Free Tips to do well in common English Grammar Errors both exams and Work

Tips to do Excellent in English Grammar Errors both exams and Work-

Here are some common English grammar errors we all should avoid (exams or work).

In this blog I will give you some common problem we all have with English writing.

Sometimes we all see similar words and we all misuse them

 

One word

Or

Two words

 

Have you lost precious minutes wondering about cannot and can not? If so, you're not alone.

Solution

 Both cannot and can not are correct. However, cannot is the far more common spelling. We recommend the following guidelines:

USE CANNOT USE CAN NOT

When you mean be unable to:

The parties cannot (are unable to) agree.

Erica cannot (is unable to) play at the jazz festival.

When you want to give greater emphasis to the word not:

Joe: I can speak Italian better than you can.

Bridget: You can not!

When a choice is involved:

He can go, or he can not go.

OR

He can go or not.

When the word not is part of the correlative conjunction not only…but also:

We can not only meet for dinner but also see a movie.

 

1st common English error: Bring vs. Take

When we go to the party on Saturday, let’s bring a bottle of wine.

This is INCORRECT.

When you are viewing the movement of something from the point of arrival, use “bring”:

When you come to the party, please bring a bottle of wine.

This is CORRECT.

When you are viewing the movement of something from the point of departure, use “take”:

When we go to the party, let’s take a bottle of wine.

This is CORRECT.

 

2nd common English error: Fewer vs. Less 

Sign at the checkout of a supermarket: “Ten items or less”.

This is INCORRECT.

You can count the items, so you need to use the number word “fewer”.  These nouns are countable.

Ten items or fewer.

This is CORRECT.

If you can’t count the substance, then you should use “less”.  These nouns are uncountable.

You should eat less meat.

This is CORRECT.

 

3rd common English error: Went vs. Gone 

I should have went to school yesterday.

This is INCORRECT.

The correct form is:

Should + have + past participle

I should have gone to school yesterday.

This is CORRECT.

4th common English error:  Its vs. It's

Its going to be sunny tomorrow.

This is INCORRECT.

It’s is the contraction of It is:

It’s going to be sunny tomorrow.

This is CORRECT

5th common error-Further vs. farther

Problem

Many writers are unsure of how and when to use the words further and farther. As well, some think these words are completely interchangeable, while others do not.

Solution

 Here are some guidelines to help you deal with further and farther.

Examples

Use further

-as an adjective meaning "more" or "additional"

Do you have any further questions?

-as a verb meaning "to continue, encourage, foster or promote"

The loans program allows Canadians to further (continue) their education.

We must further (encourage, foster, promote) co-operation between our two countries.

-as an introductory adverb meaning "furthermore" or "in addition"

Further, I wish to congratulate our volunteers for their outstanding service to our community.

-as an adverb when referring to progress or figurative distance (not measurable in steps, inches, kilometres, etc.)

Jack took the IT courses he needed to help him go further in his career.

Use farther

-as an adjective meaning "more distant"

They sailed to the farther shore before heading back.

-as the comparative form of "far" when referring to distance

Port Elgin is farther east than we were told.

-as an adverb when referring to physical distance (measurable in steps, inches, kilometres, etc.)

How much farther can we travel on half a tank of gas?

NOTE: Most sources list farther and further as synonyms. However, they suggest using further in an abstract (or figurative) sense and farther in a physical sense. When choosing between further or farther, you need to consider whether the distance is physical or figurative. For example:

I'm exhausted, I can't go any farther.

[Means I can't walk another step]

I'm exhausted, I can't go any further.

[Means I can't do anything more]

Free and Printable TOEFL test Sample Questions for 2013 Part X (Other Eng. Exams)

Free and New TOEFL test Sample Questions for 2013-14

Print, Practice and Pass Toefl exam...............

This is 10th part of Free TOEFL test Sample Practice Questions for 2013. In this part you will see questions related completing the sentences. These questions can be practice for other English related Practice Exams too.

