Others
Why Do You Need a Purpose In Life?
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” The quote by Viktor Frankl best describes why it is important to have a purpose in life. A person goes through several phases in their life. In each of them, life comes with its different challenges and obstacles. What should a person do in the face of them? Give up? No.
Rather they should find and embrace their purpose. A purpose is like a beacon at the end of the tunnel. But it’s not always easy for everyone to find this beacon. Let’s look at the importance of having a purpose in life and how to find them.
Significance of Knowing Purpose in Life
Why is it important to know the purpose of life? Rather than this, ask why is it not? A close look at a person's life shows that almost all the decisions, choices, actions, and feelings are somehow inadvertently linked to a certain goal or want in life. This want for something can be termed as the purpose of life.
Read Circle of Concern vs Circle of Influence and Control: Choosing the Best Path for a Better Career
It's important to find purpose in life in order to make it more meaningful. There are two ways to go about life. A person can either have a purpose or live life as it comes. In both of these cases, the person will go through the same highs and lows of life. However, having a purpose determines how the highs and lows will affect his or her life.
A person with a purpose will see the lows of life as a lesson, or a point to start over again to strive for the best. On the contrary, a person with no purpose will only dive into despair from the low points. Purpose changes how a person perceives situations and scenarios.
A purpose in life makes a person more confident and helps them to find a place in this world. Self-realization and the valuation of self-worth give a clear path forward to a person. They understand better where they belong and who can aid in their self-development process.
Read Social Media Addiction: How to detach yourself from the cycle
Not just self-development, having a purpose also makes choices easier for a person. A person without a purpose will constantly hover over the options at hand to understand which one works best for them. However, the choice becomes much easier for those who have purposes as they know what they want or what aligns with their life goals.
Tips to Find Purpose in Life
There are countless ways to find purpose in life. Here’s a round-up of some of the best ways to do so.
Listen to Feedback
Finding a purpose is easier said than done. Whenever a person tries to find what works for them and what doesn’t, it tends to lead to confusion only. A great alternative can be to listen to people.
Generally, feedback is a great way to understand what a person is good at. Can't decide on the calling? Listen to what people have to say. From the feedback, it is possible to notice a pattern of what a person excels in. This can be a great way to kick off the purpose hunt. However, it would be wise for an individual to count feedback of the experienced and erudite persons in his or her field.
Read How to let go of a lifelong dream and embrace a new one?
SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose?
It’s the dream of many students and professionals to pursue higher education in foreign countries. To be eligible for the opportunity, a student has to go through several requirements such as GPA score, research proposal, recommendation, standardized tests, etc. But beyond these, an SOP or Statement of Purpose often stands out as a make-or-break factor when it comes to securing admission. Now, why is Statement of Purpose so important, and how to write a perfect one? Let's find out.
Significance Of Statement of Purpose (SoP)
Higher study institutes take a more holistic approach to judge a prospective student. Academic results alone cannot give a proper insight into the life of a person or their future goals. This is where an SOP comes in. An SOP is often a one-page self-reflective essay that is designed to allow students to showcase their ideas.
Read: Can E-Learning Substitute Classroom Learning?
GPA, research proposal, thesis, or even the SAT, GMAT, or GRE scores are only academic indicators of a student. They carry significant weight when it comes to the selection process but it's not the absolute metric. On the other hand, SOP is like an insight into a student's life.
While academic excellence can be general at times, an SOP is a personally tailored idea that a student gets to share with the university. It is an incisive way to portray the student’s life views as well as personal understanding about the university and how it aligns with his or her choices. A concise SOP is meant to be a true self-reflection of the student beyond their academic and ECAs.
Read: Circle of Concern vs Circle of Influence and Control: Choosing the Best Path for a Better Career
Tips To Write a Successful SOP For Graduate Schools
Now the question is, how to write an impeccable SOP? Just because it is a self-reflective essay, so it doesn’t mean everything should be included in it. Rather it needs to be designed in an organized manner to better communicate the message.
Look For What’s Asked
Most prospective students apply to several places. Rather than tailoring the SOP to cater to each institute, they tend to follow a general one for all structures. This is a big no-go. Every institute has its own requirements and outlines. Often it comes in the form of a questionnaire. A student should focus on working within the bounds of the questionnaire and be as concise as possible.
Read: IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad?
Highlight Unique Experience and Qualities
The selection committee reads thousands of SOP each year. What might be important to a student might seem generic to the selection board. As a result, it is important to focus on unique experiences and qualities. It can be something local to the student or something that defines their expertise beyond the mainstream way.
Contextualize The Accomplishments
Understandably, SOPs have a word limit. It is not always possible to include everything. The student tends to simply point out their accomplishments and waste words in other generic stuff. This should not be the case. In addition to highlighting the accomplishments, quantify the achieved merits or show the context of the difference it made. It is always about the change impact rather than just bullet points.
Read English Vocabulary: Ways to Improve and Expand Your Knowledge of Words
Understand the Institution
Every institution has a defining feature. Some things set them apart from the rest. An SOP is not only something to showcase the unique aspects of the student but also portray the understanding of the student regarding the institution. Every institute wants to see whether the student understands their motive and mission and how it aligns with theirs or how they can be an instrument in their success.
Include The Academics
Just because SOP is meant to give a personal insight, it does not mean the academic side should be completely let go of. Be vocal about your academic learnings and how you plan to use that learning to further develop your post-graduate studies.
Read: English Listening Skills: Some effective ways to improve
The Time Between the Schools
Many prospective students do not jump right into a post-graduate program after graduation. The time off period should be properly explained in the SOP. It could be jobs, research work, or even voluntary work. Whatever it is, it should be properly outlined in the SOP and its relevance to the post-graduate program.
Talk About the Research Interests
Postgraduate studies are highly research-oriented. As a result, just talking about what you want to study is not enough. It is important to deep dive into the research interest and how the specific school or the professor can make it happen. Talking about research interests will show a better understanding of the student regarding the subject matter and its specifics.
