Tag: English

  • Learning Grammar: The Key to Language Acquisition

    Learning Grammar: The Key to Language Acquisition

    Achieve language fluency by mastering and learning grammar. Discover the importance of comprehensible input, communication, and focused grammatical learning.

    Learning Grammar: The Key to Language Acquisition

    I suggest that you will acquire language best when you study in such a way that you 1) listen to large amounts of comprehensible input, 2) have opportunities to use the target language to communicate with others, and 3) support your learning with some grammatical learning (focused on making input comprehensible and developing awareness).

    In days old, teachers and students spent countless hours talking about grammar. Often these students had a lot of knowledge about the language, but little ability to use it. In recent times, some teachers (mostly in the west) have claimed that grammar teaching is useless. Grammar will learned naturally through listening to comprehensible input and interacting with others. Often students taught in this way can communicate very well, but often do not speak accurately. What is the right way to study grammar?

    I believe grammar study should focus on two areas: 1) making input comprehensible and 2) developing awareness to help the learner notice the grammar of the input.

    First, a little knowledge of grammar can make input a lot more comprehensible. For example, when I studied Chinese, I had great difficulty with the passive voice. When I first heard it in a listening passage, I had no idea what the sentence meant. It was completely incomprehensible to me, and therefore simply noise. Now, if I listened to hours of input, I might have been able to eventually learn the passive voice. But that is too long and difficult. Instead, the textbook gave me a little information on passive voice sentences using “BA” and “BEI”. After reading the explanation, I could comprehend these sentences. A little knowledge of the grammar made the input comprehensible. I went on to learn the passive voice very well and much quicker than if I had not studied any grammar.

    Second, when learners are concerned only with communicating their meaning, they often do not need to be grammatically accurate in order to accomplish their goals. For the passive voice, I needed to know the grammar in order to understand what was being said. But for other aspects of language, this is not the case. For example, in English, subject-verb agreement is completely unnecessary to comprehend the meaning of the sentence. Thus, because a student can subconsciously ignore the grammar, he may not learn to speak accurately. This phenomenon called “fossilization.” Fossilization is when a student, though he may speak fluently, continues to make the same mistakes over and over again even though he has heard the correct way to say them a thousand times.

    Some scholars believe that when students learn about grammar, this knowledge can help them “notice” (pay attention to) not only the meaning of the input but also its grammatical form. Even though they might not yet speak the form correctly; if they are aware of the correct form, they can then “notice” it in the input. Eventually, after “noticing” a grammatical feature enough, they will use it correctly.

    Although unable to test this idea of noticing directly, I wondered if there was a difference between successful and non-successful students in the amount of time they spent studying grammar.

    Question: On an average DAY of study, how much time did you spend studying English GRAMMAR?A: 0 hours B: Less than 1 hourC: 1 hour or more
    Successful Learners;24.24 %66.67 %9.09 %
    Non-successful Learners;36.36 %30.30 %33.33 %

    Apparently, successful learners claim to spend more time each day listening to English than studying grammar. Therefore, a reasonable inference is that the majority of successful language learners in this study use grammar in a subordinate role; their primary focus is on communication, using English as a tool to receive and send messages.

    Accordingly, if the goal is to improve your spoken English, you would do well not to let the memorization of grammatical rules and such activities dominate your English study. Rather, make listening and using the target language the focus of your study. I recommend studying grammar for the following reasons: 1) to make input comprehensible and 2) to develop awareness to help the learner notice the form of input and their own output. This may help you eventually internalize these grammatical rules rather than storing them up in your short-term memory where they will quickly forgotten after the test.

    Remember, the advice for studying grammar here designed to help you improve the accuracy of your spoken English. You may need to study grammar in additional ways to prepare for certain exams or writing projects.

    How to Learn English Grammar Effectively

    Improving your English grammar is essential for effective communication. Here are some steps to help you enhance your grammar skills:

    1. Understand the Basics

    Before diving into complex grammar, ensure a strong grasp of the fundamentals:

    • Parts of Speech: Familiarize yourself with nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
    • Sentence Structure: Learn the standard structure of English sentences – subject, verb, and object.
    • Tenses: Understand the various tenses – present, past, and future; and their different forms like simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous.

    2. Use Grammar Books and Resources

    Invest in reliable grammar books or online resources:

    3. Practice Regularly

    Consistency is key to mastering grammar:

    4. Read Extensively

    Reading various English materials helps you see grammar in use. Pay attention to how sentences are constructed and note different grammatical rules.

    5. Listen and Watch

    Exposure to spoken English through podcasts, audiobooks, movies, and TV shows allows you to hear correct grammar usage. Try to imitate the sentence structures and grammar you hear.

    6. Learn from Mistakes

    Use feedback from teachers, friends, or grammar-checking tools to identify and correct your mistakes. Learning from errors is a crucial part of improving.

    7. Join a Study Group or Class

    Being part of a study group or taking a grammar class can provide motivation and diverse perspectives. Participate in discussions and share learning experiences.

    8. Use Grammar Apps and Tools

    Leverage technology to aid your grammar improvement:

    • Grammarly: An AI tool that provides grammar, syntax, and style suggestions.
    • Duolingo: Offers grammar lessons integrated into language learning.
    • Quizlet: Allows for the creation and use of flashcards to study grammar rules.

    9. Set Specific Goals

    Set realistic and achievable goals focused on different grammar aspects. For example, work on mastering the use of past tenses over a set period.

    10. Stay Patient and Persevere

    Improvement takes time and persistent effort. Stay committed to practicing and don’t get discouraged by slow progress.

    Tips for Grammar Study

    • Study Grammar to Improve Comprehension: Understanding grammar helps you better comprehend written and spoken English.
    • Use Grammar to Notice Features in Input: Being aware of grammar helps you recognize it in different contexts, aiding natural learning.
    • Be Patient with Application: Over time, consistent practice will make the correct use of grammar feel more natural.

    By following these steps and tips, you can steadily improve your English grammar and become more confident in using the language. Happy learning!

  • Role of Communication in Developing Language Skills

    Role of Communication in Developing Language Skills

    The essay explains the Role of Communication; I suggest that you will acquire language best when you study in such a way that you 1) listen to large amounts of comprehensible input, 2) have opportunities to use the target language to communicate with others, and 3) support your learning with some grammatical learning (focused on making input comprehensible and developing awareness).

    Here is the essay to explain better Understand the Role of Communication.

    Listening to English will help everything. Listening will build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and even help your speaking. In fact, there are some who believe that listening to comprehensible input alone is sufficient to develop complete oral proficiency, as mentioned before.

    However, though that may be possible, I do not think it is likely. On the contrary, I believe that using the target language (English) to communicate with another person greatly helps students acquire the English language. This belief is confirmed by the results of my survey.

    Question: In an average WEEK of study, how much time did you spend using English to communicate with a NATIVE SPEAKER OF ENGLISH (For  example; A foreign teacher or friend)1 hour or less More than 1 hour
    Successful Learners;39.39 %60.61 %
    Non-successful Learners;84.85 %12.12 %

    Results of the Survey:

    The results of the survey show that a student is more likely to be successful if they spends at least 1 hour or more each week using English to communicate with a native speaker of English.

    However, this information is not new for most Chinese EFL learners. They are aware that communicating with a native English speaker will benefit their English acquisition. The problem with most students is that they either 1) do not have opportunities to communicate with a native English speaker or 2) do not have the confidence to do so. I will address these issues later.

    Why is Communication Helpful?

    Many scholars believe that interaction, the act of communicating with another person, plays a significant part in second language learning. First, Michael Long believes comprehensible input is of great value but believes it is best received through interaction. This is because when a fluent speaker and a less fluent speaker interact, they enter into a negotiation of meaning.

    As they use the situational context, repetitions, and clarifications to maximize comprehension, the more likely the learner will receive input just beyond his present competency, the I + 1 input (Ellis 1997, 47; Mitchell 1998, 128-129). This process is also described in terms of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal.

    Development. The learner collaborates with the fluent speaker to scaffold (utilize discourse, context, or comprehension checks) to produce utterances he would not be able to produce on his own. Thus, learning (and input) takes place at the Zone of Proximal Development, the place in between what the learner could do independently and what he could not do even with help (Ellis 1997, p48).

    Very Helpful:

    While Long focuses on the value of the input gained through interaction, Merrill Swain (Ellis 1997) points out several benefits of learner output (speaking) in interaction.

