You can get very creative when it comes to learning the English language. Nowadays you don't have to limit yourself to reading dry outdated textbooks to improve your reading, writing, and speaking skills. While a good, up-to-date English grammar book is important, it's more as a support mechanism to help you as you actively learn English through a variety of other means.
A recent report in the Telegraph told of the ultra-politically correct plans contained in a leaflet circulated to Members of the European Parliament. The aim is to ban the use of terms such as Mrs, Miss, Frau, Fraulein, Senora, Senorita and Madame, Mademoiselle. Instead females are to be addressed only by their full name.
What can I say? This is potty, mad, insane, lunatic – just add your own words here. I was recently in a French café. I ordered two drinks. The waitress charged me for two, but only bought one. I had no idea what her name was, so called her back ‘Mademoiselle!’ What else could I have done, shouted "Oi you!"?
If your wish is to describe a particular subject in a compelling and organized manner, then consider the descriptive essay. This form of writing is an effective tool to portray vividly a person, place, thing, idea, or animal to your reading audience. With descriptive essays, you paint a picture with words to bring your topic to life. When done properly, your reader can see the subject of your essay in their mind's eye as clearly as you do.
The Compare/Contrast Essay Typically Deals in Two's.
If you look up the definition of the word "essay", you will find a quick insight into this particular form of writing. An old Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary close by tells me that an essay is " a short composition dealing with a single topic and typically personal in approach." That's short, sweet, and to the point.
I have several collections of slang – in English and in French. Even as a native speaker, I find things in the English collection that are new to me – mainly because I speak northern British English and am of a 'certain' age. After all people in other parts of the country and in a different age group say things in a different way. A Cornishman will use very different English to someone from The Orkneys. But this applies too to Australian English, Indian English and all the rest. And when it comes to French slang it is a whole new ocean in which I have as yet only dipped a toe or two.
Personally, I find nothing more enjoyable, after a hard day's work, then to sit down with a newspaper. The feel of real paper in my hands and the sound of pages turning, soothes me quickly. But of course, the words jumping off the page, espousing information, ideas, and viewpoints are what I'm really after. And the newspaper always delivers. I continue to seek out an assortment of them, so that I can devour them. I love holding a treasure-trove of words in my hands. I love tearing out pages that intrigue me, to store them in old files or folders for later use in my writing. I just love newspapers!