Improve your English: know the difference between “affect” and “effect” 

 

In a recent article, we wrote about the difference between improve and improvise and how to use these two similar terms appropriately. Continuing this series on using similar-sounding English words correctly, let us consider the use of the words “affect” and “effect”. 

Both terms  mean “impact” or “result” of something, but their usage  varies depending on the context in which they are being used.

 

 

Affect

The word “affect” is generally used in the context of “how” or whether something impacts you. The following examples  should explain this better.

 

  • Does the new tax regulation affect you?
  • How will Raj’s resignation affect the work in the team?
  • I don’t think the change in weather affects me at all.

 

 

Effect

The word “effect” on the other hand is generally used in the context of answering the “what” of a result. Let us consider a few examples of sentences that use the word effect correctly.

 

  • We ensured that there would be no effect of the festive season on our campaigns.
  • What is the effect of global warming on agriculture in India?

 

The above question could also be written as: How does global warming affect agriculture in India?

 

Note how the two words have been used differently, even though the questions were quite similar in nature.

 

The word “effect” is also used when we are referring to something coming into force. For example:

 

  • The new guidelines will take effect from Jan 01, 2019.
  • Rail fares will go up with effect from Jan 01, 2019.

 

Hope these examples help you to get a clear understanding of when to use affect and effect. Are there other English words that confuse you? Let us know through our Facebook page and we will try to address all your queries related to improving your English-speaking skills.

 

 

Related articles:

 

Common English grammar mistake: use of 'been' and 'being'

 

Common English Usage Differences: Bring versus Take

 

Difference between Sometimes, Sometime and Some Time

 

How to improve your vocabulary for entrance exams?

 

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-By Chander Madan

 

 

 

How to improve your vocabulary for entrance exams?

Many of us may have conveniently ignored the spelling test exam back at school; however, as we grow, we happen to realize the importance and the need of being well acquainted with words. Whether you wish to improve your vocabulary for a college entrance exam or to secure a better position in your future career, you are at the right place!



This article is an informative piece on how to tackle the learning process of acquiring a stronger vocabulary the right way...

The three point vocabulary constructor:


1. Source search: The first step in the right direction is that you need to get proactive and look for a source that could teach you at least five new words a day. You could use a dictionary, an online English tutor, or find an interactive blog to meet more people who have the thirst to learn and strengthen their spoken English vocabulary as well. Look for bonus sources that along with the meaning of the word; also provide you with the right set of example teaching you how to use the word in sentences as well.

2. Build your own dictionary: Nothing works better than writing it down. Maintain a notepad full of the words you've been learning, along with its meaning in simple text. You need to build an association with the words and do some groundwork on the same. Read about the words, look for synonyms and make it a point to familiarize yourself with these words by maintaining a written record in your very own little dictionary.

Example:

Obscure

Meaning- Difficult to see, vague

Synonym- Confuse, Blot out

Usage- That rainy night brought with it an obscure vision that made it difficult to drive.

This is just one such example of a word that you probably didn't really know. You can catch hold of a host of difficult words to help you understand and adapt them into your day-to-day life. Also, one of the  fastest and most efficient form of gaining a good vocabulary would be enrolling in an online English program to help develop a more proficient vocabulary than the usual self-study.



3. Construct sentences: The words you've learned need to be framed in your head. And how will that happen? Well, the only way of grasping those words completely is by using them in your very own sentences. Make sure the sentences you construct are not amateurish and unskilled. The English language has a lot to explore and the learning process should help you connect to it and enhance your English communication skills to an elated level altogether. You could also take your lessons a few notches higher by complicating it. Pick five new learned words and try framing a paragraph that makes complete sense around it. A fact is that if you've done your homework well, you'll be surprised at what you've come up with.



Reading, learning, registering and practicing are the four-step process that will help you incredibly in your vocabulary journey henceforth. Keep aside all your inhibitions and gain a strong foundation in both your written as well as spoken English. The above-mentioned activity should take you only 15 minutes per word. In addition, make sure to focus and take each of the three steps seriously to reap the benefits of being an English professional. On having completed and attained a command over new words, you can confidently start including them in your vocabulary set and begin using them flawlessly.

