Ways to Improve English Skill

It doesn't really matter whether you were born in an english speaking country or have moved from abroad, it can be beneficial for everyone to improve their grasp on the english language. When you improve your reading and writing skills, you will find that you become better at communicating and will have much more success in your social and business interactions. Here are five ways that when practiced consistently, will improve your english skills immensely.

1. Buy a dictionary.
Having a dictionary on hand is a great way to improve your vocabulary. If english is your second language, buy a combination dictionary which has two sections, one in your native language and the other in english. A good start is to choose about five to ten new English words to learn each and every day. Make sure you keep a list as you go along and continuously review your list. Even if you just learn a few words a day, your vocabulary will increase by at least 1,000 words in only a year! If you are using a combination dictionary, make sure you look for words you already know in your native language that you have no idea how to express in English. You will find that this method can really improve your english skills quickly.

2. Purchase a grammar book.
When improving your english skills, a grammar book is very handy. You will find that there are a number of fantastic grammar books available. One example is Strunk & White's 'Elements of Grammar'. Another great grammar book to use is 'Essentials of English', which not only covers grammar, but also correct usage and even punctuation, with separate sections which will teach you how to improve clarity in your speech and writing.

3. Learn how to correctly order the words in a sentence.
Correct ordering of words in a sentence is called syntax. This is usually one of the most difficult areas to master in any language. In order to improve english skills in this area, start by studying the parts of sentences in detail. You will need to practice and get the help of a skilled native english speaker to improve your skills.

4. Get amongst people who only speak english.
You have probably heard of what is called language immersion techniques, where someone is put amongst people who speak nothing but the native language. You will find that through repetition, imagery and demonstration, people will pick up on the language in a very short time, at least to a conversational level. Start by trying this with friends and make sure to ask for feedback.

5. Sign up for an english course.
Last but not least, sign up for an english course. There are a number of ways that you can do courses these days. It can either take place in a classroom, through an email course, distance learning or even through online video seminars.

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I'm BACK !!!!!

Finally after staying nearly 3 months in INTI-UC, I managed to go back to my hometown this weekend. I was so happy and always anxious to go back all the while before this. And now, I am lying on my bed and preparing to share with you guys about my enjoyable but busy days for this weekend.

I missed my YG's members (Yellow Gang) very much as it had been 3 months that I never meet them. So after my lunch, KYLIE, my BFF (Best Friend Forever) and also one of my YG's friends accompanied me to Summit Parade ( one of the shopping centre in my hometown) . I was so excited and almost cried out when I saw her. It's like coincidencely meet a friend that has already lost contact for about ten years in a street. But I was so happy because her first reaction when seeing me was shocked and said, 'You're getting thinner'. Hahahaa.. And then here came her second reaction, 'OMG! What's wrong with your hair?? It's so messy. Now the first thing we should do is go for a haircut.' LoL. I must admit that she is really my BFF, none of my friends other than her can really understand and read my mind like she does. So we went to ARTS CREATION Hair Studio and found my hairstylist to 'save' my messy hair. LoL. After the cut, we went to RAIN FOREST for a break and had our tea time.

It's yummy!!!!

After staying about 4 hours there, we decided to change our venue and followed Kylie's mother to visit some boutiques. I was satisfied because I managed to buy myself a pair of jeans and a shirt. I like it very much. Again that night, YG's members, Kylie, Wen Xin, Renee and I went to our favorite hang-out, which is Mc Donald's and had our favorite Sundae ice cream. I really enjoyed the moment we spent together, gossiped about others and shared our experience of the past. Oh ya, by the way, thanks our driver, Jun Yong. Haha =p

By the time i wanted to take photo, it's already empty. LoL

The next day, we went to Square One to watch movie before I left to INTI. Guess what did we watch?!?? Haha. Don't think so you guys can get it. We watched 'The Hanna Montana Movie' in MBO. I liked the show very much. It's about Miley Cyrus who struggles to juggle school, friends and her secret popstar persona. But when Hannah Montana's soaring popularity threatens to take over her life - she just might let it. So her father, Billy Ray Cyrus takes the teen home to Crowley Corners, Tennesse, for a dose of reality, kicking off an adventure filled with the kind of fun, laughter and romance even Hannah Montana couldn't imagine.

