Ideas for Motivating Students

چگونه مشوق زبان آموزان باشیم

(برای اساتید گرامی و محترم)

در دنیای امروز که انواع سرگرمی های جذاب ما رو احاطه کرده و توجه ما رو به خود جلب کرده است، تمرکز بروی یک فعالیت فکری مانند یادگیری زبان کار دشواری شده است. این مقاله به شرح این موضوع می پردازد و راه کاری های عملی برای تشویق زبان آموزان در جهت تمرکز کردن بروی مطالعات زبانی را ارائه می کند.

برای مطالعه کامل این مقاله مفید روی ادامه مطلب کلیک کنید.

Ideas for Motivating Students

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

With so many attractive alternatives competing for students' attention, motivating them to focus and perform is increasingly difficult. This article provides a few ideas for increasing student desire to work hard at the learning tasks they need.

ادامه نوشته

How to Encourage Students to Use Technology

چگونه زبان آموزان را تشویق کنیم تا از تکنولوژی استفاده کنند

(برای اساتید  گرامی و زبان آموزان محترم)

یکی از اهداف بزرگ آموزشی تقریبا در هر رشته ایی، تشویق دانشجویان آن رشته برای استفاده از تکنولوژی است تا بتوانند سریع تر، با زحمت کمتر و بازده بهتر پیشرفت کنند. این مقاله شامل چند نکته مهم در مورد تشویق زبان آموزان به استفاده از تکنولوژی است.

برای مشاهده کامل این مقاله روی ادامه مطلب کلیک کنید.

How to Encourage Students to Use Technology

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

One of the specific educational goals at many colleges is for students to achieve technological competence, by which is usually meant facility with the tools of information technology. Here are some ideas and techniques that will encourage the achievement of this goal. A particularly attractive factor of these techniques is that most are self-assessing: completion of the assignment by the student demonstrates that the student can use the tool or perform the skill.

ادامه نوشته

Classic Teaching Tips

روش های کلاسیک تدریس زبان انگلیسی

(برای اساتید گرامی و دوستانی که درباره تدریس کنجکاو هستند)

این مقاله سعی داره تا روش های رایج و کلاسیک تدریس زبان انگلیسی رو برای شما بطور خلاصه شرح بده. اونهایی که کارشون تدریس هست حتما بدشون نمی یاد یه مروری انجام بدن و اونهایی هم که در مورد تیچینگ یا همون تدریس زبان انگلیسی کنجکاوی می کنند، بهتره این مقاله مفید رو با دقت مطالعه کنند و به یک بار خواندن اون اکتفا نکنند.

برای مشاهده کل مقاله به ادامه مطلب رجوع کنید.

Classic Teaching Tips

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

1. Organize. Among the factors contributing to great teaching evaluations is the level of the professor's organization. Students universally seem to love a class session that is well planned, clearly structured, and presented with appropriate cues to take them from point to point. Just half a dozen points on an overhead transparency or written on the board might be sufficient to provide this. Or a handout, or even a verbal announcement ("The four major concepts are . . .") could work. I'm sure we all remember from our own school days profs who filled up the class hour with a miscellany of topics ("Today's topic is gallimaufric olla podrida"), and who kept talking aimlessly until the time was up and then simply stopped. Not all learning, thinking, exploring can be neat and presentable in a fixed package, of course, but we often can do better in our planning than we do.

ادامه نوشته

Recommendations for Writing Comments on Student Papers

چند توصیه در هنگام تصحیح اوراق امتحانی

(برای اساتید گرامی)

شیوه صحیح ابراز نظر روی برگه های امتحانی یک نوع هنر به حساب می آید و انجام این کار به روشی درست نیازمند تجربه، مطالعه و تبادل اطلاعات با سایر اساتید است. این مقاله در ارتباط با نکاتی در مورد روش های استاندارد تصحیح کردن برگه های امتحانات writing است.

برای مشاهده مقاله کامل روی ادامه مطلب کلیک کنید.

Recommendations for Writing Comments on Student Papers

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

Writing comments on student papers is something of an art: it requires a little thought and practice for the comments to be effective--that is, both read and attended to. The following recommendations about writing comments were developed for students in writing and literature classes; however, with a little adjustment, they can be applied to any writing assignment.

ادامه نوشته

Chinese Proverbs

زنگ تفریح: ضرب المثل های چینی

چینی ها برای هر چیزی یه ضرب المثل دارند، خیلی ها هم هرچی خودشون می سازن رو به اسم ضرب المثل چینی جا می زنن! ضرب المثل های هر کشور یا فرهنگی خیلی غنی هست. من هم تصمیم گرفتم چند تا از این ضرب المثل های خوب رو به زبان انگلیسی برای شما تهیه کنم.

برای دیدن لیست کامل ضرب المثل های این پست روی ادامه مطلب کلیک کنید.

Ding Ding: Chinese Proverbs

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

1. The man of first rate excellence is virtuous independently of instruction; he of the middling class is so after instruction; the lowest order of men are vicious in spite of instruction.

2. By a long journey we know a horse’s strength; so length of days shows a man’s heart.

3. The spontaneous gifts of Heaven are of high value; but the strength of perseverance gains the prize.

ادامه نوشته

Common English Proverbs

ضرب المثل های رایج در زبان انگلیسی

شما بهتر می دونید که تنوع و تعداد ضرب المثل ها در هر زبانی خیلی بالاست و واقعا نمی شه همه ی اونها رو توی یه صفحه وبلاگ جا داد. اما سعی کردم تا یه مجموعه از ضرب المثل های انگلیسی رو با ترجمه فارسی اونها براتون گلچین کنم تا بیشتر با این سبک جملات آشنا بشید. اگه خوشتون اومد برای مشاهده ضرب المثل های بیشتر اینجا کلیک کنید.

برای مشاهده لیست کامل به ادامه مطلب رجوع کنید.

Common English Proverbs

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

1. There is honor among thieves. One thief will not rob another.

 فامیل اگه گوشت هم رو هم بخورند استخوانشان را جلوی غریبه نمی اندازد

 

2. Harp on one string.

پا توی یک کفش کردن

ادامه نوشته

Word Roots Exam

امتحان ریشه شناسی  و حدس صحیح معنی کلمات

(در ارتباط با پست قبلی)

برای دوستانی که درس قبلی رو خوب خوندن و دوست دارن خودشون رو تست کنند. این امتحان برای درس قبلی طراحی شده و دارای سه قسمت هست تا همه ی بخش های مهم رو شامل بشه. من پیشنهاد می دم از این امتحان استفاده نکنید مگر اینکه درس قبلی رو خوب خونده باشید.

برای دیدن متن کلی این تست مفید روی ادامه مطلب کلیک کنید.

Word Roots Exam

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

Part 1

Directions: In each case, write in the meaning of each root or prefix and then determine the meaning of the word. Write the meaning in the blank.

1, Phobia means ____________     Acro means ____________

Acrophobia means ____________

ادامه نوشته

Ding Ding: Funny English Riddles

زنگ تفریح: معما های خنده دار

این قسمت واقعا شرح نداره! فقط بخونید و بخندید!

برای دیدن جواب ها روی ادامه مطلب کلیک کنید.

Ding Ding: Funny English Riddles

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

1. What has three hands but only one face?

2. Why is the letter "E" so important?

3. Who works only one day in the year but never gets fired?

4. When can you have something and nothing at the same time in your pocket?

5. Where can you always find money?

6. Why do fish live in water?

7. What is black when it is clean, and white when it is dirty?

8. Why are grandpa's false teeth like stars?

9. What word is pronounced wrong even by native English speakers?

10. What will make more noise in your house than a dog?

ادامه نوشته

How to Guess the Meanings of Words without Using a Dictionary

حدس زدن صحیح معنی کلمات بدون نیاز به دیکشنری به کمک علم ریشه شناسی

(بنا به درخواست دوستان با اندکی تاخیر)

How to Guess the Meanings of Words without Using a Dictionary

By the Help of Etymology (Word Roots, Suffixes and Prefixes)

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

ریشه شناسی یا etymology یکی از زیر مجموعه های علم زبان شناسی است که مبدا و یا ریشه کلمات را مورد بررسی قرار می دهد و ارتباط بین کلمات مشابه را بررسی می کند. در این رشته معانی کلمات در مواردی از زبان لاتین و یا سایر زبان های اروپایی مانند زبان یونانی و اسپانیایی گرفته شده است بنابراین دانستن این مطالب برای زبان آموزان رشته های دیگر نیز می تواند مفید باشد. با مطالعه دقیق این مطالب و بررسی رابطه بین کلمات مشابه شما قادر خواهید بود تا بدون دانستن معنی دقیق یک کلمه و یا حتی بدون استفاده از دیکشنری معانی کلمات جدید را به درستی حدس بزنید. دانستن این روش می تواند در کلیه مهارت های زبانی به ویژه در Reading مفید باشد.

