Happy New Year 2013! January 2, 2013

The staff and students of PC TECH wish everyone peace and happiness in this New Year!

Some people think that 13 is an unlucky number, but we hope that 2013 will be a good year for all of you.

Level  1 students were discussing the statement that 2013 will be the best year ever to study English as a Second Language.  So we invite people from all over the world to visit New York City and study at PC TECH where you will meet people from many countries on five continents.  All of our levels encourage a lot of conversation to use the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation learned at our school.

Level 2 students had a number of questions about words and idioms they often hear on the street, subway, TV, movies, and from other sources.  For example, there are several words that can be used when it is difficult to name a device or object:  whatchamacallit, thingamabob, doohickey, gizmo.  These are nonsense words which are used in an informal, joking way.

There was more discussion about the way Americans pronounce “can” and “can’t.”  The context of a can/can’t question will determine the correct response:  “Yes, I can.”  “No, I can’t.”  We can also say “No, I cannot” but that sounds a little strong.