Draconian
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/20/stories/2008122052511003.htm
The editorial, “Two steps backward” (Dec. 19), rightly points out that combating terrorism needs the beefing up of the intelligence and investigative system, and the police force. Draconian measures have only proved counterproductive. When POTA and TADA were in place, innumerable people were detained. But how many among them were terrorists?
By amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and not doing much to improve policing, the UPA government has chosen an easy way out. Will draconian laws prevent terrorists who don’t care about their lives and remain eager to take as many lives as they can?
Shadab Husain,
Lucknow
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Errors to Avoid
Errors to Avoid
On this blog I receive some encouraging comments amidst many discouraging ones. Some encouraging comments I received for my post “Avoid Common Errors” - so I felt that furnishing a couple of more errors would be sensible. They are as follows:
“In mornings, drinking tea is preferred more to eating apples by many.” In this sentence “more” is needless - because “preferred” is already conveying that idea. The correct sentence will read: “In mornings, drinking tea is preferred to eating apples by many.” It must be remembered that when “prefer” is used, “more” should be avoided.
Distinguishing between “it’s” and “its” is very simple yet many people err. When an apostrophe is sandwiched between (T) and (S) - it means “It is”. But many miscue it to be a possessive form. For example, they say “the model of this car is good, but it’s average is bad.” It should be “the model of this car is good, but its average is bad.” Similarly, if you need to say “it is raining” using an apostrophe, you should say “it’s raining” instead of “its raining.”
“I am going to give my exams” instead of “I am going to take my exams”
“Don’t make no mistakes” instead of “Don’t make mistakes”
“The circus will return again” instead of “The circus will return”
“I didn’t received any letter” instead of “I didn’t receive any letter”
“John and Joe are both talking together” instead of “John and Joe are talking together”
“Whenever I read Dickens, I always enjoy” it should be “Whenever I read Dickens, I enjoy”
“Passing by the building, I noticed it is very old” it should be “Passing the building, I noticed it is very old”
“I was in the college” instead of “I was at the college”
So these were a few more errors. If I slip anywhere, please let me know by leaving your comments.
On this blog I receive some encouraging comments amidst many discouraging ones. Some encouraging comments I received for my post “Avoid Common Errors” - so I felt that furnishing a couple of more errors would be sensible. They are as follows:
“In mornings, drinking tea is preferred more to eating apples by many.” In this sentence “more” is needless - because “preferred” is already conveying that idea. The correct sentence will read: “In mornings, drinking tea is preferred to eating apples by many.” It must be remembered that when “prefer” is used, “more” should be avoided.
Distinguishing between “it’s” and “its” is very simple yet many people err. When an apostrophe is sandwiched between (T) and (S) - it means “It is”. But many miscue it to be a possessive form. For example, they say “the model of this car is good, but it’s average is bad.” It should be “the model of this car is good, but its average is bad.” Similarly, if you need to say “it is raining” using an apostrophe, you should say “it’s raining” instead of “its raining.”
“I am going to give my exams” instead of “I am going to take my exams”
“Don’t make no mistakes” instead of “Don’t make mistakes”
“The circus will return again” instead of “The circus will return”
“I didn’t received any letter” instead of “I didn’t receive any letter”
“John and Joe are both talking together” instead of “John and Joe are talking together”
“Whenever I read Dickens, I always enjoy” it should be “Whenever I read Dickens, I enjoy”
“Passing by the building, I noticed it is very old” it should be “Passing the building, I noticed it is very old”
“I was in the college” instead of “I was at the college”
So these were a few more errors. If I slip anywhere, please let me know by leaving your comments.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
English Class
English Class
I received the first assignment of this blog in the comment box which was submitted by Amar Jain.
Amar Jain writes:
1. "Take a pot shot": To suddenly find a fault with someone.
The distributor of Jaws was telling that the pronounciation of Hindi Jaws is very good but when I typed some words in Hindi just for testing, I found that the pronounciation of "," in Hindi Jaws was wrong. So, I took pot shot at him.
2. "Be writ large" (this is formal): To be very clear.
I instructed the dealer before giving the franchisee that you will have to be writ large with regard to the pricing policy of the company.
3. "Shore up something": To strengthen something by giving support.
"The Employees Insurance Scheme" is the way to shore up the workers's working.
Shadab Husain responds:
Well Amar, thank you for submitting your assignment. You did a brave thing by telling me to openly point out your errors - such brave hearts are rare. Here are a few errors I spotted in your assignment:
In your first sentence the spelling of “pronunciation” was wrong. You can avoid spelling mistakes by writing in MS Word. The command to check spelling mistakes is (F7). Pick up the misspelled words and Key them in a separate file and make a rule of typing those words till you feel you won’t misspell them again. I too do this.
Additionally, you missed the article “A” when you wrote “So, I took pot shot at him.” It should be “I took a pot shot at him”.
I feel that the first sentence would make a better reading if it is change to:
Just to test I typed a few words in the Hindi Jaws and Finding that it is mispronouncing 'comma' - I took a pot shot at the Jaws distributor - who was telling that the pronunciation of the Hindi Jaws is very good.
Your second sentence is very good. But it would look better if it is changed to:
I instructed the dealer before giving the franchisee that you will have to be writ large regarding the pricing policy of the company.
In the third one, it should be “workers’” instead of “workers’s”.
So today’s assignment is over. I hope you all would have enjoyed it.
I received the first assignment of this blog in the comment box which was submitted by Amar Jain.
Amar Jain writes:
1. "Take a pot shot": To suddenly find a fault with someone.
The distributor of Jaws was telling that the pronounciation of Hindi Jaws is very good but when I typed some words in Hindi just for testing, I found that the pronounciation of "," in Hindi Jaws was wrong. So, I took pot shot at him.
2. "Be writ large" (this is formal): To be very clear.
I instructed the dealer before giving the franchisee that you will have to be writ large with regard to the pricing policy of the company.
3. "Shore up something": To strengthen something by giving support.
"The Employees Insurance Scheme" is the way to shore up the workers's working.
Shadab Husain responds:
Well Amar, thank you for submitting your assignment. You did a brave thing by telling me to openly point out your errors - such brave hearts are rare. Here are a few errors I spotted in your assignment:
In your first sentence the spelling of “pronunciation” was wrong. You can avoid spelling mistakes by writing in MS Word. The command to check spelling mistakes is (F7). Pick up the misspelled words and Key them in a separate file and make a rule of typing those words till you feel you won’t misspell them again. I too do this.
Additionally, you missed the article “A” when you wrote “So, I took pot shot at him.” It should be “I took a pot shot at him”.
I feel that the first sentence would make a better reading if it is change to:
Just to test I typed a few words in the Hindi Jaws and Finding that it is mispronouncing 'comma' - I took a pot shot at the Jaws distributor - who was telling that the pronunciation of the Hindi Jaws is very good.
Your second sentence is very good. But it would look better if it is changed to:
I instructed the dealer before giving the franchisee that you will have to be writ large regarding the pricing policy of the company.
