JOY By Anton Chekhov, Adapted For Intermediate Level

Level: Intermediate and up

IT was twelve o'clock at night.

Mitya Kuldarov, with excited face and messy hair, ran into his parents' house, and quickly ran through the rooms. His parents had already gone to bed. His sister was in bed, finishing the last page of a novel. His schoolboy brothers were asleep.

"Where have you come from?" cried his parents in surprise. "What is the matter with you?

"Oh, don't ask! I never expected it; no, I never expected it! It's . . . it's positively incredible!"

Mitya laughed and fell into a chair, so overcome by happiness that he could not stand on his legs.

"It's incredible! You can't imagine! Look!"

His sister jumped out of bed and, throwing a blanket around her, went to her brother. The schoolboys woke up.

"What's the matter? You don't look like yourself!"

"It's because I am so happy, Mamma! Do you know, now all Russia knows of me! All Russia! Until now only you knew that there was a clerk called Dmitry Kuldarov, and now all Russia knows it! Mamma! Oh, Lord!"

Mitya jumped up, ran up and down all the rooms, and then sat down again.

"Why, what has happened? Tell us sensibly!"

"You live like wild animals, you don't read the newspapers and do not take notice of what's published, and there's so much that is interesting in the papers. If anything happens it's all known at once, nothing is hidden! How happy I am! You know it's only great people whose names are published in the papers, and now they have published mine!"

"What do you mean? Where?"

Papa turned white. Mamma started to pray. The schoolboys jumped out of bed and, just as they were, in pajamas, went up to their brother.

"Yes! My name has been published! Now all Russia knows of me! Keep the paper, mamma, in memory of it! We will read it sometimes! Look!"

Mitya took out of his pocket a copy of the paper, gave it to his father, and pointed with his finger to a text marked with blue pencil.

"Read it!"

The father put on his glasses.

"Do read it!"

The mamma looked at the religious image on the wall and started to pray again. The papa cleared his throat and began to read: "At eleven o'clock on the evening of the 29th of December, a clerk of the name of Dmitry Kuldarov . . ."

"You see, you see! Go on!"

". . . a clerk of the name of Dmitry Kuldarov, coming from the pub in a drunk  condition. . ."

"That's me and Simon. . . . It's all described exactly! Go on! Listen!"

". . . drunk condition, fell on the ice under a horse of a sled-driver... The scared horse, walking over Kuldarov and pulling the sled over him, together with a Moscow businessman called Stephan Lukov, who was in it, ran along the street and was caught by some people. Kuldarov, at first in an unconscious condition, was taken to the police station and there checked by the doctor. The hit he had received on the back of his head. . ."

"It was from the sled, papa. Go on! Read the rest!"

". . . he had received on the back of his head was not serious. The event was reported. Medical aid was given to the hurt man. . . ."

"They told me to put a warm, wet cloth on the back of my head. You have read it now? Ah! So you see. Now it's all over Russia! Give it to me!"

Mitya took the paper, and put it into his pocket.

"I'll run to our neighbors and show it to them. . . . I must show it to Ivan and Nastya too. . . . I'll run! Good-bye!"

Mitya put on his cap and, joyful and proud, ran into the street.

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary.

Excited: very enthusiastic and eager about something.

Messy: not clean or tidy.

Incredible: difficult or impossible to believe.

Clerk: a person whose job is to keep track of records and documents for a business or office.

Sensible:  having or showing good sense or judgment: reasonable.

Hidden: not seen or known.

Published: to include an article, letter, etc, in a printed publication like a newspaper or magazine.

To pray: to speak to a god or spirit especially in order to give thanks or to ask for something.

Sled: a small vehicle that has a flat bottom or long, narrow strips of metal or wood on the bottom and that is used for moving over snow or ice.

Unconscious: not conscious; not awake especially because of an injury or drug.

Pocket: a usually small cloth bag that is sewn into a piece of clothing, a larger bag, etc., and that is open at the top or side so that you can put things into it.

