Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between business English and literary English?
Business English is used for companies to conduct business. On the other hand Literary English is used to write books and not run companies.
Business English is used for practical purposes, that is, making money. Most of the terms used in business English are financial in nature and the vocabulary are mainly along the lines of commerce, accounting, statistics, data/numerical analysis, and the like. Business English is usually straight to the point. Literary English, on the other hand, is more of an artistic form of English. The Vocabulary in literary English is wide, complex, and more often than not, a lot of “reading between the lines” is involved.
Can I test my knowledge of English grammar?
Yes, there are a lot of resources available, both online and offline, where you can take tests, exams and/or engage in activities in order to gauge your knowledge of English grammar. However, if you want a formal assessment of your English proficiency, you may want to take an internationally recognized exam such as the IELTS (Internation English Language Testing System) or the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
How can I improve my spoken English in a non native English speaking country?
You can start improving your spoken English by mimicking English pronunciation from movies, dvds, cds or tapes. Alternatively, you can also make recordings of yourself speaking English and playing them back to check if your pronunciation improves. Also, through the Internet, there are numerous English training institutions that can help you improve your speaking.
Improving your English speaking skills in a non-English speaking country can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. There are actually many ways to go about this. The internet for one provides many online resources for practicing English. There are even companies that provide speaking lessons and/or practices online in real time. You can also watch movies and TV shows produced in English and observe and mimic how the actors speak. You can also listen to various songs and listening activities in English. Lastly, talk to your friends in English daily, that way, it is not only you that is learning but your friend(s) as well.
How to speak English?
Like any other language, learning to speak English takes time, but if you are really determined to learn the English language, that shouldn’t be an issue for you. Basically in learning any language you need to read and listen a lot. A journal is also helpful to keep track of new vocabularies that you may encounter through listening and reading. Watching movies or news in English also helps. However, if you want to speed up your learning you can always ask someone who can train you how to speak English properly.
Is it good for English students to speak with people whose mother tongue is English?
Yes. It’s always best to learn English from someone whose mother tongue is English because you get to know how to speak English naturally and in an accent that other native speakers will understand.
How do I speak English fluently?
It takes a lot of time and practice for one to be able to speak English fluently. However, one can speed up speaking English fluently if they are immersed in the language – for some they are forced to do so, like if they are in the foreign country whose language is just English. Most of the time, people who are fluent in English are very determined and dedicated to learning the language – they take time to read, listen, watch, speak, take notes, and have formal training in English.
What common English words are offensive/inappropriate words in other languages?
Technically, according to Wikipedia, there are 6,912 known living human languages and to know which English words can be inappropriate can take time to determine. However, this is where having the right training in inflection, pronunciation and stressing of words can come in handy because if one is able to say words in English properly, he/she wouldn’t be misquoted or misinterpreted when it was said in a correct manner.
Why learn English?
Nobody is forced to learn English, however, there is an advantage to learning English because it is the global language of business and travel. There are a lot of reasons to learn English, but to name just a few:
- Knowledge in English broadens your employment opportunities and it allows for advancement in your career.
- Socializing and breaking the communication barrier. As stated earlier, English is the global language, it is the language used for communication by people who do not speak the same language.
- Be informed. English is the dominant language used in books, newspapers, internet, airports, hotels, etc.
- Study abroad. Most foreign countries require a basic knowledge in English for their prospective students prior to admission.
How to learn to properly speak and write English? / How to speak well in English? / Learn how to use English properly
To learn how to properly speak and write English, a person needs to have formal training in English plus determination in attaining your goal of learning the language. The formal training from an experienced teacher can correct your mistakes, teach you how to pronounce and write properly, they can encourage you and track your improvements. However, you also need to do your part – that is to put whatever you have learned into practice.
Why is English such an important international language?
English is such an important language because it is largely used in businesses, organizations, governments, and institutions around the world. For those of you looking for more information on how English came to be a global language, it’s suggested you read the following Wikipedia article.
How to help businesses with English?
Since English is the global Language, it helps business achieve their goal to be part of the global world. They can promote and expand their business to the global level through the use of the English language.
How to teach English to beginners?
Assess the student as to what extent he/she knows about the English language and start from there. Usually, you need to start with basic vocabularies or with the vocabularies that they already know and then work on expanding it. Use of pictures, videos, diagrams, and gestures are very useful when teaching English to absolute beginners.
How to learn to speak American English for free
If you want to learn American English for free there are always free resources online. Alternatively, you can start by watching American movies/CDs/ news and reading American publications. On the other hand, if you have the time and the money, you may want to try having a formal English training with native English speakers.
English grammar help
If you need help with English grammar, there are free resources online on diverse grammar topics or better yet have a formal English training to learn more about English grammar
Why English is so hard to learn/ reasons why English is hard to learn
Some people think that English is hard to learn because there are a lot grammar rules to follow and some words have the same spelling but different pronunciation or maybe some have heard of idiomatic expressions that seem grammatically wrong. However, something is just hard to learn when you think that it is. And when you finally get to the point of enjoying to learn the language it wouldn’t be so hard anymore. Plus, when you think it’s hard you can always get help from English teachers who can make it easy for you.
Help to learn English
If you need help in learning English there are always free resources online or you can opt to have formal English training from both offline/online English institutions.
Who wants to learn English online?
- Busy people. Most English classes taught on site in institutions and/or schools are held during the daytime, making it impossible or difficult for an individual with a day job to attend. In online English learning, the individual’s learning times are flexible and are tailored to fit the individual’s busy schedule.
- People in remote areas. These are the people who reside in areas far from institutions where they can attend on site English classes.
- People living in non-English speaking countries. Although on site English lessons are available in their area, some individuals prefer learning English through native English speakers, thus, they resort to learning English online where they can have tutors/teachers who are native English speakers.
Learn English use of May or will
“May” is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request permission, although this usage is becoming less common.
“Will” is used with promises or voluntary actions that take place in the future. “Will” can also be used to make predictions about the future.
How to motivate foreign students to learn English as a second language
To motivate students to learn English as a second language they must have a clear vision as to why they need to learn the language. What do they need it for? And what can it do to their lives? Most of them need it for career advancement and competitiveness.
How long will it take for me to learn English?
The length of time it takes to learn English actually varies and depends on a number of factors such as the student’s motivation, ability, determination, and readiness. Factors such as the effectivity of the teacher, the teaching materials, and the teaching method can also affect the learning time for English. Some students can learn English in a month’s time, while others may take up to years.
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