About eAgeTutor:


eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve english in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English speaking courses or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

1. Why English is Considered an International Language?
2. Who or Whom: Learn the Right Usage with Examples
3. What are words with similar meaning /opposite meaning to another word known as?
4. What are words that confuse you known as?
5. What are vowels and Consonants?

How to open a bank account?

Opening a bank account is a simple and quick process with a standardized procedure. There are different types of banking accounts that a consumer can open based on his preferences and convenience. Gone were the days when storing hard cash at home was the norm. Nowadays, the majority of the general population has at least a savings bank account. Financial institutions follow English as the norm for communication. Though they have a documentation process, which is multilingual, it is always preferable to use English. For this, strong English communication skills are required. Below are a few guidelines to be kept in mind while opening a bank account.



Guidelines for opening a bank account


Detailed enquiry information

While getting information from the bank to open an account, remember to note down all the details. Bank opening processes require photos, identification and address proof documents to be submitted. In addition, there are various nominal charges levied by the banks for the operation of the accounts. If you miss out on any documents or information, it will lead to resubmission of your application, which is a waste of time. You should have fluent English vocabulary to get through the application process without any hassles.

True information

Always give true information while submitting your application. If the bank finds out that you gave false documents, they may take legal action later. Hence, to avoid potentially embarrassing situations, always give accurate information and true documents.

Politeness

Remember to be polite throughout your conversation. The account opening process can be lengthy and it can get frustrating. Do not lose your calm in such situations. You can learn polite conversational etiquette with the help of an online English tutor.



Sample Conversation


Situation: You wish to open a savings account at ICICI bank. You approach the enquiring counter.

You: Good Morning, I wish to open a bank account here. Can you tell me what is the procedure for opening accounts?

Bank Officer: Certainly Sir, which type of account do you wish to open?

You: A savings account.

Bank officer: ok, I will give you the account opening form. You need to fill it correctly and submit it along with your documents.

You: Which documents do you need?

Bank Officer: We will need one photocopy of your PAN card/Aadhar/ Ration Card. You may have to bring the originals for verification also. Along with the documents, you need to submit 2 passport size photographs.

You: Okay. Any charges?

Bank Officer: Rs.115 will be deducted per year for Debit card and SMS alerts. Apart from that, there are no charges. Do you need a credit card? It offers lots of benefits.

You: No thanks. I just need a debit card and net banking.

Bank officer: All right. Here's the account opening form. Please ensure that you fill in correct details and submit the true documents on time. Any deviation will lead to problems later on.

You: Okay, thanks for your help.

Bank Officer: My pleasure, have a nice day!



You can see the above sample conversation encompasses all the guidelines to be followed, while opening a bank account. Simulate the above conversation with your friend or an online English tutor. Don't let lack of fluent English speaking skills prevent you from opening a bank account.

About eAgeTutor:


eAgeTutor.com is a premier online English learning institute. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts, from around the globe, help you to improve in an all-round manner. Assignments and tasks based well-researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. In this age of effective and advance communication technology, online spoken English programs are the most effective and convenient way to learn English.

For further information on our online English learning institute or to experience the wonders of the virtual classroom, fix a demonstration session with our tutor.

- By Monika Agarwal

Related Topics:

1. How to Talk to Strangers?

2. How to Greet? Learn the Basics

3. Golden Rules for Improving Spoken English

4. How to Ask for the Bill in a Restaurant?

5. How to book an airline ticket with travel agent?

How Should I Improve My Vocabulary for IELTS?

Many students who are taking up the IELTS exam approach us with this question. We have discussed in one of our blogs - IELTS Preparation – Things to Know. Today, we will focus on the vocabulary part of IELTS. IELTS is an International English Language Testing System that assesses your language ability. For students who want to pursue higher studies in a country where English is the main language of communication, IELTS is a mandatory test. It comprises of reading, writing, speaking and listening test.

Today, in our online IELTS preparation class, we will teach you all about improving your vocabulary. Essay-writing is an integral part of this test and you can score well only if your vocabulary is good.

