No one would argue that communicating effectively through writing and speaking is important.

Even when emails and texts replace phone and face-to-face conversation, good English has never diminished in importance.

Studies have also shown that poor grammar can affect your grades in exams (because the person grading your paper has misunderstood what you wrote), can affect how other people perceive you, affect the types of jobs you are able to get, and your salary/career progression in the workplace.

Therefore, if you want better grades (in all your subjects, and not just in English), better jobs, and to be regarded as a more intelligent and capable person, you should work hard at improving your English.

How exactly can poor English communication affect personal and professional life?

Do your eyes start to roll when someone is not able to use the correct words when trying to tell you something important?

When people do not feel connected to each other, it opens up the door for misinterpretation, and for questioning their motives and intent.

The lack of feeling respected or listened to – truly listened to – can cause people to feel frustrated.  

When that happens, they often find ways to disapprove what was said, even when they cannot do it openly or directly.

If these are the effects of obviously ineffective communication skills, why aren’t we fixing them?

Some of us might feel that we are already good at communicating in Singlish and can barely pass our English exams.

Some of us are afraid of being laughed at if we tried to speak or write better English, and this fear stops us from trying and learning better things and skills.

We might also have a mistaken belief that good communication is “just” common sense, so there is no need to know how to start or where to start.

According to NeuroScience News, a new study co-authored by University College London, Royal Holloway and funded by Wellcome, children with poor English language skills – whether it is their first language or an additional language – are more likely to have social, emotional and behavioral difficulties in later years.

Of course, these finding have less relevance in countries where English is not widely spoken or used.

English is the medium of instruction in Singapore schools, and – except for mother tongue lessons – all other subjects are taught in English.

It is therefore vital to have a strong command of English, whether we are in school and wanting to do well in all our subjects, or when we are outside school and wanting to communicate accurately.

Language is what makes us human.

It is how people communicate.

By learning a language, it means you have mastered a complex system of words, structure, and grammar to effectively communicate with others.

English is considered a universal language because it is so pervasive.

Over half of the most visited web pages in the world are in English, making it the most dominant language used online, encompassing the largest epicentre of information online in the form of news, analyses, white papers, essays and articles.

With almost 2 billion internet users typing in English, you’ll be able to access many types of resources and learning platforms for entertainment, education and career development.

The content of most of the search engines, YouTube videos, podcasts and websites is primarily in English.

Some of the content might be translated from native languages into English because most content creators know that they are able to reach out to a much larger audience, when English is used.

Mastery of the English language can serve as a digital door opener for you and will help you access all the information available on the net.

About 17 of the top 20 universities in the global rankings are English-speaking. This alone shows how widely-adopted English is as the language of academia.

The Oxford English Dictionary contains over 170,000 unique words.

Some of these are repurposed words from many other languages.

It is estimated that 3 words are added to the dictionary every 2 hours, and about 1,000 words are added to the Oxford English Dictionary annually.

In 2020, “LOL” and many other words were added to this dictionary, which shows how flexible and fun English has become.

Research shows that you will be able to understand about 65% of all writing in English (including newspapers and magazines) when you understand only the 300 most common words.

English is the official language in 67 countries, and widely spoken in more than 100.

In some countries where English is not the most spoken language, it is still an official language. That means that it is accepted by a country’s government, and often taught in schools.

Globally, one out of five people can speak or at least understand English.

English is the official language of the United Nations, Interpol, NATO, International Olympic Committee, International Space Station, the European Union, aeronautical and maritime communications, the scientific and academic communities, and in global business.

Whether your objective is travel widely, blog about other cultures, become an entrepreneur, work with an MNC or local company that deals in international trade, or study abroad, building strong English skills will help you achieve these goals.

ENGLISH TEACHES YOU THESE PRACTICAL SKILLS

Transferable skills are some of the most powerful tools in your arsenal, and communication skills are the core of your transferable skills toolkit.

In LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends Report, 92% of employers surveyed stated that soft skills are increasingly important in the workplace. And the same report stated that 89% of staffing professionals say these skills, or a lack thereof, could make or break a hiring decision.

Developing transferable skills makes you a stronger job candidate and a more confident employee, no matter what career path you choose to take.

Whether you need to communicate with clients, colleagues or your bosses, it is important to know how to articulate your thoughts and ideas.