Read: How to let go of a lifelong dream and embrace a new one?
Start Early
Most SOPs are bound by word limits. Generally, it ranges around 500 words. Many students make the mistake of waiting till the last moment to write it. However, condensing all your life experience in just 500 words is not an easy task. As a result, it is important to start early so that there is time for multiple revisions.
Read Other SOP
There are a lot of examples of proper SOP on the internet. A prospective student can take a look at them and grab an understanding of how they should be written and stylized. There is no definite standard for writing SOP and it differs much from institute to institute. However, reading other Sops will at least give the aspiring students a sense of what to include and what not.
Read Making a Perfect Video Resume: Tips and Tricks
Edit And Proofread
Lastly, proper effort should be given to proofread and edit the SOP. It is the life of the student summarized in a few paragraphs. As a result, it needs to be flawless and impeccable. Whether it is the word choice or sentence styling, keep reviewing and proofreading until the right balance is found.
Final Words
While there is no fixed template to follow to write a Statement of Purpose, there are guidelines that can be followed. In the end, it is all about how well a student can represent themselves in words. With the right approach and information, it is possible to excel in writing an SOP and secure the coveted admission.
Read: Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021
Can E-Learning Substitute Classroom Learning?
Even before the pandemic, e-learning was gaining steady traction across the globe. Online learning emerged in the 1980s when different international institutes and universities started offering online courses for distance learning. Though for several decades worldwide students had been reaping these opportunities via the internet, compared to traditional learning the spread and popularity of e-learning were limited. However, that all changed with the pandemic. Global lockdown and social distancing prompted the initiation of online learning. But how effective is e-learning compared to classroom learning? Can it be a perfect substitute for classroom learning? Let's find out.
The best way to go about this is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of the platforms. As a result, this article will encompass several aspects.
Read Social Media Addiction: How to detach yourself from the cycle
Benefits and Demerits of E-Learning
Before the pandemic E-learning was not very familiar and popular in Bangladesh. The situation caused by the pandemic has created a paradigm shift in the education system. Students from each level have had their in-person classes shifted to different e-learning platforms. It took much deliberation for every institute to jump on the bandwagon.
To talk about the benefits, e-learning has helped students from different levels to stay engaged in their studies. Bangladesh was one of the countries which had the longest educational institution holidays due to the pandemic. In this respect, e-learning has helped students to stay in the cycle of classes rather than getting completely detached.
Read Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and Challenges
E-learning has a lot of benefits like –
- It has provided a means of education even in the most adverse social state.
- The learning material doesn’t have to be time-constrained. E-learning materials are accessible from anywhere anytime with the help of the internet.
- It's possible to review the concept and the content as the class lectures and resources get stored on the net.
- Access to a larger resource pool enables better self-learning motivation and process.
- It paved the way to access foreign non-degree courses through international e-learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera.
- It drives down the logistical cost of running a physical classroom.
Read: Best YouTube Channels to Learn English
Yet it's not all fun and games and flexibility when it comes to e-learning as there are significant drawbacks too. Let's look at them from a local perspective –
- The ability of face-to-face interaction is very less when it comes to e-learning.
- It is hard for a teacher or instructor to personally interact with the students in an online platform classroom.
- A huge chunk of the population lives in a marginal economic state. As a result, access to the internet and devices becomes another issue for lower and lower-middle-income households.
- There is always the issue of two-way communication in e-learning. The problems can be attributed to time constraints or network issues which are rampant everywhere.
- Yet the most challenging aspect is directly related to the student. The ease of access to e-learning tends to take the students out of the bound of strict schedule of physical classrooms. As a result, e-learning requires considerable self-motivation from the student as well.
- During an online class, the students can easily get distracted and get involved in other activities like playing games through additional internet tabs or listening to songs, etc.
- Lack of social interaction and peer interaction is making the students unsocial in the long term
- Unlike traditional classrooms, online learning confines the students within a room or designated space. They can’t enjoy the opportunities of playing, chatting, roaming, etc., which slowly harms their physical health.
Read: IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad?
Benefits and Demerits of Traditional Classroom Learning
The traditional classroom has been the way of imparting education since the inception of the concept. However, a closer look into the entire system reveals some key benefits as well as some flaws.
To talk about the benefits, here are some key points –
- The most convincing argument in favor of classroom learning is the active learning process. There is a direct peer-to-peer as well as a teacher-to-student interaction in classroom learning. It not only makes the process effective but engaging as well.
- When it comes to higher studies, not all the courses or majors can be taught online. Majors like hospitality, nursing, and performance arts require physical classes for in-hand experience and assessment.
- In this day and age, it is possible to find reference materials on the internet. However, for specialized academic needs, a proper library is still the go-to option. And in the context of Bangladesh, a proper academic library can only be accessed concurrently to physical classes.
- The rigorous schedule helps to induce discipline in the students. Physical classrooms have a specific routine for classes that insinuates timeliness and orderly behavior among the students.
- The need for extracurricular activities is immense to develop the core values as well as manifest new ones in a student. To that end, physical classes play a huge role in facilitating the process.
Read: English Vocabulary: Ways to Improve and Expand Your Knowledge of Words
Just like its good aspects, classroom learning has some drawbacks as well like –
- One of the most significant negative aspects of classroom learning is regarding the travel time, and cost. It just adds up as extra cost and lost time for students traveling from a distance.
- Traditional Classrooms may not be inclusive places for socially challenged students.
Read Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021
E-Learning Vs Classroom Learning: Which One Is Better?
It's important to consider the stage of the learner to better understand the impact of e-learning and classroom learning. Each age group of learners has a different mental state and as a result, their perception towards education also differs.
For a child learner, classroom learning is the best option. This is the stage of their life where they learn about discipline as well as getting familiarized with education as a whole. This age bracket cannot be brought under exclusive e-learning because it won't have the desired impact on them.