 

Free TOEFL test Sample Practice Questions: Q 101-112

Choose the appropriate options to complete the sentences

 

Q 101

There have been reported incidents where a drunk driver fled the scene of a collision ---- avoid a breathalyser test.

A) in case

B) in view of

C) so as to

D) although

E) however

 

Q 102

We shall wear warm clothes when we go camping in October ---- we don't get cold.

A) in case

B) in order to

C) so that

D) despite

E) because of

 

Q 103

Although I cannot remember it ----, my parents say that I used to sing in the car on long journeys when I was about four years old.

A) me

B) each other

C) myself

D) one another's

E) us

 

Q 104

 If you do not want ---- people in the office to read a file of ----, you have to put a password on your computer.

A) other / yours

B) the other / you

C) some others / yours

D) others / yours

E) the others / you

Q 105

 By the time we ---- a solution to the problem, we ---- on it for at least five straight hours.

A) have found / had been working

B) find / will be working

C) find / have been working

D) found / had been working

E) found / were working

Q 106

 John ---- the will to overcome the addiction when he tried to stop smoking; otherwise he would have quit it.

A) ought to lack

B) should lack

C) needn't have lacked

D) can't have lacked

E) must have lacked

Q 107

he exact nature of the internal mechanism, which --- by daily, monthly, or annual cyclical changes in the environment, ---- yet.

A) affected / hasn't been understood

B) is affected / hasn't been understood

C) was affected / hadn't understood

D) is affected / hadn't been understood

E) had affected / hasn't been understood

Q 108

--- the fact that the results were far from being satisfactory, the researchers decided to collect new data.

A) Due to

B) Since

C) In spite of

D) However

E) Hence

______________________________________________________________

Answers -Free TOEFL test Sample Practice Questions: Q 101-112

101. C

102. C

103. C

104. A

105. D

106. E

107. B

108. A

109. D

110. B

111. E

112. C

______________________________________________________________

Q 109

 This sculpture is believed ---- in the 151h century in memory of a priest.

A) having made

B) to be made

C) being made

D) to have been made

E) having been made

Q 110

 The students denied ---- any instructions by the invigilator as to how to do the listening part in the exam.

A) to be given

B) being given

C) giving

D) having given

E) to have been given

Q 111

When people talk about the cities of Japan, the first ---- comes into mind is Tokyo.

A) where

B) who

C) when

D) whom

E) that

Q 112

 US authorities have seized a long-lost painting by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso ---- by Nazis during World War 2.

A) robbing

B) to rob

C) robbed

D) to have robbed

E) having robbed

How to acquire a new job in your first Job interview

Follow Free Tips to do well in your 1st Job Interview and Get a Job in 2013-14

Here are some free tips for school leavers and graduates keen to find work, including everything from how to succeed at job interviews to making the most of your resume

First tip-Professional-looking resume

You may be asked to meet with several people or in front of a group. If this is the case, present each person at the table with a copy of your resume.

Professional-looking resume outline your skills, experience and qualifications whilst showing off a little of your personality.

A top tip is to individually tailor your resume to every job vacancy you apply for. Is the company in question searching for someone with great communication skills? Make sure your resume demonstrates that you're capable.

Do they want someone with a full, clean driving licence? Add it onto your 'extra skills'.

Got any gaps in your education timeline? Try to fill them with anything you were doing that will showcase your skills, even if you were travelling the world or working behind a bar. Remember, you can pretty much turn anything into something positive on your CV. If in doubt, ask a parent or guardian for a second opinion.

Second Tip- Work experience

Work experience is essential in today's competitive job market. Employers love qualifications but they're often not that impressive if you've got no relevant experience to accompany them. If you've not yet had any work experience, start to call around some local firms to see if they can take you on for a week. Be prepared to be knocked back many times. Just don't give up because someone will have the time to help. And once you're on placement, make sure you make the most of the experience by reading these.

 

 

Third tip- Listen

Often, when we get nervous, we don’t pay attention to what others are saying. Always focus on the person speaking, listen carefully and let them complete their question or statement. Only then should you respond.

