Latest news with #IELTS
Time of India
7 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Idioms made easy: When to use them and why they matter for your English scores
Students aiming to master the English language recognise that vocabulary memorisation and grammar alone aren't enough to ensure success in their studies. The journey toward fluent, natural communication requires understanding subtler linguistic elements that native speakers use instinctively. Many learners find themselves puzzled when encountering phrases that seem to defy logical interpretation, yet these very expressions hold the key to achieving higher proficiency levels. Mastering idiomatic expressions represents a crucial milestone in English language development, particularly for academic writing and oral communication assessments. These linguistic tools can transform basic communication into sophisticated, engaging discourse that demonstrates advanced language competency. Understanding Idioms Idiomatic expressions or Idioms consist of word combinations whose collective meaning differs entirely from their individual components. These phrases function as complete semantic units, conveying specific concepts through culturally established usage patterns. Consider the expression "spill the beans", this phrase means revealing secrets rather than literally scattering legumes. The challenge for language learners lies in recognising that these expressions cannot be decoded through direct translation or literal interpretation. Instead, they represent shared cultural knowledge that native speakers acquire through exposure and repetition. Understanding this principle helps students approach idioms as complete vocabulary items rather than puzzling word combinations. Idiomatic expressions serve multiple communicative functions, including adding emphasis, creating vivid imagery, and establishing informal rapport with audiences. They appear frequently in literature, journalism, casual conversation, and even formal presentations when appropriately applied. Academic importance of Idiomatic language English proficiency examinations, including IELTS , TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge Assessment tests, regularly evaluate students' ability to comprehend and utilise idiomatic language. These assessments recognise that advanced English competency extends beyond grammatical accuracy to include natural expression and cultural understanding. Effective idiom usage in academic contexts can: Showcase advanced vocabulary range : Examiners recognise idiomatic competency as evidence of sophisticated language development and extensive exposure to authentic English materials. Enhance written expression quality : Strategic idiom placement adds sophistication and personality to essays, making them more engaging and memorable for evaluators. Improve oral communication fluency : Natural idiom usage during speaking assessments demonstrates conversational competence and cultural awareness that distinguishes advanced speakers from intermediate learners. However, students must balance creativity with precision. Inappropriate or excessive idiom usage can create confusion or appear contrived, potentially lowering rather than raising assessment scores. Here's how you can use Idioms strategically Successful idiomatic expression requires contextual awareness and audience consideration. Different communication situations demand varying levels of formality and linguistic sophistication. Appropriate Idiom usage Situations requiring caution Creative writing assignments and narrative essays Formal research papers and technical documentation Conversational interviews and group discussions Objective test responses and factual descriptions Personal opinion pieces and reflective writing Scientific reports requiring precise terminology Presentations requiring audience engagement Legal or medical documentation Informal correspondence and blog writing Academic abstracts and thesis statements Understanding these distinctions prevents common mistakes while maximising the positive impact of idiomatic language on communication effectiveness. Learning techniques to help you master the concept faster Students can use the techniques as given here to master the usage and concept of Idiomatic expressions effectively: Contextual learning approach : Rather than memorising isolated phrases, encounter idioms within complete sentences and realistic scenarios. Reading contemporary articles, watching English media, and engaging with authentic materials provides natural exposure to appropriate usage patterns. Selective integration : Focus on incorporating a few well-chosen idioms rather than overwhelming your communication with excessive figurative language. Quality and appropriateness matter more than quantity. Personal reference system : Develop a comprehensive idiom collection with definitions, example sentences, and usage notes. Digital tools like vocabulary apps or traditional notebooks both serve this purpose effectively. Reliable source consultation : Utilise established resources such as Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Cambridge English Corpus, and reputable language learning platforms for accurate definitions and usage guidance. Cultural context awareness : Prioritise learning universally recognised idioms over regional expressions that may confuse international audiences or examination assessors. Some fun Idioms to begin the journey with These frequently encountered expressions prove valuable across various academic and professional contexts: "Get the ball rolling" – to initiate or begin a process or activity "In the long term" – considering extended time periods or future consequences "Few and far between" – describing rare occurrences or infrequent events "A silver lining" – finding positive aspects within negative situations "Burning the candle at both ends" – working excessively hard or maintaining unsustainable schedules These expressions demonstrate versatility and widespread recognition, making them reliable tools for enhancing both written assignments and oral presentations. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