برای مثال فرض کنید می خواهیم معنی کلمه Unpredictable را حدس بزنیم. بعد از مطالعه این مقاله قادر خواهیم بود تا به شیوه زیر عمل کنیم.

ابتدا کلمه فوق را به بخش های زیر تقسیم می کنیم.

Un + pre + dict + able

سپس معنی اجزای کلمه را به کمک ریشه شناسی پیدا می کنیم.

un = notغیر   

pre = beforeپیش

dict = speakگفتن

able = an adjective maker suffixقابل

حال می توان این طور نتیجه گرفت که معنی این کلمه غیر قابل پیش گویی و یا غیر قابل پیش بینی باشد. به همین راحتی. به این می گن حدس زدن صحیح و علمی. خوب اگه دوست دارید بدون نیاز به حفظ کردن کلمات و یا استفاده از دیکشنری معانی کلمات جدید را حدس بزنید، این مقاله را حتما چندین بار بخوانید.

توجه کنید این مقاله ارائه کننده بخشی کوچک از این علم است اما سعی شده تا اساسی ترین موضوعات ریشه شناسی در اینجا گنجانده شود. در ضمن دقت کنید که این شیوه جایگزینی کامل برای روش های عمومی یادگیری لغات نیست. این روش در کنار روش های عمومی فراگیری لغات بسیار موثرتر و مفیدتر خواهد بود.

برای مشاهده کامل این مقاله روی ادامه مطلب کلیک کنید.

ادامه نوشته

Basic Math Vocabulary

طرز بیان محاسبات ریاضیاتی به زبان ساده

شاید برای شما هم این نیاز ایجاد شده باشد که بعضی مواقع لازم است تا از محاسبات ساده ریاضیاتی در موضوعات مختلف استفاده کنید. برای شروع باید طرز بیان محاسبات ساده را در هنگام صحبت کردن یاد بگیریم. این مقاله اصول اولیه این کار را برای شما فراهم می کند. امیدوارم این پست برای شما مفید باشد.

Basic Math Vocabulary

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

It's important to know the right math vocabulary when speaking about mathematics in class. This page provides math vocabulary for basic calculations.

Basic Math Vocabulary

+ plus

Example:

2 + 2
Two plus two

- minus

Example:

6 - 4
Six minus four

x OR *  times

Example:

5 x 3 OR 5 * 3
Five times three

= equals

Example:

2 + 2 = 4
Two plus two equals four.

<  is less than

Example:

7 < 10
Seven is less than ten.

> is greater than

Example:

12 > 8
Twelve is greater than eight.

 is less than or equal to

Example:

4 + 1 ≤ 6
Four plus one is less than or equal to six.

 is more than or equal to

Example:

5 + 7 ≥ 10
Five plus seven is equal to or greater than ten.

 is not equal to

Example:

12 ≠ 15
Twelve is not equal to fifteen.

/ OR ÷  divided by

Example:

4 / 2 OR 4 ÷ 2
four divided by two

1/2  one half

Example:

1 1/2
One and one half

1/3  one third

Example:

3 1/3
Three and one third

1/4  one quarter

Example:

2 1/4
Two and one quarter

5/9, 2/3, 5/6 - five ninths, two thirds, five sixths

Example:

4 2/3
Four and two thirds

%  percent

Example:

98%
Ninety eight percent    

 

Common English Idioms

کاربردی ترین اصطلاحات در زبان انگلیسی روزمره

دوستان خودتون بهتر می دونید که کلی اصطلاح در زبان انگلیسی وجود داره اما توی این مقاله سعی کردم چند تا از پر کاربرد ترین اصطلاحات انگلیسی روزمره رو براتون تهیه کنم. اگر دوست داشتید که بیشتر اصطلاحات یاد بگیرید، اینجا کلیک کنید.

 

Common English Idioms

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!

 

1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")

Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")

Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.

 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)

Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.

 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"

Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.

 5. broke means "to have no money"

Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.

6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"

Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.

7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"

Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"

Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"

Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"

Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.

11. in ages means "for a very long time"

Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.

12. give someone a hand means "help"

Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?

13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")

Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.

14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"

Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.

 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"

Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.

16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"

Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"

Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well" Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand

19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"

Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"

Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!

 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"

Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

22. take it easy means "relax"

Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.

 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"

Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.

24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"

Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.

 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"

Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!

 26. all of a sudden means "unexpectedly", used to describe something that happens very quickly

Example: He had just gone to bed when all of a sudden the phone rang.

27. be all ears means "eager and ready to listen"

Example: Go ahead and speak. I'm all ears!

28. be fed up with means "to hate something now, even though I may have liked it before"

Example: I'm fed up with my job! I think I should start looking for a new one.

 29. to bug means "to bother someone". (American English)

Example: Hey, stop tapping your fingers. It's really bugging me!

30. a cinch means something that is very easy to do

Example: I didn't think I could run five kilometers, but with the right preparation, it was a cinch.

31. cost an arm and a leg means "very expensive"

Example: I'd really like a new car, but they all cost an arm and a leg.

 32. to cram means "to study hard a few days before a test"

Example: If you had studied hard for the past four months, you wouldn't have to cram so much this weekend.

 33. fresh out of something means "to have no more of something"

Example: I have to go buy some more milk. It seems we're fresh out now.

34. to get it (often negative) means "to understand"

Example: What did the teacher say? I didn't get it. Did you?

 35. got a minute? means "Do you have time right now?"

Example: Hey, Joe, got a minute? I have something to show you.

36. give someone a hand means "help someone"

Example: Could you give me a hand moving this table? It's quite heavy.

Commonmistakes.blogfa.com

 37. grab a bite to eat means "quickly go get something to eat"

Example: I'm going to go grab a bite. I'll be back in a few minutes.

38. drive someone up a wall (or "drive someone crazy") means "to make someone very angry"

Example: My neighbor practices the piano every night, but he's terrible. It's driving me up the wall!

39. to hang on means "to wait"

Example: Hang on a few minutes. I have to make a phone call and then I'll be able to join you for lunch.

 40. hard headed means "stubborn" or "unwilling to change an opinion or idea

Example: I can't work with Joe any more. He's so hard headed!

41. have a change of heart means "change a previous decision"

Example: I thought I would change jobs, but now that my boss is treating me with more respect, I've had a change of heart.

 42. have mixed feelings about something means "to be uncertain"

Example: I have mixed feelings about Joe. He's a very good teacher, but he has a very strange sense of humor!

43. head out for means "to start on a long trip" (but it could be within a big city)

Example: We're heading out for the countryside to pick some apples. Would you like to join us?

 44. How come? means "Why?"

Example: How come we don't go to the movies any more? I guess we're too busy to enjoy ourselves these days.

45. keep in touch (or "stay in touch") means "do not stop communicating - send letters or call sometimes"

Example: Don't forget to keep in touch. I want to know how you're doing while you're away.

46. be kidding means "to joke or tease someone in a playful way"

Example: No, I don't really have three wives - I was just kidding!

47. look down on means "think someone or something is not good enough"

Example: We shouldn't look down on people just because they don't have as much money as we do.

 48. make ends meet (often used negatively) means "to have enough money to buy everything we need"

Example: Even though I make more money than last year, we just can't seem to make ends meet.

 49. miss the boat means "to miss an opportunity"

Example: The sale ends today at noon. If we don't hurry, we're going to miss the boat!

 50. next to nothing means "to cost very little"

Example: I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That's next to nothing

GOOD LUCK!

 

Business English Vocabulary

رایج ترین کلمات در انگلیسی تجاری

(بنا به در خواست دوستان با اندکی تاخیر)

 این پست به درخواست یکی از دوستان خوبم آماده شده و همانطور که از اسمش معلومه یک لیست تقریبا کامل از رایج ترین کلمات در انگلیسی تجاری است. خودم هم کلی چیزای خوب یاد گرفتم تا اینو آماده کنم. با تشکر از شما دوست عزیز.

Business English Vocabulary

The most useful business English vocabulary

 

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

advertising - show your products to customers through radio, television or newspapers

"What is the best way for us to advertise our product?"

 

afford - able to buy, have enough money to buy

"Television is the best advertising, but the most expensive. Can we afford it?"

 

agenda - a detailed plan for a meeting.

"The first item on our agenda is advertising."

