Sunday, March 30, 2025

31/120 mistakes to avoid during 2025

 31. Bring and take

 • Incorrect: I don't know what to bring when I leave for the conference. 

 • Correct: I don't know what to take when I leave for the conference.

 • Incorrect: I shall bring my wife with me when I go.

 • Correct: I shall take my wife with me when I go. 

• Incorrect: Take that book to me at my desk. 

• Correct: Bring that book to me at my desk. Use bring when something is being moved towards the speaker.

 • Bring me that book. Use take when something is being moved away from the area of the speaker. 

• Take that file with you. (Here the file is being moved away from the area of the speaker.) 

Idiom of the day.

 "Have a blast" means to have a really fun and enjoyable time. It's a casual and upbeat way of saying, “Enjoy yourself a lot!”

For example:

  • “We had a blast at the concert last night.”

  • “Hope you have a blast on your trip!”

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Idiom of the day

 

Idiom: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"

🔍 Meaning:

Don’t risk everything on one single plan, person, investment, or opportunity. If it fails, you lose everything.

🥚💼 Example in simple terms:

Imagine you carry all your eggs in one basket. If you drop the basket — all the eggs break.

So, in life:
If you depend on only one job, one investment, or one plan, and it fails… you’re in big trouble.

✅ Better approach:

Spread your risks. Have more than one option or backup plan.

🔹 Examples in real life:

  • Investing: Don’t put all your money in one company’s stock. If it crashes, you lose everything.

  • Career: Don’t rely on just one job opportunity. Apply to several.

  • Travel plans: Don’t book only one bus without checking other options in case it gets canceled.

Parts of Speech

 

1.8 Interjections

Interjections are words that express strong emotion or sudden bursts of feeling. They are often followed by an exclamation mark.

  • Examples: oh, wow, ouch, hey, alas, bravo.

30/100 Words every B1 level students should know

 

WordMeaningIPA (English)Albanian Pronunciation

26Diverse :Showing a great deal of variety./daɪˈvɜːrs/ (UK), /ˈdaɪvɜːrs/ 
27Effective:Successful in producing the desired result./ɪˈfɛktɪv/

28Empathy:Understanding and sharing someone else’s feelings./ˈɛmpəθi/

29Evaluate:To judge the importance of something./ɪˈvæljueɪt/

30Evidence: Facts that support a belief or idea./ˈɛvɪdəns/

30/120 mistakes to avoid during 2025

 30. Born and borne 

The passive form of the verb born (be + born) is used to talk about coming into the world at birth. 

• He was born to poor parents. 

• I was born on a Friday.

 • She was born in Italy. Borne is the past participle form of the verb bear.  It is sometimes used to mean 'give birth to' or 'carry'.

 • She has borne eight children. (= She has given birth to eight children.) 

10/10 Work & Productivity Hack

 

  1. When introducing two people, mention something they have in common – It makes conversations flow smoothly.

Exactly right — that's a solid tip for making introductions less awkward and more engaging. When you highlight something they have in common, it gives them a natural starting point to talk about. For example:

“John, this is Anna — you both love hiking and have explored parts of the Alps.”

It shifts the conversation from stiff small talk to shared interests, which builds rapport faster.

Friday, March 28, 2025

10/10 Health & Well-being Hacks

 The 5-second rule for motivation – Count “5-4-3-2-1” and move before your brain talks you out of it.


🔥 What is it?

The 5-second rule is a mental trick to help you take action before fear, doubt, or laziness stop you. It’s super simple:

The moment you feel the urge to do something important, count down: 5… 4… 3… 2… 1 — and then MOVE.


🤯 Why does it work?

Your brain likes comfort and routine. So when you want to do something hard (like getting out of bed, making a call, speaking up, exercising), your brain will try to talk you out of it.

But if you move within 5 seconds, you interrupt that habit loop and beat hesitation.


🧠 The science behind it:

  • Counting backward distracts your brain from excuses and overthinking.

  • It shifts your brain from the emotional side (that says “Don’t do it!”) to the action-focused side (prefrontal cortex).

  • Action kills fear. The moment you physically move, the spell of doubt is broken.


✅ Example:

Let’s say your alarm rings at 6:00 AM. You feel like hitting snooze.

Instead:

  • You say in your head: “5… 4… 3… 2… 1”

  • Then you sit up immediately.

  • Boom — you’ve taken control.


💡 Use it for:

  • Getting out of bed

  • Starting work

  • Making a tough phone call

  • Going to the gym

  • Speaking in public

  • Saying “no” to distractions


Bottom line:

You’ll never feel ready. The 5-second rule gives you just enough time to act before you talk yourself out of it.

29/120 Mistakes not to make during 2025

 29. Big, large and great 

We use big and large with concrete nouns - the names of objects which we can see or touch. In an informal style, big is more common than large. 

 • He has got big / large feet. 

• They have a large / big house in the city. 

