CISL English School Blog
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Grammar Lesson of the Month: The Modal “MUST” + 5 Things CISL Students Must Do in 2016
A New Year means New Year’s Resolutions: do you have any for 2016? When you are studying English in San Diego or San Francisco, there are so many fun resolutions to make! For January’s Grammar Lesson of the Month, we are looking at the modal MUST and 5 things you simply MUST do while living […]
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Famous New Year’s Quotes + Cambridge ESOL Use of English Part II Practice
Happy New Year to our CISL students! Do you have a resolution for 2016 to improve your English skills? If so, we have the perfect lesson to implement your new resolution: practice CAE and FCE Use of English Part II with these quotes about the New Year! Before you begin, make sure that you understand […]
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Types of TOEFL Writing Prompts + California Missions
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” -Arthur Ashe If you are planning to take the TOEFL exam, it is important that you understand the test format and its many question types. Today we are focusing on the Writing Section of the TOEFL exam and looking at the […]
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Christmas Caroling in California (+ Holiday Songs and Vocab!)
There are many things that Americans do to get in the Christmas spirit (other than drinking a few peppermint lattes at Starbucks!). In addition to attending holiday festivals, eating traditional foods, and (of course) shopping, there is one American tradition that many practice during the holiday season: caroling! What is CAROLING? It is singing Christmas […]
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Grammar lesson of the month: Modals of Obligation + Christmas Shopping in California
Hosting parties, buying gifts, attending holiday events: there are many (fun!) things we have to do during the holidays. This makes December the perfect month to discuss Modals of Obligation. Some modals are stronger than others. For example, look at these two sentences. Is there a difference between them? I have to go to the […]
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FCE and CAE preposition practice (through San Francisco quotes!)
Do you have a problem with prepositions? Most English learners do! Prepositions are important of the English language and they are particularly important for students who are studying for tests like the Cambridge FCE and CAE. In both of these tests, you must often deal with prepositions in the exam, especially in Part 2 of […]
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How to volunteer while studying English in California + vocabulary for volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to help those in need and become involved in your community. For an English learner, it also offers an excellent opportunity to practice speaking English! Perhaps this is why so many wonderful, giving CISL students are interested in volunteering. But how can you volunteer? Read on and find out! Volunteering […]
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Business English: Marketing Vocabulary and Expressions
From surgeons to CEOs, we have had the pleasure of teaching students from many professional backgrounds in our CISL Intensive, Business, and Premier classes! Today on the CISL Blog we are looking at Marketing Vocabulary, which is something our business, advertising, and sales students need. As you can see, however, you don’t necessarily need to be […]
Welcome to the CISL Blog
Use the blog to find out what is going on at CISL and things to do in San Francisco and San Diego. You can also read about some of our students and get English practice material.
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CISL San Francisco
Types of TOEFL Writing Prompts + California Missions
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” -Arthur Ashe If you are planning to take the TOEFL exam, it is important that you understand the test format and its many question types. Today we are focusing on the Writing Section of the TOEFL exam and looking at the […]
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Business English: Marketing Vocabulary and Expressions
From surgeons to CEOs, we have had the pleasure of teaching students from many professional backgrounds in our CISL Intensive, Business, and Premier classes! Today on the CISL Blog we are looking at Marketing Vocabulary, which is something our business, advertising, and sales students need. As you can see, however, you don’t necessarily need to be […]
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Useful expressions and vocabulary for CAE and FCE Speaking Part 1
At CISL, we are proud of how well we prepare our Cambridge ESOL students: our wonderful teachers make sure that students have the language skills necessary to excel, and the numerous practice exams in our test preparation classes ensure that students completely understand the test requirements and format. Today we are looking at some additional tips for one of […]
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Business English: Making Formal Requests
Many languages have a formal and informal way of expressing oneself. Do you know how to formally and politely ask for something? People who use English in business settings must do this often. Let’s take a look at some useful phrases to help you get your way.* Making Formal Requests in Business English Would it […]
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Business English: Formally addressing someone
Formalities are important in both written and spoken English. Do you know how to properly address someone in English when you meet them in person or write to them in an email? The level of formality and appropriate greeting depend on if you know the person and how well you know them. Read on to […]
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Welcome to the CISL Blog
Use the blog to find out what is going on at CISL and things to do in San Francisco and San Diego. You can also read about some of our students and get English practice material. Return to the CISL Homepage
Top reasons to study English in California
Are you thinking of studying English in California? The state’s laid-back culture, beautiful beaches, and amazing weather are of course appealing . . . but what else makes California so special? We asked some of our California natives and then compiled a list of some of their favorite things about living in The Golden State. […]
Grammar Lesson of the Month: The Modal “MUST” + 5 Things CISL Students Must Do in 2016
A New Year means New Year’s Resolutions: do you have any for 2016? When you are studying English in San Diego or San Francisco, there are so many fun resolutions to make! For January’s Grammar Lesson of the Month, we are looking at the modal MUST and 5 things you simply MUST do while living […]
Famous New Year’s Quotes + Cambridge ESOL Use of English Part II Practice
Happy New Year to our CISL students! Do you have a resolution for 2016 to improve your English skills? If so, we have the perfect lesson to implement your new resolution: practice CAE and FCE Use of English Part II with these quotes about the New Year! Before you begin, make sure that you understand […]