Ask Doctor English

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-03-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

It is essential to remember that it is not only what you do in the classroom when learning English, but what you do outside of the classroom that is important. Many students who are studying English only practice their English while in classroom and therefore miss out on a lot of opportunities to improve their skills.

When you leave the classroom, make sure to continue using English. Talk with your friends, use the telephone, write in your journal, read a book or newspaper, watch the TV or go to a movie. Whatever you do, make sure that you are using your English as often as you can.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2006-03-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

What is the difference between using "though" and "although" in a sentence?

Good question. Typically speaking, “though” and “although” are both used as conjunctions and therefore can be interchanged. However, “although” is more commonly used at the beginning of a sentence, whereas “though” is used in other places in the sentence. Some people use “although” in more formal speech or writing, while “though” is a more common term and often used to link words or phrases.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca

CANADIAN, EH ?

2006-03-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

Although “Canadian” English and “American” English are often considered to be the same, there are some differences in vocabulary between the two countries. These words, or “Canadian-isms” are one way to distinguish American and Canadian language. Here are some more “Canadian-isms”.

In Canada, we say “pop”, not “soda”. We also use the term “highway”, not “freeway”. In addition, we eat “chocolate bars”, instead of “candy bars”. Finally, in Canada, the last letter of the alphabet is pronounced “zed”, not “zee”.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2006-03-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

Do you find understanding jokes confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with understanding humor. This is often because of the use of double meanings of words or phrases. See if you can figure out why this joke is supposed to be funny :)

A man inserted an adveristement in the classifieds: "Wife wanted".

The next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: "You can have mine."

This joke has a double meaning because of the expression “Wife wanted “. The man who put in the advertisement meant that he wanted to find a woman to be his wife. However, the letters he received came from married men who wanted to give him THEIR wives !

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

MARDI GRAS

2006-02-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

Today, February 28, 2006 is Mardi Gras day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday. This marks the end of a week (or more) long celebration in many cities, including New Orleans. It is also the day before Ash Wednesday and the first day of the Roman Catholic season of Lent.

Celebrations for Mardi Gras often include a parade, or Carnival. Costumes are popular, especially for those taking part in the parade. Common colors include purple, green and gold. Its not clear how the custom of Mardi Gras began, however the French in New Orleans were known for having costume balls and parties as far back as the 1700’s. Most importantly it is a time to celebrate and have fun !

If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-02-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Listening to people speaking English can sometimes be a challenge for English learners. There are so many things which affect our ability to understand someone, some which are in our control and some which are not.

Some people are simply difficult for us to understand. This could have to do with their accent, choice of words or how they speak. These are things that we can not control.

Other things which affect our listening are within our control. Listening is skill which can be developed and requires concentration and practice. Try to listen to many different people – men, women, older, younger and in different situations. Listen to the T.V., radio or conversations around you. If you focus on listening as a skill, you will improve your ability and feel more confident.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2006-02-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

Is it possible to learn a second language (English for that matter), through on line gambling ?

This is a very interesting question. Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with on-line gambling, and therefore am not sure how much English is actually required to participate. In addition, gambling has been found to be addictive for some people, and therefore is not endorsed by Doctor English.

There are however many, many resources available on the Internet that can aid in your English learning. It is important to find something that interests you, so try doing a search for on-line newspapers, chats, or other activities where you can practice your English. Be aware that while the Internet is great tool, it is also important to have face-to-face practice in English.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca

CANADIAN, EH ?

2006-02-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

Although “Canadian” English and “American” English are often considered to be the same, there are some differences in vocabulary between the two countries. These words, or “Canadian-isms” are one way to distinguish American and Canadian language.

Some of the most popular words include a toque (pronounced TOO- K), which is the name of a winter hat in Canada. Some Canadians use the word serviette, which is also called a napkin. As well, a chesterfield is what some Canadians refer to as a couch.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2006-02-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

In our last edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, Dr. English asked you to find the meanings of some common slang expressions related to sports. Here are the answers:

Out in left field – Odd/strange or confused
Ex: That guy is really out in left field. When I ask him for the time, he said it was raining in Mexico!

Drop the ball – Make a mistake
Ex : He really dropped the ball by not handing in his report on time.

Step up to the plate – Take responsibility
Ex: Susan has been letting all of her co-workers do her work. She needs to step up to the plate and do her own work or she’ll get fired.

A curveball – Something unexpected
Ex: The teacher threw us a real curveball when she gave us a surprise quiz!

Take a raincheck – Postpone something
Ex: I’m not feeling well, so maybe I can take a raincheck on our meeting.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2006-02-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment.

Using the correct title in a business setting is important. The first time that you meet someone in business, you should greet the person with a title followed by their last or family name.

For a man, it is simple – we always use Mr. as the title. It doesn’t matter if the man is married or single. For a woman, it is a little more complicated. We use the title Mrs. if the woman is married and we know for sure that she is married. If she is unmarried or divorced, or if you are unsure, you can use the title Ms. The title Miss is usually only used for young woman and is not common in business.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

U.S. President’s Day

2006-02-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

Today, Monday February 20, 2006 is a holiday in the United States of America. It is President’s Day and it is celebrated on the third Monday of February each year. President’s Day is actually a joint celebration of the birthdays of two past U.S. presidents - Lincoln's Birthday (February 12) and Washington's Birthday (February 22).

Now President’s Day is not only a celebration of these two men, but all of the men who have served as President in the United States of America. There are various events and celebrations across the country, with the key ones taking place in Washington, D.C. Also, as with most statutory holidays, certain banks and stores will be closed throughout the United States.

If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2006-02-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

How do I know when to use A or when to use THE?

For some students of English, learning which article to use can be challenging, especially with “A” and “THE”. There are general rules of how to use them, but remember that in English, there are often exceptions to the rule.

“A” is used to talk about a noun which is not specific, such as “A chair in my office”. We often use “A” the first time we mention a noun, because until we mention it once, it is considering unspecific.

“THE” is used to talk about a noun which is specific. What this means is that both the speaker and listener are familiar with the noun being talked about. We often use “THE” the second, third, fourth, etc., time that we refer to a noun. For example, I can now say “The chair in my office”, because I have already introduced it to you in the previous paragraph.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2006-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Do you find learning Slang Expressions confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the many slang expressions in the English language.

Here are some slang expression related to sports:

Out in left field

Drop the ball

Step up to the plate

A curveball

Take a raincheck

See you if you can find out the meanings of these slang expressions and in what situations you might use them. Dr. English will provide the answers in the next edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2006-02-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

VALENTINE’S DAY

2006-02-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

February 14 is commonly celebrated as Valentines Day. The traditions of this holiday include the exchange of cards, chocolates, flowers or gifts between loved ones. It is often a day of romance for couples.