In the third one, it should be “workers’” instead of “workers’s”.
So today’s assignment is over. I hope you all would have enjoyed it.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
New Plan for Learning English
New Plan for Learning English
It is encouraging to learn that for some of you this blog is commendable. I feel deeply honoured when you tell me that reading my posts is beneficial and joyous for you. Adding to my joy, some visitors have found this blog so interesting that they have read all the posts just in a time span of two or three days.
But, I feel that, only skimming over the posts of this blog would not yield very good results. In order to excel at your communication, it is imperative that you all should put in a little more effort.
Therefore, I am planning to start giving assignments to all the readers of this blog. Your job would be to make your own sentences using the words, idioms and combinations of words I have provided and will provide here. In the comment boxes of my blog, I will review your assignments and whatever errors I will spot, I will point them out.
You might feel embarrassed if I openly pointed out your errors, so don’t reveal your identity. Click “Comments” and keep on hitting (R) - you will see a radio button “Anonymous” - check this button and post your assignments.
I am confident that learning in this novel fashion would be very interesting. First I will publish your posts and then my responses will ensue.
What do you think? Is my idea fine or should I add anything in this?
Postscript: The English classes will continue.
It is encouraging to learn that for some of you this blog is commendable. I feel deeply honoured when you tell me that reading my posts is beneficial and joyous for you. Adding to my joy, some visitors have found this blog so interesting that they have read all the posts just in a time span of two or three days.
But, I feel that, only skimming over the posts of this blog would not yield very good results. In order to excel at your communication, it is imperative that you all should put in a little more effort.
Therefore, I am planning to start giving assignments to all the readers of this blog. Your job would be to make your own sentences using the words, idioms and combinations of words I have provided and will provide here. In the comment boxes of my blog, I will review your assignments and whatever errors I will spot, I will point them out.
You might feel embarrassed if I openly pointed out your errors, so don’t reveal your identity. Click “Comments” and keep on hitting (R) - you will see a radio button “Anonymous” - check this button and post your assignments.
I am confident that learning in this novel fashion would be very interesting. First I will publish your posts and then my responses will ensue.
What do you think? Is my idea fine or should I add anything in this?
Postscript: The English classes will continue.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Needed, action (Taken from The Hindu)
Needed, action
Though Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sounded sincere (“The terrorists want to destroy Pakistan, too” — Op-Ed article, Dec. 10), it is clear that the sabre-rattling by the Pakistani military impedes his actions. Otherwise, why would he have taken a ‘u’-turn on sending the ISI chief to India? There are a host of accused and confirmed terrorists living freely in Pakistan. If he really wants to wipe off terrorism, he should be strong enough to defy all the forces that come in the way of peace. Indians and Pakistanis are acutely suffering from terrorism. It would be better for us if Mr. Zardari, instead of his emotive articulations, takes the required actions against the terrorists. We want business.
Shadab Husain
Lucknow
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121155620801.htm
Though Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sounded sincere (“The terrorists want to destroy Pakistan, too” — Op-Ed article, Dec. 10), it is clear that the sabre-rattling by the Pakistani military impedes his actions. Otherwise, why would he have taken a ‘u’-turn on sending the ISI chief to India? There are a host of accused and confirmed terrorists living freely in Pakistan. If he really wants to wipe off terrorism, he should be strong enough to defy all the forces that come in the way of peace. Indians and Pakistanis are acutely suffering from terrorism. It would be better for us if Mr. Zardari, instead of his emotive articulations, takes the required actions against the terrorists. We want business.
Shadab Husain
Lucknow
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121155620801.htm
Humourous English Class
Humourous English Class
Well friends, till now we have sincerely studied like obedient, innocent students. Now it is the time to do a bit of fun! So here are a few humourous sentences which made me laugh:
“I am feeling round round round circles” instead of “I am feeling giddy”!
“Open the door of the window” instead of “Open the window”!
Teacher to three talkative students: “Stand up both of you three” instead of “Stand up all you three”!
A football match was going on. Suddenly a controversy sparked off between the teams. Captain of one team said to his counterpart “I will not play with you”. The other replied, “You play not play I go my team go - what my father’s pocket go?” This second captain was trying to say: “You play or don’t play, my team and I will go - what would my father lose?”
Person to driver, “Car ko zara pechay back karo”!
“I want one half class of water” instead of “I want a half glass of water”!
“Water is raining down” instead of “It’s raining”!
“I know no English” instead of “I don’t know English”!
“I talk you, you talk me, who talk you?” Guess what this person is trying to say! I will love to have an interpretation of this in the comment box.
The English class is over! How was it?
Well friends, till now we have sincerely studied like obedient, innocent students. Now it is the time to do a bit of fun! So here are a few humourous sentences which made me laugh:
“I am feeling round round round circles” instead of “I am feeling giddy”!
“Open the door of the window” instead of “Open the window”!
Teacher to three talkative students: “Stand up both of you three” instead of “Stand up all you three”!
A football match was going on. Suddenly a controversy sparked off between the teams. Captain of one team said to his counterpart “I will not play with you”. The other replied, “You play not play I go my team go - what my father’s pocket go?” This second captain was trying to say: “You play or don’t play, my team and I will go - what would my father lose?”
Person to driver, “Car ko zara pechay back karo”!
“I want one half class of water” instead of “I want a half glass of water”!
“Water is raining down” instead of “It’s raining”!
“I know no English” instead of “I don’t know English”!
“I talk you, you talk me, who talk you?” Guess what this person is trying to say! I will love to have an interpretation of this in the comment box.
The English class is over! How was it?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Avoid Common Errors
Avoid Common Errors
I see that often people good in expressing make small mistakes. Unfortunately, such small errors discolour the beauty of the piece regardless of how well it was expressed. It is imperative to avoid such blunders. Here are a few blunders I found common even in well-educated people:
“Have you learnt the English alphabets” It should be “Have you learnt the English alphabet” or “Have you learnt the English letters”
“It was preplanned from before” instead of “It was preplanned”. (Preplan is already conveying the meaning of before. Although the word “preplan” appears needless - because planning is always done beforetime! But be Roman in Rome)
“What is the criteria?” instead of “What is the criterion?” (Criteria is plural and criterion singular)
“Between the three” instead of “Between the two”. (Between is only used when there are two options)
“Among the two” instead of “among the three”. (Among is only used when there are more than two options)
“According to me” instead of “in my opinion”
“I will revert back” instead of “I will revert”
“I and my friends” instead of “My friends and I”
“It is very excellent” instead of “It is excellent”. (Excellent itself is superlative)
“It would be more better” instead of “It would be better”. (Using double comparative is wrong)
“It is worstest” instead of “It is worst”
“Softwares” instead of “Software”
“Fill the complete page” instead of “Fill the page”
“John is most powerful than George” instead of “John is more powerful than George”
“Tim is the most richest person of this vicinity” instead of “Tim is the richest person of this vicinity”
Well, these were a few common errors. In time, I will catch more and shall post. Meanwhile, if you find any error in my writing, either use the message box or mail me.