 

booming - business is growing very fast

"This year business is booming, so we can start thinking about increasing our investments."

 

borrow - getting money from someone else, or from a bank, which we must pay back later

"We need to borrow $100,000 to expand our business."

 

brand - the name of a well-known product (McDonald's, Coca Cola, Volkswagen, etc.)

"We'll need to borrow money for advertising, then we'll build our brand awareness."

 

break even - when our spending equals the amount we receive from sales

"The company didn't make money nor lose money during the last quarter. They just broke even."

 

bribe - secretly paying money to get special favors from a company or government official

"She was sent to prison for 30 years for trying to bribe a high official."

 

budget - a detailed plan for spending money

"The second item on our agenda is the budget. We need to pay special attention to advertising, marketing and building our sales staff. Oh, and we need to significantly increase our budget for English teachers!"

 

calculate - to count, add, subtract, multiply, divide numbers

"It's not hard to calculate - if we keep spending more money than we take in, we'll have to sell more!"

 

cancel - to decide NOT to buy something that you had agreed to before

"Before they cancel the order, find out what the problem is and fix it!"

 

capital - money

"If we had more capital to invest, we would build a new factory."

 

charge for - ask money for payment

"We never charge for repairs. Making sure our products work is included in the purchase price."

 

 

CEO - the top officer in a company, the chief executive officer

"How can we find a good CEO who knows how to run a business in today's business environment?"

 

CFO - the top financial officer in a company

"The CFO will be attending today's meeting to talk about fundamental accounting principles."

 

commission - a percentage of each sale that goes directly to the salesperson

"Our salespeople get 10% for each item sold, but that increases as he or she sells more."

 

competition - other companies that make the same product as yours

"We face tough competition, but our product has some important advantages."

 

consumption - the total amount of product bought in a market

"Although prices have fallen, overall consumption is higher, so we can still make money."

 

credit - when you buy first, but pay later

"You can buy this product on credit. The payment will be due in 90 days."

 

currency - the money of one country

"If you exhange currency in the airport, you'll pay a large commission. Go to a bank instead."

 

deadline - the time by which some project must be finished

"We have to finish this by Friday. That's the final deadline."

 

demand - the wish of customers to buy a product

"Until demand increases, we won't sell many of our most expensive products."

 

discount - a lower price

"If you buy more than 100 of these, we will give you a 10% discount".

 

distribution - getting the product to the final consumer, or customer

"Our distribution system needs to be improved if we are to meet increased demand."

 

diversify - start many new businesses instead of doing just one

"If we diversify, we can make more money, but sales of our main product may go down."

 

economics - the study of finance and money

"If you want to succeed in business, you should study economics."

 

employee - a worker

"Employees today need to learn so much to be able to move up in the company."

employer - the person who finds and pays workers

"My employer told me I have to work overtime or I'll lose my job!"

 

estimate - a guess about how much something will cost

"We estimate the new factory will cost less than 20 million euros."

 

export - to send goods out of a country

"As the local currency drops in value, our exports to that country also drop."

 

extend - to give more, especially a loan of money

"The bank said they cannot extend the deadline. We have to pay by Friday or face the consequences."

 

finance - the study of money and how to use money well

"After you study finance, you will know how to increase profits and limit losses."

 

fund - to provide money in general.

"The CFO said the company plans to fund 50% of the project. The rest will come from the government."

 

gross - amount of money received from sales

"We took in more than $100 million in gross sales last year.

 

import - to bring goods into a country

"When our currency is strong, we can import more goods into our own country."

 

incentive - a special price to get customers to buy

"By offering a 15% discount as an incentive, we'll attract many new customers."

 

income tax - money paid to the government, based on total money received

"I thought I made enough money last year, but after paying 25% income tax, I didn't have enough to buy that new house."

 

inflation - rising prices

"Rising energy prices have caused many other prices to increase. The rate of inflation has increased to 7%."

 

install - to put in and prepare for use, as with a machine

"If you buy now, we'll install this machine for free."

 

interest - extra money needed to pay back borrowed money

"When you pay back the 100,000 euros, you must also pay 10% interest, so the total will be 110,000 euros."

 

inventory - unsold items that you keep so that you can sell them in the future

"Our inventory is very low right now. We have to increase build up our inventory to meet demand in the coming year.

 

invest - spending money so that we can make more in the future

"If we invest so much money in a new factory, we won't have any money in our budget for new advertising."

 

invoice - a paper which explains what was sold and at what prices

"Look at the invoice. You charged us for repairs that you said were free!"

 

leadership - the skill of managing people

"He has natural leadership skills, so he will surely be successful."

 

lend - giving money to someone else, which they will pay back to us later

"When did you lend him the money? I lent it to him two months ago."

 

loss - when we spend more money than we receive from selling our product

"We took a loss last year, but this year we are spending less and selling more."

 

lucrative - the possibility of making a great amount of money

"This could be a very lucrative contract! Well make money for each sale as well as for each installation!"

 

maintain - keep a machine in good condition

"If you maintain this product, it will last for years."

 

management - the study of how to run a business and lead people

"I plan to study management before I open my own business."

 

memo - a paper with a message, sent to other people in the same company

"The CFO read the CEO's memo at the meeting, to remind the employees of the company's strategic goals."

 

monopoly - when only one company controls a whole market

"With this new product, we can break our competitor's monopoly."

 

negotiate - try to get a better price or make a better arrangement

"We negotiated for hours before they finally gave us a 20% discount."

 

net - the amount of money received from sales, after expenses are subtracted

"Our gross sales were very good, but we need to cut expenses to add to our net sales."

 

principal - the main part of a loan, before interest is added

"We can pay back the principal in 10 years, then we will only have to repay the interest."

 

process (verb) - get something ready.

"Please process his employment application, then send him to the accounting office."

 

profit - the money left over after all expenses are paid

"Our profits are lower this year, but at least we're not losing money!"

 

quarter - three months of the year, the usual time for planning and reporting financial reports

"Last quarter was our best ever, and I am confident next quarter will be even better."

 

recruit - search for and choose workers

"We'll need to recruit new employees before the factory starts operation."

 

refund - giving money back to the customer if there is a problem with the item you sell

"We cannot give you a refund after 90 days. Sorry!"

 

resign - quit a job suddenly

"Nobody knows why the CFO quit, but some people say he didn't get along with the CEO."

 

retail - selling to the final customer

"The retail price is 150 euros, but you can buy it for less if you bargain."

 

retire - finish work after a long career (at age 65 in the U.S., 60 in Japan, 55 in China...)

"I've saved enough money for my retirement, but if I want to retire to Hawaii, I have to save even more!"

 

sales tax - money paid to the government, based on sales made

"In most states in the U.S., sales tax is added on after the sale. It varies from state to state."

 

salary - a monthly or yearly pay to managers of important workers

"We will have a salary increase of 7% this year, just enough to keep up with inflation."

 

saturated - too many companies producing the same product

"The market for product A is already saturated. We need to diversify if we wish to increase our profits."

 

sluggish - when business is slow (opposite of "booming")

"In this sluggish economy, the best we can hope for is to break even."

 

supply - the total amount of a product available in a market

"The supply of computer parts is too high, so the price is falling fast."

 

target - the amount that you plan to sell in a month (also "quota")

"The salesman reached his target by the 24th. He'll get a larger commission on any sales after that."

 

tariff - a tax on imports from another country

"If the government puts a tariff on electronic products, sales will fall."

 

terms - the details of an agreement or contract

"The terms of this contract are quite good. I think we have a deal!"

 

trend - movement in one direction, especially about product becoming more and more popular

"The trend towards more colorful fashion is getting stronger. We need to develop new products."

 

unit cost - the average amount needed to produce a product

"If we can produce more of these, our unit price will fall, and we'll be able to make a better profit."

 

warranty - a promise that the things you sell will be of good quality

"This product has a one-year warranty, but if you pay a small fee, we can extend it to five years."

 

wholesale - selling to a salesman who will then sell to the final customer

"The wholesale price is generally 50% of the retail price."

 

Most important Functions in English

28 مورد انواع کابردهای رایج و مهم در ساختارهای زبان انگلیسی

مجموعه ایی از توانایی ها و مهارت ها در کنار یکدیگر شما را قادر می سازد تا طبیعی تر و راحت تر به زبان انگلیسی صحبت کنید و دانستن کاربرد های ساختار های زبانی جزو این مهارت هاست. در این مقاله نسبتا طولانی سعی کردم تا یک فهرست از این کاربرد های مهم رو برای شما جمع آوری کنم. از جمله این کربرد ها می توان به این موارد اشاره کرد. بیان عقاید، پیشنهادات، نصیحت، دعوت، شکایت، معذرت خواهی و ...

