An entertaining article about the frustrations of living with the bureaucracy of Russia.

And all this for a few H&M jumpers.

A diferent perspective on teaching, but somehow it all seems very familiar.

Being ethical doesn’t always pay off. It is apparently possible to try too hard.

Question: What should Chiquita do now to improve its situation?

So now we know…

No! And to an A-Level (or Matura) economist it should be immediately clear why not. Why can’t you compare stock market value with GDP? Think this through before you read this.

Encouraging us English language teachers to be inspired and resist the textbook!

A very accessible (easy to read) article about how a new UK firm is making solar power available to families in Kenya through a leasing scheme. The energy provides enough power for two lightbulbs and a mobile phone charger.

Questions: Explain how the scheme works, and outline the advantages and disadvantages to families of participating.

Wise words from George Orwell (Animal Farm, 1984…).

In my opinion, rule 2 is particularly insightful for learners of English. Avoid “nevertheless”, “nonetheless”, “furthermore”, ”consequently”… Too many of these words in a text are tiring to read, and show little feeling for the language.

Try instead clearer, more neutral (and less pretentious) alternatives such as “however”, “but”, “also”, “as a result”…