I will add a new feature in the English Classes. It would be famous sayings as “be Roman in Rome”. Keep on tracking this blog!
I see that often people good in expressing make small mistakes. Unfortunately, such small errors discolour the beauty of the piece regardless of how well it was expressed. It is imperative to avoid such blunders. Here are a few blunders I found common even in well-educated people:
“Have you learnt the English alphabets” It should be “Have you learnt the English alphabet” or “Have you learnt the English letters”
“It was preplanned from before” instead of “It was preplanned”. (Preplan is already conveying the meaning of before. Although the word “preplan” appears needless - because planning is always done beforetime! But be Roman in Rome)
“What is the criteria?” instead of “What is the criterion?” (Criteria is plural and criterion singular)
“Between the three” instead of “Between the two”. (Between is only used when there are two options)
“Among the two” instead of “among the three”. (Among is only used when there are more than two options)
“According to me” instead of “in my opinion”
“I will revert back” instead of “I will revert”
“I and my friends” instead of “My friends and I”
“It is very excellent” instead of “It is excellent”. (Excellent itself is superlative)
“It would be more better” instead of “It would be better”. (Using double comparative is wrong)
“It is worstest” instead of “It is worst”
“Softwares” instead of “Software”
“Fill the complete page” instead of “Fill the page”
“John is most powerful than George” instead of “John is more powerful than George”
“Tim is the most richest person of this vicinity” instead of “Tim is the richest person of this vicinity”
Well, these were a few common errors. In time, I will catch more and shall post. Meanwhile, if you find any error in my writing, either use the message box or mail me.
I will add a new feature in the English Classes. It would be famous sayings as “be Roman in Rome”. Keep on tracking this blog!
Friday, December 5, 2008
English Class
English Class
I said that in order to communicate creative in a language which isn’t your mother tongue, sensing the spirit of it is very crucial. If you fail to bring the spirit of the language you communicate in, your readers won’t get the real taste of that language.
But, I venture to add that, English is a very adoptive language. I see that it welcomes various cultures and tempers and charmingly jells with them. So, if you are successful in simply expressing yourself - this alien language will look very familiar in your hands.
Words of the day
Blitzkrieg: n. A quick, sudden military offensive, usually by combined air and mobile land forces. Journalists are opining that at such a sensitive time a blitzkrieg against Pakistan would be premature.
Cahoots: n. A secret, questionable partnership. It is being speculated that retired army officers of Pakistan worked in cahoots with the terrorists who engineered the Mumbai attacks.
Inter alia: adv. Among other things. The Black Cat Commandos were brave, daring, inter alia, humble.
Idioms of the day
Sabre-rattling: Threatening behaviour intended to make someone afraid. Zardari’s u-turn on sending the ISI chief to India might have been resulted from saber-rattling from Pakistani army.
Connect the dots: To understand the relationship between different ideas or experiences. Connecting the dots between the terrorists and Pakistani government is crucial before taking any military action.
The bane of your life: Someone or something that is always causing problems for you and upsetting you. My servant often comes up with an excuse to be away from work - he has become the bane of my life. My computer has become the bane of my life as it crashes at regular intervals.
Combinations of words
Constrained politeness: Her constrained politeness really moved me beyond control.
Immoderate grief (immoderate = adj. Excessive): Losing a young son fills up the parents with immoderate grief.
Creative and inventive: A creative and inventive mind is enough to spin money.
The class is over. Let’s run!
I said that in order to communicate creative in a language which isn’t your mother tongue, sensing the spirit of it is very crucial. If you fail to bring the spirit of the language you communicate in, your readers won’t get the real taste of that language.
But, I venture to add that, English is a very adoptive language. I see that it welcomes various cultures and tempers and charmingly jells with them. So, if you are successful in simply expressing yourself - this alien language will look very familiar in your hands.
Words of the day
Blitzkrieg: n. A quick, sudden military offensive, usually by combined air and mobile land forces. Journalists are opining that at such a sensitive time a blitzkrieg against Pakistan would be premature.
Cahoots: n. A secret, questionable partnership. It is being speculated that retired army officers of Pakistan worked in cahoots with the terrorists who engineered the Mumbai attacks.
Inter alia: adv. Among other things. The Black Cat Commandos were brave, daring, inter alia, humble.
Idioms of the day
Sabre-rattling: Threatening behaviour intended to make someone afraid. Zardari’s u-turn on sending the ISI chief to India might have been resulted from saber-rattling from Pakistani army.
Connect the dots: To understand the relationship between different ideas or experiences. Connecting the dots between the terrorists and Pakistani government is crucial before taking any military action.
The bane of your life: Someone or something that is always causing problems for you and upsetting you. My servant often comes up with an excuse to be away from work - he has become the bane of my life. My computer has become the bane of my life as it crashes at regular intervals.
Combinations of words
Constrained politeness: Her constrained politeness really moved me beyond control.
Immoderate grief (immoderate = adj. Excessive): Losing a young son fills up the parents with immoderate grief.
Creative and inventive: A creative and inventive mind is enough to spin money.
The class is over. Let’s run!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
English Class
English Class
I think that languages reflect the culture and environment of the place they originate from. Communicating creatively in a language which isn’t your mother tongue means you are taking a fleet from your culture. I, therefore, feel that if you are trying to communicate creatively in English, it is very crucial for you to understand the English culture and environment. By doing this, you will understand the spirit of the language, which will enable you to communicate more effectively in English. Remember being fluent is a different thing and sensing the spirit of the language a different one. The latter will need your acutest sensibility.
Words of the day
Suave: adj. Smoothly agreeable and courteous. Most of the salesmen pretend to be suave.
Belie: v. To misrepresent, to picture falsely. The media belied Tata Nano.
Fraught: adj. Filled with a specific element or elements. A discouraged person’s way is fraught with difficulties and sadness.
Idioms of the day
A watched pot never boils: Something that you say which means that if you anxiously wait for anything to happen, it seems to take a lot of time. I am waiting for my friend’s email, but alas, a watched pot never boils.
Sweet nothings: Romantic things that people who are in love say to each other. Instead of having a sensible talk with us, both idiots kept on saying sweet nothings to each other.
Not for quids (Australian, informal): If you say you will not do something for quids, you mean you would hate to do it. Boss, mind your language otherwise I won’t do your work for quids.
Combinations of words
Integral element (integral = adj. Essential, necessary): Jon thinks that a robust pickup is an integral element of a motorbike.
Obstacles and disasters: Crush your obstacles and disasters otherwise they will crush you.
Kindled enthusiasm: George was feeling very dull and sad but a gentle smile of his child kindled enthusiasm in his heart.
The class is over.
I think that languages reflect the culture and environment of the place they originate from. Communicating creatively in a language which isn’t your mother tongue means you are taking a fleet from your culture. I, therefore, feel that if you are trying to communicate creatively in English, it is very crucial for you to understand the English culture and environment. By doing this, you will understand the spirit of the language, which will enable you to communicate more effectively in English. Remember being fluent is a different thing and sensing the spirit of the language a different one. The latter will need your acutest sensibility.
