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Improve Your English

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  • ENGLISH Reading Exercise #21 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 7
    ENGLISH Reading Exercise #21 (Intermediate)

    ENGLISH READING PRACTICE PLAYLIST – CLICK HERE

    To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

    These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

    If you find the pace is too slow, go to the Advanced version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

    Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 19 (Advanced) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 5

    Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
    Click on the link below in the Description . . .
    (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

    Instructions

    1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
    2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
    3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
    4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the advanced version.
    5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
    6. Step 6 – When Reaching Goals Use Mental Pictures: Put A Film Studio In Your Head!
      To emphasize the connection between reaching goals and mental pictures think of:
      The smiling face of someone close to you
      The classroom on your first day at school
      The first automobile you owned
      That beautiful sunset on your last vacation
      These sentences immediately bring pictures to your mind.
      The brain often thinks in pictures. An understanding of this is important when reaching goals.

      When we think about something, our brain activates regions associated with vision, particularly the visual cortex, located at the back of the brain. This activation allows us to mentally “see” images or scenes in our mind’s eye.

      The human eye captures an incredible amount of information with just one glance, and relays it all to the brain, which then translates that information into a form we ‘see’.

      It would be more accurate to say we see with our brain than with our eyes. But here is a point that gets more exciting the more you think about it. The brain does not need to receive information through the eyes to see every time.

      It can recall from memory, sights, sounds and feelings and put the whole sequence together, and run it like a movie, all inside our head. In other words, we are talking about visualization. Visualization is a cognitive skill that involves creating mental images or representations of information and concepts.
      Where is all this leading us in relation to reaching goals?

      Visualization is a powerful tool for goal setting and achievement. Athletes and performers often use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse successful outcomes, and improve their performance.
      If we could construct our own movie, cast ourselves in the starring role, and act out the scenes as if we are achieving and reaching goals we have set, and then play it over and over in our minds, what would be the result? Answer: SENSATIONAL!

      A movie is made by a lot of people, but a key figure is the director.
      His job includes visualizing the script and guiding the production crew and actors. He is responsible for the overall creative vision of the film. The director plays a crucial role in casting the right actors for each role in the film. So be your own director and cast yourself in the leading role. Visualize yourself enjoying the benefits of reaching goals you have formulated.

      This may sound a little ‘off the wall’ but many find this technique works!
      In your mind create your own movie theatre. Imagine it now. Imagine the walls, the seats, the stage, the screen. Put yourself in the front row.

      Sit back, press a button and start the movie. See yourself up there in vivid colour reaching goals and enjoying whatever it is you are seeking. Rewind. Play it again! Every time you want to feel a surge of motivation, in your mind, slip into your own movie theatre and just play it again.

      This mental imaging merely cooperates with the way our brain works. And what goes on in our minds has a direct bearing on our actions, the results we produce in our lives, and reaching goals.

      So go ahead! Take a few minutes to: Visualize your goal, create the mental picture and put a film studio in your head!

      Next, Step 7 – Achieving Goals: The Remaining 90% – Sheer Persistence

      Has this video helped you?
      LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

      Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
      Go to: http://goodenglish.online

      Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
      English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

      The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #21 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 7 appeared first on Improve Your English.
      9 min
    7. ENGLISH Reading Exercise #21 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 7
      ENGLISH Reading Exercise #21 (Advanced)

      To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

      These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

      If you find the pace is too fast, go to the Intermediate version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

      Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 21 (Advanced) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 7

      Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
      Click on the link below in the Description . . .
      (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

      Instructions

      1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
      2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
      3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
      4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the intermediate version.
      5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
      6. Step 7 – Achieving Goals: The Remaining 90% – Sheer Persistence
        Achieving goals requires persistence. What is persistence? It is the act of continuing in a course of action or way of thinking with unwavering determination, despite difficulties, setbacks, or challenges along the way. It includes resilience, the ability to recover quickly when faced with adversity, rejection or failure. It’s the ability to maintain focus and motivation over a period of time, until the desired outcome is achieved.
        Developing persistence is like building a muscle; it takes consistent effort and practice.