For a teenage learner, e-learning can be a subsidiary option to classroom learning, not a complete replacement. This is an age bracket where a student adapts to changing perception both mentally and physically. As a result, classroom learning helps to keep attention and discipline in check.
Read: English Listening Skills: Some effective ways to improve
Lastly, for the mature learners of graduation level, any of both works fine. It is completely dependent upon their major. The required mindset and dedication can be expected given their age bracket. There are a good number of universities that offer remote degrees to online students through e-learning. It ultimately comes down to preference as well as major related constraints.
Final Words
Whether online learning or traditional classroom-based learning is better, seems to be a never-ending debate. It is hardly possible to completely disregard any of the two. Rather than looking as an alternative to one another, these two modes of learning should be considered as complements to each other. That way, the education system will be able to better utilize the resources and ensure an effective curriculum for the students.
Read Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies
Durga Puja offers in Bangladesh in 2021: Get discount deals on diverse products
In Bangladesh, different types of festivals are celebrated throughout the year. That is why the Bengali proverb "Baro Mase Tero Parbon" or "Thirteen festivals in twelve months" signifies the abundance of festivals in the country. Among the celebrations, Durga Puja is solely celebrated by the 8.5% Hindu people in Bangladesh, which is the second-largest religious affiliation in the country. Dura Puja will start on October 11, 2021, and will end on October 15, 2021. On the occasion of the Durga festival, many brands offer discounts and special products. Today's article will discuss the Puja offers in Bangladesh.
Puja Offers in Motorbike
Different motorbike companies in Bangladesh amaze the customer with a wide range of offers in different festivals. But, this year, a few motorbike companies are offering discounts on Puja and Yamaha Motorcycles Bangladesh is one of them.
Yamaha has an offer in different motorcycles, which will run from October 01, 2021, to October 15, 2021. Buyers will get Tk. 7,000 cashback on Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3 ABS, which will cost Tk. 2,33,000 after the cashback. The biggest discount will be available on the R15 V3 and MT 15 models. These two models will provide Tk. 15,000 cashback. Fazer Fi V2 buyer will also get cashback of Tk. 13,000. Apart from these, the lowest cashback is available on the Saluto 125cc model. It offers Tk. 6,000 cashback. Discounts can be availed from any nearest showroom.
FK Motors Bangladesh has offered a flat Tk. 10,000 discount on FKM Street Scrambler 165CC. However, they did not mention this as a Puja offer. But anyone can definitely think about the festival offer as it will run through the whole of October month.
Read Durga Puja: Covid crumbles market for Kurigram artisans
Puja Offers in electronics
Walton has a special discount running on different products. The splendid Autumn deal will provide a flat 20% discount on Walton Air Conditioner. They have five air conditioners under the offer. Further, the online fridge festival offers a flat 10% discount on freezer, refrigerator, and beverage cooler. Apart from these, Walton also offers a flat Tk. 2,500 discount on online orders of all TV models. Customers can get those discount offers on EMIs too. But, in that case, the Splendid Autumn Deal will be a 10% discount and the discount for the fridge festival will be 5%. EMI can be taken up to 12 months, but some selected bank cardholders will get EMI up to 36 months. These discount offers started on September 8, 2021, and will end on October 31, 2021.
Every year Samsung electronics offer different discounts during the Durga Puja festival. But, this year they are yet to offer any special discounts in Bangladesh. However, they have a different offer running during October. Samsung has a Double Bubble offer, which is an exchange offer for washing machines. Customers can exchange their old washing machine with a new Samsung washing machine. As per the offer, buyers are subject to get up to Tk. 5,500 discount while exchange. Under the offer with Tk. 5,000 off, Samsung 9KG washing machine will be Tk. 37,900 and 8KG washing machines will be $49,900. On top of that, customers can avail more discounts if they have old machines and want to exchange. Apart from these, Mutual Trust Bank cardholders can get 0% EMI for up to 36 months.
Read Durga Puja: PM donates Tk 3 crore
Offers in jewelry, clothes, shoes, or other fashion items
Among all the product categories, fashion houses and brands offer a discount on most products during the Puja. When it comes to the Puja collection, Aarong stays at the top of the list. This year they bring out a wide variety of collections for men, women, and kids. Further, various new products are available in jewelry and home decors. Additionally, the reward cardholder will get a discount on Grassroot café and Unicafé. Usually, the Puja offer runs until the last day of Puja. So, the promotion of special products will end on October 15, 2021.
Trendy fashion brand Lereve has a new product collection in the men, women, and kids category on the occasion of Durga Puja 2021. The Lereve Puja festival will end on October 15. Customers can buy online and in-store.
Grameen Uniqlo also has some offerings in Puja 2021. There is a new collection for the festival. Besides, discounts are also available on some select items. The Grameen Uniqlo Durga Puja offer will end on October 15, 2021.
Read Durga Puja: 23 tonnes of Hilsa sent to India through Benapole
Bishworang has a different exclusive collection for men's and women's clothes. They have a new saree, kameez, and Punjabi collection to celebrate the Puja. The Durga Puja 2021 collection exhibition was inaugurated on September 26 at the Jamuna Future Park Showroom in Bishworang. The exhibition will run in all showrooms of Bishwarang from October 1 to October 15.
Yellow also has some trendy Puja collections this year. The brand has different new clothing for men and women as well as for all kinds. Yellow Puja's offer will end on October 15, 2021.
Furniture offers
If anyone is looking to buy furniture in this Puja, Regal can be a good choice. They are offering up to 15% discount on different furniture. Anyone can visit the Regal website to see the exact discount offers on the furniture. The Puja campaign will end on October 15.
Another top furniture brand Navan also offered up to 17% off on Puja and Autumn, which will run from October 1 to October 31.
