ENGLISH TODAY

A blog about the English language, English learning tips, life and events in London and Link School.
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English Jokes Explained

Posted on 25 July 2019 in British Culture

3 types of English Jokes

How to understand the English humour

We wrote before about about English jokes in our short article ‘British Humour‘. We have been writing lately about English exams preparation and other topics related to English language learning. That’s why we thought it’s time to take a more light-hearted approach to our blog again. So, what do we find funny?

Mr Bean… Monty Python… Charlie Chaplin… Shakespeare… British humour is well known across the world, but what are the most common types of English jokes? And why are they funny? Let’s have a look at 3 popular types of English jokes.

1) ‘Knock-knock’ jokes

A – Knock knock
B – Who’s there?
A – Claire
B – Claire who?
A – Claire the way, I’m coming through.

Knock-knock jokes take place at a front door. It always begins ‘Knock knock’ with the reply ‘Who’s there?’ The next part uses a pun. A pun is a joke using a word that sounds like another word or it may be a word with different meanings.

‘Claire’ sounds like ‘clear’, so in the joke above it sounds like ‘clear the way, I’m coming through’.
Here is another example:

A – Knock knock
B – Who’s there?
A – Harry
B – Harry who?
A – Harry up, it’s cold out here. (Harry up sounds like ‘hurry up’)
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Things to do in London during Spring/Summer 2018

Posted on 25 April 2018 in British Culture, London attractions, Pictures from London Comments Off on Things to do in London during Spring/Summer 2018

Things to do in London during Spring and Summer 2018

Discover the best things to do in London in 2018

After long months of cold weather and much more snow than we expected, it’s finally time to get in the Spring/Summer mood and start planning all the fun activities in the city. London is definitely a very generous place when it comes to Summer activities. Expect food markets, pop up bars, rooftop bars, new art exhibitions, music festivals, open air cinemas and a lot more attractions. Also, be sure to spend lazy days laying in the grass on one of the many beautiful parks in London. If you want a more immersive experience, maybe an English Course in London could be a great way to explore the city and learn a new skill at the same time. The list of fun things to do in London during this time of the year is endless. In this article we share with you the best art exhibitions, music festivals and new theatre releases to attend and make the most out of your time in London.

Tourists in London and basker singing by the Thames near City Hall

You may be also interested in:
– Free things to do in London

Go to the theatre

Although most theatres are indoors, it’s still a nice thing to do in London during the warmer months, since during this time of the year there are many new releases. Head over to the National Theatre to watch Macbeth, the famous tragedy from Shakespeare. Otherwise, watch Quiz, a fictional West End play about an scandal on the TV show game ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’. If you are a fan of Tina Turner, then you cannot miss the West End musical about the singer’s life since the beginning of her career. These are just a few highlights from the new shows releasing this Summer (2018). You can also watch classics like Lion King, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera and so on.

Check amazing art exhibitions in London

Tourist in London at an art exhibition looking at old photographs

If you like art exhibitions then London is a great place to be during the sunniest months of the year. Visit Tate Modern to discover one year (1932) of work in the life of Picasso. Then head over to The Design Museum to see the ‘Hope to Nope’ exhibition about graphics and politics. If you are a fan of the French Impressionist Monet, then you have to visit the National Gallery to check this new exhibition showcasing 75 of his paintings related to architecture.

If you wonder what the nightlife in London looks like from the nineteenth century to now a days, you can visit the Museum of London to check over 200 pictures. Also for the photography enthusiasts, Tate Modern has a new exhibition called Shape of Light, that shows the interaction between abstract art and photography. For a more innovative exhibition, head over to the V&A Museum and check Future Starts Here. You can find out there about the inventions and designs that will shape our future.

