China on its way to TOEFL

A very interesting poster of a movie came across me with the tag “Think in American English”. The poster belonged to one of the blockbuster movies of 2013 American Dreams in China - the movie that represents China in the 80’s. We get to have a glimpse of China’s social and economic condition at the time via the students that the country produces. At that point of time, there used to be a shared dream of all its students i.e to study abroad or say to study in an American university. This is because America used to be their door of opportunities.

The movie shows the endeavor of the students to get enrolled in top colleges of US for a much better career and future ahead. In this endeavor, TOEFL was actually their passport to such colleges. The protagonists of the aforementioned movie failed to make their way to American University but ironically they started selling their American Dream to the young minds, who entertained the same dream, by preparing them for TOEFL.

Lets take a sneak preview of TOEFL as an exam and China’s take on it.

TOEFL, the most widely accepted English assessment test that measures one’s ability to understand English at University level, has its great influence here in China as well. Sometimes, it becomes a bit difficult for Chinese students to learn reading, writing and speaking in English because unlike many other languages they don’t have the standard Latin alphabet but logographic. In logographic, the symbols represents the words. For them, English is all anew a different world of words. Thus, it requires a whole lot of extra effort from their part to make their way to TOEFL.

Thinking about the fundamental differences in both the languages and the future prospects of English as a language, it has become a priority in China to teach English to its population. The schools have been asked to start teaching English to students right from grade 3. English teaching has now become part of the education system of China. Apart from the government’s practices, the parents too have started arranging private English classes to their kids. In the digital world today, their is no dearth of educational apps that brings an engaging class session live at just a click of a button. There are many apps prepared specifically keeping TOEFL preparation in mind. The sole aim of such apps is to touch each and every aspect of English to make you well-prepared for the much awaited day.

When TOEFL was introduced in China in 1981, only 161 students took the test and you will be amazed to know that till date more than 3 million Chinese students are there who have taken it. With this impressive number, China has now become one of the largest countries in the world that sends its students abroad.

Today, most of the countries have English as their second official language; in case, it is not their native one. And, in order to reap the fruits of globalization you need to know this language completely as Karl Marx once stated one would find friends everywhere in the whole world if one could just sing “The Internationale”. The language English has now become that “Internationale”.

In this context, China is making an all out effort and a research states that by 2025, the number of people speaking English in China would exceed the number of people who have English as their first language. Looking at the efforts of authority of China, zest in its students and so many English institutes around it, I really hope that next time whenever our poor protagonists take TOEFL, they nail it with impressive TOEFL scores.

Mandarin and English language - The Tug of War

Walt Whitman, the great American poet and essayist said, "Viewed freely, the English language is the accretion and growth of every dialect, race, range of time and is both free and compacted composition of all". Most of us strongly agree with this statement. We have an equally strong statement for Mandarin as well. Learning is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. This is a famous inspiring Chinese proverb. The ratio of students for Chinese to English language enrollment is 4:1 in. Currently over 37 cities across China offer TOEFL program. The tug of war as to which language dominates the hemisphere is still an unanswered question. Some key points denote the difference:-

• Origin and popularity
• Myth and Reality
• Difference in Phonology
• Difference in Grammar and Flexibility
  
  
  

Origin and popularity: The English word "Mandarin" is derived from Sanskrit language which means minister. Originally, ministers were the officials in charge of the Chinese empire. English has originated from the Anglo-Frisian dialects. It is a West Germanic language.

Mandarin is the official language in China. In 2012, there were 60 sovereign states and 28 non-sovereign entities where English was an official language. As of now, about 340 million people are native English speakers. Around 510 million people consider English as their second language. Mandarin is spoken by 1.3 billion people across the globe. According to The Chinese Education ministry, more than 50 million people overseas are now learning Mandarin.

