English with Thiago

Join my Speaking Accelerator Program:https://www.englishwiththiago.com/speaking-program-1Why Grammar is More Important than Vocabulary When Learning English | English Learning TipsIn this episode, Thiago discusses the age-old debate: Grammar vs. Vocabulary. He explains why he believes grammar should be prioritized over vocabulary for long-term English learning success. He provides practical tips on mastering English tenses and shares a proven method for building a strong grammatical foundation. Additionally, Thiago reads an inspiring story from a follower in Turkey about their unique English-learning journey. Perfect for intermediate and advanced learners looking to refine their mastery of English.00:00 Introduction: Grammar vs. Vocabulary00:57 Welcome and Podcast Introduction01:31 Special Announcement: Speaking Accelerator Program04:08 Why Grammar Should Come First04:24 Survival Scenario: Vocabulary Over Grammar06:08 The Importance of Grammar in English Learning07:21 Grammar as the Foundation of Language09:36 Practical Examples: Grammar vs. Vocabulary18:13 Personal Experience: Learning Grammar First22:25 Switching Topics: From Ice Cream to Pizza22:37 Expanding Vocabulary with Food Items22:58 Learning Specific Vocabulary: Sparkly Water23:44 The Importance of Grammar and Vocabulary24:32 Mastering All 12 Main Verb Tenses25:23 Addressing Common Learner Struggles27:54 Creating an Action Plan for Grammar Studies29:20 Recommended Grammar Study Versions30:30 Focusing on Common Tenses for Everyday Conversation33:52 Balancing Grammar and Vocabulary36:01 Learner's Corner: A Heartfelt Email from Turkey40:51 Final Words and Program Announcement

Note about the episode:This was a hard episode to do. As much as there are many things I love about Brazil, when it comes to English learning, things could definitely get better. I tried to be as fair as possible in my analysis while remaining true to my beliefs. If we are to have any productive discussion about a sensitive topic such as education, we need to be able to tell the truth as we see it without sugarcoating it. While my extensive experience as an English teacher in Brazil certainly has a lot to add to this discussion, I also recognize that I don't own the truth. Feel free to share your thoughts below, especially if I missed something in my analysis or if you disagree with something I said. Just be nice and polite about it. Enjoy the episode!

The first 500 people to use my link in the description will receive a one month free trial of Skillshare! Get started today: https://skl.sh/englishwiththiago03251#sponsored #skillshare #learnenglish #englishpodcast #englishwiththiago Unlocking Creativity: Accelerate Your English LearningIn this episode, Thiago discusses how creativity can enhance your English learning journey. He defines creativity using Cambridge's definition and ChatGPT's insights, identifies key components like imagination and resourcefulness, and explains practical steps to incorporate creativity into learning new vocabulary and practicing English. The episode also includes tips on fostering creativity and a learner's success story from Ramon in Cuba.00:00 Introduction to Creativity in Learning English00:36 Defining Creativity02:25 Using Creativity to Learn Vocabulary07:08 Skillshare Sponsorship09:06 Creating Example Sentences11:06 Innovative Ways to Practice English12:56 Tips to Unlock Your Creativity21:41 Learner's Corner: Ramon's Story24:39 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMore Resources:

In this episode, Thiago Alencar discusses the complexities of achieving fluency in English, emphasizing that the time it takes to become fluent varies based on individual circumstances. He provides insights into the CEFR levels and the number of guided learning hours required to progress through these levels. Thiago also highlights the importance of a lifelong learning mindset, encouraging learners to enjoy the process rather than fixating solely on goals. Takeaways - Your progress in English depends on various factors. - It takes around 200 guided learning hours to move levels. - Aiming for C1 from B2 requires about 200 hours of study. - Three to five years is a realistic timeframe for fluency. - The 10,000 hour rule emphasizes the time needed for mastery. - Learning should be a lifelong endeavor, not just a phase. - Enjoy the process of learning English, don't rush. - Familiarity with exam structures is crucial for success. - Practice conversation skills regularly to improve fluency. - A learner mindset is more beneficial than a student mindset. Chapters 00:00 Understanding English Fluency: The Big Question 09:53 The Journey to Proficiency: Time and Effort 20:11 Lifelong Learning: Beyond the Classroom ***FREE RESOURCES***

