#1: Find some English radio stations and podcasts in iTunes
There are tons of podcasts about all topics imaginable these days: entertainment, politics, news. A good way to find one is to look for a podcast from a TV channel you usually watch in your cable TV. Look for one that interests you and listen to it in your car while driving. You’ll train your ear that way!
#2: Check out the Top Videos on YouTube and watch for at least a few minutes
Most of them are hilarious! It will be so worth it. Try looking at the comments to pick up some words and sentences you aren’t familiar with, but be careful there is all kinds of bizarre stuff in YouTube comments.
#3: Talk and sing to yourself in English
When you are alone at home, or of course in the shower, start talking! Sing a song in English the way it sounds to you, talk about the weather or any other topic. Do this frequently and your pronunciation will drastically improve – guaranteed!
4#: Do you have an English-speaking idol? Go to YouTube and watch all of his/her interviews in English
You can spend hours doing that listening to interviews and it sure won’t feel like studying. But it is! It helps you a great deal.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Monday, March 19, 2018
Why Learn English Through Songs and Music?
So what is it about songs that make them such effective English language learning tools?
It works. There is considerable scientific evidence that demonstrates how music can help second language learners acquire grammar and vocabulary and improve spelling. Then there is the so-called “Mozart Effect”, the concept that listening to classic musical boosts the performance of mental tasks like learning.
Everyday language and colloquial speech. Songs and music almost always contain a lot of useful vocabulary, phrases and expressions. And since the intended audience is native speakers, songs and music include up-to-date language and colloquialisms. The language used in songs is casual and actually usable, if you pick the right music.
Get familiar with the sound of English. Listening to songs will also allow you to focus on your pronunciation and understanding of the English language’s rhythm, tone and beat.
Get English stuck inside your head. Many of the words and sound patterns within a song are repetitive and this makes it easier for them to stick in your mind. You probably already know this. Music has an uncanny ability of getting stuck in our heads. Tunes and lyrics will often infiltrate our thoughts and play over and over in our minds. All of which will help you to learn English through songs as you easily memorize vocabulary and phrases. In fact, after a short period of time you will find it almost impossible to forget them.
Songs are emotional. Our relationship with music is deep, powerful and hugely rewarding. It is a key that unlocks our emotions, influences our moods and enhances our mental and physical well-being. When something is emotional, then of course it is also easier to remember.
Music is an easy habit. One reason people find language learning difficult is they don’t have an extra minute in the day to devote to their studies. But when you’re learning English through songs, you don’t need to set aside too much time because you can take the music with you wherever you go. You can have English songs playing in the car, the kitchen and the shower. And by picking music you like, you can listen to the same material over and over again, without becoming bored.
Music teaches you English culture. Music gives you insight into English-speaking culture and how English-speaking people think and feel. Familiarity with popular songs and artists gives you something to talk about with your English-speaking friends.
It works. There is considerable scientific evidence that demonstrates how music can help second language learners acquire grammar and vocabulary and improve spelling. Then there is the so-called “Mozart Effect”, the concept that listening to classic musical boosts the performance of mental tasks like learning.
Everyday language and colloquial speech. Songs and music almost always contain a lot of useful vocabulary, phrases and expressions. And since the intended audience is native speakers, songs and music include up-to-date language and colloquialisms. The language used in songs is casual and actually usable, if you pick the right music.
Get familiar with the sound of English. Listening to songs will also allow you to focus on your pronunciation and understanding of the English language’s rhythm, tone and beat.
Get English stuck inside your head. Many of the words and sound patterns within a song are repetitive and this makes it easier for them to stick in your mind. You probably already know this. Music has an uncanny ability of getting stuck in our heads. Tunes and lyrics will often infiltrate our thoughts and play over and over in our minds. All of which will help you to learn English through songs as you easily memorize vocabulary and phrases. In fact, after a short period of time you will find it almost impossible to forget them.
Songs are emotional. Our relationship with music is deep, powerful and hugely rewarding. It is a key that unlocks our emotions, influences our moods and enhances our mental and physical well-being. When something is emotional, then of course it is also easier to remember.
Music is an easy habit. One reason people find language learning difficult is they don’t have an extra minute in the day to devote to their studies. But when you’re learning English through songs, you don’t need to set aside too much time because you can take the music with you wherever you go. You can have English songs playing in the car, the kitchen and the shower. And by picking music you like, you can listen to the same material over and over again, without becoming bored.
