Most Users To Complete A Remote 50 KM Bike Ride in 24 Hours || Guiness World Record

I'm honored to be an Official participant in the "Most Users To Complete A Remote 50 KM Bike Ride in 24 Hours" Guinness World Records attempt with Pedal Gang.

In this attempt, I rode 50 km on my bike on 19th May 2023 organized by Pedal Gang. There were more than 3500 participants from Bangladesh. It always feels good to take some challenge and win it.
 

A 3-Month Academic IELTS Exam Preparation Plan

A 3-Month Academic IELTS Exam Preparation Plan

Preparation for the Academic IELTS exam is essential as it familiarizes candidates with the exam's format, assesses and enhances language proficiency, refines task-specific skills, and improves time management. Effective preparation builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and provides diagnostic insights into strengths and weaknesses. It equips candidates with test-taking strategies, aids in practicing essential skills for listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections, and increases the likelihood of achieving desired scores for academic and professional pursuits. In a competitive environment, thorough preparation ensures candidates are well-equipped to excel in each component of the exam, optimizing their chances of success.

Month 1: Building Foundation

Weeks 1-2: Listening and Reading Focus

Day 1-14 (Week 1-2)

Evening (1 hour)

• 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Review IELTS listening strategies and techniques.
• 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Complete one IELTS listening section, focusing on improving your note-taking skills.

Night (1 hour)

• 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM: Work on IELTS reading strategies and skim through a reading passage.
• 9:45 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a short break.
• 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Practice another IELTS reading passage, this time focusing on detailed understanding and answering questions.

Weeks 3-4: Speaking and Writing Focus

Day 15-28 (Week 3-4)

Evening (1 hour)

• 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Study IELTS speaking tips and practice speaking fluently on general topics.
• 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Record yourself responding to sample IELTS speaking questions. Listen and identify areas for improvement.

Night (1 hour)

• 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM: Learn IELTS writing task 1 strategies and practice describing graphs, charts, or diagrams.
• 9:45 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a short break.

Late Night (1 hour)

• 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Focus on IELTS writing task 2. Practice outlining and writing essay responses to various prompts.

Month 2: Skill Refinement

Weeks 5-6: Comprehensive Practice

Day 29-56 (Week 5-8)

Evening (1 hour)

• 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Listen to a recorded lecture or conversation, take notes, and answer related questions.

Night (1 hour)

• 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM: Read an academic article or passage, and answer comprehension questions.
• 9:45 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a short break.

Late Night (1 hour)

• 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Practice speaking exercises with a partner or by recording yourself. Focus on articulation, fluency, and vocabulary.

Weeks 7-8: Writing Refinement

Day 43-56 (Week 7-8)

Evening (1 hour)

• 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Review grammar and vocabulary for writing tasks.
• 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Write essays for IELTS writing task 2 prompts, focusing on coherent arguments and clear structure.

Night (1 hour)

• 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM: Review sample IELTS writing task 1 responses and practice summarizing visual data accurately.
• 9:45 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a short break.

Late Night (1 hour)

• 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Continue practicing speaking exercises and recording yourself.

Month 3: Mock Tests and Final Refinement

Weeks 9-12: Mock Tests and Final Touches

Day 57-90 (Week 9-12)

Evening (1 hour)

• 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Complete a full IELTS listening section under timed conditions and review your answers.
• 7:45 PM - 8:00 PM: Review key vocabulary or concepts.

Night (1 hour)

• 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM: Complete a full IELTS reading section under timed conditions and assess your performance.
• 9:45 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a short break.

Late Night (1 hour)

• 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Take a full IELTS practice test, including all sections. Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Note: Adjust the schedule as needed to ensure it fits well with your energy levels and commitments. Consistency and focus are key to success in your IELTS preparation. Good luck!