In this episode, Thiago Alencar introduces the concept of slow productivity and its application to English learning. He discusses the common issue of pseudo-productivity, where learners feel busy but make little progress. The episode outlines three key principles of slow productivity: doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. Thiago emphasizes the importance of sustainable study habits and the need to focus on quality over quantity when learning English. 0:00 Intro 01:41 Pseudo-productivity 03:46 Cal Newport & Slow Productivity 04:50 Principle 1: Do Fewer Things 10:06 Principle 2: Work at a Natural Pace 16:42 Principle 3: Obsess Over Quality 20:16 The Quality Framework 26:11 The Learner's Corner 30:44 Take your learning further! ***FREE RESOURCES***

Join my Private Community: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/community Get my pronunciation course: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Get 50% off of ELSA premium membership for one year: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiagopremium Download ELSA and get 7 days membership for free: https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Summary In this episode, Thiago Alencar shares seven essential tips for keeping conversations flowing in English. He emphasizes the importance of asking open-ended questions, engaging actively, and practicing conversational skills. The discussion also covers how to navigate difficult conversations and the significance of mutual engagement in dialogue. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversational Skills 03:09 Effective Questioning Techniques 06:13 Engagement and Active Listening 09:07 Navigating Difficult Conversations Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar?sub_confirmation=1 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Join my Private Community: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/community Get my pronunciation course: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Get 50% off of ELSA premium membership for one year: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiagopremium Download ELSA and get 7 days membership for free: https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Summary In this episode, Thiago shares seven signs that showed him he was on the right path to becoming fluent in English. The signs include dreaming in English, obsessing over the language, having conversations with native speakers, consuming more demanding content, understanding language from movies and music, achieving things that were previously difficult, and receiving positive feedback about his English skills. Thiago encourages listeners to reflect on these signs and consider their own progress in learning English. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dreaming in English 04:19 Obsessing Over English 10:02 Conversing with Native Speakers 12:26 Consuming Challenging Content 16:33 Understanding Language from Movies and Music 21:32 Achieving Goals 24:55 Receiving Positive Feedback Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Join my Private Community: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/community Get my pronunciation course: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Get 50% off of ELSA premium membership for one year: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiagopremium Download ELSA and get 7 days membership for free: https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Summary In this episode, Thiago Alencar shares his personal strategy for acquiring and remembering new vocabulary in English. He emphasizes the importance of exposure to the language and activation through review and usage. Thiago introduces his approach of contextual usage, which focuses on understanding how words are used in real-life situations rather than just memorizing definitions. He provides practical tips for memorizing English words using this strategy, such as reading extensively, listening actively, writing with a purpose, speaking with confidence, and creating personal contexts. Thiago also suggests using online resources and focusing on collocations to enhance vocabulary building. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Exposure and Activation 03:53 Contextual Usage: A Strategy for Memorizing Words 13:07 Practical Tips for Memorizing English Words 17:38 Enhancing Vocabulary Building with Online Resources and Collocations Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Join my Private Community: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/community Get my pronunciation course: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Get 50% off of ELSA premium membership for one year: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiagopremium Download ELSA and get 7 days membership for free: https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Summary In this conversation, Thiago Alencar reacts to an interview with Keanu Reeves and analyzes his English language usage. Keanu Reeves discusses various topics, including his personal preferences. Thiago also points out the use of passive voice, pronunciation of words, and highlights Keanu's likability and relaxed demeanor throughout the interview. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Getting to know Keanu Reeves 03:58 What is the best sandwich? 07:24 What's one thing you own you should throw out? 09:37 What is the scariest animal? 09:58 Apples or oranges? 10:06 Have you ever asked someone for their autograph? 15:44 What do you think happens when we die? 16:51 Favorite action movie? 17:50 Window or aisle? 18:44 Favorite smell? 