Jump on the bandwagon

Sample Sentence:

Several politicians have recently changed their stance on climate change to align with public opinion. They’re just jumping on the bandwagon.

Jumping on the bandwagon means joining a popular trend without much thought, just because it seems like the thing to do. It refers to the act of following a crowd or a popular opinion without independent thought or analysis, simply because it seems like the thing to do or the thing that everyone else is doing.

Here are some more sample sentences:

My sister never used to be interested in fashion, but now she’s always buying trendy clothes and accessories. I think she’s jumped on the fashion bandwagon.

Many tech startups are using blockchain technology in their business models, and investors are eager to jump on the bandwagon and fund these companies.

Some people argue that social media influencers promote products they don’t actually believe in, just to jump on the marketing bandwagon and make money.

Sample Sentence:

My friend accidentally broke my phone, but I forgave him. I don’t believe in the concept of an eye for an eye.

Eye for an eye means that the punishment should be equivalent to the harm caused by the offense, often interpreted as seeking revenge. The phrase originates from the Code of Hammurabi, but it has been criticized for promoting violence and hindering forgiveness.

Here are some more sample sentences.

The company decided to sue their former employee for stealing their ideas, taking the stance of an eye for an eye.

Some people still believe that death penalty is a justifiable form of an eye for an eye.

The two rival gangs have been attacking each other for years, always seeking an eye for an eye.

Top 5 Effective Tips to Speak English Fluently

Top 5 Effective Tips to Speak English Fluently

When did you first start learning English? Do you ever feel like you just can’t get the words out, no matter how much you study? Despite your extensive study time, you still have trouble constructing coherent phrases. With Poly Languages, we will share how you can achieve fluency, boosting your confidence in the process.

It is possible to acquire the skills necessary to speak English with ease, fluency, and consistency. No two students of English learning in the same manner, but everyone may benefit from a few simple strategies for rapid progress.

You need to know what constitutes a competent speaker before we can provide you with advice on how to speak English with confidence and fluency. Someone with this level of proficiency in English is able to converse effectively and comprehend the vast majority of written and spoken English. The next step is to practice speaking English in a natural way until you feel comfortable doing so. 

Well, what does it mean to be fluent in English?

By “fluent,” we mean able to communicate well in a given language. Some individuals consider a high level of proficiency in English to be a native-like command of the language. But there’s more to becoming fluent than just that. When you’re really fluent in a language, you can talk freely and confidently. 

If you are an international student who is interested in improving their English proficiency and/or someone who hopes to study in the United States, worry no more; Poly’s got you covered.

Tip # 1

Have a thesaurus and a dictionary within reach.

Cutting down on unnecessary repetition is one of the most obvious advantages of using a thesaurus. No one wants to struggle through an article or book just because the author reuses the same few descriptive phrases over and over again.

Meanwhile, by ensuring that you are utilizing the right words, an excellent dictionary may enhance your topic knowledge, communication skills, and academic performance. The value of dictionaries in the language classroom cannot be underestimated. Having access to a dictionary outside of class hours may be a huge help to international students like you, as it allows you to work out problems on your own without relying on an instructor.

The advantages of expanding your vocabulary with the help of a thesaurus and dictionary will become immediately apparent in your daily conversations.

Tip # 2

Focus on learning phrases rather than individual words.

Phrases, rather than individual words, are the most beneficial elements to study while acquiring a foreign language since they are easier to memorize and bring up at the right time. With this strategy, you may improve your command of the English language and the rate at which you acquire new vocabulary and grammar structures. 

No matter what your current level of proficiency is, learning useful phrases can rapidly give you the confidence to talk, study, and adopt the mindset that is essential for achieving ultimate fluency. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, you’ll have greater success getting your point across to native speakers if you stick to the most common expressions. 

Tip # 3

Recall and master basic grammar lessons.

The ability to speak English confidently and fluently depends on your command of proper grammar. If you study grammar, you can avoid making the kinds of mistakes that make your English seem unnatural to native speakers.

Using incorrect grammar can lead to sentences being meaningless and the message being unclear, which in turn can lead to misinterpretation by your listeners. Using correct grammar makes listening and reading easier for others to understand and can make the communication process more enjoyable. 

However, learning a language doesn’t require a lot of time spent consciously applying grammatical rules or doing exercises. Learning more advanced grammar won’t help your spoken English any after you’ve mastered the fundamentals, such as tenses, prepositions, verb forms, and subject-verb agreement. The principles of grammar are simple; all you need to do is grasp the fundamental ones.

Tip # 4

Technology is your best friend.