        Here is an example of the power of persistence:
        In 1915 Ty Cobb set up an amazing baseball record of stealing 96 bases. Seven years later Max Carey set the second-best record with 51 stolen bases. Was Cobb twice as good as Carey?
        Consider this: Cobb made 134 attempts. Carey made 53. So Carey’s average was much better. Cobb however made 81 more tries, and was rewarded with 44 more stolen bases.
        Frank Bettger makes this strong point on page 238 of his fascinating classic: “How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling”.
        When you get behind the big success stories in any given field, you often find the most successful have made more attempts and spent longer hours at the given task than anyone else.
        In other words, they give the law of averages a chance to work in their favor! They just keep on striking out, often against all odds.

        With achieving goals, this sterling quality of persistence and its companion perseverance, is absolutely essential.
        Yes, the previous six steps are also essential and crucial BUT, if you do not persist and persevere, your great plan can just disappear. Your vivid mental images can just evaporate into thin air. Achieving goals simply becomes wishful thinking. Achieving goals requires that you keep at it day in day out.
        Then you are GUARANTEED results – eventually!

        To maintain this kind of momentum you have to develop mental toughness. Mental toughness refers to the psychological resilience and strength of character that enables individuals to cope effectively with stress, pressure, adversity, and challenges. Individuals who possess mental toughness are often able to stay motivated, manage their emotions effectively, and persist in pursuing their goals despite obstacles or setbacks. They can adapt to changing situations, maintain confidence in their abilities, and bounce back from setbacks with renewed determination.

        To be mentally tough means you minimize the effects of discouragement and you turn negatives into positives.
        Motivational speaker Jack Black uses a computer expression to combat negativity – “Delete that Programme”.
        Whenever a negative thought comes into your mind or when others make negative comments, say to yourself, “Delete that Programme” and replace it with a positive thought.
        For example, when you catch yourself thinking, “This is just not working, this is useless and a waste of time”, trigger mental toughness by saying “DELETE THAT PROGRAMME”.
        Instead think: “What do I need to do to make this work!”
        Admittedly, negative mental habits are hard to break. It takes time and persistence but oh, the rewards when you do!

        Do we understand then why the title of this final session is: “Achieving Goals: The Remaining 90% – Sheer Persistence”?
        It really does come down to that. Just keep on going, persist, persist, persist, and let the good old law of averages work for you.
        Achieving goals WILL become your reality!

        Next: Goal Setting Blueprint Conclusion

        Has this video helped you?
        LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

        Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
        Go to: http://goodenglish.online

        Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
        English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

        The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #21 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 7 appeared first on Improve Your English.
        9 min
      7. ENGLISH Reading Exercise #20 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 6
        ENGLISH Reading Exercise #20 (Intermediate)

        ENGLISH READING PRACTICE PLAYLIST – CLICK HERE

        To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

        These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

        If you find the pace is too slow, go to the Advanced version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

        Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 19 (Advanced) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 5

        Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
        Click on the link below in the Description . . .
        (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

        Instructions

        1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
        2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
        3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
        4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the advanced version.
        5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
        6. Step 6 – When Reaching Goals Use Mental Pictures: Put A Film Studio In Your Head!
          To emphasize the connection between reaching goals and mental pictures think of:
          The smiling face of someone close to you
          The classroom on your first day at school
          The first automobile you owned
          That beautiful sunset on your last vacation
          These sentences immediately bring pictures to your mind.
          The brain often thinks in pictures. An understanding of this is important when reaching goals.

          When we think about something, our brain activates regions associated with vision, particularly the visual cortex, located at the back of the brain. This activation allows us to mentally “see” images or scenes in our mind’s eye.

          The human eye captures an incredible amount of information with just one glance, and relays it all to the brain, which then translates that information into a form we ‘see’.

          It would be more accurate to say we see with our brain than with our eyes. But here is a point that gets more exciting the more you think about it. The brain does not need to receive information through the eyes to see every time.

          It can recall from memory, sights, sounds and feelings and put the whole sequence together, and run it like a movie, all inside our head. In other words, we are talking about visualization. Visualization is a cognitive skill that involves creating mental images or representations of information and concepts.
          Where is all this leading us in relation to reaching goals?

          Visualization is a powerful tool for goal setting and achievement. Athletes and performers often use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse successful outcomes, and improve their performance.
          If we could construct our own movie, cast ourselves in the starring role, and act out the scenes as if we are achieving and reaching goals we have set, and then play it over and over in our minds, what would be the result? Answer: SENSATIONAL!

          A movie is made by a lot of people, but a key figure is the director.
          His job includes visualizing the script and guiding the production crew and actors. He is responsible for the overall creative vision of the film. The director plays a crucial role in casting the right actors for each role in the film. So be your own director and cast yourself in the leading role. Visualize yourself enjoying the benefits of reaching goals you have formulated.

