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Doubt or Question? Many English learners confuse the nouns ‘doubt’ and ‘question’. A ‘question’ is something you ask when you want to find out information. ‘Can you answer my question?’ ‘Does anyone have any questions?’ The noun ‘doubt’ describes a feeling of not being sure about something. ‘I have doubts about my ability to pass the test.’ ‘I never had any doubt you could do it.’ So if you have ‘doubts’ it means you feel uncertain. If you have ‘a question’, it means you want to ask something in order to find out more information. Flickr CC: Noelia

More tongue twisters Tongue twisters are an excellent way to practise your pronunciation. Listen to the following tongue twisters and follow the script below. Then, practise saying the tongue twister yourself. Practise a few times slowly so you can pronounce the sounds of each word. You will hear yourself improve each time. You might also like to record your voice then compare your pronunciation to ours. Tongue twister number 1 A big black bug bit a big black dog on his big black nose. Listen again. A big black bug bit a big black dog on his big black nose. Tongue twister number 2 Santa's short suit shrunk. Listen again. Santa's short suit shrunk. Tongue twister number 3 Whether the weather is warm, whether the weather is hot, we have to put up with the weather, whether we like it or not. Listen again. Whether the weather is warm, whether the weather is hot, we have to put up with the weather, whether we like it or not. Flickr CC: Thorsten Ludewig

How to join a conversation If you hear an interesting conversation, it’s a good idea to listen in and make sure it’s appropriate to join. If it’s a personal or private conversation, the speakers might not want you to interrupt. You‘ll have to use your own judgement, and take a risk. If they seem friendly and open, you can try to find something interesting to add. Don’t try to change the subject or talk too much about yourself. Remember to smile, be friendly and ask questions about others. You could try one of these phrases for joining in: ‘Excuse me, I overheard you talking about...’ ‘Hi, my name is ... ‘ ‘I heard you talking about...’ ‘Did I hear you say...?’ Here are some examples: ‘Excuse me, I overheard you talking about travelling to Australia. My sister went there last year. When are you going?’ ‘Hi my name is Shirley. I heard you talking about Adelaide university. I’m a student there, too. What do you study?’ ‘Did I hear you say you’re watching the new Game of Thrones series? I’m half way through it, I love that show. Where are you up to?’ If you find it hard to find a natural way to join the conversation, you can say: ‘Excuse me, would you mind if I joined your conversation? I don’t know anyone here yet, and you look interesting to talk to.’ Of course, not everyone wants new people to join their conversation. If it doesn’t work out, don’t take it personally. Try again next time. Flickr CC: Ruth Ellison

Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores A ‘carnivore’ is a meat eating animal. It eats other animals. ‘The lion is a carnivore, as is the leopard.’ Carnivorous, an adjective, means ‘meat-eating’. ‘The Tasmanian devil is the world's largest carnivorous marsupial.’ A ‘herbivore’ is an animal that eats only plants. ‘Zebras are herbivores.’ An ‘omnivore’ is an animal that is able to eat both animal and plant life. ‘People are omnivores.’ Flickr CC: Chen Wu

Wander or Wonder? To ‘wander’ is to walk around without a clear purpose. An elephant wandered into the garden. ‘Wonder’ refers to feeling curious. I wonder why the elephant is there. Flickr CC: muzina_shanghai