28 Most important Functions in English

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

1. Gap Fillers

2. Opinions

3. Advice

4. Suggestions

5. Offers

6. Invitations

7. Complaints

8. Apologies

9. Prohibitions

10. Certainties

11. Probabilities

12. Improbabilities

13. Possibilities

14. Impossibilities

15. Likes and Dislikes

16. Preferences

17. Necessities

18. Permissions

19. Requests

20. Causes and Effects

21. Explaining and Justifying

22. Fears

23. Sympathy

24. Hypothesis

25. Regrets

26. Indifference

27. Dissatisfaction

28. Asking for Clarification

 

 

1. Gap Fillers: a short phrase or sentence to fill gaps while speaking

For speaking only:

  • ·         I mean....
  • ·         You see....
  • ·         Well, let me see...
  • ·         Look!
  • ·         Listen!
  • ·         If you see what I mean!
  • ·         Do you see what I mean?
  • ·         Let’s get this into perspective. 
  • ·         Watch it! 
  • ·         Picture this. 
  • ·         Look here! 
  • ·         All right!
  • ·         Is that clear enough?

 

2. Opinions: a thought or belief about something or somebody

Asking for Opinion

  • I was wondering where you stood on the question of immigration?
  • What's your position on global warming?
  • What's your opinion of the project?
  • What do you think of love?
  • How do you feel about building a space prison for dangerous criminals?

 

Giving Opinion

  • In my opinion the consequences of global warming will be fatal.
  • As far as I'm concerned love is the noblest feeling.
  • From my point of view, poverty could be fought with solidarity.
  • As I see it, our planet is dying.
  • I think / reckon / presume / gather it will get worse with time.
  • In my view immigration is caused by unemployment.
  • It would seem to me that technologies will control us sooner or later.
  • It seems to me that democracy is the solution for developing countries.
  • I feel the world is getting wilder than ever before.
  • I believe politics should be more human...
  • I figure that we are doomed to protect our planet before it is too late.
  • To my mind cloning should be restricted.
  • According to me Euthanasia should be banned.
  • What I think / mean / believe is that developed countries are selfish.
  • I mean that they don't try to help poor countries.
  • I may venture that they are extremely sadist.
  • As for me they like to be at top of the world.
  • For my part people in rich countries are nicer than their leaders.
  • I'd say that mankind is in great danger because of politicians.

 

Agreeing with an opinion

  • My view about this is positive.
  • I agree with this idea.
  • I agree completely with this idea.
  • I can't agree more.
  • I agree.
  • This idea is absolutely right.
  • I couldn't agree more on this.
  • I think this idea is perfect.

 

Partial agreement or polite disagreement

  • I agree partially with this idea.
  • This idea is partially right.
  • I see what you mean, but some developed countries are helpful.
  • That's one way of looking at it, but we should avoid over generalisation.
  • I see your point, but technology is not autonomous.
  • I agree with you, but developing countries should stop wars.
  • I think this idea is possible, but rich countries bear some responsibility in those wars.
  • I'm not sure you're right there.
  • I'm not sure that I agree with this idea.
  • The project is feasible, but it needs some more efforts.

 

Disagreeing with an opinion

  • I think it is a bad idea.
  • I'm afraid I can't agree with this idea.
  • I'm afraid I entirely disagree with you.
  • I think this idea is impossible.
  • I guess this idea is impractical.
  • I see that this idea is bad.
  • I think it is a bad idea.
  • I don't agree with this idea.

·         I suppose this idea cannot be implemented.

3. Advice: to give an opinion how someone or something should be or behave

Random Examples

  • If I were you, I wouldn’t buy this old computer.
  • Why don't you stay at home and watch TV?
  • You'd better go to bed early.
  • You ought to revise your lessons regularly.
  • If you take my advice, you'll tell your parents the truth.
  • You should drive slowly in town.
  • It might be a good idea to put on your coat. It's cold outside.
  • You should consider taking the keys before you leave.
  • I advise you to do the quiz again and again.

 

Declining to give advice

  • I don't know what to advise, I'm afraid.
  • I wish I could suggest something, but I can't.
  • I wish I could help.
  • I'm afraid I can't really help you. I have the same problem myself.

 

4. Suggestions: mentioning possible ideas or plans for other people and things to consider

Making suggestions

  • Let’s revise our lessons.
  • What about going to the cinema tonight?
  • How about playing cards?
  • Why don't we do our homework?
  • Couldn't we invite your grandmother to our party?
  • Shall we have a walk along the river?
  • What would you say to a cup of coffee?
  • Don't you think it is a good idea to watch TV?
  • Does it matter if we use your car?

 

Accepting

  • Ok. Yes, let's.
  • Yes, I'd like to
  • Yes, I'd love to.
  • What a good idea!
  • Why not?
  • Yes, with pleasure.
  • Yes, I feel like taking a walk.

 

Disagreeing

  • No, let's not.
  • No, I'd rather not.
  • I don't feel like it.
  • I dislike doing homework.
  • What an awful idea!

 

5. Offers: asking someone whether they need anything or not

Making Offers:

  • Can I help you?
  • What shall I do for you?
  • Would you like me to check this computer for errors?
  • Shall I bring you a glass of water?
  • I'll buy you a coke. Shall I?
  • What/ Where/ Which ... would you like me to...?
  • Do you want me to post that letter for you?
  • I’ll be glad to help?

 

Accepting an offer:

  • How kind of you! Thank you very much.
  • That’s very good of you!
  • That’s terribly kind,. Thank you very much.
  • Yes, please do.
  • What a good idea!
  • Yes, please.
  • Thanks. That would be excellent.
  • Yes.

 

Refusing or rejecting an offer:

  • It’s all right thanks. I can manage that alone!
  • No, thank you. But I am very grateful
  • That’s awfully kind, but there’s no need.
  • No, please don't bother.
  • No, thank you.

6. Invitations: asking someone to go to an event

Inviting

  • I was wondering whether you would stay for dinner.
  • I'm going to my uncle's wedding party next Sunday. Would you like to come, too?
  • Come along!
  • Why don't you come?
  • Will you come, too?
  • You must come over?
  • You must pay us a visit.
  • You must come back some time.
  • We must get in touch...
  • I'll give you a call and fix something.
  • Look me up next time you are around (here).

 

Accepting the invitation

  • Ok. I'd like to!
  • Well, I'm free then. Thank you. I'd like to come.
  • Well, I'm not doing anything then. I'll come. Thanks.
  • I am not doing anything special then. Thank you. I'd like to come.
  • Ok!

 

Refusing the invitation

  • I'm afraid I can't. I'm busy then.
  • I'm sorry but I can't. I'm going somewhere that day.

 

7. Complaints: when someone says that something is wrong or not satisfactory

Complaint

  • I have a complaint to make. ..............
  • I'm sorry to say this but.................
  • I want to complain about...................
  • I'm afraid I've got a complaint about...............
  • I'm angry about................

 

Responding to a complaint

  • I'm so sorry, but this will never occur again.
  • I'm sorry, I promise never to.................
  • I'm really sorry; I'll do my utmost/best not to...............

 

8. Apologies: the act of saying sorry

Apologizing

  • I do apologize for ___ing..........
  • I must apologize for ___ing.........
  • I am so sorry for ___ing.........
  • I shouldn't have...........
  • It's all my fault.
  • I'm ashamed of ___ing.........
  • Please, forgive me for ___ing.......
  • I'm terribly sorry for ___ing..........
  • Pardon me for this............
  • Please, forgive me for my........
  • Please, accept my apologies for ____ing.........
  • Accepting the apology
  • That's all right.
  • Never mind
  • Don't apologize.
  • It doesn't matter.
  • Don't worry about it.
  • Don't mention it.
  • That's OK.
  • I quite understand.
  • You couldn't help it.
  • Forget about it.
  • Don't worry about it.
  • No harm done.

 

9. Prohibitions: when (doing) something is forbidden

Expressing Prohibition

  • You aren’t allowed to.........
  • You mustn’t.........
  • It’s forbidden..............
  • You aren’t permitted to...........
  • You aren’t to............

 

EXAMPLES

    1. You aren’t allowed to smoke in public places.
    2. It’s forbidden to walk on the grass in public gardens.
    3. You aren’t to wear indecent clothes in the street.
    4. You mustn’t drive fast.
    5. You aren’t permitted to park your car here.