My Last Duchess by Robert Browning | English Poem Analysis

Introduction:

"My Last Duchess" is a dramatic monologue written by Robert Browning, a prominent English poet of the Victorian era. This poem is a powerful exploration of themes such as power, jealousy, control, and art. It offers a glimpse into the mind of a duke as he reveals his thoughts and feelings about his late wife, the Duchess.

Summary:

The poem is set in Renaissance Italy and is presented as a conversation between the Duke and a visitor. The Duke shows the visitor a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess, and begins to narrate the story behind the painting. He reveals his jealousy and possessiveness, suggesting that the Duchess was too friendly and naive, which he perceived as flirtatious behavior. The Duke's anger and desire for control are evident as he talks about the Duchess's supposed faults and ultimately hints at her tragic fate.

Themes:

Power and Control: The Duke's need for control over the Duchess's behavior reflects the power dynamics in their relationship. He seeks to control her actions, and his possessiveness leads to her tragic end.

Jealousy and Insecurity: The Duke's jealousy stems from his own insecurities and the fear of losing his wife's attention and affection to others.

Art and Representation: The painting of the Duchess becomes a symbol of how art can capture and freeze a moment in time, representing her beauty, personality, and ultimately her death.

Social Status and Marriage: The poem delves into the societal expectations and norms of marriage during the Renaissance era, highlighting the challenges of maintaining status and reputation.

Literary Devices:

Dramatic Monologue: The entire poem is spoken by the Duke, providing insight into his thoughts, emotions, and motivations.

Irony: The reader can infer the Duke's hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness as he fails to realize his own flaws while criticizing the Duchess.

Imagery: Browning uses vivid imagery to create a visual representation of the Duchess, the painting, and the opulent surroundings.

Discussion Points:

• Analyze the Duke's character: Explore his personality, motivations, and psychological complexity.
• Gender dynamics: Discuss the role of women in the poem, the Duchess's agency, and the implications of the Duke's views on women.
• Art and representation: Examine how the painting serves as both a representation of the Duchess and a reflection of the Duke's attitude.
• The use of language: Analyze Browning's use of language, tone, and poetic techniques to convey the Duke's emotions and perspective.
• Social context: Consider the historical and cultural context of the Renaissance period and its impact on the characters and themes.

Conclusion:

"My Last Duchess" is a captivating poem that delves into the complexities of human nature, power dynamics, and the intricacies of relationships. Robert Browning's skillful use of the dramatic monologue form allows readers to explore the mind of the Duke and uncover the deeper meanings within the text, making it a thought-provoking piece for literary analysis and discussion.

References:

1. Browning, Robert. "My Last Duchess." Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43768/my-last-duchess.
2. Oxford English Dictionary. "Dramatic Monologue." Oxford University Press, 2021.
3. Howell, Christine. "Marriage and Class in Robert Browning's 'My Last Duchess'." Victorian Poetry, vol. 33, no. 4, 1995, pp. 533-547.

Introductory Questions for English Speaking Practice

Introductory questions are questions that are used to initiate a conversation, establish rapport, and gather basic information about a person. They are commonly used in social interactions and are designed to be open-ended, encouraging the other person to share more about themselves. Introductory questions help break the ice and create a comfortable atmosphere for further conversation.

Personal Background:

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
2. Where are you from originally?
3. What is your hometown like?
4. Have you lived in any other places?
5. What do you like the most about your country?
6. What languages do you speak?
7. Do you have any siblings?
8. Are you currently studying or working?

Hobbies and Interests:

1. What do you like to do in your free time?
2. Do you have any hobbies or interests?
3. Are you into any sports?
4. How do you like to relax?
5. Do you enjoy reading? What kind of books do you like?
6. What type of movies or TV shows do you enjoy?
7. Are you a music lover? What genres do you prefer?
8. Do you like to travel? Where have you been?

Daily Routine:

1. What does a typical day in your life look like?
2. When do you usually wake up in the morning?
3. How do you start your day?
4. What's your favorite time of day?
5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
6. How do you usually spend your evenings?
7. Do you have any evening rituals?

