Spoken English

► We use #still to show that something CONTINUOS UP to a time in the past present or future. It goes in FRONT of the main verb: - The children still enjoyed playing games. - They are still living next door. - We will still be on holiday. ▼ or AFTER the present simple or the past simple of BE: - Her grandfather is still alive. - They were still unhappy. ► We use #already to show that something has happened SOONER than it was expected to happen. Like still, it comes BEFORE the main verb: - The car is OK. I’ve already fixed it. - It was early but they were already sleeping. ▼ or AFTER the present simple or past simple of the verb BE: - It was early but we were already tired. - We are already late. ► We use #yet in a negative or interrogative clause, usually with perfective aspect (especially in British English), to show that something has NOT HAPPENED by a particular time. yet comes at the END of the sentence: - It was late, but they hadn’t arrived yet. - Have you fixed the...

Characterization is a literary device that is used step by step in literature to highlight and explain the details about a character in a story. It is in the initial stage where the writer introduces the character with noticeable emergence and then following the introduction of the character, the writer often talks about his behavior; then as the story progresses, the thought-process of the character. The next stage involves the character expressing his opinions and ideas and getting into conversations with the rest of the characters. The final part shows how others in the story respond to the character’s personality. Characterization as a literary tool was coined in the mid 15th century. Aristotle in his Poetics argued that “tragedy is a representation, not of men, but of action and life”. Thus the assertion of the dominance of plot over characters, termed as plot-driven narrative, is unmistakable. This point of view was later on abandoned by many because, in the 19th century, the d...

The connection between literature and life is intimate and vital. Literature is the expression of individual and social life and thought through language. While the subject matter and treatment must be such as are of general human interest, the expression must be emotive; the form must give aesthetic pleasure and satisfaction. Literature must not be confounded with sociology, philosophy, religion or psychology, though these give substance and depth to literature. It may or may not impart knowledge or religious or moral instruction directly. Its theme may be social problem or political revolution or religious movement; but it may, with equal justification, be an individual's passion, problem or fantasy. But the object is not so much to teach as to delight. Books are literature when they bring us into some relation with real life. Herein lies its power and universal appeal. While there are some who take perfection of form to be the chief pre-occupation of literature, many more are ...

Literature provides a lens through which readers look at the world. Point of view is the way the author allows you to "see" and "hear" what's going on. Skillful authors can fix their readers' attention on exactly the detail, opinion, or emotion the author wants to emphasize by manipulating the point of view of the story.Point of view comes in three varieties, which the English scholars have handily numbered for your convenience: First-person point of view is in use when a character narrates the story with I-me-my-mine in his or her speech. The advantage of this point of view is that you get to hear the thoughts of the narrator and see the world depicted in the story through his or her eyes. However, remember that no narrator, like no human being, has complete self-knowledge or, for that matter, complete knowledge of anything. Therefore, the reader's role is to go beyond what the narrator says.For example, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is told f...

ALLITERATION - is the repetition of initial consonant sounds. ALLUSION - is a direct or indirect reference to a familiar figure, place or event from history, literature, mythology or the Bible. APOSTROPHE - a figure of speech in which a person not present is addressed. ASSONANCE - is a close repetition of similar vowel sounds, usually in stressed syllables. ATMOSPHERE / MOOD - is the prevailing feeling that is created in a story or poem. CACOPHONY - Harsh sounds introduced for poetic effect - sometimes words that are difficult to pronounce. CLICHE - an overused expression that has lost its intended force or novelty. CONNOTATION - the emotional suggestions attached to words beyond their strict definitions. CONSONANCE - the close repetition of identical consonant sounds before and after different vowels. CONTRAST - the comparison or juxtaposition of things that are different DENOTATION - the dictionary meaning of words. DISSONANCE - the juxtaposition of harsh jarring sounds in...

Shakespeare created the majority of his popular plays and stories in the late 16th century. For many years he enjoyed writing comedies and historical plays until he found his true love: writing tragedies and dark dramas, such as Hamlet and Macbeth. The playwright, poet, and actor, William Shakespeare, was born in Elizabethan England in the 16th century. He wrote plays that appealed to both the commoner and the queen, and he wrote as well as performed in his plays. His plays were performed in London at the Globe Theater and in Stratford at The New Place Theater. He is referred to as William Shakespeare, Shakespeare, or the Bard by countless fans of his work around the world. Shakespeare wrote his earlier plays in the traditional style of the time. He relied heavily on using drawn out—sometimes extravagant—metaphors and narcissisms. His style often sounded pompous and pretentious. Shakespeare’s first original comedy called “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” (1590) shows an undeveloped and c...