IELTS essay structure:

IELTS practice is incomplete without practicing essay-writing. Ideally, you are suggested to read sample essays and make notes of the important phrases. You can also evaluate the structure. The topic of essay may vary, but the phrases can be reused with some changes. However, ensure that you know the meanings of the phrases before using them. Suppose, your general English is not very good and you are using a phrase like "Curiosity killed the cat," it is likely that the examiner will understand that you have mugged up a phrase and tried to incorporate in your write-up. In such a case, you may not create the impression that you ideally wanted to.

Therefore, the best way to go about it is to learn a few phrases and understand their usage in the English language.

Let us look at some of the common phrases that you can use to write an essay.

Personal expressions:

The phrases listed here come handy when introducing a subject in an opinion-based essay or can be used when concluding your essay.

Ex: In my experience ...

It seems to me that ...

I am of the opinion that ...

Impersonal phrases:

You can use these phrases in your introduction to restate the question or in the body of your essay while introducing the subject of argument.

Ex: A common opinion is that ...

It is often said that ...

Many commentators share the view that ...

General writing phrases:

Generally speaking, typically, on the whole, often, frequently, etc. These are general writing phrases and you could use them to generalize a statement that otherwise may appear too strong.


Use examples:

IELTS coaching institutes stresses on the need of using the language of examples while appearing for the IELTS test. Use phrases like: for instance, for example, let us illustrate this with the help of an example, etc.

Conclusion phrases

Ideally, a conclusion paragraph of an essay should begin with:

• In conclusion

• To summarize

Improving your English vocabulary for IELTS can become easy, if you start practicing. Take the help of an online English class. There are a number of IELTS online preparation classes that would help you with mock tests where you can practice your English language ability. Best of luck.

Gear up! It’s Test Time

Hello people, it is our second test of the test series! 

We hope, you have been practicing English diligently. With the simple and tried-and-tested tips we provide, aren't you guys finding learning English a lot better?

How well did you guys score in our last test (http://english.eagetutor.com/english/1-spoken-english/569-english-exercises-for-beginners.html)? To brush up your skills and to give you an idea of where you stand as far as reading and spoken English is concerned, and how much more you need to work. However, one keeps learning English constantly, because that is the beauty of this language. There are new things to learn everyday!

Without much ado, let us start the test.

1. Isn't there anything better than this on TV?
I'm sorry, ______

A: there is anything better than this

B: they isn't

C: this is the better show.

D: there's nothing better.

2. Can you speak a foreign language?

A. Yes, I can speaks Chinese.

B. Yes, I can. I speak Chinese very well.

C. I can speak the Chinese.

3. Are Audi cars expensive?

A. Yes, are the most expensive cars in the world.

B. Yes, they are very more expensive.

C. Yes, they are very expensive

4. Will you get me some salt please?

A. No, thank you.

B. Sure, no problem. How much salt do you want?

C. Yes, I will. Here you are.

5. What happened to the cake?

A. The cake was eating by Suresh.

B. Was eaten by Suresh.

C. It was eaten by Suresh.

D. Suresh eating the cake.

6. Put these words in the correct order:

A. She

B. Was about to

C. Gave her a raise

D. Quit her job

E. When they

7. Identify the adjective in the following sentence:

Ships can reach Alaska in a relatively short time because of the extreme cold conditions.

8. Which of the following sentence is correct?

A. In the kitchen of Suresh, there is a stove, a sink and a refrigerator.

B. Is boiling water in a pot on the stove.

C. The clean dishes are on the shelves, inside the cupboard.

D. Behind the refrigerator, there is many dust.

9. Which of the following is not a polite sentence?

A. May I have some ketchup please?

B. I'd like a beer.

C. Can I get some salad?

D. Could I have a cup of coffee?

E. I want a hamburger.

10. Have you ______ been to Africa?

A. Ever

B. Still

C. Always

D. Much

E. Yet

So, get your pen and paper out and crack this simple test. All the best!




Learning English grammar and spoken English can become easy and convenient, provided you join the right English speaking class. With online classes for English speaking like eAgeTutor, learning English grammar can become quick and easy. Fluency in spoken English is a must, as it reflects your mastery of the language and exudes confidence, and with a proficient online English class like eAgeTutor, you can polish your English speaking skills and also learn new terms and phrases.