International students are at a distinct disadvantage in learning how to write effectively in English because their training may have been more formal; thus they are less familiar with idioms as well as with connotative word meanings. A confusing idiom, for example, might be “to put out” when referring to what one does after finishing a cigarette. An ESL student might even confuse “to put out” with “to put off” or “to put on” or even “to put over” (Leki 29). An international student may be unaware of connotative meanings, and he may need to understand the difference between “lady” and “chick,” or between “policeman” and “cop,” or “vomit” and “puke,” and thus the appropriateness of using such words. Be patient, be succinct, and simplify where necessary.