Members-only Session: "The Future of The European Union"
Leonardo English
Just 9 days before Christmas, an intimate group of curious minds gathered to discuss Brexit, The European Union, and what happens next.
Read more >What Does āFluentā Really Mean?
Leonardo English
At what point can you say that youāre fluent in English? In this article, we consider various ways of thinking about fluency and how that can help inform a language learning programme.
Read more >Happy 1st Birthday to English Learning for Curious Minds š
Leonardo English
On December 5th 2019, the first episode of the English Learning for Curious Minds podcast was released. Hereās how the first year has gone, and some fun facts about who was listening, from where, and to what.
Read more >Native vs. Non-Native English TeachersāWhich Should You Choose?
Language learning
Many English learners express a preference for native-speaking English teachersābut are they actually better? No, and hereās why.
Read more >Just Launched: Gift Memberships
Leonardo English
Weāve just launched gift memberships. Give the gift of a Leonardo English membership to a loved one, or leave a subtle hint that youād be very happy to receive a gift membership in your stocking this year.
Read more >Member Profile: Andra from Romania
Members
Meet Andra, a new member of Leonardo English from Romania. Learn about how she uses English in her professional life, and how she uses the podcasts to learn new words and phrases.
Read more >Member Profile: Silvana, from Italy/Spain
Members
Be inspired by an amazing story of a grandmother from Turin, Italian by birth but Spanish by 'adoption'. Learn about how she listens to the podcasts, what she is planning on doing on January 1st, and the two things she still does in Italian.
Read more >Members-only Session: "The US Election"
Leonardo English
In our 7th Members-only session, we covered a veritable 'hot potato' of a topic: The US Election.
Here's what happened, what we discussed, and why we needed a lot more than 60 minutes.
Read more >New Feature | Definitions in Transcript
Leonardo English
You can now see the definitions of harder words directly in the podcast transcript, making it easier than ever to learn new words and phrases as you listen.
Read more >How to Create Your Own System for Learning English [GUIDE FOR INDEPENDENT LEARNERS]
Language learning
It can feel overwhelming to learn English on your own. But creating a language learning system can help. Hereās how to do it and the tools you can use to make it work.
Read more >Immersion English: What Is It and Does It Really Work?
Language learning
Immersive travel or work experiences can be a great way to learn English, but theyāre not accessible to everyone. And you donāt need them. Hereās how you can take the advantages of immersion and apply them to your own language learning, without ever getting on a plane.
Read more >What Is the Best Way To Learn a Language? 3 Theoretical Perspectives (and What They Mean for English Learners)
Language learning
How do we learn language? Theorists have spent a lot of time trying to figure that out. Here are the three most popular perspectives and what they mean for people learning English.
Read more >11 Ways To Overcome Your Fear Of Speaking English
Language learning
Donāt let your fear of speaking English keep you from becoming fluent. Use these tips to overcome the discomfort and learn to speak confidently.
Read more >Google Translate Superpowers for English Learning: 9 Ways to Use This Powerful Translation Tool
Language learning
Google Translate is one of the most powerful learning tools out there. Here are 9 impressive features you should be using if youāre not already.
Read more >What Is Comprehensible Input and Why Does It Matter for Language Learning?
Language learning
Stephen Krashenās input hypothesis is one of the most influential theories of second language acquisition. He argues that Comprehensible Input is the most important factor in learning another language. Hereās why it matters.
Read more >The Power of Compounding in Language Learning
Language learning
You might think that compounding just applies to investing. Hereās how you can apply some of its magic to your approach to learning English.
Read more >Members-only Session: "Learning A Second Language Should Be Required At School"
Leonardo English
We just had our 6th ever members-only session, where we debated whether learning a second language should be required at school. Hereās what happened, and which side was declared the winner.
Read more >Reading In English: Why (And How) To Do It Everyday
Language learning
Reading is one of the best activities you can do every day to improve your English. Hereās why it works, and how to build it into your English learning routine.
Read more >Reflections on 100 Episodes
Leonardo English
I just released the 100th episode of English Learning for Curious Minds. Here's the 'behind the scenes' story of everything it has taken to get this far.
Read more >6 English Grammar Rules You Can (and Maybe Should) Break
Language learning
Some grammar rules are really important... but others arenāt. Here are 6 English grammar rules that English native speakers donāt even followāfeel free to break them.
Read more >How to Find a Conversation Partner in English
Language learning
Looking for someone to practise speaking English with? Hereās where to look for a conversation partner and my top tips for how to make the most of your experience.
Read more >How to Use Spaced Repetition to Remember English Vocabulary
Language learning
Unless you have a photographic memory, you need to be exposed to new words multiple times to remember them. In this guide, weāll look at how to use Spaced Repetition to learn vocabulary in the most effective way.
Read more >11 Reasons That Listening to Podcasts with Transcripts (and Subtitles) Will Help You Improve Your English
Language learning
Listening to podcasts to learn English is great, but when combined with transcripts and subtitles your learning goes to a new level. Here are 11 reasons why you should try it today.
