When he brought up that controversial topic, it really ruffled some feathers among the dinner guests.
Ruffle some feathers means to cause a stir or create a disturbance by saying or doing something that upsets others. This idiom suggests that the action taken will upset or annoy people, possibly leading to conflict or tension. It can also imply that the person causing the disturbance is unafraid to speak their mind, even if it causes others to feel uncomfortable or uneasy.
Sample Sentences
His comments at the meeting really ruffled some feathers among the other team members.
She knew that her choice of outfit would ruffle some feathers, but she wore it anyway.
By expressing his unpopular opinion, he ended up ruffling some feathers among his colleagues
Penny for your thoughts
You’re smiling to yourself. Penny for your thoughts?
Penny for your thoughts means that you are curious about what someone is thinking and you would like them to share their thoughts or opinions with you. The phrase is a way of inviting someone to open up and share their innermost thoughts and feelings with you. It is a friendly and casual way of expressing interest in someone’s perspective on a topic, and it can be used in a variety of contexts, from social situations to more serious conversations.
Sample Sentences
I’m really excited about this idea. What do you think? Penny for your thoughts?
You seem upset. Is everything alright? Can I help? Penny for your thoughts?
I’m curious about your opinion on this topic. Penny for your thoughts?
Although it is spoken in more countries than any other language, English is known for being one of the toughest to master. English can be learned in a variety of settings, and one effective method is to enroll in an online English language course. This concept of self-directed, at-home language learning is not uncommon. Students have the flexibility to study whenever it is convenient for them, thanks to online setups made to be on-the-go. There are pros and cons to everything, but if you want to get the most out of your education, you need to know what they are. The following are some key considerations:
Pros
The strengths of online education are the reasons why more and more people are turning to it. Here are some of the benefits of studying online:
You can study at any place you desire.
Anybody, regardless of where they reside or what time of day lessons are held, may sign up for an online course and study for as long as they choose from the convenience of their own home. There are no geographical restrictions preventing you from registering for a course at an English class offered virtually. With the advent of online education, students no longer need to be physically present in a classroom to participate. Many low-performing schools have seen an uptick in enrollment as a result of the new system, which also reduces administrative burdens associated with maintaining a consistent schedule.
You can learn on your own schedule.
Online English courses provide you with the flexibility to study whenever it works best for you, unlike classroom-based education. Online courses provide students greater leeway in determining their own pace of study. This is a terrific chance to focus on the aspects of the language with which you are struggling. Time spent commuting is reduced, and, depending on the subject, you may arrange your class schedule independently.
You can use and share resources easily.
The ability to quickly and easily disseminate newly acquired knowledge is a major benefit of online education. Softcopy materials given by online classrooms are both low-cost and low-maintenance. You can now easily send relevant documents and files to anyone through email or social media.
You can save on unnecessary costs.
Enrollment fees, material fees, and assessment fees are just a few examples of the hidden expenditures that often accompany traditional classroom courses. Transportation costs to and from school are also a consideration. With online education, you can maximize your learning at your own pace, saving money that may be used toward boosting your productivity.
Online learning caters to a wider range of learners and accommodates different approaches to education.
Individuals who are more comfortable studying alone in their own time at home might benefit from online education. It’s available anywhere in the world and may be modified to accommodate different learning methods.
It is possible to personalize an online course so that it meets the requirements of each student. Students may be categorized as either visual or auditory, as social or solitary, or as someone who learns best in a group or on their own. Because of the variety of tools and materials available, online education can accommodate a wide variety of learning preferences. As a result, it fosters an optimal educational setting that targets the widest possible demographic.
Cons
Although the benefits of online education far outweigh its flaws, it does have a few drawbacks. The following are some of the cons of studying online:
1. You can’t interact face-to-face with your teacher/classmates.
Learning relies heavily on the give-and-take between instructor and learner. And since it incorporates all four skills—writing, speaking, listening, and reading—the face-to-face technique is very effective. The majority of students seem to be more engaged in and get more quick feedback from a traditional classroom setting than they do from their online courses.
2. If you have low motivation and poor study habits in online settings, you might lag behind.
The absence of a physical classroom may be advantageous for self-motivated pupils, but it can also be a trap for those who are less self-directed. Because there is no set meeting time and no frequent, direct engagement with professors and classmates, you are less likely to stay on top of your work and be motivated to complete it. Students who don’t have the self-discipline to complete their work on time or study enough before tests may end up failing because they didn’t make the effort to communicate with their teachers by email or phone.
3. It can either be time-saving or time-consuming.
It’s more efficient than going to a traditional classroom since you can take your lessons from the comfort of your own home or another convenient place. But, due to poor time management and a lack of self-discipline, the process is prolonged. Without a routine, it’s easy to let things like distractions, multitasking, and not having a set place to study get in the way.
Also, most online classes don’t have strict deadlines. When this happens, students stop attending lessons whenever they choose in the hopes of starting again at a more convenient moment. Doing this regularly will lengthen and complicate the learning process.
