Can you get your home country food in Malaysia? (Students comment)

Unfortunatly i can't get it here. - Mohammed (Yemen)

Yes I can but at home becouse my mother cook. - Bassam (Qatar)

In my country we have so many foods but some of them are really nice such as kebab. shishlik and mirzaghasmi. - Ehsan (Iran)

Yes near KLCC I can get Iraqi restaurant. - Mustafa (Iraq)

Yes, there are two restarant Al-Azaam restarant and Al-Raken Al-Iraq. Eespecially, my wife cooking. - Yaseein (Iraq)

Malaysian Food - What do you think? (Students advice)

I just tried it twise, but i didn't like it. I would never eat it agian. -Mohammed (Yemen)

I doesn't eat a malaysian food, But I will try. - Bassam (Qatar)

I like most of Malaysian food and I'm getting used to them. -Ehsan (Iran)

I like roti canai. I dislike the spicy food. - Yaseein (Iraq)

Ever felt like your English is getting WORSE?! (Teachers Comment)

Ever found that one week you were getting really good at English and then the next week you knew nothing? Well this is why.

When we learn a language we expect our learning curve will be like the graph opposite. But unfortunately our brain doesn't work that way.

When we learn a language we are taking in a HUGE amount of information at one time. Then after a while the brain says "STOP!!! - OVERLOAD! OVERLOAD!", and your whole brain will suddenly shut down. This shut down will not go for just one minute, it could go for up to a week. So be prepared and DON'T WORRY.

The truth is that when we learn a language our learning goes like the graph opposite. This is totally normal, and is your body's way of telling you that it needs to properly digest what it has just learned. Once that is finished, your English will suddenly bounce back bigger and better than before.

Yes, I know it is hard to imagine at the time, but it is true. So when you finish an English class and feel that your English has actually got worse, DON'T PANIC! You are undergoing something completely normal.... just relax, keep coming to the classes and do your homework as well as you can, and before you know it your English will show a sudden improvement .

-Aiyshah (New Zealand

Why did you choose to study for IELTS or TOEFL (Students comment)

I am preparing for TOEFL. I've tried to apply to one of the universitys in the U.S.A. and in Canada, but they both asked me to get the TOEFL first. - Mohammed (Yemen)

I am preparing for IELTS. Due to I don't like American accent and another thing is IELTS is acceptable all over the world. - Ehsan (Iran)

I am preparing for TOEFL. I want to improve my language, also it is one of requirement to enter the college. - Yaseein (Iraq)

I am preparing for IELTS. It's certificate is very important. I am going to the univercity. The univercity wants me IELTS academic for arriving. - Farzad (Iran)

Hard at Work

Hard at work preparing for a presentation are Mohammed (Yemen), Farzad (Iran) and Selma (Morroco). Both Mohammed and Farzad are doing intensive courses of both Upper Intermediate Level and IELTS/TOEFL Preparation. This is extremely hardwork, but both are rising to the challenge and progressing their English quickly.

A few more pics

Fadumo (Somalia) on the left, has been at CRWMC Language Centre since it opened in February 2007. She started at the Pre Intermediate level and has now worked her way through to the Advanced class. She hopes to study here at one of the Universities. Mohammed (Qatar) will sit his IELTS test in a few months and also hopes to study here in Malaysia.

What Kind of Essay will be in the TOEFL or IELTS tests? (Teachers Advice)

In the TOEFL or IELTS tests you will be asked to write one or two of these four different kinds of essays.

1. Opinion Essay
2. Pros and Cons Essay
3. Comparing and Contrasting Essay
4. Cause and Effect Essay

All of these different essay styles put forward an argument of some kind. Therefore if your teacher tells you that you need to learn how to write an Argumentative Essay for your TOEFL or IELTS test, it could be any one of these four types.

Unless the exam specifically tells you what kind of essay to write (which sometimes they do - but not always), you will have to work it out for yourself. This can only be done by looking carefully at the essay topic.

An Opinion Essay will only want to know what you think about something.

A Pros and Cons Essay will want to know the good and bad points of something and also perhaps which you prefer.

A Comparing and Contrasting Essay will want to know what is the same and/or different about two or more ideas, and also perhaps which you think is better.