Read Durga Puja ends with immersion of goddess on Bijoya Dashami
Ecommerce offers
Online shopping website Daraz will be offering up to 74% discount on numerous products. However, they are yet to disclose the product range as the Puja offer will begin on October 11 and end on October 15. Prospective buyers can check the Daraz website from time to time to see if the offer details are live. Customers may also get cashback and vouchers on the occasion of Durga Puja.
Apart from Daraz, many f-commerce has been offering discounts during the Puja. Anyone can check on Facebook for various discount offers by searching Puja offer or 'sharodio offer' in both Bangla and English language.
Read: Now Durga Puja in the Pandemic
Offers in hotel and restaurant
Different restaurants and food lounges offer discounts and special foods during the Puja. For example, last year, Renaissance Hotel offered a discount on buffet dinner. Besides, other three-star to five-star restaurants may also offer discounts. However, different restaurants are yet to publish discounts and deals centering on Durga Puja 2021. Hopefully, restaurants will reveal the offers next week. Stay with us to know about the upcoming offers!
Circle of Concern vs Circle of Influence and Control: Choosing the Best Path for a Better Career
“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” The quote from the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Eric Bates best describes human life and its challenges. As a person treads on the different phases of their life, there are bound to be challenges and things that they cannot control. So, what should they do? Ponder over things that they cannot control or do something about the things they can? In the book titled 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989), Stephen Covey shared the idea that human actions can be divided into three distinct categories or circles – the circle of concern, influence, and control. Let’s dig into these concepts and find which one to adapt for a better life.
Circle of Concern
Imagine being worried about the effect of the pandemic. Or imagine being concerned with the economy of the country or the political and social changes going around. What do these things have in common?
These are larger-than-life scenarios that a person has no control over. In the general sense of things, a man is a very small part of the society he resides in. It's often impossible and improbable to dictate or control every affair in the society or the country or even the global happenings. Yet these are things that might concern a person.
Read IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret to a Long Healthy life
And this is precisely what the circle of concern deals with. A person cannot control or influence when it will rain or when it will be sunny. But it is something he or she is worried about and takes appropriate measures like taking an umbrella out. The circle of concern outlines these very things that are beyond the control of man but concerns them regardless.
Circle of Influence
While the circle of concern deals with things that are beyond a man, the circle of influence is a bit more intricate. It is also the macro aspect of the circle of control which will be discussed in the latter part of the article.
The circle of influence is something that a person has minimal control over. These are not the things that s/he is just concerned about. Instead, the individual can do something to make a positive impact.
Read Law of Attraction: Ways to Manifest Your Dreams
Imagine a person is concerned about climate change and its impact. What can he or she do about it? It is not exactly out of their influence as humans are the prime reasons behind climate change. As a concerned citizen, he or she can take individual measures to reduce the impact of climate change and influence others. The direct and indirect action in this regard makes up the circle of influence. This may be a very small step in the grand scheme of things, but it is something that a person can do to play his/her part.
The circle of influence essentially lets a person do something about things that concerns you. Rather than simply complaining and whining, the influence lets someone make the most out of their situational capacity.
Circle of Control
The circle of control is probably the smallest of the three. Beyond the scopes of the circle of concern and influence, the circle of control is something that is completely under the control and choice of an individual. While a person cannot do much about the world economy or stuff like climate change, the circle of control treads on aspects that are solely dependent on personal choice.
Read Spending Money for Happiness: 10 Effective Ways
Best YouTube Channels to Learn English
In today’s world, having English skills is a must. From global communication to job sectors, English is being prioritized everywhere. In many cases, it poses a decisive advantage. However, English is yet to emerge as a universal skill among the students of Bangladesh. It is important to realize that in this day and age, the quest of learning English should not be limited to the classroom only. With internet connectivity, YouTube can be a great platform for learning English. There are several local and international content creators who can be a great source of learning English. Let's know more about them.
Learn English with YouTube: Top 10 best channels
English Addict
This is a channel run by a creator called Mr. Duncan. He has been using the YouTube platform as a tool to teach English. What sets Mr. Duncan apart is his fun and innovative approach to teaching English. The fun content makes learning English enjoyable. Plus he does not dive into the intricacies of grammar and its application.
The channel mostly focuses on spoken English, colloquialism, and the basics of engaging conversation. He broadcasts his classes 3 times a week routinely. The channel English Addict has garnered over 900 thousand followers over the years and the community is simply growing more.
Read: IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad?
Munzereen Shahid
Munzereen Shahid is one of the pioneers when it comes to revolutionizing English teaching in Bangladesh in recent years. Being an Oxford student, Munzereen has been using her knowledge and skills in English to benefit people from every walk of life. Her channel of the same name has over 300 thousand subscribers who regularly view her classes.
She covers all the basic aspects of English from vocabulary, synonym, antonym, pronunciation, and spoken English. In addition to her YouTube videos, she has launched class modules in collaboration with 10 minutes of school. Munzereen has also created a spoken English coursebook.
Read: English Vocabulary: Ways to Improve and Expand Your Knowledge of Words
Easy English
The channel is run by two British – Mitch and Isi. The two of them took a different approach to teach their subscribers English. Rather than going through the traditional topics and lessons, the two of them engage actual people in actual conversations through street interviews. The aim is to show people the colloquial and unfiltered conversation mechanisms. Viewers can learn in detail about pronunciation, figure of speech, and expressions through these real-life lesson plans. The channel – Easy English is currently over 44 thousand subscribers strong.
Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider
BBC Learning English
What’s better than learning English from the largest English news network in the world? BBC has its own learning English channel on YouTube which promotes English learning across the globe. There is no fixed lesson plan in the channel. However, they tend to focus on the day-to-day communication aspect of the English language.
And what's more interesting is that they post every day, so there is no chance of running out of content. The BBC Learning Channel currently has over 3.7 million subscribers with the majority of the content geared towards basic and non-native speakers.