Shakespeare created the majority of his popular plays and stories in the late 16th century. For many years he enjoyed writing comedies and historical plays until he found his true love: writing tragedies and dark dramas, such as Hamlet and Macbeth. The playwright, poet, and actor, William Shakespeare, was born in Elizabethan England in the 16th century. He wrote plays that appealed to both the commoner and the queen, and he wrote as well as performed in his plays. His plays were performed in London at the Globe Theater and in Stratford at The New Place Theater. He is referred to as William Shakespeare, Shakespeare, or the Bard by countless fans of his work around the world. Shakespeare wrote his earlier plays in the traditional style of the time. He relied heavily on using drawn out—sometimes extravagant—metaphors and narcissisms. His style often sounded pompous and pretentious. Shakespeare’s first original comedy called “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” (1590) shows an undeveloped and c...

Three other elements of poetry are rhyme scheme, meter (ie. regular rhythm) and word sounds (like alliteration). These are sometimes collectively called sound play because they take advantage of the performative, spoken nature of poetry. RHYME Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds. In poetry, the most common kind of rhyme is the end rhyme, which occurs at the end of two or more lines. It is usually identified with lower case letters, and a new letter is used to identify each new end sound. Take a look at the rhyme scheme for the following poem : I saw a fairy in the wood, He was dressed all in green. He drew his sword while I just stood, And realized I'd been seen. The rhyme scheme of the poem is abab.. Internal rhyme occurs in the middle of a line, as in these lines from Coleridge, "In mist or cloud, on mast or shroud" or "Whiles all the night through fog-smoke white" ("The Ancient Mariner"). Remember that most modern poems do not have r...

Use ( in,at,on ) in a correct way I'm + in/at/on Describes an action you are doing. Most commonly, you would use the word 'in' when entering a physical location such as a room or a building. Here are some examples: "I'm in the shower." "I'm in the lobby." "I'm in a car." "I'm in a house." "I'm in a school." Using the word 'at' helps tell someone where you currently are. The difference between 'at' and 'in' is that the physical location is general. Here are some examples: "I'm at the grocery." "I'm at the mall." "I'm at the doctor's office." "I'm at the park." "I'm at the airport." However, in some cases you can use 'at' and 'in' interchangeably. Here are some examples: "I'm at the mall." "I'm in the mall." "I'm at the park." ...

A very common mistake among English learners check it out.. 🔸Subject-Verb Agreement Errors The subject and verb of a sentence must agree with one another in number whether they are singular or plural. If the subject of the sentence is singular, its verb must also be singular; and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. Example 1: ❌Incorrect: An important part of my life have been the people who stood by me. ✅Correct: An important part of my life has been the people who stood by me. Fantasy Cricket Matchups

Now you know how to practise the ‘physical’ side here’s something you can do to improve the ‘mental’ side to fluency; Learn phrases not just words – You have probably heard this before, many English learners will write down a big long list of words with the translation next to it, this is probably the worst thing you can do.  You are making your brain work in a very unnatural and complicated way. By learning phrases, you are making it easier for yourself when you speak as you’re not having to think of each individual word. For example: ‘What are you going to do at the weekend?’ I’m going to………. I’m thinking about……. I might…… Now, try to think of different endings to these phrases. If you learn a language in big pieces (phrases) you only have to remember 2 things; (I’m going to) + (go to the cinema) (I’m going to) + (clean my house) (I’m thinking about) + (seeing my friends) (I might) + (go for a walk) By learning like this, it makes it easier to respond to questions...

Let’s look at a few things you can do to help improve the ‘physical’ side to fluency; Use songs – Learning English songs is great to learn new words and expressions etc. but by singing songs and saying the words you are training your mouth to produce the words and sounds. Speed read – This is where you read a small article, something not too difficult for your level and not too easy. Time yourself. Then read it again and again getting faster each time. This will help you connect your sentences faster and smoother. Mimic – Mimicking is when you copy what someone has said and how they have said it. So, listen to a native speaker and copy what they say! Player Stats

Grammatical Expression: { if only } ► We use it when we want to express a strong desire for something. Let me give you some ways to use it in sentences. - I really hate my job! If only I could get another one. - If only I could find a girlfriend. I would be so much happier than I am now. - A: I wish Dan wouldn’t be late all the time. B: If only! Unfortunately, that’s his nature. - If only my parents would stop pressuring me and my wife to have a baby! My life would be much less stressful! ▼ As you can see from the examples, we often put “I could” after the term “if only”. This is the case of the first two examples. ▼ After “if only” we can also put “would”, as in the last example. In these cases, we don’t put “I” between them; it must be another person or other people. ▼ Sometimes, we use “if only” in a sentence by itself. In these cases, it’s used as a response to another person’s statement. This is the case of the third example. ▼ The term “if only” is very close in meaning...

