In this English class we practice using phrases for analyzing pictures taken in 2026, from this BBC article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250905-the-most-striking-images-of-2025

The phrases wee practiced were:

It captures…

The photographer manages to highlight…

What stands out is…

You can clearly see…

It looks as though…

It might have been taken…

Judging by the lighting…

I get the impression that…

The timing is spot-on

Then at the end we have a Q&A. The conversation covers various themes, including human interaction with technology, activism and symbolism in art, the impact of striking images, improving English speaking skills, balancing language consumption and production, language learning and pronunciation, and managing anxiety in language learning.

Practice these specific sensory adjectives to get better at describing your holiday celebrations in English! Words in this episode:Savoryhaving a salty or rich taste, not sweetcheesepizzasoupFestivefun and happy, like a celebration or holidayChristmas lightsballoonsparty decorationsRusticsimple and natural, often from the countrysidea wooden tablea small country houseclay platesVelvetyvery soft and smootha velvet dresschocolate cake with smooth icinga soft pillowTangya strong, slightly sour tastelemon juiceyogurtorange sauceCrunchyhard and making noise when you eat itpotato chipsapplestoastButterytasting rich and smooth like buttercroissantsmashed potatoes with butterbutter cookiesChewysoft but hard to bite through quicklycaramelsgummy candybagelsWarma little hot or giving comforta cup of teaa sweatersunshineCreamythick, smooth, and softice creamcreamy soupyogurtSpicyhaving a hot or strong tastechili saucecurryspicy noodlesAromatichaving a strong, nice smellcoffeefresh breadherbsLivelyfull of energy and activitya busy marketa partya classroom gameEarthysmelling or tasting like nature or the groundmushroomspotatoessoil after rainTendersoft and easy to cut or bitecooked chickensteak cooked wellsoft breadNostalgicmaking you think about happy times in the pastold photoschildhood songstoys from when you were youngCozywarm, comfortable, and relaxinga blanketa small caféa sofa

This is a meditation from Alan Watts' 1969 album, "Why Not Now: Dhyana, The Art of Meditation"

I answer your questions about how to order a coffee, how to get better at speaking and listening to fast speech, and how to form mixed conditionals.

In this class we talk about when things going wrong can turn into opportunities!

The class includes plenty of phrases like "look on the bright side", "rejection can be redirection" and "hindsight is 20/20".

We also have a lot of practice with the connectors of concession, despite/ although/ even though.

You can check out my website at charmenglish.cl

In this episode I tell you everything you need to know to have a proper uncerstanding of the context of this US holiday. We unpack Thanksgiving: history, traditions, and perspectives often left out. I discuss the common Thanksgiving origin story that you might have been told or seen on TV. I trace the real historical origins to modern celebrations, including Friendsgiving, the turkey pardon, Black Friday’s origin, and Indigenous perspectives that challenge popular myths.
Further reading & sources• History.com — “History of Thanksgiving”https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-thanksgiving• Encyclopaedia Britannica — “Thanksgiving Day”https://www.britannica.com/topic/Thanksgiving-Day• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian — “Rethinking Thanksgiving Celebrations: Native Perspectives on Thanksgiving”https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/rethinking-thanksgiving• Delish — “The Dark Truth Behind the Origins of Thanksgiving”https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/a33984895/native-american-thanksgiving-holiday/• Boston University — “History of Thanksgiving”https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/history-of-thanksgivingVideos & episodes to watch / listen• One Mic History — How Black Americans Made Thanksgiving Our Own (YouTube)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZr87VyUTaY&t=1s• Podcast — Is Thanksgiving a Feast of Lies? (Spotify)https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ejgX3JZnaJTNZmxKQ1T7y?si=f19f7e39fc584133

Group classes at www.charmenglish.cl

In this episode, we talk about how water shapes our daily lives, from water consumption habits to global challenges like droughts and floods.. We talk about potable water and contaminated water.

Most of the class focuses on common English idioms related to water, like to be a fish out of water or "sink or swim".

Key Takeaways

• A reminder that “water” is an uncountable noun in English—and why that matters

• How water-related idioms enrich English communication

• Essential water terminology for clearer, more accurate discussions

• Cultural differences in attitudes toward water availability and quality

Sign up for classes here: charmenglish.cl

In this episode, we dive into how to use the prepositions at, in, and on inside common English idioms. I walk you through practical examples, song references, and clear explanations so you can understand these expressions and use them confidently in real conversations. Perfect for learners who want to sound more natural and fluent.

You'll learn:

• How at / in / on function inside idiomatic expressions

• Idioms for timing, like in the long run and at the 11th hour

• • Idioms for emotional states, like on cloud nine and at your wits’ end
  • Idioms for risk and uncertainty, like in hot water and at risk

• Key phrases:

• • In the long run → future outcomes

  • At the 11th hour → last minute

  • In no time → very quickly

  • In the blink of an eye → extremely fast

  • On cloud nine → very happy

  • At your wits’ end → very frustrated

  • On fire → performing extremely well

  • On edge → anxious or tense

  • In hot water → in trouble

  • At risk → possible danger