Idiom-To move heaven and earth

To move heaven and earth—to do something by using all means necessary

ex. Ken will move heaven and earth just to make his wife happy.

Learning English By Reading Comic Books

Sometimes, parents discourage their children to read comic books and tell them to read academic books instead, thinking that children will not learn anything from comic books. This is not entirely true. Actually, a kid can learn tons of things by reading comic books. It just depends on what type of comic book a child reads.


I suggest that instead of not allowing children to read comics, the parents should probably buy them ones which are kid-friendly and at the same time, written in English. This way, even in their free time or should I say fun time, the children would still be learning something unconsciously. They would think they're just having fun, when actually, they are also enhancing their reading comprehension skills and increasing their vocabulary, without the pressure of school marks.

While this suggestion is especially meant for non-native speakers of English, it could also be applicable to native speakers of the English language. It is a fact that many people nowadays, especially kids commit many grave mistakes in spelling. Comic books might help out a lot for your children to learn the correct spelling of words.

If you yourself are into reading English comic books, it would be a lot easier to guide your children in learning from those comic books. You could read the stories with them. That way, you can teach them how certain words are properly pronounced. If they have questions on the meanings of some words, they could ask you. When there are spelling mistakes in the comic books due to slang language, you could tell them why they're like that and what the correct spelling is.

Aside from the mentioned advantages which are all related to learning English, there are many other benefits you and your children could derive from reading comic books. First, you would understand their generation better—what they like and dislike, what things interest them, etc. which enables you to reach out to them. Also, you would understand their way of thinking better when they express their opinions about some particular characters or scenes. You would share something in common with your kids, making you not just their parent/s but their friends as well. So, do you still think your kids won't learn anything from comic books? :)

Below is a short list of sites where you can read comic books/comic strips. In some of the mentioned sites, you can read the comics online, and in some, you can even download the comics.:)

Some Recommended Comic Sites :
http://www.archiecomics.com/pops_shop/dailycomics/dailycomic.html
http://comixland.blogspot.com
http://comicstripblog.com/
http://yetanothercomicsblog.blogspot.com/

Idiom-Save your skin

Save your skin—save your life

ex. Don't worry about me because I know how to defend myself. Just save your skin.

Learning English Through Games

Reading about English grammar, pronunciation, etc. is not the only way to learn English. Oftentimes, we learn best by doing things we enjoy such as playing games. Thus, instead of not letting your children play games, suggest some good games where they can learn English from such as the one below. This way, they will not only get to learn English, they can also have fun which is how learning is supposed to be.

Word Master

Click here to play this game

This online English game enhances one's vocabulary. There's a time limit for the player to make the word which makes it exciting. It also has a story behind it, so you're in some kind of a quest so getting your goal depends on your English vocabulary skills.

Verb Tense Quiz

Verb Tense Quiz

Instructions: Give the correct form of the verb.

1. He ________everything if he continues to be like that.
   
   
   1. loose
      
   2. lose
      
   3. will lose
   
   
   Answerc

2. They _________my advice yesterday.
   
   
   1. seeked
      
   2. will seek
      
   3. sought
   
   
   Answerc

3. I have already _________a horse before.
   
   
   1. ridden
      
   2. ride
      
   3. rode
   
   
   Answera

4. He _______beer with his friends every weekend.
   
   
   1. drank
      
   2. drinks
      
   3. drunk
   
   
   
   Answerb

5. Dianne couldn't believe that he _______to her.
   
   
   1. laid
      
   2. lyed
      
   3. lied
   
   
   Answerc

Copyright (C) 2009 by D.A.S.

Idiom-Tread the middle aisle

Tread the middle aisle—to get married

ex. My younger sister is both excited and nervous because she will tread the middle aisle this year.

Conjunctions Quiz

Conjunctions Quiz

Instructions: Choose the conjunction that would make the sentence correct.