 

10. Certainties: the state of being completely certain or sure

Expressing Certainty

  • Yes, I'm certain.
  • Of course.
  • I'm positive my grandmother repairs the car.
  • She must be excellent at mechanics.
  • I'm absolutely sure.
  • It's certain that she is a good mechanic.

 

11. Probabilities: the likelihood of something happening or being true

Expressing Probability

  • It is probable that my grandfather repairs the car.
  • I guess he is fit for the job.
  • I bet my grandmother is better than he is.
  • I expect / suppose they are good mechanics.
  • I dare say / should say / presume they know what they should do.
  • She may have repaired the car while you were out.
  • Ali may come any minute.
  • Maybe / perhaps the problem won’t be serious.
  • It will probably rain this evening.
  • I’m likely to do the work myself.

12. Improbabilities: the unlikelihood of something happening or being true

Expressing Improbability

  • No, probably not.
  • I don't suppose my grandfather repairs the car.
  • I doubt my grandmother does, either.
  • S/he is unlikely to repair the car.
  • I don't think they can repair that car.
  • I'd be surprised if s/he repaired the car.
  • It's unlikely s/he will repair the car soon.

 

13. Possibilities: the chance that something may happen or be true

Expressing Possibility

  • My grandmother may repair the car.
  • Maybe she will repair it.
  • Perhaps she will repair it.
  • Possibly, she will repair it.
  • It's possible she will repair it alone.
  • She might repair it.
  • I suppose she might repair it.
  • There's a chance she'll repair it before sunset.

 

14. Impossibilities: the chance that something may not happen or not be true

Expressing Impossibility

  • No, it's impossible to repair that old Chevrolet.
  • She can't possibly repair it.
  • I'm sure she doesn't repair it.
  • She definitely doesn't repair it.
  • She certainly doesn't repair it.
  • There's no way she repairs it.

 

15. Likes and Dislikes: the things that someone enjoys or may not enjoy

Expressing Likes:

  • I like Couscous.
  • I like eating couscous with my bare hand.
  • I enjoy eating couscous.
  • I love couscous.
  • I adore eating couscous.
  • I'm fond of couscous.

 

Expressing Dislikes:

  • I hate pizza.
  • I don't like pizza.
  • I can't bear pizza.
  • I can't stand pizza.
  • I dislike pizza.
  • I detest pizza.

16. Preferences: when you like something or someone more than another person or thing

Asking about preference

  • Do you prefer tea or coffee?
  • Would you prefer tea or coffee?
  • Would you rather milk or Orange Juice?
  • Which would you prefer? Doing homework or watching TV?
  • Which would you rather, this bike or that one?
  • Would you prefer to stay here?
  • Would you rather have a drink?

 

Expressing Preference

  • I prefer tea (to coffee).
  • I'd prefer to have coffee.
  • I'd rather have tea.

 

EXAMPLES

    1. I prefer doing my homework to watching television.
    2. I'd prefer to go out than to stay with you.
    3. I'd rather go to bed than see that boring film.
    4. I'd prefer to sleep.
    5. I'd rather sleep.

 

17. Necessities: the need for something

In the present

  • I have to buy some more eggs for my famous cake.
  • I have got to repair that old car of mine. (informal)
  • I must see the doctor soon because I don't feel well.
  • It is necessary that I take a taxi. I'm late.

 

In the past

  • I had to work extra hours to pay my bills.

 

In the future

  • I'll have to borrow money.

 

Lack of necessity:

In the present

  • I don't have to drive fast.
  • I don't need to write the report myself. My secretary can do that for me.
  • I needn't buy all these things.

 

In the past

  • I didn't have to tell him about my project.

 

In the future

I won't have to revise my lessons. I learn them by heart.

18. Permissions: If someone is given permission to do something, they are allowed to do it

Asking for Permission

  • Can I go out, please?
  • May I Open the window, please?
  • Please, can I have a look at your photo album?
  • Please, may I taste that hot spicy couscous dish?

 

Expressing Permission

It is allowed:

Present & Future

  • You might vote if you are 18.
  • You may speak to the manager.
  • You could see me this afternoon. I'm free then.
  • You can put on my jacket.

 

It is not necessary:

In the present

  • You don't have to take your medicine if you feel better.

In the future

  • You won't have to come early tomorrow. There won't be much to do.

 

It is not compulsory:

Present & Future

You needn't answer all the questions. Three are enough.

You don't need to have a visa to go from a European country to another.

19. Requests: when you politely or officially ask for something

Expressing Request

  • Can you close that door, please?
  • Will you turn down that radio, please?
  • Could you possibly give me that red pen over there?
  • Would you bring me a glass of water please?
  • Would you like to put that case on the reception desk, please?!
  • Would you mind sending these letters for me, please?!

 

20. Causes and Effects: the reasons why and the results or consequences of something happening

There are many ways to express cause and effect relationships.

EXAMPLES

1.      She didn't attend the meeting since she was not interested.

2.      I'm glad the children are out, for I have got a lot of work to do at home.

3.      She didn't tell the police because of fear.

4.      Owing to his carelessness, the man had an accident.

5.      I'm sorry for being late.

6.      Thanks for your attention.

7.      He went to hospital because he was not feeling well.

8.       

 

Now, carefully study the following structures:

No.I

  • The cause of failure is laziness.
  • One reason for failure is laziness.

 

No.II  

  • Failure is caused by laziness.
  • Successive failures are due to carelessness.

 

No.III

  • The effect of laziness is failure.
  • The consequence of laziness is failure.
  • The result of laziness is failure.
  • One effect/consequence/result of laziness is failure.

 

No.IV

  • He is lazy. Because of this, he fails.
  • She is hard-working. So, she succeeds.
  • He wasted his time. Consequently he didn't succeed in his exams.
  • She works hard. Therefore, she always succeeds.
  • She works hard. As a result, she always gets good marks.

·         He never revises his lessons. As a consequence, the teacher always punishes him.

21. Explaining and Justifying: a good reason or explanation for something

  • The aim of the project is to promote the rural world.

 

  • The main reason behind this project is to help the students become autonomous.

 

  • It seems to me evident that technology has already affected our mode of life.

 

  • It seems to me obvious that computers become a necessity in our modern life.

 

  • Taking into consideration factors like unemployment and the fierce competition in the labour market, then the students have to seek knowledge everywhere, and should not rely on school sources only. They aren't enough.

 

  • All things considered, I think students have to do their best to use all the possible means of communication in the profit for their school projects.

 

22. Fears: an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried

Expressing fear

  • What scares / frightens me most is.........
  • My chief / major/ main concern is......
  • I can’t help being worried by.....
  • The problem is....
  • It is ............ that scares me.
  • I’m dreading the final verdict.

 

23. Sympathy: (an expression of) understanding and care for someone else's suffering

Expressing Sympathy

  • ·         What a pity / shame that.....
  • ·         How disappointing!
  • ·         What bad / sad news!
  • ·         It’s a great disappointment!
  • ·         How terrible!
  • ·         It’s terrible that........!

 

24. Hypothesis: an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved

I. Expressing hypothesis about the past

    

1. CERTAINTY

  • ·         Yes, I’m certain it was a ghost.
  • ·         I’m sure it was only a black cat.
  • ·         It must have been a rodent.

 

2. PROBABILITY / POSSIBILITY

  • ·         Perhaps it was a ghost.
  • ·         It might / may / could have been a black cat.

 

3. IMPOSSIBILITY

  • ·         It couldn’t / can’t have been an animal.
  • ·         I’m sure it wasn’t a ghost.

 

25. Regrets: a feeling of sadness about something sad or wrong or about a mistake that you have made

Expressing regret about past mistakes

                            

  • ·         I oughtn’t to have sold my old books.
  • ·         I shouldn’t have done that.
  • ·         I regret that ...

 

26. Indifference: the state of mentioning you are not interested nor interested in (doing) something

Expressing indifference

 

A. POLITELY

  • ·         That’s all right.
  • ·         It doesn’t matter at all.
  • ·         I don’t mind.

B. LESS FORMAL

  • ·         It’s all the same to me.
  • ·         I don’t care.

C. VERY INFORMAL

  • ·         Who cares?!
  • ·         So what?!

 

27. Dissatisfaction: the state of mention you are not pleased with something or somebody

Expressing Dissatisfaction

  • I’m fed up with someone or something.
  • I’m tired of someone or something.
  • I’m sick of someone or something.
  • I’m sick and tired of someone or something.