To point: to show someone where to look by moving your finger or an object held in your hand in a particular direction.

Drunk: having drunk so much alcohol that normal actions (such as talking, thinking, and moving) become difficult to do.

Cloth: material that is made by weaving together threads of cotton, wool, nylon, etc., and that is used to make clothes, sheets, etc.

Proud: very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to, etc.: feeling pride.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is this story called ‘Joy’?

2. What was the most joyful moment in your life?

3. Is it important for you to be well-known or famous?

4. Does fame or popularity bring happiness?

5. “In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes”. How does this saying relate to this story and to modern life?

JOY by Anton Chekhov

JOY

Level: Upper Intermediate and up

Listen to the story here

By Anton Chekhov

IT was twelve o'clock at night.

Mitya Kuldarov, with excited face and ruffled hair, flew into his parents' flat, and hurriedly ran through all the rooms. His parents had already gone to bed. His sister was in bed, finishing the last page of a novel. His schoolboy brothers were asleep.

"Where have you come from?" cried his parents in amazement. "What is the matter with you?

"Oh, don't ask! I never expected it; no, I never expected it! It's . . . it's positively incredible!"

Mitya laughed and sank into an armchair, so overcome by happiness that he could not stand on his legs.

"It's incredible! You can't imagine! Look!"

His sister jumped out of bed and, throwing a quilt round her, went to her brother. The schoolboys woke up.

"What's the matter? You don't look like yourself!"

"It's because I am so delighted, Mamma! Do you know, now all Russia knows of me! All Russia! Till now only you knew that there was a registration clerk called Dmitry Kuldarov, and now all Russia knows it! Mamma! Oh, Lord!"

Mitya jumped up, ran up and down all the rooms, and then sat down again.

"Why, what has happened? Tell us sensibly!"

"You live like wild beasts, you don't read the newspapers and take no notice of what's published, and there's so much that is interesting in the papers. If anything happens it's all known at once, nothing is hidden! How happy I am! Oh, Lord! You know it's only celebrated people whose names are published in the papers, and now they have gone and published mine!"

"What do you mean? Where?"

The papa turned pale. The mamma glanced at the holy image and crossed herself. The schoolboys jumped out of bed and, just as they were, in short nightshirts, went up to their brother.

"Yes! My name has been published! Now all Russia knows of me! Keep the paper, mamma, in memory of it! We will read it sometimes! Look!"

Mitya pulled out of his pocket a copy of the paper, gave it to his father, and pointed with his finger to a passage marked with blue pencil.

"Read it!"

The father put on his spectacles.

"Do read it!"

The mamma glanced at the holy image and crossed herself. The papa cleared his throat and began to read: "At eleven o'clock on the evening of the 29th of December, a registration clerk of the name of Dmitry Kuldarov . . ."

"You see, you see! Go on!"

". . . a registration clerk of the name of Dmitry Kuldarov, coming from the pub in Kozihin's buildings in Little Bronnaia in an intoxicated condition. . ."

"That's me and Semyon Petrovitch. . . . It's all described exactly! Go on! Listen!"

". . . intoxicated condition, slipped and fell under a horse belonging to a sled-driver... The frightened horse, stepping over Kuldarov and drawing the sled over him, together with a Moscow merchant called Stepan Lukov, who was in it, dashed along the street and was caught by some house-servants. Kuldarov, at first in an unconscious condition, was taken to the police station and there examined by the doctor. The blow he had received on the back of his head. . ."

"It was from the sled, papa. Go on! Read the rest!"

". . . he had received on the back of his head turned out not to be serious. The incident was duly reported. Medical aid was given to the injured man. . . ."

"They told me to apply a warm, wet cloth to the back of my head. You have read it now? Ah! So you see. Now it's all over Russia! Give it here!"

Mitya seized the paper, folded it up and put it into his pocket.

"I'll run round to the Makarovs and show it to them. . . . I must show it to the Ivanitskys too, Nastya Ivanovna, and Anisim Vassilyitch. . . . I'll run! Good-bye!"

