воскресенье, 06 сентября 2009
13:55

I wonder or I was wondering

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
It's always better to speak from the context)

Nevertheless, 'I wonder' usually has the meaning of 'I'd like to know'

here's an example:
'When he phoned me two days ago he was telling me a long story about why he had been late for school. At that time I was wondering if he was really delayed'
I mean that at that time I was thinking if he was telling the truth. Some time later, I either learnt the truth or lost interest in that matter.

some useful notes:

- in such sentences 'if' is usually translated into Russian as 'ли'
- mind the tenses:
I wonder - present simple
I wondered - past simple
I was wondering - past continuous

@темы: English, posts&comments, I wonder, grammar

URL
13:52

Reading vs. Grammar

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
I like reading classics for the language itself and for the historical background. I believe, classic books are much more useful than lots of grammar books and course books, though after you've read them all - LOL

Actually I'd never compare grammar and reading as they have different teaching influence. So, to read books one should be acquainted with at least elementary grammar and some amount of words. Anyway, reading good books develops language taste. Thus, grammar and reading practice should go together.
Besides, there's also reading for pleasure.

As for J. Austen, I'd say, her books are highly popular and there are lot's of screened versions. Though, I greatly doubt if a young lad would find her books enjoyable. Personally I love her books and the films.

@темы: English, reading, posts&comments, Austen, I, grammar

URL
13:40

Dr Zhivago

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
'Dr Zhivago' (1965) is David Lean's screen version of Boris Pasternak's novel of the same title.
The film deals with the most crucial part of the Russian history - the horrible years of the Bolshevik's revolution.
We first meet the main character, Dr Zhivago, as a boy at his Mother's funeral.
While reading the book one can't help feeling pity for the orphan (as his father died some years ago)
Some other feelings are inspired by the film: the black clothes of the clericals (absolutely absurd and untrue), the severe faces of the people, the whole background of the scene - wind, frost, snow...; all these features cause some irritation and annoyance.
The boy was adopted into a family which had a daughter - Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin). I love her acting very much as she seems so Russian-like. It might be due to some traits of character, such as tenderness, love, forgiveness.
Meanwhile, we get acquainted with Lara (Julie Christie). A beautiful, brave, open-hearted girl had to face all the evil of the world. Being raped by her mother's lover, she nevertheless had a heart capable to feel sorry for everyone who was in need and help them.
So, they did meet - Dr Zhivago (Omar Sharif) and Lara, just by chance. They couldn't but feel great attraction to each other due to their characters, though both were married.
I believe, the novel carries the idea of beauty, the beauty of our world, which, though having been raped and defiled, is the only thing worth living for.
The film seems to be made rather professionally, (let alone some particulars), the acting is just breathtaking. Moreover, it looks like a quite indispensable film to watch for any human.

@темы: emotions, English, posts&comments, Dr. Zhivago, films, I

URL
13:38

Graded reading

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
I don't believe, graded books are of no use.
What's the idea of reading a book if you can't get the plot or you can only guess what the characters are talking about?
If one isn't good at reading English books he can kill the time by reading Chinese books as well))
p.s. Jane Austen is a very famous English writer. To master a foreign language means not only to learn a couple of modern words, but also to acquire some knowledge about the history and the culture of the country.

@темы: English, reading, posts&comments, I

URL
13:36

Poetry

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
Wandering, longing in the dark
In desperate search for an absolute cure,
I once had a dream in a glittering spark
Of beauty, untouched and pure.

@темы: poetry, English, posts&comments, I

URL
13:31

The Symbol of Faith

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
1) I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

(2) And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; True God of True God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made;

(3) Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.

(4) And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried.

(5) And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;

(6) And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father;

(7) And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end.

(8) And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets.

(9) In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

(10) I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.

(11) I look for the resurrection of the dead;

(12) And the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Symbol of Faith (Ecumenical Councils (Nicea (325) and Constantinople (381) )

@темы: English, The Symbol of Faith, I, Orthodox

URL
13:29

Skills

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
A person who cannot communicate in English (either in its written or spoken forms - which is of little differences, in fact) doesn't know the language.
One cannot be perceptive only, he must be productive as well, that means: to read and to listen are perceptive skills whereas to write and to speak are reproductive skills.

good luck in learning English as well as other languages)

@темы: English, posts&comments, skills

URL
13:21

Grammar vs. Speaking

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
Certainly, it's much better to communicate with perfect pronunciation as well as with perfect grammar, but that's not usually the case.
Pressing people to drill grammar some teachers make them believe that without perfect grammar they can't speak English.

Spoken English grammar is pretty easy - one can learn it just during a few lessons, and, which is of more significance, he can also widen it to natural grammar in due time.

Speaking is just the thing people are seeking nowadays. And, I might say, there's nothing frightening or appalling in speaking, especially in public ;) (moreover, speaking privately may cause you some disturbance;))

@темы: speaking, English, posts&comments, grammar

URL
13:15

Synonyms - 'to drink'

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
I did some research, which is of no difficulty due to the Internet, and I found a number of words that I've never met before: either in books or in films; as well as a number of words that I by no means consider possible synonyms to "drink".