 

28. Asking for Clarification: the state of asking for more explanation and describtion

Requesting Clarification:

Formal

  • ·         Excuse me. What was that again?
  • ·         Pardon me. Would you mind repeating that   
  • ·         Pardon me. Could you repeat that please?
  • ·         I beg your pardon.  Would you mind repeating that?
  • ·         I’m sorry.  I didn’t get the last part.
  • ·         May I interrupt?   Could you say that again please?

Informal (with friends)

 

  • ·         What? I didn’t catch that.
  • ·         What did you say?   I didn’t get the last part.
  • ·         Huh? (impolite)   You lost me.
  • ·         I didn’t get that. Can you make yourself clear?
  • ·         I am completely in the dark.

 

Asking for clarification for good understanding

  • ·         If I understand the terms correctly.............. Is that right?
  • ·         Could you elaborate on that?
  • ·         Do you mean......
  • ·         I was under the impression that.........
  • ·         Let me see if I have that right. .................. Is that so?
  • ·         Use Question Tags.
  • ·         I can’t understand.......
  • ·         I am not sure I got your point.
  • ·         Would you clarify that a little, please?

 

Giving Clarification and checking for understanding.

FORMAL

  • ·         I mean that......
  • ·         What I mean is that....
  • ·         Does that make sense to you?
  • ·         Am I making sense?
  • ·         Am I clear enough?
  • ·         Do you get that?
  • ·         Have I made myself clear?
  • ·         Do you see what I mean?
  • ·         Do you understand so far?
  • ·         Are you following me?

 

INFORMAL

  • ·         Did you catch that?
  • ·         Do you understand?            
  • ·         Is that clear now?             
  • ·         Right?
  • ·         Okay, so far?                        
  • ·         Did you get that?      
  • ·         Got it?

 

Business Presentations

چند نکته در مورد ارائه سخنرانی تجاری و بازرگانی

انگلیسی تجاری و بازرگانی

(بنا به درخواست دوستان)

اگر علاقه دارید بدانید که یک ارائه و سخنرانی خوب چه ویژگی هایی باید داشته باشد، حتما این مقاله کوتاه رو مطالعه کنید.

Business Presentations

Top Ten Tips on How to have successful Business presentations

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/


1. Focus on Content

 

Think very deeply about the message you want to send to your audience. When you are preparing, MOST of your time should be spent on crafting this message. Even if your speaking style is awkward, you will be successful if the message is right.

 

2. Have Strong Openings and Conclusions

 

An interesting opening using a question, statistic or interesting quote will make the audience wonder what is next. A strong conclusion will ensure your audience remembers your message!

3. Remember Key Words, not the Whole Speech

People who try to memorize their entire speech word for word often look awkward and uncomfortable. What is worse, if they forget something, they are lost and look very unprofessional. Instead, just remember five or six keywords and fill in the sentences as you go.

4. Prepare with a Watch

 

Prepare your speeches wherever you go for example on your way to work, during a break. To make sure you will not waste your listeners' time, always use a stopwatch. By timing yourself, you will be able to cut out unnecessary parts of your speech and really fine-tune your message. (See number one above!)

 

5. Use Stories

 

Stories are one of the most powerful ways to communicate. Stories help your audience listen carefully and remember your message better. You don't need long, complex stories. Simple events from your own experience are an excellent way to show what you mean.

 

6. Speak with Emotion

 

Our schools and work environment encourage us to use our logical left brain, but most people make decisions using their imaginative right brain. When you appeal to people's emotions, you reach them in a way facts and figures can rarely do.

 

7. Relax!

 

Take some deep breaths before you speak and keep your body upright and relaxed during your presentation. Only use hand movements or body movements when they really match what you are saying. With more experience, you can add more "body language", but at first, keep it simple.

 

8. Speak Slowly

 

When you speak slowly, you have more time to think about what you want to say and how you can adapt your message to this particular audience. The audience will also be more likely to remember what you say, which is, after all, your main goal!

 

9. Videotape Yourself

 

You should often make a before and after video of your students. They are always shocked to see their first presentations but very pleasantly surprised by the improvements in later presentations. Rather than just say "Practice makes perfect", you can SEE it in a video.

Ways to Improve Your Commitment to Personal Learning

10 راه حل برای تقویت انگیزه شخصی برای یادگیری

ما هر روز مشغول تر از روز هستیم و شنیدن جمله ی "من وقت ندارم!" خیلی برای ما عادی شده است. در این مقاله قصد داریم چند راه حل ساده برای تقویت انگیزه شخصی برای یادگیری زبان انگلیسی را بررسی کنیم.

10 Ways to Improve Your Commitment to Personal Learning

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

We’re busier today than ever before. As important as it is, learning can very often get crowded out. This article looks at some simple and effective ways of developing and improving a commitment to personal learning.

 

1.      Concentrate on topics you enjoy most: As obvious as it sounds, a lot of people spend far too much time studying topics they feel they ‘ought’ to be learning, rather than focusing on those subject areas they find most enjoyable, useful and beneficial. Learning should be fun!

 

2.      Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: They are very often a sign of progress. Remember as well, that we tend to learn much more from errors than from successes.

 

3.      Questions help: Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness or ignorance. It is important to seek out the collaboration of a friendly and experienced teacher to answer any questions you may have, and to help fill any gaps that might otherwise niggle.

 

4.      Make a learning schedule: Give yourself a set amount of time each week for study or reading. Make out a chart, or keep a note in your diary. Take the phone off the hook during your learning period and make sure friends and family members know not to disturb you.

 

5.      Keep it simple: Don’t try to ‘cram’ everything in one go. Keep individual learning periods short and focused, 20 minutes for example, followed by a break. If you are taking notes, concentrate on key themes and use headings and bullet points to break up the text.

 

6.      Use what you’ve learnt: Try applying what you learn to everyday, real-life situations. For example, use simple math to help figure out the interest payable on a particular loan, or the amount owing on a groceries list.

 

7.      Get friends and family involved: Ask friends or family members if they would like to learn with you, especially where you share a common interest or hobby. Learning together is useful for motivation and confidence-building, and besides it’s fun.

 

8.      Develop your own techniques: Different people will have different ways of solving the same sum, or writing the same sentence, or learning the same language. Concentrate on your own strengths, and develop techniques which make the most of them.

 

9.      Practice regularly: It’s important to practice regularly, to build confidence, develop fluency and identify areas for further improvement. Practice will also help reinforce what you have learned so far.

 

10.  Enjoy your learning experience: Keep learning simple, honest and fun. Approach your given subject area with a sense of discovery, don’t rush anything, keep track of your progress. Share your experiences with friends, family and teachers.

 

Five Ways to Speak More Naturally

دوست دارید خیلی طبیعی تر صحبت کنید؟

یکی از چیز هایی که همه زبان آموزان دوست دارند تجربه کنند، صحبت کردن زبان انگلیسی بطور طبیعی هست. در این مقاله کوتاه به چند روش از چندین روش برای رسیدن به این هدف را بررسی می کنیم. بزودی این مقاله رو مرحله به مرحله کامل تر می کنیم، البته با کمک همه ی دوستان.

Five Ways to Speak More Naturally

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

You are learning English. Of course you want to speak naturally, as if you were American or British. But how can you do this? Here are five tips to help.

Number 1: use ‘get’

 ‘Get’ is one of the most useful – and most used – words in the English language. English

speakers use it all the time! Take a look at this example:

          English Learner: What time did you arrive?

Native Speaker: What time did you get there?

‘Get’ has so many meanings. It can mean ‘take’ or ‘buy’. English learners often have

trouble using ‘get’ to mean ‘become’:

          English Learner: I became angry when the train was late.

Native Speaker: I got angry when the train was late.

In fact, we generally use ‘get’ for temporary situations and ‘become’ for permanent

situations.

Temporary:  She got bored with the movie.

Permanent:  Ralph became a doctor at age twenty-five.

Incorrect:  Ralph got a doctor at age twenty-five.

 

Number 2:   use ‘used to’

 ‘Used to’ is one of the most useful phrases in English, and it is even easy to pronounce.

English learners often get confused when they try to substitute a phrase from their own language.

English Learner: Last time, I smoked a lot.

English Learner: I smoked a lot, but now, no.

Native Speaker: I used to smoke a lot.

 

Here’s a word of warning. There are two forms of ‘used to’ in English and they both have

different meanings and grammatical structures:

          Example 1:  I used to be a policeman.

Example 2:  I am used to eating spicy food.

In example 1, the meaning is ‘in the past, but not now’. In example 2, the meaning is ‘familiar with’.