    • First, with comprehensible input, meaning can often be attained without paying attention to the grammar of the input. She maintains output can help students notice a gap between what they say and what they hear; thereby raising their consciousness that some of their grammar is not correct.
    • Second, the output provides learners with an incentive to formulate and opportunities to test hypotheses. They can apply a rule to an utterance to see if it leads to successful communication or elicits negative feedback.
    • Finally, learners often reflect on their own output, discussing problems, and potential solutions.

    Many scholars agree that interaction, using the target language to communicate with another person, is beneficial for a variety of reasons.

    Who Will, I Speak with Communication?

    If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with a native speaker on a regular basis, please grasp it. But unfortunately, many students do not have this opportunity. Whom will they speak with?

    Aren’t there highly fluent non-native speakers for them to speak with? Such as a Chinese friend who studied abroad, a relative who lives in Australia, or a Japanese or Korean business person who speaks excellent English? Or more importantly, what about fellow Chinese students?

    What we get:

    Asked students how much time they spent each week using English to communicate with highly fluent non-native speakers or their classmates. 

    Question: In an average WEEK of study, how much time did you spend using English to communicate with a HIGHLY FLUENT SPEAKER OF ENGLISH

    though they is NOT a native speaker of English (For example; A Chinese English teacher with great spoken English)?


    		A 0 hoursB 1 hour or less C More than 1 an hour but less than 3 hours D More than 3 hours but less than 6 hours E More than 6 hours
    Successful Learners;42.42%18.18%30.30 %3.03 %3.03 %
    Non-successful Learners; 

    42.42%

    		 

    48.48%

    		 

    9.09 %

    		 

    0 %

    		 

    0 %

    Question: In an average WEEK of study, how much time did you spend using English to communicate with FELLOW STUDENTS who are learning English (For example; a classmate or an older student)?A 0 hoursB 1 hour or less C More than 1 an hour but less than 3 hours D More than 3 hours but less than 6 hours E More than 6 hours
    Successful Learners;24.24%42.42%21.21 %12.12 %0 %
    Non-successful Learners; 

    24.24%

    		 

    48.48%

    		 

    27.27 %

    		 

    0 %

    		 

    0 %

    It seems there are more opportunities to use English than just with native speakers. Yet Chinese students do not seem to be taking advantage of them. This is a shame because most students cannot afford to be silent while waiting for opportunities to communicate with a native speaker. There simply are not enough foreigners in China to give every student such chances. Students, instead, must do what they can.

    Finding Opportunities to Interact with Communication:

    Here are some ways to practice your English that does not require you to speak with a foreigner:

    Speak with Fellow English Language Learners:

    I do not know why so many students do not speak English with their classmates. Most foreign teachers have students practice with each other in class. So why would one not speak with a classmate because he would rather wait for a foreigner?

    For when he does get a foreign teacher, the teacher will instruct him to speak with his classmates. I understand students are afraid of listening to poor English and acquiring bad habits. But remember, if you are listening to comprehensible input diligently on cassettes or TV programs, you will still be hearing native speakers every day.

    In this case, the benefits surely outweigh the dangers. In China, I knew of a class of students that would often have an “English Day.” A day when they would only speak to each other in English. This type of activity can be fun and helpful.

    Speak with Non-Native Speakers Who Speak English Well:

    There are many Chinese, Japanese, and Korean teachers and business people who speak English well. Perhaps they can speak to you. Besides, if you get a job that requires you to conduct international business, you will not just be speaking with native English speakers. Many business deals all over the world are conducted in English, even though English may not be the mother tongue of any person at the meeting.

    Therefore, speaking English with non-native speakers will not only help you acquire English but also will prepare you for international business communication; Also viewing “Common Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners”. It’s more strong your communication skill.

    Speak Over the Phone:

    Many Chinese friends I know have relatives living in English speaking countries that speak English very well. Perhaps you can speak to them in English over the phone. Speaking a foreign language over the phone is not easy, but can be very helpful. My sister speaks Spanish very well. I called her on the phone 2-3 times a week to practice my Spanish with her. I improved a lot from this.

    Read Out loud:

    This is not nearly as helpful as a true communication essay with another person. However, it can help you develop oral fluency and confidence.

    Strategies for Communication:

    • Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are normal.
    • Realize you will not always be understood. When you are not understood, you may use the following strategies: 1) repeat yourself, 2) use gestures (hand movements and body language), 3) say the same thing in a different way, 4) use examples, and 5) give definitions or synonyms for words.
    • Realize you will not always understand what another person is saying. When you do not understand, you may use the following strategies: 1) Make guesses about what is being said. 2) Check these guesses by asking questions. 3) Check your understanding by restating what you think the person means. (i.e. Do you mean…?) (Amato 1996).

    Saving Face:

    Perhaps you know you should speak English in one of the above ways, but you do not dare because you are afraid of “losing face.” This is a big problem. In fact, I asked students the following question about-face. The results are not surprising; How to Improve Your Spoken English with Communication.

    Question: Which of the following statements best describes you?A; I am not afraid of losing face. Speaking English with foreigners is no problem.  B; I am afraid of losing face, but I know I need to practice to get better. So I force myself to speak English with others.  C; I am afraid of losing face. So many times I avoid speaking English.  D; My spoken English is so poor I dare not speak out. 
    Successful Learners;48.48 %39.39 %12.12 %0 %
    Non-successful Learners; 

    15.15 %

    		 

    33.33 %

    		 

    36.36 %

    		 

    15.15 %

    If we combine the results, they give us a better understanding of what is happening.
    Question: Which of the following statements best describes you?A & B 

    [Students who speak without or in spite of the fear of losing face.]

    		C & D

    [Students who avoid speaking because they fear losing  face.]

    Successful Learners;87.88 %12.12 %
    Non-successful Learners;48.48 %51.52 %

    These results are disturbing. Apparently, 51.52 % of non-successful students are avoiding opportunities to communicate in English for fear of losing face. In contrast, only 12.12% of successful learners avoid speaking in English. The results strongly suggest that if you want to speak English well, you must overcome your fear of losing face and begin speaking English with others.

    Communication is helpful for your English “How to Speak Fluently English in Week”.

    I have always found this ironic. Students attempt to save face by hiding their poor English skills, while this prevents them from gaining face by improving these skills. Which is better? To save face by hiding your mistakes? Or to gain a lot of face by improving your English skills, even though you may lose a little face along the way? The answer is obvious. The honorable thing to do is overcome your fear!

  • Comprehensible Input

    Comprehensible Input

    Improve your language skills with comprehensible input. Learn how to speak English fluently and understand complex language structures.

    Comprehensible Input:

    A suggest that you will acquire language best when you study in such a way that you 1) listen to large amounts of comprehensible input, 2) have opportunities to use the target language to communicate with others, and 3) support your learning with some grammatical learning (focused on making input comprehensible and developing awareness). The Way you want Improve Your Spoken English and  better understanding How to Speak Fluently English in Week.

    A Brief History of Linguistic Theory:

    For much of the 20th century in the West, language researchers thought that children learned the language simply by forming habits, by imitating what was heard. In response to this, Noam Chomsky declared that language was too complex to be learned simply through imitation. Furthermore, if children were simply imitating what they heard, how could researchers explain the mistakes of children? It appeared that children were making mistakes because they were applying “rules” where they did not belong, producing speech like “you hurt me.” A phrase they would never hear in their environment.

    Apparently, children did not simply imitate speech but were actively constructing “rules” in their mind from the input they received to govern their speech. More importantly, they did not receive enough information about language in their environment to give them all the knowledge they needed to know the things that they knew about language. How could children do this? Chomsky hypothesized that humans are born with a “language acquisition device.” This device is a part of the brain designed specifically for language acquisition and is separate from its other parts. He believed all that was needed to get this device to start working, was input, exposure to the language.

    Later, researchers began noticing that second language learners also produced language that contained mistakes, yet these mistakes were not arbitrary but governed by “rules.” However, these “rules” could neither simply be attributed to the influence of the native language nor the target language. Researchers refer to this system of rules as “interlanguage.” This interlanguage is transitional. As learners grow in the language, their interlanguage system becomes more and more similar to the target language. In other words, as they make progress their language becomes more and more correct. This “series of interim systems that a learner constructs in the process of acquiring an L2 [second language]” is called the “interlanguage continuum”.

    Listening:

    Stephen Krashen (1985) proposed the Input Hypothesis. The Input Hypothesis claims that learners make progress in English acquisition through exposure to comprehensible input. Comprehensible input is defined as “understanding input that contains structures at our next ‘stage’ – structures that are a bit beyond our current level of competence”.