The history of Valentines Day is not clearly defined, however it is believed to have originated from Saint Valentine and has Christian and Roman ancestry. One legend says that Saint Valentine was a priest who married lovers secretly and was killed for his illegal actions on February 14th. Another tale suggests that while in jail, Saint Valentine sent a letter to a young woman he loved (possibly the jailer’s daughter) and signed it “Your Valentine”. This is a common expression used in greeting cards today. Whatever story may be true, Saint Valentine was a man of romance, just like the holiday we celebrate on February 14 each year.

If you would like more information, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-02-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

With the Olympic Winter Games currently taking place in Turin, Italy, this can provide you with many opportunities to practice English. Firstly, try to keep informed about the Olympic events through the news or the Internet. Watch or listen to the news and then check your understanding by looking for information on the Internet.

Secondly, the Olympics is a great topic of conversation and again provides you the opportunity to use and improve your English. Try to talk to people each day of the Olympic Winter Games, which run from February 10 – 26th.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2006-02-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

I have noticed of late that many otherwise intelligent people do not know (or were never taught) the correct past participle for many irregular verbs. Have they discontinued teaching the conjugation of verbs?

This is a great question and a problem that many students of English, as well as native speakers, struggle with. In fact, the conjugation of verbs is taught to both native and non-native speakers and is the grammatically correct form to use. However many English speakers still do not use the correct forms of verbs.

One of the reasons they do not conjugate the verb is that sometimes it is difficult to remember the correct form, particularly with uncommon verbs. Also, when someone is speaking fluently, they may just use the wrong form by mistake. Finally, there are people who simply use the base form of the verb because it is easier and they feel that it isn’t important to use the correct form. In all cases, however, it is grammatically incorrect to not conjugate the verb.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2006-02-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Do you find English pronunciation confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Even native speakers of English struggle with how to correctly pronounce some words.

One of the reasons why English pronunciation is difficult is because there are many words which are spelled differently, have different meanings, but are pronounced EXACTLY the same. These are called homophones. Here are some examples of commonly mispronounced homophones :

Mail (sending something by post)= Male (opposite of female)

Made (the past of “make”) = Maid (a person who cleans)

Seen (the past participle of “see”)= Scene (part of a movie)

Would (a modal) = Wood (the material from trees)

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2006-02-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment.

Writing for business is also a skill that often needs practice. Business writing requires formal language and also follows a particular style. It is important to pay attention to the common phrases and vocabulary that is used for business writing.

There are many websites that give information on writing business letters. These include common phrases that are used, the style that should be followed, as well as things to avoid, such as using acronyms. Check out some different sites for information about the newest writing etiquette.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-02-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Writing is a great way to practice your English skills on your own, at home or at school, and anytime that you like. You don’t need much equipment – just a piece of paper and a pen (or a computer) and you can start writing.

Don’t worry about what to write. You can write anything. Write down your thoughts, new ideas, or what you did on the weekend. You can also try describing something through writing, such as what your room looks like, what Canada is like or describe one of your friends. Writing will help focus and improve your grammar and your vocabulary.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

A NEW GOVERNMENT

2006-02-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Today, Monday February 6, 2006, Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, was sworn in to office. Harper is now the official leader of Canada with a minority Conservative government.

This morning, a ceremony took place designating Stephen Harper as the new Prime Minister of Canada. As well, his new cabinet was also sworn in. There are 27 members in the new cabinet, including six women. This is much smaller than the previous cabinet of the Liberal government, which had 39 positions.

The biggest surprise in the new cabinet was the former Liberal industry minister David Emerson, who has joined the Conservatives as minister of international trade.

If you would like more information, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2006-02-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Do you find understanding jokes confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with understanding humor. This is often because of the use of double meanings of words or phrases. See if you can figure out why this joke is supposed to be funny.

Q: Who earns money driving their customers away?

A: A taxi driver.

This joke has a double meaning because of the phrasal verb “drive away”. One meaning for “drive away” is to cause someone or something to leave. For example, the rain drove away all the people in the park. This is typically a negative meaning. Another meaning for “drive away” is to leave somewhere by driving in a vehicle, such as what a taxi driver might do.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

GROUNDHOG DAY

2006-02-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

In Canada and in the United States of America, February 2 is Groundhog day. The history of Groundhog Day came from a German tradition called Candlemas Day. On this day, midway between winter and spring, the weather would determine how the rest of the winter would be.

If the sun were shining, it meant that you could see your shadow. In Germany, if a badger or hedgehog had a shadow, it meant 6 more weeks of winter. If he didn’t see his shadow, it would mean an early spring. In North America, a groundhog was used in a similar way to predict the weather.

The most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil. Every year, thousands of people go to Pennsylvania, the home of Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog day, to watch whether or not he sees his shadow. In Canada, the most famous groundhog is Wiarton Willie. Willie did not see his shadow this morning, therefore predicting an early spring :)

If you would like more information, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

BIZ TALK

2006-02-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment.

It is common practice these days to send your resume electronically to a potential employer. In some cases your resume is then scanned by a computer program for key words and phrases. This means it is important to consider what words are included in your resume.

One thing to be careful of is to not use abbreviated forms of words in your resume. Abbreviations such as MBA should read Masters of Business Administration so that they do not get missed by the computer when looking for applicants with a Masters degree. Also make sure that keywords, such as ones in the job advertisement, are included in your resume.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-01-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Many students find that they have challenges when it comes to listening to English. Listening skills require practice, just as skills such as speaking or writing do. In order to practice your listening skills, you need to focus on just listening.

One way to do this is to close your eyes when practicing your listening. Try this at home when you are listening to the T.V., or try it when listening to a CD or even when people are speaking. This will help you to concentrate and focus on only your listening skills.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2006-01-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

**Please note this important correction to the ELECTION CANADA information**

The Federal Party of Canada was meant to read The Liberal Party of Canada. Apologizes to our readers for this typing error. It has been corrected in the blog.

Thank you to one of our blog readers for noticing this and sending a query to Doctor English. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

2006-01-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

This year, 2006, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, January 29th. This is the Year of the Dog. There are twelve animal names in the Chinese calendar, so the names are rotated every twelve years. Chinese New Year is determined by the second new moon after the winter solstice.

New Years Eve and New Years Day are typically celebrated with family. The holiday includes traditional foods such as jai (a special vegetarian dish), whole fish for togetherness, chicken for prosperity, and noodles for a long life. There are many New Years rituals and traditions, including a sacrifice to the ancestors to symbolize family unity.

In many cities, including Vancouver and Toronto, there are Chinese New Year celebrations. Usually these include a parade or other events in the city’s Chinatown. Check with your local Tourist office for Chinese New Year events in your city.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

BIZ TALK

2006-01-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-01-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

The importance of reading to help improve your English skills cannot be emphasized enough. What you read is not as important as reading itself. The best practice is to read some everyday. Try a variety of sources for reading – books, magazines, newspapers – the key is to find something that interests you.