Music teaches you English culture. Music gives you insight into English-speaking culture and how English-speaking people think and feel. Familiarity with popular songs and artists gives you something to talk about with your English-speaking friends.
7 FAMOUS ENGLISH LOVE QUOTES TO PUT YOU IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
ove is a complex emotion and can be difficult to talk about in any language, let alone your second language. If you are learning English and want to impress the person you love, borrow some of these expressions from the masters of the English language and put the special person in your life in the mood for love.
’Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. (Alfred, Lord Tennyson)
Tennyson wrote these words as part of his poem In Memoriam A.H.H. which he wrote in memory of a close friend who died. Most of us would agree with the message behind the line that even if our love has to end, it is still an amazing and worthwhile experience.
Love asks me no questions, and gives me endless support. (William Shakespeare)
A beautiful quote from one of the masters of the English language. Shakespeare was the first to use many English words and expressions that we still use in English today. More than 3000 words in the dictionary are recorded as being first used in Shakespeare’s works.
To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, is the next best thing. (William Thackeray)
The message of this is that whether you win or lose in love, it’s still a great experience in the end. Thackeray thought of himself as an unsentimental realist; however, there’s plenty of romance in that quote.
If you would be loved, love and be lovable. (Benjamin Franklin)
As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin certainly has the authority to advise us on most things. In this quote he is saying that if we want people to love us, we need to love them and make ourselves easy to love. This advice from more than 200 years ago which is still relevant today.
The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost. (G.K. Chesterton)
Do we value things more when we know they might not last forever? G.K. Chesterton thought so. This quote is an important reminder to appreciate the people around us and not to take them for granted.
Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. (Franklin P. Jones)
This is an interesting quote because it relies on us knowing the common english expression ‘Love makes the world go round’, meaning that love is what makes everything work in the world. Franklin P. Jones disagrees with this and in the quote above, he says that although love doesn’t make everything in the world work, it’s still the most valuable thing in the world.
The course of true love never did run smooth. (William Shakespeare)
What, two quotes from Shakespeare? Well, he did write Romeo & Juliet, the most famous love story in the English language. This quote is from a different play but that doesn’t make it any less true. We all have difficulties in our love lives and it’s comforting to know that true love has challenges for everyone.
’Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. (Alfred, Lord Tennyson)
Tennyson wrote these words as part of his poem In Memoriam A.H.H. which he wrote in memory of a close friend who died. Most of us would agree with the message behind the line that even if our love has to end, it is still an amazing and worthwhile experience.
Love asks me no questions, and gives me endless support. (William Shakespeare)
A beautiful quote from one of the masters of the English language. Shakespeare was the first to use many English words and expressions that we still use in English today. More than 3000 words in the dictionary are recorded as being first used in Shakespeare’s works.
To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, is the next best thing. (William Thackeray)
The message of this is that whether you win or lose in love, it’s still a great experience in the end. Thackeray thought of himself as an unsentimental realist; however, there’s plenty of romance in that quote.
If you would be loved, love and be lovable. (Benjamin Franklin)
As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin certainly has the authority to advise us on most things. In this quote he is saying that if we want people to love us, we need to love them and make ourselves easy to love. This advice from more than 200 years ago which is still relevant today.
The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost. (G.K. Chesterton)
Do we value things more when we know they might not last forever? G.K. Chesterton thought so. This quote is an important reminder to appreciate the people around us and not to take them for granted.
Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. (Franklin P. Jones)
This is an interesting quote because it relies on us knowing the common english expression ‘Love makes the world go round’, meaning that love is what makes everything work in the world. Franklin P. Jones disagrees with this and in the quote above, he says that although love doesn’t make everything in the world work, it’s still the most valuable thing in the world.
The course of true love never did run smooth. (William Shakespeare)
What, two quotes from Shakespeare? Well, he did write Romeo & Juliet, the most famous love story in the English language. This quote is from a different play but that doesn’t make it any less true. We all have difficulties in our love lives and it’s comforting to know that true love has challenges for everyone.
10 TOP TIPS FOR LEARNING ENGLISH AT HOME
Surround yourself with English
You don’t need to be in an English-speaking country to surround yourself with English. Find ways to make English part of your everyday life at home, like writing your shopping list, reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, writing a diary in English, or listening to English on your cellphone while traveling to work.
