
Raj Sharma
11,361 pts
Scholar
I would like to share learning-related tips and tricks for lifelong learners
Foreign education is gaining immense importance these days. In this competitive world, it is important to gain an edge over the rest of the crowd to make your identity. On that note, TOEFL is an examination that the students who wish to pursue quality foreign education are supposed to appear for. The full form of TOEFL is a Test for English as a foreign language. The test is basically designed to measure the English speaking skill for people who are non-native speakers.
The test measures the four main skills namely, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It also tests the capacity to understand the new information, to infer from it and create information on your own.
Concepts to master for creating grammatically correct sentences:
1. Your vs you're
When to use 'your'?
The possessive form of the word 'you' is known as 'your'. It is mostly followed by a noun or a pronoun. For example, "that is your house", which means, "the house belongs to you."
When to Use 'You’re'?
'You're' is an amalgamation of two separate words, 'you' and 'are'. It stands for 'you are'. For example, "you're working" means "you are working".
2. Showing possession vs apostrophes
Consider the sentence, "this is Mike's pen." Here the apostrophe s is used to show possession. Thus, the sentence means that the pen belongs to Mike.
Other uses of the apostrophe:
We also use apostrophe while denoting plural nouns such as CD's, years or eras such as the 1960's, etc.
3. Than vs then
Than is used to show comparison. For example, "My sister is better than me". Then is used in situations where one has to tell what happened next. For example, "I reached home, then I cooked some food." This means I cooked food after I reached home.
4. Irregular plural form
When an irregular noun is used in plural form, it is known as an Irregular plural form. In order to modify the spelling, we use s or es at the end of the word.
5. Me vs. Myself
'Me' and 'Myself', both are pronouns. 'Me' is a personal pronoun whereas 'myself' is a reflexive pronoun.
When to Use Me
In a sentence, the object's function is taken by 'me.' It is an objective pronoun.
When to Use Myself
'Myself' is used in case of emphasis on a point. The speaker uses it to reference one-self.
6. There, their and they're
'There' refers to a place. For example, 'the pen is lying there.' 'Their' is used when something belongs to someone. For example, 'it is their house'.
'They're' is a combination of two different words, 'they' and 'are'.
7. Could, would, and should
'Should' is used mainly for the purpose of giving advice. Eg. You should lose some weight.
'Would' is used to talk about situations that are unlikely. Eg. I would have bought that house if I had more money.
'Could' is used to represent ability or polite requests. Eg. 'I could have done better' or 'Could you pass me the butter?'
8. Definite vs indefinite article
When a noun is defined, a determiner or a definite article is used. When the use of a noun is generalized, either indefinite article is used or no article is used at all. 'The' is a definite article and 'a' and 'an' are indefinite articles.
Example of the definite article: The boy is happy.
Example of indefinite article: A train is arriving.
In the second example it is not specified which train is arriving.
Grammar Rules You Need To Know:
Proper use of English grammar is something that even native English speakers find difficult to deal with, and it especially becomes a more challenging task for people who have English as their second language. If you do want to clear the TOEFL exam there are certain grammar rules that one must master.
1. Parallel construction:
It is very important to use parallel construction when you are listening to a series of ideas in a sentence. By this, we mean that the same form must be used for words having equal importance.
For example
Incorrect: Priya spent her weekend writing, reading, and gardened.
Correct: Priya spent her weekend writing, reading, and gardening.
Make sure that you always review the sentences and you are consistent when you are creating lists or talking about numerous things on an equal level.
2. Always use the correct tense:
This is the simplest but also one of the most common mistakes that one makes. If you require your English writing to be clear, you must make your tenses regular throughout your essay. If you start your essay with the present tense, you must use the same tense in the entire passage. It might happen that you would like to mention ideas in the past if that‘s the case make sure the primary verb in the sentence should be in the present tense, and verbs in the supporting clauses can be in the past tense.
3. Objective and Subjective pronoun:
According to the usage in a sentence, the form of a pronoun varies. People easily make mistakes while using an adjective pronoun when a subjective pronoun has to be used. For example instead of using he, she, they people tend to use him, her, them, and vice versa.
To solve this problem, an easy way is to always remember using the required pronoun by looking at the verb in the phrase or sentence. For example, if the action is carried out by the pronoun then the subject form must be used. And if some action is being taken upon the pronoun, then the objective form should be used.
4. Noun and pronoun agreement:
You have to make sure that the noun and pronoun must agree. If you are not careful, pronoun usage can be very confusing. Make sure that before taking the test you study and practice using a pronoun in the sentences
5. Subject and verb agreement:
This is one of the most common mistake people make and its failing to have an agreement between the verb and the subject being used. Since English has a large number of irregular verbs and it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with both list of irregular verbs and the standard verb conjugations.
6. Correct use of adverbs and adjectives:
Everyone knows that adjectives are descriptive words that describe nouns and adverbs are descriptive words that change verbs. You must keep in mind that there are also exceptions to this rule. The most common mistake people tend to make is using an adverb as an adjective and vice versa.
For making it clear, try to think about which word you are modifying and then use the right form.
For example, “He is a fast runner”, adjective ‘fast’ is describing the runner, you can also alternatively say “he ran quickly”, where the adverb ‘quickly’ has modified the verb ran.
7. Try to avoid run-on sentences and fragments:
A single idea must be presented by a well-structured sentence completely. When a sentence contains two independent clauses that themselves can function as a complete sentence without connecting words and punctuation is called a run-on sentence. A sentence that is incomplete, missing a verb or subject or any other important element is a fragment.
It should be kept in mind that a run-on sentence must be rewritten for more clarity or should be split into two sentences. A fragment, on the other hand, must be crafted in a complete sentence. If you want to do well in the exam you must learn to recognize mistakes being made in the sentence structure.