    This is often designated with the equation “i + 1”. The “i” represents the learner’s current competence in the second language; the “+ 1” symbolizes the features of the input that are beyond the learner’s competence, and which he is developmentally ready to acquire. Accordingly, input that is either too simple or complex will not help a learner make progress in spoken English.

    To explore this, asked the following questions with the following results: 

    Question: On an average day of study, how much time did you spend LISTENING to spoken English?Less than 1 hour  1 hour or more
    Successful Learners 36.36 %63.64 %
    Non-Successful Learners 81.81 %18.18 %

    The results are clear. The great majority of successful English language learners in this study 1) listen to English for 1 hour or more and 2) listen to the right kind of input, input where they can understand the main idea but not some parts. There are many aspects of the full Input Hypothesis that are seriously questionable. Nevertheless, I believe it is safe to claim that exposure to comprehensible input greatly benefits the language learner.

    On the other hand, 57.58 % of non-successful learners are listening to this same type of input. Why are they still poor speakers? Most likely, the amount of time spent listening to this kind of input is insufficient to achieve a higher level of proficiency, as indicated by the previous question. Finally, 42.42% of non-successful students are not only spending too little time listening, the time they do spend is not much use because the input is too difficult for them to comprehend.

    Gaining Access to Comprehensible Input:

    Perhaps you are convinced that comprehensible input is indeed important, but you think “How can I gain access to comprehensible input?” There are many things you can do.

    1. The Internet:

    The internet can be a rich source of free input. The following websites loaded with input:

    • Randall’s ESL Listening Lab – http://www.esllab.com/index.htm. This website has short passages, grouped by level (easy, medium, and difficult). It has pre-listening warmups and questions to quiz your comprehension.
    • The English Listening Lounge – http://www.englishlistening.com/. This website also has short passages grouped according to difficulty with comprehension questions. However, only a few passages are available for free. To get full access, you must pay $20 dollars a month.
    • Brian Teaman’s Virtual University – http://home.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/~teaman/vu/index-e.html. This website is really cool. It has video interviews with English-speaking people from all over the world. It is full of vocabulary, comprehension questions, and more.
    • Story Archives – http://literacynet.org/cnnsf/archives.html. This website has many news stories. Perhaps more appropriate for high-intermediate or advanced students. It has audio and video options. Contains both vocabulary and comprehension questions.
    • Arlyn Freed’s ESL/EFL Listening Resources – http://www.eslhome.com/esl/listen/#nonauthentic. This website does not contain listening resources but provides information about several websites that contain listening resources. Some designed for EFL students and some are not.

    2. Radio:

    Many students in my study, both successful and non-successful speakers, listened to radio broadcasts, such as the VOA (Voice of America). This can be a good thing, especially for very advanced students, but one must be careful. The stories on the VOA are often very difficult; and since they are on the radio, you only get to hear them once. Most students will not comprehend enough of each story for this activity to be helpful. Of course, one can still listen to the VOA, but it should not be the primary source of listening input.

    3. TV/Movies:

    Many students also watch English TV and movies. Sometimes these are better than radio because they contain pictures. Pictures are helpful because they can help make the input more comprehensible. The problem with TV and movies is that they often long and difficult, so that you may lose concentration and comprehend little of what said. Perhaps the best way to view TV shows and movies are to view them in short periods.

    With friends, you can predict what you think will happen, then watch the segment, and finally discuss it. You can watch the segment again and again. Also, if you have a transcript of the program, you can read it to check your comprehension.  Also, you must not simply read the Chinese subtitles while trying to comprehend spoken English in movies. If you do, most likely you will ignore the English input and severely weaken the benefits of the activity.

    4. Wild English:

    Many students also listen to wild English. These are great short segments of language concerning topics that many students interested in. The great thing is that you can listen to the passages as many times as you need to. Plus, the transcript is available with English grammar tips.

    5. Purchased Materials:

    Perhaps some of the greatest (but also most expensive) forms of comprehensible input are instructional books with cassettes/CDs. For example, when I first came to China, I did not even know how to count to ten in Chinese. Soon, however, I bought Chinese for Beginners with the accompanying listening book and cassettes from the Beijing University and Cultural Press. These materials are wonderful. They provided me with vocabulary and grammar support to understand the reading and listening passages.

    For one lesson, the same vocabulary, and grammatical features would reinforced through several different listening passages about a similar topic, such as “going to dinner” or “Chinese history.” Then the next lesson would build on this knowledge and introduce new vocabulary and grammatical features while reinforcing the old ones. I studied my book, listened to the cassettes, and answered the questions every day and made great progress in the Chinese language. My progress was greater than many foreigners in China. However, I would not have progressed nearly as far if I did not have these materials. If I only watched TV or listened to stories on the internet, I do not believe I would now speak Chinese as well as I do.

    6. A Word of Caution:

    All of these: radio, TV, movies, and wild English, can be wonderful sources of comprehensible input. However, you must keep in mind your level and what comprehensible input truly is. If you find yourself simply hearing sounds and not comprehending the main idea of the passages, then you’re listening to practice is not helping you as much as it should. You can still engage in these activities, but you need to use more strategies to help you understand what you hear. Perhaps you need to look new vocabulary up in the dictionary or listen to shorter sections of the passage.

    The bottom line is that if you are not comprehending the main idea of your input, you either need to employ more strategies (i.e. dictionary, repetition, shorten the length, etc.) to make it comprehensible or find different, simpler sources of input.

    Strategies for Understandable:

    Strategies are helpful for comprehending a listening passage. Listening is part of Improve Your Spoken English; When you are listening, try the following:

    Before Listening:

    1. Look at the title of the passage and any pictures.
    2. Ask yourself questions: What do you know about this topic? What do you think this passage will be about? What information do you hope this passage will tell you?

    During Listening:

    1. Focus your attention on what is being said.
    2. Listen to the main idea.
    3. Listen for key words and ideas.
    4. Relate what you hear to what you already know. (Amato, 1996, p55)

    After Listening:

    1. Ask yourself: a) Did the passage match my guess? b) What did I learn from this passage? c) Summarize the main idea of this passage in 1-2 sentences.
    2. Write down any new words you feel are important.
  • Improve Your Spoken English

    Improve Your Spoken English

    Looking to improve your spoken English? This book is your ultimate guide to developing fluency and confidence in your communication.

    Improve Your Spoken English: 

    Every college student in China seems to be studying English. I see them listening to radio programs on their dormitory bed, studying the dictionary in the back of the classroom, and completing grammar exercises in the cafeteria; “This article Written by F.J. Noonan“. Now start how to Improve Your Spoken English by him.

    These same students come and ask the same question to teacher:

    “Teacher . . . my spoken English is very poor. How to improve my spoken English?”

    This short book is my answer to their question. This book will reference modern research, but it is not a book for scholars. This book will contain information that will benefit English teachers, but it is not a book for teachers. This is a book for you, the student.

    In my reading, much of the literature concerning language acquisition theory and research are designed for teachers. This is great for teachers. And I’m sure many students have benefited from this if their teachers have read them. However, I believe students should not be dependent solely on the ability of the teacher. I desire to give knowledge to the students themselves so that you will be empowered to take charge of your own learning.

    This knowledge is not given so that you can criticize your teachers. No matter who your teacher is; no matter what he does in the classroom, you can learn from him. My hope is that you will eagerly learn from whatever type of instruction you receive in the classroom, and then use this knowledge to guide your self-study efforts outside of the classroom.

    Improve Your Aptitude:

    First, let me be frank. There is no magic formula to becoming a fluent speaker of any language. One of the reasons this is so is that each individual is unique. Students learn differently. Moreover, just as some students are better at basketball or math than other students, some students are better at studying foreign languages than other students. One’s natural ability to learn another language is called language aptitude. The higher your language aptitude; the easier it will be for you to learn a foreign language. The lower your language aptitude; the harder it will be. However, no matter what your language aptitude, everyone is able to make progress.

    Improve Your Motivation:

    Motivation. The reason why we study. Though researchers describe numerous subtleties, two types of motivation reoccur throughout the literature: instrumental and integrative motivation. Instrumental motivation is one in which the learner desires to use the language as a tool to achieve some desirable ends. In contrast, an integrative motivation is one in which “learners may choose to learn a particular L2 because they are interested in the people and culture represented by the target-language group” (Ellis, 1997, p75). In various contexts, both motivations have proved important. Of course, students can have both types of motivation at the same time.

