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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
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.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Studocu's AI Tools Could Be Transforming How Students Prepare for Global Exams
In June 2023, Morocco's Ministry of Education reported that more than 493,000 students sat for the Baccalaureate exams, a pivotal academic milestone. While these national tests shape futures locally, many Moroccan students are setting their sights abroad, aiming for competitive exams such as IELTS , TOEFL , GMAT , and global licensing assessments. Students need updated, multilingual, and efficient study tools to compete internationally. Recently, Studocu has gained attention for offering an AI-powered platform that Moroccan students are starting to use more actively to prepare for these global assessments. What makes Studocu's AI tools unique? Studocu integrates artificial intelligence into academic workflows unlike basic note-sharing platforms or general chatbots. It does not just allow document uploads. Instead, it transforms static content into dynamic learning aids with context-aware features. Core AI Tools Studocu provides: AI Homework Helper: Offers step-by-step solutions to complex academic problems in mathematics, economics, and physics. AI Camera: Let users snap a photo of a textbook problem or handwritten note to get an instant explanation, ideal for visual learners. AI Quiz Maker: This tool converts any uploaded document into a set of personalized practice quizzes, helping students quickly identify weak areas. Ask AI: Provides direct answers to academic questions by searching Studocu's academic content database. These features are not just technologically impressive. They provide practical, accessible solutions to common academic challenges Moroccan students face every day. Why This Matters in the Moroccan Context Digital education tools are beginning to close learning gaps across Morocco. A study published in the EduLearn indicated that Moroccan university students are both aware of and actively using AI-powered study tools . This aligns with broader trends in the region where mobile internet usage and self-learning platforms are on the rise. Around 38 percent of Moroccan students in higher education have used AI platforms like ChatGPT for academic support. Tools like Studocu ride that same wave, offering more specialized, education-focused capabilities. Where can one find real answer keys for international exams? A common query among Moroccan students is access to verified answer keys for practice exams . Studocu hosts a growing library of user-shared documents that include practice sets, annotated answers, and instructor-provided solutions. Students searching for answer keys on Studocu can find resources not only for local curricula but also for standardised tests such as the SAT, GRE, and MCAT. These are available in English, French, and sometimes Arabic, providing inclusive support for Morocco's trilingual student population. Bridging the gap from national to international exams Whether preparing for the Baccalaureat , TOEFL , or engineering board exams , Studocu's tools serve different educational stages. This is especially helpful for Moroccan students who often navigate multiple languages, including Arabic, French, and English. The AI Quiz Maker stands out for students looking to reinforce memorization, especially in medicine or law. It allows them to upload pages from dense textbooks and receive quiz-style questions instantly. This function helps simulate the format of real exams while reinforcing retention. Can AI help students memorize complex concepts? Yes, and more effectively than reading alone. Tools such as flashcard generators and summary builders within Studocu's interface use AI to highlight key terms, definitions, and relationships. Students have used these tools to study everything from metabolic pathways in biochemistry to constitutional law clauses . Students commonly upload PDFs, such as the Moroccan civil code or WHO health guides, and transform them into customized revision tools within minutes. Moroccan educator perspectives Acceptance of AI in Moroccan education is growing. A 2023 survey showed that 67 percent of Moroccan university educators have used AI in some capacity , either for teaching or research purposes. However, most still express a need for structured training programs on responsible and effective AI use. Studocu allows instructors to contribute to and curate quiz sets, giving them more agency over how students engage with course materials in digital form. Frequently asked questions from students How can I turn my lecture notes into a quiz? Using the AI Quiz Maker, upload any lecture note or textbook excerpt as a PDF or Word file. The system will generate a custom quiz based on key concepts from the text. Is Studocu free or paid? Studocu operates on a freemium model. Basic features like document browsing and limited AI usage are free. Premium access unlocks unlimited downloads, advanced AI features, and ad-free usage. Can Studocu help with IELTS and TOEFL prep? Yes. The platform includes past papers, vocabulary lists, speaking practice templates, and downloadable mock tests. This content is especially helpful for students preparing to study in English-speaking countries. Practical benefits for students across Morocco Students from rural areas, where access to private tutoring is limited, can particularly benefit from AI tools that operate via smartphone or tablet. Studocu's low-bandwidth interface means that students with basic internet can still access quizzes, flashcards, and written explanations without needing a high-performance device. Furthermore, various studies have shown that digital tools like Studocu increase test performance by 10 to 25 percent when used consistently for revision. From Casablanca to Cambridge: AI tools supporting academic mobility Morocco has one of the fastest-growing populations of students applying to international universities. Whether applying to engineering schools in Canada or medical programs in France, Moroccan students are seeking competitive advantages in their preparation. Studocu can help bridge that gap by offering academic support that is portable, multilingual, and efficient . The platform's AI tools work across devices, making it ideal for students on the move or studying between jobs, internships, or family commitments. Studocu's AI features offer Moroccan students a strategic advantage. With tools designed to simplify, personalize, and accelerate study routines, the platform is becoming a reliable ally in global exam preparation. As Morocco continues to invest in digital education and its students aim higher on the global stage, AI will play an increasingly larger role in supporting them to meet their academic goals. Tags: African EducationAI and education
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Planning to study abroad? Don't miss these 6 important exams
Planning to study abroad? Don't miss these 6 important exams Studying abroad opens doors to world-class education, global exposure, and exciting career opportunities. But before packing your bags and applying to your dream university, there's one key step you can't skip—standardized entrance exams. These tests help universities assess whether you're academically and linguistically prepared for higher education in a new country. Depending on your destination and course level—undergraduate, postgraduate, or MBA—you may need to appear for different exams. From testing your English proficiency to evaluating your aptitude for math or business, these exams form the foundation of your application. Here's a breakdown of six important exams that can shape your study abroad journey, and help you take that first confident step toward international education. International English Language Testing System - IELTS The IELTS is an English language proficiency test accepted by many universities in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It evaluates four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. Scores range from 0 to 9, with most academic programs requiring a minimum overall band of 6.0 or higher. Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL TOEFL is another widely accepted English proficiency test, particularly in the United States and parts of Canada. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Serum Is Actually Worth It Best Of Beauty Get Coupon Undo It is usually taken online (TOEFL iBT) and includes sections on reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The total score is out of 120. Universities typically expect scores of 80 to 100 or more, depending on the program. Scholastic Assessment Test - SAT The SAT is commonly required for undergraduate admissions to U.S. universities. It tests skills in reading, writing, and math, and is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600. While some institutions have moved to test-optional policies, many still consider SAT scores as part of the application process, especially for international students. Graduate Record Examination - GRE The GRE is often required for admission to graduate programs, especially in fields such as engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences. It includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. The total score ranges from 260 to 340 for the main sections, with a separate writing score out of 6. Graduate Management Admission Test - GMAT The GMAT is used mainly for business school admissions, particularly for MBA and other management-related programs. It assesses verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills, as well as integrated reasoning. Scores range from 200 to 800, and many competitive programs expect scores above 600. Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test accepted by institutions in countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada. It tests speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, and uses automated scoring. Results are usually available quickly, and score requirements vary by institution, typically ranging from 50 to 70. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