Reading will not only improve your vocabulary and grammar, but your overall English skills. Try reading out loud as well as to yourself. Read in the morning, before you go to bed, or on the Skytrain or bus. The key thing is to read whenever and wherever you can.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN ELECTION RESULTS 2006

2006-01-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

Canada elected a new government and new Prime Minister yesterday after almost 13 years of the Liberal Party being in power. Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party are now the leaders of Canada with a minority government. This means that they got less than the 155 seats necessary to form a majority government.

The seats in the House of Commons are as follows:
The Conservative Party – 124 seats
The Liberal Party of Canada – 103 seats
The Bloc Quebecois – 51 seats
The NDP – 29 seats
Independent – 1 seat

Some of Harper’s promises include reducing the GST from 7% to 6%, increased focus on crime and justice, and providing families who need daycare with over $1000 for each child.

If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

ELECTION DAY

2006-01-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

Today, Monday, January 23, 2006 is Election Day in Canada. This is Canada’s 39th Federal Election. Any Canadian citizen who is 18 years or older is eligible to vote.

There are four main parties on the voter’s list:

The Liberal Party of Canada (current party in power)
The Conservative Party (the official opposition party)
The NDP (New Democratic Party)
The Bloc Quebecois (key party in Quebec)

Other parties include the Green party, the Marijuana party, and the First People’s National Party of Canada. The following link gives detailed information on the parties and their platforms, as well as general information about the current election - http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/politics.htm

Tomorrow, Dr. English will give you the results of the election. Please remember that if you are eligible, go out and vote today. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2006-01-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

What do you call stories with morals at the end?

Firstly, let’s define a moral. A moral is a sentence at the end of a story which gives a message to the reader. Often this message is related to ethics or to what is considered to be right or wrong behavior.

Generally speaking, a story with a moral at the end is called a fable, the most famous being Aesop’s fables. The most well-known stories of Aesop include The Tortoise and the Hare and The Boy Who Cried Wolf. At the end of each of these fables, there is a message that teaches children something about life. There are other stories which include morals at the end, however fables are the most commonly known to end with these messages.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2006-01-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

In our last edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, Dr. English asked you to find the meanings of some common slang expressions related to colors. Here are the answers:

The grass is always greener… - Another situation always looks better (but may not be in reality).
Ex: I would love to have your job, but I know that the grass is always greener (on the other side).

Out of the blue - Unexpectedly
Ex: The rain just started out of the blue.

Caught red-handed – Caught in the act of doing something wrong
Ex: Sam was caught red-handed trying to take some money from my wallet.

Once in a blue moon – Very rarely, almost never
Ex: My boyfriend only buys me flowers once in a blue moon.

Seeing red – Very angry
Ex: Beth was seeing red when she heard the rumors that had been said about her.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

CANADIAN, EH ?

2006-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. DAY

2006-01-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, January 16th, 2006, was Martin Luther King Day in the United States of America. This holiday is to remember and recognize the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King spent most of his life fighting for equality between all races and particularly for the rights of Black Americans. As well as being a Doctor of Philosophy, Martin Luther King was also a Reverend and won the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. There are many famous quotes and speeches from Dr. King, the most famous one entitled, “I have a Dream”. You can find this speech and more information about Dr. Martin Luther King on the following website : http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mlkjrday1.html

If you would like more information, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-01-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Do you have some free time after school, on evenings or on weekends? A great way to spend your time and to get in some English practice is to become a volunteer. As a volunteer, you can work with local people, get great experience and practice your English skills.

In Vancouver, you can check out the Go Volunteer website - http://www.govolunteer.ca/search/ . Click on “Browse by Activity” and you will find listed below all of the activities that you can volunteer for. Choose the one that best suites your experience and interest.

Volunteering is not only a good way to gain experience and practice your English, but it also looks very good to potential employers on your resume.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2006-01-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

When do I use Who or Whom?

There is much confusion about when to use who or when to use whom. The basic rule for the use of “who” and “whom” is simple - “who” is the subject form of the pronoun and “whom” is the object form. “Who was eating that sandwich at lunchtime?” is correct because “who” is the subject of the sentence.

If you are having difficulty identifying the subject or object, you can try a little trick – “he/she” can replace “who” and “him/her” can replace “whom”. Try this if you are unsure which to use.

However, keep in mind that it is now becoming less common to hear people use “whom” and often times even native speakers do not use it in the grammatically correct form.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2006-01-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

Do you find learning Slang Expressions confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the many slang expressions in the English language.

The best way to learn new slang expressions is to listen to how and where they are being used. The most important thing for a non-native English speaker is to UNDERSTAND slang expressions, not necessarily to use them. If you do try to use a slang expression, use it in the SAME situation in which you heard it being used and do not try to apply it to other situations. This is how slang expressions are often used incorrectly.

Here are some slang expression related to color:

The grass is always greener…
Out of the blue
Caught red-handed
Once in a blue moon
Seeing red

See you if you can find out the meanings of these slang expressions and in what situations you might use them. Dr. English will provide the answers in the next edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

BIZ TALK

2006-01-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment

A handshake is often the first type of communication you have in business, regardless of the culture. Even in culture where other types of greetings are common, such as bowing or kissing on the cheek, a handshake is still the universal way to greet a business contact.

When you shake hands with someone, make sure you have a firm handshake. Your handshake should not be too strong, as to overpower the person, but should also not be too weak. You can practice your handshake with a friend.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2006-01-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

A key idea to focus on for your overall communication is to speak English as much as possible. Remember that there are two important parts to improving your spoken English – fluency and accuracy. Fluency is speaking at a natural speed and accuracy is using the correct grammar. Both should be practiced in order to help your communications skills.

Try to make an effort to use your English as often as possible each day and think about your fluency and your accuracy. Most students always focus on either fluency OR accuracy, so don’t forget that both are equally important. However the most important thing is just to speak English whenever and wherever you can.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

2006-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the year 2006! I hope that you had a great celebration with family and friends to welcome in the New Year.

A common tradition for New Years Eve is to make a resolution. A resolution is something that you promise to do in the New Year for yourself. For example, you might make a resolution to exercise more, or eat healthier, or to quit smoking.

For this year, Doctor English would like to ask you to make a resolution to practice and improve your English skills. Go back and read some of the BLOGS from last year and focus on the areas of your English that you would like to improve on. Then, make a resolution to work on those things for 2006 and make this the year to focus on improving your English skills with Doctor English!

OUT OF THE OFFICE

2005-12-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Hope that you had a Merry Christmas. Doctor English will be out of the office for a couple of weeks, but look for more English fun in the New Year ! Please continue to send your questions or comments to Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

Happy 2006 !

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS (Only 2 Days to Christmas!)

2005-12-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day, or St. Stephan’s Day as its known in Britain, is celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas. The history of Boxing Day is disputed, however it is generally accepted that this holiday began with a tradition of giving gifts to people of lower class the day after Christmas. It is believed that servants or other people that had provided services to those of a higher class, were presented with gifts in boxes, hence the name of the holiday.