Read more >Members-only Session: "To Keep or Abolish The British Monarchy"
Leonardo English
Discover what happened when we got together for our fifth members-only session to debate the future of The British Monarchy.
Read more >The Ultimate Guide To Improving Your English Listening: A Step-by-Step Guide + 9 Listening Activities
Language learning
Being able to understand English is the key to speaking it. So prioritise your listening skills. Hereās everything you need to know about learning to understand spoken English, and 9 activities you can start doing today.
Read more >A Worldwide Language Learning Journey
Language learning
Larissa's language learning journey takes her from Brazil to the United States, then from Germany to Sweden. Discover the lessons she has learned about learning languages, and what it's like growing up as a half-Italian, half-Japanese girl in Brazil.
Read more >How To Measure Your Progress When Learning English?
Language learning
Learning English happens slowly. Here are some 9 actionable strategies for tracking your progress to see how far youāve come, and one thing you shouldnāt do.
Read more >Online Courses vs. English Classes vs. Tutoring: What Kind of English Lessons Should I Take?
Language learning
You donāt need English lessons to learn English⦠but if youāre getting them, make sure that they will suit your needs. Hereās what you should consider.
Read more >When (And Why) To Take English Lessons
Language learning
Youād love to take English lessons with a professional teacher, but they can be expensive. Hereās when itās worth it.
Read more >How Bloomās Two Sigma Problem Applies to Learning English--and Teaching It.
Language learning
Bloom found that one-on-one tutoring leads to significantly better learning than traditional teaching methods. Hereās what that means for learning English.
Read more >Student Memberships Are Here
Leonardo English
Are you a current high school or university student? You can get 50% off your Leonardo English membership.
Read more >Members-only Session: Trying to Make Sense of Brexit
Leonardo English
Curious about what goes on at our members-only sessions? Here's a roundup of what happened at the last one.
Read more >Why Leonardo English Isnāt For Everyone
Leonardo English
Wondering if Leonardo English is the right choice for you? It might not be. Itās not for everyone, and there might be something that suits you better.
Read more >How To Improve Your Writing in English - George Orwell's Six Rules
Language learning
Learn six simple rules from one of the most famous writers in English that will help you improve your writing and communicate more effectively.
Read more >The Best Free Tools To Improve Your Writing In English
Language learning
Writing is hard, especially in English. These 8 fantastic free English writing tools will help you write more clearly, make fewer mistakes, and unlock your inner Shakespeare.
Read more >Youāre Never Too Old To Learn English
Language learning
Many people think they have to be young in order to learn a new language. Well, theyāre wrong. In fact, in some ways older learners are better learners. Here are the reasons why you can start learning English at any age.
Read more >Superpowers of Effective English Learners
Language learning
What do the most successful language learners have in common? Discover the common traits of top English learners and how you can develop them.
Read more >Members-Only Session: What British People Say (And What They Really Mean)
Leonardo English
On Wednesday 29th July, we had our third Members-only Q&A session, where we discussed what British people really mean when they say certain things. Here's an update from the session, and answers to some common questions about what goes on in these sessions.
Read more >5 Ways to Remember English Vocabulary That Are Actually Effective
Language learning
With hundreds of thousands of English words, how are you supposed to remember everything? Here are 5 ways that actually work.
Read more >How To Improve Your English Pronunciation
Language learning
Pronunciation is key to being understood by native English speakers. Hereās some advice on how to practise it.
Read more >Member Profile: Kristian, from The Netherlands
Members
Meet Kristian, a lifelong learner, and a proud member of Leonardo English. Learn about how he uses the podcasts, and see a recording of how he uses the subtitles and transcript to improve his speaking.
Read more >What is Shadowing And Why Should You Use It To Improve Your English Speaking Skills?
Language learning
Speaking English is hard, and it can be difficult to practice. Check out this groundbreaking technique for improving your English speaking. You can do it on your own with just 15 minutes a day.
Read more >Why Teaching Just Might Be The Best Tool For Learning
Language learning
Here's our guide on how to apply some of the principles of teaching to help you improve your learning approach. Using the principles of teaching can take your retention from 5% to 90%. It's every smart language learner's secret weapon.
Read more >How to Improve Your English Listening (When You Don't Have Anyone to Practise With)
Language learning
You know that you need to practise your listening skills to become fluent in English⦠but what if you donāt have a native English-speaking friend to listen to? Hereās what you can do instead.
Read more >How to Improve Your English Speaking (When You Don't Have Anyone to Practise With)
Language learning
Think you need a native English speaker to improve your speaking skills? You donāt. Here are a bunch of effective alternatives.
Read more >Member Profile: Isabel, from Gran Canaria (Spain)
Members
Meet Isabel M. Rivero, from Gran Canaria. A published author and a proud new member of Leonardo English.
Read more >Passive Language Learning is Bulls**t. Hereās Why.
Language learning
Think you can just acquire a language by watching Netflix? Think again. Hereās why active listening, and not passive listening, is the key to getting fluent.