Studying English helps develop your logical thought, problem-solving skills, and the ability to write accurate and concise reports – all these are important for a range of jobs.

By learning to skilled in the English language, students understand:

• The development of transferable techniques that include investigative, problem solving, research, decision-making, and analytical aptitude
• You will gain analytical dexterity, have an enquiring mind, and sharpen the ability to think logically
• The thorough and methodical approach to how you learn, assimilate and present important information
• How to deepen your organizational aptitude to plan and carry out projects
• How to explain results clearly and concisely

WHY STUDY ENGLISH?

A census study conducted in the United States showed that English speaking and writing ability has a direct correlation with the amount of money you earn.

And the differences can be larger than you think, especially in jobs that require advanced skills or higher education.

The study showed that among non-native speakers with a bachelor’s degree or higher who participated in the study, people who spoke English “very well” made 25% more than participants who just spoke “well”.

This difference amounted to almost US$10,000 per year.

A study by the Economic Times in India suggests that those who speak English fluently earn up to 34% more than those who don’t speak the language.

Even those who speak only a little English managed on average to earn 13% more than those who do not.

Employers perceive that people who make fewer grammatical mistakes to be more qualified or detail-oriented when carrying out their tasks.

They also feel that those who make less grammatical errors are more relatable and will be easier to work with because potential clients will be less concerned about communication problems.

Whatever the reason – and whether you are working in sales/marketing or have a technical role – clients may be evaluating you on your English writing ability, whether you know it or not.

Certainly, making mistakes when writing your presentation/proposal, email, profile or other communications is costing you money and professional opportunities.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING ENGLISH

Being able to write accurately is not important only in your career.

It can also have an impact on your academic grades in your exams because the people grading your answers might misunderstand any grammatical or spelling errors in your papers.

When you grow up, poor grammar and spelling might also affect success in online dating.

According to research conducted by online dating site Zoosk, 48% of the 9,000 singles who responded to the survey stated that they considered grammatical mistakes to be a deal breaker.

About 72% reported that they were “turned off” by blatant spelling errors.

The view of the participants was that poor grammar equates someone who is uneducated or unintelligent, lazy, or just can’t be bothered/doesn’t care.

These findings also extend to being able to get a good job, because data shows that those that speak and write better English are more likely to be employed, across education level and race.

Language allows us to share our ideas, thoughts, hopes, and feelings with others.

Language is absolutely central to your learning: without it, you cannot make sense or communicate your understanding of a subject – whether the content is related to Math, Science or the Humanities.

Children with poor language skills struggle across many areas.

The impact of having poor spoken language affects educational outcomes, social relationships, employability, and opportunities for leadership roles.

Certainly, we need good communication skills to control things, and to get things done.

If you cannot express your views, then you won’t get listened to.

Poor speaking and writing skills can affect confidence and self-esteem, and can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, decreased productivity and damaged relationships.

You will have difficulty understanding others, leading people to not confide in you and/or trust you as much.

This leads to social and professional challenges.

WHAT REWARDING CAREERS/SPECIALTY AREAS REQUIRE ENGLISH KNOWLEDGE?

Think English is a rigid and boring subject? Think again.

For students passionate about English, the career prospects are extensive, rewarding and diverse.

Earning a degree in English provides opportunities for a wide variety of careers in many different professional fields, including science, research, business and health care.

With an English degree, you can find a position that suits your particular interests while also earning a high salary.

The following examples often involve working with complex concepts, and a deep understanding of the English language.

So, which are the best paying jobs that require strong English skills?

You can consider:

Law, Publishing, Journalism, Teaching, Copywriting, Medical Writer, Filmmaking, IT, Finance, Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, Content Manager, Health Science Communications, User Experience Writer, Business Management and Administration, Education and Training, Public Relations Manager, Transportation, Distribution and Logistics, Marketing Director, Newspaper Journalist, Information Science Professional, Brand Strategist, Academic Librarian, Translator, Paralegal, Social Media Manager, Internal Communications Personnel, Speech Writer, Communications Officer, English Professor, Editor, Technical Writer, Research Analyst, Publisher, Digital Copywriter, Archivist, Regional Editorial Journalist.

When you can use English fluently and confidently, it reflects in your personality.

Write a compelling job application to get your dream job.

Develop a positive impression by composing an advanced CV and cover letter so that your employer can get to know about your strong English and communications skills.

