Same language, three learners, three completely different lesson plans. That’s the interesting bit.

Teaching well isn't about doing more. It's about noticing what this learner needs.

Adult learners don't lack ability. They usually carry unnecessary apologies with them.

When learners say "I'm bad at English", it's rarely about ability. It's about confidence and safety.

Progress in language learning usually shows up as confidence before correctness. The mistake-filled stage is often the most important one.

“Bloviate"—pronounced "bloh-vee-ayt"—means to speak at length without substance. A delightful linguistic creation from 19th century America, blending "blow" and "deviate." It’s like your uncle at Christmas dinner: lots of words, little content! #VerboseVexations #WordNonsense

The term "misanthrope," pronounced /ˈmɪsənθrəʊp/, defines one who harbours disdain for humankind. Etymologically rooted in Greek, it combines "misos" (hatred) and "anthrōpos" (man). A solitary observer burdened by humanity’s folly, the misanthrope walks a paradoxical path.

Gumption: A Word Worth Its Grit /ˈɡʌmpʃən/ Initiative and resourcefulness; the ability to act decisively. Likely from the Scottish "gump," meaning "to seize," popularized in the early 19th century. #Gumption #Etymology #LanguageLovers #VocabularyBoost

Scrumptious: A Delicious Exploration /ˈskrəm(p)shəs/ Definition: Scrumptious describes something exceptionally delicious, evoking joy with every bite. From the late 17th century, a blend of "scrump" (to devour) and "-ious," capturing the essence of indulgent flavors. #FoodArt #LanguageLovers

Abnegate: A Cosmic Departure ab·​ne·​gate | /ˈab-nə-ˌgāt/ To renounce or reject a belief or desire, embodying self-denial for a greater ideal. From Latin abnegare, combining ab- ("away from") and negare ("to deny"). It symbolizes the tension between personal longing and higher aspirations.

Monition: A Whisper from Antiquity Pronunciation: /məˈnɪʃən/ Definition: A warning or admonition; a summons. Etymology: From Latin monere, meaning "to warn." It evokes the need for vigilance and counsel amidst life’s noise. #Monition #Etymology #Language #LiteraryExploration

The Dark Corners of Palaver Pronunciation: /pəˈlævər/ Definition: A lengthy discussion often seen as pointless; idle talk. Etymology: From Spanish "palabra" (word), entering English via Portuguese in the 17th century, reflecting the weightless nature of words lost in the void.

The Quiet Dance of Equivocation In the arid landscapes of discourse, “equivocate” emerges, pronounced “ih-kwiv-uh-kayt.” It is the art of saying much while revealing little, a dance with truth. From the Latin “aequivocare,” it reminds us that meaning can twist like a wandering path in the dark.

The Weight of Overweening: A Linguistic Exploration /ˌoʊ.vɚˈwiː.nɪŋ/ Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to arrogance. From Middle English "overwenyng," rooted in Old English "ūwerwinan" (to surpass) and "weenian" (to think). A caution against hubris.

What a lovely review from the parent of one of my students. This is what it’s all about. ☺️

@mrjamesob.bsky.social in case you missed it.. the survey results. Thanks for sharing my survey with your lovely followers! pdfelementcloud.wondershare.com/share/review...

Thanks @mrjamesob.bsky.social for sharing my survey with your lovely followers, and thanks to all who participated. I am truly grateful to you all. The results are in, and I hope you find them of as much interest as I do. My project doesn't end here... pdfelementcloud.wondershare.com/share/review...