Today, Boxing Day has become a shopping tradition. Often stores have Boxing Day sales (or even Boxing Week sales) in which some items are sold for low price. It used to be that Boxing Day was the day that many people returned unwanted items they had received for Christmas, however now most stores in Canada do not accept returns on Boxing Day.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca. And have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

CANADIAN, EH ? (Only 3 Days to Christmas!)

2005-12-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

The celebration of Christmas comes from the Christian religion and is a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the son of God. The following definition of Christmas is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

According to the Christian gospels, Jesus was born to Mary in Bethlehem, where she and her husband Joseph had traveled to register in the Roman census. Christians believe that Jesus's birth, or nativity, fulfills the prophecies of Judaism that a messiah would come, from the house of David, to redeem the world from sin and bridge the separation between God and mankind. The precise chronology of Jesus' birth and death as well as the historicity of Jesus are still debated.

In predominantly Christian countries (and in Canada), Christmas has become the most economically significant holiday of the year, and it is also celebrated as a secular holiday in many countries with small Christian populations. It is largely characterized by exchanging gifts within families, and by gifts brought by Father Christmas or Santa Claus, a big jolly man with a white beard, or other folk figures.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS (Only 4 Days to Christmas!)

2005-12-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

There are many words related to Christmas and the holiday season. Here are just a few. You can find these and more at http://canada-esl.com/christmas/christmas.html

Mistletoe - There’s a fun tradition that North Americans follow during Christmas. Mistletoe is often hung from a doorway between two rooms. If someone stands under the mistletoe, it is customary for someone else (usually a member of the opposite sex) to kiss him/her.

Christmas ornaments – are ornaments used to decorate the tree and placed around the house.

Manger – historically, a small wooden trough that animals ate hay from. Jesus was put in a manger after he was born, so some people set up a manger with a plastic baby in it and animals around.

Stockings – literally, ‘socks.’ People hang stockings in front of a fireplace. Small presents are placed in stockings and usually opened on Christmas morning.

Reindeer – Santa rides in a sleigh that is pulled by reindeer. The most famous reindeer is Rudolph, the red-nose reindeer.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

BIZ TALK (Only 5 Days to Christmas!)

2005-12-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment.

As Christmas is nearing, a common tradition in business is to send Christmas cards to clients or business associates. Cards can be simple without long messages, and are sent to indicate the importance of your business relationship as well as a way to wish people a happy holiday season.

In addition, there are often Christmas parties held by companies at this time of year to celebrate the season. This provides an excellent opportunity to socialize with your colleagues and with your boss. Some work places have an exchange of gifts or a “Secret Santa”, where you buy a gift for a certain dollar value, but not for a particular person. The gifts are wrapped and then each person in the company chooses a gift or takes one that another person has already opened. It is common to have a festive atmosphere in the workplace at this time of year.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills (Only 6 Days to Christmas!)

2005-12-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

With only a few days until Christmas, Doctor English this week will focus on Christmas related suggestions. If you are planning to celebrate Christmas, there are many things you can do to get into the Christmas spirit and also practice your English skills.

Decorating the Christmas tree is a common family tradition, so if your family is celebrating Christmas, you can use this opportunity to practice speaking English and learn some new vocabulary words. Another common tradition is the singing of Christmas carols. You can find the lyrics to many popular Christmas songs on the Internet and learn the words. Finally, another big part of the Holiday season is Christmas shopping. Here you can practice both your speaking and listening skills in a busy, and sometimes stressful, environment. Whatever you do, there are many opportunities to get into the holiday spirit and practice your English at the same time!

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2005-12-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

How do I know what preposition to use?

This is a complicated question with a simple answer. There are really no rules for prepositional use (there are some guidelines, but often there are too many exceptions to make it a rule). Therefore, the only way to know which preposition to use is by practicing the prepositional combinations.

They reason that native speakers know which preposition to use is only because it sounds right. They have said or heard the combination many times and simply use the preposition for that reason. Doctor English recommends that you practice saying the prepositional combinations out loud to help you remember them. For example, repeat the phrase “demand for, demand for, demand for” fifty times and it will help you to remember the next time you say “demand” to follow it with “for”.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-12-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

Many students of English struggle with differences in vocabulary between “North American English” and “British English”. In many schools where English is not the first language, students are taught British English. Therefore, when they come to Canada, they are surprised to find that we use different vocabulary in some cases.

One situation in which there are differences is when talking about parts of a car. For example in Canada the front of the car is the hood and in Britain it is the bonnet. The back of the car in Canada is the trunk and in Britain it is the boot. Also, we call a vehicle that is bigger than a car a truck and in British English it is called a lorry.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-12-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

Do you find English pronunciation confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Even native speakers of English struggle with how to correctly pronounce some words.

One of the reasons why English pronunciation is difficult is because there are many words which are spelled differently, have different meanings, but are pronounced EXACTLY the same. These are called homophones. Here are some examples of commonly mispronounced homophones :

Dye (the color you use on hair = Die (the verb for death)

Band (musical group) = Banned (restricted/not allowed)

Steal (to take smth/ rob) = Steel (the material)

Wear (to put on clothes) = Where (question word –location)

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2005-12-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment

In business, it is essential to make a good first impression and therefore it is valuable to practice and feel confident with your formal greeting.

When you first meet a client or colleague, smile and make eye contact. Offer your hand and make sure that your handshake is strong, but not overpowering. Say “Good morning (or afternoon) Mr. (or Mrs/Ms.) Family Name. Nice to meet you “. Introduce yourself if the person does not know your name by saying, “My name is Bob (first name) Smith (family name).”
Role-playing this type of introduction or greeting will help you feel more comfortable and make a good first impression.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-12-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Participating in sports is a great way to utilize your English skills and have fun. Team sports are a good way to practice your communication skills with other team members, however individual sports can also give you a chance to use your English.

For example, a popular sport in the winter is skiing or snowboarding. This is a sport which you practice on your own, but has a great social element to it. When you are riding on the chair to the top of the hill, you have a perfect opportunity to talk to the person or people next to you. Ask them questions about what run they like to ski or make a comment about the snow or weather. That will help you get a conversation started and use your English skills.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2005-12-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

What is the meaning of “set a beggar on a horse and ride it to death?”

Doctor English is not familiar with this exact expression, however there are some similar expressions, or proverbs, as follows:

Set a beggar on horseback, and he will ride a gallop
Set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll outride the Devil.

These are quotes from Robert Burton from Anatomy of Melancholy (pt. II, sec. III, memb. 2)

The meaning of these expressions are that if you give an undeserving person an advantage, they will misuse it. These expressions have also been shortened to the idiom a beggar on horseback, meaning a person who was originally poor and has become arrogant or corrupt through achieving wealth.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-12-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

One the most popular sports in Canada, particularly in the winter, is Ice Hockey. Ice Hockey originated in eastern Canada in the 1800’s. The game is divided into three 20 minute periods, separated by 15-minute breaks. The periods begin with a “face-off”. Six players from each team can be on the ice at one time and their objective is to get as many goals as possible to win the game.

