Cafetalk Tutor's Column

A change of scenery helped with my motivation 気分を変えるとやる気が出る

When we learn a new language, sometimes we feel motivated, and sometimes we don’t.新しい言語を学ぶとき、やる気がある...

Autumn Motivation: How to Stay Focused When the Season Slows You Down

What is Autumn? Autumn is the season between summer and winter. The weather gets cooler, the days b...

The Book That Left a Mark on My Heart This Year

Of all the books I read this year, one has stayed with me long after I closed the last page: If Cat...

Weekly Topic: Best Book I Read This Year

The Little Prince – A Great Book for Conversation PracticeThe best book I read this year was “The L...

Speak Confidently in Work & Life — Business & Conversational English with Mirien!

Hi! I’m Mirien, a TEFL/IELTS-certified English tutor and registered nurse. I help professionals and...

You Choose the Topic - I Guide the Conversation

One thing my students love about my conversational lessons is simple: they get to choose what we ta...

The Best Holiday Book

During the Christmas Season, one of the best books to read (or re-read) is A Christmas Carol by Cha...

The Perfectionism Trap: Why Making Mistakes Is Your Secret Weapon in English Learning

Introduction Let me tell you about two students. Student A studies English grammar books every day....

THE DOT-A SMALL START CAN LEAD TO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

This year, I revisited one of my favourite inspirational children's book: The Dot by Peter H. Reyno...

When motivation drops in Autumn- Here's how to stay on track

    Let’s be real: Autumn is cute… until your motivation packs its bags and leaves you on “read.” S...

Is Your English Travel-Ready This Festive Season?

Are you ready to chat with locals, order your favorite dish, or ask for directions without stress? ...

Conversation Lessons That Feel Relaxing

English doesn’t need to feel stressful. My conversation lessons are warm, friendly, and enjoyable —...

Why Speaking Practice Matters

Many learners understand English, but speaking confidently is the hardest part. That’s why my lesso...

When to Use 'A,' 'An,' 'The,' or Nothing at All: A Clear Guide for Japanese Speakers

Introduction Do you sometimes feel confused about when to use "a," "an," "the," or no article at al...

If You’re Struggling to Speak English Confidently, Read This.

Many of my students understand English… but when it’s time to speak, their mind goes blank. They fe...

Business Email Etiquette: How to Sound Professional Without Sounding Cold

Introduction Imagine this: You need to write an email to your American client. You want to sound pr...

Do You Feel Shy or Unsure When Speaking English… I’m Here for You.

Many adult learners can READ English, but speaking is the hardest part. Sometimes you feel nervous,...

The Moment My Students Finally Speak Without Fear

I see it every week — that magical moment when a student suddenly stops overthinking… and starts sp...

If You’re Nervous Speaking With Colleagues…

You’re not alone. Many professionals feel shy or afraid of making mistakes at work. But confidence ...

Chinese PinYin

Pinyin (拼音) is the official romanization system for Standard Mandarin, developed in the 1950s in Ch...

Why My Conversation Lessons Feel Relaxing

Students often tell me: “Your lessons feel like talking to someone who truly listens.” That’s my go...

Speak English Naturally — Not Like a Textbook

Most students know grammar but struggle to sound natural. Reality: real conversation is not perfect...

Next Year, I Want to Be Someone Who.....?

Next Year, I Want to Be Someone Who Can Grow with Confidence As the year begins to wrap up, I’ve ...

Unlock Your English Superpower: Why Personalised Lessons Make All the Difference

Hello global learners! I’m Carl, your native English tutor with over 15 years of experience, ready...

Christmas: Same Holiday, Different Traditions.

Many people imagine that Christmas has one fixed set of traditions — like in movies or on TV — but ...

Next year, I want to be someone who can play Pickle Ball well!

Being a Table Tennis player, I want to take on the challenge in learning and becoming good at Pickl...

To Anyone Who Feels Nervous Speaking English…

If your voice shakes, your heart races, or your mind goes blank when speaking English… Please know ...

What Every Parent Wants Their Child to Learn in English (And How I Can Help)

As a parent, you want your child to:Speak English confidently Understand their teacher Communicate ...

English Present Perfect Tense, 現在完了形, 现在完成时连接

   Present Perfect TenseThe present perfect tense connects a past event to the present. It is ...

Next Year, I Want to Be Someone Who Can ___! Start Preparing Now for Future You.

Have you ever thought about next year’s “future you”? What do you want to be able to do? Maybe it’s...