The Cosmic Dance of Incongruity /in-ˈkäŋ-grwə-tē/ The state of being out of place; a delightful discord provoking thought or humour. From Latin "incongruitas," meaning "not suitable." A cosmic blend of contrast and harmony. #Incongruity #WordArt

Exploring "Orotund" Pronounced /ˌɔːrəˈtʌnd/, "orotund" describes a voice that's full and powerful, like a lion's majestic roar. Derived from Latin, it means "to speak" (oro) and "to beat" (tundere), evoking a resonant sound that commands attention. #Orotund #Language #Etymology #LionRoar

Nettlesome (ˈnɛt(ə)lˌsəm) means irritating, like my toaster's habit of launching my toast—either burnt or barely warmed. From "netele," it evokes the sting of a nettle. This kitchen conundrum mirrors life’s absurdities and the poetry in everyday frustrations. #ToasterTales #EverydayPoetry

Lucubration (/ˌluːk.jʊˈbreɪ.ʃən/) denotes the study or writing late at night, deriving from the Latin "lucubratio," meaning "to work by lamplight." It symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge, embodying the toil and enlightenment of intellectual labor. #Philosophy #Lucubration #Wisdom

"Panache" (/pəˈnæʃ/): This word signifies flamboyant confidence or flair. Originating from Middle French, it referred to a plume of feathers on helmets. From Italian "pennacchio" and Latin "pinna," it beautifully captures the essence of stylish elegance. #WordOrigins #Panache

🌙✨ Eid Mubarak, dear friends! May this joyous occasion fill our hearts with gratitude and our homes with laughter. Let’s break barriers and share sweet moments with loved ones. Wishing you a day of peace, love, and blessings. Enjoy every moment! 🌟❤️

Eagerly anticipated contouring tutorial from cosmetics connoisseur drops on Insta

Blood's Binding Whisper In shadows where bloodlines weave, consanguinity whispers soft. Con-sang-gwin-i-tee, a kinship's breath, born of Latin "con" and "sanguis." A bond profound, a crimson thread from ancestors long dead—a blessing and a curse in its tethered dread. #Consanguinity #BloodTies

@mrjamesob.bsky.social In a land where truth's shadow looms, the notion of rewarding chaos gnaws at the fabric of decency. To pardon is one thing, to gild the hands that struck the guardians of order, to embrace madness itself. A world unmoored, adrift in moral fog. www.snopes.com/fact-check/t...

The human face of all those bullshit, blue tick Twitter accounts full of racism, lies, cowardice & cruelty…

"Fillip" (/ˈfɪl.ɪp/), a brief flick with fingers, boosts action or thought, akin to a quick espresso shot. Originating in the 15th century, likely imitative of sound/motion, it embodies the power of small stimuli in language and life.

The phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" suggests that an image can communicate complex ideas more effectively than words. While often misattributed to Confucius, its popularisation in advertising is credited to Fred R. Barnard in a 1921 ad for Printer's Ink.

@mrjamesob.bsky.social This will blow your mind! I guess in one way we’re not surprised, but seeing it in black and white….(excuse the pun!)….but WOW!😮 #humanrights #justice

Word of the Day: Abashed Pronunciation: /əˈbæʃt/ "Abashed" means feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Originating from Middle English "abasshen" and Anglo-French "abair," it evokes being caught open-mouthed in surprise. #WordOfTheDay #Etymology #Abashed #LanguageLover

In Casey's tiny room, strays find solace, "Laudable," whispered in their purrs. Pronounced "lo-di-bel," from Latin laudabilis, it means praiseworthy. Her noble act, a feline haven, echoes love and grace. Casey's heart shines in every tender embrace. #WordOfTheDay #Etymology #LanguageNerds

@owenjones.bsky.social hi Owen. I wonder if you wouldn’t mind my borrowing some of your followers to complete my survey on political apathy, please? The results will be most helpful for the project I am working on. Thanks in advance ☺️ surveymars.com/q/eLmxaRDy4

@georgemonbiot.bsky.social hi George. I wonder if you wouldn’t mind my borrowing some of your followers to complete my survey on political apathy, please? It is for a project I am working on, and everyone’s participation would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance. ☺️ surveymars.com/q/eLmxaRDy4

@nickferrarilbc.bsky.social hi Nick. I wonder if I might borrow some of your followers to complete a survey for me, please? It would be most helpful. Thanks in advance ☺️ surveymars.com/q/eLmxaRDy4