As I'm not a native speaker I wish to get into the theme))) I admit that Am.E & Br.E are not the same, so it becomes more urgent to know them both)))

As for "fuddle" - it's British informal, a kind of a synonym to "guzzle", means "if something, especially alcohol or drugs, fuddles you or your mind, it makes you unable to think clearly" (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English)
also "fuddle" AmE - to make drunk; intoxicate, to drink; tipple (the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)
Though I should admit that the word usage provided by a native speaker and the best dictionary is not of equal value)) as dictionaries are getting out-of-date long before they're printed)))

"Absorb" can be used in this way:
These plants drink much water.
These plants absorb much water.
(at least as I can make it out from dictionaries and common sense)))

As for "knock back" & "pull on" - they're phrasal verbs and that's the matter))) You can hardly imagine what mysterious power it can have on non-natives. All courses, text-books and tests are full of phrasal verbs of all kinds and types (though I suspect that these phrasal verbs are used rather variously in different parts of the UK)) Still, we have to know them all)))) even if the only place we can use them is a test)))

@темы: English, fuddle, synonyms, posts&comments, phrasal verbs, I, vocabulary

URL
13:09

Homo...?

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
As for me, I'd prefer using "homophones" quite often as the aim is to introduce the idea of the same pronunciation with different meanings (we don't speak about spelling much - at least at this level), "homographs" are used to introduce the idea of similar spelling and different meaning. Actually, "homophones" & "homographs" are the two sides of the same medal - "homonym" that can be rendered as "having the same name" (as you know, the names are the same either in writing or pronunciation, though they definitely mean different objects)))

@музыка: nice

@настроение: almost ready to work

@темы: English, homographs, homonyms, homophones, synonyms, posts&comments, I, vocabulary

URL
13:01

Cities

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
Paris has always been my dream) though I've never had an opportunity to live there.
Anyway I can recollect a few more towns: on Christmas Stockholm was just like a fairy tale with vague lights under a fluffy veil of a sudden snowfall); Berlin seems rather plain but touching in its honest lifestyle). I believe, New York was too giant for me as I was really scared when I couldn't see a piece of sky, while Washington amazed me by its width and expanse)) - quite a suitable background for Scarlet O'Hara))). London, so diverse but recognizable...If it were in my power I would never leave the bench in St.James's. I was fortunate to spend some time in Guildford, so comfortable and calm with its lovely farm market, salty Portsmouth with mysterious Mary Rose, enjoyable Warwick with knights and swans))) However, my heart belongs to Bath. Colourful flowers hanging down the lampposts in the most French-like style can't help but make you dance along its narrow streets or, if you'd like to enjoy some philosophy, each of its inhabitants is glad to offer you a small exhibition of fine porcelain figures presented on their windowsills. It's no wonder that the nobility of its Roman past, the weird air of its Celtic origin, its Saxon vigour and Norman grace attracts so many tourists from all over the world. I wish I had gone there one again.
I haven't mentioned any Russian town so far yet only in fear I might be tiresome)) Nevertheless, St.Petersburg is really "the jewel in the crown" as it was designed to enchant and fascinate.

(with corrections)

@музыка: This is Home

@настроение: calm & peaceful

@темы: English, posts&comments, creative writing, cities, I

URL
12:57

Lack of time

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
I'd say, the whole magic is as simple as that - one shouldn't hurry unless in really urgent situations.
If you feel you have no time to do anything you'd better postpone it till more suitable time. I understood it hundreds of years ago))) (joking)) as quiet often the deed you were rushing to fulfil turns out to be highly undesirable or just worthless))
On the other hand, one shouldn't be idle for more than one day a week))))
I believe, sense is just the thing most people are lacking now)))

Time is such a magic trick))
Quite fairly often I feel time stop and I can do much more than usual (e.g. It takes me about 30-40 minutes to get to my work, but when I happen to oversleep - a common case)) - I get to to work in less that 15 minutes - can't do the same when I'm not in such a hurry, though)
On the other hand, when I'm sure I have plenty of time I somehow (can't even imagine, how))) manage to be desperately late
Still I can't but admit, I have enough time to do everything I must do or want to do)))
I can't say I'm short of time, anyway)))

@музыка: smth pleasant

@настроение: creative

@темы: English, posts&comments, time, I

URL
12:45

Why do you want to improve your English?

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
Love is blind - you know.
And I do love the English Language)) It seems as if I've been in love with English since my early years which evidently is not true)) During school years we used to quarrel and squabble as the most passionate lovers. At high school I would fleet and float within English unwilling to change anything in my life. After graduation English somehow failed to be the only value and I honestly tried to do something else and even studied law for some time. But It was beyond my power. So I gave up long ago. I'm supposed to be a kind of English-holic :) I watch videos in English, read English books, surf the English-speaking part of the Internet whenever I need any inquiry, the language of any of my devices (mobile phone, player, computer, camera etc.) is English)) I work as an English ...
One may say that I'm working hard to master my English. That's not true)) I'd rather say that's my lifestyle))
Love is blind, and frankly speaking there's little you can do about it ;)

@музыка: it's rainy & windy today

@настроение: I'm cold and tired

@темы: emotions, English, posts&comments, I

URL
04:02

Never

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
I would never-never-never :emn: search to read my former students' diaries.

@музыка: almost silence

@настроение: awful

@темы: emotions, never, I

URL
03:29

Let's Go!

Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.
:write: It might be the hundredth diary I'm starting on the Internet. Most of them didn't even have the first post. Doesn't it sound hopeful, hm? :conf2:
However, I like the look of this green grief.

@музыка: confessa

@настроение: rather creative though sleepy

@темы: emotions, start, I

URL