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Role of Dictionaries in learning a language

A dictionary is a reference book containing the words of a language usually alphabetically arranged, with information on their forms, pronunciations, functions, meanings, etymologies, spellings and idiomatic uses. Most of these information cannot be found in other reference books. In language learning process the importance of using dictionary cannot be denied. It is obvious that the dictionary can be an extremely useful learning resource, especially as it makes the learner more independent of the teacher. Training the proper use of a dictionary will be of help in selecting the meaning that is appropriate to a given context. Bilingual and monolingual dictionaries are the most used dictionaries by the foreign language learners. There are many advantages of using monolingual dictionaries in language learning. Students should be aware of the fact that dictionaries vary with respect to the number of words they include and the amount of information they provide for each lexical item. The ...

Note taking and Note making

Note taking and note making are parts of study skills. Both are interdependent on each other.                          Note - taking Note taking is the first stage of the process of producing effective notes. It is a process that involves writing or recording what we hear or read in a descriptive way. We can jot down the points during lectures, seminars and tutorials. Notes can be taken from the original resources which we heard, read or seen. Taking notes enhances  the concentration (comprehension) and power. Notes can easily be prepared from note taking .When we take notes our listening ability increases. Notes being taken that are often unselective, trying to cover most or all of the information without highlighting the main points or issues.                     Note making Note making is right at the heart of academic study. As a student, we will make...

Advantages and Limitations of Teaching Grammar Formally

           Grammar is a powerful tool for describing and analysing the language. Grammar is an infinite set of rules generating a number of sentences in a given language.             Formal grammar is a kind of grammar which is based on certain set of rules which are mandatory to be followed by the students. In formal grammar we learnt so many grammatical items such as tenses, constructions. Formal grammar includes set of rules to describe language. Formal grammar is also known as perspective grammar or traditional grammar.        Advantages of teaching grammar formally are as follows:-             Formal grammar helps the learner to understand the context in which the speaker has uttered it. It is highly appreciated by people as it helps them to communicate in a particular field. For becoming a teacher the knowledge of formal grammar is very essential, because it is very ...

Types and Techniques of Teaching Reading

                      Introduction Reading is a method of communication that enables a person to turn writing into meaning. It allows the reader to convert a returned text into a meaningful language with independence, comprehension, and fluency, and to interact with the message. By learning different reading skills, a person will reduce unnecessary reading time. By knowing different types and techniques on how to read better a person can increase reading speed and can utilise it effectively. If a person knows when to use the different reading skills in everyday scenarios he will be able to save time and effort.                 Types of Reading skill  Some of the types of reading skills which are used while approaching reading materials are as follows: - Skimming Scanning Intensive Reading Extensive Reading    1. Skimming Skimming is one of the tool...

Types and Techniques of Listening Skills

               Introduction When it comes to teaching effective listening skills, it's not so much about the years as it is about being observant. "Listen" is a single word with such big implications. A good listener receives information, processes it, gives feedback for clarity, and decides how they will act on it. Words are simply inadequate for true communication. At best, they are symbols for elusive Deepa meanings and ideas. Once an idea is put into words, it becomes less adequate then the ideal thought. Once we know this, then we can search for deeper means of understanding and empathy. Since we are not capable of the Vulcan mind meld, words are what we have.          Types of listening skills The different types of listening skills are as follows: -    1. Casual Listening Casual listening, the most common, consists of listening to a sound in order to gather information about its cause. Wh...

Role of ICT in English Language Teaching and Learning

                    Introduction "With the help of technology, teachers will be leaders in the transformation of education around the world. "                                  -Craig. R. Barrett ICT is an electronic means of capturing ,processing ,storing, communicating information. The use of ICT in the classroom teaching- learning is very important for it provides opportunities for teachers and students to operate ,store, manipulate, and retrieve information, encourage independent and active learning, and self responsibility for learning. ICT is being used in a number of fields like health, entertainment, games and sports, transportation, education, Industries, fashion designing, Textiles, agriculture etc. With a single click we get exchange aa lot of information due to the use of ICT. The field of education is not untouched by the ICT...

Symbolism in 'The Pearl'

                         Introduction   I n John Steinbeck's 'The Pearl', rich symbolism is used to convey the message of the parable being told. Symbolism is a useful tool in storytelling because it helps the author add a deeper meaning to the story. In 'The Pearl', Steinbeck enriches every aspect of the story. with symbolism from the setting, to characters and the plot itself. The different symbols interact with one another throughout the story, which ultimately affects the outcome of the novel. The first and most important symbol is the massive pearl that Kino finds. The Pearl is very rich with symbolic meaning which changes through the story. In 'The Pearl', author uses symbolism to deliver his thoughts about fate, greed, hope and evil. He review the symbolic scorpion, canoe, and pearl in the parable.                        The Pearl   ...