A Cause and Effect Essay will want to know how something has happened and what the results were, or how some things happened and what the result was. They may also ask for your opinion on it all.

- Aiyshah (New Zealand)

Selmas Farewell!

Here some of the students had a get together for Selmas last day. From left Selma (Morocco), Dheya (Yemen), Moeen (Iran), Aiyshah (New Zealand), Farzad (Iran), Fadumo (Somalia), Maan (Syria) and Mohammed (Yemen).

Double Certificate Time!

Mohammed (Qatar) has been living in Malaysia for a few years now with his family and attended the Saudi School for his Secondary Education. He is now looking to improve his English so he can sit the IELTS and enter University here. Mohammed has completed two courses in two months. Here he is receiving his certificates for Upper Intermediate Level 1 and 2 courses with his teacher Anita.

Certificate Time!

Mohammed (Yemen) is in Malaysia to sit the TOEFL. He has successfully passed his exam for the Upper Intermediate Level 1 course and is receiving his certificate. Mohammed has a further 2-3 months of course work to do before he will be ready to sit the TOEFL. Here he is with his certificate and teacher, Anita.

Certificate time!

Selma (Morocco) has completed a one month course in English at the Upper Intermediate Level 1. She is now planning to go back to France where she completed her degree and will seek work in her field of immunology. Here she is with her teacher Anita .

A CRWMC Star Pupil and Teacher!

Abdelradi (Sudan), has just arrived in Kuala Lumpur to study at University here. He needs to build his English to prepare for the University English Entrance Exam. Here he is discussing one of his pieces of writing with Teacher Aiyshah (NewZealand) - all discussions are in English of course!

A CRWMC Star Pupil!

Abdulhay (Palestine), spent most of his summer holidays here in Malaysia at CRWMC Language Centre, brushing up on his English. Here he is taking part in a listening activity at the computer. He is at present living in Jordan and has just finished his University degree there.

The CRWMC Star Pupils 2!

More English students in an interactive group activity. This time they are discussing the main ideas of a text they have been analysing. All in english of course! From the left is Dheya (Yemen), Selma (Morocco) and Sonny (Vietnam).

The CRWMC Star Pupils 1!

Three of CRWMC Language Centre star pupils are hard at work here in a group activity discussing important issues for a debate. English must be spoken not only when speaking to the teacher, but also in any interaction in a group activity like this. The small groupings allow you to have more opportunity to practice your spoken English. From the left is Mohammed (Qatar), Youssef (Egypt) and Mohammed (Yemen).

What do foreign students need to know about Malaysia before coming? (Students Advice)

I'm here in holidays but I think the main thing you need before coming in Malaysia is just to be yourself because everybody from many countries live in harmony and all the cultures are well mixed. So just come and take osme English lessons here. - Selma (Morocco)

The weather is hot and rainy. They have different food. There are alot of entersting places to visit. - Mohammed Noraddin (Yemen)

Firstly, you need to be mild with the Malaysian people. Secondly you need to learn the malaysian or the English language if you want to keep in touch with them. - Mohammed (Qatar)

Malaysia is a beautiful country. The wether is nice. the study is a good in Malaysia. there many universities are very good. it will give you a good certiffcat in the life. You can stay in hostil or rent apartment with your friends. You cannot spend largest of $US5.00 in the day, and you can study hard.
-Abdelradi (Sudan)

What is the No.1 problem people face when preparing for the TOEFL or IELTS exam? (Teachers Advice)

Only one answer: Impatience!

Next question.

- Aiyshah (New Zealand)

What is the difference between an Everyday English Course and a TOEFL/IELTS Preparation Course? (Teachers Advice)

Good question.

The Everyday English Course will teach you how to use English in your everyday life including all the different kinds of writing you may need to do, e.g. emails, letters, stories, journalism, etc.

The TOEFL/IELTS Preparation courses are of two types:

1. TOEFL/IELTS Preparation General: This course is actually very much the same as the Everyday English Course, except there is an academic component. i.e. as well as the emails, letters, etc., you will learn how to write academic essays, reports and listen to and speak more on topics that are at a University level.