Preferences and Opinions:

1. Do you prefer city life or country life?
2. What kind of weather do you like?
3. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
4. What's your favorite season?
5. Do you enjoy trying new foods?
6. How do you feel about social media?
7. Are you a planner or do you prefer spontaneity?
8. Do you like to cook?

Family and Relationships:

1. Tell me about your family members.
2. Who are you closest to in your family?
3. Do you have a best friend? How did you meet?
4. Are you in a relationship?
5. What qualities do you value in a friend?
6. Do you have any pets?

Travel and Culture:

1. Have you ever lived abroad?
2. What countries have you visited?
3. What's your favorite place you've traveled to?
4. Are you interested in learning about other cultures?
5. What's the most interesting cultural experience you've had?
6. Do you celebrate any traditional holidays?
7. What's your favorite type of cuisine?

Education and Career:

1. What are you studying or what is your profession?
2. Why did you choose your field of study or career?
3. What do you hope to achieve in your studies or career?
4. Are there any challenges you've faced in your educational or professional journey?
5. What skills have you gained from your studies or work?
6. How do you stay motivated in your studies or job?

Technology and Media:

1. How do you use technology in your daily life?
2. What social media platforms do you use?
3. Do you follow any influencers or celebrities online?
4. How do you stay updated with current events?
5. What's your opinion on the impact of technology on society?
6. Do you enjoy watching online videos or streaming content?
7. Have you ever created any digital content?

Health and Lifestyle:

1. How do you stay healthy?
2. Do you have any fitness routines or exercise regimens?
3. What's your approach to a balanced diet?
4. Are you involved in any wellness practices like meditation or yoga?
5. How do you manage stress?
6. What do you do to relax and unwind?

Goals and Aspirations:

1. What are your short-term goals?
2. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
3. Do you have any long-term aspirations?
4. Are there any skills you want to develop?
5. What's something you'd like to achieve that you haven't yet?

Creativity and Art:

1. Are you into any form of creative expression like painting, drawing, or writing?
2. Have you ever attended art exhibitions or performances?
3. What kind of art do you enjoy?
4. Do you have a favorite artist or writer?
5. How do you feel about expressing yourself creatively?

Nature and Environment:

1. Do you enjoy spending time outdoors?
2. What's your favorite outdoor activity?
3. Are you concerned about environmental issues?
4. How do you contribute to protecting the environment?
5. Do you like gardening or being in nature?

Social Issues and Volunteering:

1. Are there any social causes that are important to you?
2. Have you ever volunteered for a charitable organization?
3. How do you think individuals can make a positive impact on society?
4. What's a recent act of kindness you've witnessed or been a part of?

Personal Development:

1. How do you work on improving yourself?
2. Do you set personal goals for self-improvement?
3. Are there any books or resources you've found particularly helpful?
4. What's the most valuable lesson you've learned so far?
5. How do you handle challenges and setbacks?

Future Plans:

1. Where do you hope to be in terms of your career or studies in ten years?
2. Do you have any travel destinations you want to visit in the future?
3. What do you envision for your personal life down the road?

Random Questions:

1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
2. What's your favorite type of cuisine to cook or eat?
3. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
4. What's a hidden talent that not many people know about?
5. If you could live in any time period, when would it be and why?
6. Do you have any phobias or fears?
7. What's the most exciting thing you've ever done?
8. How do you handle change or adapt to new situations?
9. What's a dream you've always had but haven't pursued yet?
10. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Articles | English Grammar

What is Article?

Articles can be taken as one of the 'Determiners' or a subclass of the Determiners which determines nouns. They are also known as Demonstrative Adjectives. Articles are words that identify a noun as being specific or unspecific.

It is often taken to be a separate part of speech also. There are two articles in English, the definite article the (the book) and the indefinite article a (a book) or an (an eye). 

Sometimes nouns require no article at all. This is called the 'zero a1ticle' (book, eyes). The articles are a subclass of the determiners. 

