The Scope of the English Language

This is the age of Globalisation and if one wants to be a part of this rather exciting time and participate in the process of development, then one cannot remain isolated like an island. You have to communicate cross-border. But how do you do that? What would enable you to break the barrier of language and connect to the world out there? The answer is quite simple - a thorough knowledge of the English Language. Today, English has become the most important medium of communication between people speaking different languages and belonging to diverse cultures. I have been an English teacher for over a decade now and it has been my privilege  to teach students of varied backgrounds and language levels. It gives me immense pleasure  to see them achieving their dreams and making a name for themselves. I would love to reach out to all of you out there, who want to learn this beautiful language. 

Technology has given us the opportunity to connect with each other no matter which corner of the world we live in. The concept of online classes has opened up a new dimension in the field of education. As in a real classroom, the virtual classroom, too ,would enable you to learn the English language thoroughly. The only difference is that the teacher would appear on your computer screen rather than be physically present in front of you. But think of the advantage... you are taking the class in the comfort of your own home instead of having to go somewhere and according to your convenient timings!! Besides, you don't have to buy any resources as the teacher is going to provide you with everything that you will need.As a teacher, I try and use a lot of variety in my lessons and it would keep you interested and therefore motivated . We are going to take the help of magazine or newspaper articles, audio clips, videos, TEDtalks, songs, games, movies and even classical English literature to gain knowledge about the English language. 

English is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people in the world today. It is the official language of 53 countries and amazingly one out of five people can speak or, at least, understand English. No, wonder then English has become the language of calculation and business. It has now become a necessity, if one wants to be a part of the new global workforce. Besides, in order to get into one of the top universities or educational institutes of the world. One is required to clear various English Language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL etc. Imagine how a degree from some of the top universities would add value to your CV!

William Shakespeare

English is the language of science, aviation, tourism, computer and technology. Leaving aside the practical applications, let us for a moment consider the cultural aesthetic aspects of knowing the English. One would be able to enjoy some of the greatest works of literature by some of the world's greatest authors like William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens or read soul stirring poetry by William Blake, John Keats, Lord Byron , W.H.Auden or watch blockbuster movies like Casablanca, The Shawshank Redemption,Titanic in the language they were meant to be read or seen. Imagine the thrill of listening to some of the most famous dialogues being spoken aloud by your favourite film stars in their own voice!!

There is absolutely no doubt that a thorough knowledge of the English Language can no longer be considered as an option now. It has now become a compulsion. If you are looking for a challenging and fulfilling life and aim to be a Global Citizen, then you need to be well-versed in all the four aspects of the English Language- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. So, what is stopping you from grabbing this wonderful opportunity, of learning English, with both hands? Take the first step and you will see that a whole new world is waiting to welcome you out there.

Written by Kusumika

If you have any query, then e-mail us at contact@akshar.io

IELTS Says Hello To You!

The IELTS test is applicable for people who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for different purposes, whether academic or professional. There are two formats to choose from depending on your needs. Firstly, there is the Academic Training module which is availed primarily by those who are planning to apply to an international university where the primary spoken language is English. This is also used as a measure of language proficiency for educators, nurses and other professionals. Next, is the General Training module which is suitable if you want to work, live or take training abroad in an English-speaking country. It is always a smart move to check beforehand which module the institute you are applying to wants you to clear.

The IELTS test is administered in more than 1000 test centres all over the world. You can find out all relevant information about test dates and cost by contacting your nearest centre or visiting the official IELTS website https://www.ielts.org.

The IELTS consists of four modules or sections that are designed to test the full range of English language skills – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are same for both the modules. The Reading and Writing sections, however, are different. Being an international test, the English used here and heard on the audio can be British, American or New Zealand English. The language however will be comprehensible to any learner of English. As long as a spelling is correct, the examiners will accept it. So, there is no need to worry about whether to use American English or British English. The IELTS exam takes a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes to be completed. The Listening, Reading and Writing modules are taken in one sitting without a break. The Speaking module may be taken 7 days before or after of the other modules.

You cannot pass or fail IELTS. The test is scored on a band scale. A band is a level of ability. You can score anywhere between 0-9 bands. The test results will be sent to your home address or educational institute within two weeks of taking the test. You will be given your total band score as well as a breakdown of your scores in the four different sections. An IELTS score is valid for a period of 2 years.

If you are thinking of taking the IELTS test, then it is advisable that you continue with your efforts to improve in English through class study or self-study. It is important that you read, write, speak and listen to English on a regular basis.

Some of the ways you can improve through self-study may be:-

Ø  Listening:

·         Podcasts on the internet

·         News websites or channels like BBC, CNN, NBC, CBS etc.

·         Watching YouTube

Ø  Speaking:

·         Use Skype or any other such media to talk to English speakers

·         Pick any random topic and talk about it for 2-3 minutes

·         Make an audio or video of yourself while speaking, watch it and then try to rectify your mistakes

Ø  Writing:         

·         Write a blog or an article

·         Leave comments on blogs or videos

·         Post messages in chat rooms

·         Write a letter to your friend

·         Write something on Facebook or Twitter

Ø  Reading:

      ·         Read newspapers and magazines in English online or otherwise

      ·         Do web research on subjects that interest you

      ·         Follow blogs that interest you

      ·         Read books written in English

You can also develop listening skills and vocabulary by watching movies or listening to songs in English. Try and use as much English as possible in your daily lives. Make sure that the English you hear feature a mix of American, British, Australian, New Zealand and South African accents. Get your grammatical skills polished and work on building a substantial vocabulary range. There are many websites which have standard resources and guides to help the test takers. Some of them, which I find to be good, are:-

ü www.ieltsessentials.com

ü www.ieltsbuddy.com

ü www.takeielts.britishcouncil.org

It is wise to remember that ‘Practice makes a man perfect’. So, focus on practising and all the best to you!

Written by Kusumika

If you have any query, then e-mail us at contact@akshar.io