Myth and Reality :- To most of the native English speakers, Mandarin would appear like "Ching, ming, tang, ling, chang", accompanied by weird images of brush strokes and broken lines that makes no sense. How to write Chinese is not tedious task though Mandarin includes laboriously writing hundreds of different characters repeatedly. Mandarin does not have letters but follows logographic system for writing the language. According to the logographic systems, symbols themselves represent words. Hence the learning process is cumbersome. However, the first step to learn English begins with the reading process.

Difference in Phonology :- Phonology is the study of the sound system of languages. Mandarin is a tone language. It uses high or low pitch to distinguish the word meaning. In English, high or low pitch denotes expressions and emotions. English uses more of vowels to denote difference in the words for eg. full/fool, eat/it, sheep/ship etc. Mandarin learners find it difficult to pronounce certain words especially L and R, I and N etc.

Difference in Grammar and Flexibility :- Mandarin language does not include articles like a, an and the. Hence, the Mandarin language learners find it difficult in grasping English language. English is a flexible language. It has been influenced from Latin and other romantic languages hence it can be moulded despite of being a Germanic language. Mandarin, on the other hand follow strict sets of rules and regulations with very few exceptions. Therefore modifying the sentence structure is tedious.

Despite being two most dominating language across the globe, there is still a tug of war between the two. There are various premier online Chinese language school in the world for eg. echineselearning.com. Special classes are designed for learning Chinese naturally and not memorizing it. This e-Learning facility is available at elcstudio.com and verbalplanet.com. Each language has its own complexity and none of the language is entirely simple or complex. Languages have their own importance and redeeming qualities.

 

Teaching TOEFL is like Winning a Trophy

TOEFL test is an effective way to measure English fluency among non-native English speakers. About 25 million students appear for TOEFL every year throughout the world. Though TOEFL is not considered as the easiest subject in ESL (English as a second language) to teach, it is a challenge that lot many love to accept. TOEFL exams cover up 4 key areas namely speaking, reading, writing and listening. There are 30 marks for each section, total of 120 marks. Nevertheless TOEFL reminds us about massive textbooks and bunch of 12 CDs, which seem to be boring even before a fresh start. Let’s have a look at the most simplified approach of teaching TOEFL.

Practice Tests - One preliminary test will let you measure the aptitude of the student, before you start grooming him/her for TOEFL. You will know the extent to which the pupil needs training. A lower level of English course will definitely prove to be beneficial if the basics are not very strong. There are various vocabulary test that include fill-in the blanks, multiple choice questions, match the following, jumbled words etc.

Preparing lessons for reading - TOEFL test includes the ability of students to read academic English. Reading newspaper and publication can add on to the reading skills. Few best selling single volume books include A Tale of Two Cities, The Lord of the Rings, The Little Prince, And Then There Were None, Dream of the Red Chamber, The Hobbit etc. They are not just interesting books but will definitely polish your reading skills.

The integrated approach - Writing, chiefly, follows two formats. These are internet-based test (iBT) or paper-based writing. As far as internet-based test is concerned, these cover two tasks. In the first task, we read the passage carefully and thereafter listen to the speaker. We can note down the points that are fruitful during the discussion of the same topic. The second task includes writing an essay and matching them according to the topic's relevance. In the paper based test, the students are asked to write 200-300 words relating to a particular topic. Current affairs should be the key topics of practice. Some interesting and extraordinary topics that you can read and write on include:

• Impact of media on society
• Fast food nation
• Violence in sport
• Internet censorship
• Teaching children with learning disabilities
  
  
  
  
  

Mastery in sentence structure - Formulating the sentence structure in the way desired by the examiner is yet another way to add on to your TOEFL score. For this, one has to be very strong at English grammar. Guiding the students with proper use of prepositions, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, articles, verbs, tenses etc. is a must. Wren and Martin English grammar book is very beneficial.

Managing the time - After gaining proficiency in reading, listening, writing or speaking areas, the next target must be to strive for taking less time in every successive attempt. Note down the time taken by the students and quality of the work delivered. Are we able to deliver a good speech within the time limit or could we write better if we did not fall short of time? Time management technique that works:-

• Make a list
• Set deadlines
• Stop multitasking
• Use your downtime

These are the questions that can be well answered with the saying, “practice makes the man perfect”. The more you practice, the better you gain. And then you come up with flying colors.