20:08 Cats or dogs? 20:15 One song 20:55 Your life in five words 21:54 Impressions and conclusion Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Join my Private Community: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/community Get my pronunciation course: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Get 50% off of ELSA premium membership for one year: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiagopremium Download ELSA and get 7 days membership for free: https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Native vs Non-Native English Teachers: Which one is better? This episode discusses the pros and cons of having a native English teacher versus a non-native English teacher. The pros of having a native English teacher include authentic pronunciation and intonation, cultural insight, and confidence boost. The cons include assumptions about proficiency level and lack of formal training. The pros of having a non-native English teacher include relatable experience, strong grammar knowledge, and empathy. The cons include accent variation, less exposure to idioms and slang, and learner perception. The key takeaway is to go beyond the native/non-native distinction and consider factors such as the teacher's language learning success, passion for teaching, ability to explain clearly, and whether their English is inspiring to you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Native vs. Non-Native English Teachers 01:26 Pros of Having a Native English Teacher 03:48 Cultural Insight and Confidence Boost 06:36 Cons of Having a Native English Teacher 12:18 Pros of Having a Non-Native English Teacher 15:10 Grammar Focus and Empathy 18:06 Cons of Having a Non-Native English Teacher 20:31 Looking Beyond the Native/Non-Native Distinction 21:01 Choosing a Teacher Based on Teaching Skills and Personal Fit 25:17 The Importance of Finding an Inspiring English Teacher Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get 50% off of ELSA premium membership for one year: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiagopremium Download ELSA and get 7 days membership for free: https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA In this video, I give you an overview of the IELTS test and its four parts: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. I also give you some useful tips for you to practice the different skills when taking the exam. Whether you're planning to take IELTS Academic or IELTS General, this episode is a must-watch for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of IELTS 03:01 IELTS Speaking Test 07:56 A Great Tool To Practice for IELTS Speaking 14:33 IELTS Listening Test 23:36 IELTS Reading Test 29:52 IELTS Writing Test 36:22 Conclusion Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Get 50% off of ELSA premium membership for one year: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiagopremium Download ELSA and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA In this video, I react to Elon Musk's English. This is a clip from an interview he gave on Lex Fridman's podcast a couple of years ago. In this clip, Elon Musk talks about the importance of reading books, reading broadly and not having a zero-sum mindset. Time for some listening practice and vocabulary building! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Elon Musk's Advice: Be Useful and Have a Positive Impact 04:46 The Importance of Reading Extensively and Gaining General Knowledge 07:57 Developing a Growth Mindset and Avoiding a Zero-Sum Mindset 08:44 Embracing Pauses and Collecting Thoughts for Effective Communication 19:40 Celebrating Others and Promoting a Culture of Abundance 21:35 Creating More Than You Consume 25:20 Communication Style: Elon Musk's Articulation and Lex Friedman's Calmness 26:44 Conclusion Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago There is ONE THING about the English language that took me FOREVER to figure out. But once I figured it out, it became much easier to understand English. Suddenly, making sense of phrasal verbs, idioms and collocations stopped being so hard. So in this episode I want to share this discovery with you. Keeping this idea in mind will come in handy, trust me. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Sensorial Nature of the English Language 03:50 Visual Metaphors in English 16:14 Other Metaphors in English 26:32 Emotional Metaphors 28:31 Making Better Sense of the Language Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago Summary In this video, Thiago reacts to Joe Rogan's English. Joe Rogan is an American podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host. He hosts The Joe Rogan Experience, a podcast in which he discusses current events, comedy, politics, philosophy, science, martial arts, and hobbies with celebrity guests. In this clip, he interviews actor and fellow comedian Adam Sandler. Practice your listening skills in English with this conversation! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Interview (Part 1) 10:50 Interview (Part 2) 21:54 My Thoughts & Conclusion Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago Summary In this episode, Thiago discusses what it means to have advanced English and how to achieve it. He emphasizes the importance of fluency, accuracy, sophistication, and mastery in the language. Thiago provides tips on improving fluency through speaking practice and pronunciation. He also discusses the significance of accuracy and the types of mistakes that are acceptable at advanced levels. Additionally, he highlights the importance of expanding vocabulary and grammar knowledge to enhance sophistication in language use. Thiago concludes by emphasizing the ongoing process of mastering the English language. