Videos

  • Understanding Corpus Data for Language Change

    Understanding Corpus Data for Language Change

    Text B for the language change question is quite useful, but only after you figure it out. In this video, I explain what a corpus is, walk you through a past paper example using collocates of the word proud, and show you what an actual corpus looks like so you know exactly where this data…

  • Remember the English Word Formation Types with a Simple Acronym

    Remember the English Word Formation Types with a Simple Acronym

    Remembering all the ways new words are formed in the English language doesn’t have to be hard. In this video, I discuss a useful little acronym, CATBAC, which serves as a simple memory tool covering the major types of lexical change and word formation you need to know for Paper 3, Question 1 of the…

  • What Is a Letter to the Editor?

    What Is a Letter to the Editor?

    In this video, I explain what a letter to the editor is, why people write them, and what sets them apart from online comments. I also go over which key features of the form to keep in mind when writing or analyzing a letter to the editor.

  • The Key to An Effective Descriptive Opening

    The Key to An Effective Descriptive Opening

    A strong opening line can be the difference between a descriptive composition that soars and one that never gets off the ground, and writing one is not as difficult as it might seem. This video discusses how to use carefully chosen details that punch above their weight, in order to establish mood, physical setting, and…

  • Why You Should Read Poe

    Why You Should Read Poe

    Edgar Allan Poe was one America’s greatest 19th Century writers, and his work could very well be the key that allows you to unlock paper 3.

  • Child Language Acquisition – Guided Practice

    Child Language Acquisition – Guided Practice

    Let’s go step-by-step through a child language acquisition question from a past paper and discuss how to formulate a strong response.