Please note that it is pronunciation, not the spelling, of the word that determines the choice of indefinite article: (Leech, G., Svartvik, J., 2009).

What is Determiner? 

• Detenniners are words placed in front of nouns to clarify what the noun refers to. It is used to indicate the exactness of a noun.

• Determiners are the words that specify the range of reference of a noun e.g by taking it definitely (the book), indefinite (a book), or by indicating quantity (many books).

Kinds of Articles:

ln English language, there are a to total of three articles. (A, An, and The). These three articles are divided into two types.

1. Definite: The (is used to refer any particular person, place, or thing.)

2. Indefinite: A & An (does not refer to particular noun)

1. Indefinite Articles 

'A' and 'An' are the two indefinite a1ticles. 'A' or 'An' means 'one' or 'anyone' 

When the countable noun is one/ singular in nu1n.ber, it takes 'a' or 'an' as an article (depending on its first letter and sound). 

Indefinite articles (a/ an) are used with several countable nouns in different conditions. 

What is Noun? 

Noun is a name given to any person, place, thing, animal, thought/ idea, or emotion. Nouns are divided into certain types. 

• Common
• Proper
• Collective
• Concrete
• Abstract
• Countable
• Uncountable
• Material

Articles and Nouns 

Mostly articles are used only with countable nouns which can be counted in number. Rest nouns take other determiners. 

Example: 

• a book ✓ but a water X 
• a boy ✓ but a sugar X 
• a computer ✓ but an air X 
• a teacher ✓ but a teaching X 

The Selection of Articles (a/ an) 

• Indefnite articles 'a' or 'an' are not used arbitrarily.
• There are definite rules to use these indefinite articles and these rules are strictly followed while speaking or writing English.
• It is important to note that if articles are not used appropriately, the meaning may change or be misunderstood.
• Therefore, it is 1nust to understand and follow these rules to learn correct English.

Rules for "a and an"

Rule 1

'a' is used before a word (or a countable noun) beginning with a consonant sound. 

Example:

• a boy 
• a man 
• a girl 
• a table 
• a young man 

Rule 2 

'an' is used with a word beginning with a vowel sound. 

Example:

• an apple 
• an elephant, an egg, 
• an ink-pot, an idiot 
• an orange, an orphan, 
• an umbrella 

Rule 3

'an' is used before a word beginning with a consonant letter but a vowel sound. 

Example: 

• an honest man 
• an hour 
• an honorable guest 
• an heir

Rule 4 

'a' is used before a word beginning with a vowel letter but a consonant sound. 

Example:

• a university
• a European 
• a union

Rule 5 

Abbreviations that begin with consonant letters but their pronunciation beings with vowel take 'an' article which includes...

Example:

• an HOD
• an MA
• an ST
• an MLA
• an M.Sc./MBBS
• an M.Com. / M. Phil.

Rule 6

A word beginning with 'vowel' letter but 

'consonant' sound /w/ takes 'a' as an article. 

Example:

• a one rupee note 
• a one eyed 1nan 
• a one dollar note 
• a one way ticket 
• a one legged man 

Rule 7

If the noun is modified by an adjective, the choice between a and an, depends on the initial sound of the adjective that immediately follows the article: 

Example:

• a broken egg
• an unusual problem
• a European country

Rule 8 

In English, the indefinite articles 'a' or 'an' are used to indicate membership in a group. 

Example:

• I am a teacher. (I am a member of a large group known as teachers.) 
• Brian is an Irishman. (Brian is a member of the people known as Irish.)

Rule 9

Indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' are used in the sense of one of many. 