'It's a climb, but the view is great'

Then after that, we went to our the other favorite and usual hang-out --- Witchery Ider. I missed the drinks and atmosphere there very much. There are lots of our sweet and unforgettable memories in Witchery Ider as we used to go there every once a week before this. We were singing songs, playing Wii, chit-chatting and having our tea break there.

Our favorite drink, 'Mo Li Dian Zi'

Kylie, me, ah Xin

Last but not least, YG, I love you guys!!! Take care, muakzzz ^^

Virus H1N1, go away!!!!!!!!!!

Every day when we read through newspapers, there must be an article about cases of H1N1 that keep increasing in Malaysia. Since the past few weeks, Virus H1N1 or also known as Swine Flu had attacked our society and became the hottest global issue among the society. According to the latest report, the total number of cases has increased to 244, with 206 imported cases and 38 local transmissions in Malaysia. However, what H1N1 actually is and how does it affect our daily routine? Now I am going to share some information about H1N1 in this entry.

What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?
It’s not known at this time how severe novel H1N1 flu virus will be in the general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from novel H1N1 virus infection as well.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak. CDC is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age. Early reports indicate that no children and few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

Below are some flu-safety tips, which will help to avoid swine flu (or any flu). They'll also help to ensure that the virus doesn't spread needlessly.

· Tip 1: Stay home if you're sick.
· Tip 2: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Tip 3: Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Tip 4: Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
· Tip 5: Keep up with health information in your own community.

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BATU PAHAT is in Malaysia...!!!

'Hey, where are you from?'
'I am from BATU PAHAT, Johor.'
'Pardon? BATU PAHAT?? What's that? Is it in Malaysia?'
'............................'

I was really speechless whenever people asked about my hometown. 'Where is BATU PAHAT?' has become a must-be answer for the question. I have already get used to the answer until even if people answer 'I know where is BATU PAHAT', I will start wondering is this guy normal? LoL..
Well, since not much people know about my beloved hometown known as BATU PAHAT, it's my pleasure now to briefly introduce to you guy this wonderful and fantastic place.

First and foremost, BATU PAHAT is the place my mum gave birth to me and brought me up. So it is my very beloved hometown where I spent all my happy and memorable life events. It is a very small place as not much people know about it. But the technological advancement has developed and changed this small little unwell-known place into a small city.

Batu Pahat is a district in the state of Johor, Malaysia. The name Batu Pahat means ‘chiseled rock’ in Malay. For the town’s centennial celebration in the early 90’s, a quaint monument depicting a ‘floating hand chiseling a rock’ was set up in the town square. It became the landmark of the town instantaneously. Currently, the newly refurbished town square is popular with locals to chill out on weekend nights and also provides as a venue for many public festive celebrations. Batu Pahat is growing rapidly and has now developed to become the second major town in Johor state after Johor Bahru.

The identity of BATU PAHAT, it's in the downtown.

The most 'class' shopping centre in Batu Pahat, BP Mall

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UnbEarabLe =(

Is this our first and last outing??! Yes, I think so. It definitely is. Sob sob

Finally it’s time to leave. It was really sad, but luckily there was sweet memory also behind the sadness.

Actually we planned to have a badminton match between ourselves before Raymond left INTI, but unluckily some exams and occasions were being carried out in the MPH, and so we have no choice to play outside as he was leaving this weekend. So end up we played in Dewan Bandaraya Nilai today, 18^th June. Coincidencely Girish was back to INTI yesterday to finish his stuff here, so Raymond drove five of us to our destination. It was the most wonderful and happy match that I never had before. I kept laughing during the whole match because of RAYMOND PRAKASH who did lots of funny stuffs and stupid jokes. But he was a great and professional one while playing badminton. His reaction and speed of catching the ball was very fast. Maybe it’s because of he is a tennis player, so the size of badminton court is just a piece of cake for him to run if compared to a tennis court. LoL.