Mitya put on his cap and, joyful and triumphant, ran into the street.

Notes:

Registration clerk: the lowest rank in the Russian civil service.

Holy image: An icon: a religious image in the Russian Orthodox Christian church.

Adapted from http://web.archive.org/web/20041022002514/http://www.eldritchpress.org/ac/jr/002.htm

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary.

Ruffled: disorder or disarrange.

Overcome: to affect (someone) very strongly or severely — usually used as (be) overcome.

Quilt: a bed cover with stitched designs that is made of two layers of cloth filled with wool, cotton, or soft feathers.

Spectacles: a pair of lenses set into a frame and worn over the eyes: glasses.

Intoxicated: affected by alcohol or drugs especially: drunk.

Sled: a small vehicle that has a flat bottom or long, narrow strips of metal or wood on the bottom and that is used for moving over snow or ice.

To draw: to move (something) by pulling.

Merchant: somewhat old-fashioned: someone who buys and sells goods especially in large amounts.

To dash: to run or move quickly or suddenly.

To seize: to get or take (something) in a forceful, sudden, or violent way.

Triumphant: resulting in or celebrating victory or success.

Discussion questions:

1. Why is this story called ‘Joy'?

2. What was the most joyful moment in your life?

3. Is it important for you to be well-known or famous?

4. Does fame or popularity bring happiness?
5. “In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes”. How does this saying relate to this story and to modern life?

In Dark Winter, Chekhov Brings Comfort and Joy

Listen to Story

Transcript

Audio Time: 3 min 44 sec

Level: Upper Intermediate and up

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary

Dreary: causing unhappiness or sad feelings: not warm, cheerful, etc.

To take something personally: interpret a remark or action as directed against oneself and be upset or offended by it, even if that was not the speaker's intention.

Pewter: a dull gray metal that is a mixture of tin and usually lead.

Dread: to fear something that will or might happen.

Coax: to influence or persuade (a person or animal) to do something by talking in a gentle and friendly way.

Plunge: to push (something) into (something) quickly and forcefully.

Gaze: to look at someone or something in a steady way and usually for a long time.

Exile: a situation in which you are forced to leave your country or home and go to live in a foreign country or distant place.

Jaded: feeling or showing a lack of interest and excitement caused by having done or experienced too much of something.

Inhumane: not kind or gentle to people or animals: not humane.

Broken family: a family in which the parents have divorced.

Depict: to show or describe something or someone. 

Luxurious: very comfortable and expensive: richly appealing.

Drab: not bright or colorful: too plain or dull to be interesting.

Flip: to cause (something) to turn or turn over quickly.

Frown: a serious facial expression that usually shows anger, displeasure, or concentration.

Sleigh: a large, open vehicle that is usually pulled by a horse over snow or ice.

Call on: to make a brief visit to someone.

Dispense: to give or provide (something).

Snowed in: unable to leave a place because a lot of snow is falling or has fallen.

Discussion questions:

1. What are some books that have brought you comfort and joy?

2. Who are some of your favorite writers?

3. Is there a book or books that you often read for comfort or inspiration?

4. What makes an author able to write a good story?

5. How can reading literature help us live better and happier lives?

In the new few posts, you’ll be able to read original and adapted short stories of Chekhov. You can see the full list of original and adapted short stories on this blog here.

The Declaration Of Independence, 240 Years Later

Listen to Story

Transcript

Audio Time: 8: 56

Level: Intermediate and up

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including  Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary

Note: Vocabulary for only the first, and most famous, part of the text is listed here. Since the language of text is 240 years old, it can make the text more difficult to understand. For this reason, the original text and a simple English version has been provide below.

Text

Starting text

The first part of the text says that a declaration of independence must be well-reasoned:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Simple English translation:

Sometimes in history, one country has to stop being connected to another country. It has to become separate and equal. This is a right that Nature and God give to every person. However, when this happens, the country should explain its reasons for separating from the other country.