Students of English are benefiting from easier access to modern technology. They are now better able to keep up with regular independent study and appreciate the significance of their face-to-face sessions with professors and peers. 

Online English lessons are becoming more popular as a means to improve language skills through the use of technology. Online English classes provide you with the flexibility to study whenever it works best for you, unlike in a typical classroom setting. Online courses provide students greater leeway in determining their own pace of study. If you want to learn more about studying online and/or in the US, Poly Languages Institute has the perfect plan for you. You may contact us for more information.

Tip # 5

Incorporate the four-skill set: listen, speak, read, and write.

To be considered a “fluent speaker” of a language, one must be proficient in all four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In the language classroom, activities that target the four skills are vital because they provide students with scaffolded support, opportunities to generate genuine communication in real-life scenarios, tangible proof of learning, and most significantly, self-confidence. 

Whatever your objective, you should have a firm grasp on the set of abilities that will get you there. Effective communication relies on the ability to express oneself clearly and precisely, and the four language skills allow you to do just that. You’ll hone not only your speaking skills but also your ability to listen carefully. Also, keep in mind that being concise while yet conveying your point effectively in writing is a highly prized skill in the corporate world.

Therefore…

Learning a language is never complete; rather, it is a never-ending journey toward greater fluency. Even once you reach fluency, maintaining that level of proficiency in English will require continued study as well as practice. 

Consider this encouraging rather than discouraging, and remember to reward yourself for even the smallest steps forward in your pursuit of fluency in English! Keep going!

We would love to be part of your learning journey. Contact us

Author:
Kate N. Sarador
Poly Languages Institute

Study English In The USA Basic Practices That You Need To Know

Study English In The USA: Basic Practices That You Need To Know

Below are some essential things that you need to know that are connected to American culture. These are basic practices that are part of the American culture that you must learn to develop when you plan to study English in the USA. Familiarizing these things will make your interaction more meaningful and can easily communicate with Americans:

A strong sense of gratitude

Americans express appreciation for almost everything. This is one of the essential values in the USA. The sending of famous “Thank you” cards has become a habit for Americans. These cards are sent to thank someone who hosted a party, a dinner or a special meal. Even war veterans are thanked when they return from Iraq, Africa, or wherever they came from.

Respect for the law

Americans have high respect for the law. They are being taught that it is crucial to comply with the rules to live in a harmonious society. With this, try to get to know the legal issues of the state to avoid inconvenience when you wish to study English in the USA. The national flag and symbols are respected, so make sure to keep silent and listen carefully when the national anthem is sung.

Religion is important

Religion is an essential matter in the US, and it is vital to familiarize yourself with religious holidays. Without belonging to any religious group, you can offer assistance to churches that has a feeding program for the poor. You don’t need to be affiliated with religion as long as you can help.

Learn to cook

An invitation to eat is a usual American custom. This is one way of interacting with co-workers, neighbors, etc. It is prevalent in the US to meet for dinner. So preparing a special recipe to surprise your guests is a fantastic way to impress them, but if you do not know how to fry an egg, then you can choose to buy a meal instead. Make sure to learn a recipe and adapt to the local cuisine.

Learn their greeting practices

Hugging and kissing are the most common ways to greet others. When you plan to study English in the USA, make sure to read more about how the locals are greeting each other. Hugs are used to congratulate for the birth of a child, for a graduation or anniversaries, etc. Make sure to inquire very well about that state where you are since it could vary from one place to another.

Know the appropriate visiting hours

Always respect or follow the hours to visit. It is inappropriate to visit a person without prior notice. Every student who wishes to study English in the USA must take time to familiarize this because it can be considered as a lack of respect unless it is an emergency. When you are decided to study English in the USA, you should familiarize yourself the acceptable hours to visit a friend or classmate.

Master the measurement system

You must learn about the measurement system because knowing how to express in inches, feet, yards, and miles, is part of everyday conversations. With this, you should take this issue seriously. Fahrenheit is used instead of Celsius when it comes to temperature. An excellent practice to help you familiarize them is to activate the thermometer in ºF in your car to be related to cold or hot temperatures.

Learn the way to write dates

Educate yourself on the correct way to write dates. In the American system, it is written in this order: Month, Day, and Year. The first three letters of the corresponding month are also accepted, for example, Sep, May, Aug, etc.

Study English in the USA

The Perfect Place To Study English: Discover California

California is one of the most famous states in the world with idyllic beaches, beautiful landscapes, and cities that combine the classic with the modern. It is also an excellent location to start or continue your studies. The history of California has Hispanic roots. The city was colonized by Spain, then won by the Mexicans. It was finally granted to the United States at the end of the war. Here is perhaps the explanation of why this is one of the most attractive states for students to study English in the USA and develop their careers.

