ESL Tips RSS Feed http://www.esltips.net/esltipsnet.rss en ESLTips.net 2007 120 How to write paragraphs for your essay http://www.esltips.net/how-to-write-essay-paragraphs essay is to present your arguments or perceptions about a particular subject in written form. Correct use of paragraphs is a good way of getting your points across. When you are planning your essay you should start by writing down the title and then each of your main points. These points will then become the paragraphs in your essay. Paragraphs also help to keep your reader’s attention and make it easier for them to understand your arguments.

The paragraphs of your essay should be focused on a single point or argument that supports your general thesis. Paragraphs should begin with topic statements and should then go on to list evidence or expound ideas that support your argument. A paragraph may cite several pieces of evidence or make several points. If you find that your paragraphs are becoming unmanageable it may be worth considering splitting your points and expanding on them in different paragraphs.

To make your paragraphs effective they must deal with one subject only and then logically and coherently develop that subject. In addition to this paragraphs can serve to contrast two sides of an argument, each view being dealt with in a separate paragraph or they can be used to provide a break for the reader. This is especially useful if the paragraph is becoming very long or it is dealing with complex ideas.

Proofread your paragraphs to ensure they read well and correct your grammar as you go along with the help of an online grammar checker.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - How to write paragraphs for your essay]]> Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:07:55 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/how-to-write-essay-paragraphs http://www.esltips.net/ Consider the presentation of your essay http://www.esltips.net/consider-the-presentation-of-your-essay The presentation of an essay is very important. When you write essays at school, college or university the teachers are paid to read your work no matter how badly presented it is, but in the real world readers will not persevere with a badly presented piece of writing and an employer may well throw such work back at you.

The main rule of presentation is to put your readers first and think about what information they will need in order to make sense of the essay. A good reference list is important and will impress your reader. However, don’t be tempted to reference books or articles that you didn’t use just to create a long list. Make sure that you get the details of your references correct.

Type your essay rather than write it by hand as this makes it much easier for the reader. You should choose a type of font that is easy to read and use sensible spacing and margins. Including short bullet-point lists or diagrams can assist in getting your point across and breaks up the text. You should remember that the aim is to make your essay as readable and as clear as possible and unless you are writing about your own experiences you should write your essay in the third person.

There are a number of English writing software packages on the market which can help you acquire the skills of good essay writing, teaching you to present your essay in such a way that it will impress and hold the attention of the reader.

This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Consider the presentation of your essay]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:38:13 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/consider-the-presentation-of-your-essay http://www.esltips.net/ Three Major Benefits of Using English Writing Software http://www.esltips.net/benefits-english-writing-software Most of us cannot begin to count the times we didn’t bother to use an online grammar checker or spell checker or even proofread it, much less fix any mistakes. We all believe that the emails that we receive should be perfect while those we send are just friendly ramblings.

What happens most often though is that miscommunication usually paves the way for serious problems down the road, leading to broken friendships, unresolved business and personal issues and even a lost job or promotion. Software for English writing, such a Whitesmoke, can take care of your grammar checking and spell checking while you write and proofread you entire document or email in seconds. What used to be a tedious, boring job can be done while work or take a coffee break.

Regardless of the reason for the email, personal, school, work, business, software for English writing makes sense to use every time and creates the following benefits:

 

  1. Paints you in a professional light. When you use English language software the number of simple mistakes that remain in even the roughest draft just are not there. As they appeared, the software gave you a number of choices, one of which you selected and the program corrected the error to your satisfaction. Poorly written (and sent) communication tells the recipient that you are a sloppy writer, and have little attention to detail. Of course if you don’t mind your colleagues’ seeing you in this light then this article is not for you.
  2. No more confusion which even a small mistake in punctuation can kill an otherwise well constructed sentence leaving the meaning muddled. Even more so blatant mistakes, misspellings and poor sentence construction. Software for English writing will save you embarrassment and your recipients from much confusion. At the very least, using the online grammar checker and spell checker to handle the simple tasks will save you much time.
  3. No more misunderstandings. Probably the worst consequences from badly written emails are the many misunderstandings that always come from them. When you wrote that email to your boss congratulating him on his promotion, was it crafted professionally? If it is to a supervisor or co-employee it needs to be. Your choice of words needs to be exact or you’ll likely face misunderstandings and largely undesirable results.

Remember, whether you are using your email on a professional level or just reminding friends and family of events, your writing needs to be clear and concise.