Number 3:   use ‘managed to’

Here is another phrase that does not translate easily into other languages. As a result, it is difficult for learners to start using. To manage to do something is to succeed in doing it. However, if you use the phrase ‘succeed’ instead, the result sounds clumsy:

English Learner: Did you succeed to find the keys that you lost?

Native Speaker: Did you manage to find the keys that you lost?

 

Number 4:   use ‘about to’

‘About to’ is a little phrase that is surprisingly useful. Listen out for it and you will be surprised how often you hear it used. We use this phrase to show that something will happen soon. Here is how a native speaker might use it:

English Learner: I think it is going to rain soon.

Native Speaker: It looks like it’s about to rain.

                                                                       

English Learner: I can’t have another coffee. I am going soon.

Native Speaker: I don’t have time for another coffee. I’m about to go.

 

Number 5:   don’t use ‘very’

Why not use ‘very’? It’s not incorrect at all, but using ‘very’ actually prevents you from applying more descriptive vocabulary. For example, instead of saying ‘very large’, why not say ‘huge’? Instead of saying the food is very good, why not say that it is absolutely delicious? 

Just to get you started, here are some more phrases that you can use instead of saying ‘very’:

very good: terrific, fabulous, excellent

very bad: awful, terrible, dreadful

very small: tiny, microscopic

very old: ancient

very new: brand-new

very beautiful: gorgeous

very clean: spotless

 

CULTURE SHOCK

CULTURE SHOCK

A Fish Out Of Water

A reading exercise based on the work of Kalvero Oberg.

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

Kalvero Oberg was one of the first writers to identify five distinct stages of culture shock. He found that all human beings experience the same feelings when they travel to or live in a different country or culture. He found that culture shock is almost like a disease: it has a cause, symptoms, and a cure.

Whenever someone travels overseas they are like "a fish out of water." Like the fish, they have been swimming in their own culture all their lives. A fish doesn't know what water is. Likewise, we often do not think too much about the culture we are raised in. Our culture helps to shape our identity. Many of the cues of interpersonal communication (body language, words, facial expressions, tone of voice, idioms, slang) are different in different cultures. One of the reasons that we feel like a fish out of water when we enter a new culture, is that we do not know all of the cues that are used in the new culture.

Psychologists tell us that there are five distinct phases (or stages) of culture shock. It is important to understand that culture shock happens to all people who travel abroad, but some people have much stronger reactions than others.

During the first few days of a person's stay in a new country, everything usually goes fairly smoothly. The newcomer is excited about being in a new place where there are new sights and sounds, new smells and tastes. The newcomer may have some problems, but usually accepts them as just part of the newness. They may find themselves staying in hotels or be with a homestay family that is excited to meet the foreign stranger. The newcomer may find that "the red carpet" has been rolled out and they may be taken to restaurants, movies and tours of the sights. The new acquaintances may want to take the newcomer out to many places and "show them off." This first stage of culture shock is called the "honeymoon phase."

Unfortunately, this honeymoon phase often comes to an end fairly soon. The newcomer has to deal with transportation problems (buses that don't come on time), shopping problems (can't buy favorite foods) or communication problems (just what does "Chill out, dude." mean?). It may start to seem like people no longer care about your problems. They may help, but they don't seem to understand your concern over what they see as small problems. You might even start to think that the people in the host country don't like foreigners.

This may lead to the second stage of culture shock, known as the "rejection phase." The newcomer may begin to feel aggressive and start to complain about the host culture/country. However, it is important to recognize that these feelings are real and can become serious. This phase is a kind of crisis in the 'disease' of culture shock. It is called the "rejection" phase because it is at this point that the newcomer starts to reject the host country, complaining about and noticing only the bad things that bother them. At this stage the newcomer either gets stronger and stays, or gets weaker and goes home (physically, or only mentally).

If you don't survive stage two successfully, you may find yourself moving into stage three: the "regression phase." The word "regression" means moving backward, and in this phase of culture shock, you spend much of your time speaking your own language, watching videos from your home country, eating food from home. You may also notice that you are moving around campus or around town with a group of students who speak your own language. You may spend most of this time complaining about the host country/culture.

Also in the regression phase, you may only remember the good things about your home country. Your homeland may suddenly seem marvelously wonderful; all the difficulties that you had there are forgotten and you may find yourself wondering why you ever left (hint: you left to learn English!). You may now only remember your home country as a wonderful place in which nothing ever went wrong for you. Of course, this is not true, but an illusion created by your culture shock 'disease.'

If you survive the third stage successfully (or miss it completely) you will move into the fourth stage of culture shock called the "recovery phase" or the "at-ease-at-last phase." In this stage you become more comfortable with the language and you also feel more comfortable with the customs of the host country. You can now move around without a feeling of anxiety. You still have problems with some of the social cues and you may still not understand everything people say (especially idioms). However, you are now 90% adjusted to the new culture and you start to realize that no country is that much better than another - it is just different lifestyles and different ways to deal with the problems of life.

With this complete adjustment, you accept the food, drinks, habits and customs of the host country, and you may even find yourself preferring some things in the host country to things at home. You have now understood that there are different ways to live your life and that no way is really better than another, just different. Finally you have become comfortable in the new place.

It is important to remember that not everyone experiences all the phases of culture shock. It is also important to know that you can experience all of them at different times: you might experience the regression phase before the rejection phase, etc. You might even experience the regression phase on Monday, the at ease phase on Tuesday, the honeymoon phase on Wednesday, and the rejection phase again on Thursday. "What will Friday be like?"

Much later, you may find yourself returning to your homeland and - guess what? - you may find yourself entering the fifth phase of culture shock. This is called "reverse culture shock" or "return culture shock" and occurs when you return home. You have been away for a long time, becoming comfortable with the habits and customs of a new lifestyle and you may find that you are no longer completely comfortable in your home country. Many things may have changed while you were away and - surprise! surprise! - it may take a little while to become at ease with the cues and signs and symbols of your home culture.

Reverse culture shock can be very difficult. There is a risk of sickness or emotional problems in many of the phases of culture shock. Remember to be kind to yourself all the time that you are overseas, and when you get home, give yourself time to adjust. Be your own best friend. If you do these things you will be a much stronger person.If you do these things, congratulations, you will be a citizen of the world!

اوتلاین نویسی چیست و چگونه این کار را انجام بدهیم؟

اوتلاین نویسی چیست و چگونه این کار را انجام بدهیم؟

نویسنده: حمیدرضا باقری

How to write an Outline

Written by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

اوتلاین نویسی یعنی یادداشت برداری از طرح کلی یا رئوس مطالب است که هم در Speaking و هم در Writing کمک شایان توجهی به زبان آموز می کند.

برای مثال فرض کنید که قرار است زبان آموزان متن زیر را در منزل مطالعه کنند، معانی لغات جدید را پیدا کنند و برای جلسه بعد متن مورد نظر را بصورت شفاهی ارائه کنند.

A person who had a great influence on you

“The person, who had a great impact on me, was actually my father’s mother, my grandmother; she grew up in the country and moved to the city in 1965 to get a better education. She opened up my life to music in its many different forms. We would make music by clapping our hands, using bottles, jars, pots and pans, anything we could use, as well as the piano. My life was full of music.”

خوب حالا می بایست از نکات مهم داستان (رئوس مطالب) و احیانا کلماتی که بخاطر آوردن آنها دشوار است یادداشت برداری کنیم. به این صورت:

    • g/mother
    • musician
    • taught me piano
    • intro. me -> many music forms
    • encouraged feelings thru music
    • major influence

 همان طور که می بینید ما در یادداشت برداری از رئوس مطالب، بجای نوشتن جملات از عبارات و کلمات و حتی علائم اختصاری استفاده می کنیم.این شیوه به زبان آموز کمک می کند تا:

  • یاد بگیرد که نباید جملات را به شیوه طوطی وار حفظ کند
  • یاد بگیرد که با حفظ معانی جملات، ایده داستان به زبان خودش نقل و بیان کند

نکات مهم درباره Outline:

  • نوشتن Outline یک فعالیت انفرادی است و هدف از این کار فقط یاد آوری کردن اصل مطلب برای  شخص می باشد. در نتیجه اگر درک Outline شخص دیگری برای شما سخت است، تعجب نکنید.
  • طول یک Outline کاملا بستگی به شخصی که آنرا می نوسید دارد اما نوشتن یک Outline که خود دست کمی از متن اصلی نداشته باشد، اکیدا توصیه نمی شود!
  • بهتراست که Outline روی یک تکه کاغذ جداگانه نوشته شود تا زمان آموز در هنگام صحبت کردن به راحتی بتواند به آن نگاه کند تا ترتیب مطالب رعایت شده و لغات جدید فراموش نشوند.
نوشتن Outline یک تمرین ساده برای منظم کردن ذهن و پرورش ایده است که می توان در تمام سطوح از آن استفاده کرد و چه بهتر است که زبان آموز در سطوح پایه و هرچه زودتر با این روش آشنا شود.
 