Make English friends
Even if you don’t live in an English-speaking country, there are probably many foreigners living nearby. Find ways to meet native English-speakers: going to foreign bars and restaurants, joining sport and social clubs, or arranging language exchanges. You could even volunteer as a guide at a local tourist attraction to meet English-speakers from all over the world.
Find study partners
You don’t need native speakers to practice your English. Find a study partner, or form an English club and meet regularly to speak English. You can motivate each other, and you will learn by helping others with their problems.
Use authentic materials
Just reading English in textbooks can get boring. Try reading English texts written for and by native speakers. It will be a challenge at first but a lot more interesting once you can do it. If you can’t find English books or magazines, use the Internet to read the news in English every day. Why not take a look at the EF English Live free Engish resources and check your skills with our free English test, try fun quizzes, learn with our ebooks and more?
Test your English level for free now! Take our 10min free EF English Live test and start the English learning challenge.
Get online
Get online and you can be in contact with people from all over the world. Join chat rooms or forums, take an online English course, or find a penpal to practice your English while learning about different cultures. With social media, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with friends from all over the world.
Set yourself realistic goals
Give yourself a reason for studying: do you want to get a promotion, be able to talk to your foreign colleagues, study abroad, or spend your next holiday in an English-speaking country? Set short-term as well as long-term goals, and keep track of your progress.
Listen to real English
Train your ear by listening to English spoken at normal speed, even if you don’t understand everything. Also practice listening without seeing things written down and don’t be afraid to listen to things several times to catch any interesting or unusual vocabulary in there. It’s easy to find free English podcasts online and news agencies from most English-speaking countries have audio and video news available for free online.
Find fun ways to learn new words
If you like singing, then look up the words for your favorite English songs. Or if you remember what you see, write new words on ‘Post-it’ notes and stick them up around your house. Make funny example sentences or draw little pictures next to new vocabulary to help you remember it.
Learn about the culture
Find out about the people and the culture of English-speaking countries. Learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary: it’s about communicating with people who have different ways of thinking as well as speaking!
Whatever you do, have fun!
Learning a language does take work, but you’ll be more likely to stick to it if you are enjoying yourself. Play games, do crossword puzzles, sing songs, read comics, and don’t worry too much about making mistakes – making mistakes is often the way to learn best!
You don’t need to be in an English-speaking country to surround yourself with English. Find ways to make English part of your everyday life at home, like writing your shopping list, reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, writing a diary in English, or listening to English on your cellphone while traveling to work.
Make English friends
Even if you don’t live in an English-speaking country, there are probably many foreigners living nearby. Find ways to meet native English-speakers: going to foreign bars and restaurants, joining sport and social clubs, or arranging language exchanges. You could even volunteer as a guide at a local tourist attraction to meet English-speakers from all over the world.
Find study partners
You don’t need native speakers to practice your English. Find a study partner, or form an English club and meet regularly to speak English. You can motivate each other, and you will learn by helping others with their problems.
Use authentic materials
Just reading English in textbooks can get boring. Try reading English texts written for and by native speakers. It will be a challenge at first but a lot more interesting once you can do it. If you can’t find English books or magazines, use the Internet to read the news in English every day. Why not take a look at the EF English Live free Engish resources and check your skills with our free English test, try fun quizzes, learn with our ebooks and more?
Test your English level for free now! Take our 10min free EF English Live test and start the English learning challenge.
Get online
Get online and you can be in contact with people from all over the world. Join chat rooms or forums, take an online English course, or find a penpal to practice your English while learning about different cultures. With social media, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with friends from all over the world.
Set yourself realistic goals
Give yourself a reason for studying: do you want to get a promotion, be able to talk to your foreign colleagues, study abroad, or spend your next holiday in an English-speaking country? Set short-term as well as long-term goals, and keep track of your progress.
Listen to real English
Train your ear by listening to English spoken at normal speed, even if you don’t understand everything. Also practice listening without seeing things written down and don’t be afraid to listen to things several times to catch any interesting or unusual vocabulary in there. It’s easy to find free English podcasts online and news agencies from most English-speaking countries have audio and video news available for free online.
