International English

Great English lesson by Dr Zakir Naik. Great religious lesson by Dr Zakir Naik
Education
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Great English lesson by Dr Zakir Naik. Great religious lesson by Dr Zakir Naik

QUESTION: Is the Qur’an contradicting science? The Qur’an says that Allah has put a seal upon the hearts of the Kaffar (non-believer) and they will not believe. However, science tells us today that the brain is responsible for understanding and believing and not the heart.  Dr Zakir Nair’s answer 1. Allah has set a seal on the heart of the Kuffar The Glorious Qur’an says: “As to those who reject Faith it is the same to them Whether thou warn them or do not warn them; They will not believe. “Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on …Read more

Words, language and writing by the one of the greatest innovators in the English language. 7 ways to put a zing in your writing
Books
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Words, language and writing by the one of the greatest innovators in the English language. 7 ways to put a zing in your writing

The greatest words and writing secrets by Virginia Woolf (Part 2) Woolf is considered one of the greatest innovators in the English language. 1. POWER WORDS: “When I cannot see words curling like rings of smoke round me I am in darkness—I am nothing.”  Virginia Woolf Susan McKenzie: In the beginning was the word says the Hebrew Bible – words …Read more

7 writing secrets from the greatest modernist literary figure of the 20th century (Part I)
Books
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7 writing secrets from the greatest modernist literary figure of the 20th century (Part I)

The writing secrets of Virginia Woolf with comments by Susan McKenzie 1.  TREAT ALL WRITING AS AN ESSAY A good essay must have this permanent quality about it; it must draw its curtain round us, but it must be a curtain that shuts us in not out. (Virginia Woolf). SUSAN MCKENZIE: Treat all writing including business writing as a form …Read more

My ‘can’ English lesson from the Ambassador’s wife. What the British High Commissioner’s wife taught me (Part I)
Education
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My ‘can’ English lesson from the Ambassador’s wife. What the British High Commissioner’s wife taught me (Part I)

How high are your standards of English? When I joined the British High Commission I was introduced to the High Commissioner’s wife. We had a lengthy conversation and during this introduction I used the word ‘can.’  We had a good laugh when she suggested my usage was Singlish. I took to heart what she said, so I was quite amused …Read more

Proverbs for the 21st century: Lessons from the curious questioning cat
Business
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Proverbs for the 21st century: Lessons from the curious questioning cat

MODERN MINDSET Do you have a questioning mind? Most people have heard of the adage that curiosity killed the cat. This means if you question too much it could lead to bad results. WHEN CURIOSITY IS GOOD However, it is good to have a reasonable level of curiosity because one of the meanings of this word is eager to learn and we …Read more

What’s English Got to do with It?
International English
54

What’s English Got to do with It?

Who says the English have perfect English? I qualify for being called English and English speaking. I was born in Southern England about 30 miles from London as was my father. My mother was born in London as were three of my grandparents, with the fourth one born in Staffordshire. I had English-speaking parents and grandparents who worked on me …Read more

CUTE CONFUSION
International English
2

CUTE CONFUSION

CUTE OR CUTIE Recently a spat took place about the understanding of the word cute. One commentator felt that the word cute is usually associated with a child and not an adult woman. It seems that some people have learnt a set sentence, for example, the baby is cute; the dog is cute. This is the correct usage of the …Read more