The Preamble

The preamble of the declaration is the best-known part.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Simple English translation:

We think these truths are clear:

That all men are created equal.

That their Creator gives them rights that cannot be taken away.

That these rights include the rights to life, liberty (freedom), and trying to be happy.

That governments are created to protect these rights.

That governments have power only if the people they are governing agree that they do.

That whenever a government no longer protects these rights, the people it governs have a right to change or get rid of that government. They also have a right to create a new government that is more likely to protect their safety and happiness.

That governments which have existed for a long time should not be changed for small reasons. However, if a government abuses its people over and over again, the people have the right to get rid of that government.

--From the Entry on the Declaration of Independence at Simple English Wikipedia

To dissolve: (formal)  to officially end (something, such as a marriage, organization, or agreement).

To assume: to begin (a role, duty, etc.) as a job or responsibility.

Declare: to say or state (something) in an official or public way.

Impel: to cause (someone) to feel a strong need or desire to do something.

Self-evident: (formal) clearly true and requiring no proof or explanation.

To endow: to freely or naturally provide (someone or something) with something — usually used as (be) endowed.

Pursuit: an attempt to find, achieve, or get something — + of.

To secure: protected from danger or harm.

To institute: to begin or create (something, such as a new law, rule, or system).

To derive: to have something as a source : to come from something.

Just: Fair: agreeing with what is considered morally right or good.

Discussion questions:

1. How did the statements in the Declaration effect the “course of human events (history)”?

2. Do you think these rights are still important and necessary today?

3. Are there any rights that should be added or removed?

4. Do you agree that the People have the right to change or stop a government that does not protect these rights?

5. How should the People change or get rid of governments that refuse to protect the rights and happiness of the People?

A 60,000-Pound Problem

Listen to Story

Transcript

Audio Time: 3 min 9 sec

Level: Intermediate and up

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including  Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary

Pound: a unit of weight that is equal to 0.4536 kilograms

To examine: to look at (something) closely and carefully in order to learn more about it, to find problems, etc.

Dilemma: a situation in which you have to make a difficult choice.

To wash ashore: to be carried by the movement of water to the shore.

Whale: an often very large animal that lives in the ocean and that is a mammal rather than a fish. See a picture.

To decay: to be slowly destroyed by natural processes : to be slowly broken down by the natural processes that destroy a dead plant or body.

Plenty: a large number or amount of something : a number or amount of something that is enough for a particular purpose.

Fascination: to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone.

Stench: a very bad smell.

Carcass: the body of a dead animal.

Beached: When a large ocean animal, such as a whale, comes out of the water onto land and is unable to return to the water.

To tow: to pull (a vehicle) behind another vehicle with a rope or chain.

To bury: to put (a dead person or animal) in a grave.

Landfill: an area where waste is buried under the ground.

TNT: dynamite; a very powerful explosive.

Seagull: a large, common, usually gray and white bird that lives near the ocean. See picture.

Timeframe: a period of time that is used or planned for a particular action or project.

Nature to take its course: to allow something to happen without trying to control it.

Critters: (informal, US) a usually small creature or animal.

Niche: an environment that has all the things that a particular plant or animal needs in order to live.

Discussion questions:

1. Do you think they picked the right option to solve their problem?

2. Why do you think whales beach themselves?

3. What’s a difficult problem you had in your life and how did you solve it?

List of Key English-Russian Legal Terms

This list is almost complete. If anyone can help to complete or correct the definitions in Russian, please do. Thanks!