We use great with abstract nouns - the names of things which we cannot see or touch.

 • I think it was a great mistake. 

• I have great respect for him. 

In an informal style big is also used with countable abstract nouns. Large is not used with abstract nouns. 

• I think it was a big mistake. (BUT NOT I think it was a large mistake.)

 None of these three words are used with uncountable nouns. 

• I have got a lot of luggage. (NOT I have got big/large/great luggage.)

Thursday, March 27, 2025

28/120 Mistakes to avoid during 2025

 28. Between and from 

A common mistake that is often noticed these days is the use of to after between. 

 • Incorrect: The interview will be held between 2 to 4pm. 

• Correct: The interview will be held between 2 and 4 pm.

 • Incorrect: The conference will take place between the 12th to the 18th of this month.

 • Correct: The conference will take place between the 12th and the 18th of this month. Or else you can say:

 • The interview will be held from 2 to 4 pm. 

• The conference will take place from the 12th to the 18th of this month.

11/11 social hacks

 

  1. If you can’t decide between two choices, flip a coin—but pay attention to your gut reaction – It reveals what you truly want.

"If you're stuck between two choices, flip a coin—not just to get an answer, but to feel your real answer."

When the coin is in the air—or when it lands—you’ll probably catch yourself hoping it lands on one side.
That quick gut reaction shows what you really want deep down, even if you didn’t realize it before.

So the trick isn’t about obeying the coin…
It’s about using it to listen to your instinct.


Parts of Speech 1.6 Prepositions

 

1.6 Prepositions

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. Common prepositions include:

  • Examples: in, on, at, by, for, with, under, over, between, among, during, before, after.

Prepositions often indicate location (in the house), time (at 5 o’clock), direction (to the store), and other relationships.


Idiom of the day

 The idiom "Curiosity killed the cat" is a warning that being too curious or nosy about things that don’t concern you can lead to trouble or danger. It suggests that sometimes, asking too many questions or meddling in things you shouldn't can have negative consequences.

Breaking it Down:

  1. Curiosity – This means wanting to know something, being eager to learn, or investigate.

  2. Killed the cat – This part is metaphorical, meaning that too much curiosity can cause harm, problems, or even danger.

Example Situations:

  • If someone keeps asking personal questions about another person's life, and it leads to an argument, they might be reminded:
    "Be careful! Curiosity killed the cat."

  • If a child plays with electrical sockets out of curiosity and gets shocked, the parents might say:
    "See? Curiosity killed the cat. You should have listened!"

Positive Variation:

There’s also a lesser-known continuation:
"Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back."
This suggests that curiosity isn’t always bad—sometimes, finding the answer to a question is worth the risk.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Idiom of the day

 A cat nap is a short, light sleep, usually lasting just a few minutes to an hour. It’s called a "cat nap" because cats are known for taking frequent, brief naps throughout the day.

1.5 Adverbs. Parts of Speech

 

Adverbs are words that describe a verb, adjective, or other adverb, providing more detail about how, when, where, or to what extent something happened. Types of adverbs include:

  • Adverbs of Manner: Describe how an action is performed. Examples: quickly, slowly, carefully.
  • Adverbs of Time: Indicate when an action occurs. Examples: now, later, yesterday.
  • Adverbs of Place: Indicate where an action occurs. Examples: here, there, everywhere.
  • Adverbs of Frequency: Indicate how often an action occurs. Examples: always, often, rarely.
  • Adverbs of Degree: Indicate the extent or degree of an action. Examples: very, quite, almost.

10/10 Work & Productivity Hacks

 

  1. If you want someone to remember something, repeat it at the beginning and end of a conversation – Primacy and recency effects make these moments most memorable.

The statement refers to two psychological principles related to memory: the primacy effect and the recency effect. Here's a breakdown:

  1. Primacy Effect – People tend to remember the first pieces of information they hear in a conversation or presentation. This happens because the brain gives more attention to new information at the beginning, and there’s less interference from other details.

  2. Recency Effect – People also tend to remember the last things they hear. This is because the most recent information is still fresh in short-term memory, making it easier to recall.

How This Works in Practice:

If you want someone to remember something important, say it both at the beginning and at the end of a conversation. The beginning ensures they process it deeply, and the end reinforces it, increasing the chances they will recall it later.

Example:

Imagine you're teaching a class and want students to remember a key idea: "Consistency is the key to success."

  • At the start: “Today, we’ll talk about why consistency is the key to success.”

  • At the end: “So, as we wrap up, remember: success isn’t about quick wins, but about staying consistent.”

27/120 mistakes we must avoid during 2025

 27. Between and during 

• Incorrect: England grew prosperous between Queen Victoria's reign.

 • Correct: England grew prosperous during Queen Victoria's reign.

 • Incorrect: The First World War was fought during 1914 - 18.

 • Correct: The First World War was fought between 1914 - 18. 