    Many students in China have a weak instrumental motivation for studying English. They just want to pass the CET-4 so they can get their bachelor’s degree. Others have a strong instrumental motivation. They study because they want to acquire a good job or study abroad. Some study English for integrative reasons. They simply enjoy it and want to make new friends. I recently conducted a survey among 33 successful and 33 non-successful English language learners in China. It produced the following results:

    Question: What best describes your motivation for learning English?Weak Instrumental (pass test)Strong  Instrumental (get job, study abroad)Integrative (make new friends, enjoyment)
    Successful Learners 9.09 %24.24 %54.54 %
    Non-successful Learners 42.42 %39.39 %6.06 %

    [12.12% of both successful and non-successful learners claimed they studied for “no reason”.]

    Debate surrounds the question of whether success is the result of one’s motivation or one’s motivation is the result of success. Nevertheless, these results are suggestive. Students who study only for the sake of passing a test are highly unlikely to be successful. Strong instrumental motivations are better. In this study, however, it appears that students with an integrative motivation are most likely to be successful.

    As one student responded, “If you learn English but cannot speak it fluently, you are like a blind being on the street. You [will] lose many precious opportunities to enjoy the beauty of this world. You are kept inside a dark box. But if you speak [English] well, you will learn about culture, people, and life. You feel your life colorful and meaningful. You are not isolated.”

    Before you finish the rest of this book, you ought to ask yourself, “Why am I learning English?” If you are only learning so that you can pass some test, you might as well stop here. First, you must realize that English is a key that unlocks doors to opportunities. Opportunities for jobs, travel, new friends, and much more!

    Improve Your More Than Diligence:

    Everyone believes that one must be diligent to learn English well. However, in my research, I found that the diligence of the student is not as great a factor as one would expect. In fact, there was little difference between the diligence (according to their own perceptions) of successful and non-successful English students, as shown in the following chart.

    Question: How would you describe your diligence in studying English?  A: Extremely diligent – I followed my a study plans all of the time.B: Very Diligent – I followed my a study plan most of the time.C: Sometimes diligent – I  followed my study plans sometimes, but often I was too busy with other things.D: Not Diligent – I only studied when I wanted to and wasn’t busy with something else.
    Successful Learners 9.09 %33.33 %42.42 %15.15 %
    Non-successful Learners 6.06 %30.30 %51.51 %15.38 %

    Possibly many of the successful learners actually were more diligent than the non-successful learners. But this at least shows that whether or not learners feel they are diligent or not is of little consequence to the success of their English study. 36.36 % of the non-successful learners feel they have studied extremely or very diligently for two years or more but still speak English poorly. In contrast, 57.58 % of successful learners described themselves as only sometimes diligent or not diligent at all, yet they speak English very well. Why do some very diligent students speak English poorly, while other un-diligent students speak English well?

    Perhaps the story of Yu Gong, the foolish old man who moved the mountain, illustrates the point. English is your mountain. If you want to learn English well, you should have Yu Gong spirit, diligence. But there is another side to this story. According to the story, an angel has mercy on Yu Gong and moves the mountain for him. How we all wish an English angel would come down and give us the gift of English fluency!

    However, this is just a fable. Left to his own method, Yu Gong would not have lived to see his mountain moved. His children’s children would have had to work continually to reach the goal. It simply would have taken too long. Though Yu Gong possessed diligence, he lacked wisdom. If he had simply moved his house, he would have accomplished his goal much sooner and spared his family a lot of unnecessary hardship.

    The same is true for learning English. It is not sufficient simply to study a lot, one must study the right way. If one wants to learn English well, he must have the Foolish Man’s spirit, but the Wise Man’s method.

    How to Improve Your Spoken English: Tips and Guides

    Immerse Yourself in English

    One of the most effective ways to improve your spoken English is through immersion. Also, This means surrounding yourself with the English language as much as possible. Here’s how:

    • Watch Movies and TV Shows: Choose English-language movies and TV shows, and pay attention to pronunciation, intonation, and colloquial expressions. Subtitles can help you better understand the dialogues.
    • Listen to Podcasts and Radio: English podcasts and radio programs are excellent for developing listening skills. Also, Choose topics that interest you to make the experience enjoyable.
    • Read Aloud: Reading English books, articles, or even social media posts aloud helps improve your pronunciation and fluency.

    Practice Speaking Regularly

    Regular practice is key to improving spoken English:

    • Language Exchange Partnerships: Find a language buddy who wants to learn your native language. You can help each other practice by having conversations in both languages.
    • Join English Speaking Clubs: Look for local or online English-speaking clubs where you can practice speaking with others.
    • Use Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Tandem, or HelloTalk provide platforms to practice speaking with native speakers.

    Focus on Pronunciation and Accent

    Accurate pronunciation is essential for effective communication:

    • Phonetic Exercises: Use phonetic charts and exercises to practice the sounds of English. Websites like the BBC Learning English provide resources for this.
    • Mimic Native Speakers: Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation and intonation. Tools like YouTube can be very helpful for this.
    • Record Yourself: Recording your speech and listening to it can help you identify areas for improvement.

    Expand Your Vocabulary

    A broad vocabulary allows you to express yourself more clearly:

    • Learn New Words Daily: Commit to learning a few new words every day, and try to use them in sentences.
    • Use Flashcards: Flashcards can help reinforce your memory of new words.
    • Read Extensively: Reading widely exposes you to new vocabulary in context.

    Enhance Your Understanding of Grammar

    While it’s essential to practice speaking, having a good grasp of grammar helps improve clarity and correctness:

    • Study Grammar Rules: Review basic grammar rules and focus on common mistakes made by English learners.
    • Practice Writing: Writing in English can help reinforce grammar rules and improve overall language skills.
    • Get Feedback: Have native speakers or teachers correct your grammar mistakes to avoid repeating them.

    Build Confidence

    Confidence plays a significant role in your language learning journey:

    • Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable milestones and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
    • Stay Positive: Remember that making mistakes is a part of learning. Do not be too hard on yourself.
    • Engage in Public Speaking: Join clubs like Toastmasters to practice speaking in front of an audience and boost your confidence.

    Use English in Daily Life

    Make English a part of your everyday activities:

    • Think in English: Train your brain to think in English rather than translating from your native language.
    • Label Your Environment: Label items around your house in English to help you learn new vocabulary.
    • Write a Journal: Keep a daily journal in English to practice writing and organizing your thoughts.

    By following these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll find that your spoken English improves significantly over time. Remember, the journey to fluency requires patience, persistence, and practice. Good luck!

    The rest of this book will help you develop a wise man’s method. I suggest that you will acquire language best when you study in such a way that you; 1. listen to large amounts of comprehensible input, 2. have opportunities to use the target language to communicate with others, and 3. support your learning with some grammatical learning (focused on making input comprehensible and developing awareness).

  • Speak Fluently English Week

    Speak Fluently English Week

    Want to speak English fluently week? This guide will show you how to achieve basic fluency in just one week through practice and hard work.

    How to Speak Fluently English in Week? 

    Now you may be thinking that learning English during the week is impossible…but with some hard work and practice, you can. This guide is your bible to learning how to speak and understand “basic” phrases so that you can carry out a conversation. This guide will not make you sufficient in every area of the English language. This takes a lot of practice. But if you follow the exercises contained within this book, you will be on your way to basic fluency!

    “This is a beginner’s guide and is not meant to teach you advanced conversational techniques.”

    English was brought to Britain from Germany and Netherlands. It originated from West Germanic Language and the Anglo-Frisian dialect. It has gone through various phases of evolution. There is the huge difference between Old English, Middle English, and Modern English. Middle English came about after the invasion of the German and the Norman’s.

    The language you are about to learn has a lot of German, Greek, Latin, Spanish, Hindi, French and Old Norse, just to name a few. It is a mix of languages. A huge number of words have originated from Greek and Latin. This eBook is based on the assumption that you are an intermediate learner and can read English. You are here because you have been trying to learn the language but cannot speak it well, or understand English speakers properly. I shall explain the fundamental principles governing the language and point out the common mistake that you should avoid. The end of each chapter will have an action you shall perform.

    Learning English involves listening, speaking, reading and writing. There are four components essential to learning English.

    Phonetics:

    Phonetics is a branch related to sound. Phonology is a branch related to the systematic organization of sounds in the English language. A phoneme is the smallest unit making up a language. The English language consists of 41 phonemes. Phonemes combine to make up words and syllables. According to Wikipedia, a phoneme can be described as “The smallest contrastive linguistic unit that may bring about a change of meaning”. Phonics is the method of teaching people to recognize different sounds.

