Even if you’re happy with what you’re doing, as I am, you might like to check whether you’re on the right track.

Go to the O*NET Interest Profiler and answer the 60 questions about work activities.

Read each question carefully and decide how you would feel about doing each type of work.

It shouldn’t take you long.

Here are my results:

I’d say they fit perfectly.

My three main strengths are artistic, social and enterprising, including:

• creativity in my work
• work that can be done without following a set of rules
• teaching
• giving advice
• helping and being of service to people
• persuading and leading people
• making decisions
• taking risks for profits.

Are you going to take the Interest Profiler?

If so, you might like to share your results with me.

Imagine you’ve been invited to a dinner party in Britain.

Would you know what to do?

Think about the following:

• What would you take with you for the host?
• When would you arrive?
• Where should the bread plate go?
• How would you eat your bread roll?
• How would you eat asparagus—and peas?
• Where would you place your napkin if you had to leave the table for a short period of time?
• Where would you place your cutlery once you’ve finished your meal?

Now watch this video clip to see what etiquette expert William Hanson has to say.

So how many points did you get?

Imagine someone pays you a compliment.

How do you react? What do you say?

Is it your first reaction to say:

“Oh no, that’s really not true”. 

If so, try accepting the compliment gracefully.

Possible responses

• “Thank you so much. That’s very nice of you.”
• “Thank you, it makes my day to hear that.”
• “Thanks. I’m happy to know that you feel that way.”
• “Thank you so much. It feels great coming from you.”

Or try a witty response.

Say something like, “I told her to say that” if other people are around. Or even, “I love it. Keep going. Tell me more!”

How do you respond to a compliment?

Are you ready to test your spelling?

Scroll down the pages to find MacMillan Dictionary’s tests.

Easy test

Difficult test

So how did you fare?

“The most radical thing we can do is connect people to one another.
That starts conversations toward a vision for change.”
Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Is it radical to connect people to one another?

I’ve never thought of it that way.

But what I do know is that bringing people together to have conversations can change perspectives. And can even change people’s lives.

If you’ve been thinking of improving your English in a non-traditional way, take a look at what I have to offer.

My two group programmes—Chilipepper Your English and Colourful Conversations—can lead to friendships, laughter and encouragement AND a lot more confidence in your English!