Two events must be mentioned if you want to use between.


25/100 words each one should know at B1B2 level

 English Word   | English Definition                                      | IPA               | Albanian Translation  

-------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------- | ----------------------  

Debate         | A formal discussion on a particular topic.            | /dɪˈbeɪt/         | Debat  

Defend         | To support or justify an idea, argument, or person.   | /dɪˈfɛnd/         | Mbroj  

Demonstrate    | To show clearly by example.                           | /ˈdɛmənstreɪt/    | Demonstroj  

Diligent       | Showing care and effort in work or duties.            | /ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/      | I përkushtuar  

Distinguish    | To recognize or point out differences.                | /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/     | Dalloj  









10/10 Social hacks

 

  1. Mirror body language subtly – It builds rapport and makes people feel more comfortable around you.
“Subtly match the other person's body language—like how they sit, their gestures, or the way they nod. This creates a sense of connection and makes them feel more at ease around you. Just keep it natural and not too obvious, so it feels effortless rather than forced.”

Monday, March 24, 2025

10/10 Social Hacks

 

  1. Give people a good reputation to live up to – Say things like, “You’re always so reliable” to encourage good behavior.

This principle is based on the idea that people tend to act in ways that align with how they are perceived by others. If you give someone a positive reputation to live up to, they will often try to maintain that reputation because they don’t want to disappoint you or themselves.

How It Works:

  • When you label someone with a positive trait (e.g., "You're always so responsible"), they feel motivated to continue behaving that way.

  • People naturally want to be consistent with how they are seen by others.

  • This technique is often used in leadership, parenting, and teaching to encourage good behavior.

Example Scenario:

Imagine you have a student who struggles with punctuality. Instead of criticizing their lateness, you could say:

  • "I really appreciate how responsible you’ve been lately. I know I can count on you to be on time."

Even if they haven’t been very punctual before, this statement encourages them to meet your expectations and live up to their “responsible” reputation.

Idiom of the day

 Exactly! "You can't judge a book by its cover" means that appearances can be misleading. Just because something looks a certain way on the outside doesn’t mean it reflects what’s inside.

20/100 Words each student should know

 

English WordIPAAlbanian TranslationEnglish Meaning
Consequence/ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/PasojëA result or effect of an action.
Contrast/ˈkɒntræst/KontrastTo compare in a way that highlights differences.
Credible/ˈkrɛdɪbəl/I besueshëmBelievable or trustworthy.
Critique/krɪˈtiːk/KritikëTo evaluate or analyze critically.
Curiosity/ˌkjʊəriˈɒsɪti/KuriozitetA desire to learn or know more.

26/120 mistakes to avoid during 2025

  26. Between and among

 We use between with two or more clearly separate people or things. 

We use among when the reference is to a group, a crowd, or a mass of people or things which we do not see separately. 

• She sat between Alice and Mary. (Two clearly separate people)

 • She sat among her students. 

• There is a tourist home between the woods, the river and the hills. (Three clearly separate things) 

• The tourist home is hidden among the trees. We use between, not among, after difference.

 • What is the main difference between a square and a rectangle? 

1.4 Parts of speech

 

1.4 Adjectives

Adjectives are words that describe a noun or pronoun, giving more information about the object signified. Types of adjectives include:

  • Descriptive Adjectives: Describe qualities or states. Examples: happy, blue, large.
  • Quantitative Adjectives: Indicate the quantity of nouns. Examples: some, many, few.
  • Demonstrative Adjectives: Point out specific nouns. Examples: this, that, these, those.
  • Possessive Adjectives: Show ownership. Examples: my, your, his, her, its, our, their.
  • Interrogative Adjectives: Used in questions. Examples: which, what, whose.
  • Comparative Adjectives: Compare two things. Examples: taller, smarter, faster.
  • Superlative Adjectives: Indicate the extreme or highest degree. Examples: tallest, smartest, fastest.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Idiom of the day

 The idiom "cry over spilt milk" means to waste time worrying about something that has already happened and cannot be changed. It suggests that feeling regret or complaining about past mistakes or unfortunate events is useless since nothing can undo them.

Origin:

This idiom comes from the idea that once milk is spilled, there's no way to put it back in the bottle or glass. Instead of getting upset, it's better to clean up and move on.

Usage in Sentences:

  1. Personal Regret:

    • I know you lost the game, but there's no use crying over spilt milk. Just train harder for the next one.

  2. Work/Business:

    • The project failed, but instead of crying over spilt milk, let's learn from our mistakes and move forward.

  3. Relationships:

    • She kept complaining about how her ex-boyfriend treated her, but I told her not to cry over spilt milk. It's time to move on.

  4. Financial Situations:

    • We made a bad investment, but crying over spilt milk won’t bring the money back. Let's find a way to recover.

Similar Expressions:

  • What’s done is done.

  • No use crying about the past.

  • Let bygones be bygones.

  • Move on and focus on the future.

