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.
Recent Blogs
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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…