Cafetalk Tutor's Column

Easy Ways to Pay Attention in Online Class

Staying focused in an online class is hard. At home, many things can distract you. Your bed might m...

What is the meaning of Hinamatsuri...

This is a special day for families with daughters, and it includes a number of traditions. I would ...

Basic and essencial questions to ask your tutor in any lesson

Here are some of what I consider the most useful and essential questions you can ask your tutor in ...

Back to the 90s

I was born in the 80s, and although I have a lot of nostalgia for that decade now, my memory of it ...

Things you can ask your tutor

Some things can be considered private, inappropriate or rude to be asking someone. However, you sho...

Pearly Whites

"I come at night when you are asleep, For something small you safely keep. I leave a gift under you...

Useful Japanese for Restaurants: “How Many People?” and “This Way, Please”

Have you ever felt nervous about entering a restaurant in Japan? Many learners worry about what the...

What is your favorite Pokémon?

Happy Pokémon Day!!!!  Here is a quick quizz to test your knowledge:  “I Choose You!” Who is Ash’...

Questions You Should Never Be Afraid to Ask Your Tutor

Taking lessons on Cafetalk should feel comfortable and supportive. Remember, your tutor is here to ...

Japanese Izakaya Phrases for Beginners: “Toriaezu Nama de” and “Kanpai!”

What does “Toriaezu nama de” mean?   This phrase means:   “For now, draft beer, please.”   Toriaezu...

English Idioms Challenge - Week 5

Hey all! This is the sixth weekly English learning challenge: to try & use this idiom in your...

Weekly Topic: Admit You Have No Idea!

Admit You Have No Idea! Communication / Confidence / Asking Questions "Yes, I understand." → "A...

Spring flowers

Walking in my local park recently has been a real pleasure because the spring bulbs are really bloo...

Do you have questions? Tutors are here to help!

We can sometimes feel shy when working with a tutor.  However, our tutors are here to help!  They l...

Happy Birthday to me!

It's my birthday!   No, not my actual birthday...unfortunately that falls in late December ;-)   It...

How We Deal With Snowstorms

In the past year, I moved from the Seattle area of Washington state in the USA to (virtually) the m...

Tarot: A.I. versus Human

Can AI read tarot accurately? Yes. Somewhat. Is it better than a human? It depends on how deeply y...

Canada at the Winter Olympics: The good, the bad, and the ugly

Photo: Canadian men's curling teamThe 2026 Winter Olympic Games have wrapped up, and Team Canada wa...

Questions You Should Never Be Afraid to Ask Your Tutor

After nearly 13 years teaching Business English, I’ve noticed something interesting. The students w...

The Real Reason You’re Afraid to Speak English

Many English learners believe they are afraid to speak because their grammar is not perfect. But in...

The Pharaonic system….....to flee its captivity

The video discusses the concept of a "Pharaonic system" of governance, defining it as any autocrati...

Preparing for an Online Lesson (especially if you're nervous!)

I've had a number of people tell me they get nervous before their first session with a new teacher,...

Prepare yourself before and online class

How to Speak When You Don’t Know the Word

One of the most frustrating moments in English is this: You are speaking. You are confident. You kn...

5 Effective Ways to Prepare for Your Online Lessons

I've been teaching online for some years, and I've noticed something interesting. The students who...

Daily English Upgrade #030: Say It Better — “Thank you” (natural, strong versions)

“Thank you” is great. These upgrades sound warmer and more natural. Simple upgrades: Thanks, I appr...

Why are you studying English?

We often feel anxiety when we are learning something new. When you are a beginner at a new language...

English Idioms Challenge - Week 5

Hey all! This is the fifth week of my English learning challenge: to try & use this idiom in yo...

Embarrassing Stories: I Live in a Mansion!

Embarrassing Stories:  I Live in a Mansion! Housing / Rent vs. Own / Cultural Differences “I li...

Daily English Upgrade #029: Business Skill — Summarize + confirm action items

This makes you sound professional (and prevents mistakes). Useful phrases: Just to summarize, … So ...