Most ESL students want to learn British or American English.
(There may be a few who are interested in Canadian or Australian English)
If you grew up in Europe the Middle East or the South Asia you may have learned more British English at school as a child.
People who grew up in South America, Russia or some parts of Asia (like Vietnam and Japan), get exposed to more American English speakers as they grow up.
Because we are a global English language school, we cater to both British and American English. At the time students enroll for our online English courses, we ask students to pick an American Accent or a British Accent. Depending on what you pick you will start classes with a native American English teacher or a native British English Teacher.
American English Speakers or British English Speakers – We can help!
Why is it so important to distinguish between British English and American English?
Isn’t it both the same?
This is a question that we get frequently, and the answer is there are some vast differences between the two.
These differences are across all 3 aspects of learning English – Vocabulary, Pronunciation and Grammar.
First of all, we are focusing on Vocabulary and looking at 25 words that are very common in British English but means something completely different in American English.
If you are a trying to improve British English, go through this list and try to recall where you have heard or seen these words used. Don’t memorize these or use flash cards – rather get these words in to your active vocabulary naturally.
Train yourself to practice English often because you will not learn English overnight, or after a few days, or weeks, or even months.
Just like training for a physical activity or sport, you will need to train your brain.
Train your brain to think in English
The most critical aspect of learning English speaking is the development of communicative competence.
Learning grammar and vocabulary can form quite organically through regular communication with native speakers (whether they are American English speakers or British)
Repetition is important to anything new you are trying to learn. the English language is no different. A couple minutes at a time, many times a day, just practice.
As you know, and I know, learning a new language is not easy. Remember to talk your way through your day, take your time, and train every day.
Challenge yourself to push through, challenge yourself to speak beyond your own expectations. Use your resources, and be patient.
Postcode
Postcode in British English is the same as Zip code in American English
Maize
Maize in British English is the same as Corn in American English
Boot
Boot in British English is the same as Hood in American English
Learn more about English Speaking Course
Cot
Cot in British English is the same as Crib in American English
Cooker
Cooker in British English is the same as Stove in American English
Holiday
Holiday in British English is the same as Vacation in American English
Motorway
Motorway in British English is the same as Highway in American English
Lorry
Lorry in British English is the same as Truck in American English
Our Free Guide to Learn Spoken English in Weeks
Trousers
Trousers in British English is the same as Pants in American English
Chips
Chips in British English is the same as French Fries in American English
Lift
Lift in British English is the same as Elevator in American English
Athletics
Athletics in British English is the same as Track in American English
Rubbish
Rubbish in British English is the same as Garbage; Trash in American English
City Center
City Center/Town in British English is the same as Downtown in American English
Tin
Tin in British English is the same as Can in American English
Pavement
Pavement in British English is the same as Sidewalk in American English
Cutlery
Cutlery in British English is the same as Silverware in American English
We have over 3,000 American English Speakers and British English Speakers
Sweets
Sweets in British English is the same as Candy in American English
Biscuit
Biscuit in British English is the same as Cookie in American English
Garden
Garden in British English is the same as Yard in American English
Gutted
Gutted in British English is the same as Upset in American English
Chemist
Chemist in British English is the same as Drugstore/Pharmacy in American English
Plaster
Plaster in British English is the same as Band aid in American English
Loo
Loo in British English is the same as Restroom in American English
Summary
The best way to improve American English is to practice speaking with American English speakers. The same is true for learning British English or any other type of English like Canadian English.
Remember, a major stumbling block for ESL learners is using the vocabulary they know intellectually in a natural and fluid way.
Most of my students are native speakers of Asian, latin or European languages, which often do have as many synonyms for the same word, struggle to understand the nuances between similar English words.
As a result, Students find it very difficult to remember this when speaking naturally, though they would pass a standardized exam like IELTS or TOEFL easily.
The only way to really attain fluency is to be comfortable using the language, and this comes only through conversational practice.
There always comes a point when the textbook will not help you. This is where conversational practice with American English speakers or British English speakers will make you improve faster than traditional English courses.
Get a taste of adventure with Starburst XXXtreme based on the legendary NetEnt Game. The nostalgic themes are sure to capture fans of the classic version as they get treated to higher intensity, better visuals, and features. The most significant element of the game is its volatility. Patience will not be an essential virtue considering the insane gameplay, and there is a lot of win potential involved. It retains the original makeup of the previous game while adding a healthy dose of adrenaline.
Starburst Visuals and Symbols
The game is definitely more conspicuous than before. The setting happens over a 5-reel, 3-row game grid with nine fixed win lines, which function if a succession from the left to the right reel is present. Only those players that that attain the highest win per bet line are paid. From a visual standpoint, the Starburst XXXtreme slots illustrates lightning effects behind the reels, which is not surprising as it is inherited from the original version. Available themes include Classic, Jewels, and Space. The game is also available in both desktop and mobile versions, which is advantageous for players considering the global pandemic. According to Techguide, American gamers are increasingly having more engaging gaming experiences to socialize to fill the gap of in-person interaction. Starburst XXXtreme allows them to fill the social void at a time when there is so much time to be had indoors.