Some Additional English speaking and writing Tips:
1. Try to learn as much as you can:
You have to make it a point to learn the grammar rules as they group many language situations and provide you with information that you can apply to the context accordingly. It is going to be beneficial if you know which rules to study by taking a grammar diagnostic test that is easily available online.
It will help you in learning about the topics you are weakest at. Go for a basic, intermediate or advanced level test, it recommended that the person first takes the basic level and proceed accordingly, making improvements at each step. When you do start studying for a rule, study it very carefully and practice and solve as many examples as you can.
2. One rule at a time:
Make sure that you are not rushing into just learning stuff and take your time to study one rule at a time thoroughly and then move forward. To achieve that try to practice each grammar rule well. Make sure you create your own examples and complete all grammar exercises.
3. Create your own English sentences:
When you try to make your own sentences with each rule being learned, it will give you clarity on the rules before you move to the exercise part. Try to look for the examples given after the rules and then make your own sentences. You can always take the help of a native speaker or a teacher to go through your sentences to get them checked.
After this, include the grammar structure in writing tasks. When you write you have enough time to think and plan accordingly, so this won’t be difficult at all. Finally, make sure when you create sentences you also use the same grammar rules while you speak as well.
Practicing in this manner will also help you in the written and spoken English part of the exam, where you have the challenge to prove that you will be able to use complex grammar structures accurately to express your ideas.
4. English Practice exercises with every rule:
After you have worked with your own examples, try to complete exercises that are provided with the rule. There are so many resources online where you can practice as much as you want. After you are done with practicing the rule, don’t move towards learning a new one, until you have mastered the one you have been working on all this time. The simplest way is first to understand the rule well, then read examples, create your own sentences, and finally practice the exercises as much as you are able to.
5. Be patient:
Last, but not least, be patient. By being patient we mean do give yourself all the time that you need. Learning grammar is not a small task and must be regarded as a long-term objective. Generally, the more you learn and practice the better you get.
The trick here is that you must allot of time each day that will be dedicated to grammar alone. But if you don’t have that much time to prepare for the exam, try to cover the basic areas first such as nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and tenses. Only when you have mastered all these, move ahead with more complex areas of English grammar like different kinds of clauses, active and passive voices, subjunctive, etc.
Try to learn the rules in groups of five. This means you are still going to learn only one rule at a time, which includes understanding, reading examples, creating sentences, and completing exercises. This going to help you recognize your mistakes and correct them, this will also ensure if you need to go through the rule just one more time.
In conclusion, one of the most effective ways to use your time efficiently is to follow every rule learned by practicing it and then moving forward. TOEFL exam is a very practical exam, and just memorizing a lot of theory without the proper understanding is going to be of absolutely no use.
The exam is going to test your capacity of using the correct grammar in both written and spoken English. But the best part of learning English grammar well is that it is going to stay with you forever, even after you have cleared your TOEFL exam.
Posts
Empower your mind to conquer any obstacle that comes your way! You have the strength within you to overcome any challenge.
Here are 5 exciting opportunities to level up your mental game. Let's dive in and discover the potential within you!
1. Rich mindset people know exactly why they are doing what they are doing!
2. Rich mindset people do not do things that are not aligned to their Why.
3. Rich mindset people know what they are passionate about!
4. Rich mindset people work only on what they are passionate about!
5. Rich mindset people's life is filled with excitement and more happiness!
6. Rich mindset peoples are the master of their craft because they are passionate about it!
7. Rich mindset people have big juicy goals.
8. Rich mindset people write down goals every single day.
9. Rich mindset people are most vocal about their goals.
10. Rich mindset people will never reduce goals but increase the effort.
11. Rich mindset people think that money is everywhere!
12. Rich mindset people are plenty of opportunities provided they try to grow their knowledge and skills.
13. You become rich twice, first in your mind and then in reality.
14. Rich mindset, people are the creators.
15. Rich mindset people know that It is effortless to make Money.
16. Rich mindset people know money is available in abundance.
17. Rich mindset people create multiple sources of income.
18. Rich mindset peoples are very health-conscious people.
19. People admire a Rich mindset, people's discipline, and good health.
20. Rich mindset people spend lots of quality time with family.
1. Broke mindset people think everything is too good to be true.
2. Broke mindset people give up when things don't go their way; a few disappointments, and they are onto something else, saying things like "it wasn't for me."
3. Broke mindset people always have an excuse.
4. Broke mindset people think that not getting what they want is OK.
5. Broke mindset always has to talk it over with their broke friends to make sure no one will make fun of them if they make a decision.
6. Broke mindset people are never coachable and teachable.
7. Broke mindset people are scared of others.
8. Broke mindset: people always procrastinate; they would rather talk about it, read about it, think about it, but never do anything.
9. Broke mindset people are glad when the day is over.
10. Broke mindset people think rich people are lucky.
11. Broke mindset people work by the hour.
12. Broke mindset people want to know that after 1 hour of work, they have something to show.
13. Broke mindset people get excited; they just got hired.
14. Broke mindset people complain a lot.
15. Broke mindset people are too concerned about what other people are doing.
16. Broke mindset, people think that if no one is doing something, it must suck.
17. Broke mindset people think that if everyone (all 200 people at a meeting or on a conference call) are all doing the same thing, it must be saturated.
18. Broke mindset people think it is OK for other people to live where they want to live, drive what they want to operate and do what they want to do.
19. Broke mindset people are OK with the fact that they can't do these things.

