Studujeme jazyky
Studujeme jazyky je portál určený studentům našich kurzů anglického jazyka. Každý týden v pondělí zde najdete nové studijní materiály, které využijete buď v rámci výuky angličtiny v hodinách s lektorem, nebo při samostudiu.
The power of tech giants
About a decade ago, people were very scornful of Microsoft and deliberately opted for products from other companies or for non-proprietary (1) software. The reason they did not like Microsoft was its pervasive (2) and abusive technology monopoly.
Elements of Scottish nationalism
Up to the 1950s, Scots had been very much pro-UK. The weakening of this attitude in Scotland is linked to Britain’s retreat (1) from empire, whose fruits Scotland enjoyed in a disproportionate way.
Eurocrisis and the ECB’s response
Some analysts consider the European Central Bank’s recent monetary easing, which involved negative rates on banks’ deposits at the ECB, a farce. These analysts have argued that the measures made use of illusionist tricks, but had very little real power to lift inflation from its dangerously low level.
Be Specific
Be specific. Be concrete. By spelling things out you make it easier for people to understand. You are also more credible.
The stupid things we argue about
After some time together, couples tend to develop topics that they disagree on and argue about. Some of these are very common.
Less is more
Avoid using multiple words when one will do. For some reason people seem to think they sound more intelligent, more authoritative, more ‘I don’t quite know what’, when they use more words and long sentences.
True AI?
A computer programme succeeded in convincing humans it was a 13-year-old boy in simulated conversations. This amounts to passing what is called the Turing test.
Check Your Meaning
Carefully read what you have written to make sure your meaning is clear. I was just drafting the first sentence of this tip and I’m glad I checked it. My first draft was, ‘Read what you have written carefully to make sure your meaning is clear.’ A bit of confusion here!
Corruption in Football
Fifa’s president Sepp Blatter announced three years ago that Qatar was to host the football World Cup. Along with the Olympics, the Football World Cup is arguably the world’s most important sporting event. The decision was thus closely followed, causing wide uproar (1).
Cut it Out
If you don’t need a word, remove it. If it doesn’t add anything to the meaning, get rid of it. Be ruthless. Often when we write more words, we make it harder for our reader to understand what we really want to say. Our meaning gets lost. When you edit your work (you do edit before you send, don’t you?), check for these things. Your readers will thank you for it.