This idiom is often used as advice to encourage someone to accept mistakes, learn from them, and keep going rather than dwelling on what cannot be changed.

1.3 Parts of Speech

 

1.3 Verbs

Verbs are words that show action or a state of being. They are essential to the structure of a sentence. Verbs can be classified into different types:

  • Action Verbs: Show physical or mental action. Examples: run, jump, think, imagine.
  • Linking Verbs: Connect the subject to additional information. Examples: am, is, are, was, were, seem, become.
  • Helping Verbs: Help the main verb in a sentence by extending its meaning. Examples: have, has, had, do, does, did, will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must.

Verbs also have different forms to indicate tense (past, present, future), aspect (simple, continuous, perfect, perfect continuous), and mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive).

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Pronouns - 2

 

Personal Pronouns in English

Personal pronouns are words used to replace nouns and refer to people or things without repeating their names. They change based on person, number, and case (subject or object).

1. Subject Pronouns (Used as the subject of a sentence)

  • I → (1st person singular) → I am a teacher.

  • You → (2nd person singular/plural) → You are my friend.

  • He → (3rd person singular, male) → He is a doctor.

  • She → (3rd person singular, female) → She loves reading.

  • It → (3rd person singular, neutral) → It is raining.

  • We → (1st person plural) → We are going to the park.

  • They → (3rd person plural) → They play football.

2. Object Pronouns (Used as the object of a verb or preposition)

  • MeShe called me yesterday.

  • YouI will help you.

  • HimI saw him at the store.

  • HerGive her the book.

  • ItI don’t like it.

  • UsThey invited us to the party.

  • ThemWe spoke to them.

3. Possessive Pronouns (Show ownership)

  • Mine, Yours, His, Hers, Ours, Theirs

  • Example: This book is mine.

4. Reflexive Pronouns (Used when the subject and object are the same)

  • Myself, Yourself, Himself, Herself, Itself, Ourselves, Yourselves, Themselves

  • Example: I made this cake myself.

Usage Notes

  • Subject pronouns are used before verbs (e.g., She runs fast).

  • Object pronouns come after verbs or prepositions (e.g., Give it to me).

  • "It" is used for animals, objects, and abstract ideas (It is cold today).

  • "They" can be singular for gender-neutral reference (Someone left their bag; they must have forgotten it).

Parts of Speech

 

1.2 Pronouns

Pronouns are words that take the place of nouns to avoid repetition. They can be classified into several types:

  • Personal Pronouns: Refer to specific people or things. Examples: I, you, he, she, it, we, they.
  • Possessive Pronouns: Show ownership. Examples: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs.
  • Reflexive Pronouns: Refer back to the subject of the sentence. Examples: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
  • Demonstrative Pronouns: Point to specific things. Examples: this, that, these, those.
  • Interrogative Pronouns: Used to ask questions. Examples: who, whom, whose, which, what.
  • Relative Pronouns: Introduce relative clauses. Examples: who, whom, whose, which, that.
  • Indefinite Pronouns: Refer to non-specific things. Examples: someone, anything, everyone, nothing.

8/10 Health & Well-being Hacks

 Stretch before bed for better sleep – Loosens tight muscles and signals relaxation to your body.


Stretching before bed can help improve sleep quality by loosening tight muscles and promoting relaxation. Throughout the day, muscles can become tense due to stress, prolonged sitting, or physical activity. Gentle stretching helps release this tension, making the body feel more comfortable and reducing the likelihood of muscle stiffness or cramps during sleep.

Additionally, stretching activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. This sends signals to the body that it is time to unwind, reducing stress and promoting a calm state of mind. As a result, stretching before bed can make it easier to fall asleep and improve the overall quality of rest.

Idiom of the day

 "Call it a day" is an English idiom that means to stop working or doing an activity for the rest of the day. People use it when they feel they have done enough and want to finish.

Examples:

  1. At work:

    • "We've been working on this project all day. Let's call it a day and continue tomorrow."
      (Meaning: Stop working now and finish later.)
  2. In sports or exercise:

    • "I'm too tired to keep running. I think I'll call it a day."
      (Meaning: Stop running for now and rest.)
  3. Casually in daily life:

    • "We've cleaned the house for hours. Let’s call it a day and relax."
      (Meaning: Stop cleaning and take a break.)

So, if you're done for today, you can say "I'll call it a day" to mean you're stopping now

15/100 words a B1B2 level should know

 

  • Commitment /kəˈmɪtmənt/A promise or dedication to something.Përkushtim

  • Compassion /kəmˈpæʃən/Sympathy and concern for others.Dhembshuri

  • Comprehend /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnd/To understand.Kuptoj

  • Conclude /kənˈkluːd/To decide or bring to an end.Përfundoj

  • Conflict /ˈkɒnflɪkt/ (noun) or /kənˈflɪkt/ (verb) – A serious disagreement or argument.Konflikt

  • 25/120 Mistakes to avoid during 2025

     25. Besides, except and apart from 

    These expressions often cause confusion. 