          This may sound a little ‘off the wall’ but many find this technique works!
          In your mind create your own movie theatre. Imagine it now. Imagine the walls, the seats, the stage, the screen. Put yourself in the front row.

          Sit back, press a button and start the movie. See yourself up there in vivid colour reaching goals and enjoying whatever it is you are seeking. Rewind. Play it again! Every time you want to feel a surge of motivation, in your mind, slip into your own movie theatre and just play it again.

          This mental imaging merely cooperates with the way our brain works. And what goes on in our minds has a direct bearing on our actions, the results we produce in our lives, and reaching goals.

          So go ahead! Take a few minutes to: Visualize your goal, create the mental picture and put a film studio in your head!

          Next, Step 7 – Achieving Goals: The Remaining 90% – Sheer Persistence

          Has this video helped you?
          LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

          Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
          Go to: http://goodenglish.online

          Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
          English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

          The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #20 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 6 appeared first on Improve Your English.
          8 min
        7. ENGLISH Reading Exercise #20 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 6
          ENGLISH Reading Exercise #20 (Advanced)

          To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

          These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

          If you find the pace is too fast, go to the Intermediate version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

          Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 20 (Advanced) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 6

          Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
          Click on the link below in the Description . . .
          (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

          Instructions

          1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
          2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
          3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
          4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the intermediate version.
          5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
          6. Step 6 – When Reaching Goals Use Mental Pictures: Put A Film Studio In Your Head!
            To emphasize the connection between reaching goals and mental pictures think of:
            The smiling face of someone close to you
            The classroom on your first day at school
            The first automobile you owned
            That beautiful sunset on your last vacation
            These sentences immediately bring pictures to your mind.
            The brain often thinks in pictures. An understanding of this is important when reaching goals.

            When we think about something, our brain activates regions associated with vision, particularly the visual cortex, located at the back of the brain. This activation allows us to mentally “see” images or scenes in our mind’s eye.

            The human eye captures an incredible amount of information with just one glance, and relays it all to the brain, which then translates that information into a form we ‘see’.

            It would be more accurate to say we see with our brain than with our eyes. But here is a point that gets more exciting the more you think about it. The brain does not need to receive information through the eyes to see every time.

            It can recall from memory, sights, sounds and feelings and put the whole sequence together, and run it like a movie, all inside our head. In other words, we are talking about visualization. Visualization is a cognitive skill that involves creating mental images or representations of information and concepts.
            Where is all this leading us in relation to reaching goals?

            Visualization is a powerful tool for goal setting and achievement. Athletes and performers often use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse successful outcomes, and improve their performance.
            If we could construct our own movie, cast ourselves in the starring role, and act out the scenes as if we are achieving and reaching goals we have set, and then play it over and over in our minds, what would be the result? Answer: SENSATIONAL!

            A movie is made by a lot of people, but a key figure is the director.
            His job includes visualizing the script and guiding the production crew and actors. He is responsible for the overall creative vision of the film. The director plays a crucial role in casting the right actors for each role in the film. So be your own director and cast yourself in the leading role. Visualize yourself enjoying the benefits of reaching goals you have formulated.

            This may sound a little ‘off the wall’ but many find this technique works!
            In your mind create your own movie theatre. Imagine it now. Imagine the walls, the seats, the stage, the screen. Put yourself in the front row.

            Sit back, press a button and start the movie. See yourself up there in vivid colour reaching goals and enjoying whatever it is you are seeking. Rewind. Play it again! Every time you want to feel a surge of motivation, in your mind, slip into your own movie theatre and just play it again.

            This mental imaging merely cooperates with the way our brain works. And what goes on in our minds has a direct bearing on our actions, the results we produce in our lives, and reaching goals.

            So go ahead! Take a few minutes to: Visualize your goal, create the mental picture and put a film studio in your head!

            Next, Step 7 – Achieving Goals: The Remaining 90% – Sheer Persistence

            Has this video helped you?
            LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

            Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
            Go to: http://goodenglish.online

            Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
            English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

            The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #20 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 6 appeared first on Improve Your English.
            6 min
          7. Learn How to Pronounce SECRETARY – SECRETARY in a Sentence
            How to Pronounce SECRETARY

            Here is a transcript of the video: “Learn How to Pronounce SECRETARY – SECRETARY in a Sentence”

            Slide 2:
            A quick reminder before we start:
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            Slide 3:
            The word SECRETARY is a noun.