Example:

• I met a friend. (means one of certain friends) 
• I read a novel. (means one of certain novels)

Rule 10

'a' or 'an' is used to show the whole class in the sense of' all' or 'any' 

Example:

• A student should be obedient. (any student/ all students) 
• A doctor must love his patient. (any doctor/ all doctors)

Rule 11

'a' is used with words like 'little' and 'few' 

Example:

• a little milk (uncountable noun) 
• a few students (countable noun)

Rule 12 

'a' or 'an' is used in the sense of 'every'

Example:

• 2,000 a month (means 2,000 every month)
• 10 rupees a dozen 
• 5 rupees a kilo 
• 5 ti1nes a year 
• 80 km an hour 

Rule 13 

'a' or 'an' is used in an exclamatory sentence before an adjective. 

Example:

• What a beautiful flower! 
• What a pretty girl! 
• What a shameful act! 
• What a hot day! 
• What an idea sir ji! 

Rule 14 

Indefinite article 'a' is commonly used with certain words. 

Those are as below.

Example:

• a couple 
• a dozen 
• half a dozen 
• a quarter 
• a thousand 
• a 1nillion 
• a lot of 
• a great deal of 
• a great number of 

Rule 15 

Indefinite 'a' or 'an' article is used to convert proper noun into a common noun. 

Example:

• He is a Gandhi. (a great political leader) 
• She is a Mother Teresa. (a great social worker)
• He is an Amitabh Bachchan. (a famous actor) 

2. The definite article

The definite article is "the," and it specifies a noun to a specific entity. For instance, a friend might question, "Will you attend the party this weekend?" This usage informs you that the friend refers to a particular known party. "The" can apply to both singular and plural nouns, as well as uncountable ones.

Example: I visited the Eiffel Tower last summer and was captivated by the stunning views from its observation deck. The experience of seeing the iconic landmark illuminated at night was truly unforgettable.

Omission of articles

Sometimes, articles are omitted altogether before certain nouns and it is called a “zero article.” Often, the article is omitted before a noun that refers to an abstract idea. For examples,

Incorrect: Let’s go out for a dinner tonight.

Correct: Let’s go out for dinner tonight.

Incorrect: The creativity is a valuable quality in children.

Correct: Creativity is a valuable quality in children.

Tip: The words for many languages and nationalities are not preceded by an article. 

Incorrect: I studied the French in high school for four years.

Correct: I studied French in high school for four years.

Tip: Sports and academic subjects do not require articles. 

Incorrect: I like to play the baseball.

Correct: I like to play baseball.

Incorrect: My sister was always good at the math.

Correct: My sister was always good at math.

Resource:

1. Almas Juneja, Vaseern Qureshi. "Active English." New Delhi: Macmillan Publishers India Ltd, 2013. 30. 2.

2.  Geoffrey Leech, Jan Svartvik. "A Communicative  Granimar o English." South Asia: Pearson Education Ltd., 2009. 249-250, 280-281. 

3. Murthy, Jayanthi Dakshina. Contemporary English Granima,: New Delhi: Book Palace, 2013.

4. https://www.grammarly.com/blog/articles/

Noun Phrase | English Grammar

What is a Noun Phrase?

A noun phrase is a group of words that functions as a noun in a sentence. It consists of a noun or pronoun ( a person, place, or thing) as the main headword along with modifiers that provide more information about the noun. Noun phrases can be simple or complex and play various roles in sentences.

Structure of a Noun Phrase

A basic noun phrase consists of the following elements:

1. Noun (Head): The core word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.

2. Determiners: Words that come before the noun to specify its reference or quantity. Common determiners include articles (a, an, the), demonstratives (this, that), possessives (my, his, their), and quantifiers (some, many, few).

3. Adjectives: Words that describe or modify the noun, providing additional characteristics or qualities.

4. Prepositional Phrases: Optional phrases that begin with a preposition and provide further information about the noun's location, direction, or time.

Examples of Noun Phrases

1. The black cat sat on the windowsill.

(Noun: cat, Determiner: the, Adjective: black)

2. My friend invited me to the party.

(Noun: friend, Determiner: my)

3. Three little kittens lost their mittens.

(Noun: kittens, Determiner: three, Adjectives: little, their)

4. The old house at the end of the street is haunted.

(Noun: house, Determiner: the, Adjective: old, Prepositional Phrase: at the end of the street)

Types of Noun Phrases: 1) Basic Noun Phrase and 2) Complex Noun Phrase

1) Basic Noun Phrase: Basic noun phrase which consists of a head and a determiner.