    Besides usually adds whereas except subtracts. Compare:

     • Besides mathematics, we have to learn physics and chemistry. (We learn three subjects.) 

    • He can play all musical instruments except the flute. 

    (He can’t play the flute.)

     Apart from can be used in both senses. 

    • Apart from mathematics, we have to learn physics and chemistry. 

    (= Besides mathematics, we have to ...)

     • He can play all musical instruments apart from the violin. (= He can play all musical instruments except the violin.) 

    Friday, March 21, 2025

    10/100 Words a B1 student should know before starting this level

     

  • Aspire /əˈspaɪər/Synoj, aspiroj (To strive for or aim at something.)
  • Assess /əˈsɛs/Vlerësoj (To evaluate or estimate the value or quality of something.)
  • Authentic /ɔːˈθɛntɪk/ Autentik, i vërtetë (Genuine or real.)
  • Bias /ˈbaɪəs/Anshmëri, paragjykim (A preference or prejudice for or against something.)
  • Candid /ˈkændɪd/ I sinqertë, i hapur (Truthful and straightforward.)
  • Collaborate /kəˈlæbəreɪt/Bashkëpunoj (To work together to achieve a common goal.)

  • Understanding "Bias" in Simple English

    Bias means having a strong opinion about something that is not always fair. It happens when someone likes or dislikes something or someone too much, without thinking carefully. Bias can make people see things in an unfair way.

    Example of Bias:

    Imagine a teacher likes students who wear blue shirts. Every time she gives grades, she gives higher marks to students in blue shirts, even if their answers are not the best. This is bias because she is not being fair—she is letting her personal opinion affect her decision.

  • Another Example of Bias:
  • Imagine two people apply for the same job. One of them is from the same town as the manager, and the other is from a different town. Even though both people have the same skills, the manager chooses the person from their town just because they feel more comfortable with them.

    This is bias because the manager is not making a fair choice based on skills but is letting personal feelings affect the decision.

  • 100 Words every B1 student should know

     

    1Adapt/əˈdæpt/To adjust or change to fit new conditions.Përshtat
    2Analyze/ˈænəlaɪz/To examine something in detail to understand it better.Analizoj
    3Anticipate/ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/To expect or predict.Parashikoj
    4Articulate/ɑːrˈtɪkjʊlɪt/Able to express ideas clearly and effectively.

    24/120 Mistakes to avoid during 2025

     24. Beside and besides 

    Beside is a preposition. It means 'by' or 'next to'. 

    • The mother sat beside her children. 

    • Who is that fat lady sitting beside Peter? 

    Besides is similar to as well as. It is used to add new information to what is already known.

     • Besides the violin, he can play the guitar and the piano. 

    • Who was at the party besides Jane and Peter? 

    8/10 Work & Productivity Hacks

     Use "because" in requests – Studies show people comply more when given a reason, even if it’s weak.


    The idea comes from a famous psychology study by Ellen Langer, where researchers found that people were more likely to comply with a request when it included a reason—even if the reason was weak or obvious.

    For example, in one experiment, someone tried to cut in line at a photocopier and said:

    1. Without a reason: "Excuse me, may I use the copier?" → Compliance rate: 60%
    2. With a weak reason: "Excuse me, may I use the copier because I need to make copies?" → Compliance rate: 93%
    3. With a strong reason: "Excuse me, may I use the copier because I'm in a rush?" → Compliance rate: 94%

    The key takeaway? People hear "because" and tend to comply, even if the reason is obvious or weak.

    Example in everyday life:

    • Weak reason: "Can I borrow your pen because I need to write something?"
    • Stronger reason: "Can I borrow your pen because mine just ran out of ink?"

    This trick works in many situations—whether you're making requests at work, persuading someone in an argument, or even asking for favors.

    Idiom of the day

     The phrase "bite more than you can chew" means to take on more responsibilities, tasks, or challenges than you can realistically handle. It suggests overestimating one's abilities or resources, often leading to stress or failure.

    For example:

    • He took on five projects at once and now he's struggling to complete them. He definitely bit off more than he could chew.
    • She thought she could handle a full-time job while studying for her master's degree, but it turns out she bit off more than she could chew.

    Thursday, March 20, 2025

    24/120 mistakes to avoid during 2025

     24. Beside and besides

     Beside is a preposition. It means 'by' or 'next to'. 

    • The mother sat beside her children. 

    • Who is that fat lady sitting beside Peter? 

    Besides is similar to as well as. 

    It is used to add new information to what is already known.

     • Besides the violin, he can play the guitar and the piano. 

    • Who was at the party besides Jane and Peter? 

    8/10 Social hacks

     Smile when greeting someone – They will instinctively mirror you and feel more positive about the interaction.