Words of the day
Suave: adj. Smoothly agreeable and courteous. Most of the salesmen pretend to be suave.
Belie: v. To misrepresent, to picture falsely. The media belied Tata Nano.
Fraught: adj. Filled with a specific element or elements. A discouraged person’s way is fraught with difficulties and sadness.
Idioms of the day
A watched pot never boils: Something that you say which means that if you anxiously wait for anything to happen, it seems to take a lot of time. I am waiting for my friend’s email, but alas, a watched pot never boils.
Sweet nothings: Romantic things that people who are in love say to each other. Instead of having a sensible talk with us, both idiots kept on saying sweet nothings to each other.
Not for quids (Australian, informal): If you say you will not do something for quids, you mean you would hate to do it. Boss, mind your language otherwise I won’t do your work for quids.
Combinations of words
Integral element (integral = adj. Essential, necessary): Jon thinks that a robust pickup is an integral element of a motorbike.
Obstacles and disasters: Crush your obstacles and disasters otherwise they will crush you.
Kindled enthusiasm: George was feeling very dull and sad but a gentle smile of his child kindled enthusiasm in his heart.
The class is over.
Monday, December 1, 2008
English Class
English Class
[Before beginning with today’s English class, I will request to all the readers to pray for the people who lost their lives in the gruesome Mumbai attacks.]
Words of the day
Fainthearted: adj. Lacking conviction, courage or boldness. Challenging the Mumbai terrorists wasn’t a job for the fainthearted.
Abseil: v. To go down by a rope fastened at the top and tied around the body. Crack Black Cat Commandos did a daring job when they abseiled on the terrace of the hotel from the helicopter.
Bedlam: n. A place or situation of noisy uproar and confusion. As the inhuman terrorists started spraying bullets on the common people it was a bedlam in the hotel lobby.
Idioms of the day
Grin and bear it: To accept an unpleasant or difficult situation because there is nothing you can do to improve it. The terror strikes are widening the divide between Hindus and Muslims but many of us have to grin and bear it.
Hit a snag: To experience a difficulty. The round-to-clock media coverage of the shootout hit a snag on the actions of the security personnel.
In a bind: Forced to deal with a difficult situation. If the war between India and Pakistan takes place, it will keep the common countrymen of both the nations in a bind.
Combinations of words
Dread and terror: The dread and terror was clearly visible on the faces of the people who were coming out from the hotels.
Disaster of the first magnitude: If India attacked Pakistan in the view of the recent terror strikes - it would be a disaster of the first magnitude for them.
Ambitions and dreams: Those unforgivable brutes in Mumbai have crushed many ambitions and dreams.
Let’s pray and vow to fight terror being united. I shudder to think about an internal divide. Unity is power. I am not afraid from terror strikes; the thing which frightens me is our division. It is to be remembered that people belonging to all the religions were killed in the assault. Will all of us remain united in this tough time? I humbly hope and pray.
[Before beginning with today’s English class, I will request to all the readers to pray for the people who lost their lives in the gruesome Mumbai attacks.]
Words of the day
Fainthearted: adj. Lacking conviction, courage or boldness. Challenging the Mumbai terrorists wasn’t a job for the fainthearted.
Abseil: v. To go down by a rope fastened at the top and tied around the body. Crack Black Cat Commandos did a daring job when they abseiled on the terrace of the hotel from the helicopter.
Bedlam: n. A place or situation of noisy uproar and confusion. As the inhuman terrorists started spraying bullets on the common people it was a bedlam in the hotel lobby.
Idioms of the day
Grin and bear it: To accept an unpleasant or difficult situation because there is nothing you can do to improve it. The terror strikes are widening the divide between Hindus and Muslims but many of us have to grin and bear it.
Hit a snag: To experience a difficulty. The round-to-clock media coverage of the shootout hit a snag on the actions of the security personnel.
In a bind: Forced to deal with a difficult situation. If the war between India and Pakistan takes place, it will keep the common countrymen of both the nations in a bind.
Combinations of words
Dread and terror: The dread and terror was clearly visible on the faces of the people who were coming out from the hotels.
Disaster of the first magnitude: If India attacked Pakistan in the view of the recent terror strikes - it would be a disaster of the first magnitude for them.
Ambitions and dreams: Those unforgivable brutes in Mumbai have crushed many ambitions and dreams.
Let’s pray and vow to fight terror being united. I shudder to think about an internal divide. Unity is power. I am not afraid from terror strikes; the thing which frightens me is our division. It is to be remembered that people belonging to all the religions were killed in the assault. Will all of us remain united in this tough time? I humbly hope and pray.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Make India safe
Make India safe
The gruesome terror attacks have shown how vulnerable we are. Blaming the police for these attacks is not correct. It must be accepted that it is physically impossible for the police to check every vehicle and person across the country. The police did remarkably well by plunging into action and neutralizing the terrorists. The nation fervently salutes them. The job of the intelligence agencies, however, leaves much to be desired.
Shadab Husain,
Lucknow
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/29/stories/2008112955720904.htm
The gruesome terror attacks have shown how vulnerable we are. Blaming the police for these attacks is not correct. It must be accepted that it is physically impossible for the police to check every vehicle and person across the country. The police did remarkably well by plunging into action and neutralizing the terrorists. The nation fervently salutes them. The job of the intelligence agencies, however, leaves much to be desired.
Shadab Husain,
Lucknow
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/29/stories/2008112955720904.htm
English Class
English Class
I have heard that if you feel frustrated or sad over anything and write it, you feel relieved. It is being said that besides providing you the patience and courage to keep going, your writing makes you calmer and happier. So, write.
Words of the day
No-brainer: n. (this is informal) Something so easy that it doesn’t require any thinking. It is a no-brainer that overdoing a thing proves harmful.
Angst: n. A feeling of anxiety or apprehension, often accompanied with depression. Angst stems from negative attitude, not from hostile circumstances.
Laconic: adj. Using or noticed for few words - concise, to the point. Speeches of all the great leaders are laconic.
Idioms of the day
The nitty-gritty: The most important or basic facts of a thing. I prefer starting off with the nitty-gritty of the issues.
An open sesame: A very successful way of achieving something. A clear, crisp communication is an open sesame to earn respect, fame and money - irrespective of the stream you belong to.
Right up your alley: Matching your interests or abilities. It is always wiser to seek career in the stream which is right up your alley.
Combinations of words
Farfetched dream (farfetched = adj. Unlikely): Defeating John is a farfetched dream for his poor enemies.
Fresh as a spring: She was so humble and truthful that she appeared as fresh as a spring to me.
Historical perspective: Before giving your opinion on any issue, examining the historical perspective of it is a must.
The class is over. Run!
I have heard that if you feel frustrated or sad over anything and write it, you feel relieved. It is being said that besides providing you the patience and courage to keep going, your writing makes you calmer and happier. So, write.
