Mr. Vig

Did you know that some people in America have stopped saying “Merry Christmas?”

Instead, they say “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings.”

And once, I saw a message from Facebook wishing me a “Wonderful Winter” – on Christmas Day! Read More >

I used to date a makeup artist.

When we’d go to a café in Prague, while I would read, she would draw.

And she was pretty good. Read More >

But first, let’s talk about math.

If a woman asks you, “How old do you think I am?”, what should you tell her?

Here’s the formula I use: Read More >

This is my parents’ backyard in Virginia.

Behind the barn and the mist, that’s Castleton Mountain.

These aren’t the Alps or the Rockies, so you won’t exactly need a Sherpa or an oxygen tank to get to the top. Read More >

What’s the best exercise?

Answer: Whatever you enjoy.

Because that’s the only exercise you’ll actually do. Read More >

A typical Thursday.

Sometime in the afternoon.

I was walking with the crowd between platforms. Read More >

Here’s a question I got from Jan:

Good evening Mr. Vig, I am writing to you to find the best way how to prepare for the FCE exam which I will take in 15th December 2018. It will be lovely if you can help me find a person who can help me.

And my answer:

Hi Jan,

I’m not a big fan of certificates (unless you need one to get into university or apply for a job).

I’ve prepared many students to take the tests, and it was almost always a mistake.

You can read why here: https://mrvig.com/5-reasons-why-you-dont-need-another-certificate/

In Bangkok, everyone was selling something.

I left my apartment and tuk tuk, taxi and scooter drivers slowed down to offer me rides.

I turned the corner and waitresses wanted me to come into their restaurants.

Another street and it was Thai massages, tours of temples that aren’t on the map, or “Nike” shoes for a whole lot less than you can find in Foot Locker. Read More >

Javier wrote with this question:

“How can I easily remember English words and adopt them to my daily language?”

Here was my answer… Hi Javier,

Well, there’s easy and then there’s realistic. I think the problem starts with students not being realistic.

Many students expect new words to become old friends the first time they meet.

But that’s not realistic. According to the research I’ve read, it takes adults between 8 and 11 repetitions to learn a word. That’s realistic. But unfortunately, that’s not easy.

So does the magic combination of realistic and easy exist? Read More >