Hello and welcome to the final edition of English Review.

We have made the decision to stop sending out the newsletter each month because we need to concentrate on the courses that we run. However, all the back issues of English Review – 23 in total – will still be available at www.businesstrain.co.uk/er

There is a wealth of information on how to improve your English in these issues, so we hope you’ll visit the site from time to time. And remember, the tips we’ve used in English Review are only a small part of the material that comprises the Business English (with Spoken English) Course and the Advanced Business English Course. So, if you want to really improve your ability to use English in any business situation, then why not enrol on one of these courses?

Over the past couple of years we’ve really enjoyed bringing you tips and puzzles each month. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the newsletter too, and we know from your emails that you’ve certainly found it useful.

So, in our final issue we’re going to give you some top tips on studying successfully. Take them to heart – and good luck for the future.

Diana.

STUDENT SUCCESSES

Carleen Pearl Smith from the Fiji Islands says:

"I was a restaurant supervisor doing shift work with low pay, few challenges and not much sense of achievement. My outlook towards the future was bleak. I left my job to fully concentrate on my studies and as a result obtained a Diploma with Distinction.

Since joining Business Training I have enjoyed an 80% increase in my wage earnings and I am currently in New Zealand on a student exchange programme with accommodation, travelling expenses and weekly allowance all provided for. I also speak English fluently and am always complimented on how well I speak the language.

Since joining Business Training I was appointed secretary of the local church vestry and I am constantly approached by people to write letters and reports for them and have gained respect from most of my peers in and around my community.

Business Training has given me new-found confidence in more ways than one and I recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their English skills."

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And Abdulrahman Tune Ndaa from Kenya told us:

"Before joining Business Training I was a sergeant with the Kenya Administration Police. I had not reached highschool due to lack of finance. My family was very poor, although I was the best in English language during my primary school level 5. So, when I saw Business Training advertised in our local daily newspaper, I knew I could do well if enrolled.

I was awarded a Diploma with Distinction and after showing it to my District Commander I am proud to have been promoted to the rank of Inspector and am now a Divisional Commander in charge of 30 police officers. I am now a complete commander and a manager equipped with all the essential qualities of a manager.

I have gained a lot of recognition among my fellow officers who are working under my command and also a high respect from my superiors."

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TOP TEN TIPS FOR...

Studying Successfully

1. Try to study regularly. It is better to do a little each day, or three or four times a week, rather than cramming it all into one long session. It helps if you can analyse your spare time and than write out a study plan.
   
   
2. Find somewhere to study where you can concentrate with no distractions. You may find that listening to music is helpful but a TV in the background or someone who keeps disturbing you won't help you to do your best work.
   
   
3. Read – write – remember. If you study using this method you are more likely to be successful. Read the material as often as you need to, makes notes to fix the ideas firmly in your mind and this will automatically help you to remember.
   
   
4. Practise making notes and keep a separate notebook where you can write these down and then keep them safely for future reference.
   
   
5. Don’t just passively read through your course. Actively think about what you are studying. Ask yourself questions about it and try to find the answers.
   
   
6. If you are doing a practical course or one which contains self-test questions, make sure you do these. They are there to make sure that you can put into practice what you have learned. If you don’t do them or skim through them and then check the answers you are only cheating yourself.
   
   
7. Don’t rely on your computer spell-check. If you are unsure of a word always check its meaning and spelling in your dictionary. Keep a separate vocabulary notebook where you can write down any words that you are unfamiliar with.
   
   
8. If you have friends doing the same course it often helps to work together for support and encouragement. But, make sure you don’t just distract each other and never collaborate on assignments or exam papers.
   
   
9. Always wait for feedback on one piece of work before sending off the next. By doing this you can often avoid repeating the same mistakes.
   
   
10. Revise, revise, revise! Revise what you are studying regularly so that it stays fresh in your mind; revise the notes that you have made and before sending off an assignment or exam always revise your answers to check that they are correct, neat and well expressed.

So, good luck with any studies that you undertake and if you follow these tips we’re sure you’ll find your work easier, more successful and more enjoyable.