California’s economy is among the ten most important economic powers in the world. The main economic activities of the state are agriculture, leisure or entertainment, electricity, and tourism. In California, some of the most important economic cities in the world are located, such as Los Angeles (entertainment, leisure), the Central Valley (agriculture), Silicon Valley (technology companies) and the Napa Valley (wine). California has a modern and postmodern cultural heritage that even influences America today: from the creation of Hollywood to the technological impact from Palo Alto, where inventions such as personal computers and Silicon Valley were created, which is the area that brings together companies such as Google, Facebook, etc. This guarantees that your plan to study English in the USA is a wise decision.

The Major Metropolitan Areas

The majority of California’s population is concentrated in three major metropolitan areas: Greater Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area and the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area. Other cities of importance are Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Stockton, Modesto, etc. Since California had a Hispanic origin. Spanish is the second language in a number of speakers, with 35.8% of the population. However, English is the official language, so you can study English in California but feel at home. California has a Mediterranean-like climate. The ocean generally moderates extreme temperatures, creating a warmer winter and colder summers, especially along with coastal areas. California has a special destination for every type of tourist, from adventurers to lovers of the tranquility of nature. This state catches your attention for sure. There are a lot of beautiful spots in this state that will want you more to study English in the USA. 

Study English in the USA

Amusement Parks

Visiting the state of California is an unforgettable experience for many because of the many different destinations it has, from amusement parks to beaches and sanctuaries where whales can be observed. If you travel and study English in California, you cannot miss the opportunity to get to know Yosemite National Park. This natural area of ​​more than 300 thousand hectares has meadows, rock formations, and waterfalls. One of its main tourist attractions in Yosemite is the Glacier Point. It is a viewpoint located on a cliff almost 2,200 meters high where you can get a panoramic view of the park.

If you long to see the whales, Monterey Bay is your ideal destination. Dozens of blue whales, humpbacks and dolphins are seen from April to mid-December in the national marine sanctuary. To see gray whales and dolphins, you must travel between the end of December and the entire month of March. Lovers of emotions and adventure should visit Lake Tahoe, located in the high mountains of Sierra Nevadas. This area has a track for mountain bikers and trails between forests. The second deepest lake in the United States amazes tourists with its blue hues. You can go kayaking and diving during the summer and skiing in winter. While you study English in the USA, it is best that you check this marine sanctuary to enjoy more your stay in the country.

Hollywood

Hollywood is one of the most important sites in California. You should visit the studios where hundreds of films and iconic series of today’s culture have been filmed. This district located in Los Angeles has dozens of hotels and bars to enjoy the nightlife of Hollywood. Downtown LA is a thriving business center and art district. Beverly Hills houses the famous shopping district and full of Hollywood celebrity mansions. Other areas to visit include the Sunset Strip music clubs, the Santa Monica waterfront, and the Venice waterfront. There are many tours that operate to give you a preview of the lives of the rich and famous of Hollywood. In addition, it has the Walk of Fame, where more than 2,000 celebrities have captured the palms of their hands. 

Death Valley is the warmest, driest, and lowest place on earth. It is worth visiting during your stay in California. The landscapes are so varied in the Death Valley that you can see snow-capped mountains, dunes, dry salines, and lush forests all on the same day. Some of the most popular places to visit in the valley include Zabriskie Point, Wildrose coal ovens and ghost towns along the way. Use the small community of Death Valley Junction as your base of operations to explore these diverse and inspiring sites.

A few days in San Francisco is a must when you plan to study English in the USA. You can see the steep streets, Victoria architecture, the Pacific coast, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is famous for its liberal atmosphere, LGBT communities, sourdough bread, seafood, and an occasional earthquake. The most popular areas of the city are Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown. It is also worth visiting the peculiar neighborhoods. 

Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital of California, but there are more than just government offices in this city of central-northern California. It has become popular as one of the main cities, with museums, architecture, and galleries to satisfy any art lover. Performing arts are also a big profession here, so check out a theater or comedy show during your stay. Be sure to spend some time in Midtown, a trendy neighborhood with modern restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

If you have not traveled a lot in California, you may have felt that California has to do with beaches, surfers and movie stars only. Since California is the most populous state and the most diverse state in the United States, there is more to this state than it seems. With this, your plan to study English in the USA is worth preparing. You can learn more about your student visa application in the United States by browsing our website or contact us below. Let the adventure begin!