Fourth tip- Don’t give up

Everyone has to go through the process of facing rejection. And it's possible you'll miss out on several different jobs along the way. But don't be disheartened. Each and every job interview you go to isn't a waste of your time. It's a valuable learning experience. And you'll find that you get better and better at job interviews, eventually securing something that will get your career off to a flying start.

Fifth tip- When answering questions make sure to give examples

Never answer a question like “Tell me about your keyboarding skills?” by simply saying, “They’re great.”

Instead, demonstrate your skill level with good examples — “I can type 100 words a minute — with no errors. In fact, I used to prepare the management team’s weekly reports. They included confidential subject matter that was for management’s eyes only.”

Sixth Tip- Dress appropriately

To do so, know the culture of the company you are interviewing for. If you are going to an interview at a conservative mutual fund company, dress in a suit and tie. If you are interviewing for a hip and cool guerrilla-marketing firm, dress in a professional manner that is consistent with the culture of the firm. 

Remember, if you dress correctly you will feel comfortable and feeling comfortable will help you to interview successfully!

Free and Printable MAT Test Sample Questions IV (Other English Exam)

Print, Practice and Pass MAT Admission Entrance Exam 2013-14

This is my 4rth part of blog on MAT sample questions. In this part of my blog you can do some practice sample question to prepare in English exams

You can use this test for other English related exams too…

What is MAT test?

This means The Miller Analogies Test.

You can find all answers in RED…

Free Printable MAT test Sample Questions 31-40

Choose the analogy that best matches the example provided.

Q 31

 HAVOC: DEVASTATION

A. CLARIFICATION : MYSTIFICATION

B. SURPLUS : SHORTAGE

C. FARCE : SHAM

D. TURMOIL : ORDER

E. TIMIDITY : AUDACITY

Q 32

INFAMOUS : UNFAVORABLE

A. MELLOW : FAVORABLE

B. HOSPITABLE : UNFAVORABLE

C. VINDICTIVE : FAVORABLE

D. GIGANTIC : UNFAVORABLE

E. LAX : FAVORABLE

Q 33

LETHARGIC : ENERGY

A. DESPONDENT : MELANCHOLY

B. LEISURELY : RELAXATION

C. NOTORIOUS : INFAMY

D. MELLOW : WRATH

E. LAVISH : EXTRAVAGANCE

Q 34

 BELLOW : FURY

A. SNICKER : HATRED

B. HISS : JOY

C. GIGGLE : DREAD

D. YAWN : EXCITEMENT

E. GASP : SURPRISE

Q 35

 DISMANTLE : ASSEMBLE

A. SHIRK : MALINGER

B. PAMPER : MISTREAT

C. MAR : DISFIGURE

D. RANT : RAVE

E. ABOUND : TEEM

Q 36

 DIALOGUE : PLAYWRIGHT

A. FARCE : BUFFOON

B. NARRATIVE : CHARACTER

C. OVERTURE : COMPOSER

D. PACT : HUMORIST

E. CLARIFICATION : BENEFICIARY

Q 37

 FLU : MALADY

A. FINALE : OVERTURE

B. FELONY : MISDEMEANOR

C. FUN : FARCE

D. FLEA : PARASITE

E. FIRE : HEARTH

Q 38

 MEDLEY : MISCELLANEOUS

A. TRUCE : HOSTILE

B. LUSTER : DULL

C. FLEDGLING : EXPERIENCED

D. REMNANT : COMPLETE

E. MALADY : FATAL

Q 39

 BASKETBALL : HOOP

A. POOL : CUE

B. CROQUET : WICKET

C. HOCKEY : PUCK

D. TENNIS : NET

E. BASEBALL : BAT

Q 40

 PLAGUE : MALADY

A. BYSTANDER : PARTICIPANT

B. TIMIDITY : COWARD

C. ANECDOTE : NARRATIVE

D. EMBLEM : DIALOGUE

E. PERJURY : HOMICIDE

Answers sheet with Explanations- Free Printable MAT test Sample Questions 31-40

31. C: Havoc and devastation are synonyms meaning chaos or destruction. Farce and sham likewise are synonyms, meaning travesty, fake, or trick. Clarification (making clear) and mystification (making mysterious or unclear) are antonyms (A). Surplus is too much; shortage is too little; so these are antonyms (B). Turmoil is disturbance or turbulence, the opposite/antonym of order (D). Timidity, or fearfulness; and audacity, or boldness, are antonyms (E).

