chigreyofthenorns

Creative writing is very difficult. For instance, I am a Journalism graduate, but I am really bad at creative writing. I excel more in news stories, editorials, etc. For someone to be able to write creatively, he or she should be able to express his or her thoughts well. It's basically an art. Just like how people can draw while others cannot. I believe that there is no right or wrong way to teach this class. It would be best to appreciate the efforts of your students individually. If they see failing marks, this might just dissuade them more.

I agree with the other members. Some of the best free ways to learn conversational English is by watching movies with subtitles and videos on YouTube. There are many tutorial videos there. If you have the money to spare, then you can enroll in an English class. There are different levels there which can cater to your partner's level at the moment.

Are you familiar with Goodreads? It's a website that reviews all kinds of books. Its other features include the list of books written by authors, famous quotes, and recommended reads. I have tried this once while I was looking for reviews on books by Charlaine Harris. What are your thoughts on this website?

That is very great news! I sometimes have to conduct interviews with foreigners who do not speak English very well over Skype because of work. I guess that if this feature indeed comes to fruition, I will no longer have a difficult time looking for translators!

I agree that your experience seems unfair. Anyway, I experienced something untoward because of language barrier though it is not really with a job. I had to answer the questions being asked by a Japanese reporter about the programs being undertaken by our agency. He was really difficult to understand, so I just tried my best to interpret what he was asking. It turned out, he was asking for some other data. He had to complain to my boss about the way I handled the interview. Fortunately, my boss was experiencing the same problems with him, so I didn't get reprimanded.

Oh this is fun! I just came back from visiting and choosing a story. When we were kids, my cousin had a book like this. You choose one of the options and turn to the page stated on your choice. I remember that my character always ended up dying when I read those books. They are very fun though.

When I study a new language, Korean for instance, I make sure that I watch videos first. Watching videos like tutorials or even movies can teach you a lot when it comes to language because these usually have subtitles. When it comes to audiobooks, the Korean how-to that I bought came with a CD. I just play it on the computer and listen to the phrases and words being taught.

I think that one-on-one classes are more effective than group ones when it comes to teaching language. The teacher can focus more on the progress of the student, and the student will not have many distractions during class. Before, I studied Korean in a group setting. I learned a lot, but I found it difficult because of the noise that my classmates were creating.

I always liked British English. There is a certain charm to this accent. Actually, I find speakers of British English really respectful. It's as if they are really scared of offending anybody. People with this accent who I love very much are Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Colin Firth.

This happens to me, too. I have been speaking and writing in English since I was in preschool, so it is safe to say that I am fluent in the said language. At work, I use it all the time, too. This is because I usually deal with many kinds of people from different countries. There are times though when I speak in English even at home. My parents think that I am just showing off, but in reality, I am just used to my second language.

[FILIPINO= PAMPILIPIT DILA (TONGUE TWISTER)] Pitongpu't pitong butong puting patani TRANSLATION: Seventy-seven white lima beans. Weird. Haha

I started studying the Korean language about three years ago. However, when I resigned for the Korean company I used to work at, I also stopped attending my classes. I didn't speak or write in Korean anymore because I got hired in an American company. After just a few months of not using it, I couldn't understand the language anymore. So, now, I am studying again.

Hahaha yes! I worked for a Korean company once, so that motivated me to start studying the language. One time, our company CEO visited our department for a regular inspection or something. I was just a beginner then and I greeted him "Annyeonghaseyo". He laughed and asked if I was studying Korean. So I said yes, and I was a beginner. He told me that if I am speaking to someone older, I should use the formal version which is "Annyeonghamnida".

I've tried them before, but I never really liked them. I still prefer actual books because sometimes, the person who narrates the story doesn't really get the feelings invoked in the story. It's actually sad when this happens. Anyway, one of my friends love audiobooks. It bothers me sometimes when he listens to them out loud. It's like a radio drama.

If you are using an Android device, then you are familiar with some of its keyboard problems. Sometimes, the keys are really hard to press. Other times, the spell check is just so wrong. Anyway, if you want to replace your Google Keyboard, then you should try Ginger Page & Grammar Keyboard by Ginger Software Mobile. It's free to download on Google Play. From the product page: This is the keyboard that I am using now on my Nexus tablet.

I would agree that one of the stereotypes is that Americans only speak one language - English. Another stereotype is they don't follow much of the rules of the English language.

I have no idea what some of these actually mean, but I guess these words prove that language is continuously evolving. I see no reason why they shouldn't be included. If we will not allow words to be added, language might die.

I would have to agree with you. I think this is because non-native speakers pay more attention to the spelling and grammar rules than native speakers. For instance, non-native English speakers are more accurate in punctuation and grammar than native English speakers. It is actually surprising when you meet an American who can't spell words properly.

Public schools here in the Philippines are still teaching it. It is encouraged only in elementary though. When a student reaches high school, he or she is no longer required to write in cursive.

I would suggest that you put a comma after "first" because you have a series of actions there. So, the other members are right. First, talk to Mr. Johnson, then, see the supervisor for the next meeting. Or break it into two sentences: First, talk to Mr. Johnson. Then, see the supervisor for the next meeting.

Definitely not! I do this all the time, too. This is one of the reasons why I love reading books especially fiction. It's because I exercise my imagination a lot therefore making me a better writer and storyteller. Reading also serves as an escape for me from all the stresses of my daily life. :grin:

Sometimes, when I am with a group of people, I can't help but notice their spelling or grammar mistakes. I want to correct them, but I am afraid that they will just get offended. I corrected someone once, and this person told me that I was arrogant and a know-all. From then on, I refrained from correcting people. I just let them and their grammar mistakes be. Do you correct people when they are wrong? How do you do it?

I am always on Twitter, and that social media site is the place for so many special mistakes. Some of the most common spelling mistakes are definitely-defiantly, your-you're, their-there, affect-effect. These amuse me sometimes, but more often than not irritate me.

I once tutored a Korean studying his Master's degree here in the Philippines. It was rather difficult at first because he wasn't very fluent in English. What I did was to ask him general questions to gauge his level in terms of speaking the language. Make sure that you will answer basic questions to reinforce conversation such as favorite movies, books, TV shows, etc.

For me, studying even if I have problems is more of a necessity than a choice. No matter how bad I feel, I still make sure that I spare some time to review my notes. To do this, I make imaginary boxes in my head. I put all my worries first inside a box to make room for new information. I compartmentalize a lot. This is a very important skill in my opinion not only in terms of studying but in someone's professional life or career as well.