Here are some basic vocabulary words associated with hockey :
Puck – the round, black object that is used to score goals.
Goalie – the person who protects the goal from the puck going in.
Penalty- when someone breaks the rules of the game.
Referee- the person who blows the whistle when there is a penalty.

If you have a chance, watch a game of hockey on TV or even better, go to a live game and enjoy one of Canada’s favorite pastimes!

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-12-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

Do you find learning Slang Expressions confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the many slang expressions in the English language.

In our last edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, Dr. English asked you to find the meanings of some common slang expressions related to animals. Here are the answers:

Cat got your tongue? – Nothing to say?
Ex: If you ask someone a question and they don’t respond immediately, you could ask “Cat got your tongue?”

Running around like a chicken with its head cut off- Running around like crazy.
Ex: She is trying to do so many things at once. She is running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Raining cats and dogs – Raining a lot.
Ex: In Vancouver it always seems to be raining cats and dogs!

Kill two birds with one stone – Do two things at the same time.
Ex: I am going to stop at the post office on the way to the bank so I can kill two birds with one stone.

In the dog house – In trouble.
Ex: Her boyfriend forgot her birthday. He is going to be in the dog house tonight!

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2005-12-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment

These days one of the most important forms of communication in business is email. You probably use email on a daily basis to communicate with friends and family at home, but do you feel confident using email in a business setting?

Email as a communication tool is overall less formal that a business letter, however it is important to consider your level of formality when you are emailing your boss or a client. In this case, your choice of words becomes more important for the tone of the email. Keep in mind that when you are using writing as a form of communication, your tone is not as obvious as when you are speaking and needs to be conveyed through your choice of words. Make sure to always re-read an email before sending it, because you can’t change it once its been sent.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-12-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

The Internet is an excellent source of language learning to give you additional practice for any skills that you may want to focus on. You can find many, many websites for anything from grammar exercises, to pronunciation, to vocabulary and more.

One of Doctor English’s favorite websites for language learning includes Dave’s ESL Café – www.eslcafe.com . This website has a Help Center, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, Pronunciation Power, Quizzes, Slang and a Student Forum. If you have a favorite website for English language learning, please email it to Doctor English.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2005-12-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

How do you pronounce the “TH” in many words?

Pronunciation of the English language can be a challenge, which is why this is a great question to ask. As with many constant sounds, “TH” can be voiced or unvoiced. (If you are not sure of the difference between voiced and unvoiced, voiced sounds are like “B” and “V” and unvoiced are like “P” and “F”). The voiced “TH” is in words such as in this, their, they. The unvoiced “TH” is in words such as in thick, fifth and tooth. Notice the difference in your tongue when you pronounce the voiced or unvoiced form.

The difficulty however, is knowing when to pronounce the voiced or the unvoiced “TH”. This depends on the position of “TH” in the word. In the initial position, the "TH" is voiced in function words such as pronouns, articles, and demonstrative adjectives (they, them, etc.). In the medial position, it is voiced when followed by "er" or a final silent "e" (feather, mother, etc.). In the final position it is voiceless with one exception: "smooth". Keep in mind, that in English there are always exceptions to the rule!

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-12-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Do you find learning Slang Expressions confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the many slang expressions in the English language.

The best way to learn new slang expressions is to listen to how and where they are being used. The most important thing for a non-native English speaker is to UNDERSTAND slang expressions, not necessarily to use them. If you do try to use a slang expression, use it in the SAME situation in which you heard it being used and do not try to apply it to other situations. This is how slang expressions are often used incorrectly.

Here are some slang expression related to animals:

Cat got your tongue?

Running around like a chicken with its head cut off

Raining cats and dogs

Kill two birds with one stone

In the dog house

See you if you can find out the meanings of these slang expressions and in what situations you might use them. Dr. English will provide the answers in the next edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

In Canada, the leader of our country is called the Prime Minister. The Governor General is the Queen’s representative in Canada, being that Canada is a Commonwealth country. Yesterday, our current Prime Minister Paul Martin met with our Governor General Michaëlle Jean, to dissolve Parliament. This was due to a no-confidence vote Monday evening.

This means that there will now be a federal election on January 23rd. Over the next few months, you will see and hear the campaigns of the various political parties. Try to read the newspaper, listen to the news or look on the Internet for information about the different parties. There may be unfamiliar vocabulary terms, so please email Doctor English with any queries.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2005-11-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment

An important aspect to using English in a business setting is utilizing the telephone. Most non-native speakers are uncomfortable using the telephone for business so practicing telephone conversations with friends can be really helpful.

For example, imagine that you and your friend are from different companies and think of a situation where you might need to call that person. Then, use role-playing to help you gain confidence using the telephone. Remember to use formal expressions in your conversation. Instead of saying “How’s it going?” say “How are you?” and be sure to use polite modals such as “would” and “could”.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-11-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Another way to pass time during the cold winter season and improve your English is through playing board games. Board games are a great way to have fun with friends, keep warm inside and increase your vocabulary.

There are many fun board games to choose from, however ones that involve using words will help you to add new expressions to your vocabulary. A favorite game of Doctor English is Scrabble. Feel free to use a dictionary to help you discover new words. Other games such as Taboo, Boggle and Balderdash as well as many others are also options to help you increase your language skill and have fun at the same time.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS

2005-11-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a chance for you to have your questions answered by Doctor English. Today’s question is:

What is the difference between " I drove" and " I have driven?"

This is a very good question and one that MANY students have asked me to clarify. “I drove” is past tense and means that the action happened at a specific time in the past. For example, you might say, “I drove yesterday “ or “ I drove last week”.

On the other hand, “I have driven” is present perfect. Present perfect describes an unspecific time in the past. If you say “I have driven”, it means that you did the action sometime in your past, but we don’t know when you did it. It is a way of explaining that you have had an experience, but the time when it happened it not important. You couldn’t say, “I have driven yesterday” because yesterday is a specific time in the past.

Thank you for sending your questions. If you have any further queries, please email Doctor English at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-11-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

Today, November 24th, 2005 is Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America. In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. This year it was on October 10.

Thanksgiving is believed to have originated by European farmers as a way to give thanks for the harvest and the abundance of food. The farmers would hold celebrations and would fill a curved goat’s horn with grains and fruits. This was called a cornucopia, or horn of good plenty. It is thought that the European farmers brought this tradition to us when they came to Canada. Now we commonly celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey dinner with family and friends.

The reason that Thanksgiving is celebrated earlier in Canada than in the United States is due to the harvest season. In Canada our harvest is sooner due to a shorter growing season, therefore we celebrate Thanksgiving in October rather than in November.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-11-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

Do you find understanding jokes confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with understanding humor. This is often because of the use of double meanings of words or phrases. See if you can figure out why this joke is supposed to be funny:)

Why couldn't Cinderella be a good soccer player?