Read more >You Donāt Have to Be Smart To Learn English
Language learning
Some people think you need talent or to be super intelligent to become fluent in English. Nope. Hereās what you need to be instead.
Read more >12+ Simple and Inexpensive Ways to Learn English From Home
Language learning
The best thing about learning English is that you can do it from home, relaxing in your pyjamas. Check out these simple and inexpensive ways to do it.
Read more >What I've Learned From 100,000 Downloads
Leonardo English
The English Learning for Curious Minds podcast just crossed 100,000 downloads. Here's what I've learned in 5.5 months.
Read more >Member Profile: CotƩ, from Barcelona
Members
Meet CotƩ Granados, a proud new member of Leonardo English. Discover why she started learning English and read about her learning journey.
Read more >The Ultimate Teacherās Guide for How to Use Podcasts to Teach English
Language learning
Podcasts can be a great teaching tool. Here is how you can use podcasts to teach English both in class and as supplemental material.
Read more >How Starting a Podcast in English Helped Me Improve My English
Language learning
Discover the story of Daniel, an English learner from Switzerland who decided to start his own podcast in English as a way of improving his English.
Read more >How To Create Your Own English Immersion Course
Language learning
Want to get immersed in English without going to an English speaking country? Weāll give you the steps you need to create your own personal English immersion course.
Read more >How To Use Mind Mapping To Become A More Effective English Learner
Language learning
Mind mapping is a technique that can help you become a more effective English learner. Hereās how to use it to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and creative thinking.
Read more >YouTube vs. Netflix vs. Podcasts: Which Is The Best Way To Learn English?
Language learning
Is it better to learn English with YouTube, Netflix, or podcasts? Check out the pros and cons of each to help you decide whatās the best option for you.
Read more >Listening To Podcasts Will Help You Speak English BetterāAnd Weāve Got the Science Results To Prove it.
Language learning
Did you know that listening to podcasts can improve your English speaking as well as your listening? We explain how.
Read more >How Learning English Can Teach You More Than Just English
Language learning
Learning English can lead you to discover profound ideas and develop essential skills. This article is about all those other things you learn when you learn English.
Read more >9 Myths About Becoming Fluent in English
Language learning
There are lots of myths about becoming fluent in English. In this article, an English teacher tells you the truth about learning English.
Read more >8 Reasons You Shouldnāt Learn English in a Classroom (Confessions from an English Teacher)
Language learning
You donāt need to learn English in a classroom. It can actually be less effective than learning on your own. Hereās why.
Read more >Why You Shouldn't Choose A Language App That Does Everything
Language learning
When learning English it's often tempting to choose a product that promises to do everything. Here's why that's a bad idea, and why we are staying focussed at Leonardo English.
Read more >10 Weird English Words & Phrases You Should Start Using Today
Language learning
Life is too short for boring words. Here are 10 weird and interesting English phrases you should start using today.
Read more >We're Number 1 on iVoox (the Spanish-speaking world's favourite podcast app)
Leonardo English
We just got to Number 1 podcast for 'learning English' in the Spanish-speaking world's top podcast app, iVoox
Read more >New Feature: Animating Transcripts š„
Leonardo English
We've just launched animating transcripts, meaning it's easier than ever to follow every word of the podcast and not miss a single word.
Read more >The Most Common Mistakes People Make When Learning English
Language learning
Learning English can be hard, and it can be even harder if you don't go about it in the right way. Here are the top 10 mistakes people make when learning English, and how to avoid them.
Read more >What Can You Learn From A Baby About How To Learn English?
Language learning
You might not believe it, but babies are excellent language students. Here's why.
Read more >Active vs. Passive Language Learning
Language learning
The difference between active and passive learning is the difference between successful and unsuccessful English learners. Find out how you can avoid the mistakes of passive learner, and be an active, more successful English learner.
Read more >How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English
Language learning
Podcasts can be the most amazing way to improve your English, if you use them in the smartest possible ways. This guide will teach you how to use podcasts like a boss, and teach you how to go from āpassiveā to āactiveā learner.
Read more >Why You Should Use Podcasts To Learn English
Language learning
Learning English through podcasts is the trusted choice of some of the most successful English language learners. Hereās why you should think seriously about using podcasts to help improve your English speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Read more >How To Build Your Own Vocabulary App For Free (With Just A Google Account)
Language learning
Every self-respecting language learner should have a place where they keep vocabulary, expressions, useful phrases. Hereās our guide to how you can create your own app with zero knowledge of coding, and just a Google account.
Read more >The Birth of Leonardo English
Leonardo English
Leonardo English was born out of personal frustration. Learning English should be fascinating, but for most people itās a chore. Read more about the story of how Leonardo English was born, and where it is going.
Read more >Getting The Most Out Of Leonardo English
Language learning
Our 8 top tips for how to use Leonardo English to turbocharge your English language learning. Read about the tips and tricks that will teach you how to learn 'actively', and improve much faster than 'passive' listeners.
Read more >