There are three types of Determiners.

i) Pre-Determiner:

• Multiplier: double, twice, three times, etc.
• Fraction: one-third, two-fifths, three-quarters, etc.
• Distributive: both, all, half, etc.
• Intensifier: quite, rather, not really, indeed, etc.
• Excamative: what, such, etc.

ii) Central Determiner:

• Article: a, an, the, etc.
• Demonstrative: this, that, these, those, etc.
• Possessive: my, your, his, her, our, their, etc.
• Interrogative: which, what, etc.

iii) Post Determiner:

• Number: one, two, second, fourth, next, last, etc.
• Quantifier: each, every, any, some, few, little, many, much, several, etc.

Examples:

All the trees, little money, the first, four times his salary, the next page, little money, my book

2) Complex Noun Phrase: Noun Phrase which consists head and modifier and more complex than basic noun phrases.

i) Pre Modifier

• Determiner: Pre determiner, Central Determiner, Post Determiner
• Adverb: very, too, so, etc.
• Adjective: smart, messy, hot, etc.
• Participle: present participle, past participle

ii) Post Modifier

• Adjective: Especially to head "indefinite pronoun" at the post-positive adjective
• Prepositional Phrase: On the table, about you, from him, etc.
• Participle: Present participle (standing beside the fireplace, driving with the lights on) atau past participle (left without notice, stored away from chemicals)
• Infinitive: to eat, to read, etc.
• Relative clause: who makes me laugh, which is the oldest language, etc.

Examples:

A very small school in this country, that was built in 1980.

• Premodifier: 1. Determiner "A" 2. Adverb "Very" 3. Adjective "Small"
• Head: 1. Noun "School"
• Post Modifier: 1. Prepositional Phrase "In this country" 2. Relative Clause "That was built in 1980."

Functions of Noun Phrases

Noun phrases can serve various functions in a sentence, including:

1. Subject: The noun phrase that performs the action or is the main focus of the sentence.

e.g., The brave knight rescued the princess._

2. Direct Object: The noun phrase that receives the action of the verb.

e.g., The artist painted a beautiful landscape.

3. Indirect Object: The noun phrase that indicates the recipient or beneficiary of the action.

e.g., He gave his sister a lovely gift.

4. Object of a Preposition: The noun phrase that follows a preposition.

e.g., She walked along the riverbank.

5. Appositive: A noun phrase that provides additional information about another noun.

e.g., My best friend, Sara, is coming over.

6. Subject Complement: A noun phrase that renames or describes the subject.

e.g., The winner was John, my cousin.

Practice Exercises

1. Identify the noun phrases in the following sentences.

a. The tall girl plays basketball well.

b. We went to the new restaurant for dinner.

c. The professor handed out several challenging assignments.

d. The bright morning sun warmed the earth.

2. Create your own sentences using different noun phrases in different functions (e.g., subject, direct object, object of a preposition).

Remember: Noun phrases are versatile and essential components of sentences that provide important details and context. Understanding their structure and functions can enhance your overall comprehension and writing skills.

Bangla Pronunciation Training | Kobita

 

Alhamdulillah! I have completed a 'Bengali Corrrct Pronunciation, Recitation and Presentation' course under Kobita (কবিতা). The facilitator, Israt Jahan Iqra, was well-trained and friendly. She prpvided all of the useful contents for the continuous improvement.

While Bengali is the national language of Bangladesh it also owns many dialects what influence the speakers as their mother tongues. As a leading aceent which is also known as Standard Bangla/Bengali, is influential, dominating and well recognised by the society. That's why, I felt to do the course. I think the attempt and willingness will help me to improve my pronunciation, recitation and presentation skills.