The Star Malaysia - Star2

Boost your English

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WHEN speaking to a small group of people, we tend to stick to the same subjects and use the same vocabulary.

How do you get out of this rut? With these tips, your mastery of the English language should improve by leaps and bounds.

Learn synonyms

The English language has lots of synonyms: words that appear to mean the same but are slightly different in meaning.

“Big”, for example, is a good general word, but there is also “enormous”, which is “extra big” and “gigantic”, which is really, really big.

When you have a good grasp of the difference­s, you can convey subtleties better. This is vital for good communicat­ion.

To broaden your vocabulary, make a list of three synonyms and understand how they are different. Then use them at least once a day in your daily conversati­ons.

Use common expression­s

In English, you might say, “He’s so tight, he squeaks when he walks”, meaning someone is a cheapskate or moneygrubb­er. An idioms dictionary will come in handy for this.

Make a list of three things that go together such as three expression­s that comment on someone’s character.

For example, a person can be “a go-getter”, meaning someone who is very goal driven, and has “the gift of the gab”, meaning he or she is a persuasive speaker.

Apply these phrases in your daily conversati­ons until they feel natural.

 ??  ?? Game technology covers a wide area that includes simulation, programmin­g and multimedia applicatio­ns that apply to the entertainm­ent, games and multimedia industries.
Game technology covers a wide area that includes simulation, programmin­g and multimedia applicatio­ns that apply to the entertainm­ent, games and multimedia industries.

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