Wednesday, 11 December 2024

Word Pick of the Week - QUALITY

Quality - Word pick of the week



What image does these 7 letters brings to your mind? 

Think about it for few seconds…..

Guess to most of us - the two countries that come to our mind are Japan & Germany, in terms of high quality and the standards of the products and the appliances, right! 

And did China & India, invariably sprinkled the thoughts vice versa ?! 

If so, whether we like it or not, it is a sad YES - in most of the scenarios!


Next, did  “Quality of food” also come to your mind - inspired by the loads and loads of Instagram reels and short talks & shocking talks that leave us scary, guilty and what not…. by‘so called’ influencers! 

If so, whether we agree or not, it is also a sad YES - to make us live miserable for their selfish motives of “million likes & views”!


Let me come to my pick for Quality- Quality time!

Time we spend right from the moment we are out of bed and till we go to bed- Really really matters - if we are slightly or more ignorant about it - Let’s start thinking about it! 

The time we spend with family - adds more meaning to spouse & kids only if “quality time” is spent! What impact we leave on kids to reflect matters! 

The time we spend with friends - adds more merry if “quality time” is spent in turning out productive stuff rather than just roaming around, making reels, baking and roasting gossips, cooking up stories, shopping spree, eating out, venting out etc.. what do we take away after every talk/friends meet matters! 

The time spent in workplace - obviously adds to the pocket- but does it add to the quality of our life- to get wisdom or skill upgrade or knowledge database matters! 

Finally, the time spent with “ME”- is it beyond  , scrolling, binge watching series, sleeping, siping coffee? Let’s think about it - Doing what -when I am free with quality thoughts and actions matters!


Signing off for today..

Amigos - Akhila!

Sunday, 10 April 2022

Discussion & Deep looks: Two events on March 20,2022

Viral Heroes: Illegal Bike Racer and Midnight Runner

Today in our blog, it's going to be a challenge to the vocabulary part of our brain and the emotional part of our brain too! Read this article on viral guys coincidentally with the events happening on same day - March 20,2022. 



An illegal bike racer, Praveen from Old Washermanpet could have done this act of illegal bike racing on March 20,2022 due to his adrenaline rush and to attract his gang of friends..However, hardly these set of guys realize the "impact of their acts".
They also get injured in the process and cause injuries to the common public by their unmindful acts of rash driving! Seldom they imagine that their harsh driving causes terror in the minds of road users, particularly the senior citizens. At times, the pillion riders create panic in the minds of the public, by using metal rods and causing fire sparkles while they do wheeling and other adventures.

However without analyzing much about the incident, let's have a look at the climax of the "sambavam"-:) 

Verdict of March 31 by Madras High court Justice G.Jayachandran made many heads turn and comments like "Sabaash"..."Semma judgement" flashed among the netizens in Social Media. Judge released Praveen from prison with an unique order stating him to serve Govt Stanley Medical College Hospital for 30 days - that too to assist the ward boys in the TRAUMA WARD of the hospital.
Primary idea was to give him hands-on experience on sufferings undergone by road accident victims.

"What an idea sirji👏👏👏👏👏" was the first thing that came to my mind. 
Value - additions I see on this verdict are:
(1) Sense of responsibility and accountability to the lives of public on road
(2) Fear in the minds of rest of illegal bike racers and problematic pillion riders
(3) Sense of safety feel for the public on road
(4) Inculcating the seriousness and effects of their uncivilised behaviour in public in the name of adventure

Just punishing in four walls is not going to enforce/make such wrong-doers repent for their mistakes. Kudos to the good souls behind this action: Justice G Jayachandran Sir & Government advocate G V Kasthuri Ma'am!👍👍


 Coming to the next event that happened on March 20,2022, made me all feel all praises for Social Media and Tv channels!

Above tribute I wrote the immediate next day..but now when I look back, I see heaps of praises and accolades to this young main from Almora, Uttara Khand. 
It's a delight to watch his video as many times - just for the mere positivity and hopes it spreads!

"What a lovely boy with so much of clarity in his goal👏👏👏👏👏" was the first thing that came to my mind. 
More values I see from this viral champion are:
(1) Focus on his running and did not stand even a single moment to respond/ take up helping hands in spite of so many comfortable options offered by Vinod Kapri
(2) Consistency in his packed schedule of working in restaurant, running and working at home
(3) Sticking to his goal of joining army though multiple offers knocked his door after the "midnight runner viral video
(4) Sense of responsibility on his shoulders and support & care towards his family members  


Just watching him run and admiring within his family &friends circle, did not make his values speak! National Award Winner Vinod Kapri's golden heart to recognize him as "This is pure gold" in twitter created the magic!
Kudos to the rest of good souls in Army recognizing and promising to support his endeavours!