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Defining Advanced English 03:19 The Importance of Fluency 09:32 Striving for Accuracy 22:24 Enhancing Sophistication in Language Use 28:13 The Ongoing Process of Mastering English 33:32 Conclusion Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago Learning English can be a long, lonely journey. No matter how motivated you are, you will likely feel discouraged from time to time. Sometimes you might catch yourself saying “What's the point?”. So in this episode I want to list some benefits that learning English can bring to your life. Because sometimes, all you need is a gentle reminder to keep going. Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:40 Learning English Improves Your Brain Health 2:55 Learning English Can Make You More Money 4:21 Learning English Can Give You Access To More Information 6:05 Learning English Allows You To Truly Enjoy Movies, TV Series & Music 8:34 Learning English Allows You To Speak To Anyone 10:09 Do This Exercise 11:53 Outro Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago Summary In this episode, Thiago discusses the concept of word formation and how it can help you improve vocabulary in English. Word formation involves using affixes to transform words into different classes, such as nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. Thiago explains the benefits of learning about affixes, including reducing word count, improving spelling, and decoding the meaning of longer words. He provides examples and encourages listeners to explore this topic further. Thiago also offers tips for studying word formation, such as using an English-to-English dictionary, making lists of words and their variations, and practicing with Cambridge exam prep materials. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:44 The Quick Way to Expand Vocabulary 04:39 Benefits of Learning Affixes 08:55 Decoding Meaning and Reducing Word Count 11:15 Exploring Word Variations 17:38 Word Formation in Context 21:33 Using Word Formation for Better Communication 26:56 Examples of Word Formation 29:21 Tips for Studying Word Formation 30:21 Cambridge Exam Prep for Word Formation 31:18 Closing Remarks Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago In this Q&A video, Thiago answers questions and comments from his viewers. He discusses topics such as learning phrasal verbs and slang at different levels, his son's English level, recommended podcasts for B2-C1 learners, the effectiveness of watching podcasts on YouTube, understanding TV shows and movies, choosing the right prepositions, improving listening skills, and the relationship between pronunciation and listening comprehension. Chapters 00:00 Learning Phrasal Verbs and Slang 04:46 Understanding TV Shows and Movies 11:26 Choosing the Right Prepositions 14:47 Improving Listening Skills with Podcasts 23:21 Living in an English-Speaking Country 27:36 The Importance of Pronunciation Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale Join my CONVERSATION CLUB! LIMITED SPOTS: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/b24 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago The myth that you have to be a Shakespeare-level expert to speak good English is debunked. B2 level is considered good English, as it allows for understanding complex texts, discussing a wide range of topics, and expressing oneself with good fluency. Good English speakers have clarity, use words and grammar correctly enough for their message to be understood, and have confidence and active listening skills. While B2 level is enough for most everyday situations, reaching higher levels like C1 and C2 brings benefits such as more nuanced expression, career advantages, and personal growth. It is important to keep practicing and aim for higher levels for the right reasons, out of curiosity and passion for the language. Chapters 00:00 Debunking the Myth: You Don't Need to Be a Shakespeare Expert to Speak Good English 02:24 B2 Level: The Sweet Spot of Good English 03:25 Characteristics of Good English Speakers: Clarity, Confidence, and Active Listening 06:16 The Benefits of Reaching Higher Levels: Nuanced Expression, Career Advantages, and Personal Growth 10:09 Keep Practicing and Aim Higher: The Journey of Continuous Improvement in English Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/

Get my pronunciation course on PRE-SALE: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale Join my CONVERSATION CLUB! LIMITED SPOTS: https://www.englishwiththiago.com/b24 50 Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (FREE eBook): https://www.englishwiththiago.com/spice-up-ebook Download ELSA for free and get 7 days membership for free): https://bit.ly/ENGLISHWITHTHIAGOXELSA Get 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership or 40% off of ELSA one year membership: https://www.elsaspeak.com/inf/englishwiththiago In this episode, Thiago shares some of the most beautiful words in the English language. He defines each word and provides examples of how they can be used. The words include serendipity, idyllic, quintessential, ubiquitous, oblivious and many more! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:49 Idyllic: Finding Peace and Beauty 04:56 Oblivious: Not Aware of Surroundings 07:21 Candid: Truthful and Straightforward 08:45 Tenacious: Never Giving Up 09:13 Affable: Friendly and Easy to Talk to 09:41 Lavish: Rich and Luxurious 11:10 Gratuitous: Uncalled For 12:40 Kindred: Similar and Related 13:09 Conclusion and Closing Remarks Follow My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@teacher.thiagoalencar Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/