            In British English it is pronounced with 3 syllables.

            Stress the 1st syllable.

            It’s pronounced SEK◦ruh◦tree

            Slide 4:
            In American English it is pronounced with 4 syllables.

            Again, stress the 1st syllable.

            It’s pronounced SEK◦ruh◦tair◦ee

            Slide 5:
            Definition:
            a person who handles correspondence, keeps records, and does general clerical work for a person or organization;
            an official who presides over an administrative department of state

            Let’s look at an illustrated sentence example.

            Slide 6:
            The picture shows a smartly dressed woman sitting at a desk.

            The sentence reads: Some women now prefer to use the title “Administrative Assistant” or “Office Manager” rather than Secretary.

            Slide 7:
            Has this video helped you?
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            Slide 8:
            Build a powerful English vocabulary with my FREE course on Udemy. Just go to:
            http://goodenglish.online

            Image Credit:

            Slide 6 – woman at desk
            Royalty Free
            Photo by Thirdman from Pexels
            https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-suit-sitting-behind-a-white-table-8485716/

            Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:
            Royalty Free
            The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

            Examples of SECRETARY from news items:

            Office and administrative support occupations, including secretaries, clerks, bill collectors and office assistants, employ 1.3 million fewer workers than in 1990, according to an analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
            Source: New York Times
            https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/10/technology/ai-is-coming-for-lawyers-again.html

            In July, the month before the transaction was ratified by the owners, the group added Condoleezza Rice, the former secretary of state.
            Source: Washington Post
            https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/02/17/nfl-ownership-rules-washington-commanders-sale/

            She worked as a legal secretary and raised a young working-class family in Freehold, N.J., while her husband often struggled to find steady work and grappled with mental illness.
            Source: New York Times
            https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/arts/music/bruce-springsteen-adele-mom.html

            Private secretaries that will leak private details about his relationship with his brother to make him look better.
            Source: Salon
            https://www.salon.com/2023/11/30/omid-scobie-royals-endgame-charles-william-meghan/

            He stated that he was going to Washington, DC, on Thursday or Friday of this week, and would talk to Mr. Hoover or his secretary.
            Source: Nazi Saboteurs
            https://www.amazon.com/dp/1338259148?tag=vocabulary01-20

            If you are interested in how to pronounce SECRETARY, be sure to check other words in The Punctuation Guide such as:
            Learn How to Pronounce SURVEY – SURVEY in a Sentence

            The post Learn How to Pronounce SECRETARY – SECRETARY in a Sentence appeared first on Improve Your English.
            2 min
          8. ENGLISH Reading Exercise #19 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 5
            ENGLISH Reading Exercise #19 (Intermediate)

            ENGLISH READING PRACTICE PLAYLIST – CLICK HERE

            To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

            These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

            If you find the pace is too slow, go to the Advanced version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

            Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 19 (Advanced) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 5

            Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
            Click on the link below in the Description . . .
            (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

            Instructions

            1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
            2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
            3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
            4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the advanced version.
            5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
            6. Step 5 – Goal Objectives: Looking Ahead To Get Ahead With Planning

              With goal objectives in mind, consider the organizers of a marathon race.
              They take time to research and decide on a route that is safe, scenic, and well-suited for runners. They take time to mark out the course. The way is planned. Otherwise reaching the finish line would be a matter of chance, depending on whether a runner just happened to be in the area to see it!
              Likewise, reaching goal objectives requires planning.

              In Step 3, on how to reach goals, we discussed the importance of identifying obstacles and acquiring help.
              We were encouraged to make a list of possible obstacles, and yet another list of knowledge, people or organizations that could help us.

              In Step 4, with regard to goal planning, we saw the need for deadlines, and the need to make another list of manageable slices or segments leading toward the main goal.

              Now, Step 5 involves using all the information gathered from these two previous steps.
              Combine all these lists and put them in a logical order.

              Lay out the manageable steps in order of progression, interweaving the details from your obstacles list and help list.

              Get a large sketch pad or use an electronic device, and play around with the order of things, until the plan begins to flow towards your goal objectives.

              Acquiring knowledge, for example, would come before contacting people or organizations.
              Once you have educated yourself a little, you can ask intelligent questions and get valuable answers and leads. Without knowledge, you don’t even know what you need to know, to be able to ask!
              A mind map is an excellent tool for this kind of planning.