Starburst XXXTreme Features
Players get to alternate on three features which are Starburst Wilds, XXXtreme Spins, and Random Wilds. The first appears on reels 2,3, or 4. When these land, they expand to cover all positions while also calculating the wins. They are also locked for a respin. If a new one hits, it also becomes locked while awarding another respin. Starburst XXXtreme offers a choice between two scenarios for a higher stake. In one scenario with a ten times stake, the Starburst Wild is set on random on reels 2,3, or 4, and a multiplier starts the respin. The second scenario, which has a 95 times stake, starts with two guaranteed starburst wilds on reels 2,3, or 4. it also plays out using respin game sequence and features. The game also increases the potential with the Random Wilds feature to add Starburst Wilds to a vacant reel at the end of a spin. Every Starburst Wild gives a random multiplier with potential wins of x2, x3, x5, x10, x25, x50, x100, or even x150.
The new feature is sure to be a big hit with the gaming market as online gambling has shown significant growth during the lockdown. AdAge indicates the current casino customer base is an estimated one in five Americans, so Starburst XXXtreme’s additional features will achieve considerable popularity.
What We Think About The Game
The gambling market has continued to diversify post-pandemic, so it is one of the most opportune times to release an online casino-based game. Thankfully Starburst XXXtreme features eye-catching visuals, including the jewels and space themes. These attract audience participation and make the gameplay inviting. The game also has a nostalgic edge. The previous NetEnt iteration featured similar visuals and gameplay, so the audience has some familiarity with it. The producers have revamped this version by tweaking the features to improve the volatility and engagement.
That is characterized by the potential win cap of 200,000 times the bet. Starburst XXXtreme does not just give betting alternatives for players that want to go big. The increase of multipliers also provides a great experience. If the respins in the previous version were great, knowing that multipliers can go hundreds of times overtakes the game to a new level.
Players should get excited about this offering. All of the features can be triggered within a single spin. Whether one plays the standard game or takes the XXXtreme spin route, it is possible to activate all of the features. Of course, the potential 200,000 times potential is a huge carrot. However, the bet size is probably going to be restricted and vary depending on the casino. It is also worth pointing out that a malfunction during the gameplay will void all of the payouts and progress. Overall, the game itself has been designed to provide a capped win of 200,000 times the original bet.
In the city’s entertainment district, a musical act was conducting a sound check on stage Friday evening — the second day of the French-language version of the renowned Just For Laughs comedy festival. Tickets for many of the festival’s free outdoor shows — limited by COVID-19 regulations — were sold out.
Two blocks away, more than 100 people were watching an acoustic performance by the Isaac Neto Trio — part of the last weekend of the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, a celebration of music from the African continent and the African diaspora.
With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to limit capacity, festival organizers say they’re glad to be back but looking forward to next year when they hope border restrictions and capacity limits won’t affect their plans.
Charles Décarie, Just For Laughs’ CEO and president, said this is a “transition year.”
“Even though we have major constraints from the public health group in Montreal, we’ve managed to design a festival that can navigate through those constraints,” Décarie said.
The French-language Juste pour rire festival began on July 15 and is followed by the English-language festival until July 31.
When planning began in February and March, Décarie said, organizers came up with a variety of scenarios for different crowd sizes, ranging from no spectators to 50 per cent of usual capacity.
“You’ve got to build scenarios,” he said. “You do have to plan a little bit more than usual because you have to have alternatives.”
MONTREAL — MELS Studios will build a new film studio in Montreal, filling some of the gap in supply to meet the demand of Hollywood productions.
MELS president Martin Carrier said on Friday that MELS 4 studio construction will begin « as soon as possible », either in the fall or winter of next year. The studio could host productions as early as spring 2023.
The total investment for the project is $76 million, with the Quebec government contributing a $25 million loan. The project will create 110 jobs, according to the company.
The TVA Group subsidiary’s project will enable it to stand out « even more » internationally, according to Quebecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau. In the past, MELS Studios has hosted several major productions, including chapters of the X-Men franchise. The next Transformers movie is shooting this summer in Montreal.
Péladeau insisted that local cultural productions would also benefit from the new facility, adding that the studio ensures foreign revenues and to showcase talent and maintain an industry of Quebec producers.
STUDIO SHORTAGE
The film industry is cramped in Montreal.
According to a report published last May by the Bureau du cinéma et de la télévision du Québec (BCTQ), there is a shortage of nearly 400,000 square feet of studio space.
With the addition of MELS 4, which will be 160,000 square feet, the company is filling part of the gap.
Carrier admitted that he has had to turn down contracts because of the lack of space, representing missed opportunities of « tens of millions of dollars, not only for MELS, but also for the Quebec economy. »
« Montreal’s expertise is in high demand, » said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, who was present at the announcement.
She said she received great testimonials from « Netflix, Disney, HBO and company » during an economic mission to Los Angeles in 2019.
« What stands out is that they love Montreal because of its expertise, knowledge and beauty. We need more space, like MELS 4, » she said.
There is still not enough capacity in Quebec, acknowledged Minister of Finance, the Economy and Innovation Eric Girard.
« It is certain that the government is concerned about fairness and balance, so if other requests come in, we will study them with the same seriousness as we have studied this one, » he said.
Grandé Studios is the second-largest player in the industry. Last May, the company said it had expansion plans that should begin in 2022. Investissement Québec and Bell are minority shareholders in the company.
For its part, MELS will have 400,000 square feet of production space once MELS 4 is completed. The company employs 450 people in Quebec and offers a range of services including studio and equipment rentals, image and sound postproduction, visual effects and a virtual production platform.