1. Listen more before you speak. Try to understand what you are trying to say before then reply.
2. Try before quitting. At least try things whatever you want in your life. Never quit before trying.
3. Whenever you are going to write something anywhere, think before you write.
4. Spend money, but first, earn. Earn before you spend.
5. Believe first before doing anything in your life. Believes are valuable in every situation.
6. Live your life; enjoy each moment in your life. Live before you die.
7. Whenever you go to start anything, prepare first. Prepare before you start.
8. Make time for health. Exercise and meditate before you get stressed.
9. To be happy and for piece live in present moments. With the plan of the future, never invest in your present. Live it.
10. Understand the rules of freedom before you expand your freedom.
11. Love yourself and spread that love before time goes away.
12. Accept and solve the situation before you miss out.
13. Be responsible before time has gone. Be responsible when you need it. If time goes, it never comes again.
14. Take permission from your family before taking any kind of action.

Write a compelling and catchy introduction. Mention an interesting fact related to your topic into the intro.
How to write the middle part of the essay?
The primary focus is on the 1st body, this paragraph need not be as catchy as the previous stages. So, here you can mention some weak points in order to elaborate on the essay further.
The first paragraph - Write the strongest points or essential facts in the first paragraph
The second paragraph - Tries to elaborate of an essay further and adds more intriguing points.
The third paragraph - Cite some exciting examples with catchy tone related to the topic in the third paragraph
Who do not understand how to conclude an essay without sounding abrupt. Even though the conclusion is supposed to be short and sweet, it is an underrated part of an essay, and most of the students seem to be ignorant of how they should end an essay.
You need to persuade the reader with your arguments and ideas put forward by you in the essay and make your readers care about your ideas.
The majority of the students fail to understand is the fact that a proper link between the introduction and the conclusion of an essay can prove to be extremely fruitful.
If you have stated an idea in the intro, you can add a line or two elaborating that point in the conclusion. Expand the theme that you introduced in the intro without making it seem like you are merely repeating a certain fact to fill up pages.
THERE ARE SEVERAL ONLINE RESOURCES AND TOOLS TO HELP YOU ASSIMILATE A LARGE AMOUNT OF STUDY MATERIAL QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
To create the right mindest that will ensure your success. This entails accepting change and aiming to grow and improve constantily.