India Today
10 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Study in Uzbekistan: 5 fully funded scholarships for Indian graduates
The Republic of Uzbekistan is inviting Indian students to apply for five fully-funded scholarships to pursue a Master's degree at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand for the 2025–26 academic year. These scholarships aim to attract talented Indian graduates to specialised programmes in areas such as Tourism and Hospitality, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Restoration, and courses under this scheme are taught in English. The university, known for its state-of-the-art "Smart Campus", provides an international academic environment and has collaborative ties with reputed global institutions. Facilities on campus include a digital library, hotel rooms, a gym, a pool, and even a training bar-restaurant to ensure industry-relevant the direct link to check and apply for the scholarshipsSCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITS Selected students will receive extensive support under the scholarship programme, including:Round-trip economy airfare once a yearA monthly living allowance equivalent to $500Accommodation support of up to $100 per monthTwo annual cultural tours within Uzbekistan, with an additional $100 travel stipend per tripWHO CAN APPLY?Indian graduates with a background in the relevant fields and strong English language skills are encouraged to apply. Applicants must provide the following documents:advertisementA valid passport or identity documentBachelor's degree certificateCV and a recent photographEnglish language proficiency proof (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 72 / CEFR B2), or evidence that their undergraduate education was conducted in EnglishA 1–1.5 page essay on 'Contributing to the development of tourism of the SCO countries'Applications must be submitted through the official university portal at no later than August 1, link to visit the official websiteIt is important to note that the Government of India is not involved in the nomination or selection process. Final decisions will be made solely by the authorities in Uzbekistan. For additional information, candidates can visit the university's official website at
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: 2 habitual offenders held for mobile snatching in Sector 34
Two persons involved in a violent snatching incident that left a woman injured were arrested on Thursday. The accused have been identified as brothers Tarun, 26, and Gurdas, 23, residents of Kheri village in Derabassi. Police said both are unemployed and habitual offenders. While Tarun was previously booked in theft and snatching cases, Gurdas faces charges of dacoity and theft. In the latest incident, they targeted Diksha Saini, a resident of Sector 46A, while she was walking from her IELTS coaching institute in Sector 34 on June 16. Saini said she was talking to her sister over phone when two men on a black motorcycle suddenly approached her. The pillion rider struck her on the head and snatched her mobile phone, following which she fell to the ground. She, however, managed to see their faces and note down the last four digits of the motorcycle's registration number. She also noted that it was a Himachal registration number. The snatched mobile phone and three other phones, which are suspected to be stolen property, have been recovered from the duo's possession. They were presented in court and sent to judicial remand.
NDTV
14 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Uzbekistan Offers Fully-Funded Scholarships To Indians For Master's Courses
The Republic of Uzbekistan has announced five fully-funded scholarships for Indian students to pursue Master's degree programmes at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Samarkand, for the academic year 2025-26. These scholarships are open to Indian graduates interested in fields such as Tourism and Hospitality, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Restoration, and Management. The courses are conducted in English. Interested and eligible students can submit their applications by August 1, 2025, via the university's admission portal - Scholarship Coverage And Facilities The scholarships will cover: Round-trip economy airfare once a year A monthly stipend equivalent to USD 500 Accommodation support up to USD 100 per month Two annual cultural visits within Uzbekistan, with a travel allowance of USD 100 per trip Eligibility and Required Documents To apply, candidates must provide: A valid passport or ID A Bachelor's degree certificate A CV and a recent photo An English proficiency certificate (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 72 / CEFR B2), unless the medium of undergraduate instruction was English A 1-1.5 page essay titled "Contributing to the development of tourism of the SCO countries" The university features a smart campus equipped with modern learning facilities, including a bar-restaurant, hotel rooms, a gym, a pool, and a digital library. Education is conducted entirely in English, and the institution collaborates with leading global universities. The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has clarified that it is not involved in the nomination or selection process. The final selection will be made by the Government of Uzbekistan.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