Enjoy many Music Festivals

Female artist singing and playing live in London Southbank

Spring/Summer is a fantastic time for all the music enthusiasts living or visiting London. There are many music festivals happening during the warm months on a variety of music styles, from rock’n’roll to folk, jazz, reggae and a lot more. Keep an eye on the line ups and be quick to buy your tickets as these festivals are quite popular among londoners. A few of the big names include:

  • Arcadia Festival – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – May 5 and 6
  • All Points East – Victoria Park – May 24,25 and 26/ June 1,2 and 3
  • We Are FSTVL – Upminster – May 25, 26 and 27
  • Hampton Court Palace Festival – June 5 to 23
  • Meltdown Festival –  Southbank Centre – June 15 to 24
  • Somerset House Summer Series –  July 5 to 15
  • British Summer Time – Hyde Park – July 5 to 16

 

As you can see, there are lots of great things to do in London during the Spring/Summer months. Besides going to the theatre, checking art exhibitions and attending music festivals, be sure to take the time to visit some of the amazing rooftops that are only open during the warm months. You can also plan day trips to nearby cities such as Brighton, Bournemouth and Cambridge. Take our tips and start planning your Spring/Summer activities to be sure you’ll enjoy most of what London has to offer.  

We hope you enjoy the fun things to do in London!
Do you have more ideas? Share with us in comments!


SUMMER ENGLISH COURSES IN LONDON

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– Link School of English Social Programme


British Summer Customs and Habits

Posted on 15 July 2017 in British Culture, London attractions, Social Activities

British Summer Customs

Things Brits love to do in summertime

Article by Link School of English in London

Britain may not have the best summer in the world but the British summer customs are very enjoyable, no matter he weather. As the spring showers subside and the temperatures climb it is now customary in the UK to enjoy being outdoors and make the most of the long bright evenings and pleasant temperatures. Here are three ideas to get the British summer off to a great start.

3 British Summer Customs and Traditions

The BBQ

Although popularised by our friends from Australia, the BBQ is now one of the UK’s favourite ways to socialise and eat during the summer months. For those lucky enough to have a garden, nothing beats firing up the BBQ at the weekend and inviting friends and family over for food and drinks. Regardless of whether you prefer meat, fish or vegetables, the BBQ gives everything that great smokey taste.
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Winter and Christmas in London

Posted on 14 November 2016 in Cool things to do in London, Link School of English, London attractions, London for free, Social Activities

Christmas in London – 2016 Attractions

Find London Christmas attractions and things to do in autumn and winter

Article by Link School, an English language centre in London for adults

Winter and Christmas in London - things to do, snowflake and Christmas trees in the background

London in winter

1. Winter Wonderland

This year Winter Wonderland is celebrating its 10th anniversary. For six weeks, London’s Hyde Park will be transformed into Winter Wonderland. The attractions will include winter markets, circus shows and ice skating. There will be also stalls with winter treats, mulled wine and variety of food.
One of the best London attractions in winter!

18th November 2016 – 1st January 2017
The gates open at 5 p.m. on the opening night of 18th November. After that the opening times are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (except Christmas Day).

Free entry to the park, but the main attractions are paid.

See also: Link School Christmas Gathering

2. Christmas in Leicester Square

Celebrate the festive season in one of London’s most famous squares.
This year in Leicester Square you can enjoy a grotto – traditional Christmas market and a vintage velvet-draped Spiegeltent – a venue pitched in the middle of the square. You you can watch there Christmas shows such as the famous La Soirée circus and many other cabaret acts.
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Top Museums in west London

Posted on 25 August 2016 in Cool things to do in London, Link School of English, London attractions

A list of top 9 museums in west London

Looking for attractions or museums in west London?