Giving presentations is one of the biggest parts of being in a job or business.

With fluent English, good vocabulary, and confidence you can authoritatively pitch your greatest ideas.

You can certainly make impactful contributions in fields that directly affect business growth, and communications.

HOW TO STUDY ENGLISH  

Why is studying English difficult?

English is a progressive subject.

Anything you learn in the beginning of your English syllabus will be used later in curriculum.

So, you need to really pay attention and understand.

Especially in the beginning.

You will see over and over again the interwoven topics and materials that you had learned before your first English exam, in subsequent lessons and exams.

This means that you have to get it right from the beginning, or risk being left behind.

If you feel the need to slack off at all or to take a break, do it near the end of the semester/academic year.

It is best that you aim for an A right from the beginning because many top-scoring students find that their grades start to slip when the content gets more complex.

They typically face difficulties in English when they struggle to grasp foundational requirements, encounter tougher vocabulary and grammar rules, and fail to make connections of the concepts.

With a 1-on-1 English tutor, your English can start to improve starting from your first lesson.

You will have someone to guide you, and who can offer you resources and tips that you can use starting today.

The unfamiliarity, volume and speed of information presented in the English syllabus can be overwhelming for many students.

The vast expanse of knowledge, intricate literary devices, and the interwoven complexities often pose hurdles.

Many students grapple with the sheer volume of information and the abstract nature of the English language.

Reading and understanding extensive material by yourself at home can become intimidating, and this can discourage the pursuit of better grades.

By using the practical and easy tips below, you can master your English syllabus.

Memorizing basic information is helpful, but real learning comes from conceptual understanding.

Conceptual understanding is the goal.

To achieve this, it is crucial to note:

1. English is hard because you think it is hard. If you think something is difficult, you are setting up yourself to fulfil that expectation. You therefore need to truly believe that you can learn English. You may need to learn new study skills and change the way you organize your time, but anyone with the determination to learn English can do so. Once you succeed, you will gain a deep sense of accomplishment
2. The more times you hear and practice the materials, the easier it will get. Sections and chapters are constructed to highlight and guide you through particularly important concepts, so do revisit the content regularly. This can help you to increase your understanding and retention of the topic
3. If you did not answer any test questions correctly, go back and learn that exact material until you master it. Do this before even more content is covered by your teacher in class
4. See the “big picture”, the hierarchical structure of the English language
5. Be able to understand how and why grammatical and vocabulary structures function the way they do
6. Grasp not only the definition of terms but why they are important
7. Do the assigned readings before your teacher covers it in school. Read and take notes on the assigned material before you come to class. This will enhance your understanding of the lecture and make note-taking easier
8. Check your understanding. After reading a section in the book, ask yourself if you could explain the material to your sibling or a friend. Reviewing questions and quizzes at the end of each chapter is also a great way to check your understanding of what you just learned
9. Convert your notes into study aids. When studying for exams, do not simply re-read your notes. Instead, convert your notes into matrices, concept maps or other visual representations of the material. Re-reading your notes is not enough
10. Form a study group. Working with a small group of 3 to 4 students will enhance your learning and comprehension. Teaching others is one of the best ways to learn English
11. Partner with an admired English mentor

If you cannot seem to truly understand a concept – even after consulting your notes and the textbook – schedule a meeting with your school teacher or start tuition with an English tutor from The Best In Singapore.

We equip our students with the how-how to study smart and score big for exams.

The individualized attention and tailored approaches offered by expert private tutors can unravel the intricacies of the English language. This is the transformative benefit of personalized English tuition in Singapore.

English principles build on top of one another, so taking the time to fully understand the more basic principles of English can help you to succeed when learning about the more difficult skills.

With customized guidance by competent English tuition teachers, students can navigate through challenging topics, understand complex theories, and foster an enduring curiosity for effective communications skills.

This demystifies English and helps you overcome academic hurdles. It also instils a profound passion and enthusiasm for English beyond mere academic obligations.

HOW TO TURN THIS MONTH INTO A SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR NEXT EXAM

English examinations are a significant milestone, and demonstrate how much of the content you have mastered.

Yet, the complexity of the English syllabus can be a demoralizing challenge for many students.

To do well in any exam, we need to rely on discipline, not just motivation.

All top students know that they will not always feel like studying.

Motivation is fickle and can often disappear when your mood changes.