Find fun ways to learn new words
If you like singing, then look up the words for your favorite English songs. Or if you remember what you see, write new words on ‘Post-it’ notes and stick them up around your house. Make funny example sentences or draw little pictures next to new vocabulary to help you remember it.
Learn about the culture
Find out about the people and the culture of English-speaking countries. Learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary: it’s about communicating with people who have different ways of thinking as well as speaking!
Whatever you do, have fun!
Learning a language does take work, but you’ll be more likely to stick to it if you are enjoying yourself. Play games, do crossword puzzles, sing songs, read comics, and don’t worry too much about making mistakes – making mistakes is often the way to learn best!
Have a conversation
- Have a conversation
Ex: I hope we’ll have time to have a conversation after the meeting.
- Have argument
Ex: She had an argument with her friend.
- Have an interview
Ex: I have an interview tomorrow.
- Have a headache
Ex: I had a headache yesterday.
- Have a meeting
Ex: We have a meeting at 9 a.m.
- Have a party
Ex: We’re having a party next weekend.
- Have a baby
Ex: Tim and Kate just had a baby.
- Have a fight
Ex: He and his girl friend had a fight.
- Have breakfast
Ex: Let’s have breakfast before we start going to school.
- Have fun
Ex: Did you have fun at the party?
- Have a rest
Ex: You look awful. Lie down and have a rest.
- Have a shower
Ex: I usually have a shower a day.
- Have a problem
Ex: Do you have a problem with it?
Sunday, March 18, 2018
English Vocabulary: Skirt & Dress Styles
Skirt Styles
1. accordion skirt - a form of tight pleating which allows the garment to expand its shape when moving
2. a-line skirt - a skirt with a slight flare, roughly in the shape of a capital letter A
3. bell-shaped - flared noticeably from the waist but then, unlike a church bell, cylindrical for much of its length
4. box pleated - knife pleats back-to-back, and have a tendency to spring out from the waistline.
5. circle - a skirt cut in sections to make one or more circles with a hole for the waist
6. culottes - a form of divided skirt, split skirt or pantskirt constructed like a pair of shorts, but hanging like a skirt
7. full skirt - a skirt with fullness gathered into the waistband
8. gored skirt - a skirt that fits through the waistline and flares at the hem
9. inverted pleated skirt - a skirt made by bringing two folds of fabric to a center line in front and/ or back
10. pleated skirt - a skirt with fullness reduced to fit the waist by means of regular pleats or folds, which can be stitched flat to hip-level or free-hanging
11. short skirt - a skirt with hemline above the knee
12. straight skirt/ pencil skirt - a tailored skirt hanging straight from the hips and fitted from the waist to the hips by means of darts or a yoke; may have a vent or kick-pleat set in the hem for ease of walking
13. underskirt - simple, basic skirt over which an overskirt, or drapery, hangs
14. wrap skirt - a skirt that wraps around the waist with an overlap of material
Writing Formal Letters in English - How to use Words?
FORMAL LETTERS
STARTING
- We are writing you with reference to (the above order).
- With reference to your advertisement/letter of 10 March……
- We are pleased to have your inquiry of 25 of July….
- We acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 12 April …..
- With reference to your letter inquiring about…
- With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday (about…),…
- We wish to remind you that…..
- I am writing this letter to request the cancellation of........
- I am writing this letter to complain in the strongest terms about the poor service that I have received from your company.
ACTION
- Please advise us as soon as the…….
- Please open a ………….in favour of (name of the company)……….
- Payment can be made on any basis acceptable to you.
- Could you please supply us with information about the company’s standing.
- We have been informed (by one of our clients) that……….
- We regret to inform you, (however,) that….
- Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused.
- We must insist on…
- Please note that the closing date/deadline for the ……… is 30 September, so will you please complete the attached forms and return them as soon as possible.
- Any information you supply will be treated confidentially.
- May we remind you that your statement is still outstanding.
- Will you kindly balance your account promptly.
- We are puzzled to have had no remittance from you.
- You already have an overdraft of….
- Please give the matter your immediate attention.
- We will be left with no alternative but to (take legal action)… unless payment is received within the next seven days.
- Our circumstances do not allow us to wait/to go on waiting any longer.
- Please look into the matter.
- We were dissatisfied to find that….
- We shall have to terminate the contract.
- On examination we have found…
- We greatly appreciated your patience in this matter.
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