2. TOEFL/IELTS Exam Preparation: This course is for those students who have finished their Upper Intermediate or Advanced Level English courses and are looking to sit their TOEFL/IELTS exam in a few weeks time. This course looks exclusively at the test and strategies you can use to get the best marks possible. A high level of English is expected before you can take this course.
-Aiyshah (New Zealand)

How can I FAST TRACK to the TOEFL or IELTS test? (Teachers Advice)

This is simple. Read my lips: There is NO FAST TRACK to the TOEFL or IELTS test. Next question please!
-Aiyshah (New Zealand)

How can I prepare for the TOEFL or IELTS Test? (Teachers Advice)

Firstly, if you are not at the Advanced Level of English, you will not pass the exam.

TEN HELPFUL STRATEGIES

However, if you are in the lower levels, e.g Intermediate, here are a few things you can add to your English Language homework that can begin preparing you for the test later.

1. Buy a book of sample tests for IELTS or TOEFL (available at any major bookstore), and take a test or two to gauge the difficulty level.


2. Download a list of TOEFL words from the internet (there are about 500 on the list), and give yourself 5 words a day to look up in the dictionary. Your extensive vocabulary will be very important for when you sit the exam.


3. Become very familiar with the technically perfect essay format, and make sure you are clear about the difference between academic English and everyday English.


4. Watch as many news and documentary programs in English as you can. These exams tackle many different topics that you may need to be familiar with.


5. Debate social issues whenever possible in English.


6. Begin taking non fiction English books that are on topics of your own interest out of the library to read. Make sure to always take notes on any new vocabulary.


7. Go to your normal English class EVERYDAY (this is extremely important as you must get the grammar understanding, and the feedback from a teacher who is teaching you at your actual English level).


8. Understand that there is NO WAY that you can skip levels to get to the TOEFL or IELTS level, you ABSOLUTELY MUST work through a full program of English to the Advanced level before you are ready to tackle full time TOEFL or IELTS Preparation.


9. Understand that an intensive course in English (i.e. going to classes in the morning, noon and night), will not necessarily get you to the TOEFL or IELTS test faster. It's all about your attitude to making English almost like your first language.


10. Accept that the minimum amount of time it takes to begin learning English to passing your TOEFL or IELTS exam is one year.

- Aiyshah (New Zealand)

What's easier TOEFL or IELTS? (Teachers Advice)

This question is like asking "What's easier - climbing Mt Everest or swimming across the Atlantic?", both are very difficult.

However, one test does suit some people more than others.

The TOEFL test appears easier as most of it is multi-choice, however to sit the TOEFL exam in Malaysia, you have to sit the test online, which means that you have to be a fast typist, and be very computer literate.

The IELTS test appears to be more difficult because the questions require more creative thinking, however if you sit this test in Malaysia, you can write it in your own handwriting, and have a speaking test one on one with an examiner in front of you.

- Aiyshah (New Zealand)

Tips on learning English outside the Classroom (Students Advice)

You have to get the friend who speaks English language very will. He has to be native English speaker and you have to use internet to get information. - Abdul Kadir (Somalia)

Practice speaking with your freinds. don't use your language. Listen to the music, whatch TV and movie and try to know what are they talking about. - Dheya (Yemen)

Speak English with other people, don't scare if you are wrong, watch E movie, listen E music, read newspaper. - Sonny (Vietnam)

The best way to learn english outside class is to practice our english with people who speaks a good english, watch english moovies, travel in places where everybody speak only english, and also take cours in CRWMC Center in KL. - Selma (Morroco)

The best way to learn English is to have friens who are speak very well English. And you have to your state from reading and watching books and movies in your own language to English as much as you can. - Mohammed (Yemen)

If you want to learn English you have to mixc with outher people can speake correct English and don't try use your languag with them. - Youssef (Egypt)

The best way it's to practice the English language more than your mouther tongue. - Mohammed (Qatar)

If you want to learn English you have to mix out with people learning English and listen to movis and music. - Abdalhay Arafa (Palestine)

Ramadan is here! (Teachers Comment)

Oh Ramadan is here and the students are getting thinner,
everybody's waiting for that 7 o'clock dinner!

I'm a poet and I don't know it!

Tune in and watch the progress of the students right here on this blog.
- Aiyshah (New Zealand)