Words of the day
No-brainer: n. (this is informal) Something so easy that it doesn’t require any thinking. It is a no-brainer that overdoing a thing proves harmful.
Angst: n. A feeling of anxiety or apprehension, often accompanied with depression. Angst stems from negative attitude, not from hostile circumstances.
Laconic: adj. Using or noticed for few words - concise, to the point. Speeches of all the great leaders are laconic.
Idioms of the day
The nitty-gritty: The most important or basic facts of a thing. I prefer starting off with the nitty-gritty of the issues.
An open sesame: A very successful way of achieving something. A clear, crisp communication is an open sesame to earn respect, fame and money - irrespective of the stream you belong to.
Right up your alley: Matching your interests or abilities. It is always wiser to seek career in the stream which is right up your alley.
Combinations of words
Farfetched dream (farfetched = adj. Unlikely): Defeating John is a farfetched dream for his poor enemies.
Fresh as a spring: She was so humble and truthful that she appeared as fresh as a spring to me.
Historical perspective: Before giving your opinion on any issue, examining the historical perspective of it is a must.
The class is over. Run!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
On Duckworth-Lewis
On Duckworth-Lewis
This refers to the letters arguing that the Duckworth-Lewis method should be changed as England lost the Bangalore ODI because of it (Nov. 25). The Indian team had no way of knowing that the match would be shortened to 22 overs, which is why it did not score quick runs. On the other hand, the England team was aware that it would get only 22 overs to bat. Thus it had an advantage over India. It was imperative to level this imbalance. Therefore, England was asked to score a few more runs. Where is the defect in the D/L method and where is the misfortune for England?
Shadab Husain,
Lucknow
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112655821006.htm
This refers to the letters arguing that the Duckworth-Lewis method should be changed as England lost the Bangalore ODI because of it (Nov. 25). The Indian team had no way of knowing that the match would be shortened to 22 overs, which is why it did not score quick runs. On the other hand, the England team was aware that it would get only 22 overs to bat. Thus it had an advantage over India. It was imperative to level this imbalance. Therefore, England was asked to score a few more runs. Where is the defect in the D/L method and where is the misfortune for England?
Shadab Husain,
Lucknow
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112655821006.htm
English Class
English Class
When you speak any word beginning with the letter (W), your mouth should take a round shape as in pronouncing (O). But when you speak a word beginning with the letter (V), your upper teeth should touch your lower lip.
Now, if you have a dictionary which speaks the pronunciation aloud, key in the words beginning with these two letters and note the difference. But if you don’t have such a dictionary, listen to the perfect speakers and note how they speak.
In order to finely utter the words beginning with these two letters, first take a word which begins from the letter (W) and keep on speaking it till you feel you are easy with it. After this do the same with the letter (V). Then, mingle the words and keep on practicing till you fit them properly into your mouth. It will not require enough time or work; 10 minutes devoted till 15 days to this practice would be enough. I tell this out of my own experience.
Words of the day
Quintessential: adj. The most typical example or representative of a type. A quintessential Indian woman devotedly works for her husband and children without caring for herself.
Iota: n. A very small amount, a bit. I am sure that Tim is the robber, and there isn’t even an iota of doubt in it.
Downplay: v. To minimise the significance of anything. John downplayed the threats he was receiving from his opponents and suffered heavy loss.
Idioms of the day
Step into the breach (this is formal): To do a substituting job because the real person is suddenly not present. Mr James, the director of my company has suddenly got ill and Mrs Brown has step into the breach.
A turf war (this is American): A fight or an argument to decide who holds an area or an activity. Suddenly the road changed into a battleground as a turf war triggered off between two gangsters. Emerging victorious after a series of turf wars with Clinton, Obama went ahead to stamp his victory over McCain.
At/on the cutting edge: In the area of a subject or activity where the newest changes or developments are taking place. Dr Woodsworth is on the cutting edge of gene therapy.
Combinations of words
Needless innovations: It is always better to stick to simplicity by neglecting the needless innovations the glamourous blokes promote.
Work and constancy (constancy = n. Steadfastness, changelessness): Thinking about success without work and constancy is impractical.
Wild havoc: The storm created such a wild havoc that children started to panic.
The class is over.
When you speak any word beginning with the letter (W), your mouth should take a round shape as in pronouncing (O). But when you speak a word beginning with the letter (V), your upper teeth should touch your lower lip.
Now, if you have a dictionary which speaks the pronunciation aloud, key in the words beginning with these two letters and note the difference. But if you don’t have such a dictionary, listen to the perfect speakers and note how they speak.
In order to finely utter the words beginning with these two letters, first take a word which begins from the letter (W) and keep on speaking it till you feel you are easy with it. After this do the same with the letter (V). Then, mingle the words and keep on practicing till you fit them properly into your mouth. It will not require enough time or work; 10 minutes devoted till 15 days to this practice would be enough. I tell this out of my own experience.
Words of the day
Quintessential: adj. The most typical example or representative of a type. A quintessential Indian woman devotedly works for her husband and children without caring for herself.
Iota: n. A very small amount, a bit. I am sure that Tim is the robber, and there isn’t even an iota of doubt in it.
Downplay: v. To minimise the significance of anything. John downplayed the threats he was receiving from his opponents and suffered heavy loss.
Idioms of the day
Step into the breach (this is formal): To do a substituting job because the real person is suddenly not present. Mr James, the director of my company has suddenly got ill and Mrs Brown has step into the breach.
A turf war (this is American): A fight or an argument to decide who holds an area or an activity. Suddenly the road changed into a battleground as a turf war triggered off between two gangsters. Emerging victorious after a series of turf wars with Clinton, Obama went ahead to stamp his victory over McCain.
At/on the cutting edge: In the area of a subject or activity where the newest changes or developments are taking place. Dr Woodsworth is on the cutting edge of gene therapy.
Combinations of words
Needless innovations: It is always better to stick to simplicity by neglecting the needless innovations the glamourous blokes promote.
Work and constancy (constancy = n. Steadfastness, changelessness): Thinking about success without work and constancy is impractical.
Wild havoc: The storm created such a wild havoc that children started to panic.
The class is over.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
English Class
English Class
In the essay “On the Art of Speaking” I suggested you to recapitulate aloud whatever you read in order to be fluent.
I recapitulate editorials and news analyses. To my joy, I have noticed that whenever I recapitulate anything, my mind unselfconsciously develops an inclination to counter the points I am speaking about and brings forth the aspects which makes the recapitulated piece stronger. This recapitulation practice, besides making the speaker fluent and expressive, develops debating skills and brings forth the aspects which he would have overlooked. I feel that this is an excellent discovery.
Words of the day
Unselfconscious: adj. Not self-conscious, natural. The unselfconscious singing of any child is really very sweet.
Anglophile: n. One who admires England, its culture, and its people. It was due to a bunch of idiotic anglophiles that the Brits ruled India for so long.