Read: English Listening Skills: Some effective ways to improve
Jennifer ESL
All the channels up until this point had one thing in common and that is their focus on communicative English. However, English is not just about communication and speaking. There is a need for learning the basics of English as well.
Jennifer's ESL channel focuses on these basics like grammar, pronunciation, spelling, etc. Jennifer curates her own lesson plan ranging in depth in each topic. The classroom-like feeling of her tutorials will get anyone hooked on the learning process.
Read How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education in 2021
Maisun’s World
Maisun is probably a glaring example of age as just a number. This 10-year-old from Chittagong is changing the world around her through her innovative and easy-to-learn English. Maisuns videos have been viewed millions of times. Recently she joined 10 Minutes School with her lesson plans and curated 8 episode learning modules for the platform.
At this tender age, Maisun has also attended an international conference held in support of Greta Thunberg where she was a guest speaker. Her basic communicative English is perfectly curated for the Bangladeshi viewer base with a focus on correct application and fluency. She currently has over 114 thousand subscribers in her channel called Maisuns World.
Read: How to improve your English speaking skills at home?
VOA Learning English
Much like the BBC learning English, VOA also has its own English learning channel. While the British media giant follows teaching British English, VOA is curated with American English. The channel focuses on snippets and the familiarization process to induce English learning. VOA Learning English currently has over 1.7 million subscribers with people tuning in to develop their expertise in American English.
Business English Pod
The application of English is not limited to casual interaction or simple communication. It spans professional and business life as well. However, casual English and business English are different. The Business English Pod channel focuses on developing the business English and subsequent speaking capabilities through their lesson plan. It ranges from different scenario-based interactions to module-based classes.
Read: How to let go of a lifelong dream and embrace a new one?
Fun Kids English
English as a language should be introduced in the early stage of a child’s learning process. And what better way than to engage them in fun animated content? Each of the lessons is taught through simulation and story-based cartoons. The entire process is catered towards preschool children to learn English in a fun way.
In addition to cartoons, they even incorporate poems and songs to engage the kids better. With over 42 million views on their channel, they are catering English for toddlers excitingly and engagingly.
Read Top Qualities of Genuine People
Rachel’s English
The last one on the list is a YouTuber named Rachel. English is a delicate language with a diverse range of application scenarios. However, lack of refinement while speaking or incorrect use of words only makes it harder for a non-native to grasp the basics of the language.
Rachel’s English strictly focuses on developing the pronunciation aspect. The channel can be considered as a pronunciation repository considering the extent of its content. The channel has over 3.8 million subscribers, a testament to their impact and value generation.
Read: Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021
Final Thoughts
Learning something as dynamic as English should not be limited to textbooks or classrooms. Today a huge number of people have access to the internet which is one of the best sources to get going with English. YouTube is also such a platform that can be quite useful in this regard if utilized properly. So far we have discussed the top 10 YouTube channels to learn English from anywhere anytime. Hope it helps!
IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad?
When it comes to studying abroad, almost every institution requires some form of standardized English proficiency test. These tests are designed to check the merit of the student as well as assess their English language capabilities. Students might complete their secondary education in their native language. However, English is one of the most common mediums for higher studies both locally and abroad. As a result, standardized tests like IELTS and TOEFL have become a staple for study abroad applications, especially in western countries. But which of these are better for study abroad? Let’s find out.
What is IELTS?
International English Language Testing System or IELTS is one of the more common standardized English proficiency tests. It is commonly used for educational, occupational, and immigration purposes. The exam is governed by the British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment English.
The IELTS score is valid in over 10,0000 universities, schools, and institutions across more than 140 countries of the world. The exam is applicable in both the USA and the UK so the examinee can use any of the spelling.
Read: English Vocabulary: Ways to Improve and Expand Your Knowledge of Words
There are mainly two variations to the IELTS test – the academic one and the generalized one. Migration and occupational requirements are dealt with through the generalized system whereas the higher study aspirants are required to take the academic test.
What is TOEFL?
While IELTS is a generalized proficiency test for a range of needs, TOEFL is geared more towards the assessment of English communication in an academic setting. This is exclusively designed for students aspiring to pursue higher education in English-taught subjects at a foreign university.
TOEFL is exclusively conducted by the Education Testing Service based in the US. As a result, an examinee is bound to take the test in US English. TOEFL scores are accepted in over 8000 institutions of the world. The leading universities including the global top 100 also acknowledge TOEFL as a standard aptitude score.
Read: English Listening Skills: Some effective ways to improve
The difference between IELTS and TOEFL
Even though IELTS and TOEFL are both standardized tests for English communication and proficiency, there are still some major differences between them. The main difference between them is the structure of the exam.
TOEFL exams are based on multiple-choice questions whereas IELTS requires you to show proficiency in a range of sub-topics like reading, writing, and speaking. The written exam also varies between short question answers, essay tasks, and fill in the gaps.
The IELTS exam may feel more intensive, but the duration of the TOEFL is much longer compared to the IELTS one. It takes 2 hours 40 minutes to take the IELTS test whereas it takes 4 hours to take the TOEFL one.
Read: How to improve your English speaking skills at home?
Since TOEFL is a standardized academic test, there is no variation to it except for the computer-generated one. However, IELTS has two variations depending on the purpose of the applicant.
The multiple-choice nature of the TOEFL exam makes it more analytical. Compared to that, the IELTS one is more like a memory-based competency test. It also focuses on the comprehension capabilities of the student to understand their general style of writing and speaking capabilities.
Factors to consider before choosing IELTS or TOEFL
Acceptance of the test
When an examinee is planning to take any of these tests, chances are they already have a college or institution in mind. It is important to find out which IELTS and TOEFL the college accepts.
Read: How to let go of a lifelong dream and embrace a new one?