PEOPLE IN LAW
Paralegal- paralegal сущ.
общ. помощник юриста; помощник адвоката; ассистент юриста; ассистент адвоката; параюридический

Lawyer-сущ. юрист; адвокат; законовед

Judge-сущ. общ. судья; арбитр; эксперт; ценитель

LAW IN GENERAL

Law- общее право; Закон; право
Legal  законный, легальный -
Illegal- незаконный, нелегальный

JURISDICTION & TYPES OF JURISDICTION
Jurisdiction  юрисдикция и виды юрисдикции
Subject matter Jurisdiction
Personal Jurisdiction

COURT PROCEEDINGS  судебные дела
Civil Action гражданское дело
Criminal Action  уголовное дело

Appeal  апелляция

Trial   судебный процесс
Court Order судебный регламент

Decision решение
Precedent  прецедент

COURT PROCEEDINGS
Stare Decisis
Proceeding  судебное дело,  разбирательство
Judgment  судебное решение
PARTIES участники (судебного ппроцесса)

Plaintiff   истец
Defendant  ответчик, подсудимый, обвиняемый
Petitioner  истец
Respondent  ответчик

PARTIES
Appellant  аппелянт
Appellee  аппелирующий

TYPES OF LAW  типы законодательств
Substantive Law
Procedural Law  процедурное законодательство

Constitutional Law  конституционное законодательство
Statutory Law   административное законодательство
Administrative Law-административное законодательство  


TYPES OF LAW
Case law   прецедентное право
Common Law  общее право

DOCUMENTS USED IN COURT ACTIONS  документы, используемые в суде
Pleading   ходатайство
Complaint  иск, жалоба
Motion  предложение  
Answer
Brief  изложение дела

Summons - судебная повестка

DOCUMENTS USED IN COURT ACTIONS
Memorandum of Law

The Frugal Language Learner: Tips On How To Save Money When Taking Lessons Online

By Daniel Borsody

One of the great benefits of online language learning platforms, like Italki, is that language students can find a variety of teacher’s to help them improve their English. There are several factors to consider when choosing a suitable teacher. Of course, one of the most important factors is cost. One needs to be able to find a teacher that they can afford. In my experience as a teacher and student, cost is, unfortunately, one of the main factors (if not the main factor) that keeps student from taking lessons. Happily, there are a variety of teacher’s at different price ranges on Italki. However, it can still be difficult for some students to afford an experienced, professional teacher. Here are some tips from the Frugal (careful about not wasting money) Language Learner to help students on a budget (with a limited amount of money) afford quality lessons on Italki.

1. Know your goals and develop a plan of action

A big part of life is knowing what you want to achieve and developing a plan to help you get there. And, of course, this is true with language study. If you have clear goals and a good plan, it can help you to save time and money on the road to achieving your goals. When making goals, it’s useful to remember the popular acronym SMART, which stands for specific, manageable, achievable, realistic, and time-based. The more your goals follow the SMART format, the better they usually will be to help you develop a plan of action. A good teacher also may be able to help you develop SMART goals and plans.

Another tip related to goals and plans is to focus on specific topics or areas of study with a teacher. For example, some students may want to improve their general language skills, but don’t have the funds to cover all these topics. Instead they can focus on their speaking skills with a teacher, and focus on other areas of a language, like grammar, listening and reading, on their own, with language partners or with a less expensive teacher or tutor.

2. Variety is the spice of life

In English we have the expression, variety is the spice of life, which means that variety can make life more interesting and exciting. Variety, or more specifically, varying your learning options, can also be a good way to save money. As mentioned above, it can be more cost effective to study with different teachers sometimes, or to vary how many times a week you study with teachers.

Maybe you can’t afford lessons three time a week with the very experienced teacher that you like, but you can afford them twice or once a week. You can combine lessons with the more experienced teacher and then another, less expensive teacher. In addition, as we’ll see in the next tip, there are other options with teachers that can be helpful too.

 3. Ask about deals and options

Don’t be afraid to ask a teacher about possible deals or different price options for lessons. Although most teachers can’t afford to go lower that their current rates (Remember they’re not making big bucks, a big income) they sometimes offer package lessons with discounts, or other special rates or deals.

In addition, teachers may have other options that can help students to save money. For example, informal tutoring is often less expensive than formal, structured lessons. Or taking a 45 or 30 minute lesson may be less expensive than a 60 minute lesson. Finally, some teachers offer group lessons (more on this below).

