TaiwanChallenges - home of the sexiest man in Taipei

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I don't do a lot of teaching in language schools, but when I do it's usually at Elite. I still have a regular English Conversation class, but I also take occasional IELTS preparation classes: I'm the person they call if someone is sick, because I'm familiar with all the courses and books, and because I have the most flexible schedule. I also oversaw the development of several coursebooks which are now usd by Elite, and of course I occasionally introduce new teachers to them. Growing busnesses always need new staff.

I have been working with this school for over five years, and have watched it grow to become one of the biggest and most well-known adult teaching centres in Taipei (and Taoyuan & Xinzhu). The boss, Alan Chiang, is a good friend and obviously a good businessman too. Who better to learn from?

General English

At the moment I only teach one class per week at Elite:

General English, Tuesday evenings, 6:30-8pm at the Taipei Main Station branch. If you would like to join this class then contact Elite directly: http://www.language-center.com.tw

elite students.jpg

We focus on communicative tasks designed to develop fluency. I rarely 'teach' grammar and expect students to use the vocabulary they already know - or else find ways to express themselves by improvising.

Of course, I often have to remind people of things they should already know, especially the simple stuff like verb tenses. But we keep it light. This class is supposed to be fun!

IELTS Preparation

The International English Language Testing System is one of the most commonly used tests of English ability for international study. Tens of thousands of Taiwanese people enrol in IELTS courses every year, hoping to obtain a place at an overseas university, and most are disappointed.

Students HATE me for the way I teach IELTS. I don't tell people the answers. I don't try and pretend that this is fun. If someone has studied English for ten or even twenty years and still can't write a simple composition then the student is doing something wrong.

I am very tough with IELTS students and force them to acknowledge their mistakes and failures - then I show them what they need to do. I try to be kind, but if you're hoping to get a good grade in IELTS (or TOEFL) then you need to understand the tasks ahead of you.

(Official IELTS website )

Vocabulary:

How many words are there in the English language? How many do you need to know for IELTS? Which words do you need to know? How many of the words you need do you know? What do you need to learn? After my first class with me you will know the answers to these questions.

Coherence and Cohesion:

Do you even know what these are? Do you know how to present information in the way that your examiner requires? This skill is not taught as part of your formal education in high school or university in Taiwan. This is a whole new area of knowledge and it counts for 25% of your grade for writing and speaking!

Grammar:

Another 25% of your grade for everything you write or say. If you try to tell me that you "know" grammar, or that it isn't very important, or that you need to know more words in order to improve your grammar I will probably send you out of my class. Vocabulary is useless without grammar. You can't achieve proper structured writing without good grammar. This is the basis of good speaking and writing, and I will insist that you give 100% commitment to correcting your own bad habits.

Task Response/Fulfilment:

If you don't answer the question then you don't get the points. Many students have difficulty understanding what they have to do, and how to answer effectively. A large part of the class is devoted to this vital skill.

My General English classes are fun. My IELTS classes are tough. If you're serious about your goal of studying overseas then you must be prepared to LISTEN and ACCEPT what I'm telling you. Remember, I have spent more time in English classes in Taiwanese high schools than most of my students. I know what you learn, and I know why it doesn't prepare you for IELTS. I can teach you what you need to know, if you accept that you don't know anything.