A very high number of colleges across the globe accept both IELTS and TOEFL. The majority of the universities and colleges across the US prefer TOEFL to IELTS. However, it is still better to check beforehand, or else it will become pointless to appear for a test. The list of colleges and universities can be found on both IELTS and TOEFL’s websites.
Multiple choice or Short answer
An examinee needs to play on their strength when it comes to taking the tests. Some might be good at multiple-choice whereas others might be good at the descriptive type of answers. Considering TOEFL is almost entirely multiple choice-based, it can be a good choice for those looking to completely avoid coming up with an answer of their own. Those who are comfortable with writing descriptive answers compared to multiple-choice ones should go for IELTS.
Texts for the Reading section
The reading section is one of the more competitive aspects of both IELTS and TOEFL. The performance in the reading section can be a make-or-break aspect for many students. IELTS uses passages from the academic text as well as a newspaper or other excerpts.
Read: Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and Challenges
However, TOEFL almost exclusively uses academic texts. As a result, the TOEFL passages are harder to understand with rich vocabularies. A student should assess their strength in reading skills to choose which one works best for them.
Computer-generated speaking test Vs Face to Face oral interview
The TOEFL speaking test is a computer-generated one. An examinee has to answer a series of the answers to their speaker which is recorded and assessed. Compared to that, the IELTS speaking test is a physical one with a one-to-one interviewer.
This can be a deciding factor while choosing IELTS and TOEFL. Some people might have a hard time speaking a foreign language in front of a person. This might significantly alter the performance and negatively impact the test scores.
Read: Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021
Essay length
IELTS requires a student to write a recommended 400-word essay in 60 minutes. On the other hand, TOEFL requires you to write a recommended length of 500 words in 50 minutes. It's not a strict rule to maintain the word count. But it is expected that an examinee will write a comprehensive response to the essay. So, depending on your writing abilities, it might be easier for you to take the IELTS test compared to the TOEFL one.
Bottom Line
IELTS and TOEFL are both standardized tests designed to assess the English capabilities of the student. However, each of these holds an edge over the other in certain scenarios. The students who are willing to study abroad need to evaluate their own skills in English to pick the most efficient test. Before appearing for the exams the students should consider the prospects and structure of these tests carefully to achieve the best outcome possible.
Read Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies
English Vocabulary: Ways to Improve and Expand Your Knowledge of Words
English is the international language. Millions of people around the world are trying to learn this language for diverse purposes, like communication, occupation, higher studies, career improvement, etc. The English language is one of the most robust languages out there. It is enriched with tons of words to learn and use. Whether someone is a student, a journalist, or even a poet, having strong knowledge of English vocabulary will help him/her to excel in the application of the English language in real life. The benefits seem to be endless and there are a good many ways to improve the vocabulary. Let’s look at some of them.
What are the benefits of learning English vocabulary?
The most obvious importance of learning vocabulary is to achieve better fluency in writing and speaking. A vocabulary is basically an assortment of words that are used regularly. These are words that a person reverts to over and over again. So naturally, having a strong vocabulary enhances the colloquial range that allows a person to describe something in a better way through both writing and speaking.
Furthermore, the application of diverse vocabulary brings better poise in sentences. And, the versatility of words helps the writer or speaker to avoid the repetitive nature. Every writer aims to achieve a specific skill known as “painting with words”. It is just a fancy way of saying someone who can write meaningful and deep lines.
Read English Listening Skills: Some effective ways to improve
The meaning of a specific word may vary depending on its application and context. As a person keeps learning vocabulary, the ultimate test comes in the form of using the words correctly. When the learner has precise knowledge about the different forms - such as verb, adverb, adjective, noun, etc., - of a specific word, s/he will be able to use the word in a correct way.
Combining the learning and application, a person can stand out from the rest with their English skills.
Ways to improve English vocabulary
Get into the reading habit
The best way to learn new words is through reading. The more a person reads, the more s/he will encounter new words which will enrich the vocabulary. Finding an uncommon or interesting word in a newspaper or novel can be far more engaging than reading a list of vocabulary. Simple memorization will eventually become boring for long-term learning. Compared to that, reading books, newspapers, journals, etc is not only enjoyable but learning becomes a passive process too. Try to incorporate meaning as well as contextual learning for the best outcome.
Read How to improve your English speaking skills at home?
Use dictionary and thesaurus
Gone are the days of having to carry huge dictionaries and thesaurus to learn vocabulary. Nowadays it is possible to access any dictionary and thesaurus through the internet with a few taps. Dictionaries and thesaurus are not meant to be the primary vocab learning source. Rather they are designed to complement and brush up on the learning process. They are also a great source of learning root words, antonym synonyms, and applications. This will help to increase the vocabulary further.
Playing word games
Almost every English daily of Bangladesh has a crossword puzzle in their entertainment section. In addition to that, playing word games like Scrabble and Boogle will help to make the vocabulary learning process a fun one.
People of any age can try to solve the newspaper crosswords and check for the solution the next day. This is a fun way to learn new words. Thus, learners can stay motivated to expand their vocabulary and take it as a challenge.
Read Writing a Perfect Cover Letter: Important Factors to Consider
Using Flashcards
Flashcards are a great way to initiate learning on the go. With digitization, there is no need for traditional flashcards. Several apps do a great job of flashcards. The eager learners can easily download one of these free apps and start learning vocabulary on the go. It is better to take things slowly at first and take in a few words every day. This will help the learners to ensure sustained learning.
Make the habit of application
There is no point in learning without practical application. And the best way to apply new vocabulary is through conversation and writing. With more and more application scenarios, a person will develop better confidence and the hesitancy surrounding the language application will be gone. Granted there will be mistakes at first, but trial and error will better consolidate the outcome and ultimately bring perfection.
Read Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and Challenges
Make notes
Another great way of learning vocabulary is by maintaining a journal. While reading or conversing, there are chances of coming across new words. Make a note of them in a journal. Review these new words regularly and cross-check their usage with thesaurus or dictionary. Jotting down words will better ingrain the words in the learner’s mind.
