The Most Common Errors in Essay Writing

by Gene Grzywacz - Edited by Lynne Hand

While writing comes naturally for some people most everyone else has to make a conscious and concentrated effort to get the appropriate words on paper. It is not only the words, but also the formatting, spelling and grammatical errors that often plague the common student’s essay. There are a number of reasons for this; however it can be easily corrected with a little bit of time and effort. After all this essay could mean not receiving the acceptance letter desired or a failing grade. It is important to ensure that anything from a letter to a full blown research paper is correct and reads well because it is a direct reflection on yourself. This article will cover the common errors of essay writing and a few tips to help alleviate those issues.

The Radio

by Margaret Watson

When I lived in Pakistan the one thing I probably missed was not baked beans – though I did dream about them a few times. Not even chocolate – it is possible to survive without chocolate – or my family – we exchanged letters more regularly than when I lived in London. The one thing I did miss was radio.

Features That Distinguish Different 'Englishes' and How Easy it is to Identify Varieties

The English language has sprung many varieties in the form of accents, dialects, pidgins and Creoles. Each accent or dialect is distinct in its own right, yet when compared with other accents or dialects there are obvious similarities; the same is true of pidgins and Creoles. The grammar, syntax and prosody all show variation in different Englishes. There are also other factors to consider such as social, historical and topographical influences. This article by the author of explores the features of different 'Englishes' and how easy it is to identify the varieties.

Does Subliminal Learning Work?

by Aye B edited by Lynne Hand

Subliminal learning is the use of techniques that allow people to learn even without any conscious effort at all.  It does this by exposing someone to stimulus that they are not, or are barely aware of,  images that flash on the screen for barely perceptible moments, words played over and over again at a volume just above the hearing threshold, or other such stimulus. The discovery of such methods has aroused the excitement of many people because of its potential to boost the learning process and make acquiring new skills a lot more painless and effective.

Go On, What's Your Favourite English Word?

(edited by Lynne Hand)

What is the most popular word in the English language?  There have been several polls over the years, remarkably (which is a nice word), it would appear to depend, on your personal experiences.   Mother is the most beautiful word in the English language, according to a survey of non-English speakers.

More than 40,000 people in 102 countries were polled by the British Council to mark its 70th anniversary in 2002.

False Friends by Margaret Watson Years ago I studied Spanish at Queen’s University in Belfast. The class was very intense, getting you from beginner to translator level in 10 months, or that at least was the theory. We weren’t the usual bunch of students in that each of us had pressing, but different reasons for […]