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 five segments: quotations and their explanation, proverbs and their meanings, correct and incorrect English, vocabulary learning 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:
“People often ask me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is, you do it by working.” ─Walt Disney
Explanation: Walter Disney (1901 — 1966) was an American entrepreneur, animator, writer, voice actor and film producer. A pioneer of the American animation industry, he introduced several developments in the production of cartoons . As a film producer, Disney holds the record for most Academy Awards earned by an individual, having won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations. He was presented with two Golden Globe Special Achievement Awards and an Emmy Award , among other honors. Several of his films are included in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. Well, it’s always simple to talk about doing the right thing than to actually do it, but that never stopped anyone from being all talk and no action. Just do it – and don’t ever think about later, tomorrow or next week!
“The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
Explanation: this has a lot to do with the previous quote.
Proverbs and Their Meanings
There is a proverb for almost any situation. It is a wise saying that gives some advice about life. Almost every culture has its own unique proverbs. However, some proverbs exist in more than one language; people borrow them from other languages and cultures similar to theirs.
Laughter is the best medicine Possible meaning: It’s used to say that when you are in a difficult situation, laughing can make it easier to get through that situation, e.g I am sorry to hear about it. You should go and watch a funny movie. They say, laughter is best medicine.
You scratch my back and I will scratch yours
Meaning: It is used to tell someone that if they help you, you will help them back(=Cuɗeni in cuɗeka).
Correct and Incorrect English
Grammatical errors come in many forms and can easily confuse and obscure meaning. Absolutely, no one is immune to errors when it comes to the English language. Of course, it is inevitable. The important thing is to learn from the mistakes so you become a more confident, capable speaker and writer. Prepositions are tricky(difficult to deal with), confusing(unclear and difficult to understand) and significant in sentence construction. Here are some mistakes that should be avoided:
Incorrect: He has been preparing against the exam.
Correct: He has been preparing for the exam.
Note: You can use “prepare to do sth” as in: He is busy preparing to go on holiday. But, never “prepare against”!
Incorrect: He is not among of them/No, he is not among.
Correct: He is not among them.
Note: “Among of” is not standard English. “Among” is a preposition that requires a noun or pronoun after it.
Vocabulary Learning
There are some verbs that are used with particles. Examples are sit down, get up, go out, etc. The verbs are sit, get, go, and the particles are down, up, out. These kind of combinations are called phrasal verbs. In many cases the meaning of the phrasal verbs cannot be deduced from its elements and some are polysemous (have two or more different meanings). Moreover, phrasal verbs are very important because they are so prevalent(common) in every spoken or written English. 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 expression:
Don’t break my concentration, please!
If you “break somebody’s concentration” you interrupt and stop them from being able to
I think you should break your journey in the house.
“Break a journey” means to break a journey to stop somewhere for a short time during a long journey.
Tips to Improve Your English ─ Hester
It’s very important to use materials which challenge you and don’t frustrate you.
Use resources which match your level. Don’t use anything which is too easy or difficult.
Thanks copiously for reading and remember ─ practice is key!
Bashir Shu’aibu Jammaje
08168757065
bashjam90@gmail.com
Twitter: @Mrbashjam