    This means that when you smile while greeting someone, they are naturally inclined to copy your expression without even thinking about it. This is known as mirroring, a psychological behavior where people unconsciously reflect the actions or emotions of those around them. By smiling, you set a positive tone for the conversation, making the other person feel more comfortable, friendly, and open to interaction.

    Example:

    Imagine you walk into a store, and the cashier looks at you with a big smile and says, "Good morning! How are you today?"
    Without even realizing it, you smile back and respond, "I'm good, thanks! How about you?"
    Even if you were feeling neutral before, the cashier’s warm greeting makes you feel more positive and welcomed.

    This works in many situations—whether meeting a new colleague, greeting a friend, or even talking to a stranger. Smiling makes the interaction pleasant and helps build a good connection.

    7/10 Health & Well-being Hacks

     Sit up straight to feel more confident – Your posture influences your emotions.


    That hack is actually backed by science! Studies in psychology and physiology suggest that posture affects mood, confidence, and even hormone levels.

    When you sit up straight, your body sends signals to your brain that align with confidence and control. Researchers have found that good posture can reduce stress, boost positive thinking, and even improve memory retention. It’s sometimes called the "power pose effect."

    On the flip side, slouching is linked to increased stress, negative emotions, and even lower energy levels. So, if you want a quick confidence boost—especially before an important moment—straighten up, roll your shoulders back, and take a deep breath. It actually works!

    7/10 Work & Productivity Hacks

     Make the other person think it’s their idea – Subtly guide them toward your conclusion for easier agreement.

    This concept is often referred to as strategic persuasion or the illusion of choice. The key is to make the other person feel like they arrived at the conclusion on their own, even though you guided them toward it. Here’s how you can better understand and apply it:

    1. Ask the Right Questions

    • Instead of telling someone what to do or think, ask open-ended questions that naturally lead them toward your conclusion.
    • Example: Instead of saying, "You should eat healthier," ask, "What do you think would make you feel more energized throughout the day?"

    2. Plant the Seed and Let It Grow

    • Subtly introduce your idea and let them sit with it. People often resist direct persuasion but accept ideas they believe they came up with.
    • Example: "Some people find that waking up 30 minutes earlier makes a big difference in productivity. What do you think?"

    3. Give Options (With a Preferred Choice in Mind)

    • Present choices where all roads lead to your desired outcome, but let them feel in control.
    • Example: If you want your child to eat vegetables, ask, "Would you like broccoli or carrots with dinner?" instead of "Do you want vegetables?"

    4. Use the Socratic Method

    • Lead the conversation with logical questions that help them see your point of view as a natural conclusion.
    • Example: Instead of saying, "You should save money," ask, "If an emergency came up, how prepared do you feel financially?"

    5. Echo Their Own Words

    • People are more likely to agree with ideas that feel like their own. If they mention a concern, subtly align your point with it.
    • Example: "You mentioned wanting more free time—do you think delegating some tasks could help?"

    6. Make It Their Story

    • Instead of saying, "I think this is the best approach," frame it as something successful people do.
    • Example: "Many top performers say that reading before bed improves their focus. What do you think?"

    7. Let Them Take Credit

    • If they start leaning toward your idea, reinforce their role in it.
    • Example: "That’s a great way to look at it! You’ve really thought this through."

    Idiom of the day

     A couch potato is a slang term for someone who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, usually watching TV, playing video games, or being inactive. It describes a person who prefers a sedentary lifestyle rather than being physically active.

    For example:
    "Ever since he got that new TV, he's become a real couch potato—he never goes outside anymore!"

    It’s often used humorously but can also imply laziness or lack of motivation to exercise.

    Wednesday, March 19, 2025

    Idiom of the day

     The idiom "best of both worlds" means enjoying the advantages or benefits of two different situations at the same time, without the disadvantages of either.

    Examples:

    1. Living in a small town but working in a big city – You get the peace and low cost of living in the town, but also the career opportunities and higher salary from the city.

      • "By working remotely from my hometown, I have the best of both worlds."
    2. Hybrid cars – You get the fuel efficiency of an electric car and the long-distance travel ability of a gasoline car.

      • "Driving a hybrid car gives you the best of both worlds—great mileage and no range anxiety."

    In short:

    It means having two benefits without the usual trade-offs.

    7/10 Social Hacks

     


    1. Use people’s names in conversations – It builds connection and makes them like you more.

    Using people’s names in conversations is a powerful way to build a connection and make them feel valued. When you address someone by their name, it shows that you see them as an individual and respect them. People naturally like hearing their own name because it makes them feel important and recognized.

    Why does using names help?

    1. Creates a personal touch – It makes the conversation feel warm and friendly.
    2. Builds trust and respect – People feel acknowledged and appreciated.
    3. Makes interactions more engaging – They will be more likely to listen and respond positively.
    4. Strengthens relationships – It helps in both personal and professional interactions.