              If the concept of mind mapping is new to you, just Google it! You will find a wealth of information on the advantages of mind mapping and how to do it.

              Move Toward Goal Objectives With A FLEXIBLE Plan
              Make sure your plan is not too rigid!
              Otherwise any deviation from the course could spell disaster if the plan is not flexible!
              So factor in room for the unexpected when moving towards your goal objectives.
              If one deadline is missed, it should not jeopardize the rest of the plan.

              Have more than one option open at crucial stages.
              The flow can then follow a different route, and still arrive at the same destination, and achieve your goal objectives.
              Once this session is completed, you now have an action plan.
              The course to the finish line for your goal is set. The way is marked out.

              Goal Objectives – Look Ahead
              This step is a tremendous confidence booster, and it is extremely practical.
              Without planning, you can drop out of the race early on.
              With a carefully crafted plan, you will be able to make the most efficient use of your resources, including time, money and effort.

              A plan will help you manage risks more effectively, minimizing their impact on the final result.
              A plan increases productivity, as you don’t waste time thinking about what to do next. You just simply follow the route that has been carefully worked out.

              So when it comes to your goals, by looking ahead through planning, you get ahead and stay ahead!

              Next, Step 6 – When Reaching Goals, Use Mental Pictures: Put A Film Studio In Your Head!

              Has this video helped you?
              LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

              Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
              Go to: http://goodenglish.online

              Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
              English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

              The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #19 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 5 appeared first on Improve Your English.
              8 min
            7. ENGLISH Reading Exercise #19 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 5
              ENGLISH Reading Exercise #19 (Advanced)

              ENGLISH READING PRACTICE PLAYLIST – CLICK HERE

              To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

              These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

              If you find the pace is too fast, go to the Intermediate version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

              Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 19 (Advanced) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 5

              Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
              Click on the link below in the Description . . .
              (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

              Instructions

              1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
              2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
              3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
              4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the intermediate version.
              5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
              6. Step 5 – Goal Objectives: Looking Ahead To Get Ahead With Planning

                With goal objectives in mind, consider the organizers of a marathon race.
                They take time to research and decide on a route that is safe, scenic, and well-suited for runners. They take time to mark out the course. The way is planned. Otherwise reaching the finish line would be a matter of chance, depending on whether a runner just happened to be in the area to see it!
                Likewise, reaching goal objectives requires planning.

                In Step 3, on how to reach goals, we discussed the importance of identifying obstacles and acquiring help.
                We were encouraged to make a list of possible obstacles, and yet another list of knowledge, people or organizations that could help us.

                In Step 4, with regard to goal planning, we saw the need for deadlines, and the need to make another list of manageable slices or segments leading toward the main goal.

                Now, Step 5 involves using all the information gathered from these two previous steps.
                Combine all these lists and put them in a logical order.

                Lay out the manageable steps in order of progression, interweaving the details from your obstacles list and help list.

                Get a large sketch pad or use an electronic device, and play around with the order of things, until the plan begins to flow towards your goal objectives.

                Acquiring knowledge, for example, would come before contacting people or organizations.
                Once you have educated yourself a little, you can ask intelligent questions and get valuable answers and leads. Without knowledge, you don’t even know what you need to know, to be able to ask!
                A mind map is an excellent tool for this kind of planning.

                If the concept of mind mapping is new to you, just Google it! You will find a wealth of information on the advantages of mind mapping and how to do it.

                Move Toward Goal Objectives With A FLEXIBLE Plan
                Make sure your plan is not too rigid!
                Otherwise any deviation from the course could spell disaster if the plan is not flexible!
                So factor in room for the unexpected when moving towards your goal objectives.
                If one deadline is missed, it should not jeopardize the rest of the plan.

                Have more than one option open at crucial stages.
                The flow can then follow a different route, and still arrive at the same destination, and achieve your goal objectives.
                Once this session is completed, you now have an action plan.
                The course to the finish line for your goal is set. The way is marked out.

                Goal Objectives – Look Ahead
                This step is a tremendous confidence booster, and it is extremely practical.
                Without planning, you can drop out of the race early on.
                With a carefully crafted plan, you will be able to make the most efficient use of your resources, including time, money and effort.

                A plan will help you manage risks more effectively, minimizing their impact on the final result.
                A plan increases productivity, as you don’t waste time thinking about what to do next. You just simply follow the route that has been carefully worked out.