@mrjamesob.bsky.social hi James, longtime listener, longtime fan. I wonder if I might indulge in being cheeky and asking if I can borrow some of your followers to complete a survey for me, for a project I am currently working on. Thanks in advance surveymars.com/q/eLmxaRDy4

The Curious Case of "Fungible" Pronounced /ˈfʌn.dʒə.bəl/, "fungible" refers to goods that are interchangeable, like currency. From the Latin "fungibilis," meaning "that can be performed," it has roots in legal and economic contexts. A fascinating term with a rich history! #WordNerd #Etymology

Lenity at the Gate Miss Clara, late yet hopeful, found lenity in a gate agent's smile, allowing her passage. "Lenity," /ˈlɛn.ɪ.ti/, from Latin "lenitas," means gentle kindness. This act of mercy proved that compassion thrives amidst the rigours of travel. #Lenity #Kindness #WordOfTheDay

Myrmidon (pronounced MUR-mi-don): A loyal follower who executes orders without question. In the context of Trump's presidency, it refers to unwavering supporters, reminiscent of Greek mythology's Myrmidons—Achilles’ devoted warriors transformed by Zeus from ants.

Among the lost positives consigned to the dusty corners of the dictionary is ‘reck’, meaning ‘care’, ‘heed’, and ‘consideration’. Which means we can be reckful instead of reckless (and feckful, gormful, ruthful, ept, kempt, couth, consolate, and many more).

The Tearful Tale of 'Lachrymose' "Lachrymose" (/lak-rih-mohs/) means tearful or inducing tears. It comes from Latin "lacrimosus," from "lacrima" (tear). Entered English in the 18th century. A word steeped in emotion and history. #Lachrymose #Etymology #TearfulWords

The Shifting Nature of Words: A Study of "Protean" Protean, pronounced /ˈprō-tē-ən/, embodies versatility and adaptability. Its roots lie in the Greek god Proteus, a master of transformation. This word, like the tides, reminds us of the ceaseless dance of language, ever-changing yet enduring.

Pronunciation: /dow-uh-jər/ Definition: A "dowager" is a woman, often a widow, who holds a title or property from her deceased husband, embodying grace and memory. Etymology: from Middle English "dowaire," Old French "douagiere," from Latin "dotare," meaning to endow. #Dowager #Etymology

"Voluble" (pronounced "VOL-yoo-bul") means talkative. From Latin "volubilis" (flowing), it describes someone whose speech is as unstoppable as a verbal avalanche. Think of it as being a human podcast—if words were currency, they'd be billionaires by lunchtime!

The Whispering Frost: Unveiling Niveous Niveous (/nɪv.i.əs/) is an adjective embodying the pure brilliance of snow. Stemming from Latin "niveus," meaning snowy, it evokes the serene beauty of frost-kissed landscapes. It’s the soft breath of glaciers, a silent song of dancing snowflakes.

The Serendipitous Tale of 'Providential' Pronunciation: /ˌprɒvɪˈdɛnʃəl/ Definition: 'Providential' describes a favourable, seemingly divine-timed event. Etymology: From Latin 'providentia' (foresight), evolving via Old French, it reflects timely fortune. #WordOrigins #DivineTiming

In solitude, a voice emerges, speaking thoughts aloud—this is to "soliloquise." From Latin "soliloquium," combining "solus" (alone) and "loqui" (to speak). In British English, it ends with an "s," embracing the art of speaking to oneself, a dialogue with one's own soul. #Soliloquy #Etymology

In the quiet realm of language lies cupidity, pronounced /kjuːˈpɪdɪti/. It embodies a ravenous greed, a boundless yearning for wealth. Stemming from Latin cupiditas, linked to cupere, "to desire," it journeyed through Old French to English, echoing ancient covetousness. #DesireUnbound #Avarice

Ah, "autodidact"—pronounced /ˌɔːtəʊˈdʌɪdakt/. This term defines a self-taught individual, one who seeks knowledge independently. Its roots lie in Greek: "autos" (self) and "didaktos" (taught). A true testament to the relentless pursuit of learning! #SelfEducation #Etymology