Delve: v. 1. To search deeply and laboriously. 2. To dig the ground, as with a spade. I delved the whole lot of papers to get my certificate. An archeologist should be very patient because often delving doesn’t give any results.
Idioms of the day
Feet of clay: If you say that someone you praise have feet of clay, it means he has hidden faults. Most of the social workers have feet of clay.
At first blush (American): When you first start to think about something. At first blush holidaying in Vienna appeared a fine idea but later we decided flying to Paris.
Weigh your words: To think carefully before you say anything. A wise man always weighs his words.
Combinations of words
Indelible mark (indelible = impossible to remove): Parents must remember that child abuse leaves an indelible mark on the minds of children.
Inseparably linked: It is said that hearts of the true lovers are inseparably linked - no matter how far the both live.
Chain of connection: From Bollywood to drugs and police to underworld, there seem to be a chain of connection.
The class is over.
In the essay “On the Art of Speaking” I suggested you to recapitulate aloud whatever you read in order to be fluent.
I recapitulate editorials and news analyses. To my joy, I have noticed that whenever I recapitulate anything, my mind unselfconsciously develops an inclination to counter the points I am speaking about and brings forth the aspects which makes the recapitulated piece stronger. This recapitulation practice, besides making the speaker fluent and expressive, develops debating skills and brings forth the aspects which he would have overlooked. I feel that this is an excellent discovery.
Words of the day
Unselfconscious: adj. Not self-conscious, natural. The unselfconscious singing of any child is really very sweet.
Anglophile: n. One who admires England, its culture, and its people. It was due to a bunch of idiotic anglophiles that the Brits ruled India for so long.
Delve: v. 1. To search deeply and laboriously. 2. To dig the ground, as with a spade. I delved the whole lot of papers to get my certificate. An archeologist should be very patient because often delving doesn’t give any results.
Idioms of the day
Feet of clay: If you say that someone you praise have feet of clay, it means he has hidden faults. Most of the social workers have feet of clay.
At first blush (American): When you first start to think about something. At first blush holidaying in Vienna appeared a fine idea but later we decided flying to Paris.
Weigh your words: To think carefully before you say anything. A wise man always weighs his words.
Combinations of words
Indelible mark (indelible = impossible to remove): Parents must remember that child abuse leaves an indelible mark on the minds of children.
Inseparably linked: It is said that hearts of the true lovers are inseparably linked - no matter how far the both live.
Chain of connection: From Bollywood to drugs and police to underworld, there seem to be a chain of connection.
The class is over.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Free English Lesson
***
Free English Lesson
A curious secret of writing is that if you are plunged in any problem and write it down, you will find that your writing is communicating the solution of it to you. So if you have a problem to work on, I urge you to write it down and accept my beforehand congratulations as your writing will tell the solution of it to you. Try it out!
Words of the day
Hysteria: n. Behaviour showing excessive or uncontrollable emotions, such as fear and panic. It was hysteria all around the road as a powerful bomb went off.
Ringleader: n. A person who leads others, especially in illicit or informal activities. The ringleaders should be targeted to quickly wife off corruption.
Moron: n. A stupid person, a fool. Morons are puppets - only born to be controlled by corrupt people.
Idioms of the day
A faux pas: An embarrassing mistake made in public. Calling Africa a country, Sarah Palen made a faux pas.
Be as solid as a rock: To be very solid. My grandfather’s car has gone out of fashion, yet it is as solid as a rock.
A man of few words: a man who speaks only when it is necessary. An eminent person is a man of few words.
Combinations of words
Undying friendship: Meeting with you is lovely - I feel that it is a beginning of an undying friendship.
Abiding romance: Seeing the abiding romance between Paul and Marry - the whole college was happy.
Uncontrollable delight: As the Indian cricket team won the 20 20 tournament, the whole nation was in an uncontrollable delight.
Over with the class.
Free English Lesson
A curious secret of writing is that if you are plunged in any problem and write it down, you will find that your writing is communicating the solution of it to you. So if you have a problem to work on, I urge you to write it down and accept my beforehand congratulations as your writing will tell the solution of it to you. Try it out!
Words of the day
Hysteria: n. Behaviour showing excessive or uncontrollable emotions, such as fear and panic. It was hysteria all around the road as a powerful bomb went off.
Ringleader: n. A person who leads others, especially in illicit or informal activities. The ringleaders should be targeted to quickly wife off corruption.
Moron: n. A stupid person, a fool. Morons are puppets - only born to be controlled by corrupt people.
Idioms of the day
A faux pas: An embarrassing mistake made in public. Calling Africa a country, Sarah Palen made a faux pas.
Be as solid as a rock: To be very solid. My grandfather’s car has gone out of fashion, yet it is as solid as a rock.
A man of few words: a man who speaks only when it is necessary. An eminent person is a man of few words.
Combinations of words
Undying friendship: Meeting with you is lovely - I feel that it is a beginning of an undying friendship.
Abiding romance: Seeing the abiding romance between Paul and Marry - the whole college was happy.
Uncontrollable delight: As the Indian cricket team won the 20 20 tournament, the whole nation was in an uncontrollable delight.
Over with the class.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Free English Lesson
***
Free English Lesson
How far have you gone at writing? I am confident that if you follow my humble suggestions you will progress very soon.
Words of the day
Defer: v. To postpone, to delay. Deferring the hearing of my case for 3 days, the judge has again excited me.
Agog: adj. Full of keen anticipation, curious. We were agog as our college team needed a six on the last ball to win the match.
Wordsmith: n. 1. A fluent and prolific writer, especially one whose profession is writing. 2. A master of words. If you are thinking to earn handsomely by writing, change your profession because even the best wordsmiths cannot make enough money. George is a wordsmith - he chooses the accurate words.
Idioms of the day
Go to whole hog: To do something as completely as possible. Americans will lag behind in stem cell research from the Brits because Obama hasn’t decided to go whole hog for the thing.
The operative word: The chief word in the sentence, which explains the reality of the situation. The operative word of the patriots was freedom.
Go/sell like hot cakes: If things are going or selling like hot cakes, people are buying a lot of them very fast. Copies of The White Elephant are selling like hot cakes because this book won the Booker Prize.
Combinations of words
A dazzling completeness of beauty: If your heart is sincere and intention noble, write anything - the result would be a dazzling completeness of beauty.
Sweet and peaceable: Few men are so powerful that they even make their married lives sweet and peaceable!
Curious proclivity (proclivity = n. inclination): John had a curious proclivity for horse riding since his infancy.
The class is over.
Free English Lesson
How far have you gone at writing? I am confident that if you follow my humble suggestions you will progress very soon.
Words of the day
Defer: v. To postpone, to delay. Deferring the hearing of my case for 3 days, the judge has again excited me.
Agog: adj. Full of keen anticipation, curious. We were agog as our college team needed a six on the last ball to win the match.
Wordsmith: n. 1. A fluent and prolific writer, especially one whose profession is writing. 2. A master of words. If you are thinking to earn handsomely by writing, change your profession because even the best wordsmiths cannot make enough money. George is a wordsmith - he chooses the accurate words.
