Letter to the next years students

To the students that will attend the english course after me, I have to say that the course is extremely helpful. As we know, English is the global language. The better you know it, more doors could open infront of you. I ahieved my goals for this first semester and my level of English improved rapidly. I learned to write memo reports, creating other business related documents, improved my vocabulary, learn to write academically, learned to use specific words and be precise in my speech. To the students that will attend the course after me, i have to say ''Good luck!'' and will advise them to work hard.

Leatty Shanghai... Practice makes perfect

Memo report

To: Board of directors (Leatty Shanghai)

From: Nikolay Gitsov (Project Manager for Leatty Shanghai)

Date: 16 December 2011

Subject: Leatty Shanghai Rescue Strategy

Introduction

On Friday, 16 December 2011, the project manager discussed strategic decisions and actions for a change in the current situation about rescuing the project. Problems such as cost overruns, schedule delays, bad communication and bad teamwork are of great importance for the project. Strategy and actions are needed urgently. We agreed on the following changes.

Information exchange and co-ordination of tasks

The problem of information exchange is our main concern at this point. Firstly, we agreed on video conference schedule which will be comfortable for both parties. Skypetm software will be used and every participant will get a manual with instructions.  Secondly, areas of responsibility will be introduced. In this way we will improve communication flow between individuals and departments as well as avoid tasks overlap.

Communication, morale and working practices

At the meeting, we agreed that onsite meeting will be held. All interested parties will be present and important issues concerning the execution of the project will be discussed.  We will introduce a bonus reward system for overtime work. Furthermore, human resources specialist will be working onsite with the people. His task will be related to establishment of better teamwork. The managers will receive an additional training concerning real evaluation and feedback. People will talk free for the problems encountered, which will improve communication.

Safe atmosphere

We agreed on creating outside activities for workers such as family dinners and parties. In this way people can introduce their families and talk freely with managers and executive staff about problems and risks related to the project.

Lessons learnt

We agreed that in the first part of the project development, there were a lot of issues and misunderstandings. With actions and strategy discussed on the meeting we will achieve better communication flow, improve teamwork, establish trust among the staff, share problems and discuss risks. Furthermore, we will reduce delays in the building schedule, tasks overlap and problems with supply chain.

Next meeting schedule

Date: 9^th January 2012

Time: 10:00h (Local time)

Place: Leatty construction site, Shanghai

Nikolay Gitsov

Project manager, Leatty

Parts of a Paragraph - English Academic Writing Introduction

The following link is a video explaining the basics of structuring paragraph in academic English writing

Parts of a paragraph - Academic English writing

LLH... My language learning history

Since I was a child I have had a passion for foreign languages and, consequently, at the age of 8 I entered English language course on “beginner” level. However, it was rather difficult to learn to speak a foreign language free and fluently when one does not live in the country where this language is spoken, and I often had difficulties while speaking aloud in front of an audience in English. I continued studying the language both in primary school and in a language academy as well.After having taken written exams in Bulgarian and Mathematics needed for application to elite secondary schools with outstanding marks, I was accepted to study at high rated secondary school in Bulgaria with an intensive French language and English language as a second foreign language which was listed as my first choice. At high school teacher’s approach towards foreign languages was academic and it was hard to study academic terms in a foreign language. Since I was already familiar with the basics of English, I have never had any difficulties during my English studies at school. The basic knowledge I had gained beforehand helped me memorise words and phrases easily and understand unknown set phrases from the context without using a dictionary. However, my problems with oral presentation remained as we never had enough time for each and every student to lead a conversation or at least participate in a discussion. Although I could understand written English, I was still unable to speak without constantly thinking of the right words.For all those reasons, I attended an English language course and I passed the TOEFL exam which was a major step for me as a second foreign language. Never was my intention to continue my further education in English, but after having a proof of proficiency in French I decided to improve my level of academic English. In this case, I considered that studying in English would be the best way to develop my academic writing and oral skills. The latter, in my view, is still to be worked on as I am tense at times while giving a presentation. I continued working on my English in London, where I attended English courses and gained a degree in economics. 

My expectations of the English language course at the University of Groningen are related to my weaknesses: oral presentations, writing on an academic level using the appropriate vocabulary and diversity of linking words. Although I consider myself as I have a flair for languages, it would not be enough to be academically correct when writing reports and essays. In my opinion, I must gain much confidence, which comes naturally when academic writing and oral skills have been improved on the level needed at universities. 

Hazel - mission statement

Hazel mission statement
“Our goal is to provide today’s young women with exclusive, state-of-the-art make-up products while preserving their skin as well as the environment.”

English...

"I am" is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that "I do" is the longest sentence?
George Carlin

I guess you've heard for the CAE exam. The post contains exercises, examples and tests related to the use of English on CAE exam level. (C1.1 and C2.2) Have a look ;)

http://www.examenglish.com/CAE/?gclid=COTsivbzwK0CFQKEDgodMitNBQ