    Example Conversation:

    Without using a name:
    👤 A: "Hey, how are you? I hope you’re having a good day."
    👤 B: "I’m good, thanks!"

    With a name:
    👤 A: "Hey, John! How are you? I hope you’re having a good day."
    👤 B: "I’m good, thanks! That’s nice of you to ask, Sarah."

    Notice how using names makes the conversation feel more personal and engaging. It shows that you care about the person and creates a stronger bond.


    Remembering names can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can improve significantly. Here are some effective tips:

    1. Pay Attention and Be Present

    • When meeting someone new, focus on their name and repeat it back: "Nice to meet you, [Name]!"
    • Avoid distractions when they introduce themselves.

    2. Repeat the Name Often

    • Use their name naturally in conversation: "So, John, what do you do for a living?"
    • Say their name silently to yourself a few times.

    3. Make a Connection

    • Associate the name with something familiar:
      • "Emma—like the famous actress Emma Watson."
      • "David—like my cousin David."
    • If they mention a hobby or profession, link it: "Michael the musician."

    4. Use Visual and Word Associations

    • Imagine their name written on their forehead.
    • Create a mental image based on their name: "Sandy" → picture a beach.
    • Rhyming trick: "Jake likes cake."

    5. Ask for Clarification if Needed

    • If their name is unusual or difficult, ask them to spell it or pronounce it again.
    • Show interest: "That's a unique name! What's its origin?"

    6. Store It in Your Memory Bank

    • After meeting someone, recall their name later that day.
    • Write it down or save it in your phone under context: "John—met at the café, loves football."

    7. Group People by Context

    • Categorize people based on where you met them:
      • "Sarah—gym buddy,"
      • "Mike—neighbor,"
      • "Linda—works at the bakery."

    8. Use Mnemonics

    • If someone’s name is "Rachel" and she’s a teacher, think "Rachel Reads."
    • Connect the name to a personality trait or action.

    9. Introduce Them to Someone Else

    • This forces you to recall the name quickly:
      • "Hey Alex, meet James!"

    10. Practice and Review

    • Go through a mental list of new names you’ve learned at the end of the day.
    • If you see the person again and forget, ask again confidently.

    23/120 Mistakes to avoid during 2025

     23. Begin and start 

    There is little or no difference between begin and start. 

    Begin is more common in a formal style. 

    • He started / began working when he was 19.

     • We will begin / start the next lesson tomorrow. 

    • It is time to begin / start work.                                                                                                  

     Cases where begin is not possible

     We start (but not begin) a journey or a machine. 

    • We started in the morning and reached before sunset. (NOT We began in the morning...)

     • How do you start a washing machine? (NOT How do you begin a washing machine?)

     • At last the train started. (NOT At last the train began.)

    Parts of speech Verbs

     VerbsFoljet

    Verbs are words that show action or a state of being.
    Foljet janë fjalë që tregojnë një veprim ose një gjendje.

    They are essential to the structure of a sentence.
    Ato janë thelbësore për strukturën e një fjalie.

    Verbs can be classified into different types:
    Foljet mund të klasifikohen në lloje të ndryshme:

    Action Verbs: Show physical or mental action.

    Foljet e Veprimit: Tregojnë një veprim fizik ose mendor.

    Examples: run, jump, think, imagine.
    Shembuj: vrapoj, kërcej, mendoj, imagjinoj.

    Linking Verbs: Connect the subject to additional information.

    Foljet Lidhore: Lidhin kryefjalën me informacion shtesë.

    Examples: am, is, are, was, were, seem, become.
    Shembuj: jam, është, janë, ishte, ishin, duket, bëhet.

    Helping Verbs: Help the main verb in a sentence by extending its meaning.

    Foljet Ndihmëse: Ndihmojnë foljen kryesore në fjali duke zgjeruar kuptimin e saj.

    Examples: have, has, had, do, does, did, will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must.
    Shembuj: kam, ke, kishte, bëj, bën, bëri, do, duhet, do të, duhet të, mund, mundet, mund të, duhet.

    Verbs also have different forms to indicate tense (past, present, future), aspect (simple, continuous, perfect, perfect continuous), and mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive).
    Foljet gjithashtu kanë forma të ndryshme për të treguar kohën (e shkuar, e tashme, e ardhme), aspektin (i thjeshtë, i vazhduar, i kryer, i kryer i vazhduar) dhe mënyrën (dëftore, urdhërore, lidhore).

    Saying of the day

     When God gives you a dream that doesn't match your budget, he is not checking your bank account,he is checking your faith. Trust his plan, put in the work. You will end up where you were meant to be.

    1/18 Easily confused verbs

     Below is a more detailed explanation of each pair of commonly confused verbs, including their meanings, proper usage, and additional examples.


    1. Lie vs. Lay

    • Lie (lay, lain) – To recline or rest on a surface. It does not take a direct object.