4. Online language immersion is not as effective as in-person learning.
Language immersion is a practical strategy that may help students in a variety of classrooms. The immersive mode is also often hidden from view while using remote guiding. Online courses and traditional classroom settings provide more personal learning experiences than smartphone apps or desktop software. Most apps are great for memorizing words, but they aren’t helpful for learning how to use the vocabulary and grammar you’ve learned in a natural context. You won’t learn how to construct sentences in the most intuitive manner from them. To do so, you must engage in conversation, mingle, integrate, and debate with native speakers.
The takeaway…
While there are certain drawbacks to online education, the great majority of students are pleased with their experience and glad they opted for it over a more conventional classroom setting. E-learning is now altering the worldwide dissemination of training and information due to its primary benefits of convenience and affordability.
Many prestigious educational institutions are increasingly incorporating cutting-edge technological tools into their course offerings and methods of training and development. The new technology also provides access to pedagogical tools that were previously unavailable.
The Internet has unquestionably altered the landscape of how people acquire new skills and knowledge. Who among our learners today and tomorrow’s workforce will be prepared to take advantage of these newest possibilities?
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
When parents are asked on what they want for their child in the future, most of them respond that they want their children to finish their studies. As a general rule, parents always want their children to become successful. Seeing your children grow and succeed in their studies is one of the things that give you more pride and joy. One of the ideas that lead a person to success is the chance to study abroad. For some, the idea of studying abroad has always been going around but remain undecided. This article will discuss the things that you can gain when you study abroad, like studying in an ESL School in the USA. This can help you decide and encourage you to live that great experience.
Many kill two birds with one stone and become tourists and students. Hence, they decide to continue their academic studies in another country. They take advantage of their free time to know the tourist destinations of the city where they are located and those around them. Without a doubt, studying abroad is worth spending. One example is the desire to study abroad, particularly in an English school in the USA.
Learn or improve a second language in an English School in the USA
Mastering a second language is one of the main reasons why young people and professionals decide to study abroad. Learning a language is a task that requires great effort. Within your daily activities, it is not easy to find the time to learn. On the other hand, if you decide to study abroad, this will become part of your daily routine, and you will learn it in a simple and agile way. Living with other people who speak that language and communicating with them regularly will make your language level increase significantly.
Travel on weekends and holidays
Who doesn’t like to travel? Studying abroad is a huge opportunity to travel and get to see scenic places in that country. You will not only know where you are going to study, but you can also travel on weekends and holidays to nearby cities. ESL Schools in the USA, especially in California, will give you the best scene as this state has various spots to discover. Many opportunities that will offer you the possibility to study and spend a season in that destination.
Make new friends and learn a new culture when staying in an ESL School in the USA
The idea of meeting new friends from different nationalities is fascinating. You will not only meet new friends but experience a multicultural exchange. You will learn to integrate into a lifestyle different from yours. Adjustment to a different lifestyle and appreciate the customs and traditions of the country in which you study are also expected. The fact of having to know a new culture will make you a more independent and self-confident person. This is a fact that will also allow you to know yourself better.
Acquire new skills and knowledge
The interaction with professors and specialists of recognized institutions have different criteria to share their knowledge. In addition to increasing knowledge, studying abroad provides added value to your academic preparation. Taking an English class in an English School in the USA is beneficial because many institutions have international prestige and quality.
Get a better job with more competitive pay and higher educational attainment
You have a competitive advantage that facilitates job placement with a better salary when you have completed a course abroad. Also, continuing academic preparation abroad provides more excellent status by having a higher level in the education system. This is true when you plan to enhance more your English communication skills in an ESL School in the USA.
Be more independent when you are studying in an English School in the USA
By being away from your country of origin, family and friends, you will become a more independent person. This gives you another perspective on situations and even your own country. You will learn to see the world differently and open to new ideas that will make you grow as a person. During the first weeks, it can be hard, but it won’t take long to get used to and extract the flavor of this independence. Inevitably, a unique opportunity to self-realize, mature and improve significantly as a person.
Strengthen the love and value of family
Being away from home is always a matter of nostalgia. In this case, you know what your goals are, and that gives you the strength to continue. But it does not stop bringing to your mind the value of being close to yours, the incalculable thing of being at home. This will strengthen family ties. Indeed, we do not know what we have until we lose it. Now you have not lost it, but you will value every phrase of your mother, every day in your family or every night in the tranquility of your home.
You become more organized and productive
Studying abroad requires more significant control over money and time to achieve your objectives and cover expenses. Learning to manage your expenses and get around in an unknown environment without family support is not something you learn overnight. Many times going to another country translates into a party, sleepless nights and many friends. However, when studying a higher level of course or degree is complicated. Since you want to have time to travel and learn more about that country like its work visa applications, you need to organize your time efficiently. You will have to be more productive and learn to work under pressure.
Upon your return, you will be glad that you had this experience not only from studies, but this made you grow. After this, you will be more understanding and feel more connected for humanity. You will have a different life and different opportunities. Whether you decide to leave or to meet a personal goal, studying abroad like studying in an English school in the USA can teach you a lot. You won’t find the answers in the place you go or in the people around you but when you leave your comfort zone will show yourself who you are. Remember that two heads are better than one and a person full of knowledge and experience lives a fuller life.
What do you think about these top reasons for studying abroad? Could you add more? Share your opinions!
