As a rule, listening is one of the most significant components of effective communication in English. Listening is crucial when learning a language as complex as English especially if one is learning English as a second language. Learning to listen may sound simple and easy at the onset. However, students will soon realise it requires considerable mental energy and skill. It is especially true for non-native students learning English as a second language. Proper English listening is a vital requisite of developing speaking skills. The ability to listen to the…

People who are engaged in studying English language and in particular English vocabulary, have always found genuine self-expression the ability with which they usually struggle. It is more often than not due to the tendency many students have to study just enough to get by in one’s day to day activities. However, it is not a shortcoming restricted to international students. Even students of English as a first language have been known to develop a restricted vocabulary due to this mistake. To truly sound like a native speaker, especially one…

Irrespective of whether one speaks English as a first language or second, speaking perfect English is of vital importance if one is to communicate both efficiently and effectively. To this end focusing on proper pronunciation is of paramount importance for any student of the English language. Merely listening to conversations of others or acquiring theoretical knowledge of proper pronunciation is not enough to ensure one speaks perfect English. Instead students should focus entirely on practicing the fundamentals of pronunciation at all times. After all “Practice makes perfect!” Students who are…

English has fast become the most widely used language in the world of trade and commerce over the past decade or two. As a result, having an excellent knowledge of English for business has become vital for success in any employee's career. No more so than in that of international students seeking better career prospects in an English speaking country. The spread of the English language can be traced back to the days of the colonial expansion and has fast become the default language in all official forms of communication…

In today’s fast paced corporate world, a sound knowledge of English for work is seen as an absolute necessity. It is especially true for international students seeking employment in an English-speaking country, as having a sound knowledge of business English is crucial to securing good employment and climbing the proverbial corporate ladder. Students who possess a good knowledge of business stand out, as this knowledge is reflected in their proposals, presentations, letters, emails and speeches. Given its importance, many international students will often ask themselves how to learn good English…

A common conundrum faced by many if not all students self-learning English as a second language is finding a good source of English video lessons that address each aspect of the English language they wish to focus on. The biggest shortcoming student’s encounter is that most online content although widely available may not cover all the aspects a student is looking to improve. It would inevitably mean that a student will have to browse through many websites and search engines to find the lesson they are looking. One well-rounded resource…

A common mistake made by many international students studying English as a second language is not paying adequate attention to English pronunciation. This underestimation of the importance of pronunciation is mainly because students tend to think mistakenly that pronunciation is less important compared to other aspects of the English language such as grammar, lexicology and vocabulary. Pronunciation is vital to proper communication because the incorrect use of pronunciation inevitably leads to the message being misunderstood by the recipient. Pronunciation of the letter sounds in words as well as syllable emphasis…

Online English learning has advanced in leaps and bounds over the past few decades and has fast become the preferred method of learning by students all over the world. The popularity of the internet has transcended all barriers of geography, race and culture and constraints of classroom learning. The widespread reach of the internet and web-based technology has made learning a very accessible and convenient method of learning online English for those who prefer self-study to classroom learning. From employed professionals to students to stay at home mothers and senior…

As any non-native English speaker can testify, learning English online or in a classroom can be a somewhat challenging task. However, many will also attest to being more comfortable learning English by themselves rather than as part of a class for many reasons. Some would prefer the lack of pressure from peers while others will prefer the flexibility that self-learning provides. It is because self-learning is not governed by a strict time commitment and is easily done at a pace comfortable to the student. Thus learning English online has become…

If you happen to be a student whose aims are in self-studying English, then you will no doubt have come across the many English video lessons widely available today. The sheer volume of such video lessons may intimidate you and leave you confused as to which is the best. Many providers will profess to have the most comprehensive video library to teach English. However, it is best to evaluate these lessons before committing to a membership or study plan. When evaluating such video lessons one must always consider the following.…

As a non-native English speaker considering learning English, you will undoubtedly ask yourself “is it important to learn to speak English?” If you have asked yourself this then remember that speaking grammatically proper English is of paramount importance in ensuring clear and concise communication. Ever tried to get your message across to a native or non-native speaker using broken English? If you have, you will realise how much of an uphill task to speak English can be. Most of the biggest mistakes that made in this regard include fragmented sentences,…

English has fast become one of the world’s most widely used languages. Having knowledge of even Basic English has become an essential part of success in business, education, and even migration. Certain countries now require proof of at least a very basic knowledge of English before granting citizenship. Although some view the learning of English as a challenge, this should not be so. By following certain basic steps, one can learn and improve English in leaps and bounds. As with learning any language or another subject for that matter, proper…