Idioms of the day
Go to whole hog: To do something as completely as possible. Americans will lag behind in stem cell research from the Brits because Obama hasn’t decided to go whole hog for the thing.
The operative word: The chief word in the sentence, which explains the reality of the situation. The operative word of the patriots was freedom.
Go/sell like hot cakes: If things are going or selling like hot cakes, people are buying a lot of them very fast. Copies of The White Elephant are selling like hot cakes because this book won the Booker Prize.
Combinations of words
A dazzling completeness of beauty: If your heart is sincere and intention noble, write anything - the result would be a dazzling completeness of beauty.
Sweet and peaceable: Few men are so powerful that they even make their married lives sweet and peaceable!
Curious proclivity (proclivity = n. inclination): John had a curious proclivity for horse riding since his infancy.
The class is over.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Free English Class
***
Free English Class
On this blog I posted an essay on speaking well. But as this topic is very vast, so it was impossible for me to fit all the ideas in a few hundred words. Therefore I will keep on providing some speaking tips.
You would have noticed that when the article “the” comes before a vowel - correct speakers pronounce it as “thee”. For example, “thee earth”, “thee airport” etc. mind, the spelling of “the” will not change; I am putting ( double E) only to make the thing clear.
Presumably, many of you would be already knowing this, but if anybody learnt it today, this point should be taken a proper care of. Bring this into practice and after a couple of days you will become habitual. Don’t think that this is too difficult a task; for, after practicing a few words, you will become familiar with this peculiarity and you will effortlessly use the correct pronunciation of “the” even with the words you are speaking for the first time.
Words of the day
Rumpus: n. A noisy clamor. As soon as the issue of nuclear deal came up, the house echoed with rumpus.
Foothold: n. A secure or firm position that provides a foundation for further development. Google, through its internet browser Chrome, is trying to establish a foothold on the web.
Disgruntle: v. to make discontented. The corrupt condition of the world is disgruntling the common folks.
Idioms of the day
In words of one syllable: To explain something in a very easy and common language because the person you are explaining to is stupid. Warnings should always be explained in words of one syllable so that people of less intelligence can easily understand them.
I dread/shudder to think: Something that you say when you don’t want to think about a thing because it is too dangerous or too worrying. The medical report of my mother was to come and I was shuddering to think about a serious problem.
Holy shit: A surprise or very unpleasant. When the world is failing to find a solution to curb the rising temperature, a lot of energy is getting wasted on needless events like Olympic Games. What a holy shit!
Combinations of words
Rumpus and malcontent: As the fundamentalism is seeing a rise, the world is filling with rumpus and malcontent.
Drowsy tranquility: The temple was well apart from the city in the drowsy tranquility of a humble village.
Cold formalities: In this modern lifestyle, even respecting anyone comes in the category of cold formalities.
The class is over.
Free English Class
On this blog I posted an essay on speaking well. But as this topic is very vast, so it was impossible for me to fit all the ideas in a few hundred words. Therefore I will keep on providing some speaking tips.
You would have noticed that when the article “the” comes before a vowel - correct speakers pronounce it as “thee”. For example, “thee earth”, “thee airport” etc. mind, the spelling of “the” will not change; I am putting ( double E) only to make the thing clear.
Presumably, many of you would be already knowing this, but if anybody learnt it today, this point should be taken a proper care of. Bring this into practice and after a couple of days you will become habitual. Don’t think that this is too difficult a task; for, after practicing a few words, you will become familiar with this peculiarity and you will effortlessly use the correct pronunciation of “the” even with the words you are speaking for the first time.
Words of the day
Rumpus: n. A noisy clamor. As soon as the issue of nuclear deal came up, the house echoed with rumpus.
Foothold: n. A secure or firm position that provides a foundation for further development. Google, through its internet browser Chrome, is trying to establish a foothold on the web.
Disgruntle: v. to make discontented. The corrupt condition of the world is disgruntling the common folks.
Idioms of the day
In words of one syllable: To explain something in a very easy and common language because the person you are explaining to is stupid. Warnings should always be explained in words of one syllable so that people of less intelligence can easily understand them.
I dread/shudder to think: Something that you say when you don’t want to think about a thing because it is too dangerous or too worrying. The medical report of my mother was to come and I was shuddering to think about a serious problem.
Holy shit: A surprise or very unpleasant. When the world is failing to find a solution to curb the rising temperature, a lot of energy is getting wasted on needless events like Olympic Games. What a holy shit!
Combinations of words
Rumpus and malcontent: As the fundamentalism is seeing a rise, the world is filling with rumpus and malcontent.
Drowsy tranquility: The temple was well apart from the city in the drowsy tranquility of a humble village.
Cold formalities: In this modern lifestyle, even respecting anyone comes in the category of cold formalities.
The class is over.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
English Learning
***
English Learning
Several times I have given emphasis on writing for yourself. You will be shocked to know that if you remove the autobiographical element from the literature, you will be left with a few insignificant pages. This clearly establishes how important it is to write for yourself.
A general rule is that the more you practice, the quicker you excel. I provide writing tips and some rhetorical expressions here - but remember your progress depends on your practice.
Words of the day
Odds-on: adj. (Informal) More likely to win. From the very beginning it became clear that Barrack Obama is the odds-on for the president post of the US.
Artisan: n. A person skilled at any craft. Joe is an excellent artisan - the windows he trims look very attractive.
Rollicking: adj. Carefree and very cheerful. It was a rollicking moment when after solving our financial problems we fixed our marriage date.
Idioms of the day
A four-letter word: A short word that is very offensive. The moment news of Obama’s victory flashed, many Americans started chanting several four-letter words in joy.
If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Something that you say which means if you aren’t able to face difficult circumstances, you should leave. Tom was with his sad neighbour to encourage him, but driven by his negativity, sadness struck him as well. A simple rule is that if you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
A greasy spoon (informal): A cheap and small restaurant which chiefly serves fried food of low quality. Eating meals at a greasy spoon should be avoided because it is injurious for health.
Combinations of words
Aching desires: It has often being noticed that aching desires of humans compel them to achieve success.
Burdensome business: Looking after the kids and working for the whole day is really a burdensome business.
Clear insight: Many prefer reading The Hindu because it provides a clear insight on all the current issues.
Over with the class. But I want you to write at least a page everyday.
English Learning
Several times I have given emphasis on writing for yourself. You will be shocked to know that if you remove the autobiographical element from the literature, you will be left with a few insignificant pages. This clearly establishes how important it is to write for yourself.
A general rule is that the more you practice, the quicker you excel. I provide writing tips and some rhetorical expressions here - but remember your progress depends on your practice.
Words of the day
Odds-on: adj. (Informal) More likely to win. From the very beginning it became clear that Barrack Obama is the odds-on for the president post of the US.
Artisan: n. A person skilled at any craft. Joe is an excellent artisan - the windows he trims look very attractive.