    Reading Fluency:

    Fluency is the ability to read and speak without stopping. This means not looking at each word and trying to figure out how to read it. It should be accurate and precise.

    Vocabulary Development:

    Vocabulary is the body of words in any language. It is also the individual knowledge of words and their meanings and pronunciations. It is important to develop your vocabulary skills while learning a language. Of course, you are not expected to go through a dictionary in one day; it is a slow process.

    Oral Skills:

    Oral skills are is your ability to speak a language fluently. This requires correct pronunciations and the use of Grammar. Without development oral skills, learning a language would be utterly useless.

    “Speak Fluently English A Week? How to Learn”

    Nine Simple Method:

    English is a beautiful language. In fact, any language you decide to learn is a beautiful one. However, learning a brand new language is not always easy. Lucky for you, English is not considered to be the most difficult language! Now, if you decided to learn Chinese that would take some time. With around 430 million people around the world speaking English and these are only people with English as their first language your decision to learn it is a good one! It is considered the ‘universal language’.

    Additional tips and guides

    Speaking fluent English in just a week is quite a challenge, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can significantly improve your skills. Here are some key steps to follow:

    1. Immerse Yourself in English

    • Surround Yourself with English: Change the language on your devices and consume English media (movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts).
    • Engage in English Conversations: Find language exchange partners or speak with friends and family who are fluent in English.

    2. Practice Speaking Daily

    • Set Practice Sessions: Dedicate at least an hour each day to speak in English.
    • Record Yourself: Record your speech to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

    3. Expand Your Vocabulary

    • Learn New Words Daily: Aim to learn at least 10-20 new words each day. Use flashcards to help memorize them.
    • Use New Words in Sentences: Try to use newly learned words in your conversations or writing.

    4. Improve Pronunciation

    • Practice Phonetics: Focus on the correct pronunciation of words. Use online resources or apps that provide pronunciation guides.
    • Mimic Native Speakers: Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their intonation and pronunciation.

    5. Engage with English Content

    • Read Aloud: Read books, articles, or any content out loud to practice speaking.
    • Watch with Subtitles: Watch English shows or movies with subtitles to enhance your listening and understanding.

    6. Seek Feedback

    • Get Feedback from Fluent Speakers: Ask friends or teachers to provide constructive feedback on your speaking skills.
    • Self-Assessment: Regularly assess your progress and set achievable goals.

    7. Stay Positive and Confident

    • Avoid Perfection: Don’t worry about making mistakes. Focus on communication rather than perfection.
    • Stay Motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and remind yourself of your goals and achievements.

    By following these steps and committing to regular practice, you can make noticeable improvements in your English fluency within a week. Good luck!

    Note: So why waiting for, go get learn and speak fluently English week. One thing remember doesn’t care about mistake because it is human nature without mistake we did it best.

  • Common Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners

    Common Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners

    Improve your English writing and speaking skills by avoid these 30 common mistakes. Learn about grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation errors to sound more natural.

    30 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners

    English is a confusing language; there is no doubt about that. There are a lot of mistakes even native speakers make.

    30 Common Mistakes to avoid in English: English is a confusing language; there is no doubt about that. There are a lot of mistakes even native speakers make. Below are 30 common observed mistakes with explanations and examples to help you avoid them.

    1. Focusing Solely on Grammar

    This is the most common mistake new learners make. If you focus on correcting your grammar too much, your English might sound unnatural to a native speaker. Grammar is important, but over-focusing can hurt your ability to speak fluently.

    2. Confusing ‘in time’ and ‘on time’

    ‘On time’ means punctual. For example: “I am always on time.” ‘In time’ means before a deadline. For example: “I submitted my college assignment just in time.”

    3. Misusing Gender Pronouns

    It is common to mix up he, she, him, and her. This can be a problem for learners from languages without gender-specific pronouns. For instance, confusing ‘he’ and ‘she’ may not affect the meaning much but can lead to funny mistakes.

    4. Fun and Funny

    ‘Fun’ is a noun, while ‘funny’ is an adjective. For example: “The rides were fun” and “My friend is funny”. Something that causes enjoyment and pleasure is ‘fun’, while something that makes you laugh is ‘funny’.

    5. Singular and Plural Errors

    Sometimes, learners miss the ‘s’ at the end of a word to make it plural. Problems also arise with uncountable words or names ending with an ‘s’. For instance, “There are a lot of Smiths in our building,” not “Smithies.”

    6. Less and Fewer

    ‘Less’ and ‘fewer’ are often confused. Use ‘fewer’ for countable nouns: “There are fewer people.” Use ‘less’ for uncountable nouns: “There is less water.”

    7. A and The

    ‘A’ is used when referring to something for the first time, while ‘the’ is used for something specific or already mentioned. Avoid these articles when speaking about things in general.

    8. Who and That

    ‘Who’ is for people, and ‘that’ is for objects. For example: “The boy who yelled wolf” and “The cycle that rolled off the hill.”

    9. Overusing “Very”

    Instead of saying “very happy,” it’s more natural to say “thrilled” or “ecstatic.” Overusing ‘very’ can make your text sound repetitive.

    10. Using the Wrong Preposition

    Using the wrong preposition is a common mistake. For instance, it’s “interested in” not “interested on.”

    11. Incorrect Conjugation of Irregular Verbs

    For example, “He goes to work every day” but “He went to work yesterday.”

    12. Mixing Up Their, There, and They’re

    ‘Their’ is possessive, ‘there’ refers to a place, and ‘they’re’ is a contraction for ‘they are’. For example: “They’re going to their house over there.”

    13. Misplacing Modifiers

    Modifiers should be placed next to the word they modify. “She almost drove for six hours,” and not “She drove for almost six hours.”

    14. Using Double Negatives

    Avoid double negatives like “I don’t have no money.” Instead, say “I don’t have any money.

    15. Mispronouncing Words

    Keep practicing pronunciation. For instance, “pronunciation” is often mistakenly pronounced as “pronounciation.”

    16. Wrong Word Order in Questions

    It should be “Where are you going?” not “Where you are going?”

    17. Redundant use of Expressions

    Avoid redundancy. Instead of saying “return back,” just say “return”.

    18. Confusing Affect and Effect

    ‘Affect’ is a verb, while ‘effect’ is a noun. For example: “The weather affects my mood” and “The effect was surprising.

    19. Incorrect Use of Apostrophes

    Use apostrophes for contractions: “They’re” (they are) and possessive: “John’s book.”

    20. Overusing Passive Voice

    While not necessarily incorrect, overusing passive voice can make sentences less direct. Try to use active voice where possible.

    21. Using Much and Many Incorrectly

    ‘Much’ should be used with uncountable nouns and ‘many’ with countable nouns. For example: “How much water?” and “How many apples?”

    22. Improper Use of “Me” and “I”

    Use “I” as the subject and “me” as the object. For example: “John and I went to the store.” and “The gift was for John and me.”

    23. Ending Sentences with Prepositions

    While often acceptable in spoken English, it’s best to avoid this in formal writing. Instead of “Where are you at?” use “Where are you?”

    24. Incorrect Comparative and Superlative Forms

    For short adjectives, add -er for comparisons and -est for superlatives. “Shirt is shorter” and “shortest,” not “more short.”

    25. Using “That” instead of “Who”

    Use “who” when referring to people and “that” for things. For example: “The man who spoke” not “The man that spoke.”

    26. Forgetting to Use “To” in Verb Infinitives

    For example: “I want to eat,” not “I want eat.”

    27. Misusing “Then” and “Than”

    ‘Then’ refers to time, and ‘than’ is used for comparisons. For example: “I had breakfast, then I went to work.” “She is taller than I am.”

    28. Incorrect Use of “Lay” and “Lie”

    ‘Lay’ requires a direct object, but ‘lie’ does not. “I lay the book down” versus “I need to lie down.”

    29. Misuse of Reflexive Pronouns

    Reflexive pronouns should refer back to the subject. “I did it myself,” not “Myself did it.”

    30. Using Conditional Sentences Incorrectly

    For example: “If I were you, I would…” instead of “If I was you, I would…”.

    Note: Steps to Start Improving Instantly

    • Go on the Internet and look for common mistakes made while learning English for your native language.
    • Keep a pen and paper beside you.
    • Write down all the mistakes you have been making.
    • Understand the correct way to use the words or phrases.
    • Make your own sentences using these words and phrases.
  • The hidden secrets that will help you learn English in a weekend

    The hidden secrets that will help you learn English in a weekend

    Unlock the secrets to learn English in a weekend! With dedication and immersion, you can learn vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills in record time.

