English Language/IELTS Tutor
Publishing/Proofreading/Writing Competences
Major subjects : Accounting, Banking, Principles of Commerce, Economics and Commercial Geography
Coursework & Assessment:
- Attended English Language Course from Elementary to Upper-Intermediate Level.
- Attended typing course during schooling period at YMCA Industrial home Drigh Rd,Karachi.
Title: A Prescription for IELTS/TOEFL Learners
Reading module could be the most difficult task for some individuals. Especially for those who are not used of reading or lack of interest in it. Some of them also face problems as they have longest educational gap and find it hard to overcome. But if your purpose is to achieve high bands or scores, you need to follow this prescription.
Work at Active Reading
You’ll have to face quite a few challenges in the Reading section. You should see the level of content and vocabulary you may come up. However the greatest dare, is to attempt to both read the passages and answer the question in the limited time provide. Therefore, to do well on the IELTS or TOEFL, you must work on active reading.
Focus on the big picture … Active reading succeeds three major tasks:
By mastering the skill of active reading, you’ll be able to not only find the most important information in a passage but also effectively answer the questions that follow. After all, you gain no points on the IELTS/TOEFL for simply reading the passage; you only get points for answering the questions .
Are You All at Sixes and Sevens?
The heading has an idiom, “at sixes and sevens” and it means “in confusion; not well organized.” So we are all at sixes and sevens when we confront with a native speaker who is using idiomatic expressions fluently in their conversation. Idioms do have significance in English. Because of the vastness of English language and complexity of idioms, we often hesitate to learn them or give secondary importance. People with superficial knowledge of idioms find it very hard to take in and try to avoid the interaction, if idioms are being used. Following are the valuable instructions to gain proper understanding.
1. Attempt to comprehend idioms
You’ll have to understand the meaning and context before using the idioms. Let’s see this idiom, ‘With Flying Colors’ which means “passing with high marks”. You can easily figure out through its meaning that it relates to education or test and should be used in victory sense. Your next step is to make a statement using your mind’s eye: Don’t worry mom, I’ll pass the exam with flying colors. Understanding the context is important before using idioms in speech as well as in written language.
2. Navigate and be selective
This is a very important aspect and you have to be aware of most common idioms that people normally use to interact with each other. The list of active idioms can be found through online resources, but simply memorizing them doesn’t bring any effective results. I notice the idiom “Relatively Speaking” on TV shows a lot. It is used when a speaker is comparing something with all similar things: The colleges had become, relatively speaking, short of funds. Therefore, you should choose wisely and practice it frequently in your daily activities. Using uncommon and complicated idioms might confuse the audience.
3. Purchase an idiom dictionary
There are numerous of books and dictionaries available online as well as at the local bookshops. The most popular is Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms, THIRD EDITION edited by John Ayto. Type “Top ten idiom books” on Google Search Engine and you’ll have the list with images to select and begin your journey of learning idioms.
4. Search Torrent sites; download an app
If you are a computer geek then browse through “Torrent Sites” for the updated version of idiom book; dictionary. Train commuters who use Smartphone or Tablet PC can download the dictionary app and learn on their way to work. Choose any method that best suits to you.
5. Notice song lyrics
Have you ever noticed the song lyrics? If not, then listen to a song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, it was sung by Colombian singer Shakira and released in 2010. There’s an idiom “Back in the saddle” in the lyrics. It means “doing something that you stopped doing for a period of time: After a prolonged study gap, Steven is back in the saddle.”
In the tail end of this blog, I recommend you to learn at least three (3) idioms a day. Make statements in your journal. Use them in your daily conversations. Sooner or later, you’ll accumulate a lot of idioms.
Stephen Noble John
ELT Professional