      • Example: I need to lie down for a while.
      • Past: Yesterday, I lay down after lunch.
      • Past Participle: I have lain in bed all day.
    • Lay (laid, laid) – To place something down. It requires a direct object.

      • Example: Please lay the book on the table.
      • Past: She laid the keys on the counter.
      • Past Participle: He had laid his coat on the chair.

    2. Sit vs. Set

    • Sit (sat, sat) – To take a seat or be in a seated position.

      • Example: She sits near the window.
      • Past: He sat on the bench.
      • Past Participle: They had sat in the front row.
    • Set (set, set) – To place something in a specific position. It requires a direct object.

      • Example: Set the plates on the table.
      • Past: He set the clock to the right time.
      • Past Participle: She had set the alarm for 6 AM.

    3. Rise vs. Raise

    • Rise (rose, risen) – To go up or increase without an object.

      • Example: The sun rises in the morning.
      • Past: Water levels rose after the storm.
      • Past Participle: Prices have risen recently.
    • Raise (raised, raised) – To lift or increase something. It requires an object.

      • Example: She raised her hand to ask a question.
      • Past: He raised his voice.
      • Past Participle: They have raised funds for charity.

    4. Affect vs. Effect

    • Affect (affected, affected) – A verb meaning to influence.

      • Example: The weather affects my mood.
      • Past: The new policy affected many people.
      • Past Participle: Stress has affected my sleep.
    • Effect (effected, effected) – A verb meaning to bring about change. (Rarely used as a verb.)

      • Example: The new law effected major changes in the system.
    • Effect is more commonly used as a noun, meaning "result."

      • Example: The new rule had a great effect on productivity.

    5. Teach vs. Learn

    • Teach (taught, taught) – To give knowledge or instruction.

      • Example: She teaches history.
      • Past: He taught English for five years.
      • Past Participle: They have taught students from many countries.
    • Learn (learned, learned) – To gain knowledge.

      • Example: He learns quickly.
      • Past: She learned Spanish in school.
      • Past Participle: I have learned a lot from my mistakes.

    6. Bring vs. Take

    • Bring (brought, brought) – To carry something toward a place.

      • Example: Bring me a glass of water.
    • Take (took, taken) – To carry something away from a place.

      • Example: Take this book to your room.

    7. Lend vs. Borrow

    • Lend (lent, lent) – To give something temporarily.

      • Example: I lent him my jacket.
    • Borrow (borrowed, borrowed) – To take something temporarily.

      • Example: Can I borrow your phone?

    8. Hear vs. Listen

    • Hear (heard, heard) – To perceive sound without effort.

      • Example: I heard a noise outside.
    • Listen (listened, listened) – To pay attention to sound.

      • Example: Please listen to me when I speak.

    9. Say vs. Tell

    • Say (said, said) – To express something in words.

      • Example: He said he was tired.
    • Tell (told, told) – To inform or instruct someone.

      • Example: She told me the truth.

    10. See vs. Watch vs. Look

    • See (saw, seen) – To perceive with the eyes.

      • Example: I saw a bird outside.
    • Watch (watched, watched) – To observe something in motion.

      • Example: He watched TV for hours.
    • Look (looked, looked) – To direct one's vision at something.

      • Example: Look at the sky!

    11. Lose vs. Loose

    • Lose (lost, lost) – To misplace or be deprived of something.

      • Example: I lost my keys.
    • Loose (loosed, loosed) – To release or make something less tight.

      • Example: The rope is loose.

    12. Forget vs. Leave

    • Forget (forgot, forgotten) – To fail to remember.

      • Example: I forgot his name.
    • Leave (left, left) – To abandon or depart from somewhere.

      • Example: He left his bag at home.

    13. Find vs. Found

    • Find (found, found) – To discover something.

      • Example: I found a dollar on the street.
    • Found (founded, founded) – To establish something.

      • Example: They founded a new company.

    14. Throw vs. Threw vs. Through

    • Throw (threw, thrown) – To propel something.

      • Example: He threw the ball.
    • Through – A preposition, meaning "from one side to the other."

      • Example: She walked through the park.

    15. Drown vs. Sink

    • Drown (drowned, drowned) – To suffocate in water.

      • Example: He almost drowned in the river.
    • Sink (sank, sunk) – To go below the surface.

      • Example: The ship sank.

    16. Spend vs. Waste

    • Spend (spent, spent) – To use time or money wisely.

      • Example: She spent an hour studying.
    • Waste (wasted, wasted) – To use something carelessly.

      • Example: He wasted his money on unnecessary things.

    17. Break vs. Brake

    • Break (broke, broken) – To damage or destroy something.

      • Example: He broke his phone.
    • Brake (braked, braked) – To stop a vehicle.

      • Example: She braked suddenly at the red light.

    18. Can vs. May

    • Can – Expresses ability.

      • Example: I can swim.
    • May – Expresses permission.

      • Example: May I leave early?