She lost her shoe, she ran away from the ball, and her coach was a pumpkin.

In this joke, Ball and Pumpkin each have two meanings. In the story of Cinderella, the ball is a formal dance and the coach is the vehicle that she traveled in. In this joke the ball refers to the soccer ball and coach refers to the person who leads the soccer team.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-11-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

As the days are getting shorter and the weather getting cooler, you may find that you are spending more time indoors. This is a perfect chance to find some creative ways to use your time and at the same time, practice your English skills.

A great way to spend a cold winter day is by watching a movie at home or in the theatre. If you watch a video at home you can try watching it with the captions off the first time and then with the captions on the second time. This will give you a chance to see how much you understood without the captions and also help you pick out words or phrases that you did not understand. If you go to the theatre, go with friends and after the movie discuss what you did or didn’t understand about the story. If you are still unsure, try to find a plot summary for the movie on the Internet or go and see the movie again.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

THE DOCTOR IS IN !

2005-11-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Dr. English has just returned from a brief hiatus and is back to assist you with your English learning. Thanks to all of you who sent questions and comments over the last few months. Dr. English will answer all of your questions in the upcoming blogs, so watch for them and continue to send Dr. English your questions.

Currently, Dr. English is addressing your learning needs through the following categories :

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills – These are general tips to help you improve your English without a textbook.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS – Phrasal verbs, homophones, pronunciation tips and jokes can be found in this section.

CANADIAN, EH ? – Here Dr. English will address cultural issues particular to students living in Canada.

BIZ TALK – This section addresses some important information for students using English for business purposes.

YOUR ???? QUESTIONS – A new section which will address the questions that you have sent to Dr. English.

Look for special topics in addition to these and HAVE FUN learning English !

A helpful ESL web site for the Doctor's readers...

2005-10-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Doctor English is away at the moment, and hopefully will return to write regular articles in the near future.

In the meantime, Sharlene, the Director of Studies at Vancouver English Centre, has offered the Doctor's readers this helpful tip:

"The following site is from the Univ of Delaware.
They've put together a Grammar Hotline site.
I think this is really neat."
http://www.udel.edu/eli/grammar.html

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-07-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

If you would like to practice your conversation skills, but don’t have anyone to talk to, you can try reading out loud as practice. By reading out loud you can pay attention to pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. Try reading slowly to focus on your accuracy and then try reading more quickly to improve your fluency.

The most important thing is to continually practice your skills and by reading out loud you can improve your speaking skill, even if you don’t have someone to talk to.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

You will notice that there are many differences in spelling of words in American English and British English. For example, the word color is American English and colour is British English. Also the word check is American spelling and cheque is British spelling.

In Canada, we typically use American spelling, however British spelling is also considered to be grammatically acceptable. Depending on the situation, you can set your spell check feature to American or British spelling. It is best to pick one spelling format and to use that, rather than switch back and forth between British and American spelling.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2005-07-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment.

In Canada, when we address people in a business situation, we follow the rule of “Formal First”. What this means is that the first time you meet someone, you should use a formal title such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms., followed by the person’s family (last) name. Remember that the title Mr. is always used for a man, the title Mrs. is for a married woman and the title Ms. is unmarried, widowed or divorce.

After using a formal greeting in your first meeting, it is common for someone to invite you to call them by their first name. If someone invites you to do this (for example, Mr. Smith says, “Please call me John.”) then you should call the person by their first name from that point onward.
It is quite common to use only first names with people in a business environment.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Do you find learning Phrasal Verbs confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with all the various meanings of the many phrasal verbs in the English language.

There are many reasons why phrasal verbs are confusing. Often the meaning of a phrasal verb is very different from the meaning of the verb alone.

As well, the same phrasal verb may have more than one meaning. For example:GET – to obtain something

Ex: Please get me some milk.

GET AWAY – 1.to escape; 2. to go on holiday

Ex: The criminal got away from the police.

Ex: I’m going to get away this weekend.

A great way to help you to learn phrasal verbs is to always link the phrasal verb with a particular image or situation in your mind. For example, when I hear the phrasal verb GET AWAY, I imagine a criminal running away from the police. As well, when I think of GET AWAY, I can imagine myself planning a holiday. Linking a phrasal verb to a particular idea or situation can help you to remember how and when to use it.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-07-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Reading is an important skill that can easily be practiced on your own, and at your convenience. The important thing with reading is to practice everyday. That means you should try to read at least a few pages each day.

When you are reading, try to not focus on understanding the meaning of every word, but read for the general idea. Even native English speakers do not always know the meaning of all of the words, but can still understand the basic idea of the story.

In order to enjoy reading, make sure to choose something to read that interests you. It can be a book, magazine, a newspaper, or use the Internet to find links to web pages that you like.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-07-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

In Canada, when someone finishes a conversation, they often say "I’ll call you" to the person they were speaking with. This phrase is commonly used to end a conversation and does not necessarily mean that someone will actually call you.

Therefore, if a Canadian says, "I’ll call you", try not to take this statement literally. They may call you or they may not and whether or not they call, may not have any connection to their relationship with you. Try not to take offense if the person does not call you and remember that this phrase may just be a polite way to end a conversation.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

BIZ TALK

2005-07-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment.

Interviewing can be a stressful situation in your own language, let alone in a second language. The most important things to help you when interviewing in English are preparation and practice.

It is important to know how you will respond to typical interview questions such as "What is your greatest strength/weakness?" and to practice your responses, but NOT memorize them. Whenever possible use examples to support to your answer. Try to use positive expressions and tone and demonstration your confidence in your answers. Finally, don’t forget to smile! Smiling will also help you to stay relaxed and natural in your interview.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-07-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Do you find English pronunciation confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Even native speakers of English struggle with how to correctly pronounce some words.

One of the reasons why English pronunciation is difficult is because there are many words which are spelled differently, have different meanings, but are pronounced EXACTLY the same. These are called homophones. Here are some examples of commonly mispronounced homophones :

Air (what you breathe) = Heir (the person who will inherit money or property when someone dies)

Mayor (the head of the town) = Mare (an adult female horse)

Sew (using a needle and thread)= So (many meanings!)

One (the number) = Won (the past form of "win")

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-07-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Many students have difficulty with listening skills and there are a vast number of resources available to help you improve you listening. Often a good way to practice listening is through the use of stories recorded on cassette tapes or CD’s. That way, you can listen to the story more than once, before checking a transcript to see if you understood the speaker correctly. Try going to your local library to find these resources to practice your listening skills.

There are also many web sites with listening activities on the Internet that you can access. Try searching “ESL listening practice” and you will find many resources that you can try.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

Independance Day

2005-07-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 4th, 2005

Today is a special edition of Ask Doctor English, as our neighbors to the south in the United States of America celebrate the Fourth of July. This is a statutory holiday through the United States and a holiday for some Canadians as well.