                So when it comes to your goals, by looking ahead through planning, you get ahead and stay ahead!

                Next, Step 6 – When Reaching Goals, Use Mental Pictures: Put A Film Studio In Your Head!

                Has this video helped you?
                LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

                Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
                Go to: http://goodenglish.online

                Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
                English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

                The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #19 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 5 appeared first on Improve Your English.
                6 min
              7. The Meaning of Suffix URE (Illustrated Examples)
                The Meaning of Suffix URE

                The suffix URE is very common in English. The video provides a clear definition and then 6 illustrated sentence examples so you clearly understand the meaning of suffix URE.

                Here is a transcript of the video: “Words With the Suffix URE”

                Slide 2:
                The suffix URE means:

                state of
                act, action
                process

                Note: The suffix URE can make a noun from an adjective.
                Examples: literate – literature | temperate – temperature
                overt – overture

                Just a quick reminder:

                Slide 3:
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                Let’s look at some examples of words with the suffix URE:

                Slide 4:
                EXPOSURE

                Definition: 1. the state of being subjected to an influence or action

                1. the state of being open, without protection or cover
                2. Slide 5:
                  The picture shows a young woman sunbathing.

                  Sentence example: Sun Safety: If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun.

                  Slide 6:
                  POSTURE

                  Definition: the state in which a person holds their body when standing or sitting, a position

                  Slide 7:
                  The picture shows a little girl learning ballet.

                  Sentence example: As ballet is a dance form that requires good posture, it can have many benefits for your child including improved posture both in and out of the dance classes.

                  Slide 8:
                  TENURE

                  Definition: 1. the act or condition of holding something in one’s possession, including an office such as a CEO or President 2. the conditions under which land or buildings are held or occupied

                  Slide 9:
                  In the picture we see a portrait of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

                  Sentence example: Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as the British Prime Minister ran from 1979 to 1990, making her the longest serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century and the first woman to hold that position.

                  Slide 10:
                  CENSURE

                  Definition: the act of severely criticizing someone or something, expressing strong disapproval

                  Slide 11:
                  We see the Instagram logo on the left.

                  The sentence reads: “Although Facebook has already been blocked in Russia, Instagram has so far escaped censure.”
                  The Verge
                  March 11, 2022

                  Slide 12:
                  RUPTURE

                  Definition: the state or condition where something is broken open, bursting

                  Slide 13:
                  In the picture we see a hand-drawn diagram of the appendix.

                  Sentence example:A ruptured appendix (burst appendix) is possibly life-threatening and requires immediate surgery.

                  Side 14:
                  IMMATURE

                  Definition: the state of being not fully grown or developed

                  Slide 15:
                  The picture shows a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau

                  Sentence example: While some critics say Beaujolais Nouveau is too immature and hardly a wine, many enjoy it with the knowledge that it has only aged for 6-8 weeks before being bottled, and therefore it is meant to be drunk immediately.

                  Slide 16:
                  So remember, the suffix URE simply means: state of, act, action, or process, as in:

                  EXPOSURE
                  POSTURE
                  TENURE
                  CENSURE
                  RUPTURE
                  IMMATURE

                  Slide 17:
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                  Slide 18:
                  Build A Powerful English Vocabulary
                  with my FREE course on UDEMY
                  Go to: http://goodenglish.online

                  If you are interested in the meaning of suffix URE, be sure to check this other entry in The Suffixes Guide:
                  The Meaning of Suffix MENT

                  Image Credits

                  Slide 5 – Sunbathing
                  Royalty Free
                  Courtesy of Pikwizard
                  https://pikwizard.com/photo/high-angle-view-of-woman-sunbathing-on-sand-at-beach/85451fdf9fa428d8e78515329123cf7a/

                  Slide 7 – ballet
                  Royalty Free
                  Courtesy of kakisky at Morguefile.com
                  https://morguefile.com/p/595878

                  Slide 9 – Margaret Thatcher
                  Copyrighted Free Use
                  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Margaret_Thatcher_stock_portrait_(cropped).jpg

                  Slide 11 – Instagram logo
                  Public Domain
                  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Instagram_logo_2022.svg

                  Slide 13 – appendix
                  Creative Commons License CC-BY-SA 4.0
                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9amif1DQMc
                  by Osmosis (https://open.osmosis.org/)

                  Slide 15 – Beaujolais
                  Fair Use
                  https://www.quintessentialwines.com/Beaujolais-Nouveau

                  Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

                  Creative Commons Attribution Licence
                  Others are allowed to copy, distribute, display, and perform copyrighted work – and derivative works based upon it if they give credit to the creator or source.
                  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

                  Fair Use
                  Section 107 of the Copyright Act provides the statutory framework for determining whether something is a fair use and identifies certain types of uses—such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research—as examples of activities that may qualify as fair use.
                  https://copyright.gov/fair-use/more-info.html

                  Public Domain
                  Public domain works are not restricted by copyright and do not require a license or fee to use. Public domain status allows the user unrestricted access and unlimited creativity. These are typically very old works.