The words except and accept are often confused. Except is a preposition. It means ‘not including’. Everybody came except John. (John didn’t come.) Accept, on the other hand, is a verb. I accept this award with great pleasure. A preposition should be followed by a noun that acts as its object. A verb, too, can be followed by a noun or noun phrase that acts as its object. However, verbs and prepositions have very different grammatical properties. Note that a verb does not have to take an object all the time. Verbs that do not take objects are called intransitive verbs. A preposition, on the other hand, needs an object. Playing 11 with Recent Form

It's very kind of you to + (verb) When saying it is 'kind of you' you are saying that what someone has done or said was very appreciated or welcomed. Here are some examples: "It's very kind of you to offer me the job." "It's very kind of you to listen to me." "It's very kind of you to join me." "It's very kind of you to invite us." "It's very kind of you to inform us what happened." "It is kind of you to help us." "It is kind of you to fill me in." "It is kind of you to entertain us." "It is kind of you to double my salary." "It is kind of you to decorate for the party." Head to Head

🔸'There's' is a contraction of the words 'there is.' When using the word 'nothing' you are suggesting that something cannot happen or be done. Here are some examples: "There's nothing you can harm." "There's nothing the police can identify." "There's nothing we can agree on." "There's nothing we can join." "There's nothing she can cook." "There's nothing my dog can learn." 🔸By using the word 'can' or 'can't' you change the expression to mean that all is possible. Here are some examples: "There is nothing I cannot ask for." "There's nothing we cannot accomplish." "There's nothing our dog cannot open." "There's nothing that truck cannot move." Dream11 Prediction

A: Just look at that young person with the short hair and blue jeans. Is it a boy or a girl? B: It's a girl. She's my daughter. A: Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know that you were her father. B: I'm not. I'm her mother. Dream 11 Prediction

Teacher: "Nick, what is the past participle of the verb to ring?" Nick: "What do you think it is, Sir?" Teacher: "I don't think, I KNOW!" Nick: "I don't think I know either, Sir!" Dream 11 Team

I'm' is a contraction of the words 'I am.' By adding a verb to 'I'm' this lets you express an action or occurrence about yourself. Here are some examples: "I'm eating lunch." "I'm brushing my teeth." "I'm scared." "I'm driving to work." "I'm crying." "I'm typing an email." "I'm cooking dinner." "I'm combing my hair." "I'm hanging a picture." "I am texting." "I am dancing." "I am interested in the job." "I am exercising." "I am sad." "I am learning." Dream11 Team

It's very kind of you to + (verb) When saying it is 'kind of you' you are saying that what someone has done or said was very appreciated or welcomed. Here are some examples: "It's very kind of you to offer me the job." "It's very kind of you to listen to me." "It's very kind of you to join me." "It's very kind of you to invite us." "It's very kind of you to inform us what happened." "It is kind of you to help us." "It is kind of you to fill me in." "It is kind of you to entertain us." "It is kind of you to double my salary." "It is kind of you to decorate for the party." Dream Team Prediction

WRONG : I have visited Niagara Falls last weekend. RIGHT :I visited Niagara Falls last weekend. WRONG: The woman which works here is from Japan. RIGHT : The woman who works here is from Japan. WRONG: She’s married with a dentist. RIGHT: She’s married to a dentist. WRONG: She was boring in the class. RIGHT: She was bored in the class. WRONG: I must to call him immediately. RIGHT : I must call him immediately. WRONG: Every students like the teacher. RIGHT: Every student likes the teacher. WRONG: Although it was raining, but we had the picnic. RIGHT: Although it was raining, we had the picnic. WRONG: I enjoyed from the movie. RIGHT: I enjoyed the movie. WRONG: I look forward to meet you. RIGHT: I look forward to meeting you. WRONG: I like very much ice cream. RIGHT: I like ice cream very much Best Fantasy Cricket Prediction Site