There are lots of websites and apps that allow the users to create and maintain diaries, or blogs, free of cost. Anyone can maintain a virtual diary of the newly learned vocabulary.
Watch people
Watching people talk is another great way to learn new words. Every person has a different style of speaking combined with colloquial tones. This makes for a great way to learn vocabulary as different people use different words and expressions to describe a similar thing. Watching people speak is a good passive way of understanding the expressive nature of a word and use it similarly.
Read Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies
Youtube is an endless source of English learning resources. Besides attaining the free vocabulary learning classes on YouTube, the learners’ can watch dramas, movies, and web series with subtitles to learn new words. Those who live in an English-speaking country should start talking to native speakers. In addition to that, learners can make small groups for practicing vocabulary through speaking English.
Visualize the words
Another fun but effective way to learn vocabulary is to attach an image to the new words. The human brain can perceive images better than numbers and texts. So rather than just memorizing a bunch of words, it is better to learn through visual aids. It is already mentioned that learning vocabulary is a heavily application-dependent process. The visual aids will help to apply the words in a similar situation which in turn will help to better hone the learning.
Read Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021
Keep Testing the Learning
As much as the application of the new vocabs is important, it is also important to use them correctly. As a result, always test the learnings to determine the lacking or any mistake. This will not only help the learning to keep in check but also assure the correct use of the words.
Free Resources to Learn English
Below are some of the best sites to increase and practice English vocabulary. All of these resources are completely free to use and some of them even come with additional English skills development resources. Check them out.
Thought CO
ESL Fast
Exam English
English Interactive
Rosetta Stone
Vocabulix
Using English
Final Thoughts
English vocabularies are an important aspect of developing English language capabilities. Having a higher range of vocabulary automatically helps a person to express themselves better through both writing and speaking. Moreover, a strong grip on vocabulary also helps a person to interact confidently in any situation. However, learning and expanding English vocabulary is not a tough task; but it requires determination, patience, and perseverance. The ways discussed above are some of the basic strategies for developing English vocabulary. Combining the vocabulary learning process with online resources will yield better results. Happy learning!
Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider
English Listening Skills: Some effective ways to improve
English as a language can be a tough nut to crack for many. Whether it’s the grammar or the innuendos, the intricacies seem to be limitless. These intricacies become even more apparent while listening to English. Different standardized language tests use English listening skills as a marking criterion. But beyond the tests, it’s important to hone the listening skills to truly master the English language. So, what are the secrets to improving English listening skills? Let’s have a look.
Why are English listening skills important?
A language propagates in three key ways – through writing, speaking, and listening. These three make up the basis of communication and wrap the scope of usage of any language. While many people are concerned about writing and speaking only, listening skills are also equally important. The proper usage of any language depends on how well it is understood. Because every communication isn’t limited to writing and reading only.
There isn’t a shortcut way of developing listening skills. Just like reading, speaking, and writing skills, it requires a lot of practice and patience. Not everyone universally learns something. There are several ways to develop English listening skills. Let’s discuss some of the most effective ways.
Read How to improve your English speaking skills at home?
How to improve your English listening skills?
Find out the purpose
People learn something out of need. The need motivates a person towards the ultimate end goal. Some people might develop their English listening for workplace needs, some as a hobby, or others for standardized English proficiency tests. The importance or the urgency to develop isn’t the same in every case. As a result, it’s important to find out what is the core reason or motivation behind the drive.
There are course modules for developing listening skills for tests. However, developing listening skills for casual needs can take a more laid-back approach. Regardless of the purpose, the end goal is the same and each approach should be backed up by repeated practice.
Read Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and Challenges
Engage Microlearning
Rather than going all in one day and disappearing from learning for several days, make the habit of microlearning. Each of the English skills is a rolling skillset which means they need repeated practice and a learning curve to ultimately master them.
Many people make the mistake of giving up after a few days of practice. This isn’t something that will develop overnight. There are several ways to develop the listening skills of English. All of these methods should be divided into small tasks and practiced daily. The mindset of constant practice will eventually perfect the process.
Read 'Ahimsa – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless' decodes the force of nonviolence
Listening to Podcast
Podcasts aren’t that popular or well known in Bangladesh. It's like a radio show where a host talks about a certain subject or has guests for fun and engaging sessions. Countless free and paid podcasts extensively cover a range of subject matter.
These podcasts can be a great source of listening material. Take in slowly and try to understand each line as it goes. Most of the podcasts are pre-recorded so it's possible to pause and note down.
It won't be possible to understand everything that’s been said on the first day because it's hard to keep up with the native flow as a beginner. However, this is where consistency comes into play. With daily listening and noting strategy, it's possible to get better at understanding everything that’s being said.
Read Bad Habits Successful People Never Waste Time With
Watch and Learn
Watching people speak can be a good learning curve for developing listening skills. Listening isn’t just about interpreting word by word, it's also about reading the tone and understanding the expression. As a result, listening to a conversation from a first-person POV will give a better real-time experience. Whether it's picking up a new phrase or a new word, there is always something new to learn out of an engaging conversation.
Listen and Read
The best way to develop listening skills is by combining listening with reading. The most effective way to do this is by watching English movies and series with subtitles. Listening and reading the same thing creates a simultaneous learning experience which helps to better remember things. The eyes and the ears work in unison to make the learning more engaging.
Read Spending Money for Happiness: 10 Effective Ways
In addition to that, there’s always the issue with an accent. Some accents might be harder to pick up compared to others. The most practical way to understand and practice listening to accents is by listening to the audio/videos with subtitles. This will help to pick up the pronunciation better. A month of repeated practice can help an individual to get better at catching meaning through thick accents.
Use the White Noise
Here white noise means background noise. Often people listen to music or play TV shows as they are busy with work. This is a typical case while cleaning a home or doing other chores. What many people don’t realize is that it can be a great source of learning as well.