Here are the ten steps that can help you to have effective listening:
1.) Face the speaker and always maintain eye contact.
2.) Pay attention, but be relaxed.
3.) Have an open mind and listen to them without judging them.
4.) Carefully listen to the words and try to understand what the speaker is saying.
5.) Never interrupt the speaker, nor impose your thinking on them.
6.) When the speaker takes a pause only then ask a question.
7.) Never ask things unnecessarily, only ask to have a better understanding.
8.) Try to feel what the speaker is feeling and communicating.
9.) Try to give simple and regular feedback to the speaker.
10.) Focus on non-verbal cues like facial expressions and gestures.
Choose your subjects of interest, understand that not all the assignments and classes will be equally interesting.
Use an effective memorization strategy like spaced-retention learning or use flashcards to retain more information.
Attempting past papers is akin to taking an exam. Find a pattern in the previous papers which could help you predict what exam paper you will be getting.

Here are 7 tips that can develop listening skills in students:
1.) Use audiobooks to applications, that can help in improving listening skills in students.
2.) Teachers can read a topic loud, and then have the class discuss and reflect on the content.
3.) Give children assignments group presentations.
4.) Try to ask open-ended questions.
5.) Assign students tasks and activities that encourage critical thinking.
6.) Offer students reflecting learning opportunities.
7.) Try to reinforce active listening in students.
1. Starting late and regretting it later.
2. Not participating in the learning process actively.
3. Not Studying according to the examination pattern.
4. Revising the information already known repeatedly.
5. Relying totally on the teachers or private tutors for Exams.
6. Keeping rote memorization over the understanding.
7. Not making a routine/proper plan of learning.
8. Always studying too much, or studying much at the last moment.
9. Sticking to only one place for studying.
10. Studying one way only.
11. Studying Alone always.
12. Studying with gadgets.
13. Studying with an empty stomach.
14. Studying continuously.
15. Not using the quick learning methods.
Different people learn in different ways. Visual learners; Aural learners; Verbal learners; Physical learners; Logical learners You can choose the method which you feel can help you learn faster. Also, check if you learn better when alone or when you are in a group study.
Sometimes studying while music plays in the background is a great idea. Drawing diagrams, figures or doodles while making notes would increase your interest to go back to them for revision.

