Education is the most powerful weapon, Nelson Mandela says, which we can use to change the world. This article helps and inspires students to improve their English and encourage their interest in achieving their goals without needing to go off the course syllabus, however strict it might be. It is divided into four segments: quotations and their explanation, proverbs, correct and incorrect English, and some tips to improve your English. All the segments are presented in twos.
Quotations and Their Explanation
Life without motivation is like sitting in a dark room with lots of fear inside. Here are two quotes that can motivate you in life.
“I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.” ─Larry King
Explanation: Larry King November 19, 1933 – January 23, 2021) was an American television host, radio host, and paid spokesman, whose work was recognized with awards including two Peabodys, an Emmy award, and 10 Cable ACE Awards. King began as a local Florida journalist and radio interviewer in the 1950s and 1960s, and gained prominence beginning in 1978 as host of The Larry King Show, an all-night nationwide call-in radio program heard on the Mutual Broadcasting System. From 1985 to 2010, he hosted the nightly interview television program Larry King Live on CNN. From 2012 to 2020, he hosted Larry King Now which aired on Hulu, Ora TV, and RT America. He continued to host Politicking with Larry King, a weekly political talk show which aired weekly on the same two channels from 2013 until his death in 2021. The quote says a lot about the importance of listening.
“”I want to be frozen on the hope that they’ll find whatever I died of and bring me back.” –Larry King
Explanation: He says this, back in 2011, during his Larry King: Dinner With King special on CNN. Let’s wait and see if his wish will become reality.
Proverbs and Their Meanings
There is a proverb for almost any situation. It a wise saying that gives some advice about life.
There’s no smoke without fire
Meaning: If unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a good reason for it(ruwa ba ya tsami banza in Hausa).
The darkest hour is just before the dawn
Meaning: said to emphasize that things often seem at their worst just before they get better (Idan aski ya zo gaban goshi… in Hausa).
Correct and Incorrect English
We all make mistakes when we are learning English as a Second Language, along the way. Of course, it is inevitable. The important thing is to learn from the mistakes so you become a more confident, capable speaker and writer.
Incorrect: Should in case you see them, tell them to wait for me.
Correct: Should you see them/if you see them, tell them to wait for me.
Note: here, “in case” is used as a way of being safe from something that might happen or might be true(or simply, for fear that), e.g. You should take your umbrella in case it rains.
Incorrect: Everyone knows she’s very serious on Isa.
Correct: Everyone knows she’s very serious about Isa.
Note: Here, one can be serious “with” something, like an important task, e.g, Ali is now very serious with his work. But, one is serious(deeply interested) “about” somebody.
Words and Their Meanings and Examples in Sentences
Words are of paramount importance to our lives. Voltaire once said, “Language is a very difficult to put into words.” What is the best way to learn new words? Sound them out, The Seattle Time reported. Researchers found sounding words slowly helps people memorize new words easier. Here are some phrases:
*He cast an eye on the matter before he accepted.
If you “cast an eye on/over something” you examine or read something quickly in order to judge whether it is correct, good etc
*You can’t do anything if you put yourself in my place.
“In somebody’s place” is used to talk about what you would do if you were in someone else’s situation.
Tips to Improve Your English ─ Hester
If you haven’t got the results you wanted, it’s either you don’t do what it takes or you haven’t found your special way of learning yet.
Procrastination can stop you from being successful. To stop it, it’s important you understand if your procrastinating is to avoid studying or if it’s your bad habit.
Thank you for reading and remember ─ practice is key!
Bashir Shu’aibu Jammaje
08168757065
bashjam90@gmail.com
Twitter: @Mrbashjam