Here is our list of top Ealing and west London museums.
Article by Link School of English in west London

1. Gannersbury Park Museum

The Gannersbury Park Museum is located Regency style building which used to be a residence of the famous Rothschild banking family from 1835. Today the museum houses a superb display of social history which reflects colourful social life of the Rothschilds. The exhibition also includes local archaeological finds, interesting items related to local business history as well as Rothschild coaches, costumes, and the original Victorian kitchens. The museum is surrounded by a large park with gardens, woods and lakes; sports facilities (tennis courts, football, mini golf and cricket pitches).
Some attractions are available only during the summer season.
Location: Popes Lane, Acton, London, W3
Admission: Free

2. London Museum of Water and Steam

London Museum of Water and Steam tells the story of London’s water supply and exhibits working steam pumping. The best time to visit are weekends as the Steam Hall rotative engines are only in steam most weekends, with the Cornish engines only running on selected weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays. During weekends visitors may also ride London’s only narrow gauge railway.
Location: Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, London, TW8 0EN
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British Sense of Humour

Posted on 27 July 2016 in British Culture, Real English practice

British Sense of Humour Explained

Article by Link School of English in London

Perhaps you are an English learner trying to understand English jokes and sense of humour? Do you find British humour odd or not funny at all?

I recently saw British humour described as an oxymoron… I beg to differ; just because something doesn’t fit the norm, is different, unique, or has a culture of it’s own doesn’t mean it isn’t valid or isn’t funny. However, to an ‘out-sider’ I can see why some might think this.

Understanding British sense of humour and jokes in conversation with the English

British Humour

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Events in London in Spring and Summer 2016

Posted on 25 April 2016 in British Culture, Cool things to do in London, London attractions

London Attractions in Spring and Summer 2016

Visiting London or living here and looking for attractions and events in London in the upcoming months? Here is a selection prepared by Link School of English.

10 Interesting Events in London this Spring and Summer

1. Art Exhibition – Botticelli Reimagined

When: From 15th April to 3rd July 2016
Where: V&A, Brompton
Price: £15
Details: An unmissable exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, showing some highlights from Sandro Botticelli, one of the greatest artists of all time. His images are firmly embedded in public consciousness and his influence permeates art, design, fashion and film. You can also enjoy the free V&A exhibitions.

Things to do in London Spring and Summer 2016. Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in the background.

Things to Do in London in Spring and Summer 2016

2. Strange and Familiar: Britain as Revealed by International Photographers

When: 16th March – 19th June 2016
Where: Barbican Centre
Price: £12
Details: Social documentary, portraits, architectural photography and more – the show features various work of leading photographers, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Rineke Dijkstra, Robert Frank and Garry Winogrand. A collection of over 250 compelling photographs and previously unseen bodies of work, Strange and Familiar presents a vibrant portrait of modern Britain.
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Stereotypes about the English

Posted on 8 February 2016 in British Culture, Real English practice

English Stereotypes

What are the most common stereotypes abut the English and Britain?

Article by Link School of English in London

What are the first thoughts that come into your mind to give examples of stereotypical English customs? Are stereotypes about the English true?

Listen to the podcast or read the article below:

The English are one of the nations, for which people all across the world have created countless stereotypes and opinions involving their country, culture and character. This might be due to the wide-spread political power, which Britain used to exercise throughout the previous centuries, when the country boasted numerous colonies and conquests both on land and sea. But what are some of the most popular myths and stereotypes surrounding them to this day? Are these concepts true?

Two Englishmen in London walking and talking

Stereotypes about the English people and Britain

1. It constantly rains in England

Perhaps the most popular stereotype about the British isles has to do with its notoriously bad weather. All over the world people are convinced that it rains constantly all across the country. The bad weather has turned into the trademark of England, but it’s more a myth than reality. In fact, the climate in the region is soft and humid, because, even though the isles are located in the north, they benefit from the direct influence of the warm ocean current Gulfstream. Despite the weather being fickle and often rainy, it is not nearly as rainy as people seem to claim: the country lists only 46th in the world in rainfall, further back even than countries like New Zealand (29th) and the USA (25th). The belief about the English bad weather is most likely due to the cold winters, much longer than the summer on the isles.
And speaking of the weather…
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