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Englishtown

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Words and phrases connected with the Olympics
go for the gold - try to do your best
to pass the torch - to handle over responsibilities to someone else
favourite - the athlets everyone expects to win

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Tips to socilaizing in English
the friends hang out (at the Mall) - relax and have fun together
to catch a few (some) rays - to enjoy the sunshine
a cup of joe - a cup of coffee
to go window-shopping - without buying anything
to chow down  at a fast food joint - to eat
to chill out with your crew - to relax with a group of friends
to paint the town red - to have a fub-filled night out
to keep it low key - to spend a relaxing quiet night at home with a small group of friends
to catch a flick - to see a movie

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How to start a conversation in English

1) Break the ice - start a conversation
 "Hello, my name is..." - more relaxed "Hi, I'm..."
"Where do you come from?" or  "It's really cold today isn't it?"

2) Talk about something you've got in common.
3) the best thing to do is to ask your new friend about him or herself: "Where do you work?" or "What do you like to do in your spare time?"
Remember, everyone likes to talk about themselves!
4) Keep a conversation going

•  respond to what people say, for example "That must be interesting!" or "Really? I've never tried that."  
•  repeat what the person says and ask a follow-up question, like "You lived in Paris? For how long?"

5) Be a good listener:

•  you don't have to understand every word: concentrate on the words that you do understand instead of getting stuck on the ones you don't.
•  don't forget to be polite, or you may 'put your foot in it' and say something embarrassing. Mistakes like these can end a conversation before they even start.

 Be a Great Guest

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Make a Good First Impression in English

A warm smile, a firm handshake, and a sincere gaze are all important aspects of making a good first impression. But let's not forget confidence – confidence in your English, that is! Because a few clumsy or inappropriate words in English can drastically affect the impression you're trying to make, we've written this guide to help you improve your English, build your confidence and impress all those you meet!

• Be courteous

Just after you are introduced to someone new, in most Western cultures, it's appropriate to shake hands and say "It's nice to meet you.", "Pleased to meet you.", or "How do you do?"

• Make small talk

 by asking your new acquaintance some general questions.
 "So what do you do?"
"So how's business?"
Be sure to listen carefully to their response, offer your opinions and ask more questions.

• Find ways to compliment

 "I've heard great things about your work!"
 "I just love your earrings! They look good on you."

• Initiate a future relationship

"Can I give you one of my cards?"
"Would you like to have dinner with us tomorrow?"

• Say a kind goodbye

When it's time to part ways, make sure you say kind words about the time you spent together. Depending on the formality of the situation, you may want to shake hands once again while you say, "It was a pleasure meeting you." or "It was nice getting to know you. Let's do this again soon." As you say goodbye, remember to smile once again and maintain eye contact. Congratulations! You've just made a wonderful impression!

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English For Talking About Stress

Do You Dream In English?

 Find more articles here: http://www.englishtown.com/community/portal/default.aspx

• English Friends

How to Improve Your English (Tips in Russian)

Describe Your Emotions in English (Quiz)

Can You Express Your Fears in English (Quiz)

Describe a Person's Qualities (Quiz)

Can You Describe Your Neighbourhood? (Quiz)

Can You Meet People? (Quiz)