sentences in a paragraph revolve around a single main idea. A unified…
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Fragments, Run ons, and Comma Splices
Read more: Fragments, Run ons, and Comma SplicesThe content discusses common sentence errors in English, focusing on sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma…
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Navigating Your Research Paper: The Power of a Good Research Question
Read more: Navigating Your Research Paper: The Power of a Good Research QuestionA strong research question is essential in academic writing, serving as a guiding tool similar to…
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Revise Your College Essay in 4 Simple Steps
Read more: Revise Your College Essay in 4 Simple StepsRevising an essay is essential for improving clarity and effectiveness. Start by evaluating overall structure and…
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How to Understand New Words Without a Dictionary
Read more: How to Understand New Words Without a DictionaryWhen encountering unfamiliar words while reading, students often stop to check a dictionary, which can hinder…
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The Mix-Up: Understanding “It’s” and “Its”
Read more: The Mix-Up: Understanding “It’s” and “Its”The confusion between “it’s” and “its” is common among English speakers. “It’s” is a contraction for…
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Stop Failing Timed Essays! Try the 10-70-20 Rule
Read more: Stop Failing Timed Essays! Try the 10-70-20 RuleTimed essay exams can be daunting for students, especially in the U.S. Many tend to write…
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Using Commas
Read more: Using CommasThis post provides essential tips for using commas effectively. It outlines three key rules: place a…
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When and How to Use Passive Voice in Essays
Read more: When and How to Use Passive Voice in EssaysThe passive voice in essay writing shifts focus from the subject to the object, emphasizing actions…
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Why Paraphrasing Enhances Your Writing
Read more: Why Paraphrasing Enhances Your WritingParaphrasing is essential for establishing credibility, demonstrating comprehension, and enhancing the flow of writing. Effective paraphrasing…
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Everyday English vs. Academic English: What is the Difference?
Read more: Everyday English vs. Academic English: What is the Difference?The English you use with your friends everyday is not the English you need for your…
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WHICH ADJECTIVE COMES FIRST?
Read more: WHICH ADJECTIVE COMES FIRST?The order of adjectives before a noun follows a specific sequence: determiner, opinion, size, age, shape,…
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Understanding Make, Have, Get: Key English Verbs
Read more: Understanding Make, Have, Get: Key English VerbsThe English verbs make, have, and get are used to express causing someone to perform an…
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Effective Strategies to Overcome Writer’s Block
Read more: Effective Strategies to Overcome Writer’s BlockThe content discusses overcoming writer’s block by identifying common causes such as unrealistic goals, anxiety, and…
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Memorial Day vs Veterans Day: Key Differences
Read more: Memorial Day vs Veterans Day: Key DifferencesPreparing for the US Civics interview can be daunting, particularly when distinguishing between Memorial Day and…
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How to Request Vacation Days: A Step-by-Step Guide
Read more: How to Request Vacation Days: A Step-by-Step GuideRequesting time off from work can be stressful, but it’s essential for wellbeing. To ask your…
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US Citizenship: How the 65/20 Rule Makes the Civics Test Easier
Read more: US Citizenship: How the 65/20 Rule Makes the Civics Test EasierThe 65/20 Special Consideration rule assists older permanent residents in becoming U.S. citizens by simplifying the…
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Understanding the “Rule of Law” for Your US Citizenship Test
Read more: Understanding the “Rule of Law” for Your US Citizenship TestThe “Rule of Law” is a fundamental American principle ensuring that laws apply equally to all,…
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Where is the Statue of Liberty Located in New York?
Read more: Where is the Statue of Liberty Located in New York?The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, symbolizes freedom. Officially part…
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Understanding the American Flag: 13 Stripes and 50 Stars
Read more: Understanding the American Flag: 13 Stripes and 50 StarsThe American flag symbolizes the nation’s history with 13 stripes representing the original colonies and 50…
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Naturalization Retest Process Explained: 2025 Updates
Read more: Naturalization Retest Process Explained: 2025 UpdatesThe naturalization retest process allows applicants who fail the English or civics tests two chances to…