After two hours of running here and there, we were all so tired and starved. Thus it was time for Raymond and Girish to give us a treat for farewell dinner. Again it was a memorable but yet sad one as it was our last gathering for the time being. Due to my suggestion, we went to Pizza Hut for our dinner. Hahahass. Everyone know that I scare of spicy. At first I do not know what Tabasco taste like as I enjoy original taste of food and never mix with other sauce. They were all so bad and lied to me that it was sweet sauce and kept persuading me to have it. Sigh. End up, I get into their trap. It was SPICY. I think the reason why I was full that night is because of I kept drinking water. LoL. At the end, they spent about RM60++ for the treat. Hahahasss.

*Paparazzi took some photos because WoanLing requested for that!I'm sorry guys!XD*

Pleasant hours fly past when we are enjoying. It is really time to say GOODBYE. No matter how, hopefully our friendships will last forever and keep in touch with each other in the future. FRIENDS, good luck and all the best throughout your life. May God bless you guys. Ciao~

Time to leaVe

Many people come and leave our life. Even though how close they are with us, it’s just the problem of time; they will definitely leave us sooner or later. Thus, everyone will surely experience the pain of separation. So do I.

Ever since I was in INTI, I get to know many new friends. But sadly to tell that 2 out of them are leaving soon because of the offer of JPA. As for me, friends play a very important role in my life because I hate loneliness. So I really felt very sad when I knew that they are leaving soon. Anyhow, I must admit that it is a great opportunity that they can get the offer of JPA. I will support them for their leaving and bless for them always.

And the only thing I dislike about AUP is that your friends or anyone that sits next to you in class will suddenly get out of your sight. Any of your classmates might leave for State anytime or people that you meet in this semester does not mean that you can meet them again in the next semester. So this is why some people said that AUP is a ‘Hi and Bye’ programme.

Therefore, I must treasure every moments with my friends in INTI before anyone of us leave for own future. >.<

ReLaxing..

Finally I walked my talk.

I had been planning for this since I was in INI. But I had no chance to realize my promise as a lot of assignments and tests were on last few weeks. And now, finally I could make it!!

It is all about my enjoyable trip to my aunt’s place, Sri Damansara.

Early in the morning, I started my journey to Kepong by bus and KTM. It was the 1^st time I traveled alone in a foreign place as NILAI was still new and strange to me. While I was waiting bus outside INTI, I met a girl who’s from Nilai College and was going to KTM station also. And so, it started my journey with her accompany. But after getting into the KTM, she left while reaching her destination in Kajang, and again I was alone. Sigh.

After almost 1.30hours of traveling, finally I reached my destination. LoL. Then after lunch, my cousins and I went to 1 Utama, the nearest shopping centre to my aunt’s house. We had a lot of fun there, shopping, eating, hanging around chit-chating and even watching movie.

OMG. It was the 1^st time I watched scary movie. Due to my cousin’s request, we watched ‘Drag me to Hell’. It was really horrible and ghastly. You know what. From the moment I entered the theatre, I never open my eyes. I just roughly knew what the show was about by listening. Hahhahaa. Actually I intended to sleep inside the theatre because I knew that I would definitely not dare to watch scary show. But who knows, the sound effect was damn loud and yet scary, making me could not fall asleep. Sigh. 1^st time I felt suffering watching movie. LoL

After staying one night there, I had to leave to INTI. But anyhow, it was really a wonderful trip. I enjoyed a lot as this was the time in which I could forget or brush aside those annoying stuffs in college. And finally I could have home make dishes. I was really sick of the food outside, expensive but yet awful.

Promise, I will make another trip there again. Ciao~