    The hidden secrets that will help you learn English in a weekend

    Since you can read and learn English, you could strive to perfect it in one weekend. It will not be easy to learn everything there is to learn in a weekend but if you work hard enough, it can be done. However, implement what you learn is probably the hardest part.

    Speak English daily:

    Do not slip up and start using your native language. Even when you are with your own people, speak in English. If you do not have any way to speak English outside, do it at home. Watch T.V. or read a book and repeat out loud. Not speaking English will not help you learn. You have to use it to remember it!

    Study it:

    Every day, for at least one hour, study the language. Study the words, the history of the words, learn the grammatical rules etc. Even if you spend only half an hour a day, that will work. Think of your English skills as a piece of iron that will rust and break apart if you do not study and oil it.

    Goals:

    Setting goals for yourself is a good way to learn English. Pick common everyday words, and decide to use them regularly by the end of the week or month. You could set any goal you want. This would also turn learning English into a challenge with yourself.

    Be confident:

    Being confident means speaking English when you are outside, even if you are not good at it. Do not apologize for not being able to speak properly, instead ask for help and advice. It is essential to be confident or you will never have the guts to speak out in the open and you will never find out what your level of English is.

    Keep a small notebook with you:

    While you are learning, it would be a good idea to keep a notebook with you at all times. Every time you come across a word that you do not understand, write it down! After that look for its meaning. At the end of your day, go through this list and learn the words on it. Try making sentences in which you can use these new words that you learned. This is a good practice because without writing down the words, chances are that you will forget them.

    Learn to listen:

    Speaking in English outside with other people is not your only problem, you also have to learn to listen. Speaking and listening require two different parts of your body. You have to train your ears to listen to a new language and differential the words. Listen as much as you can. You could also read aloud and this way you would be listening to yourself.

    Do not lose confidence:

    Learning anything new can be emotionally draining, but do not start thinking in a negative way. Instead of thinking “I can’t” think “I will”. Set a date, say a year or two years down the line, when you will be a fluent speaker, reader and writer in English.

    Work hard:

    Everything requires hard work, even learning a language. It is important not to think of it as something that will occur in its own time. You can work hard and reduce your learning time.

    Treat yourself:

    Motivation is the best tool! Treat you and your friends to dinner after you complete a particular goal. Also, ask your friends to test you. This way you will not only look forward to dinner with friends every weekend, but also completing goals on time.

    Thesaurus:

    To develop a vast vocabulary, use a thesaurus. Learn different words with the same meanings, and then use these words in a sentence. Here, you might also see a word that you find fascinating.

    Group study:

    If you know other people trying to learn English, propose a group study. They always work better than trying to study alone. In the group, test each other using flashcards. This will not only be fun, but you will retain more when you are in a group.

    Spellings:

    Do not just learn new words, remember to learn their spellings as well. Spelling as important to learn pronunciations. However, many times in English the words are not always pronounced as they are spelled. I would suggest using an online source to perfect your pronunciations, and then writing each word while pronouncing it aloud. This would develop an association in your brain for the word.

    Pay attention to idioms and colloquialisms:

    To talk as a native speaker talking in English, it is important to pay special attention to idioms and colloquialisms. Make a separate notebook for these and follow the same process as you use for the words.

    Revise:

    Revise every word you have learned during the week on Sunday, or any other day. This way you make sure that the words stay with you. Remember to speak out loud so you hear yourself and your ears are trained to catch the word.

    English movies and songs:

    Whenever you have time on your hands, watch an English movie. This way you will get used to the idea of listening to and speaking English. It will begin to seem like a natural language. Songs can be heard any time, so pick your favorite songs and play them. Pay attention to pronunciations. Do not use subtitles or you will not pay attention to what the person is saying. Books are for readings, when you are watching a movie, listen!

    How to Learn English in a Weekend: Tips and Guides

    Learning English in one weekend is an ambitious goal, but with intense focus and the right strategies, you can make notable progress. Here are some effective tips and guides to help you on your journey:

    1. Immerse Yourself Completely

    Spend the entire weekend surrounded by English. Change the language settings on your phone and other devices to English. Consume all forms of media—TV shows, movies, music, books, and news—in English. This immersion helps to reinforce vocabulary and familiarizes you with common phrases and sentence structures.

    2. Focus on Basic Vocabulary and Phrases

    Start with the essentials. Learn common vocabulary and phrases for everyday situations such as greetings, ordering food, shopping, and asking for directions. Here are a few examples:

    • Greetings: Hello, Hi, Good morning, Good evening
    • Common Questions: How are you? What’s your name? Where are you from?
    • Useful Phrases: Thank you, Please, Excuse me, I’m sorry

    3. Use Language Learning Apps

    Download language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone. These apps offer structured lessons that focus on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. They are designed to be interactive and keep you engaged.

    4. Practice Speaking

    Find a language partner or use language exchange platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk to practice speaking with native speakers. If that isn’t possible, try speaking to yourself in English or use voice recognition features in apps to get feedback on your pronunciation.

    5. Listen and Repeat

    Listen to English audio resources like podcasts, songs, or audiobooks. Pause and repeat the sentences to practice pronunciation. Try to mimic the intonation and rhythm of the speakers.

    6. Use Flashcards for Memorization

    Create flashcards with useful vocabulary and phrases. Use apps like Anki or physical flashcards to test yourself repeatedly. This spaced repetition technique will help improve retention.

    7. Work on Common Expressions and Slang

    Get familiar with common English expressions and slang. Understanding and using these will make your speech sound more natural and fluent:

    • Expressions: Break a leg, Piece of cake, Under the weather
    • Slang: Cool, Hang out, Catch up

    8. Write it Down

    Practice writing simple sentences and short paragraphs. Start with a daily journal entry or describe your day in English. Writing helps reinforce learning and improves your ability to construct sentences correctly.

    9. Watch Educational Videos

    Watch YouTube channels like “English Addiction with Mr. Duncan” or TED Talks. These can be helpful for both understanding spoken English and picking up new vocabulary.

    10. Stay Confident and Positive

    Last but not least, stay confident and positive. Learning a language is challenging, but with dedication and the right mindset, you’ll make progress. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes—they are a crucial part of the learning process.

    Sample Schedule:

    Here’s a sample schedule to help you organize your weekend:

    Day 1:

    • Morning: Start with basic vocabulary and phrases; Use language learning apps
    • Afternoon: Practice listening and repeating with podcasts and songs; Create and review flashcards
    • Evening: Watch an English movie or TV show; Write a short summary of what you watched

    Day 2:

    • Morning: Review previous day’s vocabulary; Practice speaking with a language partner or app
    • Afternoon: Learn common expressions and slang; Practice writing sentences
    • Evening: Watch educational videos or TED Talks; Write a journal entry about your weekend

    By following these tips diligently, you’ll be on your way to improving your English skills significantly over the weekend. Good luck!

    Note: Steps to Start Improving instantly;

    • Pick a topic that is trending
    • Decide on your opinion on the topic
    • Prepare a speech on a pen and paper
    • In a gathering of friends or family, make this speech!
  • English Writing Improvement Tricks and Tips

    English Writing Improvement Tricks and Tips

    Discover effective techniques to improvement your English writing. Practice daily, review your work, and avoid common mistakes.

    English Writing Improvement Tricks and Tips

    As I said earlier, a language has four components – Reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each of these components is complementary to each other. Once you know how to listen, read and speak English, it is time to finish the process by writing properly. Writing is probably the easiest to do; However, one can make mistakes in spellings. Also, a person thinks and writes at different speeds and that could unintentionally ruin the sentence. Still, writing is not all that easy. Problems arise when it comes to punctuation marks.

    Write, write, write!

    Just like reading and expanding your vocabulary, writing properly involves a lot of practice. Pick a topic, and start writing. Do this exercise every day. Make a portfolio of all your pieces and review them in a month and look for Mistakes that you made. Once you are done, ask a friend to edit it for you.

    Learn the correct version:

    Once you have figured out your mistakes, make it a point to learn the correct version. Incorporate the corrected version in your next piece of writing exercise.

    Avoid using a guide:

    While you are practicing your writing skills, do not use a guide or dictionary. Make mistakes and then learn from those mistakes. If you do not make mistakes you will never learn. Once you know the mistakes you made, start writing again and try correcting those same mistakes.