How Does Music Affect Our Lives?

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” -Plato

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that music provides food to both our soul and mind. The food that soothes our mind, satiates our souls and above all rejuvenates our body. Isn't it all we always look for in our ever so busy lives? In other words, great music provides us that very momentary pleasure that revitalizes us for looking positively at a hectic schedule ahead.

Music-A Solace!

 

Music is the language of silence, it is the language of some inexplicable feelings. Music has got an instant and relieving effect on each and every creature of earth. In Fact, a music lover would notice music in almost all phenomenon, in the chirping of birds, in the humming of bees, in the blow of wind, in the sound of sea waves, in the sound of rain and a different kind of music is always present even in silence. So, who says we don’t have background music in reality the way it is in movies?

It takes us years to completely understand a concept of science but a child doesn’t take even a second to respond to a good music. That’s why they react to the lullaby that takes them to slumbers of sleep.  In Fact, research says that infants respond more to the tempo and rhythm of music than to the speech. They find music more alluring since it thoroughly appeals to their senses. A rap music arouses a toddler to shake his legs as if he has to prove that he is born just to dance.

Enjoy it!

 

However, music has a similar affect on everyone , let’s see how listening to music can enhance our working:

Entertainment: Would a party be that happening without music? Can you enjoy a picnic or trip without the company of music? Well, I really can’t! So, above all its blessings music fulfills our need of being entertained. One remains happy in the company of music.

Emotions: Music has an easy access to our emotions. Sometimes it adds to our happiness and sometimes it becomes a refuge from the bitter reality.

Diversion: Talking about music as a refuge I meant a good music kind of diverts our mind from something we don’t want to remember. It actually disconnects us from something not worth remembering. Thus, gives peace to our mind and thoughts.

Imagination: Music makes us delve into a sea of imagination. We actually start day dreaming, start thinking of some past event. Thus, gives us some moment to amuse ourselves with some gone by memories.

Relation: One can never feel lonely in the company of music. It accompanies you like a friend in your loneliness and even if you are in need of solitude a good music makes sure that your aim gets fulfilled.

See, how music can affect you in a multiple manner. Nowadays, a devoted music lover follows his favorite musicians and the famous singers wherever they go for concert. Well, here is your opportunity to witness one such event here in California.

Welcome to the world of Music!

Yes, it’s The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The event is going to be there from 11th to the 20th of  April.  Enjoy all the genres of music from rock to hip-hop, from indie to electronic music. Now, am pretty sure that all music lovers would definitely make it to California this time.

Oscar Winning Movies 2014: The stories with a difference

A memoir of the struggles of a nineteenth century slave, a man who falls in love with his computer, an insight into the life of backup singers, the story of a lady who took to recreation at the worst of times, an old-time novelist going down the memory lane on a walk down the road, a positive attempt at treating an impossible human condition, and an account of an AIDS patient fighting out his tough times. Such are the themes of the Oscar winning movies of 2014-the ones that made it large at this year’s Academy Awards.

What is the most striking is the range of offbeat films we get to know about every year. Thanks to the Oscars! In fact, many people who claim to have fine tastes and do not have time every Friday to watch the most widely anticipated film of the week, just wait for the list of the Academy Award winning movies or at least have a look at the Oscar nominations movies to choose their brand of picks to invest time on. Not that those who use this method don’t miss out on some really good movies, but such is the trustworthiness and reliability of the selections of the Academy Awards.

Another common aspect with all the Oscar winning movies was the fact that most of the movies that got recognition were based on real life events. Filmmakers are now turning to reality rather than fiction for inspiration. Most of the films portrayed powerful characters, their strength and courage to fight through tough situations.

All the stories were unconventional and not the usual happy-go-lucky kind of fairy tales that mass audiences would enjoy. Here’s a  brief look at the award winning movies and the themes they are based on.