1. Everyone wants to find happiness, _____ it seems so elusive.
   
   
   1. and
      
   2. because
      
   3. but
   
   
   Answerc

2. _________he is not very tall, he is definitely handsome.
   
   
   1. Yet
      
   2. Although
      
   3. Since
   
   
   Answerb

3. I will pay you ________ I get the money.
   
   
   1. for
      
   2. when
      
   3. that's why
   
   
   Answerb

4. Larry is good in Math ______ he is a whiz in Science too.
   
   
   1. since
      
   2. for
      
   3. and
   
   
   
   Answerc

5. She is thinking if she will dance ______ if she will sing for the upcoming party.
   
   
   1. or
      
   2. but
      
   3. although
   
   
   Answera

Copyright (C) 2009 by D.A.S.

New Blog Name-English Trainer

Hi everyone! I would just like to inform you (as if you haven't noticed yet^^) that I've changed this blog's name (formerly Learning the Art of English Conversation) into simply 'English Trainer'. I think it's more suitable to the blog since this blog does not only discuss topics about English conversations, but all about English. Also, the name is easier to remember since it's the same as its URL.

Idiom-Under lock and key

Image via Wikipedia

Under lock and key-- locked safely

ex. You don't have to worry about your jewelry. I have it under lock and key.

Verbs Denoting Animal Sounds

How do we put into English words the sounds animals make? Read this post to find out.
Verbs Denoting Animal Sounds

Publish at Scribd or explore others: eBooks grammar Verbs

A Blog Carnival of English Learning-April 2, 2009

Welcome to the April 2, 2009 edition of a blog carnival of english learning.

Jason Sharp presents How to learn a language part #2: Set up for success 1-3 posted at International Insider, saying, "General how to learn a language article."

Rani presents What does this quote mean to you? posted at Rayray's writing, saying, "Enjoy this writing prompt."

One Language presents Differences Between British and American English posted at Learn English Articles, saying, "If you're ever spoken with a British person or visited the United Kingdom, you're probably noticed that, although we're speaking the same language, there are some pretty significant differences between American English and British English."

soldave presents Preparing students for English speech & debate contests posted at Big in Japan, saying, "A guide to preparing students for English language speech & debate contests, written by an English teacher in Japan"

Cyndi presents Hypnotic Language Patterns | Evolution Ezine posted at Evolution Ezine?Evolution Ezine - Collect your free mind power and self growth gifts, saying, "In just one five minute video postyou will learn how to use the word try in a way that will benefit you and those you are working with. You will learn how to use a specific language pattern, "The More the More", to greatly increase the effective of your communications.And you will learn how the tonality of your voice affects the message that you deliver."

Cyndi presents A boat called freedom part 1 | Evolution Ezine posted at Evolution Ezine?Evolution Ezine - Collect your free mind power and self growth gifts, saying, "A beautifully written, inspirational fiction highlighting humankind's current state of consciousness. A piece that makes you think."

Scott Palat presents TutorFi.com - Five Ways a One-On-One Tutor Can Help a Student posted at Colleen Palat.

scedu presents How to Improve English Skills | ScEdu.com posted at ScEdu, saying, "Language is our means of communication. When you advance your language skills, you become a better communicator and thus meet with greater success in your social and business interactions. Misunderstandings, due to poor English, can be avoided when you seek to improve your skills. Here are five easy exercises, that, when practiced consistently, will set you on the path to a mastery of English."

Lori DiPatri presents pArAmOuR posted at Where in the world is....Deerwood Drive, saying, "witty look at the meaning behind words"

Diane presents American English: A 2-Minute Introduction posted at ULS blog for International Students, saying, "English in America includes a variety of words and phrases not heard in Britain, Australia or other English-speaking countries. American English can even vary based on where in the country you are located."

Shannon Christman presents Have We Dated? What Is Dating, Anyway? posted at The Minority Thinker, saying, "A blog post exploring the definition of "dating"

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