    Use new words and phrases:

    Make it a point to use at least two new words and phrases, as well as idioms, slang and colloquialisms in your article. Make sure you ask somebody to correct these if they are wrong.

    Punctuation:

    The punctuation marks you use at the end of each sentence will set the tone of that particular sentence. Whether it is an exclamation (!) or a question (?) depends on how you frame your sentence.

    Note: Steps to Start Improving instantly;

    • Pick a topic that interests you and are passionate about,
    • Start a blog based on the topic.

    English Writing Improvement Tricks and Tips

    Improving your English writing skills involves consistent practice and getting familiar with different aspects of the language. Here are some practical tips to help you enhance your writing:

    1. Read Regularly

    Reading a variety of materials such as books, articles, and essays helps you understand different writing styles and expand your vocabulary. Pay attention to sentence structure, word choice, and grammar.

    2. Write Daily

    Set aside time each day to write. It could be journaling, blogging, or writing short stories. Consistent practice helps you refine your writing skills.

    3. Use Writing Prompts

    Writing prompts can help spark creativity and push you to write about new and diverse topics. There are many online resources available that provide daily writing prompts.

    4. Expand Your Vocabulary

    Make a habit of learning new words daily and using them in your writing. Tools like flashcards, vocabulary apps, and keeping a word journal can be helpful.

    5. Focus on Sentence Structure

    Vary your sentence structure to make your writing more interesting. Use a mix of short and long sentences and experiment with complex and compound sentences.

    6. Pay Attention to Grammar and Punctuation

    Proper grammar and punctuation are essential for clear and effective writing. Refer to grammar guides and use online tools to check your work.

    7. Edit and Revise

    Always review and revise your writing. Editing helps you catch errors and improve the clarity and flow of your text. Consider getting feedback from others to gain a new perspective.

    8. Avoid Repetition

    Using the same words and phrases repeatedly can make your writing monotonous. Use synonyms and rephrase sentences to keep your writing fresh.

    9. Practice Mindful Writing

    Be mindful of what you are writing. Think about the message you want to convey and the best way to articulate it.

    10. Use Writing Tools

    Several online tools can help you improve your writing. Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and Thesaurus.com can assist in grammar checks, readability, and finding appropriate synonyms.

    Beginner Steps to Start Improving Instantly:

    • Pick a topic you are interested in and write about it.
    • Start a blog to share your thoughts and practice writing regularly.
    • Engage in writing communities to receive feedback and tips.

    Improvement your English writing takes time and dedication, but with consistent practice and the right strategies, you’ll see significant progress. Happy writing!

  • Most Used English Vocabulary Imperative to Learn

    Most Used English Vocabulary Imperative to Learn

    Enhance your English vocabulary with an in-depth understanding of the imperative mood. Learn how to give commands and make requests with confidence.

    Most Used English Vocabulary Imperative to Learn

    The imperative mood in English vocabulary is used to give commands, make requests, or offer invitations. It is a direct way to engage the listener and instruct them on what to do.

    Definition:

    Imperative Mood: A grammatical mood expressing a command, obligation, or a request.

    Examples:

    • “Study harder.”
    • “Please close the door.”
    • “Come to the event.”

    Key Characteristics:

    1. Structure: Starts with a verb in its base form, without a subject.
    2. Directness: Focuses on the action, not the subject performing it.
    3. Usage: Often used for instructions, requests, offers, and advice.

    English has an extensive vocabulary. It is loaded with homophones, homonyms, and homographs.

    • Homonyms – Words with the same spellings and pronunciations but different meanings.
    • Homophones – Words that sound similar but have different spellings and meanings.
    • Homographs – Words that are spelled the same but have different pronunciations and meanings.

    HOMOPHONES:

    1. Advise – Advise is a verb. For example: I advise you to bring bottled water.

      Advice – Advice is a noun. For example: I need your advice.

    2. Affect – Affect is a verb, which means, “to influence.” For example: The injury won’t affect her performance.

      Effect – Effect is a noun, that means “the outcome or result.” When used as a verb, ‘effect’ means “to produce a result.” For example: The song had a calming effect on the baby.

    3. Allude – Allude is a verb, which means “calling attention to indirectly.” It is a ‘coy.’ For example: The paintings allude to Rembrandt.

      Elude – Elude means to evade or get away from something. For example: Michael Scofield eluded the cops.

    4. Allusion – An allusion is an indirect or casual reference. For example: The novel’s title is an allusion to Shakespeare.

      Illusion – An illusion is a false idea or image. For example: The tension between illusion and reality.

    5. All – Used to refer to the whole quantity. For example: She left all her jewelry to her daughter.

      Awl – A small pointed tool used for piercing holes. For example: He used an awl to pierce the leather.

    6. Amoral – Lacking a moral sense; unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something. For example: An amoral attitude to gender discrimination.

      Immoral – Immoral means violating conscience or public morality. For example: An immoral and unwinnable war.

    7. Ark – Noah’s ark OR a vessel that serves as protection against extinction. For example: A starship built by their android protectors.

      Arc – A curved shape. For example: The huge arc of the sky.

    8. Bazaar – Bazaar is a marketplace. For example: Tony went to the bazaar to buy vegetables.

      Bizarre – Bizarre, on the other hand, means something unusual and spooky. For example: The Bermuda Triangle incidents are bizarre.

    9. Bridal – Bridal concerns a wedding or bride. For example: Bridal traditions will never go away.

      Bridle – A bridle is a horse harness or a rope. It could also mean to keep under control. For example: The fact that she was the servant bridled her tongue.

    10. Coign – An external corner of a wall. For example: ‘Coign of vantage’ is a phrase meaning a favorable position for observation or action.

      Coin – A flat, typically round piece of metal with an official stamp, used as money OR to invent or devise a new word or phrase. For example: He showed me how we could make a lot of coins OR he coined the term ‘desktop publishing.’

    11. Colonel – An army officer of high rank. For example: The jawans saluted as the Colonel drove by.

      Kernel – A softer, usually edible part of a nut OR the central or most important part of something. For example: This is the kernel of the argument.

    12. Complement – A thing that completes or brings to perfection. For example: The libretto proved a perfect complement to the music.

      Compliment – A polite expression of praise or admiration. For example: The bride was complimented by many on her wedding day.

    13. Doe – A female deer. For example: The safari saw a doe and her fawn.

      Dough – A thick, malleable mixture of flour and liquid, used for baking OR lots of money. For example: The dog ate the cookie dough.

    14. Elicit – Evoke or draw out. For example: A corrupt heart elicits in an hour all that is bad in us.

      Illicit – Forbidden by law, rules, or customs. For example: Adolescents have started using illicit drugs.

    15. Gorilla – A powerfully built great ape. For example: The gorillas were creating a ruckus in the jungle.

      Guerrilla – A member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting. For example: The guerrilla warfare was getting out of hand.

    16. Immanent – Immanent means “pervading” or “existing within.” For example: The room’s immanent tension made her anxious.

      Imminent – Imminent means “about to happen.” For example: The exam period is imminent.


      Eminent – Eminent means “distinguished.” For example: He was an eminent scholar.

    17. Knead – Massage or squeeze with the hands. For example: The bakers kneaded the dough.

      Need – Require something because it is essential or very important. For example: I don’t need your sarcasm.

    18. Licence – Licence is the noun. For example: One who is licensed to perform dental surgery has a dental surgeon’s Licence.

      License – License is the verb.

    19. Nay – Or rather; more than that. For example: It will take months, nay, years.

      Neigh – A characteristic high-pitched sound uttered by a horse. For example: The horses neighed in excitement on seeing their master.

    20. Principle – A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. For example: A man of principle.

      Principal – The first in order of importance. For example: The country’s principal cities.

    21. Shear – Cut something (such as wool, hair, or grass) with scissors or shears. For example: I’ll shear off all the fleece.

      Sheer – Nothing other than; unmitigated. For example: She giggled with sheer delight.

    22. Stake – A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end. For example: They used stakes to support the trees.

      Steak – A slice of meat or fish, especially beef, cooked by broiling, frying, etc. For example: He liked his steak rare.

    23. Team – Two or more people working together. For example: He teamed up with the band to produce the album.

      Teem – Be full of or swarming with. For example: Every garden is teeming with wildlife.

    24. Toe – Any of the five digits at the end of a human foot; push, touch, or kick with one’s toe. For example: He toed off his shoes and flexed his feet.