4. Commit to a language challenge for a short but intense period

In general, frequency is better than intensity for learning, but some intense periods of learning can be helpful. Italki’s language challenge can be a great way to stay committed to your learning goals and to save money. Many students take the language challenge to start learning languages, but it can also be used to commit to a short but intense period of study. This can be useful for brushing up (reviewing and improving your knowledge and skills) your language skills, and perhaps getting the extra push you need to reach the next level of competency. If you have a limited budget, developing a study plan for short, but intense periods of practice can help you by getting the most out of a brief period of lessons. For example if you can only afford lessons once or twice a week, try to develop a plan to commit to a short, intense period of practice for a month with four or more lessons a week. Or you can try sessions that are longer than usual, for example hour and a half or two hour sessions a day (weekends can work best for busy professionals). Even two weeks of intense practice can be useful. So, why not save up a little money, and commit to some short, intense practice?

5. Take advantage of trial lessons

The purpose of trial lessons is to help potential students find an appropriate teacher. The short, half-hour sessions give the student and teacher enough time to meet and see if there are a good match. They’re also a good way to have a short lesson with teachers, for a minimal cost. Most teacher’s charge a very small amount for trial lessons. However, remember that you have a limited amount of trial lessons (usually about three). So, make sure to use them primarily for their main purpose of trying different teacher’s before you commit to one of them.

6. Use Italki’s referral system

Italki has an excellent referral system, which allows you to earn Italki credits (ITC) when you invite friends to join Italki. When someone clicks on your referral link, makes a new account on Italki, and then purchases ITC on the site, you will be both rewarded with 100 ITC that can be used for future lessons. If you have a blog or social media account, this can be a potentially significant way of supplementing your income to take lessons. I’ve read about at least one language learner who was able to get a good deal of credits because his blog and website lead to many referrals.

7. Take a chance on a teacher new to Italki

To take a chance on someone means to take a risk on meeting someone new, which might lead to something positive. This can be true for trying lessons with teachers new to Italki. New teachers will often start with lower lesson prices in order to develop their ratings and get new students. If you take a chance on a new teacher, you might be able to get lower prices on potentially excellent teachers. However, remember, as teachers get more and better rating, they will almost always slowly increase their prices to what is competitive for other quality, experienced teachers on Italki. This usually is a gradual process though, and professional teachers will want to keep dedicated, long-term students, so they might give their long-term students temporary deals to help them with the price increase.

8. Try small, group lessons

Small, group lessons can be an excellent way to have lessons with an experienced, professional teacher that one might normally not be able afford. Some teacher’s offer small, group lessons, which allow several students (usually around 2-5) to have lessons together. While the cost of the total lesson is more expensive, for each student it can be much more affordable. For example, a group lesson might cost 250 ITC, but divided among three students, it’s only 830 ITC per student.

Some students think that they may not get as much attention as they would in one-on-one lessons, but a small group still allows a teacher to pay attention to each of the student’s needs. In addition, there are benefits from learning with a few other students. Students might be surprised at how much they can learn from listening to the teacher correct the other students, and the social benefits of learning together with a few people can make things much more fun and enjoyable (especially if you like the people with whom you’re studying!). So, how do you find people to join you in group lessons? Try getting a few of your friends, classmates, or co-workers together for lessons, or family members can have lessons together too.

Here are some tips to make sure you have successful group lessons. First, it’s usually helpful for all students in the group to be around the same level in the language they are studying. All the students don’t have to be exactly the same level, but it can be difficult if the levels are very different. For example, it might be difficult for pre-intermediate students and an advanced student to have group lessons together.  Second, agree on a schedule for lessons. Third, agree on a way of paying for lessons ahead of time. Remember that currently Italki only allows one member to pay for an individual lesson or a package of lessons.

What else?

These are just a few ways of saving money while taking lessons on Italki. I’m sure there are more ways that can be found by unlocking the collective creativity of Italki’s community of language learners. Frugal language learners, feel free to share some of your own ideas for how to have lessons on a budget in the comments section. And, if you found this article useful, you are welcome to share it.