Rollicking: adj. Carefree and very cheerful. It was a rollicking moment when after solving our financial problems we fixed our marriage date.
Idioms of the day
A four-letter word: A short word that is very offensive. The moment news of Obama’s victory flashed, many Americans started chanting several four-letter words in joy.
If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Something that you say which means if you aren’t able to face difficult circumstances, you should leave. Tom was with his sad neighbour to encourage him, but driven by his negativity, sadness struck him as well. A simple rule is that if you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
A greasy spoon (informal): A cheap and small restaurant which chiefly serves fried food of low quality. Eating meals at a greasy spoon should be avoided because it is injurious for health.
Combinations of words
Aching desires: It has often being noticed that aching desires of humans compel them to achieve success.
Burdensome business: Looking after the kids and working for the whole day is really a burdensome business.
Clear insight: Many prefer reading The Hindu because it provides a clear insight on all the current issues.
Over with the class. But I want you to write at least a page everyday.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
On the Art of Speaking
***
On the Art of Speaking
“You must be confident” is the famous sentence everyone blurts out whenever you seek advice of progressing at speaking. Curiously, most of the people fail to tell that how to build up this confidence, and, even the seekers don’t bother to question how to gather the thing called confidence. So, let’s see how can we style ourselves confident.
In this piece since I will try to shine some light on improving speaking, so I will be limited to it. Nevertheless, if the readers cleverly transferred some of these confidence-building ideas to their respective fields, they will be benefited.
Practice
By practicing one catches the errors and works to become perfect. In order to sound polished, most of the great speakers used to devote some time to reading aloud. So pick up any passage of your interest, read it aloud, and then recapitulate it aloud as well. The words you find new or difficult to pronounce in the passage, look the meaning and pronunciation of them in the dictionary.
There are a lot of dictionaries that are coming as software. A great feature these dictionaries offer is that one can listen to the correct pronunciation. The words you find difficult to utter, key them in the dictionary, and carefully listen to the pronunciation. Jot down these words anywhere and keep on speaking them till you feel you have properly fitted them into your mouth.
I come across many people complaining that there is nobody to speak English with. Rejoice, as this recapitulation practice will fulfill that need and you will become a fluent speaker. I too improve speaking by the same practice.
Listening to good speakers is also a good idea, but as there are several slang, paroles and dialects in English, so like others I won’t warmly suggest it. However, one must always listen to good speakers in order to grasp the expressing technique, which is very crucial.
Be Expressive
The best technique to be expressive is to deeply understand the topic you are discussing, because by doing this, your voice would naturally jell with the nature of the topic. Another very crucial point is to understand the words and try to form the images of those words in your mind while practicing. You must do this only while practicing and not when you are in public otherwise your concentration will skirt. In time, these expressions in your words will come effortlessly. This will bring liveliness in your speaking, and your words will leave a totally different impression on your listeners.
Vocabulary
Always be eager to learn new words. Building up a good vocabulary will make you fluent at speaking as you will have many words in your mind to express your thoughts. Agreed, you may not use even half of the words you learn, but even the unused half will play a very crucial role to ease your speaking.
If you don’t have a good vocabulary, you will often slip into yawning gaps accompanied with embarrassing hems and haws. Remember, a good vocabulary will boost your confidence as well.
Idioms and phrases, besides adding a relish to speaking, show your familiarity with the language and leave the listeners spellbound.
Logic and originality
Be passionate for speaking, but like others I don’t accept the idea of going crazy for it. Don’t misuse your time and energy by acting on the illogical suggestions offered in many personality-development courses and those available on many websites.
Be original by neglecting such needless innovations. We are so much gifted that if we remain original the world will place us on top of all the admirations. A child charms everybody because of his originality. Things go wrong when as an adult he resorts to artificiality to do the same.
Tailpiece: it is knowledge and practice that implants confidence in you. The more you will learn and practice the subject of your interest, the more confident you will feel. In your way of speaking well you will find a host of obstacles. If you have confidence, you will break each and every obstacle - but lacking it means each and every obstacle will break you.
On the Art of Speaking
“You must be confident” is the famous sentence everyone blurts out whenever you seek advice of progressing at speaking. Curiously, most of the people fail to tell that how to build up this confidence, and, even the seekers don’t bother to question how to gather the thing called confidence. So, let’s see how can we style ourselves confident.
In this piece since I will try to shine some light on improving speaking, so I will be limited to it. Nevertheless, if the readers cleverly transferred some of these confidence-building ideas to their respective fields, they will be benefited.
Practice
By practicing one catches the errors and works to become perfect. In order to sound polished, most of the great speakers used to devote some time to reading aloud. So pick up any passage of your interest, read it aloud, and then recapitulate it aloud as well. The words you find new or difficult to pronounce in the passage, look the meaning and pronunciation of them in the dictionary.
There are a lot of dictionaries that are coming as software. A great feature these dictionaries offer is that one can listen to the correct pronunciation. The words you find difficult to utter, key them in the dictionary, and carefully listen to the pronunciation. Jot down these words anywhere and keep on speaking them till you feel you have properly fitted them into your mouth.
I come across many people complaining that there is nobody to speak English with. Rejoice, as this recapitulation practice will fulfill that need and you will become a fluent speaker. I too improve speaking by the same practice.
Listening to good speakers is also a good idea, but as there are several slang, paroles and dialects in English, so like others I won’t warmly suggest it. However, one must always listen to good speakers in order to grasp the expressing technique, which is very crucial.
Be Expressive
The best technique to be expressive is to deeply understand the topic you are discussing, because by doing this, your voice would naturally jell with the nature of the topic. Another very crucial point is to understand the words and try to form the images of those words in your mind while practicing. You must do this only while practicing and not when you are in public otherwise your concentration will skirt. In time, these expressions in your words will come effortlessly. This will bring liveliness in your speaking, and your words will leave a totally different impression on your listeners.
Vocabulary
Always be eager to learn new words. Building up a good vocabulary will make you fluent at speaking as you will have many words in your mind to express your thoughts. Agreed, you may not use even half of the words you learn, but even the unused half will play a very crucial role to ease your speaking.
If you don’t have a good vocabulary, you will often slip into yawning gaps accompanied with embarrassing hems and haws. Remember, a good vocabulary will boost your confidence as well.
Idioms and phrases, besides adding a relish to speaking, show your familiarity with the language and leave the listeners spellbound.
Logic and originality
Be passionate for speaking, but like others I don’t accept the idea of going crazy for it. Don’t misuse your time and energy by acting on the illogical suggestions offered in many personality-development courses and those available on many websites.
Be original by neglecting such needless innovations. We are so much gifted that if we remain original the world will place us on top of all the admirations. A child charms everybody because of his originality. Things go wrong when as an adult he resorts to artificiality to do the same.
Tailpiece: it is knowledge and practice that implants confidence in you. The more you will learn and practice the subject of your interest, the more confident you will feel. In your way of speaking well you will find a host of obstacles. If you have confidence, you will break each and every obstacle - but lacking it means each and every obstacle will break you.
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