This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Three Major Benefits of Using English Writing Software]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:26:16 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/benefits-english-writing-software http://www.esltips.net/ Tips for getting it right the first time http://www.esltips.net/tips-for-getting-it-right letter or article can be a challenge. Having it turn out the way you want it the first time is completely possible though. It’s a matter of knowing what to watch for and staying on track. It’s easy to go off topic when writing or to allow thoughts to blur together. The first thing to remember is that you must pay careful attention and watch out for potential errors. Rather than glossing over mistakes, planning to make corrections later, try correcting as you go. Not only will it reduce the amount of mistakes made, it also keeps the brain active and attentive.

There are many fantastic resources for those who struggle with the written or spoken word. Make use of such things as online dictionaries or an online grammar checker. A thesaurus is a great way to expand your vocabulary as well. Sometimes you just need that perfect wording in order to effectively convey tone and meaning. Writing software of all kinds is extremely helpful, especially for those new to the English language. By seeking out such resources you greatly increase your success in writing the perfect piece the first time.

Construct an outline before you begin working on the final copy. An outline allows you to get all of your thoughts down on paper or on the computer where you can look at them and make any necessary changes. This is where adding and eliminating ideas is done, as well as organizing in what order you wish to say things.   When composing a business letter or other professional form of writing, the presentation is the most important aspect. Business English software offers plenty of assistance in the area of professional, corporate styles of writing and grammar correction. Allow these types of tools to help with that first time perfection.

Never send out what you’ve written until you know that it is free of all errors. It’s incredibly easy to miss punctuation mistakes if you are looking only at grammar. Read through the final copy more than once. It’s also helpful to have another person look at it as well. Quite often a neutral party will identify those errors you may continuously miss. It can take some practice before you are able to write completely error free the first time. It is however, something that is worth pursuing. The beauty of grammar and language is that knowledge gained will last a lifetime.


This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Tips for getting it right the first time]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:27:22 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/tips-for-getting-it-right http://www.esltips.net/ Letter of Apology http://www.esltips.net/write-a-letter-of-apology
The first thing to remember with a letter of apology is that it must be written from the heart and the words expressed in the letter must be sincere.  Any form of insincerity in a letter of apology will shine through clearly and the letter will have just the opposite effect of that which is desired.  It will further offend.

Secondly, be specific in the letter.  Make sure the recipient knows exactly what it is that you are apologizing for:  

“Please accept my heartfelt apologies for the rude way I treated you when we had our argument last Wednesday.  I had no right to disregard your feelings in such a rude manner and I am very sorry.”  

Wording such as this lets the recipient of your letter know that you are apologizing - not necessarily for the argument itself - but rather for the way you behaved toward the person and your disregard of their feelings in the matter.  You are in no way changing your position in the argument and can later agree to disagree about that.

Letters of apology, probably more so than any other kind of written correspondence, should be written with extra attention paid to proper spelling and english grammar.  Use some good letter writing software if this is a problem for you and be sure to run your work through a reliable grammar and spell-checker.  You want the recipient of your letter to see that you took extra time in drafting it precisely because you recognize you’ve done something to hurt their feelings and therefore want to make that up to them.

This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Letter of Apology]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:20:35 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/write-a-letter-of-apology http://www.esltips.net/ Letter of Thanks http://www.esltips.net/write-a-letter-of-thanks Letters of thanks are among the most pleasurable letters to write.  Unfortunately, they are also the most overlooked.  We are thrilled when someone does something nice for us but often we fail to take a few minutes to properly thank them for their efforts on our behalf.

A letter of thanks, just like an invitation or a letter of appreciation, is often accompanied by a card.  A variety of grammar software programs can not only help us design an appropriate card for just about any occasion, but can also help us compose the text of our letter that will accompany the card and be contained therein.

A letter of thanks does not have to be a long or drawn out affair.  It merely needs to let the recipient know that we are aware he or she did something nice for us and we want to recognize that fact by sending an appropriate thank you card.

The best way to write a thank you letter is to keep it simple:  

“I just wanted to take a moment to offer a heartfelt thank you for the introduction you provided for me with the folks from the Jones Company.  Because of your efforts, we were able to secure a nice contribution pledge for our 2008 Combined Campaign.  I thank you very much for these efforts.  Not just on my behalf, but on behalf of the many handicapped children who benefit from our annual fundraising efforts.”

The above letter is short and to the point and it lets the recipient know in no uncertain terms that the extra efforts they extended (providing some introductions) benefited not just the writer of the letter but the children for whom contributions were being sought for some sort of charitable campaign.