(1) 12 Years a Slave, the movie that won the best film award this year, is a true story based on the life of Solomun Northup, a New York negro, who is trafficked and sold to a New Orleans plantation owner to work on his estate. The film focuses on his 12 year-long struggle before he finally gains independence and returns to his family. With music by the legendary Hans Zimmer, the movie turns out to be a gripping account of the miseries of racism at its peak.

In a world freer and more democratic than ever to sit back and look at such issues of the past, the makers of the film ensure that the presentation is good and the fine treatment of such a delicate issue is why I’d suggest you to watch it rather than just read this. The film also won Lupita Nyong'o the award for best actress in a supporting role and best Writing – Adapted Screenplay for John Ridley.

(2) Her, which won the award for best original screenplay, indeed boasts of a unique story, in which a man who is a master of an intelligent computer falls in love with its operating system and its female voice. This film proves that with the evolution of technology and the scope of human imagination widening, man will have enough places to find love in the future.

(3) 20 Feet from Stardom, which won this year’s best documentary, focuses on the lives of background singers, the ones who really matter, but whose efforts often go unnoticed and names get lost forever in the background.

(4) The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, which won the best short subject documentary, is based on the life of Alice Herz-Sommer, the world’s oldest holocaust survivor and pianist. The film emphasises on the power of music and its influence on the lives of people, how it started as something that would save her life to something she couldn’t live without. The great lady died just a week before the ceremony, but this recognition has certainly made her immortal, if she wasn’t already.

(5) The Great Beauty, an Italian film which won the best foreign language film, is based on how a once-famous author walks down the lanes and looks back at the most precious moments of his life, reliving each of his memories to the fullest.

(6) Helium, which won the award for the best live action short film, is another inspirational story of a man who helps a child dying in the final stages of his life to look at things positively by filling his mind with an imaginary world filled with balloons, to the extent that the boy spends the last moments of his life imagining himself as indeed a part of this imaginary world.

(7) Frozen, which won the award for best animated feature film and best original song, is the story of a princess who fights all odds in a kingdom cursed with eternal winter to rescue her sister with the aid of her friends and others who help her in this mission. The story shares elements with Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen.

(8) Mr. Hublot, which won the best animated short film, is a futuristic film that again shows how odd characters develop an attachment for each other, and I better not write more, else I might take more time than you would to watch this 9-minute movie.  

Other Oscar winners including acting performances also brought the stories with a difference to the forefront. Here’s a look at them:

(1) Dallas Buyer’s Club, which earned Matthew McConaughey a best actor award, is based on the life of Ron Woodroof, who is diagnosed with AIDS and takes to all sorts of desperate measures to cure or rather prolong it. In the process, the brash and boisterous cowboy develops sympathy towards people of various sexualities, and runs a club where he sells the same drug that cured him, though against law.

Jared Leto, who played a transgender woman in the film, won best actor in a supporting role. The film also won an award for best makeup and hairstyling.

(2) Gravity, the space fiction starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, is a depiction of how astronauts stuck in space post a mid-orbit destruction try fighting their way back to earth. The film ended up with a majority of the technical awards and ended up as the film with the maximum Oscar wins this year, including a best director award for Alfonso Cuarón.

(3) Blue Jasmine, the film that won Cate Blanchett a best actress award, is a princess to pauper story of a girl, the challenges she faces in this phase and how differently she starts looking at life.

(4) The Great Gatsby, a period drama based on the life of a highly-inspiring business magnate and his influence on other’s lives, rightly won the award for best costume design and best production design.

What does a book mean to you?

What does a book mean to you? For me its something that links you to past. It’s a window to peep at a different world. A friend of yours who knows you inside out. And something that appeals to your emotions makes you smile, makes you cry, makes you angry, makes you happy, shocks you and surprises you. You will have a book for any topic and on every topic. There can never be a dearth of books. To put in another words, Not every book is here for everyone but everyone has a book.

There won’t be any city in the world without any bookstore or library. Whether you like fiction novels or a non-fiction one, romantic novels or tragic one, books on sports or on business, the choice of reader varies from one another but they get what they want in plenty. Neither is there any dearth of readers nor of writers. Let’s discuss some group of readers and the kind of books they like to read.