نویسنده: حمیدرضا باقری

منبع: http://commonmistakes.blogfa.com

خواهشمند است در صورت تمایل به درج مطالب این وبلاگ در وب سایت یا وبلاگ خود حقوق مولف را رعایت کرده و نام نویسنده و منبع را بطور کامل همانطور که در بالا می بینید در ابتدا و انتهای مطالب درج کنید. 

کلمات یا عبارات دشوار برای تقویت تلفظ

کلمات یا عبارات دشوار برای تقویت تلفظ

(بنا به درخواست دوستان)

به عبارت دیگر این عبارات یا تانگ تویستر ها در اکثر زبان های دنیا وجود دارند و هدف اصلی از بیان و تکرار پیاپی این عبارات تقویت مهارت تلفظ می باشد. بعضا این عبارات بی معنی هستند و یا معانی آنها خنده دار است. تکرار پیاپی این عبارات در ابندا کمی دشوار به نظر می رسد اما با تکرار و تمرین به طرز چشم گیری موجب تقویت و بهبود توانایی های تلفظی شما می شوند. ترجیحا تلفظ کلمه به کلمه ی این عبارات را در دیکشنری پیدا کرده و به آن خوب گوش کنید سپس تمرین و تکرار را آغاز کنید. کلی می خندین!

Tongue Twisters

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 

Definition: tongue twister (noun) [C]: a sentence or phrase that is intended to be difficult to say, especially when repeated quickly and often:

'She sells seashells on the seashore' is a well-known tongue twister.

The definition and the example are taken from Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

Further examples:

1.    Betty bought a bit of better butter.

2.    The sixth sheik's sixth sheep is sick.

3.    She sells seashells by the seashore. The shells she sells are seashells, I'm sure.

4.    Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper, where's the peck of pickled pepper, Peter Piper picked?

5.    A proper cup of coffee from a proper copper coffee pot.

6.    Lesser leather never weathered wetter weather better.

7.    Gertie's great-grandma grew aghast at Gertie's grammar.

8.    Many an anemone sees an enemy anemone.

9.    Two to two to Tooting too!

10. She sifted thistles through her thistle sifter.

11. The sawingest saw I ever saw saw was the saw I saw saw in Arkansas.

12. Blake's black bike's back brake bracket block broke.

13. Tie twine to three twinned tree twigs.

14. The soldiers shouldered shooters on their shoulders.

15. Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread.

16. You know you need unique New York.

17. Round the rugged rock, the ragged rascal ran.

18. Two tiny tigers take two taxis to town.

19. The ruddy widow really wants ripe watermelon and red roses when winter arrives.

20. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

21. If two witches watched two watches, which witch would watch which watch?

طولانی ترین کلمات در زبان انگلیسی

طولانی ترین کلمات در زبان انگلیسی

نویسنده: حمیدرضا باقری

این هم یه لیست از طولانی ترین کلمات در زبان انگلیسی که به در خواست یکی از دوستای خوبم براتون تهیه کردم. فقط توجه کنید که بعضی از این کلمات تخصصی هستند و بعضی دیگر نیز در مکالمات روزمره رایج نیستند اما دونستن اونها خالی از لطف نیست. حالا کی می خواد این ها رو تلفظ کنه؟!

 

Longest Words in English

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

 'telecommunication' (17 letters) - communication over long distances by cable, radio etc.

'inconsequentially' (17 letters) - of little importance

'hemidemisemiquaver' (18 letters) - one sixty-fourth of a whole note in music 

'incommensurability' (18 letters) - not being comparable in size or value 

'interdenominational' (19 letters) - involving more than one Christian denomination 

'counterdemonstration' (20 letters) - opposition demonstration 

'uncharacteristically' (20 letters) - unusually, being out of character

'overindustrialisation' (21 letters) - excessive industrialisation 

'electroencephalograph' (21 letters) - instrument measuring electrical activity in the brain

'honorificabilitudinity' (22 letters) - honourableness 

'disestablishmentarianism' (24 letters) - opposition to an established church

'antidisestablishmentarianism' (28 letters) - opposition to establishment opposition 

'floccinaucinihilipilification' (29 letters) - act of estimating as worthless

'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' (34 letters) - amazingly excellent

 

نویسنده: حمیدرضا باقری

منبع: http://commonmistakes.blogfa.com

خواهشمند است در صورت تمایل به درج مطالب این وبلاگ در وب سایت یا وبلاگ خود حقوق مولف را رعایت کرده و نام نویسنده و منبع را بطور کامل همانطور که در بالا می بینید در ابتدا و انتهای مطالب درج کنید. 

چند نکته در مورد قصه گویی به زبان انگلیسی

چند نکته در مورد قصه گویی به زبان انگلیسی

قصه گویی یکی از راه های تقویت مهارت گفتاری است که توسط مردم جهان همواره مورد توجه بوده است و نسل به نسل نیز این فعالیت ادامه یافته است. در این مقاله کوتاه به چند نکته بسیار مهم در مورد تقویت این مهارت بیان قصه های روایی می پردازیم.

 

Story-telling
Advice and Ideas

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

Story-telling as a community learning experience has been practiced by people around the world for countless generations. In an age of television and video games, encouraging children and young people to sit, listen and understand has never been more useful as a means of promoting good learning and thinking skills.

Many parents read to their children, especially while they are very young. Yet, this is only one half of the story-telling experience. After all, the best stories are those drawn from one's own life experiences, involving real people, not just characters on a page. Further, story-telling is a mutual process; the teller describing emotions and situations for the listener to use in forming their own mental images. And because stories told from experience or drawn first-hand from the imagination are unique, they receive extraordinary attention from children, which they wouldn't otherwise give to a repeatable experience. Stories told from the heart are magical, precisely because they don't come with a rewind button.

 

How can we all learn to become better story-tellers? Here are some simple ideas:

Use simple stories with key ideas or themes - Using a story that is too complex or detailed will be disorientating to the listener. Instead, choose stories that emphasize key ideas or themes, such as friendship, discovery, giving etc. 

Include image-friendly vocabulary - Some words will be easier for children to form images from then others. Draw up a list of words - adjectives, verbs, nouns - that are especially colorful, interesting and engaging. Then, try to find places in your story for a selection of these words. 

Describe the landscape of your story in detail - Give plenty of context for your story. If, for example, its backdrop is a jungle, spend a few moments describing the trees, ferns, plants, snakes, insects, colors, heat, and atmosphere. 

Try to commit the story to memory - Use your own mental imagery skills to help you do this. It will mean you don't need to rely on notes, and can maintain eye contact with your audience throughout. Of course, stories drawn from your own life experiences will be easiest to frame and use. 

Go through a practice run first with a friend - To build confidence, and prevent errors that might steal the story of its flow, practice telling the story to a friend. Ask for feedback. Discuss the imagery and emotions of the story. 

Don't dissect the story with explanations - The listeners will draw their own lessons and understanding from each story. Dissecting a story immediately after its telling causes it to fragment in the listener's mind. Instead, have a moment's silence following a story to allow listeners to absorb the story's meaning.

مهمترین تفاوت های نوشتاری در انگلیسی آمریکایی و انگلیسی بریتانیایی

مهمترین تفاوت های نوشتاری در انگلیسی آمریکایی و انگلیسی بریتانیایی

یکی از راه های بهبود مهارت نوشتاری در املای زبان انگلیسی شناختن تفاوتهای نوشتاری در انگلیسی آمریکایی و انگلیسی بریتانیایی است. در این جا یک فهرست از مهمترین این تفاوت ها تهیه شده است.

Differences between US and UK spellings

Collected & compiled by Hamid R. Bagheri

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

Here is a list of the most commonly-used and important differences between US and UK spellings.

US

UK

analog

analogue

anesthesia

anaesthesia

archeology

archaeology

armor

armour

ax

axe

catalog

catalogue

center

centre

color

colour

defense

defence

dialog

dialogue

encyclopedia

encyclopaedia

favorite

favourite

gray

grey

honor

honour

humor

humour

license

licence

maneuver

manoeuvre

meter

metre

mustache

moustache

omelet

omelette

program

programme

sulfur

sulphur

tire

tyre

vise

vice