32. A: Infamous means notorious or disreputable, which is unfavorable; mellow means serene or calm, which is favorable. Hospitable means courteous and is not unfavorable (B). Vindictive means spiteful or vengeful and is not favorable (C). Gigantic means huge or enormous and is not unfavorable (D). Lax means slack or remiss and is not favorable (E).

33. D: Lethargic means without energy: these are antonyms. Likewise, mellow means good-humored; wrath means anger/ire, an opposite. One who is despondent is depressed and feels melancholy (A); these are synonyms. Relaxation is a leisurely state (B); these are synonyms. Someone/something notorious has infamy, i.e. ill repute; these are synonyms. Someone/something doing something lavish, i.e. abundant or excessive, displays extravagance (E), i.e. indulgent and/or excessive/wasteful expense.

34. E: One may bellow, i.e. roar or yell, with fury (rage), as one may gasp with surprise. One would snicker (chuckle) mockingly, but not with hatred (A). One might smile, laugh, or jump, but not hiss, with joy (B). One would giggle with amusement, but not with dread (fear) (C). One would yawn with boredom or fatigue, but not with excitement (D).

35. B: Dismantle (take apart) and assemble (put together) are antonyms, as are pamper (indulge or spoil) and mistreat (abuse or harm). Shirk and malinger (A) are synonyms meaning to evade work. Mar and disfigure (C) are synonyms meaning to deface or damage. Rant and rave (D) are synonyms meaning to yell or talk on wildly. Abound and teem (E) are synonyms, meaning to be abundant or plentiful.

36. C: Dialogue is written by playwrights, overtures by composers. A farce (humorous/ nonsensical play/skit) is not written by a buffoon but contains one (A). A narrative is not written by a character but contains one (B). A pact is an agreement or alliance, written by a diplomat, politician, etc., not a humorist (D) or comedian. A clarification is written by an author or editor, not a beneficiary (E) or recipient of benefits, as from a will or insurance policy.

37. D: Flu is a type of malady (illness) as flea is a type of parasite (opportunistic organism). Finale and overture (A) are respectively the last/ending and first/opening movements of a musical composition. Felony and misdemeanor (B) are crimes of respectively greater and lesser severity. Fun is something one might have attending a humorous play/skit or farce (C). A fire burns in a fireplace; a hearth is in front of a fireplace (E). All incorrect choices are not TYPE: CATEGORY.

38. E: A medley is a combination of things, which may be miscellaneous (various/assorted), as a malady, or illness, may be fatal (deadly). A truce is an agreement to stop war or hostilities and hence is not hostile (A). Luster is shine and hence not dull (B). A fledgling is a beginner who is not experienced (C). A remnant is a small remaining part of something and hence is not complete (D).

39. B: In basketball, one throws a ball through a hoop; in croquet, one hits a ball through a wicket. In pool, one knocks balls into pockets-not into the cue, but using the cue (stick) (A). In hockey, one hits a puck into a goal, not into a puck (C). In tennis, one hits a ball over, not into (one hopes!) a net (D). In baseball, the ball is hit with the bat, not into it (E).

40. C: Plague (epidemic) is a type of malady (illness), as anecdote (C) is a type of narrative (story). Bystander and participant (A) are opposites. Timidity (fearfulness) is a characteristic of cowards (B), not a type of coward. An emblem is a symbol or insignia, unrelated to dialogue (conversation or dramatic lines). Perjury is lying/falsifying courtroom testimony; homicide is murder.