America celebrates July 4 as Independence Day because it was on July 4, 1776, that members of the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. July 4th is celebrated as America's official split from Britain's rule and the beginning of the American Revolution.

The fourth of July is referred to as July 4th, Independence Day, or America’s birthday. On this day is it common for Americans to celebrate with a BBQ or picnic with family and friends. As well, parades, fireworks and other special events are also a common part of the celebration.

If you would like more information, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

HAPPY CANADA DAY !

2005-07-01T05:09:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 1^st, 2005

Today is a special edition of Ask Doctor English, as we celebrate Canada Day, which is a statutory holiday throughout Canada. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Day is known as Memorial Day.

Canada Day was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day. It is a celebration of the day in 1867 that the first colonies of British North America entered Confederation and became the Dominion of Canada.

Other names used in the past for Canada Day include: First of July, July the First, Confederation Day, and Dominion Day. On October 27, 1982, July 1^st, then known as "Dominion Day", it was decided by Parliament to become known as "Canada Day".

Canada Day is often celebrated with barbecues, parades, music, and fireworks in the evening. You will also likely hear the Canadian national anthem sung on Canada Day.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

If you would like more information, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-06-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

There are many differences in vocabulary between British English and North American English. This can sometimes make communication, even between native English speakers, a challenge.

I lived in England for nearly one and a half years and during that time learned many lessons about what vocabulary to use. My biggest mistake was using the Canadian word "pants", which is equivalent to the word "trousers" in England. In England, "pants" are what you wear under your trousers and what we in Canada call "underwear". When I realized my mistake I never said "pants" in England again!

If you have any examples of vocabulary mix-ups, please email Dr. English with your stories. If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, you can email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

**NEW - BIZ TALK

2005-06-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Using English for business purposes can be challenging. Typically speaking business English is more formal than the language used in everyday situations. However you need to consider not only the use of the language, but also the culture when using English in a business environment.

One of the areas that many business students struggle with is resume writing. This is because there are many differences in the style of resumes in North America, versus other countries.

The key difference in North American style resumes is that we do not include any personal information in our resume. That includes date of birth, martial status, cultural background, or religion. As well, it is rare to include a picture with you resume, unless you are applying for a job as a model or actor. The main reason for this is to avoid discrimination when applicants are applying for a job. It means that the employer can only compare candidates based on their education or experience, not age or race.

If you would like more information on BIZ TALK, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-06-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

There are some English words that are similar but have very different meanings. These words can be confusing and therefore are often used incorrectly by non-native speakers of English.

A common example of this are the words INTERESTING and INTERESTED. The word INTERESTING is an adjective which means that something attracts your attention, perhaps because it is exciting or unusual. The word INTERESTED is also an adjective, but it means that something is important and you are keen to learn more about it or spend time doing it. (Collins Cobuild Dictionary).

We can say that someone or something is INTERESTING, meaning that it attracts our attention. For example, your English class may be interesting or your teacher may be interesting. You can used INTERESTED to show a deeper meaning of importance in something. For example, you might be interested in learning English or other skills. Note that INTERESTED is followed by the preposition IN and then the gerund form of a verb or by a noun.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-06-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

A dictionary can be a very useful tool in helping students to learn English. Not only can it provide definitions for unfamiliar words, but it can also include information such as phrasal verbs, whether nouns are count and non-count and common prepositions to use with words.

Be careful when purchasing a dictionary, to make sure that your dictionary gives you more than just the definition of words. Electronic dictionaries, although more convenient are not always as accurate as paper dictionaries. If you are a high intermediate to advanced student, an English-English dictionary is the best choice to help you advance your skills and to avoid translating from your native language.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-06-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

The term PC or political correctness is one that is often referred to by Canadians. Political correctness is essentially the alteration of language so as not to offend or discriminate against people. In Canada, we have many “politically correct” terms in our language.

Examples of PC expressions include using the term “differently-abled”, instead of disabled or crippled. It is also commonly used for race or ethnic groups. One of the original PC terms was “African-American”, as opposed to black, Negro or colored. Another example is the use of the term “vertically challenged”, instead of short.

Recently, "political correctness" is used seriously by some people and jokingly by others. Some people feel that political correctness has gone too far, and others feel strongly that it brings peoples' unconscious biases into awareness. Regardless, you will notice that many Canadians use politically correct terms when speaking.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Do you find understanding informal greetings confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the meanings and how to respond to the many informal greetings in the English language.

Here are some common confusing questions and their typical responses:

"How’s it going?" (this means how are you doing?)
RESPONSE: Good, great, not bad.

"How are you making out?" (this means how are you doing, but can also be used when asking someone about their progress on a specific task/project.)
RESPONSE: Good, great, not bad or give some detail about how the task/project is going.

"How come?" (this means why?)
RESPONSE: Because…..

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-06-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

One of the skills that is often least practiced and can really help to improve overall communication skills is writing. Students who practice writing can often identify mistakes that are made when speaking and can also improve vocabulary.

One way to practice writing is through keeping a journal. The best thing to do is to write a small amount (maybe a half a page) everyday about what you have done. If you feel that this is too much, try writing at a minimum once a week and then write one or two pages. A journal is a great way to record your experiences, thoughts and actions, and at the same time, improve your English skills.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-06-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

1. 10 provinces
2. 3 territories
3. True (although some people now argue that it is the largest landmass)
4. Prime Minister (currently Paul Martin)
5. 6 times zones
6. a warm hat usually worn in winter
7. July 1st, 1867
8. the Native word "kanata" which means village

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-06-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Do you find understanding jokes confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with understanding humor. This is often because of the use of double meanings of words or phrases. See if you can figure out why this joke is supposed to be funny:)

The newlywed couple were checking into the hotel. The new groomapproached the desk clerk. He said he wanted the best for they were ontheir honeymoon. The clerk asked the man if he wanted the bridal."No," he said, "I don't believe I'll need it. I'll just grab onto her ears and hold on 'til she gets used to it."

The joke is that the clerk asked the man if he wanted the bridal. The clerk meant the “bridal suite”, which is a special room for honeymoon couples. The man understood the word bridle (which has the same pronunciation as bridal) which means the set of straps that is put around a horse’s head and mouth for the rider to control it.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-06-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

A common complaint of students when they have been studying a language for some time and have reached a good level of communication is that they feel that their skills are becoming worse and not better. This is a typical feeling of intermediate to advanced students, but is rarely true.

Often the reason that students feel their English is becoming worse, not better, is that they have become more critical of their skills. At this level, students become more aware of their grammar when speaking, and therefore recognize when they make mistakes. This is a GOOD thing, not a bad thing! As well, they are usually trying to break bad habits and therefore feel less confident in their speaking.

Honing any skills to become more proficient requires effort and a transition period in which we often feel uncomfortable. However, when you feel like this it simply means you are making a change – usually for the better!

