Cafetalk Tutor's Column

Intelligence vs. Consciousness in AI

Lately, I’ve been having ongoing discussions with my students about AI and consciousness. These con...

Small Talk Isn't Small: Mastering the Art of English Conversation Starters

Small Talk Isn't Small: Mastering the Art of English Conversation Starters Introduction Imagine thi...

A change of scenery helped with my motivation 気分を変えるとやる気が出る

When we learn a new language, sometimes we feel motivated, and sometimes we don’t.新しい言語を学ぶとき、やる気がある...

The Best Book(s) I Read This Year

As an avid reader, it’s tough for me to choose one book and call it my favourite.  On an average ye...

The Eight Taiwanese(Taigi) Tones

Hey guys! Ta̍k-ke-hó! I just uploaded a new video — the eight #Taiwanese tones explained in English...

Autumn Motivation: How to Stay Focused When the Season Slows You Down

What is Autumn? Autumn is the season between summer and winter. The weather gets cooler, the days b...

Weekly Topic: Best Book I Read This Year

The Little Prince – A Great Book for Conversation PracticeThe best book I read this year was “The L...

What's The Story That Stuck With You?

For me, that book was 'Unstoppable' by Nick Vujicic. His incredible story of overcoming limitations...

You Choose the Topic - I Guide the Conversation

One thing my students love about my conversational lessons is simple: they get to choose what we ta...

Speak Confidently in Work & Life — Business & Conversational English with Mirien!

Hi! I’m Mirien, a TEFL/IELTS-certified English tutor and registered nurse. I help professionals and...

The Book That Left a Mark on My Heart This Year

Of all the books I read this year, one has stayed with me long after I closed the last page: If Cat...

The Perfectionism Trap: Why Making Mistakes Is Your Secret Weapon in English Learning

Introduction Let me tell you about two students. Student A studies English grammar books every day....

The Best Holiday Book

During the Christmas Season, one of the best books to read (or re-read) is A Christmas Carol by Cha...

When motivation drops in Autumn- Here's how to stay on track

    Let’s be real: Autumn is cute… until your motivation packs its bags and leaves you on “read.” S...

THE DOT-A SMALL START CAN LEAD TO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

This year, I revisited one of my favourite inspirational children's book: The Dot by Peter H. Reyno...

Conversation Lessons That Feel Relaxing

English doesn’t need to feel stressful. My conversation lessons are warm, friendly, and enjoyable —...

Why Speaking Practice Matters

Many learners understand English, but speaking confidently is the hardest part. That’s why my lesso...

Is Your English Travel-Ready This Festive Season?

Are you ready to chat with locals, order your favorite dish, or ask for directions without stress? ...

When to Use 'A,' 'An,' 'The,' or Nothing at All: A Clear Guide for Japanese Speakers

Introduction Do you sometimes feel confused about when to use "a," "an," "the," or no article at al...

If You’re Nervous Speaking With Colleagues…

You’re not alone. Many professionals feel shy or afraid of making mistakes at work. But confidence ...

If You’re Struggling to Speak English Confidently, Read This.

Many of my students understand English… but when it’s time to speak, their mind goes blank. They fe...

The Moment My Students Finally Speak Without Fear

I see it every week — that magical moment when a student suddenly stops overthinking… and starts sp...

Business Email Etiquette: How to Sound Professional Without Sounding Cold

Introduction Imagine this: You need to write an email to your American client. You want to sound pr...

Do You Feel Shy or Unsure When Speaking English… I’m Here for You.

Many adult learners can READ English, but speaking is the hardest part. Sometimes you feel nervous,...

Speak English Naturally — Not Like a Textbook

Most students know grammar but struggle to sound natural. Reality: real conversation is not perfect...

Chinese PinYin

Pinyin (拼音) is the official romanization system for Standard Mandarin, developed in the 1950s in Ch...

Why My Conversation Lessons Feel Relaxing

Students often tell me: “Your lessons feel like talking to someone who truly listens.” That’s my go...

To Anyone Who Feels Nervous Speaking English…

If your voice shakes, your heart races, or your mind goes blank when speaking English… Please know ...

Unlock Your English Superpower: Why Personalised Lessons Make All the Difference

Hello global learners! I’m Carl, your native English tutor with over 15 years of experience, ready...

A story about a little girl from a far away village.

Here’s a short story for those who wants to practice their English reading…   Part one: In a very f...