Playing English music or shows in the background of your work doesn’t necessarily mean attention should be given to it. The brain is designed to subconsciously pick up things that are happening in the background. It can be a good passive learning experience without having to do anything.
Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider
Variate the Speed of Listening
Initially while getting started with listening, it's better to slow down the listening tape and take it word by word. But as the practice keeps progressing, the learner can increase the speed of playback to catch the meaning of every word and sentence more quickly.
Now, what might be the need for that? Humans have a general speaking tone which is somewhat similar in most cases. The idea here is to train the brain to process words faster. This will enhance the listening capabilities as well as increasing proficiency.
Bottom Line
Developing listening skills is all about practice. No matter what it is, how it is, practice is the only key that will bring proficiency in this skill set. The ways mentioned above can be a great starting point. Practicing and implementing these learnings will surely hone the listening skills of the learner and alleviate his/her expertise level.
Read Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021
How to improve your English speaking skills at home?
Over the years, English has emerged as a global language. The use of English is becoming prominent in every sphere of life, including education, business, communication, etc. In a country like Bangladesh where English isn’t the first language, many people face problems with the intricacies of speaking English fluently. However, there are some easy ways to improve the quality of spoken English within a short time. Let’s look at them.
Tips to improve your spoken English at home
Getting the basics right
Before diving into the speaking part, it is important to understand English as a language. Just like any native tongue, English also comes complete with its own words, grammar, and sentence structures. And all of these together complement the speaking process.
Learning vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures are essential for speaking English. However, they must be given equal importance to ensure correct usage while speaking. Or else there might be fluency after a while, but it will neither be correct nor sound natural like the native speakers.
Read Studying Abroad in Canada: Prospects and Challenges
Keep speaking
Figuring out the grammatical and colloquial aspects is half of it when it comes to improving spoken English. So, what’s the next step? It's the speaking part. The same principle of “Practice makes a man perfect” applies here. Speaking regularly will help to remove the initial hesitancy that comes with speaking English.
To improve spoken English, an individual should try and practice English in every sphere of socialization. In addition to self-improvement, it can also influence and encourage others to practice English speaking skills. Finding a partner in this regard can be helpful. Just like any other learning, there should be a targeted approach to better English-speaking skills. And the targeted learning starts with speaking, irrespective of the current level of proficiency.
Read Making a Perfect Video Resume: Tips and Tricks
Reflect on a conversation
Speaking English is one of the sure-fire ways of getting better at English. But it is not about speaking alone. The outtakes from a conversation session should be reflected upon? How was the overall interaction? Was there any communication gap? What were the new words and innuendos? All of these are important aspects that will work as a stepping stone to getting better at speaking.
It is important to remember that in addition to speaking, there is also the need to speak correctly. The outtakes from a conversation will not only help to improve your lacking; but also increase the confidence of speaking in its wake.
Read Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021
Listening and Reading
Improving spoken English is not a one-way thing. There is not just one thing that can be done over and over again to get better at fluency. Rather every aspect should be given equal importance for holistic development. Listening and reading are an intricate part of that development process. Speaking only gets better if it is complemented with listening and reading.
From the context of Bangladesh, getting the colloquialism is hard as the people are not native speakers. A good solution can be watching English movies, TV series or documentaries. This will help to better grasp how the native people speak. Try and imitate their ways as it will help to considerably improve the figure of speech.
Reading should also be given equal importance. There are countless books and novels to choose from. However, reading books is not everyone’s cup of tea. Reading English dailies and news scrolls can be a good option for the professionals out there who want to stay productive in every way.
Read Writing a Perfect Cover Letter: Important Factors to Consider
Prepare pop up cards
The most common issue associated with speaking English is how to start a conversation. Most people do not know how to start a conversation or keep it going. This is due to nervousness and lack of practice.
The conversation strategy for a 9 to 5 professional compared to a journalist will not be the same. As a result, pop-up cards can be a great way to practice mock scenarios. This will help to mitigate nervousness as well as help to boost confidence while speaking.
Self-recording
Many people do not like hearing their recorded voice. However, listening to self-records of speaking can help to pinpoint the speaking errors better. While speaking, it is difficult to understand whether the natural flow is maintained. Sometimes people get nervous and mumble. These are the things that should be taken note of and the best way to go about it is through repeatedly assessing the practice progress.
Read How to find your passion for a more fulfilling career?
Pronunciation
While it is impossible to gain or let go of an accent overnight, it is certainly an important aspect when it comes to speaking English. What matters more than the accent itself is the pronunciation. The English language is so intricate that a mispronunciation will change the meaning of words. As such, it is important to learn the correct pronunciation of every word. Google can be an amazing source in this regard. It is possible to get the correct pronunciation of a word within a few clicks. Using correct pronunciation will automatically make the accent better, regardless of ethnicity.
Expanding the vocabulary
The unit of English is its words. So, the depth of vocabulary will determine competency when it comes to speaking English. It is not very hard to develop vocabulary competency. In addition to resources on the internet, there are countless books and thesauruses which can be a great source of learning new words. Besides these, YouTube has a rich collection of vocabulary lessons, classes, and audiobooks. People who do not like reading books can listen/watch those audios/videos to learn vocabulary.
Read Social Media Addiction: How to detach yourself from the cycle
Learning phrases
While learning new words will enrich the vocabulary, it does not necessarily imply a better command over speaking capability. What is the point of learning new words if they are not used in the correct sequence or context? This is where the need to learn phrases comes. Learning phrases will help to better articulate a conversation. In addition to that, phrases will help you to speak elaborately and colloquially rather than simply using a few words.
Bottom Line
The way to get good at speaking English is not a tough one. But, it is hardly possible to improve the skill of speaking English overnight. Rather it is a long and continuous process where focusing on the basic and key elements are necessary. With the right mindset and effort, it is possible to speak English fluently.
Read Remote Working: Pros and Cons