Blog Archives — Page 3 of 9 — OTUK #1 British Online School

Moving To The UK For Work (After Brexit)

Due to Brexit, the days of mainland Europeans and Brits moving to work freely in each other's countries are sadly over. However, this doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream of living and working in the UK! In fact, it may be easier than you think to get a job in Britain today. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the information and steps you need to know…

Understanding English Conditionals: Types, Sentences, Exercises

Conditionals (or ‘if clauses’) show us how one situation depends on another happening. If it rains, you will get wet. They give us the cause and the possible result. There are 4 types of conditionals in English. These can be used to talk about the past, present and future – what might have happened, always happens or could happen later as a result of something else.

English For The Office: Polite Expressions, Tips & Examples

To be successful in business, it is important to sound polite, helpful and professional with your colleagues and clients at the office. Brits and Americans use specific language and etiquette to achieve this. In this guide, we will show you how to make the right impression so that your English sounds polite at work. Let’s jump in!

How To Score Band 7+ On IELTS Reading

Need to brush up on your IELTS Reading skills? In this guide, we will show you how to pass this section of IELTS with a band 7+. We’ve included all you need to know about the exam, marking and task types, along with our top tips on exam technique and time management. Check out the bonus IELTS Reading resources at the end to improve your skills at home. Let’s get started!

Linking Words And Phrases In English (List With Examples)

In this study guide, you will learn how to use linking words in English. You will discover the meaning of common linking words and learn how to use them in a sentence. Examples are provided to show you the sentence position and use of common linking words in English. Check out the exercises at the end to test your understanding!

50 Examples Of Popular English Similes (We Still Use Now)

Most lists of similes online and in textbooks contain outdated expressions. In response, we’ve compiled this list of 50 popular similes to show you examples that are still commonly used in modern English today. For each simile, we have given its meaning and an example. Check out the quiz at the end to test your knowledge!

Conference Calls In English: Vocabulary, Tips & Examples

Now that more professionals are WFH (Working From Home) than ever before, logging on to conference calls is the most popular way to conduct work meetings. Whether you use Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams, the English we use for conference calls is generally the same. Let’s take a look at some useful expressions you can use to impress your colleagues on a call!

How To Score Band 7+ On IELTS Listening

In this study guide, we will share with you our best tricks and tips to score band 7+ on IELTS Listening. You will learn about the test format, task types, time management, successful strategies and tips to achieve a high score. Check out the bonus IELTS Listening resources at the end for further practice!

56 Common English Proverbs (We Still Use Today)

A proverb is a short, well-known saying that contains advice. Native speakers often use proverbs to express a bigger idea in a shorter sentence or phrase. English proverbs can teach you a lot about British mentality, culture and history. These colourful expressions are useful if you are improving your English beyond Intermediate level. In this guide, we’ll teach your 56 of the most popular proverbs still used today!

How To Speak English On The Phone (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Do you ever struggle when making a phone call in English? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Many people feel nervous about taking and making phone calls in English. Even advanced English speakers can have trouble when speaking English on the phone. Let’s take a look at some great phrases to improve your confidence and telephone manner!

45 Business Idioms to Enhance Your Professional English

Want to improve your vocabulary for work? In this study guide, our experienced UK accountant and English teacher Kevin Simmons will walk you through the most useful business idioms. We’ve included a list of 45 idioms with clear definitions and examples to help you feel confident with your business English. Let’s go!

Prefixes And Suffixes Of English: List, Meanings, Examples

Prefixes are added at the beginning of words to change their meaning: dis-trust, im-mature, counter-productive. Suffixes are added at the end of words to change their form: wonder-ful, improve-ment, adapt-able. Understanding how to use prefixes and suffixes will help you expand your vocabulary!

70 Useful Adjectives To Describe Personality (Positive & Negative)

Personality adjectives describe the positive and negative aspects of someone’s personality. Words like generous, enthusiastic, meticulous and outgoing are positive adjectives. Words like indecisive, tactless, fussy and grumpy are negative adjectives.

Top 10 UK Universities For International Students (Compared)

Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions you will make in life. With so many quality degree courses out there, it is harder than ever to select the best university. This is especially the case for international students, who are applying from overseas. We have created this guide to help you find the right uni for you!

30 Useful Phrases To Boost Your IELTS Speaking Score

In this study guide, you will learn the meaning of 30 collocations and find out how to use them in a sentence. You will see examples of how to use these phrases to talk about familiar topics on the IELTS speaking exam. Check out the exercises at the end to test your understanding! You can also download this guide as a free pdf to use offline.

How to Score Band 7+ on IELTS General Writing Task 1

In this guide, we will demonstrate how to score higher bands on your IELTS General Writing exam. We will give you key vocabulary, paragraphing tips, sample answers and much more to help you achieve a 7+. Don’t forget to download your free pdf copy of this exam guide to use offline. Let’s get started!

66 Awesome IELTS Speaking Idioms (By Topic)

The IELTS Speaking test gives you the chance to talk about your daily life and academic-related situations. You’ll display the vocabulary you’ve acquired over your years of studying English. Adding the occasional idiom to your answers can improve your chances of a good score.