Here are some of the many online resources that are the answer to the eternal question “How can I improve my exam marks?” You can seek more details from your teachers or your peers.
Research work helps in knowing how to prepare for an exam or assignment. It will further help you to learn concepts on your own and develop self-learning skills. You can answer even the most difficult question out of your syllabus. This will further increase the self-confidence in the exams and assignments.
Exercise is as important as a healthy diet. Exercise improves blood circulation and focus. Kids love to play and to add up little fun workouts. Stretching would help them relax their muscles and concentrate better. There have been studies concluding that stretching helps in blood circulation and therefore helps in focusing. Few exercised would help in unclogging the mind and stay fresh.
The fresh air would be good for their brain circulation. This improves brain functioning. Specific exercises can also help build concentration. You can do them with the child to set an example. Yoga is also one of the ways the kids can stretch themselves. The exercises in yoga can also help in concentration building.
Breaks are as important as sitting down and focussing. We usually make the mistake of allotting the time for each activity by the kids. For instance, the time of playing football would be fixed from 5 pm to 6 pm and after that homework and studies. We do not allot time for breaks between studies. Parents need to understand the fact that kids need planned breaks between the studies.
For instance, if your kids have finished homework of the day, then it would be better to give him stretching or water break in between for 10 to 15 minutes. This would refresh his mind and help him concentrate better. Further, sitting for a long time is as injurious to health. It has the same effect as smoking. Sitting for long periods slows down metabolism. This causes weight gain. The slow metabolism also slows down the thinking power. This usually results in lethargy. You would definitely not want your kid to gain weight and become a house of different diseases related to weight.

Services
Opinions


My Topic







My Group

Hello There, Welcome to the How to influence people Group.You probably know a friend or colleague who has an incredibly negative outlook on life. Influencing people is when someone changes your mind about something. It's like being persuaded to do something. You may not agree with the person trying to persuade you, but if they can convince you, you'll probably change your mind.Share your experience and read encouraging stories to create a community where we can support each other.Join the community today.!Why Should Join this Group?Influencing people is important because we all need someone who will listen to and help...

The brain is the ultimate pilot of our body. What you think, what you do, what do you say, where do you go, what you decide, how you react, and every small thing that is the part of your body controlled by your brain. So, if the brain is so unique for you, don't you think this controlling authority of the body should be healthier? Yes, it should be healthy, fit and delicate so that you can do your daily work without any problem. The group's heading may confuse you to some extent, 'Rewire your Brain,' but, trust me, once...

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Group Positive Thinking.Positive thinking is a belief system that encourages people to think positively about themselves and their world. It is based on the idea that we will achieve our goals if we believe in ourselves and our abilities. So it's very important to acquire that habit. I would like to encourage you to create a community where we can share our experiences and read stories or content that will encourage us.We invite you to join our community!Why Should Join this Group?Because Positive thinking is a way of looking at life that focuses on the...

Happiness! How many of you truly know the actual meaning of happiness? It might be significantly more minor and countable because most people don't know where their happiness lies. The reason for this is as simple as understanding the fact that you are alive. But, if you are not happy, are you alive? Are you enjoying your life? Is, being comfortable means enjoying the surrounding only? Have you found your source of being happy? And, so many questions I can enlist that you can think about and analyze what your true happiness is. Purpose of the groupThe group's name 'How...
7 Powerful Mini Study Habits to Supercharge Your Grades
Good advice
Improving the lives
Very nice quote
Preparing for a Big Exam: 10 Essential Things to Do
Informative visual post. I love ot
Smart learning tips
Wow awesome Infographic
How to study online for the best results
Very nice post