Hope you enjoyed reading these two events and their repercussions!!
Share the new words/vocabulary you came across in this post and also your opinions on these two events! Looking forward to hear from you!

See you in our next post!

Bye,
Akhila 
 

Saturday, 19 March 2022

Parts of the speech-Eight x Eight : "எட்டு எட்டா பிரிச்சுக்கோ!"

 

In a famous movie of Rajinikanth, there is a song called "எட்டு எட்டா மனுஷன் வாழ்வ பிரிச்சுக்கோ!"


When I share about 8 parts of the speech, I am reminded of that song which categorizes life of a human in 8 phases!


In English too, major classification of  words - parts of speech is essential to understand and use the right word form in the right place!


“Parts of speech” are the basic types of words that English has, also referred to as ‘word classes’. 

Most grammar books say that there are eight parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions  and interjections.


It is important to be able to recognize and identify the different types of words in English, so that we can understand grammar explanations and use the right word form in the right place.




Here is a brief explanation about each with example(belonging to the same context of baby) 




Let's see each part in detail in future blogs.!

Take care..Do write to me if any queries!

Let's win English in a simple and easy way!

Regards,
Akhila

Sunday, 5 December 2021

Power of Qs and 16 Qs for English speakers!

 "The answers you get depend on the questions you ask,” said Thomas Kuhn, an American Philosopher of Science. Always questioning is one area that attracts me - especially with children!Here are my favorite four reasons on why I love questioning!

** Questioning is the art of learning. Learning to ask the right questions and important questions is an important skill and it is the best evidence of understanding! 

** A question not only gives one/many answers - but it also gives rise to many questions. Curiosity gets triggered for every question and every answer!

** Questioning is a first step in solving problems. It makes us more successful as leaders, students and happier persons!

** Questioning opens up new possibilities in our lives - and it is true in Spoken English also! Do you agree with me friends?

When it comes to questioning/ doing a research on any specific topic - top most shortcuts are 5 Ws & 1 H😅

5Ws stand for What, Why, When, Where, and Who. 1H stands for How.



It is a technique we also use as a project management tool to improve the efficiency!

This is also the most powerful and popular method to analyze the problem.

                 Image ref: www.nikunjbhoraniya.com

The 5 Ws and 1H that are considered to be basic and powerful in information gathering are: 

  • Who is it about?
  • What happened?
  • When did it take place?
  • Where did it take place?
  • Why did it happen?
  • How did it happen?

Each question should have a factual answer-the facts necessary to complete the understanding. Most importantly, none of these questions can be answered with a simple "Yes" or "No". Try asking these for any of your problem/research activity in hand! 

Wel, Today I have compiled six sets of questions - which I thought would be helpful for you all to develop English Speaking! 



You could find more such examples and audio/video lessons for above set of questions in https://www.talkenglish.com/ under the topic "English Speaking Basics".

 Can you think of 16 Questions for the above starters?
Please comment below (or) send your questions by email to zoomtalks@gmail.com.
Would love to hear more from your day-to-day usage!
Ok then, let's catch up in next post in another interesting topic.

With love, Akhila😊

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

"Heart of the Home" - Cool Kitchen Vocabulary

 Good Day friends! அட ஆமாம்!! 😅 Oh yeah!! 😎

Yesterday, I felt this when I was listening to the speech of my favorite writer S.Ra(S.Ramakrishnan) in a youtube video!

 When I came across one point he shared, I felt..."அட ஆமாம்!Oh yeah!!"

What did I hear? Sharing for you..."To see the unity and diversity of incredible india, go to kitchen and look at your "Anjarai petty"(அஞ்சறைப் பெட்டி). Pepper comes from a different state, Cardamom comes from a different place, Chilly comes from a different state, Turmeric comes from a different place, Bay leaf comes from a different state and all gets united in kitchen and in our cooking!!"

How true right?!!

To me, kitchen is not just meant for women! Men and women all need and have access to this "Heart of the Home" where love is served daily! 

So this thought made me write about kitchen vocabulary today.

Today we are going to take a quick kitchen tour in visuals mostly. 

Though some of these items we don't use in our daily life in Indian kitchens, I always feel we need to be aware - so that even if we don't use it in our sentences, when somebody talks about this, we should not be blank or blink without knowing what it is, if we have to respond. 