• Sportsman: How can you expect a sportsperson to read books amid his busy schedule? When should he read the book while running or while lifting the weight? Jokes apart! To be a successful person you need to find someone who has already achieved what you are aspiring for. An Athlete would definitely like to read books based on legendary sports persons to seek inspiration or to achieve that position.

  

  Seek inspiration!

• Teens: Sports?? Science?? Entertainment?? Politics?? Whether a boy or girl, the teen today is very curious and wants each and every answer right at the moment the question arises. They satiate themselves with the satisfactory answers via books. They generally prefer reading books on each topic mentioned above starting from story books to science-fiction, General knowledge to entertainment. Funny novels to Inspirational one.

  

  Know about everything!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Adults: If you are an entrepreneur, you would definitely like to read books based on business, businessman or books by business man. If you are an aspiring writer, you would definitely like to have books all-around you from all the corners of the world. If you are an artist for example: an aspiring singer you are going to read books related to music and great musicians.

  

  Get the whole world!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Kids: How can we forget kids in this approach. Although kids don’t like to read anything. In fact, they consider books as their greatest enemies. However, the moment they see a comic book it becomes hard to detach them from the very enemy.

  

  Kids have their own taste!

Literature is a medium where different cultures converge, where you get to see the reality of times you were not present. Books become voice of many suppressed voices and they find their readers the moment they come out. A curious reader looks for the new books of his choice in various bookstores. The busy ones download the books to read it on the go. They attend many literary fests to hear some words of wisdom from great authors, novelists, professors, artists and also to participate in many literary activities.

Well, here is your opportunity to attend one of the much awaited literary fest that is, “Huddersfield Literature Festival”. It’s going to be there till 16th March. This time the festival is all set to cater to the needs of all kind of readers. And ,of course, the entertainment part is going to be there to edutain you!

Reading Is To The Mind What Exercise Is To The Body

It is very well said that reading is dreaming with open eyes. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. It gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are. Books has a whole world in itself. We can fantasize of having a ride on the world’s biggest roller coaster, visiting our prince charming who comes riding on the white horse, diving into the deep blue ocean, swimming in gold coins, tasting the best world cuisine and what not..This is what a book does to us. There are various reasons why reading is considered as the best hobby ever. Books are the only best friends who will never leave us alone even on an isolated island.

Books expand our horizon. Every time reading adds something new to life with perfect blend of diverse subjects. Start by picking up the book on the subject of your interest and then slowly climb the stairs of complex subject. There are different genres of books available today. These are Science, Fiction, Satire, Drama, Romance, Mystery, Horror, Self help, Guide, Travel, Children's group, Religious, History, Mathematics, Anthologies, Poetry, Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Comics, Art, Cookbooks, Diaries, Journals, Prayer books, Series, Trilogies, Biographies, Autobiographies, Fantasy etc. Whether we are reading fiction or reality, books can never bring boredom.

Books broaden the outlook and enable mind to grasp new concepts easily. It increases the power and extent of imagination and gives us creative ideas. Reading is very healthy for the brain and keeps it active 24*7 hours. Not only theory, but the practical part can be well achieved through reading. Reading at early age sharpens the mind. It increases our vocabulary and improves pronunciation. We get to learn number of new words plus their meaning. We start framing better sentence structure with proper tenses, prepositions, adjectives and conjunction. It is very well said reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Reading is a complete package of fun with learning.

In the hustle bustle of the world, peace is something we all need. Reading is a very peaceful hobby. We can enjoy reading books in complete silence either on our bed, sofa, in the garden or while traveling. We enjoy reading any where, any time and any place for that serene and tranquil atmosphere. Books take us to the journey of inner thoughts. Books can take you to any decade from ancient time to medieval period or modern time. Similarly it can take you to the place you have always fantasized for. Your thirst of traveling can be very well quenched by reading books. Do you know anything else that offers such enjoyment?