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-06-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

So, how much do you know about Canada? Here’s a little quiz you can try:
1. How many provinces does Canada have?
2. How many territories?
3. Canada is the second largest landmass in the world – True or False?
4. What is the leader of Canada called?
5. How many times zones are there in Canada?
6. What is a toque?
7. When did Canada become independent from Britian?
8. What did the name Canada come from?

See if you can find the answers to these questions before the next edition of Canadian, eh?

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-06-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Do you find learning new words difficult? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with understanding meanings of new words.

One of things that is challenging about new words is learning them in isolation. It's more difficult to learn words individually, therefore try to link them together with other words that they are commonly found with.

For example: seek - When you seek the truth... / Children love to play hide and seek / Seek and ye shall find (this is from the Bible but lots of people say that when someone finds something they have been looking for).

These are probably the only times that people use the word seek, so it makes sense to learn it in those phrases. Practice those phrases out loud and then you will have a better chance of not only remembering them, but understanding them too.

Words that are commonly found together are called "collocations". You can buy a collocation dictionary to help you to learn new words.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-06-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Reading is a great way to improve vocabulary and comprehension. One of the most challenging things to read are newspapers, but they can enhance your skills to help you better understand the English language.
Before reading a newspaper article, focus on the headline. Understanding headlines are challenging for a few reasons:

They are not full sentences and are often missing articles, verbs and other grammar structure.
Headlines often use vocabulary in unusual ways, and sometimes have a double meaning.

Before reading an article, try to understand the meaning of the headline by making it a complete sentence, and by identifying the meaning (or meanings) of the vocabulary. Through understanding the headline, you will have a basic idea of what the article will refer to, and will assist your overall understanding while reading.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-06-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

In Canada, it is helpful to know the names for our different types of currency. For example, the coins are referred to as follows :

$.01 – penny
$.05 – nickel
$.10 – dime
$. 25 – quarter
$1.00 – loonie
$2.00 – toonie

Do you know why the one dollar coin is called the loonie? Take a look at a one dollar coin and you will see a picture of a bird on the front. That bird is known as a loon. This is how the coin became known as the loonie. The two dollar coin got its nickname from a combination of "two" and "loonie".

Note that the word loony (pronounced the same as loonie) is a slang expression which means crazy, strange or eccentric, so sometimes people will make jokes about the coin which refer to this meaning.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-06-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Do you find learning Slang Expressions confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the many slang expressions in the English language.

In our last edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, Dr. English asked you to find the meanings of some common slang expressions related to money. Here are the answers :

Throw money out a window – to waste your money.
Ex: You are throwing money out a window by going to a school other than the Vancouver English Centre!

Get your money’s worth – to get good value for your money.
Ex: I really got my money’s worth at the All-You-Can-Eat sushi restaurant.

Quick buck – money made quickly or easily.
Ex: I don’t care what kind of work I do, I just need to make a quick buck.
**Buck is a slang word for money**

Feel like a million bucks – to feel great.
Ex: Last night I slept for 10 hours and today I feel like a million bucks!

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-06-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

Listening is a skill that many students struggle with, as some native speakers are very easy to understand and others are more difficult. It is important to practice your listening skills by focusing on different accents and ways of speaking, by listening to both men and women, and to people of different cultural backgrounds.

One way to focus your listening skills is by watching TV or movies at home, and by using captions. It is helpful to watch a movie or program first with captions and pay attention to words or expressions that you are unfamiliar with. Then, watch the same movie or program again without the captions and see how much you can understand. You may even want to watch the same show a third time and see if your comprehension improves even more.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-06-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

There are many differences in conversation styles depending on cultural background. When in a conversation in Canada, one person introduces a topic and it is expected that the second person will respond and then add something additional to the topic. They can agree or disagree, but they should continue bouncing the discussion back and forth, like in a tennis game. If there are more than two people, they do not wait for their turn, they simply jump into the conversation whenever they have a point to make.

This is very different from some other cultures, such as Japan, where you wait for your turn to speak and there is an order to who speaks when. It is important to be aware of the differences in conversation styles in other cultures to be sure that you don’t unintentionally offend anyone.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-06-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

Do you find learning Slang Expressions confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with the many slang expressions in the English language.

The best way to learn new slang expressions is to listen to how and where they are being used. The most important thing for a non-native English speaker is to UNDERSTAND slang expressions, not necessarily to use them. If you do try to use a slang expression, use it in the SAME situation in which you heard it being used and do not try to apply it to other situations. This is how slang expressions are often used incorrectly.

There are many slang expressions related to money. Here are some :

Throw money out a window

Get your money’s worth

Quick buck

Feel like a million bucks

See you if you can find out the meanings of these slang expressions and in what situations you might use them. Dr. English will provide the answers in the next edition of WORDS, WORDS, WORDS.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

T.I.P.S – To Improve, Practice Skills

2005-06-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Tired of studying English through basic grammar practice? There are many other creative ways to practice and improve your language skills than just by using a textbook.

It is important to pay attention to grammar mistakes you make in your speaking if you want to improve your overall conversation skills. When you get a correction from your teacher, try to write it down and then practice it at home.

For example, if you commonly use an incorrect preposition combination such as depend of, and someone corrects you by saying depend on, you should go home and practice that combination by repeating it to yourself. Then, the next time you say it incorrectly, you should correct yourself. Self-correction is a very important skill to learn because you will not always have a teacher around to make the correction for you.

If you would like more information on T.I.P.S for English, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

CANADIAN, EH ?

2005-06-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of learning English is that the language changes depending on the English-speaking country in which you are in. Whether you are in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, or any of the many other countries in which English is the primary language, you will find the language changes. Not only are there distinctions in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, but there are also many cultural differences which affect how we use the language.

In Canada, when you see someone that you know you usually say "Hi, how are you?" or "Hi, how’s it going?". You will notice that sometimes when Canadians say that to each other, they do not wait for a response to the question "How are you". They simply say it and then continue walking.

This is because often "How are you" is used as part of the greeting "Hi" and therefore the person is not really asking how you are. This is particularly common with people that you don’t know very well. If the person does wait for a reply, they are usually waiting for something positive, such as "Fine", "Good" or "Great". Most likely they are not expecting you to tell them in great detail about your illness or the bad day you have been having. Again, this is most common between acquaintances. Between close friends, the expression "How are you" may have a more genuine meaning.

If you would like more information on CANADIAN, EH?, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

2005-06-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

Do you find English pronunciation confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Even native speakers of English struggle with how to correctly pronounce some words.

One of the reasons why English pronunciation is difficult is because there are many words which are spelled differently, have different meanings, but are pronounced EXACTLY the same. These are called homophones. Here are some examples of commonly mispronounced homophones :

Flower (a plant) = Flour (the white powder used for baking)

Whether (if) = Weather (sunny, cloudy, etc.)

Bear (the animal) = Bare (not covered by anything)

Facts (true information) = Fax (the machine)

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.