There is no limit to the types of thank you letters we may need to write in our lifetime. There is also no limit to the variety of special letter writing help available in both online and print versions.  Never hesitate to avail yourself of these various books and writing software packages, especially if English is not your native tongue.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Letter of Thanks]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:08:21 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/write-a-letter-of-thanks http://www.esltips.net/ Letter of Love http://www.esltips.net/write-a-love-letter Love letters are among the oldest forms of written communication still prevalent in our society today.  These types of letters, though not as common as they once were, still serve as an excellent forum for putting one’s commitment to another down on paper, presumably for all the world to see.

There is nothing more permanent than a written letter that, at least theoretically, can serve as notice to all interested parties who may one day stumble across it, that you have declared your love and intentions to another human being on this Earth. But don't forget to make sure that your grammar and spelling are correct! Check grammar and spelling with an online grammar checker to make sure you have no embarrasing mistakes.

There are no hard and fast rules for writing love letters.  While you have to worry about making yourself understood, you do not have to be concerned about a professional presentation or formal writing style.  Rather, you can speak in the language of the recipient, using any manner of slang or terms of endearment that are meaningful to you given the situation in which the letter is being written.

Just remember when writing a love letter the needs of the particular individual reading the letter and their ability to comprehend what is being said.  Of course, if you are writing to a special someone on your own basic education and age level, this should not be a problem.  However, if you are writing to a child, perhaps a letter intended to be read upon your death, you may wish to write a series of letters to be opened at different age levels of the child, expressing your feelings in words that can be understood at each age level.

Love letters are clearly the most fun to write simply because we don’t have to bother ourselves with decorum, professionalism, or rigid language rules.  Instead, we can cavort and be childlike if we so desire, just as long as we express our feelings in terms the other person can understand.

For examples of well-written love letters expressing a variety of sentiments, there are online software programs available.  Books and other reference materials abound that can provide various examples of these sorts of letters.  If you struggle with English, these items can be a Godsend in that they will make your letter writing efforts a sheer joy and the results of your labors so much more fruitful.  So, never hesitate to take advantage of all the writing aids available to you both online and in hard copy form.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Letter of Love]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:02:23 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/write-a-love-letter http://www.esltips.net/ Dictionary Resources for ESL http://www.esltips.net/esl-dictionary-resources
Well known dictionary resources such as Webster and Oxford offer ESL dictionary options as well. Many print copies are small enough to carry easily in a book bag or purse. It’s a good idea to find an ESL dictionary that offers example sentences for student reference. It’s great for correcting grammar in that moment when you just are not sure. Online resources often include additional tools such as downloadable software or thesaurus alternatives.

In some cases you can find dictionaries online that feature photographs to assist with the explanation of words and phrases. For the newcomer to English as a second language this type of reference might make all the difference in the quality of their ESL success. The continuing advancement of technological resources in turn affects everything else. Learning has advanced incredibly in the years since the Internet changed everything and ESL students can now take advantage of software for ESL learners as well as online grammar software and English punctuation checkers.  All of these tools are designed to help students learn quickly and minimize mistakes. Education is a matter of your willingness to learn using the many tools at your disposal.

This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Dictionary Resources for ESL]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:10:50 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/esl-dictionary-resources http://www.esltips.net/ What is an ESL Course? http://www.esltips.net/what-is-an-esl-course
ESL courses are arranged according to skill level and age. Therefore, children will often be enrolled in an entirely different program than adults. This matches their learning abilities to the material presented which allows for higher success. English writing software is now used as well for corrections and assistance. There are plenty of great learning options that make it easy for students to learn according to preference. Online courses are just as viable an option as learning in a classroom setting.

ESL students have many resources at their fingertips that were unavailable to students in the past. The Internet has allowed the learning process to take place wherever one can get online while using tools designed for business writing and correction. There are even many free ESL courses for those with low income or little option. ESL courses are created to make the language barrier as thin as possible until it is virtually non-existent.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - What is an ESL Course?]]> Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:30:22 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/what-is-an-esl-course http://www.esltips.net/ ESL Common Abbreviations Explained http://www.esltips.net/esl-english-abbreviations
There is no simple way to explain abbreviations other than to start with the most obvious. ESL itself is a commonly used abbreviation that students tend to learn first. English as a second language is rarely said in so many words these days. One might think society shouldn’t need so many abbreviations but they continue to remain. The student simply needs to understand that it’s solely a way of shortening a term or sentence considerably to just letters. A quality grammar program or ESL software may be able to assist with the practice of abbreviations.

