Rock Your English! newsletter

This hard, darling!

Thank you so much lovely name for letting me slip into your inbox today. I promise I’ll leave it with some tricks and tips and a smile on your gorgeous face!

TOMORROW!!

Our fabulous crowdfunding for my new book “30 Ways to Save Your Ass in English” ends tomorrowat midnight! If you want to pre-order my book or grab tickets to the hottest book launch of the year…oops, I mean century, with intimate performances by Hadewych Minis, Sharon Doorson, Mister & Mississippi, Sunday Sun, a balladeer, Charlie Dee and Adriaan Persons, make sure you grab them today! I can’t wait to party in the gutter with you (and our gorgeously lovely host, Eric Corton) onOctober 22 at Knijn Bowling in Amsterdam! Tickets available here

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ENGLISH?

You might not know it as well as you think…take this fun test and find out!

WHAT’S UP IN BUFFILAND

I started teaching at the Rockacademie again, and it’s such a thrill to see students on their first day. I love the energy, the nerves, the vibe of watching people find their way in the labyrinth of academic life. And seeing the look on their faces when I present them with their brand new Rock Your English! books, and making them smell them. Yes, smell them. Why? Because that glorious new book smell is going to disappear before we know it. And although my new book will be out as an e-book, to me, there’s nothing like the feeling of holding a real book in your hands. If you love books as much as I do, you might want to check out this great TED talk by the famous (and funny!!) book designer Chip Kidd. I suggest watching it with English subtitles (click on ‘show transcript’ under the video) so you can read the new words you hear. Check it out!

USE IT OR LOSE IT

Remember, just watching that great video that I just mentioned is not enough to activate your English. Neither is reading. Both reading and listening strengthen your passive knowledge of English. Your ears and eyes know a lot more than your mouth does! So keep active! If you watch something, talk about it or write about it! A great way to practise this is by doing exercises online. Check www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish to find some great interactive exercises to keep you sharp and snazzy!

YOUR QUESTIONS – ANSWERED!

“Hey Buffi – I said that someone was “brave” when I meant “braaf” in Dutch. They were doing well at school, and I wanted to say they were good. That’s not right, right?” From A, via email (info@rockyourenglish.com)

Hi Ms A, thanks for your mail! But “braaf” is not the same as “brave”. Did they laugh at you or make you feel bad? If so, just tell me where they live and I will get all MILF NINJA on them. Until then, just know that “braaf” in that particular situation would most likely be translated to “good”, “virtuous”, or “concientious”. “Brave” in English means showing courage; taking a risk; or being bold. I think you were brave to mail me your question – I wish more people did! Hope that helps!

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, DARLING!

All good things come to an end. Like blueberry smoothies, pink champagne, and shoe sales. Until I’m allowed to slip back into your mailbox next week, I send you a dozen roses brought to you during the most boring meeting at work (like ever!) and the person bearing them says “Pack your bags, name! We are off to Paris!” That’s on its way right now, actually…in my head.

Wit lof from buffi x

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