      Tow – Pull along with a rope or chain. For example: The car had to be towed once it stalled.

    25. Vain – Conceited; producing no result. For example: A vain attempt to tidy up the room.

      Vane – Device for showing wind direction.


      Vein – A blood vessel; streak; crack. For example: He felt the adrenalin course through his veins.

    26. We – Used to refer to the speaker together with other people regarded in the same category. For example: Nobody knows kids better than we teachers do.

      Wee – Little; very small; very early. For example: In the wee hours of the morning.

    27. Whine – A complaining tone of voice. For example: The whine of the engine.

      Wine – An alcoholic drink made of fermented grape juice. For example: He opened a bottle of red wine.

    28. Wretch – An unfortunate or unhappy person; a despicable or contemptible person. For example: Ungrateful wretches.

      Retch – Make a sound or movement of vomiting. For example: The poor child retched during the flight.

    Homographs and Homonyms:

    There are also words such as homonyms and homographs. Homographs are words with different meanings and pronunciations but the same spellings, while homonyms are words with different meanings but the same spellings and pronunciations. Homographs are words such as read (reed) and read (red).

    • Bow – A weapon used for shooting arrows; a ribbon tied with two knots; bending your head to show respect to a king.
    • Wound – An injury; wrap around something.
    • Minute – Something small and tiny; a period of time.
    • Sow – Planting a seed in the ground; an adult female pig.
    • Tear – Tears are what comes out of your eyes when you cry; ripping or breaking something.

    Some homonyms to look out for are:

    1. Book – One could refer to the book you are reading, or to booking a seat at a restaurant or booking a ticket.
    2. Peer – It could mean looking at something, or a person your own age.
    3. Fair – A fair could be a place you go to have fun, or it would mean being just and reasonable.

    Note: Steps to Start Improving Instantly:

    • Keep a pocket notebook with yourself all the time.
    • Concentrate on people’s speech.
    • Pick out words that are noticed as homophones, homonyms, and homographs.
    • Categorize these words in different sections.
    • Find their different meanings and uses for learn English vocabulary imperative mood.

    The Importance of Learning English Vocabulary

    Why is Vocabulary Essential?

    1. Communication: A rich vocabulary allows you to express your thoughts clearly and effectively.
    2. Understanding: Knowing more words improves your reading comprehension and listening skills.
    3. Academic Success: A strong vocabulary is crucial for academic achievements and standardized tests.
    4. Professional Growth: It enhances your ability to communicate in a professional setting, aiding career advancement.
    5. Cultural Awareness: Vocabulary helps in understanding cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions unique to English.

    How to Improve Your English Vocabulary

    1. Read Regularly: Books, articles, and blogs in English will introduce you to new words.
    2. Use a Thesaurus: Learning synonyms and antonyms expands your word knowledge.
    3. Flashcards: Create flashcards for new words and review them regularly.
    4. Conversational Practice: Use new vocabulary in conversations to reinforce learning.
    5. Word Games: Engage in crosswords, Scrabble, and other word games for a fun learning method.

    Practical Tips

    • Set Goals: Aim to learn a certain number of new words each day or week.
    • Contextual Learning: Try to learn words through sentences and paragraphs rather than in isolation.
    • Regular Review: Consistently review and practice the words you have learned to ensure they become a permanent part of your vocabulary.

    Improving your vocabulary is imperative to mastering the English language and can open up numerous opportunities in various aspects of life.

  • Some Quick Steps to Learn English Grammar

    Some Quick Steps to Learn English Grammar

    Unravel the secrets of learn English grammar. Explore the fundamentals of nouns, verbs, and sentence construction to enhance your language skills.

    Some Quick Steps to Learn English Grammar

    Grammar can be pesky and annoying. It is not easy to learn because there are so many rules that simply do not make sense. For example, the pronunciations of ‘cat’ as ‘Kat’ and ‘price’ as ‘prize’, does not make sense. Grammar can be defined as a set of notions about the correct use of a language. English Grammar is extensive. The words can be distinguished into nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions. A little introduction into the basics of Grammar is important so that you understand how things work.

    Nouns:

    In the simplest form, a noun is used to identify a name, place, animal or thing. It is also the largest English word class. Noun phrases are sentences that function as nouns. For example: The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.

    Pronouns:

    Pronouns function in place of nouns and noun phrases. These include personal pronouns, interrogative pronouns, demonstrative pronouns, and relative pronouns. For example, I, you, we, she, he, they are all pronouns. For example: They stabbed him in the back.

    Verbs:

    Verbs describe actions. For example: She is singing. It is used for a word that describe any action being performed.

    Adjective:

    An adjective describes an attribute of a word or phrase. For example: She is singing beautifully.

    Adverb:

    An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb. For example: Sea biscuit was the fastest runner at the Derby.

    Conjunctions:

    A conjunction is a word that is used to connect two sentences. It creates a logical relation between two phrases. For example, and, or, but, nor, as well as, neither, for, so etc. are called conjunctions.

    Preposition:

    A preposition is a word that shows the relation of a noun or pronoun to other words in the sentence. For example: The book is in the shelf. Speaking English is different from speaking correct English. For someone who has been speaking in English his or her entire life, Grammar comes naturally. I know a lot of people who can speak English and get their point across, but their Grammar is not that great. There are a few steps you can take to practice your Grammar skills.

    Understand the parts of speech:

    Learn all the parts of speech. Essentially, every word in a sentence can be categorized into a word class. When you are reading a book or the newspaper, try figuring out which words are the nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, conjunctions, and prepositions.

    Look for structures:

    Observe how people use their words and how books are written. There are certain structures that stay the same.

    Identify mistakes:

    There are a lot of mistakes in the way English is spoken and written, even by native English speakers. However, when learning a new language, some words may be difficult for your native speakers. This differs from language to language. For example, Russians have trouble understanding the difference between the use of ‘a’ and ‘the’.

    Exercises:

    Perform grammatical exercises. You could do this on the Internet or you could buy a children’s English schoolbook. Complete at least one exercise in a day. This is how children learn Grammar. There is no other way to do it.

    Hire a tutor:

    It would be advisable for you go hire a tutor to guide you. Only a tutor can tell you that you are wrong and correct your mistakes. Colleagues and friend might not correct you for fear of embarrassing you or hurting your feelings.

    Do not translate!

    Translating English to your native language or vise-versa will inevitably create mistakes. Let your native language be and concentrate only on English. Translating generally, spoils the Grammar of the sentence. Listen When you are listening, you are hearing correct Grammar. You could either listen to
    yourself while reading aloud or you could watch T.V.

    Note: Steps to Start Improving instantly;

    • Pick an English book or newspaper to read,
    • Keep a pen and paper with you. Preferably a small notebook specifically for components of Grammar,
    • While reading, go one paragraph at a time and note down the nouns, verbs, adjective and adverbs that you come across,
    • Try making your own sentences using these words,
    • Repeat the same process for the next paragraph

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Why is learning English grammar important?

    Learning English grammar is crucial because it helps you construct coherent and understandable sentences. Good grammar allows for effective communication and helps you avoid misunderstandings.

    2. What are the basic parts of speech?

    The basic parts of speech include nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions. Understanding these categories helps you analyze and correctly construct sentences.

    3. How can I effectively learn the parts of speech?

    You can effectively learn the parts of speech by reading books or newspapers and identifying the role of each word in a sentence. Practicing by categorizing words into their respective parts of speech can enhance your understanding.

    4. Why should I avoid translating between languages while learning English?

    Avoiding translation helps you think directly in English, which prevents grammatical errors that can arise from differences between languages. Concentrating solely on English ensures better grammar and fewer mistakes.

    5. What are some practical exercises to improve grammar skills?

    Practical exercises include completing grammatical exercises from children’s English schoolbooks, reading English literature and noting parts of speech, and making your own sentences using newly learned words.

    6. How can hiring a tutor help with learning grammar?

    A tutor can provide personalized guidance, correct your mistakes, and offer constructive feedback, which you might not get from friends or colleagues who may avoid correcting you to spare your feelings.

    7. What role does listening play in learning English grammar?

    Listening to correct grammar through spoken language, such as watching TV or listening to audiobooks, helps reinforce proper sentence structures and usage in your mind.

    8. What initial steps should I take to improve my English grammar instantly?

    To start improving instantly:

    • Read an English book or newspaper.
    • Keep a small notebook for grammar components.
    • Note down nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs while reading.
    • Create your own sentences using identified words.
    • Repeat the process for each paragraph.