The English language boasts a rich array of 14 standard punctuation marks, yet many writers and students only regularly use a handful of these. Mastering all 14 punctuation marks can significantly enhance your writing, adding clarity, nuance, and sophistication to your text. The Basics The foundation of English punctuation lies in four essential marks: the...
Online language learning has experienced exponential growth, with the market size reaching $18.7 billion in 2024 and projected to surpass $30 billion by 2028. This surge is driven by technological advancements and the increasing demand for language skills in a globalized world. A recent study found that 68% of language learners now prefer online methods...
Did you know that knowing a foreign language can significantly boost your career prospects in diverse fields? From IT specialists to marketers, lawyers to customer relationship managers, proficiency in languages like English, Spanish, and others opens up a world of opportunities. In today’s interconnected global economy, businesses are increasingly looking for professionals who can communicate...
Are you just starting your journey into the vast world of English language learning? There’s no better place to begin than with the very foundation of the language itself: the alphabet. Alphabets serve as the building blocks of language, representing its phonetics and providing the groundwork for communication. In this article, we delve into the...
Many learners find English spelling particularly challenging, and for good reason. Unlike languages such as Spanish or Italian, where pronunciation closely matches spelling, English is notorious for its inconsistencies. These quirks are the result of English’s rich history, borrowing words from Latin, French, Greek, and many other languages, each bringing its own spelling conventions. However,...
Mastering the nuances of the English language can be a daunting task. A pivotal starting point? The present simple tense. As a basic and foundational grammatical construct, you’ll find its equivalent in nearly every language, including Slavic ones. If you’re diving into this piece, you’re either embarking on your English learning journey or brushing up...
Many individuals contemplate changing their career path or field of activity but struggle to make a definitive decision, often due to uncertainty about their knowledge and preparation. This hesitation is commonly observed in the field of education as well. Someone might aspire to teach a foreign language but harbor doubts about whether their proficiency level...
Reading texts and sequentially completing exercises in a textbook no longer sparks interest among students. And memorizing word flashcards is not only ineffective but also a boring pastime. Following such a rigid approach, time seems to drag on endlessly, and students may feel as if the lesson will never end. To address this issue, we’ve...
Tongue twisters are an effective tool for improving spoken English. The constant repetition of certain phrases allows for quicker adaptation to the language’s dialect and specific phonetics. An example of an English tongue twister is the phrase “She sells sea shells by the seashore,” which emphasizes the sounds “Sh” and “s.” Similar tongue twisters exist...
Have you been studying English for a long time but still struggle to understand native speakers? Different approaches work for different people. Some watch movies and TV shows without subtitles, some find a conversation partner and try to speak more with a native speaker, and others start listening to podcasts — whether at home in...
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) provides a standardized grading system to categorize language proficiency globally. This system comprises three primary levels – A, B, and C, each split further into two sub-levels denoted by 1 and 2. Universities, state institutions, and commercial organizations widely accept this grading system. Consequently, this standard is often...
Mastering English involves getting to grips with tricky word pairs like ‘begun’ and ‘began’. Understanding their differences is key to avoiding errors in your writing and speech. The essence of the ‘begun’ vs. ‘began’ debate lies in their connection to the verb “to begin”. Despite their similar appearance, their usage is distinct. Consider this simple...
Numerous English students often wonder about the key distinctions between American and British English. Both varieties can seem peculiar depending on one’s exposure, and even for native speakers, fully grasping the range of dialects, particularly colloquialisms, can be a challenge. However, there are some notable differences between these two versions of English that are worth...
While aiming for fluency in English within a single month is overly optimistic, significant progress is indeed possible with focused effort. Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint — it’s crucial to build up vocabulary, get the hang of pronunciation, grasp various tenses, and construct sentences thoughtfully. Let’s be realistic: a single month...
Achieving the fluency and ease of a native English speaker is a challenging but rewarding goal for language learners. It takes considerable time and effort to refine your speaking abilities to the point where you sound like you’ve been speaking English all your life. Nevertheless, some strategies can make this process more natural and less...
Greetings in business correspondence establish the tone for all future communication. While in Russian we are accustomed to writing “Good afternoon” or “Hello”, English presents a more nuanced landscape. Depending on the status of your recipient, the subject of the email, and the ultimate communication goal, there are numerous variations of words and phrases you...
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international English language proficiency assessment system. It operates in more than 190 countries and is used in business, migration services, government, and other institutions.
Modern English teachers claim that rote memorization of words is inefficient. It's said you could learn 100 words a day, but a week later, 90 of them will be forgotten. This is partly true. Words need to be learned with an understanding of their meaning, complemented by grammar and stylistics.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is used internationally to assess English language proficiency. Similar to IELTS, TOEIC, and others, it's often taken to validate English proficiency for visa centers, educational institutions, government agencies, or private organizations.