News from the world of Education: June 19, 2025
INCUBATE 2025 Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, and the IIT-Bombay have launched INCUBATE 2025, a Med-Tech hackathon to inspire medical and engineering students to innovate solutions for pressing healthcare challenges. Eligibility: Students pursuing MBBS, BDS, Nursing, B.E. or equivalent in engineering. Students pursuing or Integrated Masters in any discipline of Natural or Life Sciences can be team member along with medical or engineering students. More details at Admissions and scholarships IIT Bombay and SimpliLearn have launched an e-Postgraduate Diploma (ePGD) in Integrated Circuits (IC) Design. Eligibility: B.E., and M.E. in Electronics, VLSI, Communication, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or Instrumentation Engineering, from a recognised institute. Deadline: July 31 Details at The University of Leeds invites applications for its in Air Quality Solutions with Data Science programme beginning in September. Scholarships are available Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with minimum 2:1 Honours in Engineering, Computer Science, Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Economics. Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each component. Deadline: June 30 Visit for details IIT Delhi has launched a six-month Certificate Programme in Data Science and Machine Learning programme. Eligibility: Graduates or diploma holders from a recognised institute with a minimum 50% in Maths or Statistics in Class 12 board exam. Details at IIT Delhi has also launched a six-month online Executive Programme in Healthcare for Industry 5.0. Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, MBBS, Nursing, BDS, or equivalent with at least 50% or 5.0 CGPA More details at CMR University, Bengaluru, invites applications for its programmes in Computer Science and Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering (AI and ML); Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science); Computer Engineering with specialisation in AIML/Internet of Things; Computer Science and Technology with specialisation in AIML/Internet of Things; Information Technology, and Electronics and Communication Engineering Eligibility: Minimum 45% in Physics and Maths in Class 12, along with any one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Information Technology, Biology, Informatics Practices, Biotechnology, Technical Vocational Subject, Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, Business Studies, or Entrepreneurship. Valid score in CET, COMED-K, JEE, other state or national entrance exam. Candidates who have passed the stream in the same or an allied sector. Details at Alliance University has launched a multilingual and transdisciplinary M.A. in Creative Writing course. Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% aggregate with English as a compulsory subject. Deadline: June 30 Details at Lovely Professional University has launched a two-year Diploma and a three-year programme in Child and Elderly Care. Eligibility: 50% aggregate in 10+2 with English or equivalent. Details at and AISECT University, Jharkhand, has opened admissions for its UG, PG, diploma, vocational, and doctoral programmes across Agriculture, Arts, Commerce, Computer Science and Information Technology, Journalism and Mass Communication, Management, Science, and Yoga and Naturopathy. Details at Events FLAME University's Executive Education Cell hosted the Land Matters workshop, under the aegis of Project IncLand. Speakers included Ramnath Sonawane, former Municipal Commissioner, Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation; Satya Prabha Giri, Managing Partner, Lotus Landmarks, Pune; Ajay Katuri from CEPT University and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA); Mohammed Hussain Shaikh, Founder, Land Masters Advisory, Mumbai; and Santosh Bhansali, Founder, White Lotus Realty, Mumbai. According to a new survey from CFA Institute, finance tops the list of career preferences among Indian graduates (38%) followed by IT (32 %) and Education (21 %) and 61% seek careers with societal impact. The survey can be accessed at ITM Institute of Hotel Management saw its 2023–26 batch of students intern in seven countries including France, New Zealand, and Mauritius. Recruiters included JW Marriott, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Le Meridien, and Anantara Iko, among others. Noida International University organised an educator's meet and felicitation ceremony in Muzaffarpur and Sasaram in Bihar. Over 400 educators, students, and academic professionals participated. The institution also hosted an event in Bokaro on the vital link between education, health, and nation-building. Speakers included Dr. Aman Shrivastava, Ex-President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Rajnish Kashyap, CEO of Smart Homes Bokaro, and Abhay Shyam Nandan Singh, Vice President of Sardar Patel Public School. The University Grants Commission has granted permission to The University of Aberdeen, Scotland, to open its campus in Mumbai. The campus, which will open in September 2026, aims to offer programmes in Computing and Data Science, Business Management, Economics, Artificial Intelligence and an MBA with future expansion into Mathematics and International Business Management and Information Systems, Public Health, Film Studies and Psychology JBCN Education, in collaboration with Monash University, Australia, hosted the inaugural edition of the Monash Innovation Guarantee India Programme and brought together 53 high-school students across JBCN 5 campuses to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on innovation and design thinking. ITC Limited hosted the Wellbeing Out of Waste (WOW) Interschool Recycling Championship Awards in Coimbatore to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions made by students and schools in advancing the cause of effective waste management. FORE School of Management hosted an Induction Ceremony for its 2025–2027 batch of PGDM programmes. Ritesh Varma, Vice President-Business Solutions Consulting, Newgen Software, and Rahul Raizada, Partner, PwC India, were the guests of honour. Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has appointed Prof. M. Satish Kumar as the first Dean of its new campus in GIFT City, India. Prof Kumar will take up the role in July 2025 and will provide academic leadership across the faculties for the new campus, which will welcome its first cohort of students in early 2026. Prayoga Institute of Education Research has partnered with the State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF) and SBI Funds Management to expand the Kriya initiative across 12 government schools in Raichur, Karnataka. IIM Bangalore concluded its orientation programme for the PGP and PGP-BA class of 2025-27 with the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Awards 2025, among other academic recognitions, and scholarships. Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi, conducted an investiture ceremony for its newly elected Student Parliament. Dilip Khedkar, retired Superintendent of Police; Hrushikesh Ghadage, Inspector, Hinjawadi Police Station; and Alka Jadhav, Assistant Inspector, Khadak Police Station, were guests of honour. The International Management Institute Bhubaneswar welcomed the PGDM Batch of 2025–27 with a two-week orientation programme. Suraj Malik, Founder and CEO of Legacy Growth, was the chief guest. Dattatreya Chaudhary, a research scholar at the Mahatma Gandhi Mission University Department of Chemistry, has published his study on Improved Process for the Preparation of Amorphous Eluxadoline as a patent by the Government of India. Researchers from IIT Guwahati have developed a community-scale water treatment system that removes fluoride and Iron from groundwater, offering a low-cost solution for areas with poor access to safe drinking water. A paper co-authored by Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait, along with research associates, Anweshan and Piyal Mondal, and research scholar Mukesh Bharti, from the Department of Chemical Engineering, was published in ACS ES&T Water. ITM Vocational University organised a seminar on AI in Research. Over 40 faculty from various departments participated. Aakash Educational Services has launched the Aakash Invictus Campus at New Delhi, a facility for JEE preparation. It features 13 classrooms designed to provide a focused and personalised JEE preparation environment. Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, inaugurated the Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering at the Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal and Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai. SRM College of Nursing, in collaboration with SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre and the Central University of Tamil Nadu, organised a national Multidisciplinary Training of Trainers on Transgender Care. New research led by the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, has shed light on how smart fuel choices and launch practices could help protect the ozone layer. The paper was published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science. Galgotias University and Tata Technologies launched a Learning Centre focused on Product Development to build future-ready engineering professionals. MoUs and partnerships HCL Foundation has signed an MoU with StartupTN and the Department of Employment and Training, Government of Tamil Nadu, to enhance entrepreneurship and vocational education in the state. Galgotias University signed an MoU with Heartfulness Education Trust to establish the Centre of Indian Knowledge Systems at the institution's campus in Greater Noida. Dravidian University signed an MoU with 1M1B (One Million for One Billion), to empower students through industry-aligned skill development, enhanced placement support, and global exposure. IIT Guwahati signed an MoU with the University of Southern Denmark to promote bilateral cooperation in research, innovation, and academic exchange. Cactus Communications has partnered with NIT Calicut to provide institution-wide access to its AI research tools and enable students, faculty, and researchers to leverage AI to enhance research discovery and improve writing quality. The Directorate General of Training, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with Shell India, has launched a Green Skills and Electric Vehicles (EV) training programme to equip students and faculty with skills in green energy and e-mobility. Awards Prateek Sethi from Odisha won the first prize in the vivo Ignite competition, the scholarship initiative of vivo India in partnership with CIET-NCERT, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and UN Global Compact Network India. A team comprising Neer Soni, Arunojya Vatsa, and Deval Kambaliya, students of BIMTECH was declared the global winner of the PRME Global Students Sustainability Awards 2025. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, the following universities from India marked their presence in the global rankings: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Rank 41); Lovely Professional University (Rank 48), and Shoolini University (Rank 96). The University of Melbourne, Australia, was ranked 19th globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Ekya School JP Nagar, Bengaluru, made it to the the Top 10 Most Innovative Schools in the World list released by the T4 Education World.
