What the English Say vs What They Really Mean
Being an effective listener is not just about understanding the literal meaning of the words of the person in front of you: It is also important to learn how to…
London is Officially the Best Place for Students
London has been voted world’s best city for students in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2018. This large-scale survey was conducted across 180 countries with responses from 54,000 students. …
21 Slang Words You Need To Know in London
Slang is very informal language that tends to be used in speaking rather than writing. A recent survey of SGI students found that a staggering 91% of respondents have been…
15 Bizarre Things About London that Even Londoners Don’t Know
"Does The Queen really own all the swans? The short answer is YES. The Queen specifically owns any unclaimed mute swan in open water in both England and Wales." As a…
3 Rhymes to Improve your English Pronunciation
Students often say that pronunciation is one of the most difficult language aspects to learn and improve; the complex relationship between sound and spelling in English can be particularly frustrating. …
IELTS Exam Prep: How to Describe a Graph, Diagram, Chart or Table
In Task 1 of the IELTS Writing paper (1 hour), the examiner is looking for your ability to identify and describe – in academic style – the main features of…
Colons, Semi-Colons and Dashes: When to Use What
Imagine you’re listening to a presentation and the speaker says every sentence in the same way – it might sound a bit boring after a while, right? Well, just like…
How to Write an Informal Letter in UK English + Example
Whether you’re preparing for your IELTS test or another English language exam, it’s very common to be asked to write an informal letter as part of your assessment. Although it’s…
5 Benefits of Getting a Part-Time Job While You’re Studying
You’ve come to the UK to study but have you also considered working here? Many students at SGI decide to look for a part-time job while they are studying in…
Dos and Don’ts of CV Writing
Are you planning to look for a job in the UK? Recruiters may have just a few seconds to scan your CV so it is vital that yours stands out…