It’s important that ESL students begin learning about abbreviations right away. Such words as “Mr.” tend to come up regularly in the spoken and written world. It’s vital for students to be able to identify them rather than become confused. The Internet is a guaranteed resource for abbreviation help. Students should be encouraged to search out the answer using whatever means possible.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - ESL Common Abbreviations Explained]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:29:13 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/esl-english-abbreviations http://www.esltips.net/ ESL for Students with Learning Difficulties http://www.esltips.net/esl-learning-difficulties
English editing software can be used with students in order to assist with corrections. Having the ability to see changes made and descriptions increases learning while decreasing frustration. When a learning difficulty is addressed and understood it can be dealt with accordingly. Identifying the problem is the first step in eliminating it. Every ESL student has their own strengths and weaknesses. Instructors must remember that no two students learn exactly the same way.

Many ESL students may not be aware that they have an actual learning difficulty. This is why keen observation should always be made by the instructor. Learning the behaviours associated with various learning difficulties makes them easier to address correctly. ESL software for personal and business English can be tailored to assist students who need that extra hand. There is never a reason to be ashamed of a learning difficulty or allow one to be a permanent hindrance. Mountains can be climbed with the right tools and determination.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - ESL for Students with Learning Difficulties]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:21:34 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/esl-learning-difficulties http://www.esltips.net/ ESL for Adults http://www.esltips.net/esl-for-adults
Games are not just a great learning resource for children; adults have shown they can benefit from the experience as well. A group of adult students interacting while learning is a positive thing that encourages success. Adults are known for having little patience, especially when it comes to acquiring a new skill. A relaxed, fun-filled environment allows students to feel comfortable and increase their patience. Adults seeking to take on ESL studies would be wise to ensure they can share the experience with others.

Though it may not seem like it, watching television and using the Internet in English can greatly assist adults. These are both activities that most use on a regular basis. Given time, English speaking programs can aid with the use of grammar and understanding slang. Not only that but they’re entertaining which can alleviate some of the stress that comes with learning. ESL for adults involves plenty of hard work but the reward certainly speaks for itself when understanding becomes so much clearer.

This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - ESL for Adults]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:51:17 +0200 http://www.esltips.net/esl-for-adults http://www.esltips.net/ Learn ESL using Games and Quizzes http://www.esltips.net/esl-games-and-quizzes
Games make it necessary to perform a series of actions in order to gain a positive reaction. By going through these motions students are able to practice problem areas and make use of the things they have already learned. Print out quizzes to test knowledge in a classroom setting or in the privacy of a home.

Multiple choice games tend to be preferred by many students. Having options can help jog the memory while clarifying the obviously wrong choices. Identification comes first visually. These types of tests are great for testing what has been learned so far. There are now games that allow ESL students to test their knowledge of English slang. These games are rising immensely in popularity. Games and quizzes are not only fun but a necessary part of the learning process.  Using games and quizzes together with English grammar software and punctuation checkers to check answers all go towards making learning ESL even more enjoyable.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Learn ESL using Games and Quizzes]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:21:08 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/esl-games-and-quizzes http://www.esltips.net/ What is the Best Way to Learn ESL? http://www.esltips.net/best-way-to-learn-esl
With the availability of online resources and software for ESL learners, the world of learning English as a second language has been revolutionised. Although some would argue the value of interacting with other students in a traditional classroom setting, there is no denying the convenience and accessibility provided by learning English using ESL software programs. The beauty of this is that it can be done from anywhere in the world.  This means that many students can begin learning English before they arrive in an English-speaking country, thereby gaining a head-start in their new life overseas.

Of course software for ESL learners should always be implemented at the appropriate learning level for the student. Students should know how to use the many resources available to help them on their ESL journey – software for English writing, English grammar and punctuation checkers are all very valuable tools. Learning takes place on many levels. It’s much more than a robotic process. The best way to learn ESL often depends on the student’s personal learning style. Finding the best fit is what makes it work.


This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - What is the Best Way to Learn ESL?]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:48:25 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/best-way-to-learn-esl http://www.esltips.net/ What to Expect at Your First ESL Lesson http://www.esltips.net/esl-lessons
A pencil and paper will certainly get you started but a vital tool for today’s ESL learner is ESL software. Being armed with the right tools will increase your determination and optimism. The first ESL lesson will vary among instructors as each will have their own personal teaching flavour. In most cases you can expect to ease into it slowly. There will be no sudden demands or pressure to know everything right away. It’s important to trust your ESL teacher as they guide you through the necessary steps. Your teacher will also show you how to use the many resources available to assist your ESL learning, such as English grammar checkers and English punctuation checkers.

In your very first ESL lesson you can expect to get acquainted with some basic words or phrases, usually very easy everyday things. Most teachers like to incorporate a variety of activities or games into each lesson. It allows students to relax while learning in a fun filled setting. It’s important to allow yourself a chance to lighten up and laugh a little. Learning is serious but it can be fun too. The first lesson is just the beginning. Every step counts in ESL learning. Take it in full confidence.