Even if we don't respond, we should know about these to understand their conversation😅😇! 

Ok, here we go...some cool kitchen vocabulary..we do have exercises at the end- like last time for I-32 starters!😎






Above picture credits: 'Learning centre' fb page.

Also, Did you notice two incomplete vocabulary & one mistake in the above pictures...Find them and tell me in comments/send email to zoomtalks@gmail.com.

Now, here comes the next interesting part, two sets of exercises to apply in daily life!





Hope you all enjoyed the cool kitchen vocabulary..

Grab your "English passport book" and make sentences, write them and share with me in the comments/send email to zoomtalks@gmail.com.

Let's learn an interesting topic in next post.

Let's Win English...and speak slowly...step by step..in little steps!

Bye for now!

-Akhila😊


Wednesday, 10 November 2021

I-32 starters from blog reader Kalaiyarasi

 Good Day friends!Happy to share the next set of I-32 starters received by email from Mrs.Kalaiyarasi Senthil, Dubai💖 Thanks Kalai! 


BASICS OF SPEAKING  :


           1-32 STARTERS


SET 1:

  • I am Kalaiyarasi Senthil.

  • I am in Dubai.

  • I’m good at learning new things.

  • I’m getting into new venture of learning languages like English and French.

  • I’m trying to improve my speaking skill.

  • I’m not used to speaking with others.

  • I’m here to show my interest on learning English language.

  • I’m looking forward to do more exciting assignments like this.


SET 2:

  • I have colorful   yarns.

  • I like to do crocheting in my free time.

  • I feel like doing crocheting in free time as I feel very happy and tension-free.

  • I used to make different things like handbags, pouch, kids hat etc…

  • I have to make baby dress for my friend’s daughter.

  • I would like to present this gift on her first birthday in January.


SET 3:

  • I didn’t mean to hurt you.

  • I don’t have time to waste.

  • I promise not to do it again.

  • I can’t help supporting her.

  • I don’t know what to do for my kid’s project. 

  • I’d rather handle the situation.


SET 4:


  •  I plan to go Georgia.

  • I have decided to fly in February.

  • I was about to ask leave from my office.

  • I want you to buy some medicines for me to take.

  • I have something to share with you before my trip. 


SET 5:


  • I’m calling to talk with you.

  • I’m working on a new project.

  • I’m sorry to disturb you.

  • I’m thinking of you now.

  • I’ll help you in your work.

  • I think I should leave now to meet my mom.

  • I’ve heard that  new person is coming to meet me.


Kalaiyarasi Senthil

9.11.21


Good job Kalai! Those were words straight from heart!

See you all soon in next post!

Let's win English day by day...with little steps!

-Akhila😊


I-32 starters from blog reader Divya


Good day friends! Here we have wonderful sets of sentences received by email from our blog reader Mrs.Divya, Chennai.

Enjoy reading them! Thanks Divya!



SET 1 

I am or I'm your biggest fan. 

I'm on it.I will submit it on time. 

I'm good at reading. 

I'm getting good at writing. 

I'm trying to educate myself. 

I'm not used to writing. 

I'm here to support you. 

I'm looking forward to learning from you. 

*********** 


SET 2 

I have no time to complete. 

I like you very much. 

feel like doing something different today. 

I used to be lazy. 

have to write more today. 

I would like to Thank you. 

*********** 


SET 3 

didn't mean to embarrass you. 

don't have time to explain. 

I promise not to disappoint you. 

can't help but to complete this work. 

don't know what to write. 

I'd rather write about this later. 

*********** 


SET 4 

I plan to learn new things today. 

I have decided to finish this at any cost. 

I was about to send you an email. 

I want you to read this work of mine. 

I have something to work on today. 

*********** 


SET 5 

I'm calling to answer your questions. 

I'm working on the questions given by you. 

I'm sorry to say that I could not submit it on time. 

I'm thinking of writing an article in your blog. 

I'll help you provide all the information I need. 

I think I should work hard and be dedicated like you. 

I've heard that you are up to something new. 

***********


Lovely set of sentences Divya! Felt like you are talking to me in every sentence of yours!

Great job👏👏👏 


See you in next post friends!

Let's win-English with little steps...day by day!


-Akhila😊

Word Pick of the Week - QUALITY

Quality - Word pick of the week What image does these 7 letters brings to your mind?  Think about it for few seconds….. Guess to most of us ...