Discipline – on the other hand – means studying even when you don’t feel like it, and even when you do not feel motivated.

Strategic planning and systematic preparation play a formidable role in navigating these hurdles and achieving success in English.

There are days when you have to force yourself to do the work you need to. No matter how you feel.

And you have to stick to your schedule, despite everything else that is going on around you.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO LEARN ENGLISH

Success in English exams depends on a combination of factors, from extensive understanding to efficient study methods.

• Try to understand patterns.
  The human mind loves categorising information and looking for relationships between the different things we encounter. This is how our minds make sense of the world around us
• Top students make use this way of thinking when it comes to studying as well
• They look at the bigger picture and they look for patterns in the English syllabus that will help them make sense of different – yet interrelated – topics
• Understanding the bigger picture, and how different topics relate to one another, will help you comprehend, memorise, and recall your work better.
• Try understanding the “why”
• It is not enough to just know “how” to solve a problem or approach an exam question, because you are expected to be able to apply the theory that you had learned
• Top students also know “why” you have to do things in a certain way. Understanding “why” will help you gain a deeper understanding of the work. This will then help you to internalise/absorb it more effectively This is particularly true in the English language
• Understanding the theory behind certain things will help you answer unfamiliar questions – not only in your exams, but when you enter the workforce as well.

Adopting a structured study schedule, breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections, and dedicating focused study sessions to each topic significantly enhances comprehension and retention.

TACKLING THE RIGOUR OF ENGLISH EXAMS  

English exams in Singapore are renowned for their depth and complexity, often posing an alarming challenge for students.

The partnership between the Ministry of Education and the University of Cambridge in crafting these examinations based on local requirements and global industry developments in English elevates their difficulty level.

Overcoming these challenges demands focused attention, a deep understanding of concepts, and strategic application of knowledge.

IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEMIC STUDYING AND STRATEGIC PREPARATION WITH EXPERT GUIDANCE

Cultivating a habit of regular revision and addressing weak areas play a significant role in mastering English.

A proven method to do well in English examinations is to have access to an experienced tutor in Singapore who is an expert at systematic studying and who is good at simplifying complex English concepts.

You will learn mind mapping, and how to create appropriate notes.

Importantly, you will be equipped with the exact key phrases to use for explanations and answers that fastidious exam markers require.

This personalized touch fosters an environment where complex topics can be explored comprehensively, ensuring a solid foundation in the subject.

A good English home tutor possesses a unique blend of qualifications, an ability to break down intricate theories into digestible components, and effective teaching methodology.

Your English tuition teacher has a robust understanding of the content that you want to understand, imparts problem-solving strategies, and instils a sense of curiosity and passion for English.

Their dedicated guidance helps you to navigate through the labyrinth of complex English concepts.

KEY INSIGHTS

• Singapore’s best tuition agent, with the most qualified and experienced English tuition teachers
• Choose from over 11,200 English tuition teachers who are MOE teachers/experienced tutors with PhD/Master’s/Bachelor’s/university undergraduates
• Teaching pace and material used are tailored to fit your individual needs
• Full attention of Singapore’s best private tuition teachers
• Correct the misconceptions immediately
• Specialty exam preparation
• Exposing our students to all the types of questions would mean they would never be caught off guard in an exam
• Intensive and methodical learning
• Lessons infused with impactful exam techniques
• Attentive, hardworking, committed English family tutors
• We are here to transform confusion and anxiety into clarity and confidence

You can be a top student too!

Don’t think for a second that there is any real difference between you and a top-achieving student when it comes to what you are capable of.

The only thing standing between you and much better marks is working harder, and working smarter.

So if you want to get to the top of your class, and pass your course with distinction, you just have to cultivate better study habits.

Every student wants to do well.

But those with clear goals are the ones who manage to push themselves a bit further each time.

For each semester and each exam, you have to create a realistic goal for yourself regarding the mark you want to achieve. And each goal should be a just little higher than the previous one.

In a world where the pursuit of knowledge and good grades is inevitable, the choice of the right English tuition teacher – whether in-person or through online tuition in Singapore – can define the types of grades that you will have over the next 3 months, for your upcoming school assessments, and the national exams.

Effective English tuition helps you overcome academic hurdles and is a productive gateway to a deeper understanding and profound appreciation for how communications impacts our lives.