Are you trying to + (verb) You are asking someone if they are attempting to do something. This can be something mentally or physically. Here are some examples: . "Are you trying to ignore me?" . "Are you trying to manage your money?" . "Are you trying to memorize that song?" . "Are you trying to offer your help?" . "Are you trying to program your new phone?" . "Are you trying to pretend like it never happened?" . "Are you trying to remain calm?" . "Are you trying to remember her name?" . "Are you trying to reflect on the past?" . "Are you trying to switch flights?" Best Dream 11 Prediction Website

► We can often use “don’t mind” and “don’t care” in the same situations, but [don’t mind] sounds much softer than [don’t care]. For example: - I don’t mind which restaurant we go to. It’s up to you. - I don’t care which restaurant we go to. It’s up to you. - I don’t mind if Jeff comes to the party. - I don’t care if Jeff comes to the party. - I don’t mind if you smoke. Please go ahead. - I don’t care if you smoke. Please go ahead. - Peter made a joke about my weight, but I don’t mind. - Peter made a joke about my weight, but I don’t care. ▼ In these situations, [don’t mind] sounds very polite and gentle. It’s like the person is saying “It’s ok with me.”; however, [don’t care] sounds stronger and it’s like the person is saying, “It doesn’t matter to me”. ▼ In addition, we can use [don’t care] in ways that we cannot use “don’t mind”. In these cases, it means there is a lack of interest in something or someone. For example: - I don’t care about Hollywood celebrities. I’m not in...

Today, I would like to write about something which is confusing for many people: “should”, “have to” and “had better”. ► We use “should” when we want to say something is a good idea, but that there is a choice. For example: - I’m not good at playing the piano. I should practice more often. - If you have the hiccups, you should drink a glass of water. - I can’t save much money. I shouldn’t go out for dinner so much. ► We use “have to” when we must do something and we DON’T have a choice. For example: - I have to be at work by 9:00 am every morning. - We have to hand in our reports to the teacher on Friday. - I’m sorry, but I can’t have dinner with you on Sunday. I have to help my friend move. ► The expression “had better” is commonly misunderstood. It is used when we want to say that we have a choice about doing something, but that if we don’t do it, we are going to have a problem. For example: - My test is in two days. I’d better start studying for it right away. (This means ...

Today, I have three adjectives which are closely related but have different meanings in English: “fun”, “funny” and “interesting”. ►The word “fun” is used when we talk about enjoying ourselves or having a good time. For example: - The party was so much fun! We danced and drank all night long. - The action movie was a lot of fun. I’d like to see it again. - I love going to Disneyland! It’s so much fun! ► The word “funny” is used when something or someone makes us laugh. For example: - Tom is such a funny guy. He always makes me laugh. - That joke wasn’t funny at all. Nobody laughed at it. - The new comedy with Jim Carrey is supposed to be really funny. Let’s go see it this weekend. ► The word “interesting” is used when talking about situations in which we learn something or are made to think about something. For example: - I think going to museums is interesting, but my friend doesn’t agree with me. - The new drama on TV is sad but very interesting. It’s about a doctor who is...

By stating 'the point is' you are stating in your opinion the meaning about what is actually happening. Here are some examples: "The point is that if you study you will do well in school." "The point is that she does not understand." "The point is that we need this done today." "The point is that the world would be a better place." "The point is that we should help." "The point is that snakes can be dangerous." "The point is that leaving a baby alone is not a good idea." "The point is that if we do not leave now we will be late." "The point is that she needs to be more responsible." "The point is that we need to work together." Free Prediction

By using the words 'how was' you are asking someone a question about something that happened or something they did in the past. Here are some examples: "How was your meeting?" "How was your doctor's appointment?" "How was the birthday party?" "How was lunch?" "How was the airplane ride?" "How was vacation?" "How were your parents?" "How were roads when you drove home?" "How were people acting after what happened?" "How were holidays with the family?" Match Prediction

By using the words 'how was' you are asking someone a question about something that happened or something they did in the past. Here are some examples: "How was your meeting?" "How was your doctor's appointment?" "How was the birthday party?" "How was lunch?" "How was the airplane ride?" "How was vacation?" "How were your parents?" "How were roads when you drove home?" "How were people acting after what happened?" "How were holidays with the family?" Fantasy Prediction Free