                  Royalty Free
                  The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

                  The post The Meaning of Suffix URE (Illustrated Examples) appeared first on Improve Your English.
                  5 min
                3. ENGLISH Reading Exercise #18 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 4
                  ENGLISH Reading Exercise #18 (Intermediate)

                  ENGLISH READING PRACTICE PLAYLIST – CLICK HERE

                  To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

                  These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

                  If you find the pace is too slow, go to the Advanced version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

                  Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 18 (Intermediate) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 4

                  Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
                  Click on the link below in the Description . . .
                  (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

                  Instructions

                  1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
                  2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
                  3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
                  4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the intermediate version.
                  5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
                  6. Step 4 – Goal Planning: Use Deadlines As Lifelines

                    When goal planning, deadlining is another crucial step in the goal achievement process.
                    What is a deadline? It’s a specified date or time by which a goal, task or project is expected to be completed.

                    Karl Kraus (1874-1936), Austrian satirist, once gave this definition of a journalist:
                    “A writer whose skill is improved by a deadline: the more time he has, the worse he writes.”
                    In other words, when journalists have a limited time in which to complete a task, they are more motivated and focused, resulting in better writing.

                    Conversely, when there is no deadline, a person can become undisciplined, procrastinate, and even overthink the subject, resulting in poorer quality writing.
                    This satirical comment does emphasize one thing – a deadline gets results.
                    It creates urgency, it sharpens thinking, it makes things happen.

                    Which goal planning exercise is more likely to be achieved?
                    I would like to take a vacation in the Bahamas sometime!
                    OR
                    Six months from today I will be enjoying a vacation in the Bahamas.

                    Yes, deadlines crystallize thinking and increase motivation in the goal planning environment.
                    However, it would be a mistake to think deadlines perform miracles.
                    Simply saying, “In seven days from now I will have made an extra $5,000” is not going to miraculously deliver unless you have a strategy and a realistic plan based on your present circumstances.

                    So when deadlining during your goal planning sessions:

                    1. Break the goals down into manageable stages.
                    2. Work out a reasonable time frame for the accomplishment of that stage and factor in a safety margin for unexpected delays.
                      (This prevents disappointment and discouragement through missing the deadline.)
                    3. Put the deadline date for each stage in your computer planner or diary.
                    4. Get the deadline date from the last stage.
                    5. Your goal planning now has a final deadline for the accomplishment of that goal.
                      It has a high chance of being achieved.
                      You have planned, set reasonable stages, your focus is clear.

                      Next? Keep the overall deadline in front of you daily as you accomplish each stage along the way and START!

                      If you miss the deadline . . .
                      Generally, when it comes to goal planning, the deadlines you set are for your own benefit.
                      It is unlikely missing a deadline will be a life and death matter.
                      So get deadlines in perspective and see them for what they are: tools to keep you moving and to inject a sense of urgency into your project.

                      If circumstances come up beyond your control that make you miss the deadline then re-schedule it.
                      Re-schedule deadlines if necessary but keep your goal planning on track.
                      Think it out and set a new date which is realistic, based on current circumstances.
                      The main thing is that your goal planning exercise is still moving forward and you have a framework to guide you.

                      So in summary, why are deadlines lifelines when setting goals?

                      Here is a definition of a lifeline: something on which someone depends to help them out of, and successfully overcome, a challenging situation.

                      Deadlines become lifelines because they
                      (1) help you manage time more effectively and help increase productivity by creating a sense of urgency,
                      (2) add clarity to your projects and help reduce muddled thinking, and (3) help you keep focused on the task at hand, thus avoiding distractions.