 
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - What to Expect at Your First ESL Lesson]]> Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:46:09 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/esl-lessons http://www.esltips.net/ How Can ESL Students Improve Written English? http://www.esltips.net/esl-written-english
Some of these grammar programs and various software types are available for free. This poses little risk. If the program does not meet the student’s instructional needs then it can simply be removed. Most software for English editing and writing comes at a charge. Check for free trials first to be sure it has all that is needed. Most professional software companies will allow a free trial period of up to one month in order to prove the success of their product. This can be helpful for ESL students living on a fixed budget.

Perhaps the best way to excel at writing in the English language is simply to do so. Creative writing of short stories is a fantastic way to encourage the imagination as well as increase learning. Keeping a personal journal written only in English is another great way to hone writing skills. Actively writing in English is the only way to gain a true understanding and appreciation for the language. ESL students will learn faster by doing than by watching.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - How Can ESL Students Improve Written English?]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:42:31 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/esl-written-english http://www.esltips.net/ How Can ESL Students Improve Vocabulary? http://www.esltips.net/esl-english-vocabulary
Software is a useful tool because it creates an independence that the ESL student never had before. It’s something that can be used without the aid of an instructor which makes it a desirable tool for most students. With the use of a grammar checker and help with pronunciation, many of the hurdles that students are faced with become simply a stepping stone. ESL software is designed for different age groups and skill levels so students can work at their own pace while never having to feel rushed or pressured.

Flashcards and games remain popular and fun ways to practice vocabulary. There is no better way to gain a handle on something than to actively do it. ESL students should take care to spend quality time with other students. Sharing a common goal can significantly reduce stress levels and increase success. Many ESL students are new to an English speaking country and can benefit greatly from the group setting. Vocabulary must be learned and practiced in order to be retained successfully.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - How Can ESL Students Improve Vocabulary?]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:22:47 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/esl-english-vocabulary http://www.esltips.net/ Resources for ESL Learning http://www.esltips.net/resources-for-esl-learning
Students can even find a variety of quizzes, tests and games to ensure that they are on the right learning path. Downloadable worksheets are great for printing and taking on the run. Whenever you have a spare moment, pull one out and get some beneficial practice in. Flashcards are especially helpful when it comes to grammar and the proper pronunciation for those difficult words. Not only are there fantastic tools and resources for students but there are just as many for teachers to assist in their classes.

Quite often the adult immigrants new to English speaking nations have the intent to do business and become a professional in their chosen field. Some of these online resources go a long way in securing business for ESL students. Business English software provides students with effective resources designed to help them excel. The resources for ESL students are virtually endless.


This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - Resources for ESL Learning]]> Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:30:22 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/resources-for-esl-learning http://www.esltips.net/ What Qualifications Can an ESL Student Gain? http://www.esltips.net/esl-qualifications
A large number of immigrants to English speaking nations are professionals in their own country. Often they are required to pass a series of tests or courses in order to practice under the laws of their new home. Assistance with writing business English is just one of the fantastic benefits of ESL learning. The ability to accurately proofread your writing is essential in a place of business. Professionals will be able to focus on their work rather than the barriers standing in their way.

Students that wish to further their education in college and university are often required to take ESL so that they will better understand the learning material. In this way it really is the first step to securing a complete future as they go on to acquire the skills which will carry them through life. The qualifications that an ESL student obtains are just the first stepping stones in reaching greater heights. From there, virtually anything is possible.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - What Qualifications Can an ESL Student Gain?]]> Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:57:29 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/esl-qualifications http://www.esltips.net/ How Can an ESL Student Improve Grammar? http://www.esltips.net/esl-improve-english-grammar
There are now English workshops that are devoted entirely to correcting grammar and assisting students with common mistakes. Focusing on those mistakes and learning to identify them is the first step in understanding where the error occurs. By being made aware of the potential vocabulary mix ups ESL students stand a better chance of avoiding them completely. Online grammar checkers make it convenient and easy to access some help, even when no live instructor is available. Independence goes a long way when it comes to learning.

Grammar software is something that any ESL student with a computer should possess. Not only does it point out mistakes and assist with correction, it creates a visual of why it’s a mistake. Understanding is easier for some in a visual format rather than simply being told. With the steady increase of immigrants into English speaking nations, these programs are vastly surging to new popularity heights. The students love them due to their easy use and learning capabilities. Improving grammar takes time but with new innovations and resources, it’s a realistic goal.
This article belongs to ESLTips.net - the original article can be viewed here - How Can an ESL Student Improve Grammar?]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:02:28 +0300 http://www.esltips.net/esl-improve-english-grammar http://www.esltips.net/