                      Next: Step 5 – Goal Objectives: Looking Ahead To Get Ahead With Planning

                      Has this video helped you?
                      LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

                      Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
                      Go to: http://goodenglish.online

                      Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
                      English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

                      The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #18 (Intermediate) Goal Setting Step 4 appeared first on Improve Your English.
                      8 min
                    6. ENGLISH Reading Exercise #18 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 4
                      ENGLISH Reading Exercise #18 (Advanced)

                      ENGLISH READING PRACTICE PLAYLIST – CLICK HERE

                      To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading practice sessions will dramatically improve your English fluency.

                      These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

                      If you find the pace is too fast, go to the Intermediate version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

                      Here is a transcript of the video: English Reading Practice: Exercise 18 (Advanced) – Goal Setting Blueprint – Step 4

                      Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
                      Click on the link below in the Description . . .
                      (https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

                      Instructions

                      1. Turn up the volume so the teacher’s voice is loud.
                      2. Read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher.
                      3. Pay attention to the teacher’s voice intonation and the word groups.
                      4. If you find the speed is too fast, go to the playlist and choose the intermediate version.
                      5. Check any new words in a dictionary to fully understand the text.
                      6. Step 4 – Goal Planning: Use Deadlines As Lifelines

                        When goal planning, deadlining is another crucial step in the goal achievement process.
                        What is a deadline? It’s a specified date or time by which a goal, task or project is expected to be completed.

                        Karl Kraus (1874-1936), Austrian satirist, once gave this definition of a journalist:
                        “A writer whose skill is improved by a deadline: the more time he has, the worse he writes.”
                        In other words, when journalists have a limited time in which to complete a task, they are more motivated and focused, resulting in better writing.

                        Conversely, when there is no deadline, a person can become undisciplined, procrastinate, and even overthink the subject, resulting in poorer quality writing.
                        This satirical comment does emphasize one thing – a deadline gets results.
                        It creates urgency, it sharpens thinking, it makes things happen.

                        Which goal planning exercise is more likely to be achieved?
                        I would like to take a vacation in the Bahamas sometime!
                        OR
                        Six months from today I will be enjoying a vacation in the Bahamas.

                        Yes, deadlines crystallize thinking and increase motivation in the goal planning environment.
                        However, it would be a mistake to think deadlines perform miracles.
                        Simply saying, “In seven days from now I will have made an extra $5,000” is not going to miraculously deliver unless you have a strategy and a realistic plan based on your present circumstances.

                        So when deadlining during your goal planning sessions:

                        1. Break the goals down into manageable stages.
                        2. Work out a reasonable time frame for the accomplishment of that stage and factor in a safety margin for unexpected delays.
                          (This prevents disappointment and discouragement through missing the deadline.)
                        3. Put the deadline date for each stage in your computer planner or diary.
                        4. Get the deadline date from the last stage.
                        5. Your goal planning now has a final deadline for the accomplishment of that goal.
                          It has a high chance of being achieved.
                          You have planned, set reasonable stages, your focus is clear.

                          Next? Keep the overall deadline in front of you daily as you accomplish each stage along the way and START!

                          If you miss the deadline . . .
                          Generally, when it comes to goal planning, the deadlines you set are for your own benefit.
                          It is unlikely missing a deadline will be a life and death matter.
                          So get deadlines in perspective and see them for what they are: tools to keep you moving and to inject a sense of urgency into your project.

                          If circumstances come up beyond your control that make you miss the deadline then re-schedule it.
                          Re-schedule deadlines if necessary but keep your goal planning on track.
                          Think it out and set a new date which is realistic, based on current circumstances.
                          The main thing is that your goal planning exercise is still moving forward and you have a framework to guide you.

                          So in summary, why are deadlines lifelines when setting goals?

                          Here is a definition of a lifeline: something on which someone depends to help them out of, and successfully overcome, a challenging situation.

                          Deadlines become lifelines because they
                          (1) help you manage time more effectively and help increase productivity by creating a sense of urgency,
                          (2) add clarity to your projects and help reduce muddled thinking, and (3) help you keep focused on the task at hand, thus avoiding distractions.

                          Next: Step 5 – Goal Objectives: Looking Ahead To Get Ahead With Planning

                          Has this video helped you?
                          LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

                          Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on UDEMY
                          Go to: http://goodenglish.online

                          Now you have completed this English Reading Exercise, try this one:
                          English Reading Practice: Exercise 14 (Advanced) Goal Setting Introduction

                          The post ENGLISH Reading Exercise #18 (Advanced) Goal Setting Step 4 appeared first on Improve Your English.
                          6 min

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